Granville Inn 1900 - 1904

Folkestone Chronicle 19-10-1901

Saturday, October 12^th: Before Messrs. Vaughan, Westropp, Peden, and Sinclair.

Timothy Fahy, a respectable looking young man, was charged with having attempted to commit suicide on the 14^th of September, since which date he had remained a patient at the Victoria Hospital.

The first witness called was Thomas Alwin (sic), who said: I am the landlord of the Granville Inn, Dover Street. On the 13^th of September, prisoner came to my house and asked for a bed, which I let to him. He retired to bed about one o`clock in the afternoon. I next saw him at six the same evening. He was out of bed, with his trousers on. After that I did not see him till 2.15 the next morning. I then saw him in bed. He had been down, knocking at my door and other lodgers` doors too. I took him up a drink of water. He was then in bed. I said to him “I have brought you a jug of water”, and he replied that he did not want it, as he was all right now. At the time his head was under the bedclothes. I threw the clothes back, and then saw that his head was covered in blood, which was oozing from the throat. I sent for Dr. Gilbert, and gave information to the police. I did not know the prisoner previous to his coming to my house for a bed.

Dr. J.W.T. Gilbert said: On the 14^th of September I was called to the Granville Inn at 2.15 in the morning. I saw the prisoner in bed. The floor and bedclothes were stained with blood. The prisoner seemed in a state of collapse from loss of blood. The police were present, and the only information which we could obtain from the man was his name and the statement that he was a Roman Catholic and wanted to see a priest. I examined him, and found a deep, incised wound through the windpipe. The wound was dangerous, on account of the haemorrhage, but prisoner had not severed the big vessels of the neck. There is no question that the wound was made with a razor, and was such as would be likely to be self-inflicted. Prisoner`s hands were covered with blood. I could not find any evidence that he had had any drink. He was conveyed to the Victoria Hospital in an ambulance. I accompanied him. At the hospital he was received as an in-patient, and has remained there until this morning.

The Chairman: Is the wound now better?

Dr. Gilbert said he had not attended accused at the hospital, but, after an examination in Court, he stated that the wound had not quite healed up, but had nearly.

Inspector Swift said: On the morning of the 14^th September last I was called to the Granville public house, Dover Street. On the third floor, in the back bedroom, I saw the prisoner being attended to by the last witness. Prisoner was bleeding from the throat. The bedding was swamped with blood, and there was a quantity on the floor. In a pool of blood I found the open razor produced: it was wet with blood. Prisoner saw me pick it up, and nodded as if in assent.

The Magistrates` Clerk: He nodded his head; you can`t say whether it was in assent.

Inspector Swift, continuing: After the wound was dressed, prisoner was removed to the Victoria Hospital on an ambulance. Before removal he gave me hi name – Fahy. I asked him where his home was, and he replied “That will do; you don`t know any more about me”. This morning I saw him at the police station, and charged him with attempting to commit suicide by cutting his throat with a razor on the 14^th of September. He did not make any reply.

Prisoner was cautioned by the Chairman, and, in reply to the charge, said he could only say that he was sorry he did it.

He was then formally committed to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions, the Bench offering bail. This not being forthcoming, the Chief Constable said the accused would be well looked after; he would go into the infirmary.

Folkestone Express 19-10-1901

Saturday, October 12^th: Before T.J. Vaughan, G. Peden, and J. Stainer Esqs., and Lieut. Col. Westropp.

Timothy Fahy, a respectable-looking and well educated young man, was charged with attempting suicide in a bedroom at the Granville public house in the early hours of September 14^th.

Thomas Olver, landlord of the Granville Inn, said the prisoner took a bedroom in his house on September 13^th. He retired at one o`clock in the afternoon. On the following morning, about two a.m., in consequence of the prisoner knocking, witness took him up a jug of water. He said “I do not want it now”. He had the bedclothes over his head, and on witness throwing them back, he found he was covered in blood, and had his throat cut. Witness gave information to the police and sent for Dr. Gilbert, who came. There was a lot of blood on the floor.

