Folkestone
Express 14-6-1890
Auction Notice
Preliminary.
Folkestone.
To Brewers, Licensed Victuallers, and Others
Messrs. John Hart Bridges and Sons are favoured with
instructions from the owner to Sell by Auction
At the Rose Hotel, Folkestone, on Tuesday, July 8th,
1890, at Three o`clock prompt, that Important Freehold Wine and Spirit
Establishment
Known as The Alexandra Hotel, prominently placed in
close proximity to the Harbour, Pier, and Station (with possession on
completion of purchase)
Further particulars will appear next week
Auction Offices:
20, Hart Street,
Bloomsbury Square.
Folkestone
Express 21-6-1890
Auction Advertisement
Folkestone
To Brewers and Hotel Proprietors
Improving Freehold Investment in Fully-licensed
Premises, with possession on completion of purchase.
John Hart Bridges & Sons will sell by Auction at
the Rose Hotel, Folkestone, on Tuesday, July 8th, 1890, at Three
o`clock prompt, the exceedingly valuable Freehold Property, known as the
Alexandra Hotel.
Situate at the approach to the beach, and having a
commanding frontage at the corner of Harbour Street and Beach Street, at close
proximity to the junction of several important thoroughfares, and immediately
facing the Harbour, Quay and Station, now and for many years past in the
occupation of Mrs. Campbell.
N.B. The Auctioneers beg to draw attention to this
genuine property. It`s position for business is quite unique, and to Brewers it
affords an opportunity of securing a beer trade of importance, in addition to
an adequate rental, whilst to an intending proprietor it offers the now rare
chance of acquiring a compact Free hotel with an exceptionally profitable
counter trade.
Particulars and Conditions of Sale may be had of H.B.
Bradley Esq., Solicitor, Folkestone; at the Alexandra Hotel and place of Sale;
and at the Auctioneers, 20, Hart Street, Bloomsbury Square, W.C.
Note: Who was Mrs. Campbell?
Folkestone
Express 12-7-1890
Local News
Sale of the Alexandra Hotel: This well known hotel was
offered for sale on Tuesday afternoon by Messrs. John Hart Bridges and Sons, at
the Rose Hotel. The first bid was £1,500, and the property was knocked down to
a Mr. Spurrier at £2,000.
Folkestone
Express 23-8-1890
Saturday, August 16th: Before The Mayor,
Capt. Carter, Aldermen Pledge and Dunk, J. Fitness, J. Clark, and W.G. Herbert
Esqs.
Stephen Barton was charged with being drunk and
disorderly in Harbour Street on the 10th of August.
P.C. Dunster said the defendant, with several others,
was near the Alexandra Hotel, very drunk. He asked defendant to go away, but he
declined, and asked his companions to go to the back of the Alexandra to get a
drink. He used bad language and refused to go away with his companions. He told
witness he had been in public houses many a night playing nap with the
Superintendent and the Sergeants.
Defendant replied that this was “a pack of lies”. He
told Dunster he was drunk in the Granville, and Dunster replied that he was a
“----fop”. He denied that he was drunk; the constable was more drunk than he
was.
Sergeant Butcher said he saw the defendant in Tontine
Street at ten minutes to eleven, being led home drunk by two young men.
Defendant pushed one of the men against him.
Defendant conducted himself in a most unseemly manner,
accused the police of misconduct and card playing.
There were two recent convictions against the
defendant, and he was fined 10s. and 10s. costs. The Bench refused to allow
time for payment, and he was removed to the cells.
Folkestone
Express 28-5-1892
Wednesday, May 25th: Before The Mayor, W.G.
Herbert and W. Wightwick Esqs.
Temporary authority was granted to Mr. J.C. Brice, late
of Peckham, to sell at the Alexandra Hotel.
Folkestone
Chronicle 20-8-1892
Saturday, August 13th: Before Aldermen
Sherwood, Dunk, and Pledge, Councillor Holden and Mr. J. Fitness.
John C. Brice, landlord of the Alexandra Hotel, was
charged with unlawfully keeping his premises open at 10.20 on the morning of
Sunday, July 31st.
Defendant pleaded Guilty, and Mr. Haines, who appeared
for him, asked that he might be leniently dealt with, as he was unacquainted
with the persons whom he served.
P.C. Lawrence said he visited the house of the
defendant at 20 past ten on the day named. The front door was open, and he saw several
men standing in the bar, drinking. Defendant told witness he was very sorry for
what had occurred. The back door of the house was inadvertently left open, and
the men walked in. He served them with three pints of beer.
The Bench took into consideration the explanation, and
imposed a fine of 50s., and 9s. costs.
The defendant said he would take care the offence did
not occur again.
Folkestone
Express 20-8-1892
Saturday, August 13th: Before Aldermen
Sherwood, Dunk and Pledge, J. Holden and J. Fitness Esqs.
John Chidwell Brice, landlord of the Alexandra Hotel,
was summoned for having his house open during prohibited hours on Sunday. He
pleaded Guilty.
Mr. Haines appeared for the defendant, and said it was
admitted there were three persons in the house. There were several
excursionists about, and he asked most of them whether they were bona fide
travellers, but unfortunately did not ask the three. There was no concealment,
and when the police went in he at once admitted that he served the men. The defendant
had a 21 years` lease of the house, and a conviction would be a most serious
matter.
