Folkestone Express
7-7-1900
Auction Advertisement
Sale by Order of Executors
Folkestone, Kent
To Trustees, Investors, Brewers, and Others. Freehold
Investment in a fully-licensed property, with early possession.
Messrs. Barker, Cathie, and Finch are favoured with
instructions to sell by Public Auction, at the Mart, Tokenhouse Yard, E.C., on
Wednesday 18th July, 1900, at One O`Clock precisely, the valuable
Freehold Fully-Licensed Property known as the South Foreland.
Occupying an important position in Beach Street, Folkestone,
close to the Harbour, and in the busiest part of the Town. Let to Mr. Jordan
upon repairing lease, expiring on March 25th, 1916, at the rent of
£95 per annum. This property offers an excellent opportunity for a safe
investment, with a safe assurance of an early reversion to either possession or
a substantial premium on renewal of the lease.
Full particulars to be obtained of the Vendor`s solicitors,
Messrs. Poole and Robinson, 15, Union Court, Old Broad Street, E.C., and at the
Auction Offices, 13, Hart Street, Bloomsbury Square, W.C.
Folkestone Express
28-7-1900
Local News
The South Foreland was not sold at the auction in London
last week.
Folkestone Chronicle
11-10-1902
Local News
John Matthews, a stableman, was charged at the Folkestone
Police Court on Friday in last week with stealing a pony, valued at £50, the
property of Harry Jordan, hotel proprietor, etc., of Folkestone.
From the evidence it appeared that Mr. John Sharp, of
Sharp`s Restaurant, and a cab proprietor, had the custody of Mr. Jordan`s pony,
and Matthew was in his employ. On Thursday he asked Matthews to be allowed to
take the animal for an airing, and as man and pony had not returned at a late
hour the police were communicated with. The result was that Mr. Matthews was
arrested after having, it is said, sold the pony at Hythe, and also disposed of
a saddle and bridle, valued at £3, the property of Mr. Sharp.
Up to this point Inspector Swift (acting Chief Constable)
brought forward the evidence on Friday, when the point was raised – did the act
of stealing take place in Folkestone?, and it was decided that it could only be
presumed that prisoner was carrying out his duties in Folkestone, and that the
theft actually took place at Hythe. Consequently prisoner was handed over to
the county authorities.
On Tuesday John Simpson, a dealer, who, it is said, had
bought the pony for £5 or £6, was placed in the dock with the other man and
charged with receiving the animal well knowing it to have been stolen.
John Sharp, of 8, Harbour Street, Folkestone, deposed to
instructing Matthews in the usual way top take the cob out for exercise, and to
giving information to the police when the man did not return.
Supt. Hollands said that Mr. Jordan being in Paris, he must
ask for a remand until Thursday morning.
Mr. Rook, who appeared for Simpson, asked that his client be
admitted to bail.
There was no objection, and this course was adopted,
Matthews being remanded in custody.
On Thursday morning the accused were again charged, and
after a long hearing Matthews was committed to take his trial at the next Quarter
Sessions on the charge of stealing the pony, and sentenced to one month`s
imprisonment for the theft of the saddle and bridle. Simson, on the charge of
receiving, was also committed for trial.
Folkestone Express
11-10-1902
Friday, October 3rd: Before Lieut Col. Westropp,
W.C. Carpenter, E.T. Ward, J. Stainer, and G. Peden esqs.
John Matthews was charged with stealing a horse valued at
£50, the property of Mr. Harry Jordan, and John Francis Simpson with receiving
the same, well knowing it to have been stolen.
P.C. Sharpe said from information received the previous day
he went to the Hythe Rifle Ranges about 10 p.m., accompanied by a man named
Weller. He saw a bay mare cob, which was hobbled, and which Weller identified
as the property of Mr. Jordan. Weller took charge of the cob, and witness went
to a tent, where he found Simpson, and said to him “Have you bought a horse
today?” Prisoner replied “Yes, and paid for it”. Witness said “Have you a
receipt?” Prisoner answered “Yes, but you won`t see it tonight”. Witness then
went inside the tent and found the bridle,, saddle, and a pair of knee caps
(produced). These were identified by Weller as the property of John Sharpe.
