The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1862-04-01 00:00:00

Sontersetzbire.

YEOVIL. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. At the
usual weekly Board of Guardians on Friday, the
New Parochial Assessment Bill was discussed. After I
the Chairman had introduced the subject, Mr.
Marden expressed his opinion that any representa-
tion they might make would find its way into the
waste paper basket, and. added that it appeared to
him that, should the Bill pass into law, the mode of
rating would be rendered more simple. —Mr. Penny
was in favour, and if they took any steps he
*mild be happy to give his support —The Chair-
man—the Rev. R. Huysh—agreed with this, but
thought the• Act wont 400 far.—Mr. Penny said at
present one parish was assessed at two-thirds of its
gross value, another parish at three-fourths, and so
on, whereas it was desirable to have something like
uniformity. He therefore was in favour of the Bill.
—The Chairman admitted that the present system
of luting was bad, and said he would leave the
subject in the bands of the Board.—Mr. James
Trask compared the present inequalities in the mode
of assessment, and said he saw no objection to the
provisions of the new Bill.—A somewhat lengthened
discussion curried, and the following resolution was
ultimately agreed :—" On a consideration of the
Bill the Board have come to a conclusion that it is
absolutely necessary that some just assessment should
be made, on which all parochial charges connected
with the union should be appointed; and, further,
that the present mode of apportioning the common
fund charges of the union according to the county
assessment, is by no means just or equitable."
SUDDEN DEATH.— On Sunday afternoon Mr.
Horwood, one of the relieving officers ef the union,
died suddenly. He attended the board-meeting on
Friday, and was very well on Sunday morning.
CHURCH PASTORAL AID SOCIETY.—The anniver-
sary meeting of the Yeovil A nxiliary of this institution
was held in the committee room of the Townhall, on
Monday. Tne Rev. Alfred Williams, M.A., rector of
Prior's Portion, Twerton, attended as a deputation
trom the parent society. Sermons maid of the society
were preached on the preceding day, as follows :
At • Yeovil, ( St. John's church,) morning; West
Coker, afternoon, and Yeovil, (Trinity church,)
evening, by the Rev. A. Williams; Crewkerne, (St.
Bartholomew's church,) morning, by the Rev. H. G.
Tompkins, and at Montacate, in the afternoon, by
the Rev. R. J. F Thomas. Collections were made
after the sermons and meetings as follows i—St.
John's Church, Yeovil, .£7 Is. 10d.; Trinity,
£2 10s. 6d. ; Preston Plucknett, 16s. 6d. ; Chil-
thorne, 128. 6d.; Ash Church, .£1 ; Ilchester, £1 125.;
Long Sutton, .£1 35.; Montacute, .£2 lie. 4d.;
Hinton St. George, .£2 148. 4d.; at Town Hall,
Yeovil, £3 las. 6d.; West Coker, £3 Os. 6d. The
balance in favour of the society is £67 188. t3d.
CAUTION TO RAILWAY TRAVELLERS. Charles
Cannon, a farmer and cattle dealer, of 13abcary,
was summoned before the Yeovil Bench on Tuesday,
upon the complaint of Mr: Inspector Morrison, for
riding in a carriage on the Great Western Rail-
, on the 2ed of March, not being provided with
a p per ticket. Defendant was seen to get out of a
secn d-clase carriage at Sparkford station, and upon
his tcket being examined it was found to he a third
close ne from Bristol, the difference in pr.ce being
2s. 74 He was requested to pay the d fference,
but refused, and he was told the consequence of such
refusal. He replied that he did not care if he was
summoned.—Defendant now said that on agentle-
man in a second class carriage wishing to speak to
him, he got into the carriage, but not with an inten-
tion to defraud the company. He certainly did
decline to pay the difference, seeing the amount of
money he annually paid the company.—He as row
ordeord to pay the difference in fare Ste. 74d., and
eons len. ed., Mr. Harbin stating that the interests