P.C. Lawrence said he visited the defendant`s house at
twenty minutes past ten and saw a man drinking. The front door was open, and he
went in. The man, whom he knew as a resident in Folkestone, made for the back
door. There were two other Folkestone men there drinking. Defendant told him
the men said they were travellers.
The Bench took a lenient view of the case and fined
defendant 50s. and 9s. costs.
Folkestone
Herald 20-8-1892
Police Court Jottings
Landlords – we mean of public houses, not territorial
magnates – should take a warning from the case of Chidwell Brice, of the
Alexandra Hotel, who was summoned by the police for selling drink during
prohibited hours on the Sunday.
He did not deny the breach of the Licensing Act, but
pleaded that on the occasion there were a large number of travellers about, of
whom he made the requisite enquiry whether they were or were not travellers,
but the three men in question came in, and in the hurry of business he forgot
to put the same interrogation to them.
Mr. Haines, who appeared for him, asked for leniency,
and this the Magistrates exhibited by inflicting a fine of 50s. with 9s. costs.
Folkestone
Chronicle 27-8-1892
Saturday, August 20th: Before Alderman Banks
and Messrs. W.G. Herbert and W. Wightwick.
Frank Care, Frank Lester, and Edwin Bliss were summoned
for being on licensed premises during prohibited hours on the 31st
July. They were in the Alexandra Hotel. All pleaded Guilty to the charge.
P.C. Lawrence deposed that he saw the defendant Bliss
drinking a glass of beer in the hotel on the day named – a Sunday – at 10.20 in
the morning. He also saw the other two defendants with glasses in their hands,
near the back door.
Mr. Wightwick asked if the licence of the landlord had
been endorsed.
Mr. Andrews replied “No, sir”.
Mr. Wightwick: Then it ought to have been.
The Chairman wished it to be known that in the future
the Bench intended to increase the fines in these cases. Instead of 5s. the
defendants would be fined 10s., and in future cases this amount would probably
be doubled. The costs were 9s.
Wednesday, August 24th: Before Mr. J. Clark,
Alderman Pledge, Councillor Holden, and Messrs. J. Fitness, J. Boykett, H.W.
Poole and W. Wightwick.
Annual Licensing Session
Folkestone Clergymen on Licensing
Mr. A.H. Gardner said he had been instructed by the
Church of England Temperance Society, not in any spirit of antagonism towards
the Bench, but in order that they might know the Society`s views upon the
subject, to put before them a resolution, passed the other day at the Vestry of
the Parish Church, the Rev. M. Woodward presiding. The resolution was to the
effect that the clergymen representing the various churches in the town,
respectfully asked the Bench not to grant any new licenses, except to private
hotels and restaurants, such to be used for bona fide customers, and not for
bars, etc. He also added that he was particularly urged to ask the Bench not to
grant any additional licenses to grocers, as such licenses were fraught with
very mischievous consequences, inasmuch as they held out great temptations to
women. Mr. Gardner stated that the clergymen further added that the meeting
also desired the Bench to consider the propriety of refusing the renewal of the
licenses of those persons who had been convicted during the past year, and, in
conclusion, they pointed out the great preponderance of public houses east of
Alexandra Gardens over those west of the Gardens.
The Bench then proceeded with the renewal of the
licenses.
Adjournments
The Superintendent of Police having reported that
convictions for offences against the Licensing Act had been obtained against
the following in the course of the past year, the Bench decided to refer their
applications for renewals to the Adjourned Session, Wednesday, September 28th:
Chidwell Brice, Alexandra Hotel; Burgess, Folkestone Cutter; A. Mutton, Warren
Inn; Laslett, Wonder Tavern; Weatherhead, Cinque Ports Arms; and Halliday,
Wheatsheaf Inn.
Folkestone
Express 27-8-1892
Wednesday, August 24th: Before J. Clark,
Alderman Pledge, W. Wightwick, J. Fitness, J. Holden, H.W. Poole, and F.
Boykett Esqs.
Annual Licensing Day
Mr. A.H. Gardner said he had been instructed by the Church
of England Temperance Society, presided over by the Vicar of Folkestone, to
appear before the justices. He did not do so in any spirit of dictation to the
Bench, but that they might see the views of the Society upon the subject, and
he would put in a resolution passed the other day at a meeting held in the
vestry, asking the justices not to grant any new licenses, except to private
hotels or restaurants. It also particularly urged that grocer`s licenses were
peculiarly fraught with mischief as giving great facilities to women. They also
thought that the number of licenses, of which there were 82, should be reduced,
especially where there had been convictions for violation of the law. They did
not specially single out any particular houses, but they thought when there had
been recent convictions, they might refuse the renewal of licenses to such
houses. Further they especially called attention to the preponderance in the
number of houses at the lower end of the town – there were 79 east of Alexandra
Gardens, while there were only three on the west. Mr. Gardner also referred to
the fact that the magistrates last year refused to renew in English counties
117 licenses, and in boroughs as many as 101.
Adjourned Applications
The applications in respect of the Folkestone Cutter,
the Alexandra, the Wheatsheaf, the Warren, the Wonder, and the Cinque Ports
Arms, where there had been convictions for breaches of the law, were ordered to
stand over until the adjourned licensing day, Wednesday the 28th of
September.
