Clarence Hotel 1910 - 1914

Folkestone Daily News 19-2-1910

Saturday, February 19^th: Before Messrs. Vaughan, Fynmore, and Linton.

Elizabeth Pepin and Annie Elizabeth Harwood were charged with sending a boy under the age of 14 to the Clarence Hotel for beer. Pepin pleaded Guilty and Harwood Not Guilty.

Sergeant Sales deposed to seeing a little boy, just before 11 p.m., go into the Clarence Tap, where he was handed a bottle and jug. Witness followed him to a fried fish shop in St. John`s Street, kept by Pepin. Mrs. Pepin said her boy, Reginald Pepin, was 13 years of age. He did not go into the bar, as Mrs. Harwood was to get the beer for him. Witness went to the Clarence bar and saw Mrs. Harwood, who said she handed the beer to the boy, who did not go inside for his mother.

Mrs. Harwood said she went to get her supper beer at ten minutes to eleven, and someone told her she was wanted outside. She went out and saw Mrs. Pepin`s little boy, and got the beer and sent him home. She often fetched Mrs. Pepin`s supper beer for her. She did not know the age limit.

The Bench, after consulting, dismissed the case against her.

Mrs. Pepin said she lived alone, her husband having gone abroad. She had to get her living by keeping a fried fish shop. The little boy helped her. She never had anything to drink in the day, and wanted half a pint of stout before the public house closed. She should never think of sending her boy to a public house, but had sent him over to ask a neighbour to get the beer for her.

She was fined 5s. and 9s. costs.

(We consider this an extremely hard case. The law strains at a gnat and swallows a camel.)

Folkestone Daily News 23-2-1910

Wednesday, February 23^rd: Before Messrs. Herbert, Swoffer, Linton, Hamilton, and Stainer.

Mr. G.W. Haines applied on behalf of the executors of the late landlord of the Clarence Hotel for permission to have the licence temporarily transferred to his widow. He understood from the Chief Constable that the house was hardly one that should be left to a lady to manage, but he (Mr. Haines) mentioned that she would be assisted by a manager, and eventually the licence would be transferred to a man.

The application was granted.

 

Folkestone Express 26-2-1910

Saturday, February 19^th: Before Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore and Mr. R.J. Linton.

Elizabeth Anne Pepin was summoned for sending her child, Reginald Pepin, under 14 years of age, to the Clarence Inn, for the purpose of fetching beer in an unsealed vessel, and Annie Elizabeth harwood was summoned for aiding and abetting the offence. Mrs. Pepin pleaded Guilty, and Mrs. Harwood Not Guilty.

P.C. Sales said shortly before eleven o`clock on the night of the 12<sup>th</sup> inst. he was in Belle Vue Street, in company with another constable, when he saw a boy, apparently under the age of fourteen years, open the door of the Clarence In Tap and look inside. At the same time he was handed a jug and bottle from inside the bar. The boy went away into St. John`s Road, and witness followed him. He saw him go into 13, St. John`s Road, which was a fried fish shop. Mrs. Pepin lived there. Witness followed him in, and he then saw the defendant, Mrs. Pepin. He asked her if that was her boy who had just gone in, and she replied “Yes”. He asked her how old he was, and she said “Thirteen”. Witness then told her that he had just fetched some beer from the Clarence Inn Tap. Defendant replied “Yes, but he didn`t go inside, did he? Mrs. Harwood was going to get it for him”. Witness said it was handed to him by someone inside the bar. He examined the contents of the jug and found it contained beer. The bottle was a quart bottle of ale, and was sealed. Witness took her name and address, and told her he should report her. The boy`s name was Reginald Pepin. He afterwards went to the Clarence Inn Tap, to the bar where the jug and bottle were handed to the boy. He then saw Mrs. Harwood, who was called outside. He said to her “You handed some beer to a lad named Pepin a few minutes ago from this bar?” She replied “Yes, for his mother”. Witness told her he was not fourteen years of age. Defendant said she thought he was fourteen, but he did not go inside. Witness took her name and address and told her he should submit a report. Defendant replied “You are surely not going to report it?” Mrs. Harwood did not keep the Clarence Inn Tap. She was a customer.

The Bench dismissed the summons against Mrs. Harwood, and fined Mrs. Pepin 5s. and 9s. costs, or seven days.

Wednesday, February 23^rd: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Major Leggett, amd Messrs. J. Stainer, G.I. Dwoffer, and R.J. Linton.

Mr. G.W. Haines applied for the transfer of the Clarence Inn from the executors of the late Mr. Jenkins to the widow. The house was, perhaps, one of which a woman should not have charge, and it might be a difficult one to manage. Mrs. Jenkins had practically been managing the house for some considerable time during her husband`s illness, and she had had experience all her life. The executors thought it was better that the licence should be transferred to her during the time she remained there, as she was on the spot and had a practical man managing with her and looking after the premises. Subsequently the licence would be transferred when Mrs. Jenkins had had time to look round. In the meantime he asked them to transfer the licence from the executors to the widow.

The Chief Constable said, as it was only a temporary transfer, he should offer no objection, but he certainly should if Mrs. Jenkins intended to remain there.

The Chairman said it was understood Mrs. Jenkins would seek another house.

Mr. Haines replied in the affirmative and under those circumstances the transfer was granted.

Folkestone Herald 26-2-1910

Saturday, February 19^th: Before Lieut. Colonel R.J. Fynmore, Alderman T.J. Vaughan, and Mr. R.J. Linton.

Elizabeth Pepin and Annie Elizabeth Harwood were summoned for a breach of the Licensing Act (Sale to Children).

The Chief Constable stated that Mrs. Pepin was summoned for sending her boy, under the age of 14 years, to the Clarence for the purpose of getting beer, and Mrs. Elizabeth Harwood was summoned for aiding and abetting the offence.

Sergt. Sales deposed that shortly before 11 o`clock on the night of the 12<sup>th</sup> inst., he was in Bellevue Street, in company with P.C. Stevens, when he saw a boy, apparently under the age of 14 years, open the door of the Clarence Inn Tap and look inside. The door in question was in St. John`s Street. At the same time he was handed a jug and a bottle from inside the door. The boy went away into St. John`s Street, and entered a fried fish shop. Witness followed him into the house, where he saw Mrs. Pepin, and said to her “Is that your boy?” She replied “Yes”. He then said “How old is he?” She replied “13”. He then said “He has just fetched some beer from the Clarence Inn”. She replied “Yes, but he didn`t go inside, did he? Mrs. Harwood was going to get it for him”. Witness then examined the contents of the jug, and found  that it contained beer. The bottle, which was sealed, contained ale. Mrs. Pepin said it was half a pint of stout in the jug. He took her name and address, and said she would be reported for sending the child for beer. She gave her boy`s name as Reginald. He afterwards went to the Clarence Inn Tap to the bar, where he had seen the jug and bottle handed from, and saw Mrs. Harwood. She was called outside, and he said to her “You handed some beer to a lad named Reginald Pepin a few minutes ago from the bar?” She replied “Yes, for his mother”. He then said “He is under 14 years of age”. She replied “I thought he was 14. He didn`t come inside”. He took her name and address, and said he would report her. She replied “You are surely not going to report it”. Defendant was at the Clarence Inn as a customer.

Mrs. Harwood said when she heard that the boy had not left school she nearly dropped. She went to get her own beer. Someone said “Mrs. Harwood, you are called”. She went to the door, and as the place was packed, being Saturday night, she thought that the boy could not get in. She thought the boy was 14 years of age.

Mrs. Pepin said she sent her boy to get her supper beer, as she could not send anyone else. He did not go on the premises at all.

The Chairman said the charge against Mrs. Harwood would be dismissed, but Mrs. Pepin would be fined 5s. and 9s. costs, or in default 7 days. She should not have sent the boy out at that time.

Mrs. Pepin: My husband is abroad, and he is the only one I could send.

Wednesday, February 23^rd: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Major E.T. Leggett, Messrs. G.I. Swoffer, J. Stainer, and R.J. Linton.

Mr. G.W. Haines applied for the transfer of the licence of the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, from the executors to Mrs. Jenkins, the widow of the late Mr. Jenkins. He remarked that the Chief Constable had suggested to him that the house was one, perhaps, that a woman should have charge of. It might be a difficult one to manage, but Mrs. Jenkins had practically been managing the house for some considerable time during her husband`s illness, and had had experience all her life. So he did not think there was anything to be anticipated during the time she might remain as tenant. It was thought that instead of the executors, who lived away, continuing to manage it would be better for the widow, who understood the business, who was on the spot, and who had a practical man managing, to manage. He might say that subsequently the licence would be transferred when she had time to look round.

The Chief Constable said that seeing it was only a temporary matter, he would not oppose the application, which was granted.

Folkestone Daily News 28-2-1910

Comment

On Saturday last two very respectable women were summoned for breaches of the Licensing Act. One, whose husband had to go away in search of work, was left with four children to maintain, aged respectively 3, 9, 11, and 13. He was not successful, and was only able to send a few shillings periodically. She, with great courage, opened a little fried fish shop in a poor neighbourhood, the eldest boy of 13 assisting her. Her earnings are small and hardly enough to keep body and soul together.

On Saturday the 12^th, at 12.45 p.m., she sent the boy to ask a neighbour to get half a pint of beer for her at a neighbouring public house. The police sergeant interviewed the boy, with the result that her neighbour was acquitted, and she was fined 14s., being told by the Bench that the boy of 13 ought to have been in bed, to which she replied that he had to assist in getting a living for the family of five. Fourteen shillings to this poor woman meant ruin, it being as difficult for her to get 14s. as it would be for some people to get £1,400. The Chief Constable very kindly allowed her seven days to find the money, which meant if it was not found she must go to Canterbury for seven days. After an anxious week the woman found herself penniless, and was trying to sell a bit of furniture to get the money. She was unable to do so. Only imagine what a Christian country we live in, and how our fanatical laws bear on the poor and increase poverty. But for a little timely help this woman would have been dragged to prison, leaving nothing for the children but the Workhouse. After doing the seven days she would probably have come out, found her business ruined, and had to seek the Workhouse herself. Then the Guardians would have tried to find her husband and convicted him of the pleasant fiction of non-maintenance of his family. Thus a whole family might have been ruined and kept at the expense of ratepayers. While governors and legislators are quibbling over petty things, this is the way in which poverty is increased and the nation being ruined. Fortunately a few gentlemen, on having the case explained to them, found the 14s., which was paid to the Chief Constable this afternoon, and the woman escaped ruin.

 

Folkestone Express 2-4-1910

Saturday, March 26^th: Before The Mayor, and Messrs. W.G. Herbert, J. Stainer, R.J. Linton, and G. Boyd.

John Seddon and Alfred Edward Paul, the latter belonging to the King`s Royal Rifles, were summoned for being idle and disorderly persons. Seddon pleaded Not Guilty.

