Licensee
Samuel Fields 1848 1850
Maidstone Gazette
2-4-1850
The
Apollonian Hall Assembly Rooms: At the above rooms, which have been fitted up
with much taste by Mr. Fields, the last ball of the series, under the auspices
of the “Amateur Quadrille Assembly”, was given on Tuesday week, and was
attended by a large party, principally the sons and daughters of the tradesmen
of the town. The musical arrangements, which were excellent, were under the
direction of Mr. Leaver. The staircase and rooms were profusely decorated with
evergreens, plants, &c. Dancing was kept up with much spirit. Fifty persons
afterwards sat down to an excellent breakfast, and shortly afterwards the party
broke up, evidently pleased with all the arrangements made for their enjoyment.
Kentish Gazette 30-7-1850
South Eastern Building Society
Maidstone Gazette
24-12-1850
The Council met on Friday last. A report was read, recommending the purchase of the Apollonian Hall for a police station. Mr. Porter produced a plan of a Town Hall and police station, with a drawing of the elevation, which he stated could be had at a cost of £4,000, of if the town was not in a position to purchase or build, it could be got at a rental of £100 per annum for seven years.
Mr. Alderman Flint thought the Corporation could not do better than purchase the Apollonian Hall of Mr. Fields for the purpose of a police station, and that if they were compelled to leave the present hall the rooms there would answer for a temporary purpose. Mr. Fields would sell the premises for £650, which he thought a very reasonable sum; he did not see how they could do better.
The Mayor said that they were compelled by Act of Parliament o provide a station house; he did not see where else they could get one so convenient. They could transact all their business there, if required. He produced a rough sketch of the building, at the same time stating its capabilities. The Mayor further remarked that people gave him more credit in his transactions with Mr. Fields than he deserved; he had no interest in this matter, and certainly should not vote either way, whether the proposition was carried or not. (It may be necessary here to state that it has been repeatedly and openly stated that the hall is the property of Mr. Hart and not Mr. Fields.)
Mr. Jinkings asked the probable expense of altering the premises, and the parties to do them; he thought Mr. Fiels might be asked what he would do for it.
Mr. Rose thought that it would be better to defer purchasing the Apollonian Hall until they had seen Mr. Bayley, Lord Radnor`s agent.
Mr Caister wished to know where the money was to come from; they were running the town to a great expense and were already in debt, and he was sure it was putting burdens on them that tradesmen could not bear. Why not have a police station attached to their present hall? He would certainly vote against such an outlay of money.
The Mayor explained that the rent of the new station would not exceed £35 per annum, if they left the present mortgage of £400 upon it, and supposing Lord Radnor gave them ground for a station, the outlay of building would cost something like £200 or £300.
A long conversation ensued whether Mr. Fields would wait a short time, &c. This being answered in the negative, the chairman put the question to the vote. The report was then adopted, Mr. Rose and Mr. Caister voting against it; 9 for and 2 against.
Canterbury Journal 28-12-1850
At the Town Council meeting yesterday se`ennight a report was read recommending the purchase of the Apollonian Hall for a police station, which was adopted, after some discussion, by nine to two.