Folkestone
Chronicle 1-10-1892
Adjourned Licensing Session
The Adjourned Licensing Session for the Borough was
held at the police Court on Wednesday morning, on which occasion considerable
interest was evinced in the proceedings by reason of the fact that the renewal
of the licenses of several well known and old established houses in the town
was opposed by the Superintendent of Police, acting under the direction of the
Licensing Committee of the Bench.
The Magistrates present were Mr. J. Clarke, Alderman
Pledge, Councillor Holden, and Messrs. H.W. Poole and J. Wightwick.
Mr. Martyn Mowll, of Dover, appeared to support the
objections of the police, and Mr. J. Minter and Mr. Hall, severally, appeared
on behalf of the claimants.
At the opening of the Court, the Chairman said, before
the business commenced he wished to make one announcement. It referred to
something which had been done in other towns, and which the Committee thought
it best to do in Folkestone. It was the opinion of the Committe that there were
too many licensed houses in Folkestone, and they therefore suggested that the
owners of the houses should talk the matter over amongst themselves, and agree
as to which houses it would be best to close. If nothing was done before the
next Licensing Session, the Committee would be obliged to suppress some of the
licensed houses themselves. But if the owners would talk the matter over
amongst themselves and agree upon the houses to be closed it would save a great
difficulty.
The Alexandra Hotel
John C. Brice, the tenant of the above, made
application for the renewal of his licence.
Mr. Mowll stated that he appeared to support the
Superintendent of Police, under the instructions of the Watch Committee. The
police had given notice of objection to the renewal of this licence on the
following grounds: (1) That the claimant was convicted on the 13th
August of opening the above premises for the sale of intoxicating liquors
during prohibited hours on the 31st July last; (2) That the licensed
premises were not required for the accommodation of the public. Mr. Mowll
pointed out that in no less than five out of the six cases in which the
Superintendent had given notice of opposition, the tenants of the houses had
been convicted for the same offence, viz., Sunday trading. The Bench would,
therefore, see from this fact that Sunday trading was a class of offence which
required to be suppressed.
With regard to the second ground of objection, he might
point out that within 85 paces of the Alexandra Hotel there were no less than
13 other houses. This fact spoke for itself without any observation from him.
Sergeant Dawson proved the service of the notice of
objection, and Sergeant Swift deposed to measuring the distances between the
Alexandra and othe public houses in the neighbourhood.
Mr. Wightwick asked if the other houses mentioned were
within 85 inches of the Alexandra.
Mr. Mowll: No, sir, paces!
Mr. Minter opposed the objection, showing that when the
claimant committed the offence of which he had been convicted he was almost a
stranger to the town and the inhabitants, and therefore was unable to
distinguish between a resident and a traveller, and he rebutted the assertion
that the house was not required by the fact that the trade of the house had
steadily increased ever since the claimant had occupied it. He pointed out that
when the claimant was convicted the Bench did not think the offence serious
enough to endorse the licence, and this being so, he thought it was a piece of
presumption on the part of the Superintendent to apply to the Bench to refuse
the licence.
Mr. Mowll asked Mr. Minter to read the notice of
objection.
Mr. Minter (reading): “By Order of the Justices”.
Surely that did not issue from the Bench. He did not understand that they
wished to adjudge the case, and even if they had caused the notice of objection
to be issued, he was perfectly certain the Bench would give the matter an
impartial consideration. He cordially agreed with what the Chairman said with
regard to a reduction of the number of the licensed houses in the town, and he
had no doubt at all that the owners would take warning, and next year
voluntarily offer to make a reduction, so at to relieve the Bench from the onus
of having to take away the licenses themselves. But he contended that the
Alexandra was required, and under these circumstances he trusted the Bench
would grant the renewal.
The Magistrates briefly conferred together, after which
the Chairman said the Bench had decided to renew the licence, but they wished
the claimant to understand that it rested with him, as to the manner in which
he conducted the house, whether it would be renewed on a future occasion.
The claimant promised to attend to this.
Folkestone
Express 1-10-1892
Wednesday, September 28th: Before J. Clark, J.
Holden, W. Wightwick, H.W. Poole, and J. Pledge Esqs.
This was the adjourned licensing day, and Mr. J. Clark
said: Before the business commences I want to make an announcement. It has been
done in other places, and we consider the same should be done here. It is the
unanimous opinion of the licensing committee that there are far too many
licensed houses in Folkestone, and they would suggest to the owners of houses
that they should talk it over amongst themselves and agree as to which houses
it would be best to drop. If nothing is done between now and next licensing
day, the magistrates will be obliged to suppress some of the houses in the
town. So if the owners would talk it over among themselves which houses it
would be best to drop, it would save us great difficulty.
The Alexandra Hotel
Mr. Brice applied for a renewal of the licence of this
house. Mr. Minter supported the application, and Martin Mowll opposed.
Mr. Mowll said there were two grounds for opposition;
one that the holder of the licence had been convicted for selling beer on
Sunday, and the second, that the licensed premises were not required for the
accommodation of the public. He said there were no less than half a dozen
notices of opposition which the Superintendent had served, and it was a
lamentable circumstance that in five out of six of them the tenants of the
houses had been convicted for the same offence, namely, Sunday trading.
Mr. Minter objected to Mr. Mowll putting on the back of
his client something about somebody else.