Witness then charged Simpson with receiving the cob, well knowing it to have
been stolen. Witness proceeded to a public house at West Hythe, accompanied by
a corporal of the County Police and the prisoner Simpson. They there found
Matthews. Witness said to him “Have you stolen a cob today?” He replied “No”.
He denied that his name was Matthews. Witness told him he answered the
description of a man wanted for stealing a mare, and he would be taken into
custody for stealing a cob, the property of Henry Jordan. A pair of spurs and a
whip were found in Matthews` possession. Neither of the prisoners made any
reply when charged at the police station.
John Sharpe, a cab proprietor, of 8, Harbour Street, said
the prisoner Matthews had been in his employ for five weeks, and had remained
in the situation until the previous day. Witness had had the cob in his charge
for two months. Prisoner was a stable helper, and part of his duty was to take
the mare out for exercise. His instructions were to ride the mare to Hythe and
back every day. Witness last saw the mare on Wednesday evening. She had not
been to the stables since. Witness found that Matthews had not returned on
Thursday, and consequently gave Mr. Weller instructions to inform the police.
The saddle, bridle, &c., belonged to witness, and were worth about £3.
Aaron foreman, labourer, of 17, North Road, Hythe, said he
saw the prisoner Matthews in Hythe between four and five p.m. on Thursday. He
was then in the Duke`s Head public house with the prisoner Simpson. They went
outside, and Matthews got the mare and ran her up and down the road. They asked
witness to hold the cob, and then went away together. The prisoner returned,
and told witness to bring the mare along. Simpson`s son, who was holding
another horse, went up to the Red Lion Hotel, and witness followed with the
cob. Matthews asked witness to have a drink, and on going into the bar he heard
Simpson ask Matthews if he would give a receipt if he (Simpson) paid for the
mare then. Matthews asked the barmaid for a piece of writing paper and an
envelope. When she handed him this he made out a receipt for £6, which Simpson
paid in his (Foreman`s) presence. Simpson asked him to be a witness, and he
then put his name to the paper. He identified the receipt as that made out by
Matthews.
The Magistrates decided that as the transaction took place
out of the Borough, it was a matter for the County Bench to dael with.
Prisoners were therefore handed over to the County Police.
Folkestone Herald
11-10-1902
Hythe Police Court
Thursday, October 9th: Before Mr. Horton and
Councillor J.J. Jeal.
John Matthews, on remand, was charged with having stolen a
brown cob mare, valued at £45, the property of Henry Jordan, of the South
Foreland Hotel, Folkestone.
Henry Phillip Jordan, proprietor of the South Foreland
Hotel, Folkestone, said he owned a brown mare cob, aged 5 years, and valued at
£45. He put it out to livery, in charge of a fly proprietor named John Sharpe.
He saw the cob on Friday last at the Twon Hall, Folkestone. He had not seen it
for about a week before that.
John Sharpe, living at 8, Harbour Street, Folkestone, said
he was a cab proprietor and restaurant keeper. He knew the prisoner, who had
been in his employ about five weeks. The cob had been under his care for two
months. Prisoner`s duties were to look after it and take it out for exercise on
the Hythe road every day. He saw the cob on October 1st. The cob was
then at the stables. He saw Matthews there; he had just come home with the cob.
It was about 6 o`clock. The next day witness was not well and did not go out,
but he knew that Matthews took the cob out between 1 and 2 o`clock. Prisoner
did not return that night, and he made enquiries and informed the police.