Dr. James W.T. Gilbert, a surgeon, residing at Dover Street, said at 2.15 on the morning of September 14thn he saw the prisoner in bed. The bedclothes were covered with blood. The prisoner seemed to be in a state of collapse from loss of blood. The police were there, and the only information they could get from the prisoner was his name, that he was a Roman catholic, and as he thought he was dying, he wanted to see the priest. He examined the prisoner, and found he had a deep wound in the windpipe, but he had not severed the big vessels in the neck. It was cut by a razor, and by himself. It was then dangerous. His hands were covered with blood. Witness was unable to trace any smell of drink. The prisoner was taken on an ambulance to the hospital, where he had remained ever since. Father Scannel was communicated with. Witness examined the prisoner in Court, and said the wound had not quite healed.

Inspector Swift deposed about 2.30 a.m. on September 14^th he was called to the Granville Public house, Dover Street, and he saw the prisoner in a 3^rd floor back bedroom, being attended by Dr. Gilbert. The bedclothes were covered with blood, and a good deal was on the floor. In a pool of blood on the floor witness saw the razor produced, and holding it before the prisoner he nodded his head. After the wound was dressed he was taken on the police ambulance to the Victoria Hospital. He gave his name, but when asked where his home was he replied “That will do; you don`t know anything more about me”. He was charged with the offence at the police station, and he made no reply.

The prisoner said he was very sorry he did it.

The Bench committed him to the Quarter Sessions to be held on the 23^rd inst., and fixed bail in himself at £20 and a surety of a like amount.

Folkestone Herald 19-10-1901

Saturday, October 12^th: Before Councillors T.J. Vaughan and G. Peden, Lieut. Colonel Westropp, and Mr. J. Stainer.

Timothy Fahy, a respectable-looking young man, had to answer a charge of attempted suicide.

The evidence given showed that on the 13^th September, Fahy went to the Granville Inn, Dover Street, and took a bed. He went to bed at noon, and was seen in his bedroom at 6 o`clock in the evening. The landlord, going into the bedroom at 2 a.m. next morning, found defendant with his head covered by the clothes. When these were pulled down he was found to have a deep cut in his throat, and the bedclothes were covered with blood. Dr. Gilbert was called in, and defendant was removed to the Hospital, in which institution he had been ever since.

He was committed to take his trial at the Quarter Sessions.

   

Folkestone Chronicle 26-10-1901

Quarter Sessions

Wednesday, October 23^rd: Before Mr. Lewis Coward K.C.

Timothy Fahy, who described himself as a tailor, pleaded Guilty to attempting to commit suicide on the 14^th of September.

Mr. Mavrogani, who represented the Crown, briefly re-told how, on the 14^th of September, the prisoner, who had taken lodgings at the Granville Inn, Dover Street, was discovered by the landlord with his throat badly cut, how a doctor was immediately summoned, and the prisoner removed to the Victoria Hospital, where he remained under surveillance until committed to take his trial on the 12^th of October.

The Chief Constable stated that enquiries proved prisoner to be a deserter from the Royal Fusiliers.

 

An officer and a sergeant in the prisoner`s regiment gave him a very good character. The sergeant mentioned that prisoner had been under treatment in the regimental hospital, from which he deserted, and was not heard of until the present charge arose.

The Rev. Father Scannell said he saw the prisoner on the night on which he made the attempt upon his life. In witness`s opinion he seemed to be a harmless and weak-minded person, and if the Recorder would entrust him to witness`s care he would look after him and send him home to his parents.

The Recorder: But are you not aware that the prisoner is a deserter, and that you would thus be defeating the ends of justice?

Father Scannell: But if he told me as a professional man ......

The Recorder: I will not enter into an ethical question with you. You may stand down, thank you, sir.

The Recorder said he would take a lenient view of the case. Father Scannell had said the prisoner was contrite, and, after all, he had committed a bigger offence against himself than against the public. The sentence would be six days` hard labour.

Folkestone Express 26-10-1901

Quarter Sessions

Wednesday, October 23^rd: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Timothy Fahy was indicted for attempting to commit suicide by cutting his throat. Prisoner pleaded Guilty.

The Chief Constable (Mr. H. Reeve) explained the circumstances, and said the prisoner declined to give any information to the police. He had ascertained, however, that he was a deserter from the Army, and there was an officer from his regiment present in Court.

Lieut. De Salis, 1^st Royal Dublin Fusiliers, stationed at Dover, said he had brought a sergeant with him to identify prisoner as a deserter from the regiment. His character, as far as he knew, was fairly good.

