Folkestone Daily News
8-1-1901
Hall Of Justice
At the Folkestone Police Court on Monday, Edward Lordon, a
private in the Dublin Fusiliers, was charged before Messrs. Banks, Wightwick,
Hamilton, Herbert, Swoffer and Fitness, with stealing a quantity of clothing, a
knife and fork, and other articles, of the value of £2, from the screw
steamship “Christopher”, of Whitstable, which was lying in Folkestone Harbour.
The Chief Constable said that another man was concerned in
the robbery, but the police had not yet succeeded in arresting him.
James Matthews, an ordinary seaman on the “Christopher”,
said that he left his box in the forecastle of the vessel on Friday when he
went ashore. He found on returning at noon on Saturday that the box had been
broken open and an overcoat, three shirts, three pairs of socks, a gold ring, a
knife and fork, seven spoons, a silk muffler, a serge overcoat, and other
articles had been abstracted. He went to the police station, and on the way saw
prisoner in High Street with a small box wrapped in his (witness`s) silk
handkerchief. The box looked like one that was missing, and which contained six
of the spoons. He knew prisoner, having kept company with him at nights during
the three weeks in which the ship had been in the harbour. When passing
prisoner he asked him where the police station was, and prisoner explained,
walking part of the way up with him. Witness did not mention about prisoner
having his handkerchief and box, but went on to the station. Shortly after,
witness was in the Cinque Port Arms with Police Constable Kettle, when prisoner
came in. He had neither the box nor the handkerchief with him then. Kettle
arrested him.
John Carrington, mate of the “Christopher”, saw prisoner on
board the vessel with one of the seamen at ten o`clock on Saturday morning. The
seaman in question had been discharged. About a quarter to twelve witness saw
prisoner and another man on the road leading from the ship. The seaman had a
bag under his arm.
Edward Ashford, the landlord of the Channel Inn, said
prisoner was in the bar on Saturday at noon with some spoons, and heard him say
they were a present for his mother.
P.C. Lennard Johnson was in the churchyard at about half
past twelve on the morning in question, when he saw the prisoner carrying a
parcel wrapped in a striped muffler.
The Chief Constable applied for and obtained a remand until
Saturday, in order that further enquiries might be made, and also for the
purpose of arresting, if possible, the missing seaman.
Folkestone Chronicle
12-1-1901
Monday, January 7th: Before Alderman Banks,
Lieut. Col. Hamilton, and Messrs. Pursey, Herbert, Swoffer, and Wightwick.
Edward Lordon, a smart-looking young Irishman, a private in
the Dublin Fusiliers, was charged with being concerned with another man, not in
custody, with stealing a quantity of clothing, valued at £2, from the steamer
Christopher.
James Matthews, an ordinary seaman, said: Up to Friday I was
a member of the crew of the S.S. Christopher, of Whitstable. On that day I was
discharged with the rest of the crew. I left a box (locked), containing my
clothes, in the forecastle of the ship. On the following day (Saturday), about
noon, I went to the ship and noticed that the box was broken open. On
examination I missed the following articles of clothing: three pairs of socks,
two blankets, one pair of stockings, one gold ring, set of brushes, knife,
fork, and spoon, six spoons in case, one silk muffler, blue serge coat, and
three shirts, total value £2. On the way to the police station I met the
prisoner in High Street, carrying a silk wrap, which I recognised as the one
taken from my box, while a case, similar to the one I had missed, was sticking
out from the corner of the handkerchief. I had known the prisoner for three
weeks, and been about with him at nights. I asked him where the police station
was and he directed me. I went in, and prisoner walked past. On the way to the
station I told him I had had my box broken open, but I did not say anything
about the handkerchief and box he was carrying, being afraid he might strike
me. Shortly afterwards I was in the bar of the Cinque Ports Arms in company
with P.C. Kettle. The prisoner came in and Kettle took him into custody. I have
not seen any of the property since. He had not the handkerchief with him when
he came into the bar.