John Downing, living at Shellons Street, Folkestone, an ex
police constable of the |Metropolitan Police, and an inspector in the employ of
the Folkestone Motor Car Company, said he was in the Red Lion Square on the
Thursday, October 2nd. He saw the prisoner, who came past about
12.30, riding on the cob. He went up to the Duke`s Head, dismounted, and tied
the cob up, entered the house, in company with a man named Simpson. He remained
in the house until between two and three o`clock. Matthews came out and
unloosened the cob and rode along the Dymchurch Road. He returned about ten
minutes afterwards and tied the cob up again. He and Simpson went into the
public house. They were in and out continually for some considerable time. Between
five and six o`clock, Matthews, Simpson, and another man and a boy came down
the Red Lion Square with the cob and another pony, Simpson and Matthews
entering the Red Lion Hotel. Witness afterwards went into the private bar;
prisoner was in the large bar with Simpson and another man. He saw them obtain
pen and ink and a sheet of paper, and the third man was writing something down.
Witness left the house, and standing outside he saw the lad take the saddle
from the cob and put it on the pony. Simpson and Matthews came out, the lad
mounted the pony, and went away up the Dymchurch Road, leading the cob,
followed by Matthews and Simpson.
By prisoner: He saw him pass the Red Lion Square about
12.30.
In answer to the Clerk, the Inspector said he fixed the time
because it was just before he went to dinner.
Aaron Foreman, living at 17, North road, Hythe, a labourer,
said he knew the prisoner by sight. He saw him on October 2nd when
he was in the Duke`s Head, about 4 o`clock. He saw a brown mare cob tied up outside
the Duke`s Head. Prisoner, who was with Simpson, went from the Duke`s Head up
to the Red Lion. Simpson`s boy led the horse with one of their own. Matthews
said “If you come inside you can have a drink”. He went inside and heard
Simpson ask prisoner if, before he paid for the mare, he would give him a
receipt for the money. Matthews said he would, and he saw Simpson pay prisoner
£6. He had seen the cob outside the Court, and it was the one in question. The
paper was signed.
James Weller, living at 19, Alexander Street, Folkestone, a
cab driver, said he went to the Hythe Ranges with P.C. Sharpe (Folkestone) and
two constables of the Kent County Constabulary. He saw the cob, which was
hobbled near a house on the Dymchurch Road. He identified it as Mr. Jordan`s
property. Simpson came out of the tent. He knew prisoner, and had been engaged
by Mr. Sharpe to look after the cob.
P.C. Rayner Sharpe, a constable in the Folkestone Force,
said from information received, he went to the Hythe Ranges on October 2nd
with the last witness. He there saw the brown cob, which he handed over to
Weller. He then went on to the Botolph`s Bridge public house. He took Simpson
with him. He found the prisoner there, and said to him “Is your name Matthews?”
He replied “No”. He then said to him “Have you sold a cob today to a man named
Simpson?” He replied “No” Witness said he answered the description of a man
wanted in Folkestone, and said to him, in Simpson`s presence, “I charge you
with stealing a brown mare cob, the property of Harry Jordan”. Prisoner made no
reply, and witness took him to Folkestone, and he was subsequently handed over
to the County Police. When he went down, Corpl. Beach and P.C. Thomas, of the
Kent County Constabulary, went with him. Prisoner was sleeping at Botolph`s
Bridge.
Prisoner, making his statement in Court, said about 1.30
p.m. on Thursday he started from the stables with the cob. He got as far as
Hythe, and called at a public house near the Tramway stables, and stopped there
until 5 or 6 in the evening. He saw Simpson in there, who said to him “You have
got a decent little cob there”, and asked what it was worth. Prisoner replied
“Between £30 and £40” Simpson said it was a little swollen on the hock. Simpson
kept on “treating “ him, and he kept on drinking. They left the house and went
to another public house and had four “drops” of whisky, and came back to the
other house again, and there was another oldish man in there, and he offered
him £8 for the cob. Prisoner said “You can`t have it for that”. The old man
asked him outside, and asked him what was the “dodge of the mare” Prisoner said
there was no dodge at all, and said all that was the matter with the mare was
that she was nervous of motor cars. Simpson then offered him £8 for it, and
later offered him £10, and then £6. Prisoner offered him £6. Prisoner got into
“a very funny form”, and did not know what he was doing. He sold it to Simpson
for £6. Simpson then put £1 on the counter to bind the bargain. Simpson said
“Will you go along to Folkestone or Sandgate to see someone who knows you?”
