The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1864-08-30 00:00:00

Somersetshire.

SOMERSET COUNTY RIFLE ASSOCIATION.
The annual prize meeting of this emaciation came
off on Tuesday and Wednesday, at Wells, and
attracted • very large number of volunteers of the
county. The prizes offered in the various classes
auiounted to 60, representing in the aggregate about
£l3O, eserteinly a small sum when oompared to other
counties, but exceedingly liberal when tbe small fee
charged for entrance is taken into consideration;
15e. entitling volunteers to shoot in all the matches.
Besides the money prises, the programme embraced
...repetitious for the bronze medal of the National
Info Association, and for the Lord- Lieutenant's
;wise, a silver cup value .ClO. The competition
took place upon the Binder range, about • mile
from the city of Wells, which we. recently used fur
the All Corners' rifle contest, when the adaptability
f the rangeland the picturesque character of the
surrounding sosnery werq loudly extolled by robin-
teers from all part% of the country.
The number of competitors who entered for the
various matches was about 150, and comprised
repreeentatives from nearly every corps in the
county. The firing commenced on Tuesday
morning. The attendance of spectators on both
days was very limited, but there were present Ralph
Neville Grenville, Esq., and Major Pagel; Colonel
Luttrell, 3rd battalion • Colonel Graham, 2nd
battalion; Major Ford, battalion;
Thelwall, Cantata
Wickham (Proms), Captain Lovell, Lieutenant
Forster, and Ensign Berryman (Wells), Captain
Ernst (Sheplen Mallet), Captain Hancock (Wivelis-
antnbe), Captain Allen, An.
-The systerat of disc marking, which has now
'become so pc/pular with volunteers, was used, and
though sees for the first time by many of the corn.
'petitots. afforded them entire !satisfaction. The
superiority of disc marking over the old system of
availing by flags is so apparent that it instantly
meets with the approval of all. The exact spot
where the bullet [strikes upon the target is shown,
and whilst marking the shot the hit upon the
target is'obliterated ; thus giving every competitor a
clean target
The weather on the whole was favourable, though
the gusty nature of the wind interfered to a con-
siderable extent with the firing, and two or three
heavy storms of rain on Wednesday, which, how.
• ever,were of abort duration,interrupted the shooting.
It will be observed that there were several ties in
'each of the matches, but these were decided by the
.number of bite. In some instances competitors had
scored the same number of points and bits, and, to
avoillishoeiring off these ties, Captain Sanford, of the
Taunton corps, the efficient honorary secretary of
the association, liberally gave three prizes of
each.
-----------

Mr. George, of the Star Hotel, the univerial
.caterer at an public gatherings in Wells and its
•neigtibourbood, provided refreahmesta in a spacious
.marquee erected on the ground.
Tbe following is the result of the 'Torsi corn.
petitions :
.Courenvion A. Range 900 yards. Five shots at each
range.
The followieg were the winners of prises in this
match :
Marks.
tat prise, lb, Private Drake. lit Somerset .. 18
2.1 d „ £2, Captain Hancock, 12,11 Somerset ... 17
3rd „ £2, Private Hoddinott, 25th Somerset 17
4th „ £2, Corporal W. Danger, sth Somerset 16
sth „ E.l, Sergeant Green, 3rd Somerset ... 16
6th „ El, Corporal Fear, 19th Somerset ... 15
7th „ El, Private Day, 3rd Somerset ... 15
Bth „ EL Lieutenant Mille, 3rd Somerset ... 15
9th „ El, Private Thron, 12th Somerset ... 15
10th „ LI, „ Allen, 15th Somerset 15
11th „ EL „ Bartlett, 3rd Somerset ... 15
• COSrinnox n. Range 500 yards. Five shots at each
range.
let prise, 1:5, Private Carslake. sth Somerset ... 17
24 „ £l, Band-Sergeant Flood, 12:h Somerset 16
3rd „ £2, Serpent Fearer, 24th Somerset ... 16
4th „ £2, Corporal Young. let Somerset ... 15
sth „ El, ISegesrot Allen, 25th Somerset ... 13
6th „ El, Corporal Renard. 2nd Somerset ... 13
7th „ El, Ensign Watts, 16th Somerset ... 13
Bth „ El, Private Pasitt, 16th Somerset ... 12
9th ~ El, „ Vickery, 12th Somerset ... 12
GiseseErlou C. Range MO yards. Five shots at steels
mugs. The following were the winners of prises:—
let prise, fb, Sergeant 111,11 borne. 161 h Somerset 16
2nd „ 12, „ Morgan, 12th Somerset ... 16
3td „ 25, „ CXIIII4. 12th Somerset 13
4th „ £2, „ lhitthc ci, Bth Somerset ... 13
sth „ „ Bailey, 13th Somerset ... 11
6th „ El, „ 13th Somerset ... 11
7th „ El, „ Marshall. 10th Somerset ... 11
Bth £l, Captain Green, 22nd Somerset ... 11
fhb .., El, Private Hobbit, 13th Somerset ... II
10th „ rt, Lovell. 19th Somer.et 111.
Aggregate scores at the three ranges:—
lit wise, £lO, Corporal Harden, sth Somerset ... 43
2nd „ £5, Private F. FPhleigh: 12th Somerset 43
3rd „ £3, „ T. W. Poole, 12th Somerset.. 30
4th . „ FA Ensign Ford, sth Somerset ... 39
sith „ LI, Corporal °sale, 3rd Somerset ... 39
• Conrrwrion 1). Ranges 200 and 500 yards. Five shots
at each range.
let prise LS, Sergeant Green. 3rd Somerset ... al
2nd „ El, Private Churchill, 9th Somerset ... 30
„ El. „ Allen, 15th Somerset ... 30
4th „ El, Corporal Luttley, 12th Somerset ... 29
frth „ El, Private Candake, sth Somerset ... 99
fith „ Drake, let floweret ... 27
CO9PITI1101( F. Range 500 err! 600 yards. Five
allots at each range.
let prize, £5, Sergeant Taylor, 17th Somerst ... 27
2nd „ El, Corporal Harden. sth Somerset ... 27
3rd „LI,
~Hoagoad, 9th Somerset ... 25
4th „ El, Private F. Fishleigh, 12th Somerset 25
Pith „ £l, Sergeant F 24th Somerset ... 25
Bth „ £l, Sergeant Allen, 25th Somerset ... 25
The following wen the winners of the prizes for the
highest aggregate scores at the four ranges, in competi.
lions I) and B. :
let prise, al, Sergeant Gongh, 13th Somerset ... 56
2nd „ El, Private Young. 502 Somerset ... 55
3rd „ LI, „ Poole, 12th Somerset ... 53
4th „ £l, „ Danger, sth Somerset 53
fith „ n, Sergeant Davis, 12th Somerset ... 51
6th „ 21, Private Hans, 19th Somerset ... 51

