The Sun.
London, England, 1846-11-05 00:00:00

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, Nov. 3.

- - WONTNER V. SIIAIRP -THE DIRECT LONDON AND
EXETER RAILWAY.
Mr. BRAMWELL moved for a rule to show cause why
the verdict in this cause should not be set aside, and a
nonsuit entered. The case was one of considerable im-
portance, and was tried during the After-sittings of last
term, in Middlesex, before Mr. Justice Erle. The ver-
dict was given for the plaintiff, 821. 10s. The plaintiff
was Thomas Wontner, a solicitor, the defendant a pro-
visional director of the Direct London and Exeter Rail-
way. The plaintiff claimed the recovery of the deposit of
it 7s. 6d. on each of 60 shares on two grounds—lst, that
of the It 7s. 6d. on each share, lt ss. was paid for the
purpose of completing the Parliamentary deposit, but
the company having failed to proceed to Parliament,
the plaintiff was entitled to recover the 1/. ss. ; and
2d, that in consideration of the total failure of the com-
pany to fulfil its pledges, and on the ground of fraud, he
was entitled to the whole sum of 821.105., the deposit of 60
shares. A verdict was given for the plaintiff. The
company was formed on the 4th of June, 1845, and the
defendant was appointed a provisional director. On the
16th of September he was nominated one of the manag-
ing committee. A prospectus was issued, and on the
25th of the same month the plaintiff applied
for shares, which were allotted to him. On the 11th
the plaintiff received a letter which stated that the
deposit of IL 7s. 6d: must be paid within eight days at
the bankers named, else the shares would
be forfeited. On the 17th of October follow-
ing an advertisement from the company appeared, and it
was on this that the plaintiff mainly. depended. It
stated, the committee have " completed the allotment."
It subsequently appeared that only 58,000 shares had
been allotted, and it was on this that the charge of
fraud was made to rest, and the verdict of the
jury obtained. The Learned Gentlemen went at
great length into the history of the transac-
tions of the company, and contended that the
Learned Judge had misdirected the jury, and
that the deed of settlement under which the company
was formed did not state that the capital of the company
should be made up of shares to the number of 120,000.
Rule to show cause granted.

BASINGSTOKE CANAL NAVIGATION.—The half-
yearly general meeting of the proprietors in this com-
pany was held yesterday, at the Gray's Inn Coffee-
house, Holborn. The chair was occupied by P. Davey,
Esq., jun. The accounts showed a gross receipt, from
the Ist of April to the 30th of September last, of 1,0471,
4s. 9d., of which 9461. was derived from tolls. The ex-
penditure for the same period amounted to nearly the
same sum, leaving only a balance in hand of IL 4s. 9d.
The accounts were unanimously passed. The general
report of the committee of management showed a de-
crease in the traffic of the last half-year of 751 tons,
or 681. 7s. 4d. in tolls. With a view to improve the
traffic, the toll on coals had been reduced from 2s. 6d.
to 2s. The state of the company's affairs at the end of
September last showed a balance in their fivour of 443 L,
being 1341. 12s. 9d. less than it was at the same period
of last year, owing to the expenditure of several sums
in improving the works. The committee recommended
the payment of 2 per cent, on the bonded debt in March
next.—The chairman, in submitting the report, said that
the canal was never in a better state than now as re-
garded the supply of water, and with a view to keep up
a more regular supply, the committee now contemplated
the sinking of a well at Basingstoke. He did not be-
lieve the concern would ever thrive as it had done a
few years back, but he considered that it still had vi-
tality in it.—The report was unanimously received and
approved.
SUICIDE INCREASEINDUCEDBYit
OF
at
Mills, yesterday, held an inquest
Workhouse, on the body of H. J. BattetrseAbemMaLrY
ei,aTgr°
eedbM4n6re,
caapboporrosphroieetrnora,knear,moefd
Cooper,'Wa'lm er -opfl aperein
cLe Li-. oLv A
s. s 0
n.
grove, proved finding t e bod body
wifeo Tsuaeisdd
they h
Tuesday
eighint
the Regent's Canal. Deceased's
children, and that at her last confinement she gave birth
to twins. This circumstance increased their difficulties
and deceased's anxieties, who was an excellent husband
and father. On Monday last he sold some goods of a
lodger for rent due, without the assistance of a sworn
broker, and the lodger threatening legal proceedings,
deceased said on Monday night, " that what with one
trouble and another, there was enough to drive a man
to do that which he should be sorry for." The same
night he produced several accounts due to him, and gave
her instructions as to their recovery, and when she heard
of some one having been found dead in the water, it struck
her that it was her husband, and that he had destroyed
himself. Verdict—" That deceased drowned himself,
but in what state of mind there was no
evidenmcetc;
sh9Yr."