By the prisoner: On Friday night I was in the bar of the
Cinque Ports Arms with three other sailors, yourself, and a man of the 7th
Dragoon Guards. I had on one gold and one silver ring.
John Charrington, mate of the Christopher, proved seeing the
prisoner on the boat on Saturday morning, two or three times, with a seaman.
Witness saw them go away together, the seaman carrying a bag.
Edward Ashford, landlord of the Channel Inn, deposed to the
prisoner coming to the bar on Saturday morning. He laid one or two spoons on
the table, and said they were a present from his mother.
P.C. Johnstone proved seeing the prisoner in the churchyard
on Saturday at 12.30, carrying a brown and white striped wrap with something in
it.
At this stage the Chief Constable asked the Bench to grant a
remand until Saturday to enable further enquiries to be made in respect to the
missing seaman.
An officer in the prisoner`s regiment was understood to say
that he would not be responsible for the prisoner`s appearance if bail were
granted. He was accordingly remanded in custody.
Folkestone Express
12-1-1901
Monday, January 7th: Before Alderman J. Banks,
Lieut. Col. Hamilton, and G.I. Swoffer, W.G. Herbert, W. Wightwick, and C.J.
Pursey Esqs.
Pte. Edward Lorden, 4th Batt. Dublin Fusiliers,
was charged with being concerned with stealing a quantity of clothing valued at
£2, with a seaman, not yet arrested.
James Matthews, an ordinary seaman, said on Friday the 4th
inst., he was one of the crew of the S.S. Christopher, of Whitstable, and took
his discharge with the rest of the crew. He left his box, containing clothing,
in the forecastle of the ship. It was locked. About 12 o`clock noon on Saturday
he went to the ship in Folkestone Harbour and noticed the box had been broken
open, and on further searching he missed articles of clothing, which were two
blankets, 3 pairs socks, pair stockings, one gold ring, seven brushes, knife,
fork, and spoon, and other things in a small case, one silk muffler, blue serge
coat, three shirts. He valued them altogether at 40s. He saw the prisoner in High
Street, who was carrying a silk wrap, which witness recognised as his property.
He also identified a small box inside the silk muffler, which prisoner carried.
Witness had known prisoner for about three weeks, and kept company with him at
night. When witness saw him in High Street, he asked him where the police
station was, and prisoner walked up with him towards the station. On the way
witness told him he had had his box broken open, but said nothing as to the
property he was carrying. At the top of the street, witness left prisoner and
went to the police station. About half an hour afterwards witness accompanied a
police constable and they went to the Cinque Ports Arms. While they were in the
bar the prisoner came in, but did not have the handkerchief or the box. P.C.
Kettle then arrested the prisoner.
In reply to prisoner, witness said on Friday night he went
to the barracks with a dragoon. He was only wearing one gold ring and one
silver ring on his hand in the Cinque Ports Arms.
Charles Charington, mate on the Christopher, now lying in
the harbour, said he saw the prisoner on board the ship about ten o`clock in
the morning with one of the seamen who had been discharged the previous day. He
remained on board till 11.45 p.m. Witness did not see him below, but always on
deck. He might have gone without witness seeing him. Witness went at that time
to have a drink, and on his return he met the seaman, who had a kit bag under
his arm, in company with the prisoner.
Fredk. Ashford, landlord of the Channel Inn, High Street,
said about noon on Saturday the prisoner, who was in uniform, went in for some
refreshment. He sat down at one of the tables and brought out two spoons, and
remarked they were a present for his mother.
P.C. Leonard Johnson said about 12.30 p.m. he was in the
churchyard of the Parish Church, where he saw the prisoner, who was carrying a
brown and white striped wrapper, and a small parcel similar to the one
described.
Supt. Reeve asked for a remand until next Saturday so that
he might make further enquiries and arrest the other man.
The prisoner raised no objection, and he was remanded
accordingly.