P.C. Sales said at about 10.25 on the night of the 19^th inst. he was called to Belle Vue Street, where he saw the two defendants, who were fighting. Seddon had his coat and hat off, and there was a large crowd of people. With the assistance of the military police he caught hold of Paul. Seddon ran away, but was stopped by P.C. Butcher higher up the street. He obtained his name and address, and also Paul`s. Seddon complained that Paul went to his house and insulted or assaulted his wife.

Seddon said he was in the Clarence, when he was told that a soldier had been trying to get into his house. Paul came down the street, and when he got to the bottom he struck Seddon, who struck him back.

Paul explained that he made a mistake with respect to the girl, whom he thought he knew.

Defendants were each bound over in the sum of £5 to be of good behaviour for three months.

Folkestone Herald 16-4-1910

Thursday, April 14^th: Before Alderman G. Spurgen and Lieut. Col. Fynmore.

Elizabeth Marsh was charged with being drunk and disorderly.

P.K. Kennett said that at about 7.45 the previous evening he was in Tontine Street, where he saw the prisoner, who was drunk, and shouting and swearing at the top of her voice. He told her to stop. She then went into Dover Road and entered the Clarence Hotel, and continued to be disorderly. Witness was called in to eject prisoner. He did so, but in the street she continued to use the most filthy language and offered to fight two ladies. Witness then took her into custody.

Prisoner was fined 2s. 6d. and 4s. 6d. costs, or 7 days. She applied for time to pay, which was refused, and she was therefore committed to prison for seven days.

Folkestone Express 22-10-1910

Wednesday, October 19^th: Before Aldermen spurge and Vaughan, Lt. Col. Fynmore, and Alderman Jenner.

The licence of the Clarence Inn, Dover Road, was temporarily transferred from Mrs. Jenkins to Mr. James Schleselman.

The Chief Constable said he hoped the incoming tenant would do his best to conduct the house in a satisfactory manner. It was used by soldiers and hawkers, and required a great deal of care and attention.

Mr. Schleselman said he would do his best.

Folkestone Herald 22-10-1910

Wednesday, October 19^th: Before Aldermen G. Spurgen and T.J. Vaughan, and Lieut. Col. Fynmore.

The temporary transfer of the licence of the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, from Mrs. Jenkins, the widow of the late Mr. T.G. Jenkins to Mr. James Schlesselman was sanctioned.  

Folkestone Daily News 30-11-1910

Wednesday, November 30^th: Before Messrs. Herbert, Stainer, Leggett, Fynmore, and Linton.

The licence of the Clarence was transferred from the widow of the late tenant to the present tenant.

Folkestone Express 3-12-1910

Wednesday, November 30^th: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, Major Leggett, and J. Stainer and R.J. Linton Esqs.

The following licence was transferred: Clarence Inn, Dover Road, from Mrs. Jenkins to Mr. James Schlesschman.

Folkestone Herald 3-12-1910

Wednesday, November 30^th: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Major Leggett, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, and Messrs. R.J. Linton and J. Stainer.

The licence of the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, was transferred from Mrs. Jenkins to Mr. James Schleselman 

Folkestone Express 21-10-1911

Tuesday, October 17^th: Before Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, and R.G. Wood Esq.

Ernest Edward Williams was summoned for assaulting Robert Henry Charles Dobbs on Oct. 13^th.

The witnesses remained outside the court.

Robert Henry Charles Dobbs, a labourer, of 49, Canterbury Road, said on Friday, Oct. 13^th, just after eleven o`clock in the evening, he was going home through Queen Street in company with his wife and two friends, when defendant`s wife stopped his (witness`s) wife and knocked her down. He did not know what for. He went to stop them, and defendant came up and knocked him down. Defendant also bit him through the finger while on the ground.

Defendant: Who did? – You did.

Williams (excitedly): You are a liar.

The Clerk rebuked defendant, who replied that he had a right to question the witness and was going to have justice.

The Clerk (turning to the Magistrates) said if defendant did not behave himself, he would be remanded in custody.

Williams at length became quiet, and the case was resumed.

The complainant, continuing his evidence, said defendant, as he got up from the ground, kicked him on the head and made a wound. Witness got up and asked P.S. Prebble to take defendant into custody, but Williams ran away.

Defendant (cross-examining Dobbs): Where was I when my missus and your missus started rowing? – You were up the street.

What did I do? – You knocked me down.

Did I not pull my missus away from your missus? – I cannot say.

And with that did you not come for me? – No, I did not.

Didn`t you fight at all with me? – No.

John William Fidge, of 11, Peter Street, said he was in Queen Street on Friday night, in company with Dobbs and his wife. The first thing he saw was defendant`s wife with Dobbs`s wife. Dobbs went to separate them, and he saw defendant hit Dobbs and knock him down. After that Williams kicked him in the head and bit his finger. P.S. Prebble came along, and defendant and his wife ran away. Dobbs had no chance to strike, or defend himself.

Williams then called Albert Moore, a carpenter, of 28, Bournemouth Road, who said he left the Clarence Tap at eleven o`clock, in company with defendant and his wife. They went up Peter Street towards Queen Street. He was in conversation with defendant, and the latter`s wife was following on behind. They had got about half way up Queen Street when witness heard a disturbance by the Council School. He looked round and saw that Mrs. Williams was not with them. From what he said to defendant, he turned round and ran down the street. He followed him, and saw Mrs. Williams and Dobbs`s wife struggling. Williams caught hold of his wife and endeavoured to pull her away. Dobbs then struck at defendant and knocked his cap off. Williams stuck back, and both began to fight. Witness watched them until a policeman came up and stopped them. They were then on the ground rolling over another. Williams got up and ran away. He should say Dobbs got the worst of the fight by his appearance.

The Chairman, addressing defendant, said the Bench had very seriously considered that matter, and they had come to the conclusion that the evidence was so conflicting that they could not convict, and the case was dismissed.

Dobbs was ordered to pay 3s. costs.

Folkestone Herald 21-10-1911

Tuesday, October 17^th: Before Alderman T.J. Vaughan, Lieut. R.J. Fynmore, and Councillor R.G. Wood.

Ernest Edward Williams was summoned for assaulting Robert Henry Dobbs. Defendant pleaded Not Guilty.

Complainant, a labourer, of 49, Canterbury Road, stated that on Friday, 3^rd inst., just after 11 p.m., he was going home through Queen Street with his wife and two friends. He had not been with the defendant, but saw him just prior to this standing outside the Clarence Tap. Defendant`s wife came up and knocked his (complainant`s) wife down. Witness went to separate them, whereupon defendant came up and knocked him down, bit him through the finger, and kicked him in the head.

Defendant (heatedly): You are a liar. I want justice, and I am going to have justice.

The Magistrates` Clerk: You behave yourself properly.

Then, turning to the Magistrates, Mr. Andrew said: I think the Court had better remand this man in custody until the next sitting.

Adressing defendant, he remarked: You have not come to conduct this case as you like. Behave yourself. You can put any question you like afterwards.

Defendant: I will ask it now.

The Magistrates` Clerk: You will not. You will find yourself below. You have not come to behave as you like in Court.

Continuing, complainant said that Sergt. Prebble then came up, and he asked him to take defendant into custody. He did not do so, for defendant and his wife ran away.

Cross-examined by defendant, complainant stated that he did not know that Williams tried to pull his wife away from Mrs. Dobbs; he could not say whether that was so. He (complainant) had no chance to defend himself. He did not fight with defendant.

John Wm. Fidge, of 11, Peter Street, stated that he was with complainant. He first saw Williams`s wife fighting with Dobbs`s wife. Dobbs went in to separate them, whereupon Williams came up and knocked him down. He saw defendant bite Dobbs and kick him on the head. When Sergt. Prebble came up Williams and his wife ran away. Dobbs had no chance to defend himself.

Defendant called Arthur Moore, a gardener, of 28, Bournemouth Road, who stated that he was with Williams and his wife, going up Peter Street, towards Queen Street. When they got about halfway up the street, witness noticed that Mrs. Williams was not with them. He then heard a disturbance down the street, and in consequence of what he (witness) said, Williams instantly turned round and ran down the road. He (witness) followed and saw Mrs. Dobbs and Mrs. Williams struggling. Williams went to separate them, whereupon Dobbs struck at Williams, knocking his cap off. Williams retaliated and struck back. They commenced to fight immediately in the middle of the road. Witness picked Williams`s cap up and stood with it in his hand till a policeman came up. At that time Williams and Dobbs were both in the ground struggling, rolling over one another. The policeman had got hold of Dobbs before he could rise. He would say that Dobbs got the worst of it from his appearance.

Defendant said he acted in self-defence, and if complainant started again, he (defendant) would also.

The Chairman said the Bench had very seriously considered the case. The evidence was so conflicting that they discharged the defendant.

Folkestone Herald 18-11-1911

Local News

Yesterday (Friday) afternoon a Folkestone man named Scamp was passing through the Warren when he was horrified to see the body of a man lying face downwards in a pool.

He endeavoured to get the body to dry land, but was unable to do so. Returning to Folkestone, he reported the matter to the Coroner`s Officer (Mr. J. Chadwick). The latter obtained assistance, and proceeded to the spot. When the body was recovered it was found to be that of a well-dressed man, apparently about thirty years of age, and also that there was a large wound in the throat. The corpse was conveyed up to the mortuary.

Up to the time of going to press the deceased had not been identified.

The inquest will probably be held today (Saturday).

Folkestone Express 25-11-1911

Inquest

 

A shocking tragedy was enacted in the Warren on Wednesday of last week, when a Belgian, named Casimir Leorant Munton, committed suicide in a most determined manner by cutting his throat, and afterwards his dead body rolled down the cliff into a deep pond, in which he was found floating on Friday afternoon. The circumstances connected with the shocking affair were of a particularly sad nature, by the fact that Munton was staying with his wife in Folkestone on their honeymoon, and thus within three weeks of the wedding day deceased`s wife became a widow, while her lot was made the more piteous by the fact that her husband left her absolutely penniless in a strange land and not able to speak a word of the language. From the evidence which was given at the inquest on Saturday evening, conducted at the Town Hall by Mr. G.W. Haines (the Borough Coroner), there was very little doubt that the excessive drinking of absinthe had led the unfortunate man in a fit of frenzy to take his life. Naturally the unfortunate wife was in a pitiable condition following upon her husband`s shocking death,, although, through an interpreter, she readily answered the questions put by the Coroner.