THZ BIIONZI MEDAL.

Ths competition for the breasts medal of the National I
Ride Association wits fired for at the all). 500, and 000
yards' ranges, fare shots at each range :-
Ist pea% Bronze Medal and ES, l'avate Poole.
Somerset 45
Ind pries £2, Sergeant Allen, 25th Somerset ... 44
3rd „ £2, Private Pavitt, 111th Somerset ... 44
4th „ ER, Corporal Ceralli, 15th Somerset ... 13
sth „ 521, Sergeant Never, 24th Somerset ... 43
Sib „ ER, Private Alway, sth Somerset ... 43
Till LORD•LIROTINART'S PRIUL
The prize of or about the vales of £lO, offered by the
Earl of Cork and Orrery, lord•lieutenant of the county,
to be shot for as • champion cup by the winners of all
prizes at the meeting, was won by Sergeant Green, of
Taunton, with • more of 59 marks. Sergeant 'W.
Allen, of Baltomborough, tied with • like score, but
f3ergrint Green cot having missed • shot, and &meant
Allen having mimed once, the former was declared the
winner. The ranges were 200 and 500 yards, ten shots
at each. This meeting hail been about one of the most
successful sines the formation of the association. Mere
were two cups and • salver for the winner to choose
/row, Sergeant Green selecting the latter.

WELLS.—Beport says that a marriage has been I ;
arranged between the Hon. this Eden, daughter of '
Lord Auckland, Lord Bishop of Beth and Wells,
and Henry Fawcett, Eel., who wee, not long since, '
an unsuccessful candidate for the representation of
Brighton. Professor Fewest!, as is well known, is '
blind, but, notwithstanding this severe affliction, he
powerless meaty of the highest attainments as a
scholar, and seems determined, at any oast, to obtain
Parliamentary hooours. Miss Eden is by no means
unknown as an author, several works, the product
of her pin, having issued from the prom within the
last three or four years.
BATH. Swimmer; Marcum The annual
swimming and diving matches arranged by Mr.
Evans, the enterprising proprietor of the Cleveland
Swimming Baths, took place at his establishment on
Wedneeday,24th Augnskand attracted a large anew
dance of the lovers of aquatic sports. The amass'
mettle opened with an extraordinary feat by Mr.
Evans, wbo swam in • common sack, with his hands
and feet tied, and dressed in his shirt, waistcoat,
and trousers, across the baths, amidst the applause
of the spectators. The following prizes were then
competed for :—Silver medal for youths about twelve
years of age; winner. Master R. Coles ,• ditto, for
youths about 16, A. Heath; in floating feats by Mr.
Evans and his pupils, the prize of a silver medal
was awarded to Master Batteley ; silver medal for
groing the greatest distance under water. Mr.
Fitzgerald; the champion medal, open to all under
20 years of age, W. Birch, 1619. ; silver medal for
walking( the greasy bowsprit. 1k Mortimer; ditto,
for tight rope walking and racing in tubs, Mr.
Potter; ditto, for bringing up the greatest 'member
of eggs in three trials, E Olive. The band of the
North Somernit Yeomanry was in attendanoe, and
performed during the day.
Tux MIST BISHOP Or "BATH AND W —On
the first of September next, six hundred and twenty
nine years will have elapsed linos Robert, the first
Bishop of Bath and Wells, died. In oociescrienee of'
dispute between the monks of Bath and the meow
of Wells, with respect to the elation a • Bishop,
and the removal of the episcopal seat from Wells to
Bath, Bishop Robert decreed "that the li
should neither derive their title from Wells sava.
nor from Bath, as in modern times, but that in
future they should take their Damn from both
churches, end be culled Bishops of Bath and Wells."
Bishop Robert is said to have been • great benefactor
to Beth. Aconrding to Stow's " Chronicle," the city,
and St. Peter's (%urch, having been destroyed by
fire, (July 29th, 1137,) were by this prelate rebuilt.
He did sot devote his whole attention, or all his
MOMS. in favour of Bath. "}4e substantially re-
paired the church at Wells, the ruins of which, in
many places, threatened destruction '." and, as • re-
markable 00•01•111100 and favour to the citizens of
Wells, it is to this great mu they were indebted for
their first charter. His sakes are (or ought to be) in
the Abbey church at Bath.
W ES TO N•S U PE R•l4 AR E.—Mezdirrorotv
DEATH Or • YOUNG LADY. —An inquest was held
on Holiday, 22nd Anne/, at the Railway Hotel,
Weston fiepev-Idare, on the body of • young lady
named Lavinia Gardner (niece of Mr. Jacob Wilk, of
this town), who had been found dead that morning
wagthe edge of the titie. From the evidence it

