The following newspaper cuttings were copied from the scrap book of William Robert Richards, born in Martock September 2nd 1869, died January 9th 1957. He was a son of Thomas Wilce Richards and Eliza Ware and married Annie Blanche Bartlett 29th November 1902 in Broadway, Ilminster. After living in Martock they moved to Langport.

Some of the articles have dates, most have not, but they probably all refer to the last twenty years of the 19th century. The cutting of the marriage of uncle William Richards to Phillippa Francis in Tintinhull is from 1861, before William Robert was even born.

These articles are not a huge database full of names, some of them do not have any at all, but to me genealogy is more than just names and dates, and maybe other people want a taste of the atmosphere in those days as well.( though some things do not seem to change at all!)

If you do find the name of one of your ancestors, you might regret you did! You will start wondering and wanting to find out about the inheritability of aneurism of the aorta, criminal behaviour, suicidal tendencies, not to mention indecent behaviour on the sands!I hope it does not stop you from reading!

Marijke Huysse

Information on the Richards’ from Martock would be most appreciated, please email my address as shown on the previous page.

MARTOCK

Wanted a cook.–For a Bachelor’s household. Weight about 7 stone, height 5 feet, waist 24 inches, age under 30.–Apply in first instance to J.H.Smith, North Street, Martock.

March 14-1861

March 14th, at Tintinhull, Wm.,eldest son of Mr. Wm. Richards, confectioner, Martock, to Phillippa, daughter of the late Hugh Francis, Esq., of Tintinhull.

   Drunk Whilst in Charge.— Guy Barrington, of Langport, was summoned for being drunk whilst in charge of horse and trap.— Mr. J.Trevor-Davies represented the defendant, and pleaded guilty.— P.S.Berry was on duty on the road between Stapleton Cross and Long Load when he heard a trap coming towards him. The constable stood in by the side of the road, and on the conveyance making its appearance he saw a man in a very intoxicated condition. Berry found pursuit out of the question, and accordingly went to Langport the day following, when he saw the defendant.— Fined £1 and costs.

June 8-1872

funeral of the late john wood, esq.

   The remains of this lamented gentleman were interred in the family vault in Martock churchyard on Saturday last.

   The deceased gentleman, as we announced in our obituary last week, died in London, where he had gone for medical advice. He had for some time past suffered from an internal disease, and, upon the recommendation of Dr. Adams, consulted Sir Henry Thompson. An operation was performed, and he appeared to gain in health very rapidly. Sir Henry Thompson wrote to Dr. Adams stating how well his patient was getting on, and expressing a hope that he would be able to return home on the following week. Mr. Wood, however, had a relapse, and died somewhat suddenly on Sunday, the 2nd of June. The suddenness of his death caused a very painful feeling in Martock, where the deceased had for so many years resided, and great sympathy is felt for Mrs. Wood and her sons— Mr. Pendarvis and Mr. Augustus Wood.

 The body was sent from London on Wednesday and arrived at Martock the same evening. It was conveyed to the house in a hearse. The body was enclosed in a shell, which was also enclosed in a  massive lead coffin. The outer coffin was of oak, covered with black cloth. The ornaments were very plain and simple. Upon the breastplate the following was engraved:—

                         John Wood,

                  Died 2nd June, 1872,

                        Aged 70 years.

   Saturday was one of the most miserable June days ever remembered. Rain poured down in streams and the wind blew and howled with November violence. The funeral was fixed for one o’clock, but it was delayed for some time owing to the non-arrival of the Rev. E.A.Salmon, who came from Bath expressly to officiate. The shops were closed during the whole of the morning and the blinds of the windows in every house drawn down.

   The funeral started from the house about a quarter to two—the body being born upon an oak bier by the servants of the family. Upon the procession arriving at the gates it was met by about sixty inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood. The procession then moved on in the following order:—

   F.M.Eastment, Esq., H.A.Richards, Esq., Rev. G.H.Cossins, Rev. V.P.Sells, Messrs. Thomas Dight, Joseph Pool, Mark Dight, W.Bishop, A.Patch, F.Gillett, R.Hill, J.Richards, T.M.Walker, R.Tullidge, J.Marsh, F.S.Banfield, R.Ware, J.Banfield, J.Stower, Joseph Bishop, W.Snell, R.W.Martin, W.W.Westcott, W.Gould, J.Hart, J.Viney, John Hayson, Geo. Cribb, T.Podger, Nosworthy, S.Darby, William Adams, J.Sandiford, Wm. Barber, F. Ash, T.W.Richards, George Bull, James Pulman, J.Talbot, Josiah Lock, T.B.Lock, M.T.Ring, W.Passley, J.Baker, J.Pottinger, George Hayes, E.Dight, James Pool, William Bicknell, Morey, W.Sparrow, W.Palmer, S.Tatchell, Franks,

 Welman, William Worner  

    J. T. Nicholetts,Esq.    Rev. E.A.Salmon,     Dr. Adams

                        Mr. Rodford       Mr.T.Hooper          Mr.G.Ralph

                               Mr. Ware, undertaker

            BEARERS:                The                    BEARERS:

       James Andrews          B           John Burgess

    John Chappell,sen.          O          Thomas Jeans

    Alfred Chappell                 D          John Chappell, jun.

    John Garland                Y          James Richards

                               Mourners:

            W.G.Pendarvis, Esq.   A.Wood, Esq

         J.Stusley, Esq.  T.Warry,Esq.   V.Stuckey, Esq.

   Although rain was falling heavily, a great number of people asembled to witness the ceremony. The Rev. E.A.Salmon met the procession at the entrance to the churchyard and commenced reading the burial services. In the interior of the church the usual portion of the service was read, and at its conclusion Mr. Nosworthy, the organist, played the “Dead March,” in “Saul,” very effectively. The concluding portion of the service was read at the grave  . The lowering of the coffin, owing to its immense weight, was attended with considerable difficulty, but with the assistence of Mr. Ware it was at length got into position.

   Mr. James Ware, of Martock, was the undertaker, and the arrangements were carried out very efficiently.