Folkestone Herald
12-1-1901
Monday, January 7th: Before Alderman Banks,
Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, and Messrs. Swoffer, Wightwick, Herbert, and Pursey.
Edward Lordon, a private in the Dublin Fusiliers, was
charged with being concerned with another man, who as yet had not been
arrested, in stealing a quantity of clothing to the value of £2 from the screw
steamer Christopher.
James Matthews, ordinary seaman, said up to Friday last he
was a member of the crew of the steamship Christopher, of Whitstable, and on
that day was discharged with the rest of the crew. He left a bag containing his
clothes in the forecastle of the ship. The box was locked. On the following
morning, Saturday, about 12 noon, he went to the ship. He went into the
forecastle and noticed that his box was broken open, and on examination he
missed the following articles of clothing: two blankets, three pairs socks, one
pair stockings, one gold ring, seven brushes, knife, fork, and spoon, half a
dozen spoons in case, one silk muffler, blue serge coat, and three shirts, to
the total value of £2. He left the ship to go to the police station, and on the
way met prisoner in High Street. Prisoner was carrying a silk wrap, which
witness recognised as the one from his box. There was a case similar to the one
he had missed, sticking out from the corner of the handkerchief. Witness had
known prisoner for three weeks, and had gone about with him at nights. When he
saw prisoner on the Saturday morning he asked him where the police station was.
Prisoner directed him, and witness went into the station, prisoner walking
straight past. On the way he told prisoner he had had his box broken open, but
did not say anything about the handkerchief and box which he was carrying, as
he was afraid he might get struck.
The Chairman: A still tongue makes a wise head sometimes.
Witness, continuing, said shortly afterwards he was in the
bar of the Cinque Ports Arms with police constable Kettle. Whilst there
prisoner came in, and the policeman arrested him. Witness had not seen any of
the property since. When prisoner came into the bar he had not the handkerchief
with him.
By prisoner: On Friday night he was in the bar of the Cinque
Ports Arms with three sailors, prisoner, and a man of the 7th
Dragoon Guards. He had on one gold and one silver ring.
John Charrington, mate of the Christopher, deposed that
about 10 o`clock on Saturday morning he saw prisoner on board the ship with one
of the seamen, whose name he did not know. He remained on board, to his
knowledge, until about 11.45. Witness did not see him leave. He did not see
prisoner down below, but he could have gone down without witness seeing him. At
about 11.45 witness had been to get a drink, and on returning met prisoner and
a seaman coming from the direction of the ship. The seaman had a kit bag under
his arm.
Edward Ashford, landlord of the Channel Inn, High Street,
said about noon on Saturday prisoner came into his bar for some refreshment.
Prisoner sat down alongside the table, and witness saw him with one or two spoons
on the table. He heard prisoner say they were a present for his mother.
P.C. Johnson said he was on duty in the churchyard about
12.30 on Saturday last, when he saw prisoner carrying a brown and white striped
wrap in his right hand. There was some small article wrapped in it.
At this stage the Chief Constable asked for a remand until
Saturday so as to make further enquiries, and, if possible, another arrest.
This was granted.
Folkestone Chronicle
19-1-1901
Saturday, January 12th: Before Mr. J. Banks, Mr.
Wightwick, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, and Messrs. G.I. Swoffer, and J. Herbert.
Edward Lorden, a private in the Dublin Fusiliers, and Aaron
Hall, a seaman, came up on remand charged with being concerned in staeling a
quantity of clothing, valued at £2, the property of James Matthews, lately an
ordinary seaman on S.S. Christopher.
Lorden was remanded on Monday last to enable the police to
make further enquiries. This they did to very good purpose, for on Friday the
second prisoner, Hall, made his appearance in the dock, and was remanded to
come up on the following day with Lorden.
James Matthews repeated his evidence as given on Monday,
stating that he was a seaman of the S.S. Christopher, of Whitstable. On Friday
the 4th, with the rest of the crew, he was discharged. He left a
box, which was locked, containing his clothes, in the forecastle of the ship.