Prisoner said “No”, and gave him his sovereign back again, and he came outside
and jumped on the saddle and went about ten yards along the road. He came back
and went into the other public house again. Simpson treated him again, and paid
him for the pony. Prisoner asked Simpson if he would drive him to Ashford. He
said “Yes, for 14s.”, and sent his boy to get the trap ready. The horse and
trap met them on the road, and they got up and drove to a public house. After
they had been there about two hours, prisoner turned away to speak to the
landlord, and turning round again Simpson had gone. Prisoner stayed there and
asked the landlord if he would drive him to Ashford after closing time. He said
he would, and paid him £2. They got about five miles on the road and turned
back. Prisoner had some supper and went to bed.
Prisoner was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.
Matthews was further charged with stealing one saddle, one
bridle, and knee pads, the value of £3, the property of John Sharpe.
John Sharpe said he identified the saddle, bridle, and knee
pads produced. He valued them at £3. They were in the custody of the prisoner.
They were on the cob, which he took out for exercise.
James Weller also identified the prisoner.
P.C. Rayner Sharpe also gave evidence.
Prisoner pleaded Guilty, and was sentenced to one month`s
hard labour.
John Francis Simpson, on bail, was charged with having
received from John Matthews a brown cob, well knowing it to have been stolen.
Mr. Rook appeared for the prisoner.
Harry Jordan repeated his evidence.
By Mr. Rook: The value to him of the cob was £40 or £50. She
was a good, sound, useful mare, barring the sprained hock.
John Sharpe repeated his evidence.
John Downing also repeated his evidence.
By Mr. Jeal: Matthews and Simpson seemed to meet by
arrangement.
By Mr. Rook: The men kept going in and out continually.
There was no concealment. There was no doubt there was a deal going on,
publicly and above board. There were a good number of people about. He had
reason to say that they met by arrangement was because, on the previous day,
Matthews was riding on the cob, and spoke to prisoner in the road. That was the
only time he had seen them speaking together.
Aaron Johnson, in his evidence, said that he heard prisoner
asking Matthews if it was his own property, and Matthews replied “It is nobody
else`s, only my own”.
By the Chairman of the Bench: Matthews appeared to be sober.
By Mr. Rook: He heard Matthews ask for a piece of paper. He
heard a little talking about the price of the horse. The people in the house
could have heard the deal going on. Matthews had had a “glass or two”, but was
not drunk.
James Weller also gave evidence.
By Mr. Rook: Prisoner told the police he had bought the cob
from a man unknown to him. Prisoner, after being persuaded, went out and showed
the police where Matthews was.
Macdonald Taylor said he was in Botolph`s public house on
Thursday night, between 8 and 9 o`clock.
Prisoner was in there with Matthews. They were talking and drinking. He took no
notice of what they were saying. Simpson went away before closing time. He
subsequently drove Matthews towards Ashford.
P.C. R. Sharpe stated prisoner said he bought the cob from a
man unknown to him. Witness asked him if his name was Matthews. Prisoner said
“Yes, I believe it was, and I know where I last saw him”.