Father Thomas Scannell, Roman Catholic priest, said he saw prisoner at the hospital and found he was a harmless and weak-minded person. If he was entrusted to him he would take care that he was sent home to his relations.

The Recorder: It appears he is a deserter from the 1^st Batt. of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Did you know that?

Witness: To a certain extent I did.

Why do you come forward and say you will take him away when you knew he was wanted for deserting from the Army? Do you mean to tell the Court that you wished to harbour a deserter?

Father Scannell: Certainly not.

The Recorder: It would have been your duty to make it known to the police at any rate.

The Recorder said he took a lenient view of the case. No doubt prisoner would be dealt with for deserting from the Army, and he sentenced him to six days` imprisonment.

Folkestone Herald 26-10-1901

Quarter Sessions

Wednesday, October 23^rd: Before John Charles Lewis Coward Esq.

Timithy Fahy pleaded Guilty to a charge of attempted suicide by cutting his throat with a razor on the 14^th September.  Mr. Mavrogani appeared for the Crown.

The Chief Constable (Mr. H. Reeve) said prisoner took lodgings at the Granville Inn on the 14^th September, and was found early next morning with his throat cut. He refused then to give any account of himself, but he had since ascertained that he was a deserter from the Royal Dublin Fusiliers.

An officer from the Dublin Fusiliers said the man`s character was fairly good, and Sergt. Sutton, of the same regiment, said he deserted whilst in hospital.

Prisoner said he was not responsible for his actions.

The Rev. Father Scannell deposed that on the night when he attempted suicide prisoner asked to see him. He went to the Hospital, and had since seen prisoner, who appeared to be a quiet, harmless, weak-minded man. If he was entrusted to him he would see that he was handed over to his friends.

The Recorder stated that he could not do that, as he was a deserter from the Army. He would sentence him to six days` hard labour, and in the meantime the civil authorities would take steps to have him handed over to his regiment.

Folkestone Programme 28-10-1901

Quarter Sessions

Wednesday: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Timothy Fahy, for attempting to commit suicide on September 11^th, to which offence he pleaded Guilty, was sentenced to six days` imprisonment. As the prisoner is wanted by the military authorities for deserting from the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, he will be handed over to the military authorities on his release.

Folkestone Express 22-2-1902

Monday, February 17^th: Before Aldermen S. Penfold, G. Spurgen, and T.J. Vaughan, and G. Peden, J. Stainer, and E.T. Ward Esqs., and Colonel W.K. Westropp.

The licence of the Granville Hotel, Dover Street, was temporarily transferred to Mr. Chas. Partridge.

Folkestone Chronicle 7-2-1903

Saturday, January 31^st: Before W.G. Herbert Esq., Colonel Westropp, and Messrs. G. Peden and J. Stainer.

Charles Partridge, landlord of the Granville Arms, Dover Street, was summoned for having supplied intoxicating liquor to a man who was already under the effects of drink on the 24^th inst. Defendant, who was represented by Mr. J. Minter, pleaded Not Guilty.

Inspector Lilley said that at 9.35 p.m. on the evening in question, he, in company with P.C. Sales, visited the defendant`s house. Partridge was serving behind the bar, in front of which stood two men, named Jack Morley and Peter Kelly, each of whom had a half pint glass of beer, freshly drawn. Morley was “very drunk” and seemed scarcely able to stand. Kelly drunk one glass of beer, and Morley part of the other. Partridge then took the glass away from Morley, and said “Come on, let me help you upstairs to bed”. Witness and Sales went outside for a minute or two with Kelly, and on returning to the bar found that defendant had gone upstairs with Morley. Defendant was called down, and witness said “You saw the condition of that man; he is drunk”. Defendant replied “Yes, I do not serve them as a rule, but am obliged to do so sometimes just to keep them quiet”. Witness then asked “Is the man a lodger here?”, to which Partridge replied “He has been here a week”. Witness said “I shall have to report you for selling intoxicating liquor to a drunken man”. Defendant remarked “I am very sorry; you see that the man got his drink somewhere else, and I was obliged to serve him for fear he would kick up a row”.

P.C. Sales corroborated.

For the defence, Mr. Minter said that defendant would go into the box and deny that he told the Inspector or the constable that he had supplied Morley with any drink. Morley was a lodger, and defendant would tell the Court that when the two men came into the bar Kelly was perfectly sober. Kelly was served with beer, but Morley, being drunk, was not served. It was when he was persuading Morley to go to bed that the police arrived. If Morley did, at that time, take up a glass, it must have been some other person`s. Even if that were so, the defendant did not see him pick the glass up.