For Three Months—Maria Platt, Sarah Hicks, Eliza-
beth Sale, Ann Driscoll, J. Edwards, G. Fisher, J. Wil-
mot, J. Purnam, W. Payne, A. Evans, H. Potter, P.
Curley, S. Laken, E. Cain, G. Green, W. Ward, E.
Safe, T. Greenslade, R. Henderson, W. Pennell, S. Del-
linger, George Barrington, G. Horsford, J. Spenser, H.
Davis, R. Brady.
' For Two Months—J. T. Wanklin, G. Barrows, W.
Cripps, Catherine Mahoney, Mary Campbell, Ann
Berry.

LOSS OF A WHALING SHIP.
MASSACRE OF HER CREW.
For several months anxiety has been felt regarding
the fate or a whaling ship, named the Cape Packet,
Captain Powell, last from Sydney, and twenty-eight sea-
men, her crew. We regret to state that information has
now been received from Sydney that the unfortunate
vessel (which has been missing two years) had fallen
into the hands of the natives of the New Hebrides,
Sandwich Islands, and those belonging to her, excepting
four hands, savagely murdered. The particulars have
been reported by Captain Jones, of the barque Elizabeth,
which arrived at Sydney from the New Hebrides, on the
9th of June, having had a narrow escape of meeting a
similarfate. The Elizabeth, it appeared, touched at the
Sandwich Islands, the master intending to procure some
sandal-wood, vegetables, &c., and finding the natives to
all appearance friendly, cast anchor close to land.
Several natives were allowed to remain all night on
board. Among them was a New Zealander, who was
recognised by one of the Elizabeth crew, as one of the
party who sailed in the unfortunate whaler. The pilot
taxed him with it, and after a deal of hesitation, he ad-
mitted the truth of the assertion. The account he gives
of the affair (being able to speak English fluently), is, that two or three days after the vessel's arrival,
three boats were sent off to the shore for water, and
while the crew were so employed, the natives attacked
them, and every one of them were killed. The canoes
then pushed off to the ship, on board of which were
Captain Powell, ten English, and four coloured men.
They were permitted to come upon deck, Captain Powell
being unconscious of the fate of those whom he had sent
ashore. For a few minutes they behaved themselves in
their usual friendly manner; having surrounded their
victims, the signal was given, and the slaughter com-
menced. The attack was so sudden, that not the least
resistance could be made ; the captain, with the whole
of the crew, were killed, The four coloured men were
not molested. The bodies of the murdered crew were
taken ashore and devoured. The ship was then ran-
sacked and pillaged of everything of value. She had
700 barrels of sperm oil on board. but the casks were
broken up for the purpose of getting the iron hoop ; and
after stripping the ship, securing the fire-arms, powder,
&c., she was set on fire and totally consumed. Three of
the men whose lives had been spared by the natives had
managed to escape from the island in a canoe, and had
been taken an board by a French vessel. The native of
New Zealand was brought in by the Elizabeth. Cap'ain
Jones, of the latter, is of opinion that an attempt would
have been made to have taken his ship but for the
timely notice given by the survivor of tho Cape Packet.
The natives had made every preparation, and were ob-
served leaving a creek in their canoes, when the ship
had weighed anchor and was putting out to sea. The
Cape Packet it is said was a vessel barque-rigged, 300
tons burthen. With her contents her loss is estimated
at between 18,0004 and 20,0001.