Mr. Mowll said he did not, but it was necessary for him
to say it then, in order that he might not have to keep on repeating himself.
As to the second ground of opposition, he said there were within 85 paces no
less than 13 other licensed houses. That fact spoke for itself without any
observation from him. He then proceeded to call evidence.
Mr. Minter admitted the conviction, the formal register
being put in of the fine of 50s. and costs.
P.C. Lawrence put in a list of the various distances of
the public houses from the Alexandra Hotel.
Mr. Wightwick: Is that inches? (Laughter) – No, yards.
Mr. Minter submitted that there were no grounds for
refusing to renew the licence. The house was known to the Bench and was of very
considerable size. Mr. Brice took a lease in April, at £130 a year, for 21
years. He was formerly a draper, and at the time of his conviction he had been
there three months, so that he was a stranger, and at Bank Holiday time three
men called, who he thought were strangers, and they were served with a pint of
beer each. The Bench thought the fine of 50s. was sufficient. It was, he
thought, a piece of presumption on the pat of the Superintendent, because if
the Bench had thought the case merited it, they would have endorsed the
licence.
Mr. Mowll referred Mr. Minter to the notice on the
objection, “By direction of the justices”. (Laughter)
Mr. Holden: Not this committee.
Mr. Bradley: In all these cases notices of opposition
were directed to be served.
Mr. Minter said the applicant had been convicted and
fined, and he was sure the Bench would not stultify themselves by saying the
man was not entitled to a renewal of his licence. Every right thinking man
would cordially agree with what had fallen from the chairman as to the
reduction of licenses, and he hoped the owners would voluntarily agree to a
reduction in order that some might be taken away to the benefit of those that
remained. It might be that some of those other houses within so many inches of
the Alexandra were not required, but it was clear that the Alexandra was
required by the fact that the trade had considerably increased. The house was
conducted admirably in every aspect, and he was instructed to challenge any
statement to the contrary.
The Bench decided to renew the licence, but said it
would rest with him in future to see that the house was properly conducted.
Folkestone
Herald 1-10-1892
Police Court Jottings
Considerable interest was manifested on Wednesday in
the proceedings at the adjourned Licensing Meeting for the Borough as the
Licensing Committee had instructed the police to serve notices of six
objections. Mr. Mowll, of Dover, appeared to support the police in their
opposition by instruction of the Watch Committee.
The Chairman, Mr. J. Clark, at the outset said it had been
suggested that the same plan adopted elsewhere should be pursued there. It was
the unanimous opinion of the Licensing Committee that there were too many
licensed houses in Folkestone and they would suggest that the owners of
licensed houses should talk it over among themselves and agree, before the next
annual meeting, which houses should be dropped out. The Licensing Committee
felt compelled to suppress some of the houses in the town, and if the owners
would carry out that suggestion it would do away with a great difficulty and
relieve the Magistrates of an invidious task.
The licence of the Alexandra Hotel (tenant J.C. Brice)
was first objected to by Mr. Mowll on account of a recent conviction for Sunday
trading, and secondly on the ground that it was not needed for the
accommodation of the public. Mr. Minter appeared for the tenant, and pointed
out that if the Bench refused to renew the licence, they would be stultifying a
previous decision where the tenant was convicted, and it was decided not to endorse
the licence. He agreed that the number of licensed houses required to be
reduced, and he had no doubt the owners would follow the suggestions of the
Magistrates, and so release them of the onus of having to take away any
licenses.
Folkestone
Chronicle 19-5-1894
Local News
Folkestone
Chronicle 7-6-1895
Local News
At the Borough Police Court on Wednesday the licence of the Alexandra Hotel was transferred to Mr. Hertslet, son of Sir William Hertslet
Folkestone
Express 8-6-1895
Wednesday, June 5th: Before C.J. Pursey and
W. Wightwick Esqs.
Folkestone
Chronicle 5-9-1896
Thursday, September 3rd: Before Messrs. J.
Fitness, J. Pledge, and Col. Fynmore.
Edward Charles Plaistow was charged with obtaining £8
by means of false pretences from Gerald Spencer Hertslet on August 21st.
Prosecutor stated that he was in partnership with his
brother as proprietors of the Alexandra Hotel, Harbour Street. He had known
prisoner as a customer for about six weeks. He came into the bar on 21st
August about half past seven in the evening. He asked witness to change a
cheque for him. He said he was staying with Mr. Kemp, who would change it, but
that he had no banking account. Witness agreed to change the cheque. Prisoner
drew a cheque on the London Bank, signing it Edward Charles Plaistow. The
endorsement in the cheque was in the handwriting of witness`s brother and
partner. He gave prisoner £6 10s. in change, all he had at the time, and the
balance on the Sunday. Prisoner said the cheque was all right. Prisoner had a
banking account at the National Provincial Bank in his brother`s name. Witness
received the cheque from his brother on 26th, and saw it was
endorsed “Account Closed”. On 24th August, prisoner asked witness to
cash another cheque, but he told him the other had not gone through, and of
course he would not cash another until that was cleared. Witness knew prisoner
was lodging at 17, Dover Street.
Prisoner was remanded until Wednesday next.
Folkestone Express
5-9-1896
Thursday, September 3rd: Before J. Fitness, J.
Pledge, and R.J. Fynmore Esqs.