of the company must be protected. If he had ridden
in the carriage he should have paid the difference upon
being requested.—Defendant said he would not pay
the amount: they might take his goods.--The Bench
pointed out the remedy for such contumacy, when
defendant pulled out a .£5, note with which ha
discharged the amount.—Some other criminal bag-
, ness was disposed of, and a mass of public business
transacted in the form of verifying the Surveyor's
accounts of tho various parishes in the district, ap-
pointment of overseers, and parish constables.
EAST STOKE.—On Tuesday an inquest was
held before H. Lock, Esq., coroner, on the body of
Thomas Stevens. It appeared that the deceased
was bailiff to Mr. Bennett. As he did not go home
on Monday night, Ambrose Ehns, a labourer; was
sent in search of him, and found him in ri,ditch in a
field called "the Hurst." He appeared to have
fallen in the water higher up, and to have floated
down towards some rails crossing the ditch. He had
been in the water some hours. George Barnes, agate-
keeper on the S. W. Railway, said the deceased
passed through the wicket to the foot-path leading
through the " Hurst" about 20 minutes past 8 on
Monday evening. They bid each other good night,
and witness noticed that he appeared the worse for
liquor. Verdict, "Found Drowned."

CROSCOMBE.—On Thursday, at the close of the
Bristol cattle market, P.C. Harris observed two men
offering • horse for sale at an exceedingly low price.
After questioning them be took them into custody to
Bedminster police station, where, after examination,
they were liberated. The man who bought the horse
was desired to keep it for a few days, and on Saturday
it was ascertained that the horse had been stolen from
a stable belonging to Mr. John Blinham, linieburner,
of Croscorube, near Shepton Mallett. The prisoners
were again apprehended by Harris and P.C. Tuckfield,
and conveyed to Shepton Mallet, and on Monday were
committed for trial at the next &manna sessions.

BATFI.—ARCITLE CHAPEL.—This edifice, for 62 years
the scene of the ministration of the Rev. William Jay,
is about to undergo considerable improvements and
alteration. Divine Worship was held therein on Sun-
day evening for the last time preparatory to the work
being effected. In the course of a sermon befitting
the occasion tke Rev. W. H. Dyer, reviewing the pact
history of the chapel, stated that a place of worship was
first erected on the spot in the year 1790. In 1793 one
gallery was erected, and in 1805 another, with, it is
supposed, an enlargement of the area of the building.
In 1821 more extensive alterations were effected, at a
cost of nearly £3, 800. so that the present edifice can
scarcely be anything like the first erection. In the
intended alteration, just commenced, the walls, roof,
galleries, and pulpit will be retained, but considerable
alterations and improvements will be made, tending to
render the chapel more commodious and convenient
than it ever was. The chief features to which attention
will be directed are an increased height to the first
elevation, with the introduction of another series of
columns ; an alteration of the ceiling, with fresh
ornamentation; and an entire re-pewing of the building.
To Messrs Hickes and Isaac is entrusted the supervision
of the work as architects, and thek outlay contemplated
is about £1,200
BRISTOL.—FOIIGERT.—The Shippinz Master of
Bristol, Mr. Henry Hellier Peters, was on Wednesday
committed to take his trial at the Gloucester aasises,
charged with having forged the name of a seaman,
named George Cummins, to • receipt for £6O. Mr.
Pigeon, who attended on behalf of the accused, urged
that no fraud had been committed; that the °am*
was • venial one; and asked the magistrates to accept
bail, but their worships declined to do so. The CABO,
from the position held by Mr. Peters, naturally greeted
considerable interest.