On the following day, about noon, he went to the ship, and noticed that the box
was broken open. He missed various articles, which included three pairs of
socks, two blankets, one pair of stockings, one gold ring, a set of brushes,
knife, fork, and spoon, six spoons in case, one silk muffler, blue serge coat,
three shirts, etc., valued at £2. On the way to the police station he met the
prisoner Lorden carrying a silk wrap, which he recognised as the one taken from
his box, whilst a case similar to the one he had missed was sticking out of the
handkerchief. He had known the prisoner about three weeks, and had been about
with him at night. Shortly after, with police constable Kettle, he
(prosecutor), went in the bar of the Cinque Ports, and the prisoner Lorden came
in, and Kettle took him into custody. The property now produced he identified
as that which was stolen from the box on the S.S. Christopher.
P.C. Albert Kettle stated that, in company with Matthews, he
visited the Cinque Ports public house, and when Lorden came in prosecutor said
“I have seen you with my silk muffler”. He (the constable) asked prisoner what
he had done with it. He replied “I never had any”. He was taken into custody
and warned at the station. Prisoner replied “You can charge me if you like”. At
11.30 on the 10th inst. he (Kettle) received the prisoner Aaron Hall
into custody from the police at Hayward`s Heath. In the prisoner`s presence the
property produced was handed to him by P.C. Gilbert of that division.
Gilbert said that when he arrested the prisoner on the
previous day the property produced was in his possession. He was cautioned, and
then charged with being concerned with Lorden in stealing the goods, the
subject of the charge.
Lorden pleaded Not Guilty, and Hall Guilty.
Lorden, in defence, said he had been eight years in the
British Army. He had not stolen anything during that time, and was not going to
begin now.
An officer in Lorden`s regiment said that he could not
produce the defaulters` sheet as the regimental papers had been lost in Natal.
He was afraid, though, that he could not give him a good character. Since he
had been home he had been most of his time in hospital, and at the time of his
arrest he should have ben in Ireland, as a furlough had been granted to enable
him to go there.
The Chief Constable mentioned that he had received a
certificate from the Medical Officer of the prison, who stated that Lorden was
suffering from a bullet wound received at Spion Kop, and that he was more fit
to be in hospital than in prison.
The Bench ordered each of the prisoners to undergo six
weeks` hard labour.
Folkestone Express
19-1-1901
Saturday, January 12th: Before W. Wightwick Esq.,
and others.
Pte. Edward Lorden, of the Dublin Fusiliers, and Aaron Hall,
a seaman, were both charged with being concerned in stealing a quantity of
wearing apparel, a gold ring, a silk muffler, and six spoons in a case, all the
property of James Matthews, a seaman on the Christopher.
Supt. Reeve said the soldier was remanded on Monday to allow
time to arrest the other prisoner, who was brought up on Friday, and on
Saturday morning they were both charged with the theft.
The prosecutor repeated his evidence, which was to the
effect that he was discharged on Friday the 4th inst., with some of
the other crew. He left his box quite safe in the forecastle of the
Christopher, which was then lying in Folkestone Harbour. The man Aaron Hall was
one of the crew. His box contained jewels, and was properly locked. He went
next morning and found the box had been broken open and a quantity of clothing
and jewellery was missing. Since the last trial he had missed, as well as the
articles mentioned last week, eight pencil cases and a photograph frame, one
box, two pairs trousers, three neckties, and he valued the whole of his goods
at 38s. He walked up High Street to give information to the police, when he met
the soldier prisoner, who had under his arm a silk muffler wrapped around a
case containing six spoons, which he identified as his property. He did not
mention anything about his property, and left the prisoner as soon as he was
near the police station. Soon after on the same day he accompanied P.C. Kettle
to the Cinque Ports Arms, where the prisoner was subsequently arrested. In
answer to prisoner Hall, witness said he had a silver watch belonging to the
prisoner in his box.