appeared that the deceased was the daughter of Mr.
Charles Gardner, of Paiaawick, in this county, and
had been staying in lodgings with her aunt and
other members of the family at Stiveril-place. On
Tuesday week she went to Cheddar with a party.
and exerted herself a good deal, and caught cold.
Next day she was ill, mad the following day it was
considered necessary to call in medical advice. Mr.
Stnngfield attended, and she was under his treat.
meat up to Sunday, on which day she thought
herself much better. She was suffering from bilious
fever and congestion of the brain. Early On Monday
morning, however (it ie thought between five and
SIC o'clock), she left her room unknown to her
sister, who slept with her, opened the shutters in
the front-parlour —breakiihr • pule of glass in au
doing--got out of the window, and ran dawn in her
night-dress on the mud, the tide being nut, and it is
supposed was suffocated there, as no one appears to
have seen her. The body was subsequently found
floating is the water by two men, named Maher and
Coles, and brought ashore about nine o'clock.
The deceased was • fine young woman about twenty.
two years of age. The jury returned a verdict,
"That deceased destroyed herself whilst labouring
under a fit of temporary insanity."—CheiteriAans
Mm miser.

Blt ISTOL. —Amur WITH A SUPIPOSID
POACHER. —ll4O on Wednesday night, the 24th
August, • somewhat serious affray took place
between one of tbe county constabulary, named
Bolton, and a fellow who was supposed to
be poaching in the Marsh, in the parish of
Henbury, on lend belonging to Sir Wm. Miles. It j
seems that whilst the constable was on his beat in '
the neighbourhood in question, he saw two men
there and them, and suspecting they were
there for the purpose of netting hares he watched
them. Presently one of them, fearing probably that
the policeman would take him, bolted off. The
constable followed, when the fellow, in getting over
• gate, jumped into a ditch and got Muck knee deep
in the mud. His pursuer was quickly up to him,
and whilst endeavouring to secure him, the ruffian
drew • knife, and inflicted three or four severe cuts
on the policeman's arm. The Latter drew his staff
and struck the fellow on the bead, and stunned him;
at any rate, he seemed insensible, and the constable
dragged hint along the fields for about three-quarters
of a mile, until he arrived at the house of Miss
Fisher, where he called for assistance. Whilst be
was endeavouring to obtain help there, however,
the fellow, who had evidently been " shamming,"
and who had handcuff on one of his wrists, took to
his heels and escaped. The policeman, from the
pain of his wounds, and from the exertions he had
made, was unable to pursue him, and nothing has
been seen of hire since; but there is very little
doubt we shall bear of his beieg apprehended.
Currom 8• toe BRIDGE Comremy.—The
directors in their report congratulate the shareholders
on the state of the works. Their anticipations, they
say. have been confirmed, atid the rate of program,
which after careful calculations they ventured at
their last annual meeting to promise, has been
realised. The engineer's report, detailing the state
of the bridge, is such as to warrant a confident ex-
pectation of its being ready for public traffic during
the present autumn. The small balance of espial
reported deficient at the last half-yearly meeting has
been provided, pertly by new subscribers, and partly
by original shareholders increasing their holdings.
The directors are onneguently enabled to avail
themselves of the borrowing powers contained in the
Act of Parliament, and the exercise of which has
been approved by the proprietors. The labours of
the board as regard' the construction of the bridge
are drawing to a close, end there no longer remains
any doubt of the early completion of a work which
has so long baffled the efforts of those eng 'grid in it.
The directors, therefore, cannot allow the oppor-
tunity to pass without recording their sense of the
energy and promptitude of their contractors, Messrs.
Cochrane and Co., and especially the skill, the
fertility of resource in difficult periods of the con-
erection' and the unwearied attention evinced by
the contractors' resident engineer, Mr. Thomas A irey,
to whose service', under Oil guidance of the com pen y's
engineers, the completion of this national work,
within the period stipulated by the board, will be
largely due.
SHEPTON MALLET. Ptcarocarra AT TIM
Ftowsu Snow.—This event, which has hitherto
peened off without Ines to visitors, was on the last
occasion an exception to the rule, as a worthy
magistrate was eased of a valuable gold chro-
nometer watch ; and a landlady of an inn of her
purse, oontaining a few pounds. An incident oh.
served by 'several, and talked-of by many more, took
place on that day, and which certainly ought to have
an official investigation--we allude to the conduct
of the station-master of the Great Western Railway
station at Bbepton Mallet towards an officer of
police, whilst in the execution of his duty,
endeavouring to protect the public from the
hands of marauders. The officer, who is well known
for his activity and shrewdness in his profession,
was in plain clothes, to watch the movements of the
light.fingered gentry, and on the arrival of one of
the trains, about the middle of the day, be was
standing on the platform observing the arrivals,
when the station-master sung out in • voice heard by
all, "Get out of that, policeman," and not content
with that, pressed the officer across the platform.
To the great astonishment of the spectators, but to
the credit of the officer, he never resented the affront
and insult. By • later train a magistrate
. .