Mr. Rook said that he was sure he could ask their Worships
to absolutely dismiss from their minds the statement of Matthews. That was not
under oath, and therefore not open to cross-examination. The only evidence
against the prisoner was that he purchased the horse for £6, while the owner
had valued it at £45 or £50, but a witness would be called to explain that
Matthews had said the horse was extremely nervous, and who himself refused the
horse at £7. He would produce evidence that Matthews said the horse was
nervous, and shied at motors. There was no concealment whatever in the case,
and anyone could hear what was going on in the bar. Was it reasonable for them
to chatter and bargain in the house if there was anything underhand going
on? Simpson was very careful to ask for
a receipt with the name of the seller, and evidence would be brought to show that
Simpson asked Matthews if the horse was his own. Another point was that he told
the police constable at first that he had bought the horse and paid for it.
Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty, and desired to call witnesses.
Dick Rofe, residing at Lyminge, said he was a dealer and
carrier. He was at the Duke`s Head on October 2nd, and he saw
Matthews there offering the cob for sale, saying he wanted to sell it. He ran
it up and down outside. He made Matthews an offer for the cob. He pointed out a
defect in the hock. He bid him £7 for the horse. Matthews said the horse
belonged to him. He said it would go in harness, but one had to be very careful
in passing motors. There were plenty of people there. There was no concealment
at all. The only reason witness did not buy it was because it “reared”.
Prisoner was committed to the Quarter Sessions.
Francis was further charged with having received a saddle,
bridle, and knee pads, well knowing them to have been stolen.
John Sharpe, James Weller, Richard Downing, and P.C. Sharpe
gave evidence.
Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty, and was committed for trial at
the next Quarter Sessions. Bail was allowed in one surety of £50, and the
prisoner in his own recognisances of £25.
Folkestone Express
1-11-1902
Hythe Quarter Sessions
Thursday, October 30th: Before Mr. Beaumont
Morice.
John Matthews, stableman, of no address, was charged with
stealing a bay mare, value £45, the property of Mr. Henry Phillips Jordan, of
Folkestone. Mr. A Tassell prosecuted.
Matthews pleaded Guilty, but denied a previous conviction.
Inspector Stone said prisoner was convicted in the name of
Alfred Hughes, in July, 1899, for stealing a pair of spurs. He was positive as
to the identity of the prisoner.
Henry Phillips Jordan, proprietor of the South Foreland
Hotel, Folkestone, said he had identified the cob in question as his property,
and it was worth forty five guineas.
John Sharpe, livery stable proprietor, of 8, Harbour Street,
Folkestone, gave evidence as to engaging prisoner to exercise the cob, and to
his going out on October 2nd and not returning.
Further evidence was given as to prisoner drinking at
various public houses in Hythe, and the fact that the cob was sold for £6 to a
dealer named John Francis Simpson.
Prisoner was then put back.
Simpson was then charged with receiving, knowing it to have
been stolen, and after a long hearing was acquitted. He was then further
charged with stealing the harness, and the jury also acquitted him on this
count.
Matthews was sentenced to nine months` imprisonment.
Hythe Reporter
1-11-1902
Hythe Quarter Sessions
Thursday, October 30th: Before Beaumont Morice
Esq.
John Matthews was charged with stealing a bay cob, the
property of Mr. Harry Jordan, of Folkestone, on the 2nd October,
1902.
In his charge to the Grand Jury, the Recorder said that in
the beginning of October, Jordan put out a bay mare to be kept by Mr. Sharpe,
and that Matthews, one of the men in Sharpe`s employ, took the mare away and
some time after was found bartering the mare away to a man named Simpson for
£6, and they would see the extraordinary way in which he got rid of the money.
John Francis Simpson was also charged with receiving the
same, knowing it to have been stolen.
The jury then retired, and shortly after they sent for
Matthew, who entered the jury room, but was immediately brought back by the
Recorder with the remark “Bring him out. There is no necessity to call him”.
Half an hour later, the jury still considering their
verdict, the Recorder sent a message to ask if they had not finished as “they
had not got to try the case”.
The jury then re-entered the Court. A true bill was brought
in against both prisoners.
Matthews pleaded Guilty, but pleaded Not Guilty to a
previous charge.