   The procession then re-formed and returned to the house. The inhabitants intend to present an address of condolence to Mrs. Wood and her sons expressive of their sympathy with them under their bereavement.

February 18-1884

                        MARTOCK.

   Sad Fatal Accident.— On Monday evening, as Mr. Lock, jun., of Stapleton Cross, was returning home from Yeovil on horseback, his horse suddenly swerved at a crossroad when about a mile from home, throwing its rider to the ground with great force. The accident was witnessed by Police-Sergeant Clark, who at once went to the assistance of Mr. Lock. The poor fellow, however, was unconscious, and died shortly afterwards. The event cast much gloom over the neighbourhood.

July 28-1888

DEATHS        

July 22, at Seavington St.Michael , Mr. Thomas Brice, aged 70.

July 26, Mr.J.P.Gibbs, of the Dolphin Hotel, Langport, in his 41st year

SOMERSET’S FAMOUS FIRST WICKET.

As a Somerset’s sportsman, I am naturally proud of the cricket record for the first wicket made by H.T.Hewett and L.C.H.Palairet, against Yorkshire, at Taunton, in 1892. The latter county had made 299 in their first venture, and the two gentlemen mentioned, opening Somerset’s first innings, were not separated till 346 runs had been signalled―Hewett 214, Palairet 132 not out―wiping out most effectually the record-stand for the first wicket of 283 by W.G.Grace and B.B.Cooper at the Oval in July, 1869.

April 4-1889

                        MARTOCK.

                             funeral of mr. j.poole.

   The funeral of Mr. J.Poole, of Coat, whose death we announced last week, took place in Martock Churchyard on Wednesday afternoon. Every respect to the memory of one so esteemed and beloved was shown by the towns people, business being entirely suspended during the early part of the afternoon. The Union Jack floated at half-mast at the Liberal Hall. The funeral cortège was a most imposing one. The number of gentlemen who preceded the hearse was estimated at 200, and double that number was present during the service at the church and at the grave-side. The procession was formed near the railway station at about half-past 12, and having been joined by the hearse and mourning-coaches proceeded to  the church by way of North Street, &c. It was headed by Dr. Adams and Major Wilkie, who were followed by the following guardians and officials of the Yeovil Union:— Lieut.-Col. Harbin ( vice-chairman), the Rev. L.H.P.Morris, Dr. Aldridge, Messrs. C.Trask, Wm. Raymond, W.P.Peters, J.Feaver, C.D.Gawler, A.Symes, A.B.Hull, W.Cox, J.C.Hallett, D.Brake, O.J.Rowles, S.Marsh, W.H.Hussey, and S.Hodder, the Rev. J.B.Hyson (chaplain), Mr. J.E.Rodber ( clerk), Mr.J.A.Y.Golledge and Mr. J.Woodman (relieving officers), and Mr. Wilton (Master of the House). Then came about 150 tradesman &c. including the following:— Messrs. W.Sparrow, Colin Harding, (Montacute), S.Cross (Yeovil), J.Corrie (Yeovil), Robt. Ware, Barber (Yeovil), T. Vaughan, M.A.Palmer, — Lewis, Wlter Palmer, W.Barber, J.Chubb, T.M.Walker, W.Leach, J.Banfield, G.Gould, J.Hunt, W., J., and A.Worner, G.Vaux, T.W.Richards, H.Hawkins (Ash), W. and H.Pasley, S.D.Richards, E.Sherrin, T.B. and H.Ring, H.Johnson, E.Head, W.Coussins, H.Sparrow, J.Willies, T.Tapp, R.Best, W.Rossiter, J.Stower, S.Lye, H.Rathers, J.Marsh, S.Dyer, W.S.Spiller, A.Isaac, B.Collings,— Tucker,— Mallard, J.Wills, W.Walker, W.G.Bull, W.B.Leach, J.Lock, H.Farrant, T.B.Lock, G.Gale, H.Griffin, W.Wheller, H.Banfield, J.H.Symes, W.Lye, S.Tatchell, G.Salisbury, J.Lock, J.Bicknell, W.White, J.Glover, J.Tatchell, J.Pottenger, R.Clarke, T.Perrin, E.Salisbury, E.Richards, J.Viney, — Day.J.Richards, L.Inder, F.Gatehouse, W.Baldwin, W.Hopkins, J.Sawtell (Yeovil), &c., &c. The hearse was an open one and displayed the coffin of polished oak with brass fittings , the breast-plate bearing the inscription:—

                        Joseph Poole.

                                 Born

         26th February, 1823.

                    Died

             4th April, 1889.

   About 50 beautiful wreaths and crosses were placed upon the coffin. Amongst them was one each of the following:— Mrs. Poole and daughters (Grace and Kate), Joseph and Emma Poole, Herbert and Jane, Mrs. George Harding, Mr. and Mrs. Hayne, Yeovil; G. and C.Harding, London; W. and M.Darby, Seavington, Mrs. Darby, Hinton St. George; Mrs. Leach, Seaton; Darby family, at Bower Hinton; grandchildren at Yeovil; Gillett family, Mrs. Symes and family, of Coat; Tom and Charlie Gillett, Richard and Sarah Hayne, Yeovil; H. and J.Bartlett, Yeovil;Mr. and Mrs. Glover, Kingsbury; the Rev. and Mrs. A.P.Wickham, the Rev. Preb. And Mrs. Salmon, Weston-super-Mare; Mr. W.R.Phelips, Montacute House; Mr. W.P.Peters, Mr. and Mrs. J.Bradford, Penn House, Yeovil; J.Roberts, Preston; Miss Tucker, Mrs. Conway, and Mrs. Sherston, Messrs. Way and Nutt, Martock; Mr. J.E.Rodber, Yeovil; &c. The bearers were employees of Messrs. Poole and Gillett. The mourning coaches contained the following:—

   1st Carriage: Mr. J.Pool (son), Mr. R.Hayne, Mr. W.Darby, and Mr. R.Symes.

   2nd Carriage: Mr. H.Bartlett, Mr. Geo. Harding, Mr. Gillett, and Mr. S.Darby.

   3rd Carriage: Mr. W.Darby, Mr. H.Pool, and Mr. T.Pool.