BENTLEY'S MISCELLANY.—" As a repertory of
original and diversified fiction this Miscellany has
long stood at the head of its competitors. The number
of first-rate writers who regularly contribute to it is sur-
prisingly large, and the selection of alternate gaieties
and gravities made, is deserving of general encomium.
To tho new number just published a star of the first
magnitude is added to the galaxy of poets, wits, and
romancers who have hitherto shed their lights on
Bentley's pages. In addition to Maxwell, Albert Smitb,
W. Jerdan, Miss Costello, Alfred Crowquill,:Dr. W. C.
Taylor, Henry Curling, and other luminaries, one has
come from the Far West, whose lustre is surpassing, and
whose fame is universal. J. Fennimore Cooper, he who
has witched the world, old and new, with those un-
equalled sea stories, " The Pilot," "Red Rover"
Two Admirals," "Le Feu Follet," &c., has, devoted
himself to the readers of the Miscellany, and hencefor-
ward they will be duly favoured with the coruscations of
his genius. "Captain Spike ; or, the Islets of the Gulf,"
is the new romance begun by this eminent • writer.
Judging from the chapter given in the November num-
ber, we dare promise that its development will be ex-
citing, its story interesting, and its details instinct with
life and reality. We have already made the acquaint-_
ante of Spike himself, Captain of the brigantine Molly
Swash, of his crew, and of a couple of those necessary
agents in all adventures on shore or at sea, petticoats,
one bearing the floricultural name of Rose Budd.
Having seen the ladies on board, we behold the clipper-
looking craft bear away from a wharf of the renowned
Yankee city of Manhattan, with the intent of going.
through Hell•gate, and, as the devil would have it, we
see her miss her mark, and go right bang on the Pot-
Rock. The position and movements of the vessel,
her captain and her crew, are described wa extraordi-
nary graphic power and nautical knowledge."—Morning
Post.

MELANCHOLY REVERSE OF FORTllNE.—Yesterday
evening, Mr. Baker held an inquest at the Olive Branch,
Hackney road, on the body of Mr. Edward Chapman,
aged 70, formerly a licensed victualler, residing in
Slater-street, Bethnal-green. About four months ago,
deceased, who kept the Sun, Slater•street, for many
years, was obliged to enter the workhouse. He was
there put to the labour of the pump, of which he com-
plained, as he thought that after having been a rate
payer many years, he ought to have been differently
treated. Two months subsequently he left, and went to
work for his daughter, at No. 13, Old Bethnal Green-
road. He was unable to earn but about 6s. a week, and
was occasionally in want of necessaries, having no paro-
chial relief. On Monday evening last, while in bed, he
suddenly died, death being the effect of the ossification of
the aorta. Verdict—" Natural death."

t of Aldermen a
lected, occupied the notice of the Cour
against Messrs.
few weeks back, in the charge brought
irregularities in their bassi
A case of considerable importance, it will be recol-
Roches and Co., of serious _
purchase and sale of railway tions referring to the pu of London. Their
secu-
rities,transae-
the committee of Stock-Exchange have taken
subject, and are abouto
to institute a rigid investi-
unpestsheas brokers of thectrihtcye
to-day the subjoined resolution con-
nected the committee .
o with the inquiry was passed:—" The committee
gation into the nature of the complaint. At a meeting
nected
1
having met to investigate the charge of improper dealing
on the part of Messrs. Roches and Son, Mr. Roches,
Jun., attended, and stated his willingness to enter into a
full explanation of the case recently brought before the
Court of Aldermen, but having also stated that it was
his wish that such explanation should be postponed until
his father, who is now on the continent, could be present
---' Resolved, That the investigation be postponed until
the return of Mr. Rochas, sen., from the continent.' "
DARING RonnparEs.—On Wednesday information
of the following robberies was circulated throughout
the police divisions:—Stolen or lost from the coat pocket
of Mr. Henry Aldhouse, of No. 38, Mary-street, liings-
land-road, Shoreditch, a pocket-book, containing two
Bank of England notes for 1001. each, tw of . each,
too/. in smaller Bank of England notes,o andso/ 4701. in
Ipswich bank notes, of various amounts, all marked
' H. A.," in the corner; also a cheque for 301. on
Alexander's Bank, Ipswich, and a bill for 291. on Tumefy,
Clerkenwell, which was overdue. From the person of
Mr. Mount, of Picadilly, at the free list entrance of the
Aeclphi Theatre, a large thin gold watch. From the
house of Mr. Brown, Belgrave House, Park-road, Peck-
ham, various articles of value and wearing apparel. From the parlour of Mr. Littlejohn, No. 63, St. George's-
street, St. George's in the East, a valuable silver watch.
From Eton College, the property of one of the students;
a gold watch, and the gold chain attached, makeeszam
" Eordsham."