Defendant bore out his solicitor`s opening. Kelly, who was sober, asked for, and was served with, beer. Morley also asked for a glass, but he (defendant) refused to serve him, saying “No, you had better have a candle and go to bed”. He (defendant) commenced to make preparations accordingly.

Mr. Minter: Tell the Bench what took place when the Inspector came in.

Witness: The Inspector said “I shall want your name, as I shall have to make a report of this”. That was all that was said.

Pressed by the Chief Constable, witness admitted that other conversation did take place.

Mr. Minter: You told the police that the man had not had any drink in your house?

Defendant: Yes.

The Chairman said the Bench were unanimous in considering that the case had been fully proved. Defendant had rendered himself liable to a penalty of £10, but this being his first offence he would be fined £2 and 11s. costs.

Folkestone Express 7-2-1903

Saturday, January 31^st: Before Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Colonel Westropp, W.C. Carpenter, G. Peden, and J. Stainer Esqs.

Charles Partridge was summoned for selling beer to a drunken man.

Mr. Minter appeared for the defendant, who pleaded Not Guilty, and asked that all witnesses might leave the Court.

Inspector Lilley said about 9.35 the previous Saturday night, accompanied by P.C. Sales, he went to the Granville Inn, Dover Street. There he found two men – Jack Marley and Peter Kelly – in the bar. Marley was very drunk, and had to hold on to a pillar to support himself. Each had a glass of beer; Kelly drank one glass, and Marley a portion of the other. The landlord then took it away from him and said ”Come on, let me help you up to bed”. Witness then went outside with Kelly, where he remained a couple of minutes. On returning to the bar, Marley and the landlord had gone upstairs, leaving Mrs. Partridge in charge. Defendant was called, and witness said to him “You see the condition of that man? He is drunk”. He replied “Yes, I do not serve them as a rule, but I am obliged to serve them sometimes to keep them quiet”. N reply to a question by witness, defendant said the men had been lodging there for a week. Witness then told him he would be reported, to which he replied “I am very sorry. You see he has got his drink somewhere else. I am obliged to serve him or he would kick up a row”.

P.C. Sales corroborated, and was then cross-examined at some length by Mr. Minter.

The defendant then went into the witness box and said defendant had lodged with him five nights. About 9.40 Marley came back with Kelly. Kelly called for a glass of beer, and then Marley wanted one, but witness said to him “You had better get a candle and get up to bed”. There were several glasses on the counter, and Marley lifted one of them to his mouth, but witness took it from him.

A fine of £2 and 11s. costs was imposed.

Folkestone Herald 7-2-1903

Saturday, January 31^st: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Mr. J.C. Stainer, and Lieut. Colonel Westropp.

Charles Partridge was summoned for supplying drink to a drunken person. Mr. Minter, who appeared for the defence, put in a plea of Not Guilty.

Inspector Lilley stated that at 9.35 on Saturday evening, accompanied by P.C. Sales, he went to the Granville Inn, Dover Street, which was kept by the defendant. Defendant and his wife were behind the bar. In front of the bar were two men, Jack Marley and Peter Kelly. There were two glasses, containing beer freshly drawn, near the men. Marley was very drunk, and hardly able to stand up. Kelly drank one of the glasses of beer, and Marley the other. The landlord took away the glass from Marley, and said to him “Come and let me help you up to bed”. Witness went outside with Kelly, and went in again, and found the landlord had gone upstairs with Marley. His wife called him, and witness said to him “Did you see the condition of the man? He is drunk”. Defendant replied “Yes, I don`t serve them as a rule, but I serve them sometimes to keep them quiet”. The men had been lodging there for a week. Witness said he would report him for serving liquor to a drunken man. Defendant said “I am very sorry. He must have got the drink somewhere else. I must sere him, or else he would kick up a row”.

By Mr. Minter: P.C. Sales had already seen defendants at the Rendezvous. There were only two glasses on the counter. The landlord did not point to a candle on the counter and say Marley was just going up to bed.

P.C. Sales corroborated the Inspector`s evidence.

After having cross-examined the constable, Mr. Minter addressed the Bench for the defence.