To prove the latter charge, Inspector Amos Stone, Inspector
K.C.C., said that on the 14th July, 1899, a man named Alfred Hughes
was sentenced to one month`s hard labour at the Hythe County Sessions for
stealing a pair of silver plated spurs, he, himself, arresting him. He was
positive that the prisoner was the man.
The jury found the prisoner Guilty.
John Francis Simpson pleaded Not Guilty.
Mr. Tassell, for the prosecutor, said that Simpson was
charged with receiving a cob, well-knowing it to have been stolen. The cob was
of some value, the owner valuing it at £55, and Matthews himself told Simpson
it was worth £35. Matthews was in the employ of John Sharpe, of Harbour Street,
Folkestone, and it was his duty to exercise the cob, which he generally did by
riding it to Hythe and back. On the 2nd of October these men, who
were known to each other, met at the Duke`s Head, where they drank together for
some time, and at three o`clock they came out, and Matthews rode the horse a
short way, and they then again went into the Duke`s Head and had more drink. At
5 o`clock they came out, and with a man named Foreman they went into the Red
Lion, where they had more drink, and finally Matthews sold the cob to Simpson
for the ridiculous price of £6, the price being gradually reduced from £25 to
that figure. A receipt was drawn up and witnessed by Foreman. Matthews then
gave Simpson £1 to drive him to Ashford. He, however, only drove him as far as
Botolph`s Bridge Inn, where he stayed for some time, when a man at the inn
drove him about six miles on the road to Ashford, when he asked to be driven
back as he was cold.
The cob was afterwards found tethered outside a tent near
the Hythe Ranges, where Simpson was living.
Mr. Tassell dwelt on the fact that the horse was a good one,
and the harness good and not likely to belong to Matthews, that it was bought
for £6, and that Matthews wanted to be driven to Ashford. All these things were
very suspicious.
Henry Jordan said he valued the cob at 45 guineas. It was a
fast cob and bred by the Earl of Guildford, and not likely to be bought for £6.
John Sharpe said that the horse was a valuable one. He
valued the saddle and bridle at £3.
John Downing deposed that he saw Matthews and Simpson meet
on the 1st October and saw them again on the 2nd October.
Alfred Foreman said he heard Simpson ask Matthews whether
the horse was his own, and he said “Yes”. He saw the £6 paid, and a receipt
given.
Dick Rolfe said that he bought the horse on the first onset
for £7, but he did not fulfil the bargain, because Matthews told him the cab
would not pass a motor car. He valued the horse at £12 because of its
character.
Simpson, for the defence, said he bought the horse for a bad
horse and all its faults. It was like buying a pig in a poke, and the horse
might have been a valuable one and it might not. He got his living by dealing,
and he “cheated people as much as they cheated him”.
The jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty. The charge of
stealing the saddle and bridle was then gone into, and a verdict of Not Guilty
was returned.
With both verdicts the Recorder concurred.
The Recorder made an order for the mobey found on Matthews
to be sent to Simpson.
Matthews was sentenced to 9 months` hard labour.
Folkestone Chronicle
19-11-1904
On Tuesday morning the first of a series of Excise prosecutions
was opened at the Folkestone Police Court (the Woodward Institute), before Mr.
W.G. Herbert and Mr. J. Stainer.
Great interest was taken in the proceedings, which lasted
from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The summonses were laid against well-known traders,
and in all cases related to the alleged selling of beers, wines, or spirits
without a licence. The prosecution, at the instance of the Inland Revenue
Department, was conducted by Mr. J.H. Shaw, barrister.
The first defendants were Teresa and Louis Maestrani, mother
and son, restaurant keepers, of 26, Guildhall Street (now closed) and 2 &
4, South Street, both premises being unlicensed in regard to the sale of
intoxicating liquors. Defendants also had a licensed restaurant in Sandgate
Road.