a
CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.:
SENTENCES AND SESSIONAL RESULTS.
Appended are the principal sentences passed as
amended on the last day of the sessions, to which are
affixed other adjudications and results.
BANISHMENT.—The undernamed were sentenced to
transportation beyond the seas for the terms specified:—
For Life—Charles William Clarke, 42, for a rape on
his child.
For Twenty Years—William Newbury, 24, for at-
tempted extortion.
For Fifteen Years—P. Hogan, 27, B. Lampert, 23,
Robert Greeny, 20.
For Fourteen Years—John Walker, 20.
For Ten Years—J. Davis, 24 ;W. Anglis, 28 ;A.
Dutton, 28 • Ann Sinner, 29, for manslaughter ; 'Villiers
' Pearce 44;for forgery ; John Harman, 23.
For Seven Years—Sarah Beckham, 18 ; W. Jones,
alias Stock, 23 ; J. Williams, alias Hart, 22 ; J. Smith,
alias Stocks, 21 ; J. M`Ginnis, 18 ; W. T. Poyser, 42 ;
W. Baylis, alias Sims, 19 ; W. Williamson, 26 ; T.
Russell, 19 • G. Stoddart, 24 ; J. Francklin, 25 ; R.
Davis, 54; I. Robinson, 54; Isaac Hoare, 44; J. Kedge,
28; H. Taylor, 19; W. Mears, 20 ; G. Bigg, 27 ;
W. Hoare, 56; J. Brown, 17; J. Dupper, 20; W. Hope, 17.
IMPRISONMENT, &c.—The following were ordered to
be confined in the Houses of Correction for the counties
wherein the offences were committed, and kept to hard
labour:—
For Two Years—William Vine.
For Eighteen Blonths—Edward Evans, J. Pratt, H.
Wilkinson, T. Bassett.
For Fifteen Months—J, Brown, J. Smith.
For One Year—Louisa Hickman, Margaret Shehan,
Ellen Clancy, Orston Brooks, Ann Miller, Rachel Tus-
tin, Theresa Lewis, Elizabeth Flicks, J. Hammond, R.
Wilson, J. Steward, J. Desmond, J. D. Hudson, C.
Howard, W. Collyer, G. Williams, alias Gill, J. Cham-
bers, W. Alderbury, alias Mills, H. Savory, G. Bergin,
A. Eagerton, A. Williams, A. Wilson, T. Handset:nub,
G. Rawliugs, F. Maddox, R. Roberts, G. Thompson,
George Laurence, W. Lewis, R. Adams, G, Wood, G.
Prince, W. Clegg, J. Ragson, M. Baker, W. Hoare, L
Hoare, W. New, T. Ball, W. Curry, J. Ward, W. Brice,
J. Bruce, J. Brown, W. Wood.
For Nine Mon ths—Elenor Herridge, Herriet Crawley,
J. Driscoll, W. Monier, 0. Dring, J. Riley, J. Lacey,
J. Reig, C. Dring.
For Eight Months—J. White, J. Brown. •
For Six Months—A. Palsey, J. Scholefield, J. Wil-
liams, J. Pearse, D. Dormer, T. Baxter, T. Bullock, J.
Gardner, J. Summers, J. Whetstone, 0. Bagroy, J.
M'Donald, Harriet Keefe, Flora Sullivan, Mary Grant,
Bridget Sullivan, T. Jackson, 0. Barton, H. Warring-
ton, T. Hopkins, J. Jackson, H. Orsell, J. Barnsley, J.
Durrant, J. Chapman, H. Jones, T. Jones, M. Barry,
G. Smith, R Amos, C. Aubery, C. Wright, R. Ross, J.
Fisher, C. Nash, J. Bruin, T. Jones, J. Smith.
For Four Months—J. Martin, G. Harrison, J. Far-
rell, G. Baxter, G. Groves, W. Curtis, G. Smith, M.
Burns, W. King, W. Wire, 11. Harrison, W. Ratcliffe,
A. Le Brough, Mary Cunningham, Sarah Cox, W.
Smith.