   The cortege was met at the south entrance to the Church by the Vicar (the Rev. A.P.Wickham), the Curate (the Rev. J.Harrison), and the full surpliced choir. The opening sentences of the burial service were here pronounced by the Vicar, and as the mourners, &c., took up their places in the nave of the building, the “Dead March” in Saul was played by the organist (Mr. H.Drew). The church was rapidly filled.Psalm xc. was chanted, and this was followed by the reading of I. Cor., xv. 20. Afterwards the hymn “ Brief life is here our Portion” was sung, and the cortege then proceeed by way of the west door to the grave-side. “ I know that my Remeeder liveth” being played meanwhile. The ceremony here was also conducted by the Vicar, the responses taken up by the choir, who very impressively sang the hymn:—

                        “ On the Resurrection morning

                           Soul and body meet again.”

The coffin was lowered into the grave by six choristers, this being a pretty remembrance of the deceased’s connection with the church as warden. A large crowd of towns-people surrounded the grave. The ringers rang muffled peals, under the direction of their foreman, Mr. J.Burgess.

   The undertakers were Messrs. Way and Nutt, the arrangements being very satisfactorily carried out under the superintendence of Mr. O.E.Nutt. The coffin was made by Mr. J.Pasley, and Mr. J.Wheller built the brick grave.                        

October 20-1893

( Letter to the Editor)    

SIR,― A queer story, relative to our Ploughing Match, which took place here last Thursday, has reached my ears, which, if, true, requires some explanation. It is to the effect that a wealthy and influential subsriber to the funds of the Association allowed men in his employ to compete for some of the prizes, which they succeeded in winning, and, as a reward for their cleverness, on Saturday, when they came to draw their week’s wages, were mulcted in a shilling for the half day they were away at the Ploughing Match. If this is a fact I think it is one of the most ingenerous thing I have heard of for a long time, and an act calculated to bring these meetings into disrepute.―Yours truly,  FAIR PLAY

January 29-1894

SOUTH PETHERTON   

Horse Racing on the Sabbath Day

(Letter to the Editor)

Sir,–Will you kindly insert in your paper so as to inform the public what happened in one of the country villages between Ilminster and South Petherton on the 21st inst. Two well-known horsemen who I will call Fred Archer and Tiny Wells made up a race for £1, from Tiny’s house to Cart Gate(on the Ilchester road),and back to the starting point.The race was to commence at nine a.m. Fred went home on the Saturday night, cleaned, watered and corned his horse, and went to bed. He was up early the next morning and at the starting point at nine a.m., with one stirrup six inches longer than the other. The words were given, “Are you ready?” Archer was to have five minutes start, and by all accounts took the wrong road, which brought him to the Hinton Sheepwash, thence to Lopen Flour Mills, where he asked for a drink and ordered a sack of meal to be sent on at once as he was going to win a pound. Starting from there he called at the King William, but found no admission, then to the Crown, and on to Lopen Head Inn, to Stratton, and through Chiselborough and Norton, where he enquired the way to Cart Gate. He was directed to Holy Tree Cross and in the straight road that leads to Cart Gate, he says he touched the gate and returned as quickly as possible, but a long time after his opponent, who was back in time to hear part of the church service.

Archer missed the way coming back, and got to Seavington, washed his horse’s legs in the pond, called for 3d of whiskey to be paid for on the Monday morning, and then rode away over the hills to his home, which he reached by dinner time.    A LOOKER ON.

January 29-1894

MERRIOTT    

FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR. B.B.NORTON.

The remains of this respected gentleman were interred in the parish churchyard on Monday afternoon. The funeral was of a simple character, in keeping with the deceased’s unostentations bearing. Deceased was well known throughout the West of England, and was renowned  for his probity and straightforward business relationships. He had filled most of the parochial offices of Merriott, and took his full share in the affairs of the parish. The cortege started from deceased’s late residence in the following order:―Messrs C E Alford and F E Swabey leading the way, succeeded by Messrs H E Whitley, Read, R Marks, J E French, Norman, S Newick, J Wheatley, T Palmer, junr, undertaker, and Rowsell, coffin builder; the hearse containing the body, which was enclosed in a massive oak coffin, with brass furniture, on the breastplate being engraved―”Benjamin B Norton, died 22nd January, 1894, aged 67.” The mourners, in three coaches, namely Messrs A Norton, brother; George Carey, Denis Rumsby, Mrs Norton’s son; Wm. Brooks Norton, Joseph Norton, Robt Norton, Arthur Norton, Benjmain George Norton , Robert Norton, Benjamin Norton, John Norton, and Joseph Shutler, nephews. The blinds of the houses en route were drawn as the procession passed. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev S C Percival―the first portion taking place in the church. The grave is situated on the east side of the church. The coffin was covered with wreaths from the widow, from his brother and family, and from B G Norton. The death of the deceased has removed a prominent figure in the parish and one whose loss will not be easy to supply.

February 1-1894

MARTOCK                 

Horticultural Society.–A dinner in connection with this Society was held at the White Hart Hotel on Thursday evening. Over 40 persons accepted the invitation of the Society, including the following:– Rev A P Wickham, Dr Adams, Messrs J W B Leach, H B Ring, R Ware, W J Darby, J Hebditch, J H Smith, H H Sparrow, W Lye, A T Stacey(Merriot), Sargent, H Johnson, G Harding,