A DEFENDANT APPREHENDED IN THE COUNTY
COURT.—On Wednesday afternoon a young man named
Webber, who was sued in the Bristol County Court. by
a draper named McQueen, for the recovery of 4s. 4d.,
balance of account for goods supplied, was apprehended
by the direction of the Judge (Sir J. E. E. Wilinot), for
using offensive language in court. The defendant con-
tended that the debt was owing by a young man whom he
had recommended; but the plaintiff's case was that that
young man's debt had been paid by the defendant,
and that he only stopped payment of his own when lie
(plaintiff) distrained on his father's goods. His Honour
gave judgment for the plaintiff.—The Defendant (to
plaintiff): You sneaking old rogue. I'll never pay it,
you old thief.—His Honour: Pay neat Monday.—Defen-
dant: Ah, you shirking old thief.—A female (apparently
defendant's mother): Let in, catch the old rascal, I'll
give it to him—the old badger-face—(alluding to
complainant's beard). You old rogue.—Defendant :
I'll never pay the old thief.—His Honour (to the
usher : Tell the constable to take him into custody.—
Plaintiff: It's not the first time they have insulted me.
—His Honour: I believe they are capable ot it. The
female (to the defendant, in a quiet, submissive, tone):
Why did you not answer the Judge in the manner I
told you ?—The defendant made no answer, but a police-
man appeared, and he was &moved in custody.
A GAY LOTHARIO AT ST. GEOROIeB.—At the
Bristol police-court on Thursday, Joseph Flook, a
man of respectable appearance, described as a well-
to-do market-gardener, of St. George's, was sum-
moned by two young women of the same place, to
show cause why he should not contribute towards
the maintenance of their respective illegitimate
children, of which they alleged him to be the father.
Great interest was taken in the case by certain resi-
dents in the neighbourhood, many of whom crowded
the court to an inconvenient extent, while a large
number who could not obtain admittance were con-
tent to remain in waiting without. The two fair
ones who had loved the defendant " not wisely but
too well," were early in attendance, and some
waggish official having placed them in Rests close to
each other, they became the observed of the numer-
ous observers who had taken such an interest in their
case. Notwithstanding the gravity of the Bench
and the strictness of the officials semi-audible criti-
cisms of the "little innocents" were indulged in,
and ludicrous comparisons of the twain uttered in
whispers. The scene was curious if not edifying,--
Mr. Dene appeared for the complainants, and Mr.
J. Ayre for the defendant, who did not at first put
in an appearance.—The first case was that of Francis
Brown, a girl who had been, and was at present
living in the service of Mr. Trews, at the British
School, at St. George's. Her's was a female child
fourteen weeks old.--After hearing the case, and
Mr. Ayre for the defence, the magistrates decided
that the case was proved.—After some delay Mr.
Ayre admitted defendant's paternity of the
second.—The complainant in this latter ease
was Miss Fry, a well-dressed young woman
of prepossessing appearance, the only untnar-
ried daughter of a respectable market-gardener of St.
George's. Hers was also a female child, seven weeks
old. The question remained, what were defen-
dant's means f And this he was called to give some
information upon. Upon entering the court he
became the subject of attention—many curiously
, sought the measure of the "lady killer," some
looked indignantly upon hies, but he regarded the
ensemble with a somewhat abashed, but still smiling
countenance. He said his earnings were only 10:. per
week.—Miss Fry: That is wrong, my father pays
his men 10s. a week.—Mr. J. B. Hardford : Is he
not a master-gardener ?—Mr. Dene: Let him bs put
upon his oath as to his means.—Defendant was then
sworn, and in auswer to Mr. Ayra said: lam a gar-
dener'slabourer, and work for my mother ;I get 10s.
per week. I have no property or any other means.—
By Mr. Dene : I reside with my mother, from whom
I have alas board, washing, and lodging. My father
died at Christmas ; I am the eldest son. Father
died possessed of property, and left a will; I have
as yet received no property under it. I purchased
property recently for my mother from Mr. James
Dix. The property was conveyed to me.—Mr.
Ayre : He is his mother's trustee. —Defendant : I
can't my what my father has left me ; the family