Supt. Reeve said none of the property had been recovered
from the prisoner Lorden.
Fredk. Ashford, landlord of the Channel Inn, High Street,
said the prisoner came in for a drink, and sat down at the table. The prisoner
then brought out a case containing six spoons, and said to witness “This is a
present for my mother”.
P.C. Leonard Johnson said on Saturday he was in the Parish
Churchyard, when he saw the prisoner with a brown and white striped muffler
under his arm. He also noticed a case with some spoons. He did not stop the
prisoner.
P.C. Albert Kettle said from information received on the 5th
inst., about 12.40 p.m., he accompanied the prosecutor to the Christopher, and
in the forecastle he saw a box broken open, and in consequence of his enquiries
he went with the prosecutor to the Cinque Ports Arms, where he arrested the
soldier prisoner and charged him. About 11.30 p.m. on the 10th inst.
he received prisoner in custody at Hayward`s Heath, Sussex. In the presence of
the prisoner, P.C. Gilbert told witness that the prisoner had in his possession
two brushes, two Oxford shirts, two pairs of socks, one pair of stockings, one
silk muffler, two blankets, and other articles, not subject to the charge. P.C.
Gilbert continued that he arrested the prisoner on the 9th inst.,
and he asked the prisoner where he obtained the property, and prisoner replied
he bought them off a soldier for six shillings. He waited whilst the soldier
fetched them off the ship. He knew they belonged to a man named “Scotty”.
Prisoner Hall pleaded Guilty, and the prisoner Lorden
replied Not Guilty.
Supt. Reeve said with reference to the health of Lorden, he
had received from the surgeon of Canterbury prison a certificate that the
prisoner had a wound in the left thigh caused by a bullet received at Spion
Kop, and was not fit for prison.
An officer present said his defaulters` sheet and documents
were out in South Africa, so he was unable to give his character. During his stay
at Shorncli9ffe the prisoner Lorden had spent his time in hospital and
furlough. He ought to have been in Ireland, as he had been granted a furlough
to that destination.
The Bench sentenced each prisoner to six weeks` hard labour.
Folkestone Herald
19-1-1901
Saturday, January 12th: Before Alderman Banks,
Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, and Messrs. Wightwick, Herbert, and Swoffer.
Edward Lordon, a private in the Dublin Fusiliers, and Aaron
Hall, lately a seaman on board the ship Christopher, were brought up on remand
charged with being concerned together in stealing certain articles of clothing
to the value of £2 from the ship mentioned.
The evidence given by James Matthews (prosecutor), James E.
Ashford, and constables Leonard Johnson and Kettle, which was fully reported in
our last issue, was repeated. Both prisoners elected to be tried by the
Magistrates. All pleaded Guilty, and Lordon Not Guilty.
Lordon said he had been eight years in the British Army and
never stole anything yet, and he was not going to begin stealing now.
An officer in the Dublin Fusiliers appeared, and said he was
sorry he could not give Lordon a character because the papers were lost in
Natal.
The Chief Constable (Mr. H. Reeve) stated that he had a
certificate from the medical officer at the prison, which showed that Lordon
had a wound in his left thigh, said to be a bullet wound received at Spion Kop,
and was more fit to be in hospital than prison.
Each of the prisoners was sent to gaol for six weeks` hard
labour.
Folkestone Chronicle
30-5-1903
Saturday, May 23rd: Before Lieut. Colonel
Penfold, Aldermen Spurgen and Vaughan, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, Mr. E.T. Ward,
Mr. G. Peden, Mr. J. Pledge, Liuet. Colonel Westropp, and Mr. J. Stainer.
Rose Thompson pleaded Guilty to being upon licensed premises
in a drunken condition while in charge of a child under the age of 7.
P.C. Minter said that about 3 p.m. on Tuesday, when passing
the Channel Inn, High Street, he heard the landlady (Mrs. Ashford) trying to
peruade a woman to leave the house. The woman, who turned out to be the
defendant, refused to go, and witness had eventually to eject her. The landlady
told him that she had refused to serve the woman, who was accompanied by a
child about two years of age.