Jos. Pool, Sutton(2), A Isaac, W Isaac, H Culliford, J R Lemon, W Gilliard, F Gilliard, Peddle, Banfield, J Chubb, W Chubb, F Alexander, W Passley, Ware Richards, T Tapp, J H E Willies, H Willies, E J Williams, Yard, L Inder, J Lawrence jun., S Best, Tucker, Harrison(West Coker), and S R Darby, hon.treas. and sec. The dinner table was nicely decorated with flowers and plants in pots, kindly lent by Messrs. Scott, of the Merriot Nurseries.The chair was taken by the president of the Society ( Rev A P Wickham), Dr. Adams occupying the vice-chair. A capital dinner was provided by Miss Milton, manageress. After the removal of the cloth, the Chairman gave the toast of “The Royal Family,”  which was received with musical honours. Dr Adams gave “The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese and Ministers of all Denominations.”  The Rev Mr Wickham responded, and alluded to the Bishop of the Diocese as an ardent horticulturist, who sent a magnificent stand of cut chrysanthemum blooms to the Society’s Show in the autumn of 1892. He then gave the toast of “The Army and Navy,” to which Messrs J Hebditch and W J Darby responded. The toast of the evening, “The Horticultural Society,” was given by the Vice-Chairman, who spoke of the very successful way the show had been managed. Messrs J W B Leach and W Lye responded. The Chairman then gave “The Judges,” to which Mr Stacey (Merriot Nurseries) and Mr J Hebditch replied. The Chairman gave the toast of “The Hon Secretary and Treasurer,” which was heartily received. Mr S R Darby, in replying, thanked them for their kind reception of the toast. He said the Society had now become affiliated with the Royal Horticultural Society, and he had applied for and obtained that Society’s Banksian Medal for the cottagers’ section of the show.  He hoped the show would be well supported in the future. The following toasts were also given:–“The Chairman,” “Vice-Chairman,” “Town and Trade,” to which Messrs H H Sparrow, J H E Willies, Ware, and Richards responded; “ The Visitors,” for which Mr George Harding replied; “The Ladies,” given by Mr H H Ring, Mr H H Sparrow responding; “The Hostess,” given by Mr Joseph Pool, Mr H B Ring responding. During the evening some capital songs were sung by Messrs H Culliford, W Lye, A T Stacey, W J Darby, J Hebditch, J W B Leach, G Harding,J H E Willies, &co.

February 1-1894

SAD DEATH OF MR W G SMITH.  

A gloom was cast over the town on Sunday, when it became known that Mr W G Smith, draper, had died suddenly. From enquiries it seems clear that death resulted from poison self-administered, and during the absence of his wife and family at church. On Mrs Smith’s arrival home she found her husband in bed, and although he was then alive he was suffering intense agony, and a note left near at hand showed the cause of his illness. Dr Alford was at once summoned, and on his arrival, seeing the seriousness of the case, he went for Dr Webber and Dr Cave, both of whom came. Although the utmost medical skill could do was applied, it was unavailing, and death resulted about a quarter to two, to the intense grief of his widow and family and to the deep regret of a very large circle of friends and acquaintances. 

April 19-1895

Football Club Dinner.― To close the football season, after a friendly match between teams captained by Mr. G.A.Cox and Mr. T.Hayman on Wednesday afternoon, a dinner was held at the Langport Arms Hotel, under the presidency of Francis Meade, when the catering of Mr. and Mrs. Barling gave the utmost satisfaction. A large company of members and friends were present.― The usual toasts were duly honoured, “ Success to the Football Club” being proposed by the Chairman in appropiate terms, Messrs. Burmingham (the hon.sec.), Cox, and Hayman responding. ― Some capital songs were sung during the evening by Messrs. Guy Barrington, G.A.Cox, Meredith, J.F.Cox, W.Rowe, and Dennett. ― The trio, “ Ye shepherds, tell me,” was sung by Messrs. G.A.Cox, C.Morris, and J.F.Cox, ― A very pleasant evening was spent. ― The match in the afternoon was won by Mr. G.A.Cox’s team by four tries to two.

April 20-1895

MARTOCK     

   PRIMROSE  DAY was well observed here, a large number of people wearing the deceased statesman’s favourite flower.

   SWINE  FEVER ― On Saturday 27 pigs belonging to Mr.Burge were slaughtered under the swine fever regulations as being affected or in contact with others suffering from swine fever. Several others supposed cases have also been reported by the police during the past week.

    CHURCH  FINANCES AND  OFFICIALS. ― The Easter vestry was attended by the Rev. A.P.Wickham(chairman), Dr. J.D.Adams, Dr.Patrick, Major Symons, Messrs. T.W.Richards, J.H.Smith, H.B.Ring, J.Sandiford, A.W.Philpott and S.R.Darby.― The statement of accounts,which showed a small balance due to the churchwardens, was read by Mr.Richards, and passed.― The church officials were unanimously re-elected as follow:― Dr. J.D.Adams, Vicar’s churchwarden; Mr. T.W.Richards, parish churchwarden; Mr. C.W.Drew, organist; Mr. Eli Staple, organ blower; and Mr. Fred Pipe, sexton. The sidesmen were reappointed, with the addition of Mr. F.Gillet, jun., in place of Mr. J.W.B.Leach, who had left the neighbourhood.

   PRIMROSE  LEAGUE.― The annual meeting of the local branch was held in the Public Hall on Friday. The business part of the meeting was held at seven o’ clock. Mrs. Wilkie, Ruling Councillor, presided. There were also present Mesdames Symons, Phillips, Brown, Misses Richards, Huttonpot, Gale, Rodford, Harding, Tapp, Clarke, Lye &c., Major Wilkie and Symons, Drs. Patrick, Walter, and Nichols, Messrs. Ring, W.W.Adams, Duddridge, H.Gale, W.Lye, Franks, Strickland, Tapp, R.Haysom, and others, with the Rev. H.J.Phillips, hon. Secretaty.― The Ruling Councillor announced the receipt of a telegram from Mr. H.G.Turner, Unionist candidate for the division, who was to have been present, stating that influenza prevented the attending.― The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were read and adopted.― The Treasurer stated that they still had a good balance in hand.― The following orders were then presented:― Rev. H.J.Phillips, 2nd Order of the Grand Star; Mr. H.B Ring, 1st Order of the Grand Star. Special service clasps were awarded the following:― Mrs. Symons, Misses G. Richards and K. Harding, and Messrs. J.B.Passley nd Eli Brown. Special service bars were also awarded to Mrs. Oxenbury, Miss K.Taylor, and Mr.H. Eves. The various officers of the League were re-appointed, with the following alterations or additions:― Mr. G.Duddridge to the Executive Council, and Major Wilkie and Dr. Walter as delegates to the Grand Council.― A hearty vote of thanks to Mrs.Wilkie for presiding closed the meeting.― A dance took place afterwards, which was fairly well attended. The League is in a very satisfactory position, and has increased largely during the past year.