arrived in SheptOn, and while on the platform was
robbed of his watch, a ring by which the chain and
watch were fastened together being picked up about
the spot where the policemen had stationed himself
in the earlier part of the day. The Great Western
Railway officials are so noted for their uniform
courtesy that the conduct of this one appears the
more glaring. An excuse may perhaps be found
for him, that be was worried with the extra work.
Fl DDI NGTON. —0 o a CON vicr Stoma. —The
following letter from the Rev. F. S. Rawlins, late
rector of this parish, hes been published in the
London daily journals :—" Al Follbl3o attention is
directed to the important alterations lately made in
our convict system, I venture to supply you with
the following statement, which tends to show how
greatly these alterations were needed :—Soon after
my appointment to Fiddiogton • released convict
returned to his home in my parish. As I had known
him from boyhood, and as he bad been for some
time my father's servant, I was anxious to act the
parson's part towards him. Accordingly I lost no
time in giving him suitable employment, with good
wages. One morning, while thus engaged, he
requested melte sign a ' bit of paper' for him, as he
wanted to draw some money. • Draw some money,
Charles! and what money can you have to draw"
• Why, you see' air, we an, ambled to earn some-
what in prison, and when we are relemed we can
claim our allowances.' • Well, Charles, I will sign
your paper; bat, first of all, tell me a little about
you prison experiences,' and from his lips I wrote
down the following :—• March 23, 1559.—1 have
been convicted of poaching five timea, of petty
felony once, and of felony once. Upon my last con-
victiou, at Taunton, I was incarcerated eight months
at Bath. From there I was removed to Dartmoor
Prison, where I remained three years and four
month.; and daring that period I have earned
£l2 91. 7d. for 'bawdy conduct at work. Our prison
life is as follows : —We attend chapel twice a day,
and the hours of work are from 7 a.m. to half-past
4or 5 p.m. But we are not required to work hard,
nor are we allowed to do overwork. Our cells are
comfortable, and our fare very good; for we get
roast mutton twice a week, and roast beef twice a
week. We are, too, allowed to mix and converse
together during the hours of work, but not within
the prison walls. Now, sir, I don't want to get
there again, hut I may my I am certain of this, that
no man in this parish can live as I lived in Dartmoor
Prison during the last 12 months—reckoning lodging
and clothes—upon 10e. • week.' I could not refrain
from asking him, ' If 90 lashes were inflicted opal
the second conviction, do you think men would im
offending as you have done ?" Well, you see, sir,
that would alter the whole thing uncommonly, and
make them keep clear as much all possible, nodotibt.'
I need warmly add that Charles was soon ' wanted;'
for, as prison discipline possessed no terror for him,
he was soon back at his old quarters, living ae no
man in the pariah could live on 10s. a-week' at the
public cost."
WEST BUCKLAND.—Therrnownia To Me.
THOM MI 11•11[1.—This wail-known agriculturist
has for many years filled the officio of wayward.° for
this parish, and for two or three years, until Lady.
day last, was also one of the Poor-law Guardians.
In the various matters relative to the duties of these
offices, Mr. Marks so satisfactorily cooducted than
that the parishioners determined to express their
appreciation by presenting to him a testimonial.
Mr. Wood, of Park Farm, took the matter in hand,
and in a short time obtained funds sufficient for the
purpose. A gathering of Mr. Marks's friends took
pia*e at the Blackbird Inn, on Wednesday evening,
where an excellent sapper was provided. Mr. W.
Thomas presided, and Mr. Charles Lang, of Garbs-
stooe Farm, one of the guardians of Wed Rockland,
officiated as vim. The company numbered about
50, and were from the parishes of Wed Rockland,
Wellington. Liallford, Nymbead, Hillfarrenoe,
Bradford. Trull, sad Pitmineter, After the removal
of the cloth the usual loyal toasts were given, and
the chairman delivered a complimentary speech and
presented the testimonial, which was a very elegant
silver jug, weight IS ounoes, supplied by Mr. Stone,
of Exeter. On one side of it are the initials of Mr.
blahs in cipher, and on the other the following in-
scription " Presented to Mr. Thomas Marko, by
the parishioners of West Rockland, as a token of
their respect and esteem, and particularly for the
services be has rendered the parish. August 24th.
1564."—Mr. Marko, in accepting the testimonial,
evidently felt more than he expressed, but he ably
responded to the kind expressions which fell from
the chairman. A very harmonious evening wes
spent, and use company separated at • late hour.
MILVERTON.—Nrw CHURCH Cthicx. —We are
glad to hear that the new church *lock is in active
program, and in the course of two or three weeks
may be expected to ornament the old church tower.
The clock is one of Gillet and Bland's manufacture,
and, in addition to striking the quarters, will be
provided with a dial, five feet in diameter, which is
ver, ray to be desired, as, with the old clock,
the y opportunity of knowing the time is when
the °look strikes.