Edmund Charles Cranston was charged with obtaining £8 by
means of false pretences from Mr. Hertslet, of the Alexandra Hotel.
Prosecutor said he was in business with his brother.
Prisoner, who he knew as a customer for six weeks, went to the bar of the hotel
about half past seven in the evening on August 21st, and asked
witness to change a cheque for him. He said he was staying with Mr. Kemp, who
would have cashed it, but he had not a banking account. Witness then cashed the
cheque, which prisoner drew, and it was endorsed by witness`s brother, E.C.
Hertslet. He gave prisoner £6 10s. – all the change he had at the time, and the
balance on Sunday, the 23rd, when he said the cheque was all right.
It was paid into his brother`s account at the National Provincial Bank, and
returned and handed to witness by his brother on the 26th, endorsed
“Account Closed”. On the 24th August, before the cheque was returned,
prisoner went to the hotel and asked witness to cash another cheque, but he
declined, as the other one had not gone through. He knew prisoner was lodging
at 17, Dover Street.
Remanded till Wednesday.
Folkestone Herald
5-9-1896
Police Court Report
Edward Charles Plaistow, giving a London address, was
charged on Thursday morning (Mr. Fitness presiding) with having by false
pretences obtained £8 from Gerald Spencer Hertslett on the 21st
August. The prisoner lodged at the Alexandra Hotel, Harbour Street, of which
prosecutor and his brother are proprietors. On the day named prisoner asked prosecutor
to cash him a cheque for £8, saying that Mr. Kemp, with whom he had been
lodging, would have changed it, but he had no banking account. Prosecutor
ultimately cashed the cheque, handing over £6 10s. to prisoner in the evening,
and £1 10s. next morning, prisoner saying that the cheque was all right. On
being presented at the National Provincial Bank it was returned, the account
having been closed.
Remanded for a week.
Folkestone
Chronicle 12-9-1896
Wednesday, September 9th: Before Messrs. J.
Fitness, T.J. Vaughan, J.R. Davy, J. Pledge, and J. Salter, and Colonel
Fynmore.
Edward Charles Cranston was brought up on remand
charged with obtaining by false pretences the sum of £8 from Bernard Hertslet.
He was further charged with obtaining £5 from Harry Jordan. The cases were
heard together.
The evidence of Mr. Hertslet was read over, as already
reported. He now said when he gave prisoner change for the cheque, some of it
was in Postal Orders and a bank cheque.
George Edward Chandos Davies, cashier at the Folkestone
branch of the National Provincial Bank, said Mr. Hertslet was a customer of the
bank. He paid in the cheque produced on Aug. 22nd. It was sent to
the clearing house and returned on Aug. 26th, marked “Account
Closed”.
Harry Jordan, landlord of the South Foreland Hotel,
said he had known prisoner as a customer since the last season on and off. On
21st August he came into his house and asked if he would cash him a
cheque for £5. Witness said he would if he had money enough to meet it. He
replied “That`s alright, Mr. Jordan, you need not be afraid of that”. He asked
for pen and ink, and pulled out his cheque book and wrote a cheque (produced)
for £5, drawn on a Huntingdon Bank. Witness endorsed the cheque, and paid it to
a customer, a tradesman in the town. It was returned through their bank marked
“Account Closed”. It was paid to Salmon and Gluckstein. Witness saw the
prisoner, and asked him what he meant by giving a cheque when he had no money
to meet it. He replied “That will be all right, Mr. Jordan, you need not
trouble about that. My sister has plenty of money – she keeps an hotel. I`ll
wire to her”. Witness accompanied him to the telegraph office, and then he sent
a telegram in his (Witness`s) presence. Witness had not received his money.
Samuel Elliott Armstrong said he was a clerk in the
bank of Messrs. Vesey and Co., of Huntingdon. They formerly had a customer
named Edward Cranston. He recognised the prisoner as that man. He produced a
copy of prisoner`s account. The account was opened May 5th, 1894,
and £414 10s. was paid in. Thirty cheques were issued to him. This account was
closed May 25th, 1895. No other cheques except those produced had
been presented for payment. Thirty eight cheques in all were drawn by prisoner.
There had not been a second issue of cheques so far as witness knew.
By Mr. Davy: The cheques produced were issued to
prisoner`s sister.
Harry Frederick Carpenter, clerk in Lloyd`s Bank,
Folkestone, said they had customers named Salmon and Gluckstein. They paid in
the cheque (produced) for £5 on 22nd August. It was returned marked
“Account Closed”
Prisoner, who said he had nothing to say, was committed
for trial at the next Quarter Sessions for the Borough.
The
Recorder told the prisoner unless he pulled up he would find himself in a very
awkward position. He had had a very good chance. He (the Recorder) saw by
prisoner`s pass book that in less than a year he had expended the £400. He knew
perfectly well when he gave the cheques that he had no money to meet them. He
would be sentenced to three months` hard labour on each charge, the terms not
to run concurrently.
On
Wednesday Mr. Trapnell was granted the transfer of the licence of the Alexandra
Hotel
Folkestone Express
12-9-1896
Wednesday, September 9th: Before J. Fitness, J.R.
Davy, T.J. Vaughan, J. Pledge, R.J. Fynmore, and W. Salter Esqs.