May 4-1895

ACCIDENT     

We regret to state that a rather serious accident happened to Mr H W Richards, of Brakely Villas, Crewkerne. He was returning from Beaminster , on Thursday evening, and in rounding the corner at the Misterton old Turnpike gate house the pony he was driving shied. The suddenness of the jerk threw him out into the road, and he fell on his head. He sustained a severe blow on the forehead and injuries to the eye and face. Although much shaken, Mr Richards was able to walk to the Swann Inn  and Mr Newman drove him to his home, where he received the attention of Mr C E Alford. Happily no bones were broken and he is now going on favourably.

May 14-1895

Ploughing on a Sunday. ― He Forgot the Day.―

At Southmolton County Petty Sessions Samuel Setters, labourer, of Charles, was charged with working at his ordinary calling upon the Lord’s Day by ploughing by a team of horses, such work not being necessary or charitable.― The offence took place on April 21st, when P.C.Butt saw defendant, who told him he had been at work that morning and had ploughed half an acre of ground.― Defendant said on the morning in question he got up early and went to plough as usual, and came back to breakfast. He did not know it was Sunday morning until his wife told him. He should have gone to work again if his wife had not reminded him. He did it quite unintentionally.― The Bench fined defendant 2s 6d and costs.

WESTON POLICE COURT

Tuesday. ― Before Messrs. H.Pethick, C.Brown, and S.Harvey.

   Henry Stock, who has four times been charged with like offences, was charged with indecent behaviour on the sands on October 7.

   Marmaduke Wood, gentleman, of Burnham, was charged that on the 29th September he did feloniously steal and carry away from the premises of Jonas House, a goose, of the value of 6s. Mr.F.W.Bishop appeared for the defence. Henry Amesbury, farmer, of Bleadon, said on the 29th September, between 2.30.and 3 p.m., he was upstairs when he saw two gentlemen drive up the house in a pony and trap. Prisoner was one of them. He heard them ask his father whether he had any rabbit shooting on the hill. Witness’s father replied that he had not and one of the men then enquired the selling price of some geese which were in the orchard.They were told 5s a piece. They then said they were going to Weston and should be back between five and six p.m.in the evening. They thereupon drove away. Witness added that they bought two geese.They returned at 10.5 p.m., witness then being in bed. He did not see them, but he could swear to the voices. They came into the house and enquired of witness’s father where the geese were. He told them they were in a bag in the cow-house. Cross-examined by Mr. Bishop― The other gentleman asked questions as to the geese, but Wood occasionally spoke. Arthur Bailey, dairyman, of the Queen’s Arms Inn, Bleadon, deposed that on September 29th,at about 10.30 p.m., he met prisoner and another gentleman driving in a trap.Wood, who was driving, pulled up oppositeMr. House’s and enquired of witness what time the “pubs” closed in the village. Witness told hin 10 o’clock and they then enquired what the time was. He replied that he did not know and walked on. After proceeding about 200 yards, he saw prisoner get out of the trap and hold the pony whilst his companion stepped out of the trap on to the wall, and from thence into the place where the geese were. He heard the birds crying and as he walked on he heard one bird cry as if it had been caught. Crossexamined by Mr. Bishop― The gentleman appeared to be rather drinky; they were jolly enough. It was a bright night, and he saw no donkey in the roadway. He did not hear the trap collide with anything, neither did he hear either of the men say he had hurt one of the geese. He had not seen Wood from the Sunday until the day in court. He did not see Wood at the Queen’s Hotel that morning. By the bench― The reason he did not go back to the prisoner when he heard the geese cry, was because he thought they were doing it for a lark. George Cook, farmer, of Shiplett, said on Sunday, the 29th inst., at 10.30 p.m., he was driving from Berrow to Shiplett, and just before he arrived at prosecutor’s house, he heard the geese making a great noise. He saw prisoner holding the pony, and another gentleman over the wall, in the field, with a goose in his arms. The other birds were flying towards the orchard as if they had been frightened. Witness  drove on quietly and overtook Bailey. Cross-examined by Mr. Bishop― He did not know that the goose was injured, and he did not pull up and enquire what was the matter. What was done by the prisoner and his companion was done quite openly, but the man with the goose stood still under  the hedge, whilst witness was passing. He did not hear him say that the goose was injured. By the Bench― Wood had been pointed out to him that morning, Jonas House, farmer, of Lympsham, said on the 27th September he had 17 geese in a paddock by the side of the road, but on the 2nd inst. he missed one of the birds. He valued it at 6s. Cross-examined by Mr. Bishop― He knew prisoner and did not think he would do such a thing maliciously. Mr. Bishop next enquired wether prosecutor would be willing to drop the case if he were allowed to do so. Supt Balkwill protested and said in all his experience he had never known such a question put to a witness at that stage of the proceedings. The Bench, however, supported Mr. Bishop, and prosecutor replied in the affirmative. Ernest E. Lawrence, landlord of the Railway-hotel, Burnham, stated that on the 29th September prisoner and another gentleman came to his place at about 11.30 p.m. They had three geese, and they killed one of the bitds the same night as it was injured. The other two were put in the stable. Witness killed them on different days and sent them to Capt Morgan. Cross-examined by Mr. Bishop― Prisoner was a gentleman of position and means and Mr. Vincent Stuckey was his uncle. Capt. Morgan was also a man of means. By the Bench― They ate the goose that was killed on the Sunday on the following Wednesday. P.C.Palfrey proved the arrest of the prisoner, who said he had an accident on the road, and drove over a donkey and a goose. Two of the geese, he said, they bought, and the one they drove over, they ate at the hotel. He charged prisoner and Capt. Morgan jointly with the offence.Wood then said―” Can’t I see Mr. House and settle it?” Mr. Bishop, for the defence, said there was an absence of “felonious intent.” Prisoners drove over the goose and finding they had injured it, they indiscreetly put it into the trap. It was merely the outcome of a lark. If the case were dismissed prisoner would fully compensate prosecutor for his loss. After retiring to consider the case, Mr. Pethick said the Bench did not think the prosecution had established felonious intent, and the case was therefore dismissed. He advised the prisoner in the future to dine wisely and not too well.

