The Sun.
London, England, 1857-01-03 00:00:00

rbito ,Sbittion

SUN OPPICE, Six o'clock.

THE GREAT CITY FORGERIES.

MANSION-HOUSE.

THE SAIVA.RD FORGERY GANG.—This afternoon, the
further examination of Saward and Anderson, remanded
for forgery and uttering a 1,0001. bill of exchange, was
resumed at the Mansion-house, before the Lord Mayor;

and created intense interest, in consequence of Saward's
connection with Agar, the gold robbery, and the alarm-
ing extent to which Agar and others belonging to the
same gang have victimised the bankers of Lon-
don. Several of the principals of the large banking
firms were present, and had the satisfaction of making
the personal acquaintance, for the first time, of
men who for a lengthened period have drawn on them
without the usual and necessary introduction, and who,
up to this time, have baffled all attempts at detection.
At the last October sessions two men (one au elderly
man, a returned convict), named Hardwicke and Atwell,
were convicted of forgery and uttering checks to a
heavy amount, which they got caebed, and in conse-
quence were transported for life. From the dis-
closures they made after their conviction, it ap-
pears that they were in connection with the two
prisoners Anderson and Saward, and it was their
disclosures that lei to the latter's apprehension.
The prisoners were described on the police sheet
as follows :—James Anderson, of Freehold-street,
Durham-road, Hoxton, servant, for forging and utter-
ing on the 14th of June, 1856, a bill of exchange for
1,0001., with intent to defraud Messrs. Heywood,
Kennard, and Co., bankers, 4, Lombard-street, and
James To wnshend Saward, of Villa-house, Walworth-
common, barrister•at-law' on suspicion of being con-
cerned with the above James Anderson in forging
and uttering the above bill of exchange. Anderson
was apprehended on last Friday fortnight, and was
privately examined on the following day, and the infor-
mation then given led to the apprehensi n of Saward
, by Huggett, a City detective. He went to a back room in
John-street, Oxford-street, and inquired for Mr. Hop-
kins, the name by which he bad heard Saward was
living there, and he was informed he was gone to a
•public-house in Oxford-market. He went to Oxford-
market, leaving Moss, another detective, behind, and
on his return he found Saward in Moss's custody.
Saward denied all knowledge of Hardwick, Atwell, and
Anderson, and said he was not the person of whom the
officers were in quest. Huggett, however, refused to
listen to his statement, being certain he was the man
he wanted, and he accordingly took charge of him and
conveyed him to the police-station, and his first exami-
nation took place on last Friday week, when
sufficient evidence only was given to justify
his remand till to-day. Anderson on last Saturday was
examined before the Lord Mayor in reference to other
forgeries, it being deemed prudent that the examination
in reference to the 1,0001. bill of exchange should not
be !gone into until both prisoners were present. The
evidence on that occasion adduced against Anderson
was that on Saturday the 18th of August last he uttered
successfully two forged checks on Messrs. Hankey and
Co.—one for 1001. and the other for 501., and the plan
he adopted was this : he went to the White Hart in
Bishopgate-street, entered the coffee-house, and desired
the boots to be sent to him, on which he gave
him a check to get cashed. He then went to the
Four Swans, in Bishopsgate-street, and repeated his con-
duct with reference to the other check. He then re-
turned to the White Hart, received the money of the
boots, and then immediately went to the Four Swans
and received that also and decamped. Another charge
was entered into against him on the above day, that of
giving a man named Roberts, residing in St. John's-
wood, a check to get changed, but in that case the
bankers refused to pay it. The plan adopted by Ander-
son was the same as that followed by Agar, that of get-
ting a stranger to present the checks, which allowed
them to make off it any difficulty was experienced in
cashing the documents.
The prisoners were paced at the bar at 2 o'clock, when
their examination was proceeded with.
Mr. Mullins appeared for the committee of bankers
to prosecute.
Mr. Goodman, chief clerk, asked Anderson if he had
legal assistance ?