Edwin John Chadwick, the Coroner`s Officer, said the body viewed by the jury was that morning identified in his presence by Mr. J. Schlesselman as that of Casimir Munton, who had been staying at the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, since a week the previous Monday. On Friday afternoon, at three o`clock, he received information that there was the body of a man lying in a pond at the Warren, and it was impossible to get it out, as the water was so deep and the cliffs so steep. He proceeded to the spot with P.C. Bourne. On arrival there, about 500 yards on the Dover side of Little Switzerland tea gardens, he saw the body in a pond full of water about 12ft. or 14ft. deep (about 50 yards across it on the side near the cliff the bank is precipitous), the man floating face downwards. They climbed down the cliff and got the body out. It was that of a man fully clothed, with an overcoat on, serge suit, boots on and properly laced up, but nothing in his hands. There was a very deep wound in the throat, which extended from ear to ear. On getting him to the bank the wound bled considerably. The bak was very steep, and about 3ft. from the pond he found the razor (produced), which was about three parts open, and there were blood stains upon the blade. The body was stiff, and must have been in the water some hours. With P.C. Bourne he examined the cliff, and there were no bloodstains on the bank, nor near the spot where the razor was found. The cliff was of soft chalk and very slippery. For about 20ft. up from the pond the slippery condition continued, and there he found a cap, which was marked inside “Sansier, Calais”. In the water there was an umbrella, which Scamp got out. He conveyed the body to the mortuary, where he undressed the deceased. On searching his clothes he found in the waistcoat pocket a keyless oxydised watch, which had stopped at two o`clock, and a steel chain. In his other pockets he found a purse, quite empty, a card case, quite empty, a pair of new kid gloves, a pipe, and tobacco pouch, but no money. The man was wearing cuffs with links.

George Scamp, of 61, Bridge Street, said he was a greengrocer. About ten minute to three the previous afternoon he was passing the pond, and saw the body of a man floating in the water. He went down to the bank, and seeing it was impossible to get the body out without assistance, he went to the Town Hall and gave information. He was in the Warren on Tuesday.

James Schlesselman, a licensed victualler, said he carried on business at the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road. He identified the deceased in the presence of Mr. Chadwick as that of Casimir Munton. Deceased came to his house on Tuesday week with his wife, and asked for rooms and board. He paid for two days, and he owed him £6 12s. 7d. for about six days` board and lodgings. The money included the cost of a large quantity of absinthe, which he thought was really the cause of the whole affair. As far as he could see the deceased and his wife agreed. They went out very little. It was not until after the deceased had disappeared on Wednesday that he heard he had threatened his wife. When he first came to witness he understood he had plenty of money. Deceased did not tell him where he came from, although he told him he was a merchant in Belgium, and was there on his honeymoon. He had no letters. On Wednesday deceased and his wife went out at ten o`clock in the morning, and they went up Dover Road, so he was informed by the barmaid. The wife came back, so he was told by his wife, at about a quarter to four, and asked for her husband. Mrs. Munton was in a sober condition, and when she found her husband was not there she appeared to be very distressed. According to her story, her husband left her suddenly on the Leas at half past two, as he said he saw some friends at the bottom of the cliff, and asked her to wait for him while he went down. She waited until she was wet through, and then came home, hoping to find him home before her. He had never seen the razor (produced) before. He had searched the deceased`s trunk, but could find no letters. Deceased`s wife said she had never seen the razor.

Dr. F.J. Lidderdale said that day he had examined the body of a man then lying at the mortuary. The first thing he noticed was that the throat had been cut right through the hyoid bone, and the cut extended beyond that to the surface of the spine. All the great vessels of the neck had been divided on both sides. On the right side there were four nicks in the skin apart from the main incision, which pointed to the fact that the cut was done by the left hand. On the front of the spine there were four cuts which went down to the actual bone, and which seemed to have been done by the right hand. There was nothing abnormal about the body, except that deceased had suffered from gallstone. There was no evidence of drowning, so that he must have been dead when he went into the water. The cut could have been done by the deceased. It was a case of as determined a suicide as they could possibly think of.

The Coroner: Supposing anyone else had done it from behind, would the cuts have displayed any other symptoms or features?

Dr. Lidderdale: I don`t know that anyone could say definitely, except that in a murderous cut you would not get the “nicks”, which was always an evidence of suicide. The person was generally nervous with the first cuts.

The Coroner: Then the wounds might have been self-inflicted?

Dr. Lidderdale said he did not think there was any doubt about it. There were no wounds on the hands and no sign of a struggle.

Madame Munton, who gave her evidence through an interpreter, said she came from Wandre, near Herstael, Liege, Belgium. She was the wife of the deceased, Casimir Leorant Munten, of Herstael, who was employed as the chief clerk in a coal office. He was 30 years of age. They were married on the 26^th October that year, and had come to Folkestone for their honeymoon. She had known the deceased two years before she married to him. She could not say whether he was of sober habits, but he did not drink any more in Folkestone than he was in the habit of doing. He had never threatened to take his own life, but on Sunday night previously he had tried to strangle her. On Wednesday, at ten o`clock in the morning, she went out with her husband. They went in the direction where they had to keep climbing.

Mr. Schlesselman, who interpreted the witness`s evidence, said that meant the two went up Dover Road way.

The widow, continuing, said her husband left her near a small cafe or house, and said to her he was going down the cliffs for a few minutes. He asked her to wait for him. Deceased gave her an excuse for leaving her. He went straight down the path. It would be about half past two or a quarter to three when he left her. She waited about an hour and then returned home, thinking he had come by another way. She had never seen the razor (produced) before. Her husband always shaved with a safety razor. When they left the house in the morning her husband had £3 or £4 in his pocket. She saw it, for he counted it out and put it into his purse. He did not spend any money that morning. He told her he was expecting about 150 francs from his parents. She had no money in her possession, and her husband gave her none. She told her husband she wanted something, and he said “All right, give me the money and I will buy it”, at the same time taking all the money she had. She was now absolutely penniless. She asked him to pay the hotel bill that morning, and he said he would do so after they came back from their walk.

Dr. Lidderdale, again questioned by the Coroner, said he had no doubt in his mind that the wounds in the throat were self-inflicted.

The Coroner, in summing up, said it was for the jury to say whether the wounds were self-inflicted or done by some other person. In the latter event it would be a case of murder. They, however, had the medical evidence that the cut throat might have been self-inflicted, although it wanted a very powerful and determined man to do it in the manner deceased`s throat was cut. There was no doubt that the razor was the weapon with which the throat was cut. He must have been on the bank and have gone into the pond. They had earlier history of the deceased. He had been drinking absinthe in considerable quantities, and the effect of absinthe was that it greatly excited the person taking it. Deceased had attempted to strangle his wife on the previous Sunday, but whether it was with intent to try and kill her, or merely the outcome of frenzy of an alcohol drinker they could not say, but the latter was more than probable. They had in that a clue as to the reason for taking his life. There was no evidence of any signs of a struggle, and generally when an individual`s throat was cut by a second party, it was found the hands bore signs of a struggle. There was nothing of the kind at all in that case.

P.C. Bourne, called by the Coroner, said that he saw the purse opened by the Coroner`s Officer, and there was nothing in it. There was nothing in the pockets.

The jury returned a verdict of “Suicide whilst of unsound mind, caused through drinking absinthe excessively”.

Folkestone Herald 25-11-1911

Inquest

At the Town Hall on Saturday an inquest was conducted by Mr. G.W. Haines (the Borough Coroner) on Casimir Leureant Munton, a Belgian, whose body was found, with throat terribly cut, in a pool in the Warren the previous day.

The deceased was only married on October 26^th, and was spending his honeymoon in Folkestone.

Mr. Edward James Chadwick (the Coroner`s Officer) stated that he identified the deceased as Casimir Leureant Munton, who had been staying at the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, since the 8<sup>th</sup> November. On Friday he was informed by George Scamp that there was a man lying in a pond in the Warren. He, with George Scamp and P.C. Boorn, went to the spot indicated, which was about 400 yards on the Dover side from Little Switzerland. There he saw deceased lying in a pond full of water, about 14 feet deep and 50 yards across. With the assistance of P.C. Boorn he removed the body from the water. It was fully clothed, wearing an overcoat, serge suit, laced boots, cuffs and links. He had nothing in his hands. A deep wound, extending from ear to ear, bled considerably on their carrying the corpse to the top of the cliff. About 3ft. from the water`s edge he saw a razor (produced). It was bloodstained, about three parts open, and beginning to go rusty. The body was stiff, and must have been in the water several hours. With P.C. Boorn he examined the cliff. There were no stains on the cliff, or where the razor lay. The soild was of a soft, chalky nature, and very steep and slippery. About 20 feet upwards from the pond he found a cap, with the name of a Calais firm marked in it. There was also an umbrella in the water. The body was conveyed to the mortuary, where he searched it. He removed the clothes, and discovered a keyless watch (which had stopped at 2 o`clock) joined to a steel chain, a purse (empty), a pipe, tobacco pouch, card case (all of which were empty), and a pair of new kid gloves.

Mr. George Scamp, greengrocer, of 61, Bridge Street, stated that he was passing through the Warren on Friday, when he noticed the body of a man floating in the pond. He had last been in the Warren on Tuesday. Being unable to remove the body without assistance, he reported the matter at the Town Hall.

Mr. James Schlesselman, licensee of the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, next gave evidence. He said he identified the body with Mr. Chadwick. The deceased came to him on the 8^th November for board and lodgings for himself and his wife. For the first day or two he paid his bill at the end of each day, saying he expected to go the next. Presently, however, he let the account run on, and deceased owed him £6 12s. 7d. That was for six days, and most of it was for wines, of which deceased drank a great quantity. His principal drink was absinthe. Mr. and Mrs. Munton seldom went out. When they did they nearly always went up the Dover Road. Mrs. Munton had never said she was afraid of her husband. When he first came to the hotel, he told witness that his name was Casimir Munton, that he was a merchant in Belgium, and was on his honeymoon. He understood that he had some money with him. It was quite usual for visitors for a day or so to give no more information than that. He disappeared on Wednesday, November 15^th, at about ten o`clock. Witness`s wife had since informed him that deceased`s wife had returned to the hotel at about 3.45 and asked for her husband. On hearing that he had not returned she became very much alarmed. Mrs. Munton told him (witness) that she had left him at the top of the cliff, as he said he saw a friend of his at the bottom, and was going down to him. She waited until about 2.30, and then returned to the hotel. They generally dined at 2 o`clock. Witness had since searched deceased`s trunk, and found amongst his belongings a safety razor. He had never seen the razor produced in Court before. There were no letters in the trunks, and the couple never received any.

Dr. Francis J. Lidderdale said he had examined the body at the mortuary, and he found that the cut round the neck was much longer than from ear to ear; the wound extended to the surface of the spine. All the great vessels had been severed on both sides. The appearances of the wounds would suggest that, if self-inflicted, they were mostly made with the left hand. There were eight deliberate cuts, and to make thos near the spine, going to the actual bone, the razor must have been changed from the left to the right hand. There was nothing abnormal about the body, except that deceased suffered from gall stone. There was no evidence of drowning.