                        ―――――――――――――――

   “ Not guilty, but don’t do it again. “

This, to many persons, will seem a fair interpretation of the verdict given in the Weston super-Mare Police Court, on Tuesday, in the goose stealing case. The question as to the proper meaning of “felonious intent” is answered in various ways by different magisterial authorities, but it is such a decision as the one on Tuesday that is apt to bring the administration of the law into contempt. People will naturally ask themselves whether the same leniency would be shown to a mechanic or a labourer under such circumstances as prevailed in the case of the “gentleman of position and means.” If a poor man had committed a theft in a drunken freak we wonder whether the plea that he had “dined well but not wisely” would have been countenanced. In Bristol this week two men who stole a pair of boots from a shop pleaded that they were driven to it by hunger, having been walking about all day without food. They were sent to gaol for three weeks with hard labour. The Weston magistrates may have been justified in dismissing the case against Mr. Wood after the prosecutor’s assertion that he was prepared to withdraw the charge on the prisoner promising to recompense him, but the magistrates ought not to have allowed the prisoner’s solicitor to have put such a thought into the prosecutor’s head during the hearing of the evidence, and the prosecutor, after having placed the case in the hands of the police, should not have acquiesced in the solicitor’s suggestion. In the interests of equity and justice to the police such irregularities ought not to be permitted.

IMPORTANT PROPERTY SALE AT MARTOCK

On Wednesday evening Messrs. Palmer held an auction for the sale of 500 acres of freehold land, with some houses, divided into 71 lots, at the White Hart Hotel, when 69 lots were sold by auction, and another by private contract, all at old-fashioned prices, the remaining unsold lot being the Market House. The property realised £ 40,000 and upwards, which it will be seen amounts to an average of £ 80 an acre. We subjoin a statement of the sums realised upon the sale of each lot, with the names of several purchasers. Messrs. Newman, Paynter and Gould, of Yeovil, were the solicitors for the vendor:–

   In Martock.– Steps, pasture, 5a.3r., £800, Mr Sparrow; house and land, 9a.0r.33p., £1,330, Mr. Mark Dight; Maynes, pasture, 7a.3r.14p., £640, Mr. Trevor Williams; Maynes, pasture, 8a.0r.36p., £670, Mr. Henry Marsh; two pieces of land near Half Way House, 2r.19p., £62, Mr. George Sprackett; Lakes, pastures, 20a.2r.13p., £1,570, Mr. George Sprackett; New Leaze, pasture, 3a.2r.2p., £280, Mr.R.T.Walter; New Leaze, pasture, 8a.0r.20p., £600, Mr.R.T.Walter; Reek Barton and New Leaze, arable, 7a.1r.33p., £420, Mr. John Leach;Eleven acres and N.E.Field, arable, 17a.0r.13p., £865, Mr. Trevor Williams; Young Orchard, orchard, 3a.2r.18p., £300, Mr.R.T.Walter; Seven Acres and Chimney Corner, arable, 8a.3r.12p.. £520, Mr. Walter Leach; Martock Field, arable, 7a.3r.20p., £485, Mr. Richard Haine; allotment N.E.field, arable, 22a.2r.19p., £950, Mr. Wm. Palmer; Dry Ground, pasture, 4a.1r.28p., £370, Mr. H.B.Hull; Beerly Common, pasture, 3a.2r., £230, Mr. Edward Nutt; three cottages and gardens, 21p., £95, Messrs. Bradley and Marsh; London, pasture, 2a.3r.8p., £305, Mr. Henry Johnson; orchard, 2a.1r.33p..£240, Mr. James Staple; house, buildings , and orchard, 3r.11p., £250, Mr. Samuel Gulliford, house, buildings, and land, 119a.3r.26p., £9,750, Mr. Leach;house, garden , paddock, &c., 2a.1r.10p.,£1,050, Mr. W.H.Mayo;Manor of Martock tolls and quit rents, £460, Mr. Leach; the Market house, withdrawn; Long Cod and Cod, pasture, 9a.0r.38p., £1,040, Mr. Richard Haine; Vens, pasture, 3a.1r.20p., £380, Mr. Richard Haine; Ozen Hole and Shepton Mead Plot, pasture, 6a.3r.1p., with Lot 28, Ozen Hole, pasture, 4a.3r.5p., £1,050, Mr. Scutt; Hills, pasture, 2a.1r.14p., £200, Mr. James Frank; Stacey Moor, pasture, 2a.1r.14p., £205, Mr. Trevor Williams; Rows New Leaze, pasture, 6a.2r.3p., £670, Misses Welman; New Leaze and Hinton Mead, Allotment, pastute, 16a.0r.35p., £1,400, Mr.Bull; Hinton Mead, pasture, 8a.3r.34p., £850, Mr. Scutt; Hinton Mead, pasture, 4a.3r.4p., £410, Mr. Trevor Williams; Pools Way, pasture, 2a.2r.12p., £215, Mr. Henry Parsons; South Leaze, pasture, 1a.1r.31p., £100, Mr. William Palmer; house, garden, and orchard,3a., £350, Mr. J.Tatchell;Farm Close, 2a.3r.13p., £275, Mr. J.Tatchell; cottage, garden, and orchard, 1r.12p., £90, Mr. Bush; cottage, garden, and orchard, 1r.12p., £90, Mr. William Salisbury; house, garden, and orchard, 1r.16p., £220, Mr. Sealy; interest of the Lord of the Manor in two cottages, &c., 1r.12p.,£56, Mr. James Terrell; interest of the Lord o the Manor in four cottages, &c., £30, Mr. Beaton; Steps Furlong, arable, 3a.0r.8p., £220, Mr. Walter Leach; North Field Allotment, arable, 6a.2r.4p., £390, Mr. Walter Leach; allotment, arable, 6a.0r.12p., £400, Mr. George Sprackett. 