Edmund Charles Cranston was charged on remand with obtaining
£8 from Mr. Hertslet by false pretences.
Gerald Spencer Hertslet`s evidence, given on the last
occasion, was read over. It will be remembered that it was to the effect that
he cashed a cheque for prisoner for £8, which was returned marked “Account
Closed”. He added that the money he gave prisoner included two or three postal
notes, a bank cheque for 10s., and the balance in gold.
George Edward Chandos Davis, cashier at the National
Provincial Bank, said Mr. Bernard Carr Hertslet, a customer at the bank, paid
the cheque produced into his account on the 22nd August, and it was
passed through the Clearing House in the usual way. On the 26th it
was returned endorsed “Account Closed”.
Henry Phillips Jordan, landlord of the South Foreland,
Seagate Street, said he had known prisoner since last season as a customer. On
the 21st August he went to the house about three o`clock in the
afternoon, and asked if he would cash a cheque for £5. He said he would if it
was all right, and he (prisoner) had money enough to meet it. Prisoner said
“Oh, that`s all right – you need not be afraid of that”. He asked for pen and
ink and took out a cheque book and filled up the cheque produced for £5. (This
cheque was on a bank at Huntingdon.) Witness endorsed it, and paid it away to
Salmon and Gluckstein, in the town, in the evening. It was returned to Salmon
and Gluckstein, who took it back to him. It was marked “Account Closed”. He
paid the £5, and afterwards saw prisoner, whome he asked what he meant by
giving him a cheque when he had no money to meet it. Prisoner replied “That`ll
be all right, Mr. Jordan; you need not trouble about that. My sister has got
plenty of money. She keeps an hotel, and I`ll wire to her”. They went together
to the telegraph office, and prisoner wired to his sister. The money had not
been paid. He parted with his money believing the cheque was good for the
amount for which it was written.
Sam Elliott Armstrong, clerk in the bank of Messrs. Vesey
and Co., Huntingdon, said the bank had once had a customer named Edward Charles
Cranston, and he recognised prisoner as the man. He produced a copy of the prisoner`s
account in the Bank books. The account was opened May 5th, 1894, and
£414 10s. was paid in. A book of 30 cheques was issued to him. The account was
closed May 25th, 1895. He could not say positively whether notice
was given to prisoner of its being closed, but undoubtedly it was given. Thirty
eight cheques had been drawn. He did not think a second cheque book was issued
to prisoner. (The cheques produced were not taken from the book first issued to
him.) Witness said the cheques were taken from a book issued to prisoner`s
sister, who had an account at the Bank.
Harry Frederick Carpenter, cashier in Lloyd`s Bank, said the
cheque produced was paid into the Bank by Salmon and Gluckstein on the 22nd
of August, and it was returned on the 26th marked “Account Closed”
Prisoner was then formally charged with obtaining money by
false pretences both from Mr. Hertslet and Mr. Jordan, and in answer said he
had nothing to say.
He was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.
Folkestone Herald
12-9-1896
Police Court Report
On Wednesday – Mr. Fitness presiding – Edmund Charles
Cranston was charged on remand with having, by false pretences, obtained £8
from Gerald Spencer Hertslett, in the 21st August. It will be
remembered that the prisoner lodged at the Alexandra Hotel, Harbour Street, of
which prosecutor and his brother are the proprietors. On the day in question
the prisoner asked the prosecutor to cash him a cheque for £8, which prosecutor
at length did, prisoner saying the cheque was all right. When presented at the
National Provincial Bank the cheque was returned, the account having been
closed.
Mr. H.P. Jordan, of the South Foreland, Seagate Street, gave
evidence as to the prisoner having been a customer. On the 21st ult.
he asked witness to cash a cheque for £5, which he did, after asking prisoner
if it was all right. He paid it to Salmon and Gluckstein, Folkestone, who
afterwards returned it to him, marked “Account Closed”. Prisoner said his
sister would pay the money, but it had not been paid.
The Bench committed prisoner for trial at the next Quarter
Sessions.
Folkestone Visitors`
List 14-10-1896
The Court of Quarter Sessions was held on Monday. Mr. Lewis
Coward was the Recorder.
There were two counts against Cranston, who presented
“cheques” to two tradesmen in Folkestone, and who had no means to meet them.
Such gentlemen do “show up” now and again, perhaps in order to remind foolish
tradesmen of what the List has reminded them over and over again.
The prisoner was charged with having received money by false
pretences, or in other words, with having presented cheques and “got the cash”
on account of cheques which had no backbone – that is to say, there was no
money in the bank to meet them.
And he committed the crime in such a simple way. He merely
presented his cheques and got his “change”. After all that has been stated
regarding persons changing cheques and postal orders, it is difficult to
conceive who is most to blame, the person who passes the cheques, or the one
who accepts it. Locally we have given warnings so often that we cannot
sympathise with the losers.
It would, perhaps, be out of place were we to criticise the
Recorder`s sentence, but Mr. Lewis Coward has in this case erred on the side of
leniency, if at all. Three months on each count against Cranston was not an
excessive sentence against a man who deliberately represented that he was a man
of means, and had not even an account at the bank. But the learned Recorder, we
have no doubt, took the view we have taken all along in cases of the kind, and
if tradesmen cannot bear in mind what the Bench and the Press have hitherto
taught them, perhaps they will learn by experience. It is said that experience
is the best schoolmaster.