NORTON FITZ W ARREN. Acciniss. A
short time since, whilst Mr. Charles Chapple, of
this village, was riding on horseback through Church-
staatoa, the animal shied, throwing its rider to the
ground with such force as to break one of the tailor-

iunste gentleman's arms.
HOUSINGTON. —EXTRAORDINARY PEACH TBI/L.

--A seedling peach tree, four years old, iu the
parish of Horsington, has now more than 1 0
peaches on it, matured and in full proportion.
WlNCANTON.—ltcsionanou OF Till CHAIR-
MAN or THE HIGHWAY BoARD.— Captain Phelips
bas resigned the chairmanship of the highway
board.
CRICKET ST. TIIONIAS.—STUNG ar Wasr.:.
.—A few days sine: two amps oew dolihwrately into
the month of Edward Stook°, a man in the emp!oy
. .

of Lord Bridport, while eating his dinner in an "out--
house. His horror may be imagined when he felt
both wasps stinging severely the inside of the upper
lip. By the assistance of his companions, the
stings were extracted. The affected part began to
swell frightfully, hut the man is recovering.
CHARD.7PoLICI. —Before C. W. Loveridge,

Esq.—John Woonton, an old offender, was brought
up by P.C. Sandiford charged with vagrancy.—
Sandtford ..aid complaints were repeatedly made by
farmers and 'Viers of persons sleeping in their
"linker," and pulling hay from their hayricks to
lay upon. and that frequently gates were left open.
and cattle allowtd to escape. Defendant was found
. . . .

. -
the previous night in a linhay of Mr. Tomes.—Com•
milted for one calendar month. _

I LMINSTER.—Parrir

_
SESSIONS. Wednesday,
• •

August 24. —Esau Mullins. dairyman, of Purdington,
a widower, was summoned by Charlotte Ann Strong
to show cause, &a Mr. Paull appeared for the
complainant, and Mr. Jolliffe for the defendant.
The complainant failed to prove the main facts by
corroborative evidence, and the numinous wan
dismissed.— Reuben Crocham, sot-contractor on
the Chard and Taunton Railway, summoned by
Thomas Hitching', a labourer on the line, for non-
payment of 3s. 91, wages due, was ordered to pay
the amount claimed, with 3s. for complainant's day's
work, and costa.--George Elcott, a labourer, of
Kingsbury Episeopi, was summoned by Mr. Charles
Beat, miller, for daenagtng a water stream. —Case
dismissed. _

K EYNS HA M.- -Perry fisatoons,Frid ay. James
Parton', of Winford, Edward Bees and William
Sheppard, of Compton Nadi% were fined ss. each
and costs for being drunk and riotous, or in default
to be committed for fourteen days.— George Chia-
well, of Compton Da.ndo, was fined Is, and costs
for swearing several profane oaths at Stanton
Drew, on the 21st August, or in default to be im-
prisoned for ten days, with hard labour. --Eliza
Brown, of Keynaliain, was summoned for assaulting
Mary Williams, on the 2nd August, and fined Its.
and costs, or to be committed for fourteen days.—
George Chiswell was fined Is. and coats, or in
default of payment to be committed for 14 days, for
assaulting Jessie Clarke. —The innkeepers in the
division of Keynsbain renewed their licenses for the
1 ensuing year.—Alfred Clarke, retailer of beer in
Penford Hill, in the parish of Stanton Drew, applied
for a license, which the Bench granted.--George
Coggins, Eli Cousins, Abraham Bevan, and William
Bevan, all of Brisliogton, were summoned for non.
payment of poor rates, and distress warrants were
ordered for the parties who did not pay the amounts
and coats due from them.
CHEDDAIL—Dowsirr Duman Ma. Bacons
Fay, CovNvy CORONKIL—At Midsomer Norton, on
the body of William Norman, a coalrniner, aged 30,
who was killed by coal falling on him at the mine.
A letter from Mr. Brough, the Government in-
spector, was reed by the coroner, amounting for his
absence, and requesting to be made acquainted with
the result of the investigation. From the evidence
of Mr. John Cook, the bailiff, and Charles Dando,
a coalminer, who was working with deceased, the
death was proved to be unavoidable, and the jury
returned a verdict of " Accidental death."—At