Defendant said that as a rule she did not take the child out
with her, but on the afternoon in question someone brought the child up to her.
The Chief Constable mentioned that the defendant had been
convicted five times previously – once for assault, and four times for
drunkenness.
Fined 5s. and 9s. costs, or seven days`, and allowed three
days to find the money in.
Folkestone Express
30-5-1903
Saturday, May 23rd: Before Aldermen Penfold,
Spurgen and Vaughan, Lieut. Cols. Westropp and Fynmore, G. Peden, E.T. Ward, J.
Pledge and J. Stainer Esqs.
Rose Thompson was summoned for being drunk while in charge
of a child under seven years.
P.C. Minter stated that about two o`clock on Tuesday
afternoon he was passing the Channel Inn, when he heard the landlady tell defendant
to leave the premises as she would not serve her. Defendant refused to quit,
and witness had to eject her. At the time she had a child two years of age in
her arms.
Defendant, who had five previous convictions against her,
was fined 5s. and 9s. costs; in default seven days` hard labour.
Folkestone Chronicle
13-2-1904
Licensing Sessions
Wednesday, February 10th: Before Mr. W.
Wightwick, Alderman Herbert, Lieut. Cols. Fynmore, Westropp, and Hamilton,
Messrs. C.J. Pursey and E.T. Ward.
The Chief Constable (Mr. H. Reeve) read his annual report,
which contained interesting figures with regard to drunkenness, etc. No person
in Folkestone had yet been convicted a sufficient number of times to be placed
on the “black list”. The Chief Constable objected to the renewal of the licence
of the Swan Inn, Dover Road, and asked that the consideration of this licence
might be deferred until the adjourned sessions.
The Chairman then read the Justices` Report, which stated
that the number of licensed houses in Folkestone, and especially around the
harbour, was out of all proportion to the population. The number of licences
had not been reduced, owing to the fact that a Bill amending the Licensing Laws
was shortly to be introduced in Parliament. Certain public houses – the
Imperial Brewery Tap, the Hope, the East Cliff Tavern, the Victoria, the
Lifeboat Inn, the Duke Of Edinburgh, and the Channel Inn had been inspected by
the Justices, and recommendations with regard to their sanitary improvement and
closing of back entries were made.
Mr. John Minter said that water had been laid on at the
Channel Inn since the report on the bad state of the sanitary arrangements. Mr.
Minter also suggested with regard to the Imperial Brewery Tap that a public bar
should be made with an entrance from Mill Bay.
The Bench decided, however, that the orders made in the
report should be adhered to.
Licences were then granted to the lessees of public houses
and licensed premises.
Mr. Minter applied for full licences for Mr. W.T. Tame and
Mr. Gregory, but no new facts were forthcoming and the B
Folkestone Express
13-2-1904
Annual Licensing Meeting
Wednesday, February 10th: Before W. Wightwick
Esq., Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Lieut.
Col. Fynmore, Lieut. Colonel Westropp, and W.G. Herbert, E.T. Ward, and
C.J. Pursey Esqs.
The following was the report of Supt. Reeve: Chief
Constable`s Office, Folkestone, 10th February, 1904. To the Chairman
and Members of the Licensing Committee of the Borough of Folkestone. Gentlemen,
I have the honour to report for your information that there are at present
within your jurisdiction 139 premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating
liquors, namely: Full licences 87; Beer on 11; Beer off 6; Beer and Spirits
(dealers) 16; Grocers 12; Confectioners 3; Chemists 4; Total 139 – an average
of one licence to every 220 persons, or one “on” licence to every 313. This is
a decrease of one full licence as compared with last year`s return, the licence
of the Marquis Of Lorne having been refused at the adjourned meeting in March.