Folkestone
Chronicle 17-10-1896
Quarter Sessions
Monday, October 11th: Before J.C. Lewis
Coward Esq.
The Grand Jury having found a true bill on two
indictments, Edmund Charles Cranston, 25, imperfectly educated, described as a
trimmer, was first indicted for unlawfully obtaining by false pretences, from
Gerald Spencer Hertslet, a cheque, value 10s., three postal orders, £1 each,
and £4 10s. in cash, on Aug. 21st. He pleaded Guilty.
Mr. Matthew, who appeared to prosecute, briefly went
over the facts of the case, which we fully reported at the time.
Prisoner was then indicted for obtaining the sum of £5
from Henry Phillips Jordan on the same day. Mr. Bowles prosecuted. Prisoner
pleaded Guilty to this charge also.
Superintendent Taylor said the prisoner was connected
with very respectable people in St. Neots, where his mother formerly kept an
hotel. He was first apprenticed to an ironmonger, but was lazy, and would not
work. His mother then sent him to America for two years in the hope he would
alter. On his return he was employed as an engineer`s trimmer. At his mother`s
death he received £400. He was in Folkestone twelve months ago, and that was
how he was known. None of his relatives were present, as they would have
nothing to do with him. He had tired their patience out. He was in very bad
health.
Folkestone Express
17-10-1896
Quarter Sessions
Monday, October 12th: Before John Charles Lewis
Coward Esq.
Edmund Charles Cranston, 25, was indicted for obtaining by
false pretences from Gerald Spencer Hertslet a banker`s cheque, value 10s., and
three postal money orders for the payment of 20s. each, and the sum of £4 10s.
in money, the money and goods of the said Gerald Spencer Hertslet and another,
with intent to defraud, on 21st August, 1896, at Folkestone. He was
further indicted for obtaining by false pretences the sum of £5 in money from
Henry Phillips Jordan with intent to defraud, on the day, year and place last
before written. He pleaded Guilty.
It will be remembered that the prisoner induced the
prosecutors to cash cheques for him, and when they were presented it was
discovered that the account was closed, and had been for a long time.
Superintendent Taylor, in answer to the Recorder, said the
prisoner was connected with some very respectable people in St. Neots. His
mother formerly kept a large hotel there. Prisoner had been apprenticed to a
trade, but was lazy, and would not follow it, and his mother sent him to
America, but when he came back he was just the same as ever. He was then
employed as a coach trimmer. At the death of his mother about £400 came to him,
with which he opened an account at the Bank. He appeared to have lived on that
money ever since. He was down at Folkestone twelve months ago, and that was how
he came to know the Alexandra and Mr. Jordan`s house.
The Recorder: Is he quite right in his mind?
Superintendent Taylor: I think so. He is in very bad health,
I must say.
The Recorder: Any relatives here?
Superintendent Taylor: No, sir. They will not have anything
to do with him. They are people in good positions, but he has tired their
patience out.
The Recorder, in addressing the prisoner, said he had
pleaded Guilty to an offence which the law regarded as a serious one for a man
25 years of age. If he did not pull himself up short, he would find himself in
a very awkward place at some time or other in his life. He appeared to have had
a good chance, which he had thrown away. His Bank book showed that less than two
years ago he had over £400, and on the 25th of May last his account
was balanced, and he drew out £2 4s. 9d. – the very last farthing, and he knew
perfectly well there was not a farthing left. Yet he defrauded those tradesmen
by drawing cheques while he had not a penny piece to meet them. The sentence of
the Court was that he be imprisoned for three months with hard labour – the
sentences not to run concurrently – that would be six months hard labour.
The Court then rose, the proceedings having lasted just an
hour.
Folkestone Herald
17-10-1896
Quarter Sessions
Monday, October 11th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward
Esq.
Edmund Charles Cranston, aged 25, of imperfect education,
described as a trimmer, was indicted for unlawfully obtaining by false
pretences, from Gerald Spencer Hertslet, a bankers` cheque, value 10s., and
three postal money orders for the payment of 20s. each, and the sum of £4 10s.
in money, the monies and goods of the said Gerald Spencer Hertslet and another,
with intent to defraud, on 21st August, at Folkestone, and also for
unlawfully obtaining by false pretences the sum of £5 from Henry Phillips
Jordan, with intent to defraud, on the same day at Folkestone.
Mr. Matthew prosecuted in the first case, and Mr. Bowles on
the other. The prisoner pleaded Guilty to both charges.
Mr. Matthew said the prisoner stayed at the Alexandra Hotel,
kept by Mr. Hertslet and his brother,, and Mr. Hertslet cashed a cheque on a
bank at Huntingdon for £8, and it was afterwards found that the prisoner`s
account at the bank was closed.
Mr. Bowles said in the second case, Mr. Jordan, proprietor
of the South Foreland, cashed the cheque, the prisoner having been a customer
of his. Mr. Jordan first asked whether prisoner had an account at the bank, and
prisoner said it was all right.
Mr. John Taylor, Superintendent of the Borough Police, said
that the prisoner was connected with some very respectable people at St. Neots.