The defendant gave evidence on oath, and stated that the two men had been lodging with him for five days. Marley had had one half pint of beer in the house in the morning. They came to the house at 9.40 in the evening. Marley was drunk, and asked for a drink. Witness did not serve him, and told him that he had better go to bed. There were 15 or 16 glasses on the counter at the time. Some of them had beer in them, which customers had left. He did not see Marley take hold of a glass. The Inspector said to him “I want your name and address as I shall have to make a report of this”.

By the Chief Constable: The bar was empty, and he left the glasses to wash them all up together. He told the Inspector that he had not supplied Marley with drink.

The Chairman said the Bench considered the case fully proved. Defendant would be fined 40s. and 11s. costs. 

Folkestone Express 28-2-1903

Wednesday, February 25^th: Before W. Wightwick and E.T. Ward Esqs., and Lieut. Col. Westropp.

John Walter Fitzgerald was charged with being a deserter from the 1^st Royal Dragoons.

Detective Burniston said about 11 a.m. the previous day he saw prisoner in the kitchen of the Granville Inn, and was informed he had an income of £3 per week. On looking through the Police Gazette he found prisoner answered the description of a deserter from the 1^st Royal Dragoons. He went back about seven p.m., and again saw prisoner in the kitchen, and asked if his name was Fitzgerald, and he replied “No; Johnson”. Witness told him he would be taken to the police station on suspicion of being a deserter. When at the station prisoner gave his correct name and said he deserted from the 1^st Royal Dragoons on the 28^th December.

Prisoner was remanded to await an escort, and Burniston was awarded £1.

Folkestone Herald 28-2-1903

Wednesday, February 25^th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick, Lieut. Colonel Westropp, and Mr. Ward.

John Walter Fitzgerald, a young man, was charged with being a deserter from the 1^st Royal Dragoons, stationed at Shorncliffe Camp.

Detective Sergeant Burniston said that at eleven o`clock on Tuesday morning he saw prisoner at the Granville Inn, Dover Street, which is a common lodging house. In answer to a question, Fitzgerald said he was in receipt of an income of £3 a week. Not being satisfied with this statement, the detective made further enquiries, with the result that he found prisoner was a deserter, having deserted from the 1<sup>st</sup> Royal Dragoons, stationed at Shorncliffe Camp, on the 28<sup>th</sup> December last. In consequence of this, he (the detective) again went to the Granville Inn at seven o`clock in the evening. Prisoner was in the kitchen, and when asked if his name was Fitzgerald replied in the negative, saying that his name was Johnson. Detective Sergeant Burniston then told him that he answered the description of a man who was wanted for desertion, whereupon prisoner said “You have made a great mistake”. Prisoner was then taken into custody on suspicion, and at the police station he admitted that his name was Fitzgerald and that he was a deserter from the 1^st Royal Dragoons.

He now pleaded Guilty and had nothing to say.

Prisoner was remanded to await the arrival of an escort from the military authorities, and a reward of £1 was granted to Detective Sergeant Burniston for having effected his arrest.

     

Folkestone Chronicle 7-3-1903

Adjourned Licensing Sessions.

On Wednesday morning the large hall at the Folkestone Town hall was crowded to excess by temperance people, publicans, “trade” sympathisers, and some hundreds of the neutral public, to witness the anticipated legal combat over licensing matters in the borough. The Court presented a very animated appearance. On the Bench were Mr. W. Wightwick, Colonel Hamilton, Mr. W.G. Herbert, Mr. E.T. Ward, Mr. J. Pledge, Lieut. Col. Westropp, and Mr. C.J. Pursey. Facing the Bench were a noble array of legal luminaries, including Mr. Lewis Glyn K.C., and Mr. Percival Hughes, instructed respectively by Mr. Martin Mowll and Mr. G. Haines, to represent the applicants in the cases of opposed old licences; Mr. Thomas Matthew and Mr. Thorn Drury, instructed by Mr. Minter, representing new applicants; and Mr. Montague Bradley, solicitor, who held a watching brief for the Temperance Council. The Chief Constable, Mr. Harry Reeve, was present conducting the opposition. These gentlemen were flanked by the Press on one side, and on the other by either the principals or representatives of the various breweries having interests in the town, such as Messrs. Leney, Mackeson, Nalder and Colyer, Flint, G. Beer, etc.