—Anderson—No.
Mr. Goodman (to Saward)—Have you any one to
appear for you ?
Seward—No, Sir ; I will take care of my own case
for the present.
Mr. Mullins then stated the course he should pursue—
namely, that of confining himself to the number of for-
geries committed in 1856, with which he intended to
connect the prisoners; two in January, for 1421.; one
in February, for 901.; three in March, for 2001.; one in
April, for HU; two in June, for 1,4101.; and three in

August, for 2501.
At Sward's request, the evidence on his former exa-
mination was read over, and he denied that he made use
of the observation in the cab to Huggett, that "it was
no use denying it, I'm Jim Seward." It was not hkely
he should do so, for be had no desire to court criminal
notoriety. He said to him, "As you have taken me for
James Saward, I admit that I am the person."
Toe evidence taken on Saturday last was read over
as against both the prisoners.
His lordship asked Saward if he wished to put any
questions to the witnesses.
Saward—No, my lord, I am not mixed up with those
transactions.

Mr. Mullins—But I propose to show that you are.
Saward—l decline putting any questions to them.
The first witness examined was Henry Atwell, now
under sentence of transportation for life for forgery and
uttering. He was brought up in custody of Mr. Wea-
therhead, Governor of Newgate. His appearance is
much altered for the worsesince his conviction. He

deposed—l am a convict under sentence of transporta-
tion for life. I know both the prisoners at the bar. I
knew Saward first, about 12 months since ; at thit time
I had some blank checks and paid checks on
Messrs. Barclay and Co. in my possession, the
produce of a burglary committed on the premises
of Mr. Doe. I showed them to a person named Saun-
ders, residing in the 01d Street-road, and in conseqt:ence
of what passed between us I went a second time to his
house and he introduced me to Saward. I showed
Saward two cheques that had been crossed off paid, and
returned, and also the blank cheques. I left Saunders
with him, and he wished to know where Mr. Doe's place
was, and I went with hici to Brick-lane, Spitalfields,
and showed him. He said, after ho had seen it, that it
was not a very large firm, and he did not expect to get
much money from it. He left tne, and promised to see
me again. In Saunders's house Saward said he could get
some money with the cheques by filling up the blanks
and sending them when so filled up to the bank. He
had a person, whom he called "the sender," that he
would introduce to me, who would send them to the
bank when filled up and get them cashed. After Sa-
ward had seen Mr. Doe's premises I lett the cheques i❑
his possession. About a week after I saw hint in company
of Anderson and two other persons, in New-street,
Spitalfields, near the church. It was the day on which
two checks were presented at Messrs. Barclay's. At
that meeting Saward returned to me the three filled up
checks I had previously given him, and two that had
been blank which were filled up, and to the best of my
beliaf those now produced are the same. One is dated
Jan., 1856, fur 461. 153. 6d., purporting to be
drawn by J. T. Doe, jun., on Barclay and Co. Toe
other is dated Jan. 10, for 051. 17s. 6,1 , purporting to
be drawn by the same gentleman, and on the same
bank. Saward carried those two checks in the cuff
of his coat, and when he took them out and .showed
them to me he compared them with the other three.
The cancelled checks were then torn up in the street.
I, Saward, and Anderson then went to Leman-street,
and I was shown a pri►ate room that Anderson had
taken as a place from which the check could be sent.
Anderson went into the house whilst I and Saward tr
inained outside near the house. It was previously arranged
that we should remain outside the house until the man
who was sent came back with the money. I was to
watch him and see if the money was paid. Shortly
after we commenced our watching, and Anderson had
gone in, he came out, and I followed him to Messrs.
Barclays. He went with the check for 461. 53. 6d. I
saw the money paid, and the man went straight back
with the money to Leman-street. There was another
man in communication with us, and he went to Ander-
son at a public-house, where he was waiting, and in-
formed him the money had been paid. I think the

check was paid in three or two 101. notes, and the rest
in money. After Anderson had got the money he came
out of the house, and we all three, with the fourth
man, met in the same street, and we walked to the
Eastern Counties Railway, where Anderson was to meet
another young man to send off with the other
check. I and Anderson went into an eating-