Mrs. Elizabeth Munton, the widow, who appeared to be in a very weak state, was next called. As she could not speak English, Mr. James Schlesselman acted as interpreter. She said her husband and she lived at Wandre, Henstral, near Liege, Belgium. He was employed at a coal merchant`s office, holding the position of chief clerk. He was thirty years of age. She was married to him, and they came to Folkestone to spend their honeymoon. She had known him for two years, but could not say whether he was a great drinker. He had not drunk more than usual since he had been in Folkestone. He had never threatened to take his or her life, but had tried on Sunday to strangle her. On the day of his disappearance he went out with her at ten o`clock. They proceeded up Dover Road towards the hills. He left her when nearly at the top of the hill, saying that he saw a friend at the bottom, in the Warren, and that she was to wait for him. She waited until 2.30, and then returned home, thinking that he had come back another way. She had never seen the razor produced before. Deceased had £2 or £3 with him when he left her, of which 17 francs was here. He had told her he was expecting 150 francs from his parents. He gave her no money on the morning in question, and spent none.

The Coroner said the question for the jury to decide was whether it was suicide or murder. The evidence seemed to point to suicide; there were no signs of a struggle, nor any suggestion of a third person coming into the matter. The evidence differed with regard to the money, there being no money in the purse when the body was discovered, and yet deceased`s wife said he had £2 or £3 when he left her. But he (Mr. Haines) did not see that that altered the case.

After a short consultation the jury returned a verdict of “Suicide while in an unsound mind, under the influence of absinthe”.

Folkestone Daily News 27-3-1912

Wednesday, March 27^th: Before Justices Herbert and Swoffer.

Charles Smith was charged with stealing a bag from the cloakroom at the Harbour Station. Mr. Myers defended.

G. Shorter, booking clerk, deposed to taking the bag from a gentleman named Hart, and giving a ticket for the same. He went to attend the boat train, leaving the key in the door.

Winifred Elizabeth Schlesselman, wife of the landlord of the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, deposed that prisoner came to the hotel on Saturday evening and engaged a bed. He brought the portmanteau and bag produced, which were taken into his room. He went out and returned, and retired to his room at 11.45. He came down to the room and had breakfast, and went to Dover at 10 a.m., saying he should return at 2 p.m. He slept in the house on Sunday, and she again saw him at 9 on Monday. He had breakfast, went out, and returned at 6. On Sunday he left the papers now produced on a chair where he was having breakfast, but she gave them to him on Monday.

Detective Johnson deposed to arresting prisoner at 7.45 on Tuesday night at the Clarence Hotel, and charged him with stealing the bag. He replied that he bought it four months since. Witness afterwards found the missing bag, which Shorter identified as the one stolen from the cloakroom. Witness charged prisoner, who made the statement that he came off the boat on Saturday. He met a man and they went into an hotel, where the man left the bag in the corner of the room. He picked it up and took it to the Clarence, where he expected the man was going to sleep.

He was remanded for a week.

Folkestone Express 30-3-1912

Wednesday, March 27^th: Before W.G. Herbert and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.

Charles Smith was charged with stealing a handbag from the cloakroom at the Harbour Railway Station. Mr. Myers, solicitor, defended.

Wm. Joseph Shorter, clerk in the cloakroom, Harbour Railway Station, said on Saturday afternoon he was in charge of the cloakroom at the Harbour Station, when the handbag (produced) was brought to him at about 4.30 and deposited in the cloakroom by a gentleman who gave the name of Hake. Witness gave him the usual receipt, numbered 779,025. The same evening witness left the cloakroom at 9.35. he locked the door and left the key in the lock, while he went to attend to the boat train. He returned to the cloakroom at ten o`clock, and a few minutes after Mr. Hake called for his bag. Witness searched for it and found it was missing. He then communicated with the police.

Cross-examined, witness said it was the practice to leave the key in the lock of the cloakroom. A man was stationed about 150 yards from the cloakroom, whose duty it was to look after the room during witness`s absence.

Winifred Elizabeth Schlesselman, wife of the landlord of the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, said she recognised the prisoner, who came to the hotel on Saturday evening about a quarter to ten, and engaged a bedroom from witness for a night. He had with him a portmanteau and the two bags (produced). He took the two bags into his room, and then went out. He returned about eleven o`clock, and retired to his room about a quarter to twelve. Witness called him at nine o`clock the following morning, and he came down and had breakfast. He left the house at ten o`clock, saying he was going to Dover, and should return about two o`clock. Witness next saw prisoner on Monday morning, when he again had breakfast in the house. Later he left the hotel, and returned on Tuesday evening about nine o`clock. Shortly afterwards he was arrested in the house.

Witness was shown a foreign railway guide and some papers, which she said she found in the sitting room on Sunday morning after the prisoner had left for Dover. They were on a chair near where he had been seated. On the following morning witness showed them to the prisoner, and he said they were of no use.

Cross-examined, witness said prisoner had stayed at the hotel once before, twelve or fourteen months ago. When he came on Saturday he did not seem confused or nervous, neither was he nervous when she showed him the papers.

Detective Officer Johnson said at about 7.45 the previous night, accompanied by P.C. Butcher, he was in Dover Road, where he saw the prisoner carrying the bag produced. He followed him into the saloon bar of the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road. He said to him “We are two police officers making some enquiries respecting a bag missed from the cloakroom at the Harbour Station on Saturday night”. Prisoner said “I bought it in New York about two months ago”. Witness told him he should take him to the police station to make enquiries. He did so, and afterwards returned to the Clarence Hotel, and in the bedroom pointed out to him by the landlord as the one which had been occupied by the prisoner he found the small bag (produced), which had been identified by the witness Shorter. Witness took possession of it, and later charged the prisoner with stealing it from the cloakroom at the Harbour Station on the 23^rd inst. He cautioned him, and prisoner made a statement which was taken down in writing in witness`s presence. At the station he searched prisoner, and found in his possession the cigar case (produced).

Inspector Swift said he had been instructed to ask for a remand.

Mr. Myers asked that the prisoner might have the money found in his possession, but the request was refused.

Prisoner was then remanded until Wednesday next.

Folkestone Herald 30-3-1912

Wednesday, March 27^th: Before Messrs. W.G. Herbert and G.I. Swoffer.

Charles Smith was charged with theft at the Harbour Station. Mr. Myers appeared for prisoner.

The Chief Constable said prisoner was only arrested the previous day, and he had not had time to complete the evidence.

Mr. William Joseph Shorter, clerk at the Harbour Station, said he lived at 9, Bradstone Avenue. On Saturday evening he was in charge of the cloakroom at the Harbour Station. At about 4.30 a gentleman giving the name of Hart deposited a brown brief bag at the cloakroom. He (witness) gave him a receipt, No. 779025, for it. At 9.35 witness left the cloakroom, locked the door, and left the key in the door, while he went to attend to the boat train. He returned to the cloakroom at 10 o`clock. About ten minutes after he had returned, Mr. Hart called for the bag. He searched for it, but was unable to find it. He then communicated with the police by telephone.

Cross-examined by Mr. Myers, witness said it was the usual practice to leave the key in the door when they left the cloakroom. There was a man stationed at the crossing, about 150 yards away, he thought, and it was his duty to look after the cloakroom when witness was absent.

Mrs. Winifred Elizabeth Schlesselman, wife of the proprietor of the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, said on Saturday evening, at about 9.45, accused came to the hotel and engaged a bedroom for one night. He had in his possession one portmanteau, and two hand bags (produced). He carried the two hand bags to his room, and then went out. He returned at about 11 p.m., and then retired to rest at about a quarter to 12. She called him the following morning at 9 o`clock, and he came down and had breakfast at 9.30. At 10 o`clock he left, saying that he was going to Dover, and would return about 2. Next day, after breakfast, prisoner went out, and did not retorn until Tuesday evening at about 9 o`clock. She was present when prisoner was arrested shortly afterwards. On the Sunday morning she found a packet containing some letters and a foreign railway guide book in the room in which prisoner had had his breakfast. Witness showed them to him on the following day, and he said that they were no use; he had brought them down to throw away.

Cross-examined, witness stated that prisoner was not at all confused when he took his room. He had stayed at the hotel once before about fourteen months ago for one night. When she showed him the packet he was not confused, and spoke quite ordinarily.

Detective Officer Leonard Johnson stated that on Saturday night last, at 7.45, he went, accompanied by P.C. Butcher, to Dover Road, where they saw prisoner carrying the larger of the bags produced. They followed him into the bar of the Clarence Hotel. Witness said to the accused “We are two police officers, making enquiries respecting a bag which is missing from the cloakroom at the Harbour Station since Saturday evening last”. Witness replied “I bought it in New York about four months ago”. Witness told him that he should take prisoner to the police station. He did so, and afterwards returned to the Clarence Hotel. In prisoner`s bedroom he discovered the smaller of the two bags produced. This bag had been identified by the witness Shorter. He took possession of it, and later charged prisoner with stealing it from the cloakroom at the Harbour Station on Saturday. Prisoner then made a statement, which was taken down. At the police station accused was searched, and they found in his possession a leather cigar case and other articles.

Prisoner was remanded until the following Wednesday.

Folkestone Express 6-4-1912

Wednesday, April 3^rd: Before W.G. Herbert, G.I. Swoffer and J.J. Giles Esqs., Colonel Owen and Captain Chamier.

Charles Smith was charged on remand with stealing a handbag from the cloakroom of the Harbour Station, value 15s., the property of the S.E. Railway Company`s Managing Committee. Mr. F. Fraser appeared on behalf of the S.E. and C. Railway Co., and Mr. Myers defended.

The Chief Constable said as a result of the inquiries which had been made he had a few additional witnesses to call.

Two bags, a large and a small one, were produced in Court.

The evidence given at the previous hearing was read over, and also a statement by the prisoner. It was to the effect that he met a man outside the Harbour Station. They went into a public house to have a drink, and after the other man had gone prisoner found the bag, which he took to his hotel.

Thomas Cornelius Hall, landlord of the Harbour Hotel, Harbour Street, said he was on the premises about 9.20 p.m. on Saturday, 23^rd March. He was in the hotel entrance passage, when he saw the prisoner enter the passage. He was a stranger to witness. Prisoner was alone, and carrying two or three brown bags, similar to the two bags produced. He said to witness “Could you get me a man to carry my bags up?” He said he wanted to go up Dover Street. Witness said he would see if he could get a man in the public bar. He spoke to some men in the bar, and obtained the services of a man named Tiddy, who went with witness to the prisoner. He introduced prisoner to Tiddy, who had a drink with him. Each had a glass of ale. They then left together. Witness was in the passage just before prisoner arrived, and there were no bags in the passage or in the bar.

