The Sun.
London, England, 1832-11-03 00:00:00

MIDDLESEX SESSIO NS, Nov. 3.

THOMAS BLOW, RESPONDENT, AND LEIVIS LEVY,

APPELLANT.

This appeal arose out of a decision of D. W.
Gregorie, a Magistrate of Queen-square Police-
office, when Thomas Blow, one of his Majesty's
coachmen, was summoned to answer the complaint
of Mr. Levy, the toll-contractor, in consequence of
his refusal to pay the toll demanded on a " break"
and pair of horses belonging to his Majesty, and
who pleaded in exemption that, by Act of Parlia-
ment, all horses and carriages the property of Roy-
alty were free from the payment of toll. The Ma-
gistrate was of a different opinion, and ordered Blow
to pay the demand made upon him ; this he object-
ed to, and denied the jurisdiction of the Magistrate,
but he was convicted in the full penalty of 51., and
hence the appeal arose, which was argued last Ses-
sion, when, upon grounds hereafter stated, it was
adjourned for further consideration.

This day Mr. BODKIN, for the respondent, after
referring to what passed before the late Chairman
(Mr. Const), said, that it was contended on the
other side that, by certain Acts of Parliament passed
in the last two reigns, the Royal Family were ex-
empt, but another Act (alluding to their Majesties,
the Mince of Wales, and other branches of the
Royal Family) had since passed, commonly called
the Local Act, upon which another co►►struction
had been put, and which stated no exemption.
The CHAIRMAN thought that that Act had
never found its way into a public Statute.
Mr. BODKIN then proceeded to call his witnesses.

John Coulson was formerly lessee or collector
of the West-end tolls, of which the Queen's Elms-
gate was one. He was so under the Act 7th of
George 111. During the continuance of that Act,
which had been repealed, the members of the Royal
Family were liable to pay toll on a Sunday. On
working days the Royal Family did not pay, if pi e-
sent in person; but if their carriages passed with-
out them they paid. Witness had demanded and
taken the toll himself a hundred times. The King's
eight cream-coloured state horses were never
exempted when out for exercise; but the toll was
always paid without dispute. He did not feel him-
self quite satisfied as a trustee, hence he took an
opinion upon it five years ago when his lease ex-
pired, and before he renewed it. Amongst others
he consulted Mr. Const, the late Chairman, and Mr.
Alley.

Mr. ALLEY—Me! Oh, yes 1 very likely; you
may have an opinion upon any thing.
CHAIRMAN—WouId you shut the gate against
the King ? Witness—Yes; I should for the Sun-
day toll.

CEIAIR3IAN—What is your reason for making that
distinction ?—Because 1 consider I had power to
demand toll on Sundays from the Royal Family, but
not on the week day.

Daniel B:ites examined—Witness was formerly
collector of tolls on the Kensington trust, and com-
menced twenty years ago, and had taken toll from
King George 111. at Ball's Pond-gate, when in
company with General Garth and the servant in
Royal livery, but he bad never done so at the gate
at Hyde Park. Had taken toll regularly for the
King's horses when the Royal Family were not
with them.

Mr. C. PIIILLIPS—Pray, Sir, did you take op!.
nions too ? Witness--No, I took. money.
Joseph Haines—Was collector at Hyde Park-
gate from 1814 to 1822, and had taken toll fre-
quently for the Royal carriages which passed
through it. On some occasions on account of his late
Majesty's carriage whenßegent, but not when he was
in it. When the Royal Household removed back-
wards and forwards from Windsor, he had taken
toil for 10 carriages a day.
The CHAIRMAN (Mr. Marriott) said that the Ma-
gistrates were all of opinion that the conviction ought
to he splashed.

Mr. Gregorie's conviction was accordingly an-
nulled, and the right of his Majesty's servants to pass
with his horses and vehicles, toll.free, established.

The first part of Mr. BURKE'S long expected
and very desirable work, " The History of the English
Gentry," a companion to his " Peerage," and " Baronet-
age," has at length appeared. Among the numerous dis•
tinguished families, of whom accounts are given, we ob-
serve those of the Champion DYMOKE, COKE of Norfolk,
BERKELEY PORTMAN of Brianston, PLUMER, WARD,
MUNDY of Markeaton, FITZIIERBERT of Swinnerton,
FLOOD of Flood Hall, WYNDHAM. of Dinton, VavAsoua
of Weston, MOURRAY of Cociirrne, SHIRLEY of Eating-
ton, LoFrus of Kilbride, DARELL Of C3lOllll, WHARTCN
MIDDLETON of Old Park, & &c.