_
house opposite the station, Saward and the
other man waiting close by. Anderson met
the young man near the platform of the railway and
took him with us to the eating house. He was sent
with the other cehck to Messrs. Barclay. II followed
him and saw it paid, partly in 101. notes, and the rest in
money. It was part of my duty in these transactions to
see the parties back with the money, and I did se in
this instance. The young man who got the money in
this instance was going over London-bridge instead of
returning to the railway station. I went to him,
touched him on the shoulder, and asked him if he was
not going the wrong way. (Laughter.) He replied he
was going to his late employers to see if Anderson had
sent for his character. At this time Anderson passed by
a name which I can't recollect. He changed his name
each time he sent a check. I said to the young man a
gentleman is waiting for you at the railway. He has a
particular way of trying his servants before he employs
them. (Laughter.) I then returned with the young
man towards the railway station, and on our way we
met Anderson, who went alone with the young man
into a public-house. When he came out he and I met
Seward, and he gave to him the money he had received
from the young man. We all went to the neighbour.
hood of Hackney road, when Saward said he would
take the notes and sell them to a man named Hall.
Saward left, and Anderson and I, with two other men,
waited at a public-house in a street in the Hackney-road.
I should know the house again. Saward subsequently
returned and brought hack gold, which was divided
amongst the five. Saward, on that occasion, said he
knew Hall well, but he did not say who he was. I
don't know Peter-street, in Hackney-road, by name.
After this Seward said that if ever I heard of anything or
knew anything I was to communicate with Saunders,
and that if he had anything he would communicate with
me through Saunders. I never knew where Seward lived.
My address was in Cottage-lane, City-road, and I lived
there in the name of Hawes, with a young woman who
Paned hi wy wife. I was occasionally visited there by

my aunt, Eliribeth llaydon, who lived near _Kiwi''s-
cross. Whilst I lived there Sward visited me three
times. Saward on these occasions said he had some
business more to do, as on the former occasion, if I
would like to join him. I did so, and apartments were
taken and a check was presented on Messrs Smiths,
Payne, and Smiths. When Sward visited me he
showed meals cr seven cancelled checks on Smith, Payne,

and Co., issued by a per,on named Ash ; he also showed
me something like this (a check for 901.), saying that
apartments had been taken, so that the checks might be
presented. One apartment was in Oakley crescent,
City-road, and near the Sportsman, behind the church.
The others were nearer the New River, off from the main
road. I was to watch the men to and from the bank
with the checks and money. I did not know how these
blank checks were obtained. Saward said he had them
from somebody, and that he believed they came from
robbing. Saward left the cancelled checks in my pos-
session on the day a check was presented to Smith,
Payne, and Co. I went with Saward, and we met An-
derson and the same two persons as on the former occa-
sion in the road. We all went to a public-house at the
back of York-place. On these occasions Anderson
dressed up for it. He always wore a wig, and sometimes
whiskers. He dressed himself in the public-house, and
went to the house in Oakley-crescent. I and Saward,
after he went in, watched in the City-road, near the
Sportsman, which is at the corner of Oakley-crescent.
We saw the young man who was to present the check go

in and out of tho-house. First he was sent to Cainde-ii

town about some luggage. One of the men who was
with us at the public-hou,e followed him there and back.
On his return he went into the house in Oakley-cres-
cent. The man employed to watch the young man at the
railway station at Camden-town, returned without him,
being tired of waiting for him in consequence of the
number of inquiries he was making about the luggage.
We were all waiting about the City-road when the
porter came back. When he left the house a second