James Tiddy, 17, East Street, a carpenter, said on Saturday, 23^rd March he was in the public bar of the Harbour Hotel, between nine and ten in the evening, when the landlord said something to him. He had then been in the hotel about a quarter of an hour. In consequence of what Mr. Hall said he went into the passage, where he saw prisoner, who was alone. Prisoner had the two handbags and the portmanteau produced. He asked prisoner if he was the gentleman who required a porter, and he agreed to carry the bags to a house up Tontine Street. Witness carried the portmanteau and the larger bag. The prisoner carried the other. At the Brewery Tap they each had a drink. Witness then took the portmanteau and prisoner the two bags. When they got to the Clarence Hotel, prisoner said that was the house he wanted. They both went into the saloon bar, taking the bags with them. They had another glass of ale each, and then Mrs. Schlesselman came into the bar and prisoner arranged with her to stay in the house. Mrs. Schlesselman showed prisoner to his room, and the bags were taken upstairs. He returned in a few minutes, and said he was going out for a little run. He did not have the bags with him. During the whole time witness was with prisoner, witness did not see anyone with him, or speak to him. On the way to the Clarence Hotel, prisoner told him he had arrived that evening by the Boulogne boat. He ought to have gone by the Calais boat to Dover, and was going to Dover. He showed him a book of tickets, similar to the one produced, dated March 23^rd.

This concluded the case, and Mr. Myers said that Smith would go for trial.

Smith said he did not desire to call any witnesses, not make any statement.

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

Bail was fixed at prisoner in £20, one surety of £20, or two of £10 each.

Mr. Myers said there was a gentleman at Falmouth who was quite willing to be bail for prisoner.

The Clerk said when the proper recognisances had come from Falmouth, Smith would be bailed out at Canterbury.

Smith was allowed to have a small sum of money found in his possession.

Folkestone Herald 6-4-1912

Wednesday, April 3^rd: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Col. Owen, Capt. Chamier, Messrs. G.I. Swoffer and J.J. Giles.

Charles Smith appeared on remand on a charge of stealing a brief bag from the Harbour Station, the property of the S.E. and C.R. Managing Company. Mr. Fraser, solicitor to the S.E. and C.R. Company, prosecuted, and Mr. H. Myers defended.

The evidence given at the previous hearing was read over and signed, and the Chief Constable said there were two additional witnesses to call.

Thomas Cornelius Hall, proprietor of the Harbour Hotel, said that at about 9.30 p.m. on Saturday, 23^rd March, he was in the hotel entrance passage when accused entered and stopped opposite witness. He was carrying some brown bags similar to the two bags produced with him, but witness was not sure how many he had. He said “Could you give me a man to carry these bags up for me?” Witness asked where he wanted to go, and prisoner replied that he was going up Dover Street. Witness eventually obtained the services of a man named Tiddy, who went to the prisoner, who was standing alone in the passage where he had been left. Witness introduced the man Tiddy to prisoner, who asked Tiddy if he would have something to drink. They both had a glass of ale, after which they left.

James Tiddy, a carpenter, of 17, East Street, said in consequence of what the landlord of the Harbour Hotel said to him, he went out of the public bar into the passage of the hotel.

Mr. Myers: Did you see the prisoner there?

Witness (indicating prisoner): I saw him, the man in the birdcage there. (Laughter)

Witness proceeded to say that he was engaged to carry the bags to a house near Tontine Street. He carried the portmanteau and the other large handbag until they got to the Brewery Tap. Prisoner carried the small bag. At the Brewery Tap they had another glass of ale each, and left, witness taking the portmanteau and prisoner the two other bags. They eventually went to the Clarence Hotel in Dover Road. Prisoner said that was the house he wanted, and they both went into the saloon bar, taking the luggage with them. They had another glass of ale each. (Laughter) A lady (Mrs. Schlesselman) came into the bar. Prisoner spoke to the lady, MORE TO COME!!!! he looked at his watch when in the middle of Tontine Street, and it was just 9.40. It would be about 9.35 when they left the Harbour Hotel. When prisoner left the bar in the Clarence he, to the best of witness`s knowledge, carried the small bag.

Prisoner was committed to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions, bail being allowed, himself in £20, and one surety of £20, or two of £10 each.

Folkestone Daily News 15-4-1912

Quarter Sessions

Monday, April 15^th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Charles Smith surrendered to the charge of stealing a brief bag from the cloakroom at the Harbour Station on March 23^rd, 1912. Mr. Ronald Gordon, instructed by Mr. Herbert Groves, prosecuted for the S.E. Railway Company. Mr. Ernest Wetton, instructed by Mr. H. Myers, defended.

Mr. Gordon opened the case at great length, and called William Shorter, a cloakroom clerk at the Harbour Station, who deposed to the bag (produced) being left there on the 23^rd March by Mr. Hake at 4.30. Witness left the cloakroom at 7.30, leaving the key in the door. He was away five minutes, but did not notice if the bag was there. He went away at 9.30 and returned at 10 p.m. Mr. Hake came for his bag, but it was not there, and witness gave information to the police.

Cross-examined: He was in the habit of leaving the cloakroom unlocked. It was not very conspicuous.

Henry Read, a shunter at the Harbour Station, deposed he was in the cloakroom at 9.30 p.m. on the 23^rd, and saw the bag there.

Harry Jordan, a ticket collector at the Harbour Station, deposed that the boat train arrived at 9.40.

Detective Leonard Johnson deposed to seeing prisoner carrying a bag in Dover Road, which he said he bought in New York. He took him to the police station and subsequently returned to the Clarence. He found the bag produced, which was identified by Shorter.

Prisoner stated he met a man who laid the bag down.

T.C. Hall, landlord of the Harbour Hotel, deposed that the prisoner came into the hotel. He was alone, and was carrying several bags. He asked for a man to take the bag up Dover Street. A man named Tiddy was in the bar and went with him. There was no other bag in the bar.

James Tiddy, of East street, deposed that he was in the Harbour bar. Prisoner was there with two bags and a portmanteau, and engaged witness to take the bags. They went to the Brewery Tap and had a drink; they also went to the Clarence and had another drink.

Winifred Schlesselman, wife of the landlord of the Clarence Hotel, deposed that prisoner engaged a bed on March 23^rd. She called him about 9o`clock the following morning. He went to Dover, and left some papers bearing the name of Hake in the breakfast room; she gave them to prisoner, who said they were of no consequence and could be thrown away.

Prisoner was sworn to give evidence on his own behalf. He deposed that he was a chauffeur and had a licence. He had previously been in the Army. He had been to Boston and New York, and also to Paris, and returned on the 23^rd March. He got his baggage examined and hurried out of the station. He met a fellow with a suitcase and a bag, who was about 30, and wearing a motor coat. They went to the Clarendon Hotel and had two drinks, for which he paid. The man went out and left the bag in the saloon bar. He picked it up and waited five minutes, and went to the Harbour Inn, when Tiddy helped him to the Clarence. On the following morning he took the papers out of the bag. He swore he never stole the bag.

He was cross-examined.

Both counsel addressed the jury.

The Recorder summed up, and the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty.

 

Folkestone Express 20-4-1912

Quarter Sessions

Monday, April 15^th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Mr. Charles Smith, 26, a traveller, was indicted for stealing a leather brief bag, valued at 15s., the property of the S.E. and C. Railway Company Managing Committee, on March 23^rd. Mr. Gordon prosecuted on behalf of the Railway Company, and Mr. A.E. Wetton (instructed by Mr. H.J. Myers) defended.

Smith was on bail, and when his name was called out at the opening of the Court no response was made to it.

Mr. Wetton said he had not the slightest idea where Smith was.

It transpired that Canon Hitching, who was at Falmouth, stood as bail for Smith in the sum of £20.

The Recorder said all he could do was estreat the recognisance.

Mr. Wetton said it was just possible Smith might turn up later.

The Recorder decided to postpone taking any step until lunchtime.

Eventually Smith turned up, and when he answered to his name the Recorder questioned him as to the reason he was late. He replied that he journeyed as far as Hastings the previous night and he thought he had plenty of time to get there that morning. He had to change at Ashford, where he had to wait for over an hour, and he did not arrive until half past eleven.

The Recorder said his recognisances had already been estreated.

Smith pleaded Not Guilty to the charge.

William Joseph Shorter, clerk in the cloakroom at the Harbour Railway Station said on March 23^rd a gentleman named Hake left the leather brief bag (produced) with him. He produced the counterfoil of the receipt for it. He placed the bag on the shelf. He left the room about half past seven in the evening and the bag was on the shelf. He turned the key in the door and left it in the keyhole.

The Recorder said that was a most extraordinary thing to do.

Witness, continuing, said he returned in a few minutes. He left the room again about half past nine, locking the door and leaving the key in the door. He went to the pier to attend to the boat, and returned to the room about ten o`clock. Mr. Hake arrived a few minutes afterwards, and the bag was then missed.

Cross-examined, witness said he followed the usual custom in locking the door and leaving the key in it.

Henry Reader, a shunter, of 24, Thanet Gardens, said he saw the bag on the shelf between half past eight and nine o`clock on March 23^rd.

Harry Jordan, a ticket collector at the Harbour Station gave evidence as to the boat arriving at 9.40 on the evening of March 23^rd.

Detective Johnson said on March 26^th he saw the prisoner in Dover Road carrying a large bag. He was with P.C. Butcher, and he told the prisoner that he was making inquiries as to a bag taken from the Harbour Station cloakroom. He took the prisoner to the police station while he made inquiries, and then went to the Clarence Hotel, where he was shown a bedroom which was occupied by the prisoner. He there found the bag (produced), which was later identified by Shorter. When charged, the prisoner made a statement, which was taken down by the Chief Constable, and which was to the effect that as he was coming off the boat he met a man who asked him where he could be put up. Hey then went to the first public house in Tontine Street where they had a drink. He told the man that he was stopping at the Clarence. The man went out and left the bag standing in the corner. After waiting for a time he took the bag with his own bags and went to the Clarence.

Evidence was given by Mr. T.C. Hall, landlord of the Harbour Inn, of the prisoner coming to his house and inquiring if anyone would carry his bags to his lodgings, and James Tiddy, a carpenter, told the Court how he acted as porter for the prisoner. He described how the prisoner asked him if he wanted a drink, and continuing, said “I, of course....”

The Recorder: Refused. (Laughter)

Tiddy: No. Being an Englishman, I had one. (Renewed laughter)

Winifred Schlesselman, the wife of the landlord of the Clarence Inn, Dover Road, told the Court how the prisoner came to the house and engaged a bedroom, and also that on Sunday morning he went to Dover. She further stated that after he had gone on Sunday morning she found in the room where the prisoner had breakfast a small brown paper parcel, which contained several documents bearing the name of Hake. A postcard, addressed to William Hake, Harringay Park, Crouch End, was amongst them.