The Chairman, in opening the Court, said that 23 full licences stood adjourned since the previous Court. Since the adjournment, enquiries had been made, and from those enquiries the Chief Constable was instructed to persevere in the objection against nine houses, viz.: The Providence, Mr. Arthur F. East; Marquis Of Lorne, Wm. R. Heritage; Granville, Charles Partridge; Victoria, Alfred Skinner; Tramway, Fredk. Skinner; Hope, Stephen J. Smith; Star, Ernest Tearall; Bricklayers Arms, Joseph A. Whiting; and Blue Anchor, Walter Whiting. From a recent inspection of those houses, however, the Bench had decided to withdraw the objections against the Victoria, the Hope, and the Blue Anchor, and proceed with the remainder. Regarding the 17 houses which would that day have their licences renewed without opposition, the Bench had decided to deal with them at the 1904 Sessions according to the then ruling circumstances. The Bench desired to warn Mrs. Brett, of the Swan Hotel, as to her husband`s conduct of the business. In the cases of the London And Paris, the Imperial Hotel, the Mechanics Arms, and those houses against which convictions were recorded, it was the desire of the Bench to warn the various landlords that any further breach of the licensing laws would place their licences seriously in jeopardy. With respect to the Imperial Tap (sic), the Castle, and those houses which had been originally objected to for structural alterations to be made, the Bench now renewed the licences on the condition that the order made as to the various alterations should be carried out in 14 days. It was the wish of the Bench that the general warning should also apply to the beerhouses under the Act of 1869.

Coming to the licences in the old portion of the town, the Bench were of opinion that they were out of all proportion to the population, and it was the purpose of the Bench to obtain information before the 1904 Sessions which would lead to their reduction. In the meantime, the Bench invited the brewers and owners to co-operate with the Magistrates in arriving at the mode of the reduction. Failing that, the Justices would take the matter into their own hands, and, he hoped, arrive at conclusions on a fair and equitable basis. (Hear, hear)

Mr. Lewis Glyn K.C. at once asked the Bench to withdraw their opposition to all the opposed licences this year. With the whole of his learned friends, he thought he was right in saying that in view of legislation in the coming year it would be fairer to the Trade to wait until 1904 before taking any drastic action. He would submit that because a neighbourhood happened to be congested, it was hardly fair to take away one man`s living and to hand it over to another, which such a proceeding practically meant.

The Chairman said the Bench would note Counsel`s observations, but the applications must proceed in the usual way.

The Granville

The main ground of the opposition to this licence was that the house was registered as a common lodging house. This and the fact of a previous conviction against Mr. Charles Partridge (the tenant) constituted the Chief Constable`s line of examination.

Mr. Thorn Drury, representing the brewers, questioned Mr. Pearson, the sanitary inspector, who said that during the past few days he had received a notice that the common lodging house would not be continued. In cross-examination the police admitted that the house had been fairly well conducted.

The Chairman announced that the licence would be renewed subject to an undertaking that separate rooms would be provided for the lodgers.

Folkestone Express 7-3-1903

Wednesday, March 4^th: Before W. Wightwick, Col. Hamilton, Col. Westropp, E.T. Ward, J. Pledge, W.G. Herbert, and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

Adjourned Licensing Sessions

It will be remembered that at the last sessions the Justices ordered notices of opposition to be given to nine licence holders, namely:- the Providence, the Marquis Of Lorne, the Victoria, the Tramway, the Hope, the Star, the Bricklayers Arms, and the Blue Anchor.

Several other applications were adjourned, and in some cases plans were ordered to be submitted. The notices of opposition to the Victoria, the Hope, and the Blue Anchor were afterwards, by direction of the Bench, withdrawn.

The flowing counsel were engaged:-  Mr. Lewis Glyn, K.C., instructed by Mr. Mowll, Mr. Percival Hughes, instructed by Mr. G.W. Haines, representing the Folkestone Licensed Victuallers` Association; Mr. G. Thorn Drury and Mr. Theodore Matthew, instructed by Mr. Minter; and Mr. Drake was briefed in the matter of the Blue Anchor, which was not in the end opposed. Mr. Bradley, of Dover, representing the Folkestone Temperance Party and Mr. W. Mowll opposed the applications for the two new licences.