time he went in the direction of the City, and I followed
him. It had been arranged that Saward and Anderson
were to wait at the public-house until I came back from
the City. I followed him to the bank. The young man
at first went to the counting Bide for payment of the check
and on his going to the other side he was stopped. I
started off, got on an omnibus, and went to the public-
house and informed Saward and Anderson and
the other men of it, on which we all parted. The
cancelled checks referred to by me, and now pro-
duced, are, I believe, the same I had from Saward.
Another paper like the one produced was also left with
me [a sheet of engraved checks of the North-West
Bank of India]. They remained in my possession till
something that occurred afterwards compelled me to
leave in a burry. They remained in the possession of
the young woman who passed as my wife. When these
documents were given to me by Saward she was at home
and saw him. She came into the room while they were
on the table. My aunt was at the house that day. Some

time afterwards I bad a communication about some
checkes with Saward. He said he had sent to the
banker at the corner of the Haymarket and had got one
—I think it was Ransome's. It was at a bank nearly
opposite Dent's shop in the Haymarket. On a certain
day I watched three separate young men take three
separate checks to that banking-house. They were
all paid, and the money was handed to S3Ward, and he,
Anderson, myself, and the other two I have referred to,
shared it. The money was divided into six parts, one
being allotted to the " book." (Laughter.) That went
to the party who obtained the book. I received an extra
portion in Barclay's case, and Saunders also received a
portion of it. One of the cheques on Messrs. Ransome
was sent from a house in the neighbourhood of Park-
street, Camden town, and afterwards, in reference to
that cheque, a young man named Markham was appre-
hended in mistake for Anderson.

Mr. Mullins—Unfortunately that young man was
convicted, but as soon as the error was discovered he
was •pardoned.
The Lord Mayor—What was the amount on Ran-
soms ?
Mr. Mullins-2001.

Examination continue 1--Shortly afterwards &sward
sent for me in reference to something to come off on
Hankey's. In consequence of what he said I went to
Cumberland-street, Hackney-road. Saward had shown
to me the document that was to be presented. It was
a bill of exchange for 3861. 17s. 10d., drawn by M. F.
Jennings and Co., upon Samuel Dobree and Sons, three
months after date, and due in April. On that day Au