   In Long Load.– New Mead, meadow, 7a.2r.4p., £385, Mr. Henry Gale; New Mead, meadow, 8a.1r.30p., £610, Mr. John Bradford; Wet Moor, Meadow, 2r.35p., £65, Messrs. T.&W. Perren; Bow Mead, meadow, 4a.1r.12p., £385, Messrs. T.&W. Perren; Bow Mead and Wet Moor, pasture, 20a.0r.26p., £1,600, Messrs. T.&W. Perren; Wt Moor, pasture, 29a.0r.18p., £1,710, Mr. Francis Gillett; Langland Allotment, arable, 6a.3r.31p., £460, Mr. J.B.Pittman; farmhouse, &c., 1a.2r.26p., £300, Mr. J.B.Pittman; River Field, arable, 7a.3r.4p., £480,  Mr. J.B.Pittman; 7¼ Leaze in Coat Hay, pasture, 4a.1r.8p., £260, Mr. J.B.Pittman; Coat Mead, pastue, 8a.2r.20p., £580, Mr. Thomas Moore.

   In Witcombe.–Farm-house, orchard, &c., 2a.3r.8p., £285, Mr. Scutt; orchard, 1r.26p., £25, Mr. Scutt;Judas, pasture, 2a.2r.27p., £130, Mr. Scutt; New Leaze, pasture, 13a.2r.9p., £580, Mr. William Palmer; Lower Field, arable, 4a.0r.16p., £160, Mr. T.B.Lock; Lower Field, pasture, 4a.0r.10p., £165, Mr. T.B.Lock; Hurst, pasture, 1a.3r.33p., £105, Mr. John Yard;Hams, meadow, 2a.3r.20p., £150, Mr. John Look; Ox Leaze, pasture, 5a.0r.24p., £335, Mr. William Palmer; Common in King’s Moor, pasture, 3r.7p., £50, Mr. John Yard; interest of Lord of the Manor in piece garden ground, 11p., £40, Mr. Joseph Brutton.

   In Kingsbury and Curry Rivel.– Part Yonder,Norton Field, arable, 1a.3r.30p., £140, Mr. Thomas Pittard; Tuchem Close, arable, 3r.31p., £60, Mr. Thomas Pittard; allotments, 1a.3r.15p., £160, Mr. J.S.Cable.

June 20-1895

Death and Funeral of Mr. J.Seward.―

We regret to record the death of Mr.J.Seward, who for some 18 or 19 years has been secretary of the Langport and Mid-Somerset Benefit Building Society, and who passed away on Tuesday last, after a lingering illness, at the comparatively early age of 36. The deceased, who was greatly respected in the town and neighbourhood,

leaves a widow to mourn his loss. The funeral took place on Friday afternoon at St. Mary’s Churchyard, Huish. The Revs. E.M.Lance (vicar of Langport) and J.Stubbs (vicar of Huish) officiated. The coffin, of polished oak, with brass furniture, was covered with wreaths of beautiful flowers sent by many sympathising friends, and was carried on a bier from the house to the grave. There were six bearers. The mourners were Mrs. Seward (widow), Mr. Baker, Miss Manley, Miss Maynard, Messrs. E.Seward, R.Bonning, H.Bonning, Manders (Yeovil), J.Lloyd, and H.Pearson Price. The following represented the Langport and Mid-Somerset Building Society: Messrs. Francis Meade (chairman), W.Rowe, G.A.Cox, J.F.Lenthall, F.H.Sawtell, and H.C.Stembridge (directors), and Major Kelly. The following sent wreaths and crosses: Mrs. Seward, Mr. and Mrs.R.Bonning, , Mr. and Mrs.C.Bonning, , Mr. and Mrs.H.Bonning, Mr. and Mrs. J.Lloyd, Mr. and Mrs. F.Meade, Mr. and Mrs.W.Rowe, Mr. and Mrs. Burroughs, Mr. and Mrs. W.J.C.Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Knott, Mr. G.H.Hemmel, Miss Shepherd, Mr. W.J.Gush, Mr. and Mrs. Nash and family, Miss Manley, Miss Maynard, Mr. and Miss. Seward, Mr. W.C. and Mrs. Morris, Miss E.Willy, and Mr. and Mrs. G.Pendle. Mr. Kirby, for the firm of Messrs. Francis Meade & Company, carried out the arrangements in a very satisfactory manner.

——————————————————————————

Here lies a poor woman who was always tired,

She lived in a house where help was not hired.

Her last words on earth were―’ Dear friends, I am going,

To where there’s no cooking, no washing, no sewing;

But everything there is exact to my wishes,

For where they don’t eat there’s no washing up dishes.

I’ll be where loud anthems will always be ringing,

But having no voice I’ll get quit of the singing.

Don’t mourn for me now― don’t mourn for me never,

I’m going to do nothing for ever and ever.’

————————————————————————————

funeral of a prominent footballer

The remains of the late Mr. George Bond, captain of the Bridgewater Albion Football Club, were interred on Saturday amid signs of general regret. The coffin was carried by six members, while the local clubs and county union sent representatives. Bond was only ill three days, and had been selected to play for Somerset against Gloucester.

lions at large

News has reached Yeovil of the escape of a lion from a wild beast show which was visiting the village of Queen Camel, six miles north of Yeovil.

 It appears that when the door of the cage was opened to allow Capt. Marco to enter, the animal jumped out and ran away, ultimately finding shelter in an outhouse. The greatest consternation  prevailed, and in the rush and excitement which followed one woman had her ankle sprained.

A number of men volunteered to assist in tracking the lion, and armed with cudgels they set forth. Darkness having set in they took lanterns with them. It was decided to bring the cage opposite to the outhouse, and to drive the lion into it. After some difficulty this plan succeeded. Another lion escaped from Anderton and Haslam’s menagerie at Martock, whilst a caravan was being cleaned out, and attacked an elephant which was chained up inside a tent. The screams of the elephant were heard for a great distance, and the lion was shot, it being feared that the beast would escape into the street. Great excitement prevailed and residents in the town were much alarmed by the firing and noise caused by the elephant. The lion was worth £150.