His mother kept a large hotel, and the prisoner was apprenticed to an
ironmonger, but he was lazy and did not get on, so he was sent to America, but
when he came back he was the same, and turned his mind to coach trimming. On
the death of his mother £400 came to him, and he then opened an account at the
bank. He appeared to be living on it ever since,, and he was at Folkestone 12
months before. He seemed to be in his right mind, but was in bad health. His
relations would have nothing more to do with him.
The Recorder said the prisoner had pleaded Guilty to a very
serious offence. He appeared to have a good chance of pulling up, which he had
thrown away. On My 25th last there was only a balance at the bank of
4s. 9d. to the prisoner`s credit, and notice was given to him, so he knew
perfectly well when he drew the cheques that he was defrauding these tradesmen.
He would be imprisoned on each of the two indictments to three months with hard
labour, the sentences not to run concurrently.
Folkestone Up To Date
17-10-1896
Quarter Sessions
Monday: Before John Charles Lewis Coward Esq.
Edmund Charles Cranston, 25, was indicted for obtaining by
false pretences from Gerald Spencer Hertslet a bankers` cheque, value 10s., and
three postal orders for the payment of 20s. each, and the sum of £4 10s. in
money, the money and goods of the said Gerald Spencer Herslet and another, with
intent to defraud, on 21st August, 1896, at Folkestone. He was
further indicted for obtaining by false pretences the sum of £5 in money from
Henry Phillips Jordan with intent to defraud “on the day, year and place last
before written”. He pleaded Guilty.
It will be remembered that the prisoner induced the
prosecutors to cash cheques for him, and when they were presented it was
discovered that the account was closed and had been for a long time.
Superintendent Taylor, in answer to the Recorder, said the
prisoner was connected with some very respectable people at St. Neots. His
mother formerly kept a large hotel there. Prisoner had been apprenticed to a
trade, but was lazy and would not follow it, and his mother sent him to
America, but when he came back he was just the same as ever. He was then
employed as a coal trimmer (sic). At the death of his mother about £400 came to
him, with which he opened an account at the bank. He appeared to have lived on
that money ever since. He was down at Folkestone twelve months ago, and that
was how he came to know the Alexandra and Mr. Jordan`s house.
The Recorder: Is he quite right in his mind?
Superintendent Taylor: I think so. He is in very bad health,
I must say.
The Recorder: Any relatives here?
Superintendent Taylor: No, sir. They will; not have anything
to do with him. They are people in good positions, but he has tired their
patience out.
The Recorder, in addressing the prisoner, said he had
pleaded guilty to an offence which the law regarded as a serious one, and it
was a serious one for a man 25 years of age, If he did not pull himself up
short, he would find himself in a very awkward place at some time or other in
his life. He appeared to have had a good chance, which he had thrown away. His
bank book showed that less than two years ago he had over £400, and on the 25th
of May last his account was balanced, and he drew out £2 4s. 9d. – the very
last farthing – and he knew perfectly well there was not a farthing left. Yet he
defrauded those tradesmen by drawing cheques while he had not a penny piece to
meet them. The sentence of the Court was that he be imprisoned for three months
with hard labour – the sentences not to run concurrently – that would be six
months` hard labour.
Sandgate
Weekly News 17-10-1896
Quarter Sessions
Monday: Before J.C, Lewis Coward Esq.
Edward Charles Cranston, described as a trimmer, was
indicted for unlawfully obtaining by false pretences from Gerald Spencer
Hertslet, a cheque, value 10s., three postal orders, £1 each, and £4 10s. in
cash, on August 21st, and for obtaining the sum of £5 from Henry
Phillips Jordan by false pretences on the same day. Prisoner pleaded Guilty,
and was sentenced to three months` hard labour on each charge, the terms not to
run concurrently.
Southeastern Gazette
20-10-1896
Quarter Sessions
The Borough
Quarter Sessions were held at the Town Hail on the 12th inst. before the
Recorder (Mr. J. C. Lewis Coward).
Edmund Charles
Cranston was indicted for obtaining, by false pretences, from Gerald Spencer
Hertsed the sum of £6, and from Henry Philip Jordan £5 with intent to defraud.
Prisoner, who
pleaded guilty, was sentenced to three months’ hard labour for each offence,
the sentences not to run concurrently.
Folkestone
Chronicle 26-12-1896
Saturday, December 19th: Before Mr. W.G.
Herbert and General Gwyn.
The licence of the Alexandra Hotel was temporarily
transferred to Mr. Crackwell (sic) from Mr. Hertslet.
Note: This date is at variance with More
Bastions.
Folkestone Chronicle
23-1-1897
Local News
Folkestone Express
25-2-1899
Saturday, February 18th: Before The Mayor, J.
Holden, T.J. Vaughan, G. Spurgen, and J. Hoad Esqs.
Mr. Arthur Thorp applied for temporary authority at the
Alexandra Hotel, which was granted.
Folkestone Express
11-3-1899
Wednesday, March 8th: Before J. Fitness and C.J.
Pursey Esqs.
The licence of the Alexandra Hotel was transferred to Mr.
Arthur Thorp from Mr. Trapnell.
On
Monday, transfer was granted to Mr. Thorpe (Alexandra),
Folkestone Herald
11-3-1899
Folkestone Police Court
Folkestone Up To Date
11-3-1899
The following licence was transferred:
Alexandra Hotel, to Mr. Thorp from Mr. Trapnell.
No comments:
Post a Comment