derson went dressed up to a house in Cumberland street,
Hackneproad, and from thence sent a young man with
the bill to Hankeys'. The bill was not paid, and I went
to a coffee-house near Shoreditch Church, and
communicated it to Saward and Anderson. I
know Mr. Turner, solicit,ir, residing in Red Lion-
square, and I employed him en professional business.
Before that Saward said he had a blank cheque signed
by Mr. Turner, on Goslings, by which they could get
some money. Saward suggested that I should take a
fictitious I 0 U for money owed to me and employ Mr.
Turner to obtain it. The money was to be paid and left
in his hands a few days, because be might pay it into his
banker's, and when I went for the money Mr. Turner
might pay me by a el e lue. I went to Mr. Turner,taking
him an I 0 U for 301. odd, and gave Mr. Turner iu-
etructions, as had been previously arrange I. A sup-
posed debtor was created in the name of Heap, and a
lodging taken at Bagnege wells road, with instructions
to the landlord co take in all letters so adilresi,ed. Some
days after I went to Mr. Turner to know if the debt bad
been paid. I advanced the money for its payment, and
my brother carried it to Mr Turner. When I went
afterwards to Mr. Turner he informed me the money was
paid, and Mr. Turcer's clerk unfortunately paid me in cash
instead of by check. rcommunicated the result of it
to Saward, who said we must wait a little time, and
then do it again. In the latter end of May I heard of
Hardwicke from Saward. Saward told me he was
going to meet a person in Farringdon.market, who had
just returned from Australia, who had some
busines for him (Saward) to do. By business
I understood forgery. Saward, Anderson, Hard wicke,
and myself met at Farringdon-market as appointed. I
knew Anderson by the name of " Bob." Hardwicke had
been out of England some time, and Saward said he
knew him before that—that he had known him for some
years. I did not understand from that that Hardwicke
had been transported. When we met first it was merely
an introduction. We went to a public-house and had
something, and then parted. Afterwards we met at
the " beef house," a public-house known as such by
them, near Cox's vinegar yard, Southwark-road. Be-
tween that time and when a 1,0001. bill was presented,
we four met at this house several times for the purpose
of discussing this " business." On one of these occasions
Hardwicke produced the 1,0001. bill now produced, and
some printed forms. At the first meeting Hardwicke
produced a 2001. genuine bill drawn by Messrs. Cross-
man and Co., of Hobart Town, upon Mr. Austen Ken-
nard of Austen Friars. The bill was endorsed to Hard,
wicks, and accepted by Mr. Kennard, and made payable
at Heywood's. Hardwicke also produced some old bills
filled up and some blank bills, all of which he gave to
Saward, who took them away. On the day the 1,0001.
bill was presented I saw it for the first time at a public-
house in Kingsland-road, but I knew it had been
prepared, because Saward appointed the meeting
relative to its presentation. One day I was in a
hatter's shop in Cheapside with Anderson and
Hardwicke, when a young man now present, named
Clements, came in. He asked some questions
and left, and he was followed by Hardwicke, and I
went to Kingsland, where Anderson had hired a room
in the name of Riley. It was after this that Saward
arranged for us to meet at a publichouse in the Kings-
land-road. On a Saturday in June this " business" of
the 1,0001. bill came off. On that morning I first saw
Saward, Anderson, and Hardwicke at Child's public-
house, in Old-street-road, and there Anderson "dressed
up" at usual. We then all went to the Englefield-road,
Kingsland, about 9 o'clock, and to a publichouse—a
large house with a small garden in front, with stable
and coach houses attached to it. I can't recollect the
name of it. Anderson went from the publichouse
to the lodgings, and before he did so Hardwicke pro-
duced a 201. note, and Saward asked for pen and ink.
It was brought in by a female. The room was not in a
fit state to receive visitors, and the female apologised for it.
When the pen and ink was brought in a name and
address was written on the bank note by Saward. The
note was given to Anderson, it having been arranged
that Anderson should send a young man with it to the
Bank of England for change. Anderson returned, and
we understood the young man had been sent to the
bank. Whilst waiting for his return the 1,0001. bill
was produced. A date was put to it. [The acceptance
was blank, the date having been subsequently written in.]
When the young man returned, Anderson went to the
lodging, and returned with two foreign-bill stamps,
which he said the young man had brodgbt from the City.
Saward affixed one of the stamps to the 1,0001. bill, and
wrote the indorsement across it. The bill was then

taken by Anderson back to the lodging, to be given to
the young man Clements to take to the City. It was
also arranged that we should then disperse, and meet at
the public-house at the bottom of Bishopsgate Church-
yard, for the purpose of learning what was the result of
the bill. Hardwicke went to the banking-house, and
was to wait there until I came. Anderson le& to go to
the lodging, and I to follow the young man. Saward
remained in the public-house at Kingland the last..
rTodne
young man left by 'bus to go to the City, and I
unknown to him by the side, I saw him
Saward,oi who
bank. Hardwicke followed him in,
Shortly after
had come to town, was in the neighbourhoo . . and a-dtbanthke,
William-street,
near the clock of the Post-office in Slot
where he could see what was going
d e
Hardwicke came out of the bank ar!.v
.me a signal,
and I went into the bank.
The clerk gave
nad got out the
money and entered the note, at the
forgery, and he -
put back the
money again.but on again looking
note he found it was a ~
We all shortly after met at the public-
house in Bishopsgate-churchyard,
and remained there
an hour. After having some refreshments we all went
to the Shades, London-bridge.
Mr. muffins—It was by the merest chance the money
for 1,000/. was not paid.
Witness continued—On June 16th I again went to
Mr. Turner's, Red Lion-square, the matter having been
discussed amongst us again. Hardwicke advanced 100/.,
and I took his I 0 U, signed in the name of Hart. I
got the I 0 U from Saward, and the same arrangement
was made about a lodging, to which letters were to be
addressed. I gave Mr. Turner instructions to write for
it, and the money was paid to Mr. Turner by some one
liardwicke employed, because it was his money. A
few mornings after I went to Mr. Turner's—
five of us, Saward, Anderson, Hardwicke, myself,
and a fifth man having first met in Red
Lion-square. The fifth man had got the blank cheques
which Saward spoke of, by picking Mr. Turner's pocket.
I went to Mr. Turner's office, but be was out. We all
waited in the square, when a gentleman passed, and
1
Saward said " That's Mr. Turner." I went back to
the office, and was paid by a cheque for 1031. Bs. 10d,,
signed by Mr. Turner, for which I gave him a receipt