There was quite an array of Revenue Officers, and as the
case proceeded it was evident that the prosecution had been most carefully
prepared in every detail, and with such skill, that all Mr. Minter, on behalf
of the defendants, could do was to withdraw the plea of Not Guilty and plead
mitigating circumstances. The technical objections raised by the defence were
all overruled, but those in Court generally commended the success of the
various solicitors engaged in getting their clients off with such a light
penalty as £1 on each information, when the maximum penalty was £50.
Briefly, there were six informations against the Maestranis.
Mr. Davies, an Inspector of Inland Revenue, from Somerset House, together with
Mr. Cope, an officer from the same department, at various dates entered the
premises in Guildhall Street and South Street, after having placed two other
preventative officers (Messrs. Hayward and Bates) at a point of observation.
During dinner or lunch Messrs. Davies and Cope also ordered wines and spirits.
In five cases liqueur brandy was ordered, and 6d. per glass paid. The waiter,
having asked for the money in the usual way, proceeded to adjacent licensed
houses and purchase eight pennyworth of brandy, which was served up in two
sixpenny portions. In one case a portion was left after the division. In the
case of the wine, a bottle of St. Julienne was ordered, and 4s. paid for it;
this was purchased at a neighbouring hotel for 2s.
After a long hearing the Chairman announced that all cases
had been fully made out, and although the pnalty inflicted could be £50 in two
instances, and £20 each for the remainder, the Bench had decided to be very
lenient. The penalty on each information would be £1 and 9s. costs, making a
total of £17 6s.
Folkestone Express
19-11-1904
Tuesday, November 15th: Before W.G. Herbert and
J. Stainer Esqs.
Teresa Maestrani and Louis Maestrani, restaurant
proprietors, were summoned in four instances for selling wines, spirits, and
beer without a licence at their restaurant at 2 and 4 South Street.
Mr. Shaw said the cases were similar to those the
Magistrates had heard. The restaurant was licensed as a refreshment house in
the name of Mrs. Teresa Maestrani.
Mr. Hayward said on August 15th he and Mr. Bate
went into the restaurant in South Street. They went in at ten minutes past
twelve. They ordered dinner and he asked for a wine list, and the waiter
produced a written one. Witness ordered a large bottle of St. Julien at 12.25.
The price on the list was 4s. The waiter asked for the money, and witness gave
him half a sovereign, and he returned at 12.33 with the bottle of wine, handing
witness 6s. change. At 12.45 Mr. Bate ordered two liqueur brandies and gave the
waiter 1s. At 12.49 the brandies were served. Witness consumed one of the
brandies and part of the wine.
Mr. Bate, who accompanied the last witness, corroborated
what he said.
Mr. Cope said that he was with Mr. Davies keeping
observation outside the restaurant. At 12.29 witness saw a waiter leave the
restaurant. Witness followed him to the South Foreland public house. He
received a bottle of St. Julien and placed
a half sovereign on the counter and received 8s. change. The waiter took
the wine into the restaurant. At 12.46 the same waiter left the restaurant and
went to the public house and asked for eight pennyworth of brandy. He received
it and took it to the shop. He accompanied Mr. Davies when he saw Mr. Maestrani
and Mr. Jordan.
Mr. Davies said on August 15th he kept
observation on the restaurant. On August 29th he went to the South
Foreland and saw Mr. Jordan and took a statement from him. Mr Jordan said “I
have an arrangement with Mr. Carlo Maestrani. I supply them with a small Bass
at 2½d. and they charge 3d. A large Bass I charge 4d. and they 6d. They get a
penny a pint out of each beer transaction. I should charge Maestrani 2s. for a
bottle of medoc or St. Julien, and to the public 4s. If they came to me for
eight pennyworth of brandy I should serve them from the tap”. When asked about
the wine list, Mr. Maestrani said he was not sure whether they had one at South
Street. They did not make any profit on any of the wine, but the merchant would
allow them twopence or threepence, which would depend upon what was ordered.