want to dispute the will, and there is a lawsuit
pending. No one will have possession of the
property till mother's death. The Magistrates'
, Clerk : The evidence will not prevent the magis-
tratee making the highest order they please.—
Defendant, to Mr. Av re : here are nine children,
and the property under father's will is left to the
children after -mother's death.—Mr. J. B.
Harford : From the position be holds and by his
appearance we see that he is not a poor man or a
labourer.—Defendant : —I am a labourer.—Mr.
Ayre : He works hard, I believe, in the garden.
The Bench ultimately ordered to pay half-a-crown
a week in each case, together with costs.
A ST. PHILIP'S GHOST STORY.—For some time
past a considerable sensation has been created in
that portion of St. Philip's called Kilkenny by the
appearance of an apparition in the shape of a rabbit.
It has been seen by the inhabitants at different
times, and particularly upon the approach of any
visitation of woe upon occupants of houses in the
locality. A short time since two men living in
Little Ireland died suddenly, but before their death
the apparition was distinctly seen by several to
settle upon the fronts of the tenements occupied by
them. It has the appearance of and size of a white
rabbit, when first seen, but gradually increases
until it is about as largo a sheep. At one time a
man was hardy enough to chase it, and actually, as
he thought, placed his hat upon it, exclaiming at
the same time, " 1 got thee now, Old Bun !" but,
strange to say, upon removing the hat nothing was
found! At another time a man chased it into a
corner, but upon getting close to it it vanished. It
is creating quite a stir in the neighbourhood! Old
women leave their homes at night only on the
greatest urgency, and then in bodily fear. It is
the chief subject of conversation in Little Ireland,
&c., and might, perhaps, profitably employ tho
thought and energy of some clergyman residing in
the district, with the view of allaying the unruly
ghost that has the penchant for appearing in such
a questionable shape as that of a "Bunny,"
thereby frightening sensible people out of their
usual 'propriety.
HIGHBRIDGE.— DETERMINED SUIC/DE.— On
Thursday morning a most determined act of suicide
was committed by a man named William Parks, a
hatcher, of Cannington, near Bridgwater, at the
Highbridge Railway Station. The man, who was
insane, arrived at Highhridge by the early up train,
in company with his brother, who was to convey
him to the Wells Lunatic Asylum. When the two
men got out of the railway train they entered a
closet situate at the end of the platform, close to
which runs the river Brue. Mr. Parks left his
brother William in the closet, and walked in an
opposite direction to the water. Presently, how-
ever, he saw him come out and go towards the river,
but thinking he was going the way to cross the line
he did not call him back. Arrived at the end of the
platform the maniac climbed over the railings and
got upon the river bridge, when he took off his bat
and coat, and, before anyone could come to him,
plunged into the water beneath. The fall of rain
had considerably swollen the river, and the water

was rushing with fearful rapidity towards the open
sea. The drowning man was borne rapidly away,
and the attempta made to rescue Lim were ueeless.
When Mr. Parks saw his brother getting over the
railing he cried out, and rushed towards him, but he
was only answered by a look and movement of the
hand, and did not reach the spot from whence the
fearful leap was made until his brother was strug-
gling with the torrent of water. The deceased well
knew he was going to Wells, and seemed pleased at
the thought of being placed there. It is very pro-
bable that the body may not be recovered for some
time.

WESTON-SUPER-MARE. A FASHIONABLE
ARRIVAL.—On Wednesday a most uncommon guest
arrived here, per train, from Newport, in company with
Sergeant Andrew Fairbairn. Our new visitor WIIS
neither more nor less then a fine young bear, who, it
appears, had been instructed in several nolitaly
usanosuvres by the gallant sergeant. The animal was
brought hither for, and at the request of, Captain Firth ;
but whether that gentleman intends to keep Bruin as a
pet, or whether it is to be "racrificed to the graces" in
the shape of several pots of prime "Bears grease," we
are at present unable to state: the animal is now safely
housed at the Captain's stables until "further orders."