in the name all. Hunter. I used that name on both

occasions.

Mr. Mullins—Why ?
Witness—Because we should then get the first three
letters, hun, to form "hundred," in Mr. Turner's hand-
writing.
Saward—That is an absurdity. If the cheque were
for a hundred pounds or more the word would be in
the body of the cheque.
Mr. Mullins—Yes ; but on the first occasion you only
tried for 301.

Mr. Mullins, addressing his lordship, said that he
found himself physically unable to proceed further with
the case that afternoon. The examination of the witness
would occupy nearly two hours longer before it could be
finished, and as it was then a quarter past 4 o'clock, he
proposed to ask for a remand.
Saward applied to his lordship to have the articles
found on him when apprehended given up to him.
The Lord IVlayor—What are they ?
Saward—Five or six shillings, a memorandum book,
two blank checks, and some keys.
The Lord Mayor—The money might be given up to
you, but the prison regulations will not admit of your
using it. I certainly shall not let you have the other
articles.
Saward—There is also a small tortoise shell pen•

knife.
Mr. Mullins—l shall object to your having that.
The Lord Mayor—l shall not make any order for
the articles being given up to you. Tour friends may
have the money.
Mr. Mullins said, that as the further examination of
the witness Atwell would take a considerable time, he
wished an early hour to be named for the next exami-
nation. Oa that occahion he proposed to finish the
evidence of Atwell, as well as that of the other convict,
Hard wicke. He had upwards of 30 other witnesses to
examine, but he did not propose to take their evidence
until he had the whole of the main facts from the two
convicts.
The prisoners were then remanded till Wednesday
next, at 12 o'clock.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE.—(This Day.)

BOW-STREET.

AN UNLICENSED THEATRE.—This morning, Catterell
(the proprietor),Belasco, Pointer, Riley, two other young
men, and two females, Christiana Belasco and Susan
Catterell, were placed at the bar charged with acting at
an unlicensed theatre.

Superintendent Hannent, of the E division of police,
said, in consequence of the number of complaints from
the tradesmen, and other information received by the
Commissioners of Police, of the existence of a penny
theatre in Holborn, orders had been issued to suppress
the nuisance. Last night he entered the premises, 167,
High Holborn, and found it fitted up as a theatre. The
place was lighted with gas, and was capable of holding
nearly 800 persons. The audience consisted principally
of boys and girls. By his orders the place was taken
possession of by the police, and the parties at the bar
were taken into custody, and charged with keeping an
unlicensed theatre.