Wick St. Lawrence, on the body of Madre Chaplain,
aged 34, a labourer, in the employ of Mr. Say.
Demand went to bathe in the neer, and whilst in
about two feet of water was seised with an epileptic
fit, and died almost instantly. The poor fellow bad
been unwell. He bore an exoellent character, and

was the chief support of his widowed mother. The
jury, consisting chiefly of poor men, much to their
credit gave their fees to assist in paying the funeral

expenses.
TAUNTON.—ALLEGILD ROBBERY or PROPERTY
RELONOIRG TO THE CeRNIE A BRUI MAil. C•RT
DRIVEL—On Friday, the 26th August, Edward
Cross, • letter-carrier, in the employ of the Taunton
peat.offioe, was charged before Captain Doveton,
with having stolen • gold Albert chain two gold
keys, • gold pencil-use, and a gold charm, the pro-
perty of a mail-cart driver, named Martin. Mr.
Rood( r defended the prisoner—Robert Martin
said: I am • mail-cart driver residing at Corns
Abbas, in Dorset. Last Thursday evening, a person
who had been a gentleman's servant cams to me,
and said he had nothing iu the world but a pawn.
ticket; I bought the ticket from him at Dorchester;
this ticket (produced) is the one, and has the articles
marked upon it. I sent it to llchester by poet, with
a post-offioe order for the am 'nut, Li 1.5 a. ; I
addressed it to "Mr. Edgecombe, mail-contractor,
Ilchester." I requested him to call at the post.
office, Tatinton.—Mr. Rooker: You must not tell
us that. Who reted that letter ?—Witness : I did.
Two peiple wrote it—(a langh).—Mr. Pinchard :It
could not be mistaken. It is a peculiar letter.
Witness (to Mr. Pritchard): As I did not get an
answer to my letter, I was rather tummy, and I
went to Ilcheater. 1 raw Mr. Elgecombe, and he
told me he had forwarded the letter; I went on to
Carry Riven, and I said I had a mind to go to
Taunton. Yesterday morning William Worthey
brought me a watch. I could not tell what it
was at first as it was tied up in • parcel
with cord. I said, 'Let's see what it contains?"
I opened it and found an old watch, and • silver
chain, and key (produced). The watch corres-
ponded exactly, in number, with that on the pawn-
ticket ; but the gold key, and pencil case, and charm
were not with the watch in the parcel. lat once
came to Taunton and made some inrjuiries, and 1
gave the prisoner into custody. I saw him first at his
own house before I gave him Ado custody. Mr. Edge-
combe was with me. I said to the prisoner, " Have
you got that gold Albert chain, two keys, pencil cue,
and charm, which I have misted from the watch r
added, " I have been to Mr. Harris, and be told
MO he had delivered it all right to you. You had
better come down to Mr. Hams with me." He said,
"Well, I'll go." We went to Mr. Harris's shop,
and I again said. "I want my property and then
I'll go home. I don't want to do harm to any one."
Mr. Harris and the prisoner went speaking together.
I said, I could not afford to lose the things; and the
prisoner said he had not got them. I afterwards
went with Mr. Goldsmith to the prisoner's house,
and gave him into custody. The house was searched,
but nothing found. Crose-examinod by Mr.
Romater : I purchased the ticket from a man named
John Herne—at least he said that was his name. He
appeared to hemn peat distress, and said be had
come from Exeter, and wan going to Southampton.
I gave 15e. for the ticket. The parcel delivered to
tee was not sealed—merely tied with twine. Mrs.
Davis. post-mistress at Come Abbas, wrote one part,
and Mr. Lovelier of the George Inn, Dorchester,
wrote the other Part. I never saw Herne before.
He seemed very much broken down, and appeared to
have been in better circumstances. I knew nothing
whatever about Worthey. Crows did not pro-
pose to go down to Mr. Harris. James
Edgecombe said: I am a mail-contractor, living
at llchester. I received this letter (produced) on
Monday morning last, containing a pawn.ticket,
and • post-office order for di lsa, payable at lichee
-
ter to me. I cashed the order on Wednesday. I
gave the ticket to Worthey, acoompaaied by XI 14..,
and yesterday L saw Worthey give Martin ths parcel
he has spoken of, at Curry }liven. I accompanied
him to Taunton.—Cross-examined by Mr. Roster:
Wortbey has been about a month in my employ' but
he had worked for me occasionally before. I have
known Creme and his family for three years about.
I have never heard anything against Cross's character.
—Robert Worthey, a mail-cart driver, said he had
received the letter and pawn ticket from Mr. Edge.
combs on Tuesday evening which had been produced.
Witness, on the same evening, gave prisoner's
father the money, and pawn-ticket, and letter. On
Wednesday evening witnees received a parcel from
the prisoner, which he duly delivered in the lame
state is that in which he had received it from the
prisoner. —Cross-examined by Mr. Rossiter : I went
to Mr. Harris myself on Tuesday evening. I come
into Taunton late every night, after business hours,
and leave in the morning before the shops are open.
I carried the things on a little piece of brown paper.
As soon as reosived the packet I put it into my
pocket. I first saw Martin on Wednesday evening,
after I got the parcel. He was at Curry Rivell.
Mr. Itnesiter : Did he not amuse you of stealing
these things ?—Witness : Martin, after opening the
parcel. asked me if that was all. He did not aocues
me of stealing them.—John Woo Tromp said be
was an assistant to Mr. Harris, pawnbroker, Taun-
ton. On Wednesday last witness delivered a
parcel, corresponding with • ticket produced by the
prisoner, to Mrs. Harris, who handed it to the pri-
soner, who paid LI 15.. Napoleon, in witness's pre.
woos, opened the parcel. —Crossexamined : The
watch was kept in the plate-chest, were there were
more than one hundred watches and jewellery kept.
Any assistant in the shop could have taken the watch
out; and indeed, in the course of a twelvemonth, a
thousand watches might be taken out, and put in.
This watch had been in the cheat for a you. There
used to be • pledge-manager. He has left, and I
can't my if be was discharged. The ticket and
duplicate are filled op in the handwriting of Charles
Harris, who is now in Mr. Harris'. employment.
Superintendent Goldsmith said: Yesterday morning
I saw the accused, Mr. Edgecombe, ands policeman
standing in High-street. As I was passing I was
called, sod Martin, who was there, made a ruin.
plaint, producing a letter, that be had sent a pawn-
ticks& to mr, ageoombe to get some things out
of pawn. He mid that ' Mr. Edgecombe
got Cross to take out the watch for me;
and that when the parcel was opened the
gold ornaments were miming. When I received the
watch from the driver I fished where are my keys,
chain, pencidoses, and charms." He said, "That
is all Cross let me have." Cross then said, "AU I
know abowt it, Mr. Goldoni*, is, I went to Mr.