Prisoner gave evidence on his own behalf, and said he had been in the Army. He had since acted as a chauffeur. Last year he went to Boston and New York, returning from there because of the death of his mother. In January he went to stay with some friends at Brighton, and later he went to Paris to learn the language. Living was so dear he could not stay. Canon Hitching was paying for him to be there. He came to Folkestone on the 23^rd March, arriving about twenty minutes to ten by the boat. When he landed he simply hurried along to where he was going to stay. He last stayed at the Clarence fifteen months ago. He was just turning the corner near the Pavilion Hotel when a man about thirty years of age, a little taller than himself, stopped him and asked him where he could be put up. He told him he was going to put up at the Clarence Hotel. They went into the Clarendon Hotel to have a drink. The man left the place, and the bag was left in the corner where they had been standing. He waited for a time for the man`s return, and as he did not come back he took the bag with him. He went to the Harbour Hotel and got a man to help him with the three bags to the Clarence. On Sunday and Monday he went to Dover in order to get letters which were addressed to him there. The papers came out when he opened the bag, and he did not know they were addressed to Mr. Hake. He expected the man to call for his bag, as he knew where he was going to stay. That was the reason he did not give information to the police.

Mr. Gordon cross-examined the prisoner at some length.

Both counsel addressed the jury, Mr. Wetton, for the defence, stating that the prisoner was the plant of an expert luggage thief, who got rid of the bag in the manner the prisoner had described by giving it to an innocent man.

After the Recorder had summed up, the jury, after a few minutes` consultation, announced that they found the prisoner Not Guilty. The Recorder thereupon told Smith he could go.

Folkestone Herald 20-4-1912

Quarter Sessions

Monday, April 15^th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Charles Smith, 26, traveller, was indicted for stealing, on the 23^rd March, 1912, at Folkestone, one brief bag, of the value of 15s., the property of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway Company Managing Committee. Mr. R.A. Gordon, instructed by Messrs. H.H. Groves, London, prosecuted on behalf of the S.E. and C.R. Company, and Mr. Ernest Wetton, instructed by Mr. H.J. Myers, appeared for the defence.

Prisoner, who was allowed out on bail on the 9^th April, was called but there was no answer.

Mr. Gordon asked that the recognisances be estreated.

The Recorder: Where is he (meaning Smith)?

Mr. Wetton: I do not know, sir. He may be at Brighton.

The Recorder was informed upon inquiry that Canon Hitchin stood bail for the accused before the Justices for £20.

The Recorder: We had better have that £20 from the Canon.

Mr. Gordon said it could only be executed during the sitting of those sessions.

The Recorder: All I can do is to estreat the recognisances. Turning to Mr. Wetton, he asked if the prisoner had been seen, and when he had been seen last.

Mr. Wetton replied that prisoner was seen the previous Tuesday or Wednesday.

The Recorder: We had better postpone taking any steps until the end of the session, until after lunchtime.

The case was therefore adjourned at this juncture.

During the afternoon the accused arrived at the Court, and the case was taken last.

Mr. Gordon, in outlining the case, stated that the prisoner had made the following statement: “I came off the boat on Saturday night, but when I got outside, a few yards away from the station, I came across a fellow standing with some luggage. He asked me if I knew where to put up. We got round as far as the first public house in Tontine Street. We had a drink. I told him I should stay at the Clarence, where I had stayed before. He went over to another hotel facing the station. When he had gone, there was that bag standing in the corner, so I came outside and stood for a quarter of an hour, and then took the bag with me into the Clarence. I put up there, and came and walked down Tontine Street. After having told him where I was going to put up, I naturally thought he would come up there to me”.

William Joseph Shorter, a clerk in the cloakroom at the Harbour Railway Station, deposed that on Saturday, 23^rd March, between four and half past, the bag (produced) was brought in and deposited in the name of Hake. He produced a carbon copy of the ticket given to the man. He placed the bag on the shelf. He first left the cloakroom after it had been deposited at about 7.30 for five minutes, locking the door, but leaving the key in the door. He did not notice whether the bag was there or not when he returned. He left the cloakroom next at 9.30, again locking the door and leaving the key in the door. He went to attend the arrival of the boat, returning at about ten o`clock. A few minutes later Mr. Hake returned for his bag. Witness searched for it, but was unable to find it, and communicated with the police.

Cross-examined, witness said it was the usual way in which he left the cloakroom door. The cloakroom was not in a very conspicuous situation.

Henry Reader, a shunter, said he was in the cloakroom on the night in question, when he noticed the bag produced, between half past eight and nine o`clock, on the shelf. He noticed the bag because it was a new one.

Harry Jordan, collector at Folkestone Harbour, deposed that on the night in question, the 23^rd March, the Boulogne boat arrived at 9.40 p.m.

Detective Oficer Johnson said that at about 7.45 on the evening of the 26^th March he was in Dover Road, where he saw the prisoner carrying a large bag. Witness was accompanied by P.C. Butcher, and followed the prisoner into the saloon bar of the Clarence Hotel. He told the prisoner that he was a police officer engaged on inquiries regarding a bag missing from the cloakroom at the Harbour Station. Accused said “I bought this bag four months ago in New York”. Witness took him to the station, and returned to the Clarence Hotel. He inspected the room occupied by the prisoner, and saw a portmanteau and the brief bag (produced). He took possession of the brief bag and returned to the police station. It was finally identified by witness Shorter. Witness returned and charged prisoner, cautioned him, and he made the statement read out by prosecuting counsel.

Thomas Cornelius Hall, landlord of the Harbour Hotel, Harbour Street, stated that on the evening of the 23^rd March, at about half past nine, the prisoner came into the entrance of the hotel leading to the saloon bar, and asked for a man to carry his things up Dover Street. Witness went into the public bar and asked for someone to take the bags, and a man named Tiddy volunteered to do so. Tiddy joined prisoner in the passage entrance to the saloon bar. Witness was certain that there were no bags in the passage before the prisoner arrived.

James Tiddy said he was a carpenter, and remembered the evening of the 23^rd March, when the landlord asked for someone to take a gentleman`s bags up Dover Street. Witness volunteered to do so, and joined the prisoner in the entrance to the saloon bar. They had a drink before starting. Witness carried one bag and one portmanteau, but the prisoner carried the brief bag himself. They had a drink at the Brewery Tap, halfway up Tontine Street, and another when they arrived at the Clarence. They might be sure that the porter did not pay for the drinks. (Laughter) During the whole time witness was with prisoner there was no other man present.

Mrs. Winifred Elizabeth Sclesselman said that she was wife of the landlord of the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road. Prisoner came to the hotel on Saturday, 23^rd March. Witness had seen him before. He had two small bags and a portmanteau with him, which he took upstairs to his room. He went out again, and returned at about 11. The following day he left the house at about ten, and told her he was going to Dover. Witness later saw a small brown paper parcel, containing, amongst other things, a letter and railway guide (produced). There was also a paper with the name of Hake upon it. Witness saw the prisoner on the Monday morning, when she spoke to him about these documents. He said he had brought the parcel down to throw it away.

Cross-examined: Prisoner had stayed at her house about twelve months before.

Prisoner, on oath, said he was 26 years of age. He had been in the Army, and had studied for a chauffeur. He had never been convicted of any crime in his life. On the 23^rd March he left Paris at 2.29 for England, and arrived by the Boulogne boat at 9.40. After he arrived he was hurrying along to get to Tontine Street. He had his bag examined by the Customs, and inquired the way out, as he had never been to Folkestone Harbour Station before in his life. When he got out of the station he overtook a fellow with a suitcase and the bag produced. He was about thirty, a little taller than witness, and was wearing a brown covert coat. They went to the Clarendon Hotel, in Tontine Street. They had a conversation, principally over the trip, and had two drinks together, for which witness paid. The man then said something about going to the hotel opposite, and left. After he had gone witness noticed a bag in the corner. He brought it out with his luggage, and stood for some five minutes on the kerb, waiting to see if the man came back. He then wandered down the road, and went into the Harbour Hotel, where he saw Tiddy, whose evidence was quite correct. He did not trouble anything about the bag that night, and did not know what was in it. He opened the bag next morning, but could not say how the papers got out of it. Hey must have got mixed up with some of his own. He did not know what they were. He went to Dover on Sunday morning, because he had his letters addressed to the General Post Office. He returned the same day, and on Monday he again went to Dover. He did not from first to last steal this bag from the cloakroom at the Harbour Station. He had no idea of stealing it.

Cross-examined: The papers got on the dressing table somehow or other; they must have got mixed up with some others. The landlady did point out some documents, and he said that he had brought them down to throw away.

Mr. Gordon argued that the prisoner`s story was a concoction from beginning to end, and that he did not come into possession of the bag honestly.

Mr. Wetton submitted that there was no evidence before them to prove that accused did steal the bag, and contended that it had been stolen by a luggage thief, who, finding there was nothing in it of any value, passed it on to the prisoner in the way that he had described.

The jury retruned a verdict of Not Guilty and the prisoner was liberated.

Folkestone Daily News 25-5-1912

Friday, May 24^th: Before Mr. J. Stainer and Messrs. Swoffer, Linton, Boyd, and Leggett.

The landlord of the Clarence Inn was granted one hour`s extension on the occasion of the first annual dinner of the Buffaloes at his house. It transpired that the majority of the Clarence Buffaloes were Hussars, and as they could not put in an appearance until late in the evening the extension was applied for.

Folkestone Herald 1-2-1913

Friday, January 31st: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Mr. J. Stainer, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, Major Leggett, Mr. R.J. Linton, and Mr. G. Boyd.
 

The licence of the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, was temporarily transferred from Mr. Schlesselman to Mr. J.M. Moring.

Folkestone Herald 15-2-1913

Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 12th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Major Leggett, Mr. W.G. Herbert, Mr. J. Stainer, and Mr. G. Boyd.

The licence of the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, was transferred to Mr. Morley. A provisional transfer was granted recently.

 

Folkestone Express 15-3-1913

Adjourned Licensing Sessions

At the annual licensing sessions seven licences were deferred to the adjourned sessions, which were held at the Town Hall on Monday. The Magistrates on the Bench were E.T. Ward Esq., Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Alderman Jenner, and W.G. Herbert, J. Stainer, R.J. Linton, G. Boyd, W.J. Harrison, J.J. Giles, E.T. Morrison and A. Stace Esqs.

The Magistrates agreed to the transfer of the following licence: The Clarence Hotel to Mr. Mooring.

Folkestone Herald 15-3-1913

Adjourned Licensing Sessions

The adjourned Annual Folkestone Licensing Sessions were held at the Police Court on Monday, when the licences of the seven houses deferred at the Annual General Sessions came up for hearing. Mr. E.T. Ward was in the chair, and he was supported by Mr. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel C.J. Hamilton, Mr. J. Stainer, Mr. R.J. Linton, Mr. G. Boyd, Alderman C. Jenner, Captain Chamier, Mr. J.J. Giles, Councillor W.J. Harrison, Mr. E.T. Morrison and Councillor A. Stace.

The Chief Constable stated that since the Annual Sessions two licences had been transferred, one, the South Foreland, to Mrs. Jordan, widow of the late licensee, and the other, the Clarence Hotel, to Mr. Mooring. The transfers were sanctioned.

Folkestone Express 9-8-1913

Monday, August 4^th: Before The Mayor, J. Stainer, R.J. Linton, G. Boyd, A Stace, and E.T. Morrison Esqs.

Horace Summers Fitch was charged with begging. He pleaded Guilty.