The Chairman said before the commenced business, he would, by direction of the Magistrates, read to the gentlemen present what they proposed doing. At the General Annual Licensing Meeting they directed the Chief Constable to give notice to the owners of nine houses. Since then they had inspected those houses, with the result that they had directed the Chief Constable to withdraw the notices of objection served upon the owners of the Victoria, the Hope, and the Blue Anchor. The other objections would be proceeded with. As regarded the remaining houses, they decided to renew the licences, but the Chairman referred to those cases where there had been convictions, and warned the licence holders to be careful in future. Certain structural alterations were ordered to be made at the Packet Boat, the Brewery Tap, the Castle Inn, the Lifeboat, and the Prince Of Wales.

The Licensing Justices expressed the opinion that the number of houses licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquors now existing in the borough, especially in that part of the town near the harbour, is out of all proportion to the population, and the Justices proposed between now and the Licensing Sessions of 1904 to gain information and determine what reduction shall then be made. Meanwhile the owners of licensed houses were invited to agree amongst themselves to voluntarily surrender a substantial number of licences in the borough in 1904, and submit the result of their united action to the Licensing Justices. Failing a satisfactory voluntary reduction, the Justices would in the exercise of their discretion in a fair and equitable spirit decide what reduction should then be made.

Mr. Glyn, who said he was instructed on behalf of Messrs. Nalder and Colyer, thanked the Magistrates for the statement as to the course they intended to adopt, and said he was going to throw out a suggestion that it would be fairer under the circumstances if the renewals which still stood over for hearing should also stand adjourned until the Annual General Licensing Meeting of next year. The principal ground of complaint, so far as he gathered, was that the houses were not wanted. He contended that it would not be fair, for instance, to take away one of the six licences which were to be opposed.

The Chairman, however, said the Magistrates decided to hear all the evidence.

The Granville

The objection to this house was that it was a common lodging house.

Evidence having been given, in this case also the owners gave an undertaking that the house should not be used as a common lodging house, and that another public room should be provided, which would be upstairs.

The Bench renewed the licence.

Folkestone Herald 7-3-1903

Adjourned Licensing Sessions

The Adjourned Licensing Sessions for the Borough of Folkestone were held in the Town hall on Wednesday. In view of the opposition by the police to a number of the existing licences extraordinary interest was evinced in the meeting, and when the proceedings commenced at eleven o`clock in the morning there was a very large attendance, the “trade” being numerously represented. Representatives of the Folkestone Temperance Council and religious bodies in the town were also present, prominent amongst them being Mr. J. Lynn, Mrs. Stuart, and the Rev. J.C. Carlile. Prior to the commencement of business the Licensing Justices held a private meeting amongst themselves. When the doors were thrown open to the public there was a tremendous rush for seats. The Justices present were the following:- Mr. W. Wightwick, Mr. E.T. Ward, Mr. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Mr. J. Pledge, Lieut. Col. Westropp, and Mr. C.J. Pursey.

Before proceeding with the business, the Chairman announced that at the Annual Licensing Meeting the Justices adjourned the renewal of 23 full licences and five on beer licences, and directed the Chief Constable to give notice of objection to the owners of the licences of the following nine houses:- Providence (Arthur F. East); Marquis Of Lorne (William R. Heritage); Granville (Charles Partridge); Victoria (Alfred Skinner); Tramway (Frederick Skinner); Hope (Stephen J. Smith); Star (Ernest Tearall); Bricklayers Arms (Joseph A. Whiting); and Blue Anchor (Walter Whiting). Since the former sessions the Justices had inspected all the houses objected to, and considered the course which they ought to pursue with respect to the same, with the result that they had directed the Chief Constable to withdraw the notices of objection served by him with respect of the Victoria, Hope, and Blue Anchor, and to persist in the opposition to the following:- Providence, Marquis Of Lorne, Granville, Tramway, Star, and Bricklayers Arms. As regarded the remaining 15 full licences and five beer licences they would renew the same this year, and deal with them next year according to the circumstances.

The Licensing Justices were of opinion that the number of licences for the sale of intoxicating liquors now existing in the Borough of Folkestone, especially in that part of the old town near the immediate neighbourhood of the Harbour, was out of all proportion to the population, and they proposed, between now and the General Annual Licensing Meeting of 1904, to obtain information on various matters to enable them to determine what reduction should be made in the number of licences. Meanwhile they invited the owners of licensed premises to meet and agree among themselves for the voluntary surrender, at the General Licensing Meeting of 1904, of a substantial number of licences in the Borough, and submit their united action to the Licensing Justices. Failing satisfactory proposals for voluntary reduction by the owners, the Licensing Justices would, in the exercise of their discretionary powers decide, in a fair and reasonable spirit, what reduction should then be made.