Harris's. I paid .C 1 15s. for the parcel yesterday.
and I took that home, and left it on the
mantle.piece in nry room. I never touched it
until I gave it to the driver." hlartin then said,
" Well, it is all nonsense, I have been to Mr. Harris,
and be says yon had it all right enough ;
and I be determined 11l have my property, and
thatl won't be robbed by yew" He then said to
me, " I give him in charge to you for stealing it."
I said, "Don't be in such a violent hurry ; let us
sou bow many hands it went through before you fix
the blame on this man." We then walked a little
further. and I cautioned the prosecutorthat he would
he liable to an action for false imprisonment.
Wotan and I heard the whole tole, and then I said.
"1,-t or go to prisoner's femme in Pig Market lane"
—a little way off. Prisoner deoire.l us to come on.
I said to prisoner, "1 ou have been in the habit of
wearing a silver chain ; where is that ?" Ile said,
" Come to my house, and I'll show it to you, and an
Albert, trio." Martin and I followed him into his
bedroom. and from a drawer he produced a gold
chain, and mid, "There is one I have been in the
habit of wearing." I said, "No, you have been
wetting a silver one." He said, "No, not this
eleven years, and it was stolen from me." I then
' said, "If the parcel was delivered all right to you
and safe by Mr. Harris, the case is in a nutshell;
either you or the mail-cart driver must be the thief."
Ile said, " It is not me;
.1 put it ou the mantel-piece
and never touched it till I gave it to the man."
I again spoke to Martin, and he said he
was determined Cross should be taken before
the magistrates. I spoke to Cross, and be said
I was welcome to search the house. 1 did so, but
found nothing.—Crossaxamined 1 did not take
him into custody, as he promised to come to the
station at ten o'clock this morning. To Mr.
Pinchard : The prisoner up-stairs produced an
Albert chain from • drawer. Any person might go
in direct from the lane into his bedroom, where be
said the watch-parcel was left.—Charles Harris,
assistant pawnbroker, said the ticket produced was
in his band-writing. He had not received the
pledge specified in the ticket, but he had observed
the parcel's contents—• silver watch, gold chain,
two keys, pencil-case and charm—put ibto a parcel
and put in a chest. John Lick fold WOA the person who
made up the pereel.—Crose-examined : The shop is
never left without two persons being in it. I
never knew Lickford to be in the shop alone.—Mr.
Roeriter (to the magistrate) a I don't know that it
is necessary to take up your time. Captain
Doveton : I need not trouble you, for it is not
necessary. There can be no doubt the things were
placed at some time in the parcel, but by whom or
when they were abstracted there is ne evidence
whatever to show.—The accused was then dis-
charged.