Twenty of the licences have been transferred during the year, namely, 14 full
licences, two beer on, two beer off, and two grocers. One beer off licence was
transferred twice during the year. One licence holder has been convicted since
the last annual meeting of committing drunkenness on his licensed premises. He
has since transferred his licence and left the house. The alterations which the
Justices at the adjourned meeting last year directed to be made to the Packet Boat,
Castle, Tramway, Bricklayers` Arms, Granville, and Star Inns have all been
carried out in a satisfactory manner, and none of the licensed houses are now
used as common lodging houses. Ten occasional licences, and extensions of hours
on 21 occasions, have been granted to licence holders during the year. There
are 14 places licensed for music and dancing, and two for public billiard
playing. Eleven clubs where intoxicating liquors are sold are registered in
accordance with the Licensing Act of 1902. For the year ending 31st
December last year, 154 persons (131 males and 23 females) were proceeded
against for drunkenness. 131 were convicted and 23 discharged. This is an
increase of 65 persons proceeded against, and 51 convicted, as compared with
1902. The increase is chiefly due to the additional powers given to the police
under the Licensing Act, 1902. Up to the present time no person within the
Borough has been convicted the necessary number of times within the 12 months
to be placed on the “black list” as provided by Section 6 of the Act of 1902.
With very few exceptions the whole of the licensed houses have been conducted
in a satisfactory manner. The only objection I have to make to the renewal of
any of the present licences is that of the Swan Inn, Dover Road, and I would
ask that the renewal of this licence be deferred until the adjourned meeting. I
have the honour to be, gentlemen, your obedient servant, H. Reeve (Chief
Constable).
The Chairman: I think, gentlemen, you will agree that the
report of the Superintendent is a satisfactory one – in fact, I may say very
satisfactory – for the whole year. With your permission I well read the report
we now make to you. At the adjournment of the last general licensing meeting we
stated that in our opinion the number of licences for the sale of intoxicating
liquor then existing in the borough of Folkestone, especially in the part of
the immediate neighbourhood of the Harbour, was out of all proportion to the
population, and that we proposed between then and the general annual licensing
meeting of this year to obtain information on various matters, to enable us to
determine what reduction would be made in the number of licences. We invited
the owners of licensed houses in the meantime to meet and agree among themselves
for the voluntary surrender at this general meeting of a substantial number of
licences in the borough, and to submit the result of their united action to the
Licensing Justices for acceptance. Failing any satisfactory proposal for
reduction by the owners, the Licensing Justices last year intimated that in the
exercise of their discretionary powers they would at this year`s meeting decide
in a fair and equitable spirit what reduction should be made. But at the
opening of Parliament last week it was announced in the King`s speech that the
Government intended to introduce in the House of Commons during the present
session a Bill to amend the Licensing Laws. In view of this legislation we are
of opinion we ought not, pending the passage of this Bill through Parliament,
exercise the discretionary powers vested in us, and take measures for effecting
a further reduction in the number of licences within the borough on the ground
that certain licensed premises are not required for the public accommodation.
We have recently inspected certain houses known as the Imperial Brewery Tap,
the Hope, East Cliff Tavern, Victoria, Lifeboat, Duke Of Edinburgh, Railway
Tavern, and Channel Inn.
With regard to the Railway Tavern, Dover Street (sic), and
the Channel Inn, High Street, we direct that the holders of the licences shall,
within seven days, prepare and deposit with the Clerk a plan of the licensed
premises.
Mr. Minter said with regard to the Channel Inn, he
understood that the Magistrates required a plan of the ground floor. He was
informed that the urinal in the passage was in an offensive state. Immediately
it was reported to the owners as to the objectionable nature of the urinal,
they gave orders that water should be laid on, and it was probably done. The
Magistrates did not require a plan of the whole house.
The Chairman said they required a plan of the ground floor leading
from High Street.
Mr. Minter asked if he might also mention, with regard to
the closing of the door of the Imperial Brewery Tap in Tontine Street, that he
agreed that the Justices could order the back entrance to be closed, but he
asked if they would allow the building to be extended right out to Mill Bay.