At this stage Mr. Lewis Glyn K.C. (instructed by Mr. Mowll, solicitor, Dover), who represented the brewers, suggested that, under the circumstances, the opposition to all the licences in the borough should be postponed until the Annual Licensing Meeting next year.

The Chairman: We want to hear the cases first.

Mr. Glyn: I think it would be fairer to the “trade” to postpone the consideration of this also till next year. In the meantime any structural alterations which are required, the brewers, in conjunction with the tenants, will have an opportunity of doing what is required.

The Justices decided that the cases must proceed.

In the case of the Granville, kept by Charles Partridge, and in which Mr. G. Thorn Drury (instructed by Mr. Minter), appeared for the applicant, Inspector Swift said the landlord had been convicted for selling beer to a drunken person.

Cross-examined by Mr. Thorn Drury, the witness said that was not the only complaint against the landlord. He had had complaints about disorder from various people, but he could not give their names.

Detective Sergeant Burniston said there was only one room in the house for the general public, and lodgers` kitchen. It was rather difficult for police supervision.

Mr. Thorn Drury: With regard to the accommodation, there is plenty of room upstairs? – Oh, yes. Seven bedrooms.

Addressing the Justices, Mr. Thorn Drury said there was practically no evidence at all with regard to disorder. They would be glad to give precisely the same undertaking as in the preceding cases as to the persons being accommodated in separate rooms. With regard to the side door, that should also be closed up. Of course, he did not want the Bench to believe that they were going to give up lodging altogether.

Subject to the same undertaking the Bench agreed to renew the licence.

     

Folkestone Chronicle 11-4-1903

Wednesday, April 8^th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, and Mr. E.T. Ward.

Charles Fredk. Skinner (sic) was granted the temporary transfer of the licence of the Granville Inn from Charles Partridge.

Folkestone Express 11-4-1903

Wednesday, April 8^th: Before Lieut. Col. Hamilton, W. Wightwick, E.T. Ward, and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.

The licence of the Granville Inn was temporarily transferred from Charles Partridge to Fredk. Skinner, late of the Railway Tavern (sic).

Folkestone Herald 11-4-1903

Wednesday, April 8^th: Before Messrs. W. Wightwick, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, G.I. Swoffer, and E.T. Ward.

The temporary transfer of the licence of the Granville Inn was granted to Frederick Skinner. Chief Constable Reeve stated that the outgoing tenant wished to know if it would be necessary for him to attend personally when the final transfer was made on the 27^th May, as he was leaving the town. Under the new Act it was necessary for him to attend unless the Bench excused him.

The Chairman remarked that the Magistrates were very sorry, but they had no power to deal with the case, and Mr. Partridge would therefore have to be present.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 30-5-1903

Wednesday, May 27^th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick, Lieut. Col. Westropp, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Colonel Fynmore, and Messrs. W.G. Herbert, G.I. Swoffer, E.T. Ward, and T.J. Vaughan.

The licence of the Granville Inn was transferred from Charles Partridge to Fredk. Skinner

Folkestone Express 30-5-1903

Wednesday, May 27^th: Before Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Colonels Westropp, Fynmore and Hamilton, G.I. Swoffer, W. Wightwick, E.T. Ward, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

The following transfer was granted: The Granville Inn from Charles Partridge to Frederick Skinner

Folkestone Herald 30-5-1903

Wednesday, May 27^th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick, Alderman T.J. Vaughan, Lieut. Colonels Westropp, Hamilton, and Fynmore, Messrs. W.G. Herbert, J. Pledge, and G.I. Swoffer.

The following temporary transfer was confirmed by the Bench: Granville Inn, from Mr. Charles Partridge to Mr. Frederick Skinner

Folkestone Express 11-7-1903

Wednesday, July 8^th: Before Lieut. Col. Fynmore, W. Wightwick, W.G. Herbert, and J. Stainer Esqs., and Alderman Vaughan.

Mr. Minter made an application on behalf of the landlord of the Granville Inn for an alteration of the premises.

The Superintendent had no objection, and the application was granted.