Police-constable 67 E said—About balf•past 7 last
night I went to 167, High Holborn, in compliance with
my orders. I was in plain clothes. I paid a penny for
admission, and received a check, which, on being pre-
sented in another portion of the house, admitted me into
the theatre. The performers on the stage then were
three boys, with their hands turned behind them. They
were kneeling on the floor and eating bread and treacle
from plates. This part of the performance was conducted
by Belasco.
Belasco—What performance ?
Witness—The bread and treacle business. The boys
were not in costume.
Belasco—l was merely giving the boys the bread and
treacle.
Mr. Henry—Was there scenery, and did you see the
curtain rise ? _

Witness—No, your worship ; but I saw it fall. When
it again rote the prisoner Pointer came upon the stage
dressed as Selim, in Blue Beard ; and shortly afterwards
the prisoner, Christian Belasco, catered, and sang a song,
from which I learnt the performence was to be pantomimic.
A dance then took place among the whole prisoners, and
then there was what was called the transformation scene,
in which the female prisoner Belasco is the fairy queen,
transformed four of the prisoners into a harlequin,
clown, pantaloon, and coiumbine. At this stage of the
performance the superintendent and the police entered.
Mr. Henry—Did you see all the prisoners on the
stage.

Witness—Yes, your worship.
Mr. Henry—Did you see Riley on the stage?
Witness—Yes, your worship, he was °dressed as
clown.

The prisoners declined to ask witness any question.
Inspector Checkley said—ln obedience to the orders
of the superintendent I entered the prisoner's house,
167, High Holborn, with 10 constables. There was a
stage, and it was lighted with gas. I ordered the con•
stables to arrest the performers. Belasco I did not see.
I took hold of Catterell and his wife, and he said, "For
God's sake don't take this person, she's my wife—l'm
the master of the place." I said it is unlicensed, and you
must all go to the station. He said, "I know that." One
of the constables took possession of the treasury, which
contained lbs. 4d. in pence, 6.4. in silver, and a number
of admission checks. The prisoner Catterell rented
the premises.
Weaver, one of the musicians, said he was engaged
by Catterell.
Mr. Henry—ls there any bills of performance or ad-
vertisements issued.
Witness—No, your worship.
Mr. Henry—Then how do people outside know it is
a theatre?
The Inspector—A man is employed to stand outside
and invitethe people to " walk in."
Mr. Henry—How long have you been employed at
High Holborn ?
Weaver—About a fortnight.
Mr, Henry—l suppose the audience is comprised
chiefly of young boys
Witness—There is always a great number of grown
up persons present.
Mr. Henry—Yee; but the audience generally is
composed of young boys
Weaver—Yes.

Catterell, who had been out on bail, was about to
put some questions to the witness, when it was dis-
covered he was intoxicated.

Mr. Henry—Why, that man is intoxicated. The
case must be adjourned until he is sufficiently recovered
to understand the nature of the evidence.
On the case being re-called,
Mr. Greer, High Holborn, said, the place was fre-
quented by the "lowest of the low," and was an intoler-
able nuisance—so much so, that he had been compelled
to occupy private apartments away from the spot.
The solicitor to the owner of the premises said he wall
as anxious as anybody to put down the nuisance.
Catherall, the lessee of the place, said, if there bad
been any speaking on the stage it was against orders.
The performance was strictly confined to dancing and
ballet business. The utmost precaution had been taken
to keep the place respectable. No boy under a certain
height, or known bad characters, were allowed to enter
the place.
It having been intimated to the magistrate that there
were other persons in custody connected with the affair,
either as actors or spectators, they were ordered to be
brought in. Amongst them was an elderly man named
Lee, who said he was the father-in-law of Catherall.
Mr. Henry said, the Act of Parliament empowered him
to inflict upon Catherall, as the owner of the place, a
penalty of twenty pounds, or two' months' imprison-
ment ; and upon each of the others a fine of forty
shillings for being present and assisting at a perform.
ance at an unlicensed theatre. Penny theatres were
a great nuisance and must be put down. He should,
therefore, fine Catherall 2G/. for keeping such, a plaoe.
Lee he would fine 405., and the rest of the prisoners
must enter into their recognisance for 101. not to repeat
the offence.