P.C. Allen said at 3.45 on Saturday afternoon he saw the prisoner in Tontine Street, accosting foot passengers. He heard him ask a gentleman for a copper, saying he was hard up. The gentleman gave him something, and he went straight into the Clarence Hotel and had a glass of beer. On returning to the street, he commenced to accost other foot passengers, from whom he saw him receive some money. He therefore took him into custody. Prisoner had tenpence in coppers in his possession.

Prisoner said he had done no work for four days, and was making his way to Ashford.

The Mayor said the Magistrates were perfectly satisfied that if the prisoner liked to work he could get work, and was strong enough to do it. He would have to go to prison for twenty one days` hard labour.

Folkestone Herald 9-8-1913

 

Saturday, August 2nd: Before The Mayor, Alderman T.J. Vaughan, and Captain Chamier.

Horace Summers Fitch was charged with placing himself to beg.

P.C. Allen deposed to seeing prisoner accost foot passengers in Tontine Street on Saturday afternoon. Witness heard him ask one gentleman for a copper, saying he was hard up. Witness received something, and went straight over to the Clarence Hotel, where he had a glass of beer. He afterwards returned to the street, where he again began to accost foot passengers. Witness saw him receive money from several of them, and took him into custody.

Prisoner said he had had no work for four days. He was trying to make his way to Ashford.

The Mayor said prisoner could get work if he tried. He was quite strong enough to work. He would be sentenced to 21 days` hard labour.

Folkestone Express 1-11-1913

Monday, October 27^th: Before W.G. Herbert, J. Stainer, G.I. Swoffer, R.J. Linton, G. Boyd, and A. Stace Esqs.

Cecil Coward was charged with stealing a sovereign, the property of Mr. Moring, the landlord of the Clarence Hotel.

John Melbourne Moring, the landlord of the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, said the prisoner was in his employment as potman, entering his service about September 23^rd. On October 1^st, about half past six in the evening, he handed the prisoner a sovereign and told him to go to Mr. Ross to get a pound`s worth of coppers in exchange for it. He left his house at once, as if to go on the errand, but he never returned. He had not seen the prisoner since until that day. He took out a warrant on October 2<sup>nd</sup> for the prisoner`s arrest. He had no knowledge of the prisoner before he took him into his employment. Coward was on the road at the time. He supplied the prisoner with clothing, and paid him 4s. a week and his board and lodgings to start with.

Det. Sergt. Johnson said about four o`clock the previous afternoon he saw the prisoner at the Southampton police station and told him who he was. He asked the prisoner his name, and he replied “Cecil Coward”. He told him he had a warrant for his arrest, and read it over to him. Prisoner replied “Quite right. I did not think they would find me up here”. He brought him to the Folkestone police station, where, on being charged, he made no reply.

The Chief Constable (Mr. Reeve) said he would like, if the Bench were satisfied with the evidence against the prisoner, to strongly impress upon them the necessity of dealing with the prisoner in a rather different manner to which they did the majority of such cases. As they saw, prisoner was a strong, healthy, and sturdy youth. He had been driven away from home, and for the past two years he had been drifting about the country, staying in lodging houses. He had been convicted of three or four trivial offences, and he (Mr. Reeve) felt most strongly that was a case which should be dealt with by the Borstal treatment. Coward`s parents would not have anything to do with him. It seemed to him a very great mistake to give the prisoner a short sentence – a month or six weeks.

The prisoner belonged to Yorkshire, and his father was a respectable working man.

Committed to the Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Herald 1-11-1913

Monday, October 27th: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Mr. J. Stainer, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, Mr. R.J. Linton, Mr. G. Boyd, and Councillor Harrison.
 

Cecil Coward was charged with stealing a sovereign, the money of his employer, John Melbourne Mooring.

Mr. Mooring, landlord of the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, said that the prisoner was in his employ as potman. He entered witness`s service about September 23rd. On October 1st, at about 6.30 p.m., witness gave him a sovereign, and told him to go to Mr. Ross`s in Tontine Street, and get a sovereign`s worth of coppers. He at once left the house as though to go on the errand, but did not return, and prosecutor had not seen him since until that day. He took out a warrant for his arrest the following day. Prosecutor had no knowledge of prisoner before he employed him. Accused was on the road at the time. Witness supplied him with clothing, and gave him 4s. a week and his board and lodgings.
Det. Sergt. Johnson deposed that about 4 p.m. the previous day he saw prisoner at Southampton police station. He told him he was a detective sergeant of the Folkestone police, and asked him his name. Prisoner said “Cecil Coward”. Witness informed him that he had a warrant for his arrest, and read it over to him. Accused replied “Quite right; I did not think they would find me up here”. When formally charged at Folkestone he made no reply.

The Chief Constable said if the Magistrates were satisfied with the evidence, he wanted to strongly impress upon them the necessity of dealing with the prisoner in a rather different manner from that in which they dealt with similar cases. Prisoner was 19 years of age, a strong, healthy, sturdy fellow, and had been driven from home two years ago. He had since drifted about the country, living in common lodging houses. He had been convicted three or four times for trivial offences in various parts of the country. He (Mr. Reeve) thought it was a case for the Borstal treatment. The lad`s parents would have nothing to do with him. He (the Chief Constable) had communicated with them through the local police, and it was impossible to assist prisoner any further. It would be a mistake, he thought, to give the boy a short sentence. He belonged to Yorkshire, his father being a respectable working man.

Prisoner was committed to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Express 29-11-1913

Wednesday, November 26^th: Before W.G. Herbert, G. Boyd, E.T. Morrison, G.I. Swoffer and J.J. Giles Esqs.

James Powell, a private in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, was charged with breaking three panes of glass, valued at £1, at the Clarence Hotel, and with assaulting the landlord. He pleaded Not Guilty to both charges.

John Albert Morley said he was the landlord fo the Clarence Hotel. The previous evening, about 10.50, the prisoner went in with two other soldiers and ordered three beers. He refused to serve him, as he thought he had had enough. Thereupon prisoner became very disorderly, and would not leave the premises. Witness went out to look for a constable, but could not find one. When he returned he saw prisoner deliberately break the glass with his clenched fist, and he then hit witness twice, drawing blood. He then left the bar, leaving his comrades, and witness followed him. When he arrived at Harvey Street he gave him in charge. He had not done anything to defendant to annoy him, and only refused him drink. He valued the glass at £1.

Sidney Morley, son of the last witness, corroborated his statement, and added that prisoner had tried to climb into the bar, but he pushed him back.

P.C. Thorne said about 11.10 the previous evening he was on duty in Harvey Street, when he saw the prisoner being followed by Mr. Morley, who spoke to him, and prisoner ran away. In consequence of what Mr. Morley told him, he gave chase and caught defendant in an alley in Charlotte Street. Prisoner said “I`ll come with you”, and on being charged at the police station he said “The landlord did it with a pint” – meaning a measure.

Prisoner said he broke the glass accidentally, for the landlord`s son had a ring on his finger, and he struck him, the ring hurting him. He went to hit back, and accidentally put his fist through the glass.

An officer from the regiment said the prisoner`s character was bad. There were no previous civil convictions.

The Chairman said the prisoner would have to pay £1 for the damage and 6s. 6d. costs, or 21 days` imprisonment, and for the assault 21 days without the option of a fine.

Prisoner said he could not pay, so he went to prison for six weeks.

Folkestone Herald 29-11-1913

Wednesday, November 26th: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, Mr. R.J. Linton, Mr. G. Boyd, Mr. J.J. Giles, and Mr. E.T. Morrison.
 

James Powell, a private in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, was charged with wilfully breaking some glass panes at the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, and with assaulting the proprietor, Mr. John Melbourne Morely (sic). He pleaded Not Guilty on both charges.

Mr. John Melbourne Morely, the proprietor, stated that at about 10.50 the previous evening, prisoner, accompanied by two other soldiers came in and called for “Three beers”. Witness refused to serve him because he was then under the influence of drink. Accused then became very violent, and witness asked him to leave, but he refused. Witness went outside to try and find a constable, but could not, and as it was eleven he returned, and again asked the prisoner to leave. Accused then quite deliberately struck the panes of glass, breaking them. He also struck two other men, and then hit witness twice on the face. Prisoner went out and witness fastened the doors, after which accused tried to get in again, breaking the panels of the door. Witness followed prisoner down the street, and after some time he met a constable, giving Powell into custody.

Mr. Sidney Melbourne Morely, said he was in the bar at the time of the occurrence. After his father had refused prisoner drink, accused asked witness to serve him, but he also refused. Witness saw prisoner deliberately break three panes of glass, and afterwards prisoner tried to get at witness to strike him. He did do so, and it was with difficulty that witness prevented prisoner from coming round behind the bar, where he would have done much damage.

P.C. Thorne deposed to seeing prisoner in Harbour Street at about 11.10, closely followed by the first witness. From what Mr. Morely said to him he followed prisoner, who ran away. Witness caught him at the rear of Charlotte Street. Powell was under the influence of drink, but was not drunk.

Prisoner denied that he was drunk, and said that when he went into the Clarence he asked for three glasses of beer, but was refused. The previous witness said to him “If you don`t go outside, I`ll knock you outside”, striking him on the chin. Prisoner tried to hit back, and broke the pane of glass.

Mr. Morely said the damage amounted to £1.

An officer said there were no civil convictions against prisoner, but he bore a bad character.

The Chairman said prisoner had really committed two assaults. He would have to pay £1 damages, 10s. fine, and 6s. 6d. costs, or twenty one days` for breaking the glass, and would go to prison for twenty one days without the option of a fine for the assault. If he did not pay the fine, the sentences would run consecutively.

Folkestone Daily News 5-1-1914

Quarter Sessions

Monday, January 5^th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Cecil Coward, 19, described as a seaman, pleaded Guilty to an indictment charging him with stealing a sovereign on October 1^st from his master, John Melbourne Mooring.

Mr. Wardley represented the Crown, and called the Chief Constable, who said that in the present case prisoner was very kindly taken in and clothed by the prosecutor. In a few days prisoner absconded with a sovereign. Eventually he was arrested in a common lodging house at Southampton. His parents, very respectable people of Doncaster, could do nothing with him. In 1906 he was sent to a training ship; in 1911 he was charged with stealing old iron, and bound over; in June, 1912, he was given 14 days` for stealing boots at Doncaster; in June, 1913, at Morpeth, he obtained a situation with a fishmonger, and upon being sent out with a load of fish, sold one barrel of fish, absconded with the money, and turned the horse and cart loose into a field.

Major King gave reasons why accused should be dealt with under the Borstal system.

The Recorder addressed some kindly words of advice to the accused, and in sentencing him to three years` detention under the Borstal system, said that what he was doing was in the lad`s own interest.

Folkestone Express 10-1-1914

Quarter Sessions

Monday, January 5^th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Cecil Coward, 19, seaman, pleaded Guilty to feloniously stealing £1, the property of John Melbourne Mooring, the landlord of the Clarence Hotel, on October 1^st.