Defendant said his mother and sister attended to that shop, and he was in
partnership with them.
Mr. Pinnex said there was no entry of an excise licence to
sell intoxicating liquors on the premises.
Mr. Minter said the case was a little different to the
others. There was no evidence against Louis Maestrani beyond his statement that
he was in partnership. Broadly, there was no evidence to show that the wine and
brandy had been sold on the premises.
The Chairman said the Magistrates were of opinion that the
cases were on all fours with the previous cases, and they would inflict the
same penalty, 20s. fine in each case, and Court fees.
Folkestone Herald
19-11-1904
Local News
At the sitting of the Folkestone Bench on Tuesday, the
hearing of a bunch of summonses taken out by the Excise Authorities against
several local tradesmen was commenced. The Magistrates present were Alderman
W.G. Herbert and Mr. J. Stainer.
Mrs. Teresa Maestrani and Mr. Louis Maestrani were summoned
in respect of alleged offences at South Street, the refreshment licence of
which premises was in the name of Mrs. Teresa Maestrani. There were two
summonses, one for selling wine without a licence, and the other for selling
spirits.
James John Hayward said that on the 15th August
he and Mr. Bate went into Maestrani`s restaurant at the bottom of High Street.
It was shortly after noon when they went in. He asked the waiter for a wine
list, but was told that they had not got a printed one, although there was a
written one. He ordered a large bottle of St. Julien at 12.28 p.m., and the
waiter asked for the money, and he gave him half a sovereign, and the waiter
returned five minutes later with the wine and 6s. change. His companion (Mr.
Bate), at a quarter to one, ordered two liqueur brandies, tendering 1s. for the
drinks, and when the waiter returned he gave him no change. He consumed one of
the brandies and part of the wine, and he had no doubt as to what they were.
Mr. Bate corroborated.
Mr. Cope said that he was keeping observation outside the
house during the time that the previous witnesses were inside. He proved
following the waiter when he left the restaurant, to the South Foreland. The
waiter spoke to the barmaid, received a bottle of St. Julien, placed half a
sovereign on the counter, and received 8s. change. He took the wine to the
restaurant. At 12.46 p.m. the same waiter left the restaurant, and went to the
same public house, carrying an empty tumbler. He asked for eight pennyworth of
brandy, tendered 1s., received 4d. change, and left the house.
Mr. J. Davies corroborated Mr. Cloke on the waiter`s
movements. On the 29th August he went to the South Foreland public
house and took down in writing a statement, which he subsequently read over to
Mr. Maestrani, as follows:- “I have an arrangement with Carlo Maestrani. I
supply them with small Bass at 2½d., and they charge 3d. For a large Bass I
charge 4d., and they charge 6d. They get a penny a pint out of each beer
transaction. I should charge Maestrani`s for a quart bottle of Medoc 2s., but
if charged to the public it would be 3s. 6d., or more. If they came for 8d.
worth of brandy, I should charge them for ordinary tap brandy”. Mr. Maestrani
said “With reference to South Street, if a customer asks for a bottle of wine
the waiter would get it. It would not matter where he went; there is only one
merchant. On Sunday they would get it from Mr. Jordan`s public house. The
waiter first asks for the money, and gets what is ordered”. In reply to
witness, the defendant, Mr. Louis Maestrani, said “We make no profit. If the
publican or wine merchant wishes to do us a kindness, he would allow 2d. or 3d.;
it depends upon what we order”. Mrs. Meastrani, subsequently interviewed, said
that they suffered from the want of a licence.
Mr. Minter asserted that there was no evidence against Mr.
Louis Maestrani. The evidence did not support a charge of selling intoxicating
drinks without a licence, but rather one of fraud against the proprietors for
selling an inferior wine.
The Bench held that the case was on all fours with the
previous one, and inflicted a fine of £1 in each case, with Court fees.
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