Mr. Ward said the objection was that there was insufficient
police supervision.
Mr. Minter said it was a public street at the rear, although
a narrow one. That was the normal condition of Folkestone streets. The house
would be carried back to Mill Bay.
Mr. Wightwick: You mean with another bar? We should not
grant that. We shall keep to the order.
Mr. Herbert also remarked that in the case of the Channel
Inn, the Bench required a plan of the ground floor and basement as well.
Folkestone Herald
13-2-1904
Tuesday, February 9th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick,
Alderman W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonels Hamilton, Fynmore, and Westropp, Messrs.
J. Ward and C.J. Pursey.
Annual Licensing Sessions
The Chief Constable first presented his annual report (for
which, see Folkestone Express 13-2-04).
The Chairman then addressed his colleagues (for which, see
Folkestone Express 13-2-04).
Mr. Minter, referring to the Channel Inn, asked if the
Justices required only a plan for the ground floor. Immediately after the visit
of the Justices to the house, the owners at once, hearing of the objection,
gave orders for the work to be done.
Folkestone Chronicle
12-3-1904
Adjourned Licensing Sessions
Wednesday, March 9th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick,
Lieut. Colonels Westropp and Hamilton, Messrs. E.T. Ward, W.G. Herbert, and
C.J. Pursey.
Mr. Minter applied on behalf of Mrs. Ashford for the renewal
of the licence of the Channel Inn. The Bench granted the licence with the
stipulation that certain alterations, for which an order was made, should be
carried out.
Folkestone Express
12-3-1904
Adjourned Licensing Sessions
Wednesday, March 9th: Before W. Wightwick Esq.,
Lieut. Cols. Fynmore and Westropp, W.G. Herbert, E.T. Ward, and C.J. Pursey
Esqs.
The Channel Inn
Mr. J. Minter explained that in this case the Bench ordered
a plan, and some alterations to be carried out in regard to the urinal. These
had been done and completed, and he believed the Magistrates had inspected the
plan, and were satisfied that everything had been properly carried out.
The Chairman: The Bench consider that a gateway at the back
sould be stopped.
Mr. Minter: Which is that?
The Chairman: At the top of the steps.
Mr. Minter pointed out that if the gateway were stopped it
would mean a great inconvenience to the tenant (Mrs. Ashford), in carrying
water and other things from the basement upstairs. He firther stated that the
gateway or doorway was not used for trade purposes of any kind.
The Chairman: Well, it might be.
Mr. Minter: I don`t think anyone would try to mount the
steps.
The Chairman: The Bench think that this doorway ought to be
stopped.
Mr. Minter: I do hope the Bench will overlook it, as it
would greatly inconvenience those living on the premises.
The Chairman: We have decided to make an order to close the
doorway.
Folkestone Herald
12-3-1904
Wednesday, March 9th: Before Messrs. W.
Wightwick, E.T. Ward, C.J. Pursey, W.G. Herbert, and Lieut. Colonels Fynmore
and Westropp.
Adjourned Licensing Sessions
The Channel Inn
The first case taken was that of the Channel Inn, of which
Mrs. Ashworth (sic) is the landlady.
Mr. Minter appeared for the tenant, and reminded the Bench
that they had required plans for alterations with regard to a convenience to be
submitted. This had been done, and the alterations had been carried out, and
been inspected by the Bench, who, the speaker believed, were satisfied with
them.
The Chairman said that the Bench considered that the gateway
at the back entrance should be stopped up.
Mr. A. Bromley, architect, pointed out that if the tenants
wanted to bring water up from the basement to the ground floor they would have
to bring it through the bar parlour if they could not use the back way. This
would be very inconvenient.
Mr. Minter: It is not used for trade purposes.
The Chairman: It might be. The Bench must make the order to
stop the gateway up. We will renew the licence, but this must be done.
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