Mr. J.A.L. Wardley prosecuted on behalf of the Crown, and stated Coward went to the Clarence Hotel at the end of September, and Mr. Mooring took him on as a potman. On Oct. 1^st Mr. Mooring told him to take a sovereign to Mr. Rozzi`s and get change for it. He did not come back, and the prosecutor had neither the sovereign, nor the change. When arrested at Southampton, prisoner said “All right. I did not think you would find me up here”. The prisoner had no character with him when Mr. Mooring took him in his employ.

Mr. Reeve, the Chief Constable, said the prisoner was 19 years of age, and for some time had been tramping the country. He came to Folkestone and obtained employment with Mr. Mooring, who provided him with clothing and gave him a good start. He made enquiries after the prisoner had absconded, and for some time was unable to find any trace of him, until he was found in a lodging house at Southampton. He ascertained that prisoner`s father was a very respectable working man employed by the Great Northern Railway at Doncaster. For some time his parents had had nothing to do with him owing to his conduct. In 1906 he was taken before the Doncaster Borough Justices by his parents as being beyond their control, and he was sent to a training ship until he was 18 years of age. At 16 a situation was found for him, from which, however, he absconded. He returned home, and his parents placed him in a Sailors` Home at Newcastle-on-Tyne. He, however, ran away, and was knocking about the country for some time. He was eventually found sleeping out at Doncaster. On that occasion, when before the Magistrates, he was discharged with a caution. He went off again on tramp, and on December 27^th, 1911, he was charged at Liverpool with stealing a quantity of old iron. He was bound over and handed over to the probation officer, who sent him back to Doncaster. On January 4^th, 1912, he was charged with stealing a pair of boots at Doncaster, and sentenced to 14 days` hard labour. On 18<sup>th</sup> June, 1913, after tramping the country for some time, he turned up at Morpeth, and obtained a situation with a fishmonger, who sent him one day with a cart load of fish to an adjacent village. The prisoner sold one barrel of fish, turned the horse and cart loose in a field, and absconded with the money. For that he was sentenced to seven days` hard labour. He the appeared to have gone on tramp, and was next heard of in Folkestone.

Major Knox, the Governor of Canterbury Prison, was called, and said he had made enquiries in that case. He had a little additional information to that given them by the Chief Constable. The prisoner had told him that in between those periods when he was on tramp, he once did three month`s work in a colliery. His father had written to say that he was very sorry to say his son would not reform, for he had tried him many times. The prisoner was 19 years old on June 2^nd, 1913.

The Recorder: I suppose the longer period in Borstal is the better?

Major Knox said that would be the better course for the prisoner, who, if he did all right, could get out sooner. It was not necessary for him to be there the full period.

The Recorder said he had heard from several judges that three years was a much better period than two years.

Major Knox: That is so.

Prisoner had nothing to say.

The Recorder said he regretted that one bearing such an honoured name as his own should stand in the dock before him, and that he should have to sentence him. The prisoner had pleaded Guilty to felony. What he (the Recorder) was going to do was in his (the prisoner`s) best interests. He might not think so, but possibly a year hence, when he had time for reflection, that it was the best thing he could do. They wanted to save him, to make him lead an honourable life again, and hold his head up as a good citizen. He was going to send him to Borstal, where he would be detained for a period of three years. It might seem a long time to him, but it would pass pleasantly if he tried to lead a new life, and tried to become a good citizen, and learned the trades that would be taught him. If the Governors of Borstal prison were of opinion that he had earned his liberty, and was fit to become a good citizen, he would be released in a much shorter period.

Folkestone Herald 10-1-1914

Quarter Sessions

Monday, January 5^th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Cecil Coward, 19, seaman, was indicted for, on 1^st October, 1913, then being a servant to John Melbourn Mooring, stealing one sovereign, the property of his master. Prisoner pleaded Guilty.

Mr. Wardley, prosecuting for the Crown, said prisoner was employed as potman by Mr. Mooring, landlord of the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road. On the 1^st October, Mr. Mooring told accused to take £1, and go to Mr. Ross`s, in Tontine Street, and get change for it. The accused did not come back, and the prosecutor had not seen the sovereign or the change since. He believed the Chief Constable knew something about the prisoner`s antecedents. When he was arrested at Southampton accused said “All right. I did not think you would find me out here”.

The Chief Constable said the prisoner for some time had been tramping the country. He came to Folkestone and obtained employment with the prosecutor. Mr. Mooring provided him with clothing and gave him a good start. Witness made inquiries after the accused absconded, and for some time was unable to find any address. Eventually he was discovered in a lodging house in Southampton. He (the Chief Constable) had ascertained that his father was a very respectable working man employed by the Great Northern Railway at Doncaster. For some time his parents had had nothing to do with him owing to his conduct. In 1906 he was taken before the Borough Justices at Doncaster by his parents as being beyond their control, and he was sent to a training ship. At 16 a situation was found for him, but he absconded. He returned home, and his parents placed him in a sailors` home in Newcastle-on-Tyne, but he ran away. He then knocked about the country for some time. On the 29<sup>th</sup> December, 1911, he was charged at Liverpool with stealing a quantity of old iron. He was bound over and handed to the Probation Officer, who sent him back home to Doncaster. On the 4<sup>th</sup> January, 1912, he was charged with stealing a pair of boots, for which he was sentenced to 14 days` hard labour. On the 18^th June, 1913, after tramping the country for some time, he turned up at Morpeth, and obtained a situation with a fishmonger, who sent him one day to an adjoining village. The prisoner sold one barrel of fish, then turned the horse and cart loose in a field, and absconded with the money. (Laughter)

The learned Recorder: It is nothing to laugh about. You need no laugh.

The Chief Constable, continuing, said that prisoner was sentenced to seven days` hard labour for that offence. He then appeared to have gone on tramping, and came on to Folkestone. He (Mr. Reeve) understood that the Governor of the gaol recommended the accused for the Borstal treatment.

Major J.S. Knox (Canterbury Gaol) confirmed all that the Chief Constable had said. His father had said “I am very sorry. He will not reform. I have tried him very many times”.

In answer to the Recorder, witness agreed that the longer period in Borstal the better, and thought that three years would be better than two.

The Recorder said he regretted to see one bearing his honoured name standing before him. He was going to put him away for a long time, and it was in his (the prisoner`s) best interests, though he might not think so now. They wanted to save him, to make him lead an honourable life again, to hold up his head as a good citizen of the Kingdom. The sentence was that he should be detained for a period of three years in a Borstal prison. He should try to become a good citizen, and learn the trades that would be taught him. It might seem a long time, but it would pass pleasantly if he tried to lead a new life, and if within a shorter period the Governors of the Borstal prison were of opinion that he had earned his liberty, he would be released.

Folkestone Herald 31-1-1914

Friday, January 30^th: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, Mr. G. Boyd, Councillor W.J. Harrison, and Mr. E.T. Morrison.

John Tappenden was summoned for being drunk on licensed premises.

P.C. Fox stated that on the 24^th inst. he was called to the Clarence Hotel, where he saw defendant, who was drunk and staggering about in the bar. The barman said “Three times this man has been thrown out of this bar”. Witness ejected him twice.

Mr. Morley (sic), the landlord, corroborated.

Chief Constable Reeve said that there were 14 convictions against defendant since 1896.

Fined 10s. and 10s. costs, or fourteen days, and ordered to be bound over to be of good behaviour for six months in his own recognisance of £5 and one surety of £5, or in default one month`s imprisonment. He was allowed until the next day to pay and find the surety.

Folkestone Express 7-2-1914

Friday, January 30^th: Before W.G. Herbert, G.I. Swoffer, R.J. Linton, G. Boyd, and E.T. Morrison Esqs.

John Tappenden was summoned for being drunk on the licensed premises of the Clarence Hotel. He pleaded Guilty.

P.C. Fox said at about 10.30 on the 24^th he was called to the Clarence Hotel and in the public bar he saw the defendant, who was drunk, staggering about. The landlord told him that the defendant had been turned out of the house three times, but had come back again. He (witness) advised the defendant to go out, but he refused, so he assisted in his ejection. A man took the defendant home. A few minutes later he saw Tappenden go into the same bar. He (witness) heard the landlord request him to leave, but as he would not go he ejected the man. A woman came up and took Tappenden away.

Defendant said he owned he had had a few drinks.

Mr. Mooring, the landlord of the Clarence Hotel, said the defendant came into the public bar drunk, and asked to be served. Seeing he was the worse for drink he would not serve the defendant, whom he requested to leave, He refused, and it took three quarters of an hour before they got defendant into the street. Defendant returned twice after, so he sent for the police.

The Chief Constable said there were 14 convictions recorded against the defendant since 1896. The last was in October, 1913, and there were three altogether last year. Tappenden was a local man, and was a good workman when he liked to work. When he was drunk he was a perfect fool. He (Mr. Reeve) had had numerous complaints from licence holders about the man refusing to leave their premises when he was in drink.

The Chairman said the defendant had a very bad record. By his action he put the licence holders in jeopardy, when they had a very serious and difficult duty to perform. Men like the defendant gave them a lot of trouble, and also put them in danger of being punished. They were going to give the defendant a salutary lesson. He would be fined 10/- and 10/- costs, or 14 days` hard labour, and he would also be bound over in the sum of £5 himself, and one surety of £5 to be of good behaviour for six months. In default of finding a surety, he would have to go to prison for one month, the sentences to run consecutively. Defendant would be allowed until the following day to get the money and find the surety.

Addressing Mr. Mooring, the Chairman said the Bench thought he had behaved very well in taking the action he did, and also for not serving him. He thought they could safely say the Bench did their best to assist the licence holders.

Folkestone Express 4-4-1914

Monday, 30^th March: Before Aldermen Vaughan, Spurger and Jenner, and Lieut. Col. Fynmore.

Louise Elgar (on bail) was charged with being drunk in charge of two children under the age of seven years on Saturday night in Dover Road.

Inspector Lawrence said on Saturday night he was near the Clarence Hotel in Dover Road when he saw a perambulator standing near the kerb in front of the hotel. Two children were in it and were crying. He went to the door of the bar of the hotel, and on opening it he saw Mrs. Elgar standing there. He asked her if she was in charge of the children, and she said she was. She came out of the house, and was very abusive to him. He then found she was drunk, and not fit to take charge of the children. With the assistance of P.C. Smoker he brought her to the police station. The ages of the children were two years and nine months.

Defendant: Had the Inspector any right to wrench the perambulator out of my hand and stand it in the kerb?

P.S. Burniston said when the prisoner was brought into the police station she was drunk.

Inspector Lawrence, re-called, said the woman could walk without assistance, but she was unfit to take charge of the children.

Defendant had nothing to say.

The Chairman characterised it as a very sad case, and said the defendant would have to pay a fine of 5/- and 5/6 costs.