BRIDGWATER.—DIIIXAGI or KING'S EIRDGIIOOII.
—An important meeting of the proprietor. of land in
King's Bedgmoor was held in the Oland Jury Room.
Bridgwater, on Wednesday, August 24. At least 150
landowners were present. Tbe chair woe taken by
Ralph Neville Grenville, Esq., High Sheriff of the
eounty.—George Worry, Esq., moved the following re-
solution :—" That it is expolient that the district
which comprises so much of King's Sedgmoor as is not
already included in soy other drainage district, or pro-
posed drainage district, be placed under the jurisdiction
of • separate Commission of Seven." Mr. Wang
remarked upon the necessity of improved drainage, and
referred to the Be lord Level as an instance of what
e•-uld he done under good management. le his opinion
King's Sedgrnoor could he rendered am valuable as any
land in the county, and ho hoped that the provisions of
the recent Act would not be allowed to remain • dead
letter. —Colonel Graham brit fly seconded the resolution.
—II, P. Jones, Esq. (Warmintter), on behalf of the
Marquis of Bath, spoke in favor of the movement, re-
marking upon the great advantage. resulting from •
good course of draining, ropeciially in • large level like
' Solgmoor.—Mr. Gabriel Poch. explained the various
ievions of the Act of Parliament, and the steps that
lead been taken in calling the meeting. It wits
originally intended to apply to the Commissioners
of Sewers for a District Ihosrd in respect of Sedits
moo- ; but an the said Act required that such
application must have di: assent of two-thirds of the
landowners it was considered more advisable, from tbe
, expense and difficulty %which would attend the obtaining
I such assent@ to apply fur a separate Commission of
Sewers, which only required the agnatures of one-tenth
of the landowners to set it in motion. He instanced
the Tithe Cimioutation Acts, where it was provided
that an arrangement inicht he n-ad• with the consent
of tree-thirds of tie landowners; but in every instance
within his knowledge that Uotioo had been adrad letteg,
and a compolsory cotnointation mole, solely in eon-
s otuenee of the ,iffichlty in getting the requisite aigna-
tures.-- H. B. Strangers's% K.q. expreoed himself '
disappointed at the resolution before the meeting,
preferring an elective board, chosen by the landowni rs.
to • eoinniiihion of sewers. He agreed that in a case
like the present the ratepsyers should have a voice in
the election of the Board levying the rates, end,
thi r fore, he should prefer an application being made
for a District Shed. If the matter was left to • set of
cominisooners not intereste I in the moor lie thought
great neglect would arise. -Colonel Pinney remarked
upon the difficulties in the way of proceeding by 1138• III
of a District Board.—Sir Alexander Hood said he
took part in the meeting hot on much as a lend-
owner as for the general good of the county,
believing that tho drainage of the moor was •
matter more of public. good than ollyri•ate.iiiterest.
. .

_
lie should prefer in Elective Board if could be hal ;
bat if that wan liii racticsble, then h should vote for a
Commission. But the parautiiunt ohjoet to him was
the draining of the moor, and therefore he should
impport whichever scheme would best and most speedily
effect that objoet. lie slionlel like the opinion. of
gentlemen 1.0011 as Mr. William Esetou, Mr. Henry
Lovibind, and the like. who lisd bad practical
experience in such measures, before finally dealing on
the queition.—....ir Peregrine Acland rose to •splain
that his part in the movement wee on public grounds,
as he heel part*, with his lands in the moor. 11 it he
considered the imprmementt of the moor on impor-
tant that he had lent a willing lisnd in taking the
initiative. Mr. Henry Lovibund said that he quiie con-
certo with Mr. Poole's remarks with riferenee to the
difficulties in obtaining written assents from two-third.
of the landowners, .and for that reason should
dissutde the meeting from attempting that part
of the Act, al bough nothing was irnpos-ilge.—Mr.
Warry remedied that the 29th sectiou of the Act
required the Commissioners to lay any scheme having
for its object an outlay of £l.OOO before the landowners,
who had power to object to the works.—ffir. Benjamin
Lovibond folly °Medd. d with Mr. Strarigeray's prime-
that the ratepayers should el-et the koverninz
Boards, and hoped that that principle would breed its
way into the county Tales; but, to his mind, the obtain-
ing the written consents of two-thirds of no large • body
as the I.ndowners of Sedgmoor was utterly impract •
.ble. He would inatauce one perish only, viz.,
Middlezoy. In that parish a separate Act regulated the
levying and fixing the amount of the tithes, and the
tithe-owner had power to apply to the Quarter &wait ns
upon giving notice to the partiee interested no landowners.
To his knowledge the ex pent e of nu-remelting notices was
EI,OOO. If that was che slat-, of things with reference
to one parish, what were the chances of getting consents
from twenty-six parishes' He should, therefore, recom-
mend Mr. Stranirways to abandon his remlution.—Mr.
litrangways replied that, after the difficulties in practice
which had been mentioned, he must, he suppose,
abandon what he considered right in theory. But be
hoped that after the commiesion had surmounted all
difficulties, they would hand the future management
of the moor to an elective body. He was aware that
that could not be done under the present Act, but he
should urge the members of the county, and the
electors should urge it also, to propose such a provision
in any future Drainage Act. —The resolution was then
pat to the meeting,and or 'ad with greats. lannation.—
Sir Alexander Hoot said that after the very full discus-
sion which bad taken place he should briefly propose the
following resolitt on —"That the pe-itiou now before the
meeting be aigned by the proprietors within the moor,
and he sent to the IncloeureCOOrnil4lollllf4 fur Engl.nd
and Wales." The motion was seconded and serried.—
Colonel Pinney proposed, and John C Esq.,
seconded, the following resolution :—"That Messrs. 16.
and IL Poole be instruct, d to act as the solicitors of the
proprietors in the matter of the said petition : and that
they he authorimd to employ Mr. William Barton, of
Taunton, as surveyor in nil matters eonnected •ith the
same petition." A vote of thanks to the Chairman was
duly carried and acknowledged. The petition was then
signed by owners to the extent of 1,600 acres.