The Talk of Bristol

The Great Western Railway made a record on Saturday which deserves to be reported. A train which is due to leave Bristol at 2.35 was started at 3.5, and passengers were told that they might possibly be passed by the express. The train got as far as Keynsham and there was shunted until the express had passed. It was again shunted at a siding to the West of Twerton and waited while no less then five trains went by. The guard judiciously avoided answering any questions, and some of the many passengers got out on to the bank in search of flowers. Ultimately the train, which was due in Bath at 3.2, arrived there at 4.35. Is not this a record of traffic mismanagement?

Death of Thomas Watson Bagehot.

― Mr. Thomas Watson Bagehot died at his residence, Herd’s-Hill, Langport, on Sunday morning, in his 86th year. Deceased was the father of the late Mr. Walter Bagehot, editor of the Economist. He was the head of a mercantile firm trading under his name from Bristol, Bridgwater, and other ports in the West of England, and was pricipal of the Somerset Trading Company. Mr. Bagehot was also for many years chairman of the directors of Stuckey’s Banking Company. Deceased was a widower, and the late editor of the Economist was his only child, who pre-deceased him nearly five years.

Merriott― There were two polling stations here. Major Wilkie was presiding officer at No.1 station, with Mr.W R Richards as poll clerk. Mr. A. England was personation agent for the Conservatives and Mr. A. Tr?sk for the Liberals. Mr.G.R.Blake, of Crewkerne, was presiding officer at No.2 station, with Mr.S.J.Baker as poll clerk. Mr.J.French was personation officer for the Conservatives and Mr.J.Eas?n for the Liberals. The number of voters in this district is 605, the majority of whom polled before ten o’clock at No.2 station. Beyond some good humoured chaff between the two parties everything passed off quietly.

death of mr. frank may, near shepton mallet.

Mr. Frank May, formerly chief cashier of the Bank of England, died on Tuesday morning at Batcombe, a secluded village on the Mendip Hills, where he had lived a retired life for three or four years.

A correspondent writes as follows in the Leader:― A figure that loomed large and unenviably in the public eye in the early part of 1894 has just passed away in the person of Mr. Frank May, formerly chief cashier of the Bank of England, who died in the obscure village of Batcombe on the Mendip Hills, near Shepton Mallet. At one time Mr. May’s name was so well known from its appearing on the notes of the bank that after his retirement  old ladies and old gentlemen dwelling in the remoter parts of the country for a considerable time refused to have anything to do with bank-notes that did not bear his familiar name. News travels slowly, and it was some time before the news of Mr. May’s “irregularities,” as they were called, and the appointment of Mr. Bowen as his successor, penetrated the out-of-the-way corners of the country. The story of Mr. May’s “fall,” using the term in the pathetic sense, is one that has almost something tragic in it even now. For 20 years he had borne the highest character, and had occupied the highest position of responsibility and trust. In November, 1893, however, the directors of the Bank became aware that, as Mr. David Powell, the Governor of the Bank, phrased it, Mr. May had “seriously exceeded his authority, and had committed grave irregularities in connection with advances made by the Bank to a certain number of its customers, and had further, in one case, allowed a considerable overdraft without any authority whatever and without the knowledge of the Governor.” Nor was this all. Mr. May, it seemed, had also involved himself in serious difficulties by speculation on the Stock Exchange; so that the Governor had no alternative but to require him to immediately resign. The Bank, it should be explained, incurred loss in respect of the advances which were unsufficiently covered, and a sum of no less than a quarter of a million sterling was set aside by the directors in order to meet all possible contingencies. It is scarcely necessary to say that at the time the incident created an almost painful sensation. But for 200 years, while Continental banks were breaking, the Bank of England had kept steadily and solidly on his way, and confidence was soon restored. Some of the Bank’s shareholders were for further investigation into “the irregularities.” The Governors, for their part, were “filled with sorrow” for Mr. May’s lapse, but they thought it would not be wise or right to go into all the details in the public meeting; and so Mr. May vanished from the scene,and from that time forward to the day of his death lived in the kindly seclusion of the Mendip Hills.

The Globe of Wednesday observed:― Before he entered the service of the Bank of England, Mr. Frank May was employed in the recruiting office at Bristol, occupying the position of clerk to the inspecting field officer. His father was a sub-agent of the Bank of England, into whose service the future cashier entered in 1852. In 1873 he became chief cashier, which position he held untill a few years ago, when he resigned, under circumstances with which the public is familiar.

   A remarkable scene was witnessed at a wedding at Hinckley on Monday. The contracting parties were a chimney sweep, named James Evans, and Lucy Foxton, hosiery hand. On the way to the church the bridegroom, who wore a top hat and white waistcoat—gifts of a friend— was followed by hundreds of people, and he had his hat knocked off by an old boot. The service in church had to be stopped several times, owing to the disorderly congregation. A collection was taken at the door on behalf of the newly-married couple, who on their return were again escorted by the mob, great excitement prevailing.    

Westonians Duped.― The credulity of some people, even at this latter end of the nineteenth century, is surprising, and those who are on the look out for somebody to make a dupe, have little difficulty in finding a prey. The latest instance in Weston reveals extraordinary simplicity on the part of those bitten, and everyone is asking―”Have you seen Massa Johnson?” This individual, a tailor by trade, came to Weston some months ago, and speedily associated himself with a popular Bible Class in town. Being of affable disposition, and having what is known as “the gift of the gab,” he soon installed himself in the favour of the members and the leader. Having thus paved his way, Johnson commenced to work the oracle. His first move was to intimate to the members of the class that he had unexpectedly come into a considerable fortune, a portion of which he proposed to expend in the establishment of a home for young men. In order to lend colour to his statement, he actually negociated for the purchase of some premises, and there is little doubt that he induced the members of the aforesaid class to believe his plausible story. On the plea that untill the lawyers had completed the arrangements in connection with the newly inherited estate he was short of funds, he succeeded in getting one friend to part with £15, promising to refund the money and take the lender for a trip up the Mediterranean. He even went so far as to plead with the young man’s employer to allow him a few months’ holiday so that he might undertake the trip. He also fleeced a tradesman of a similar sum, and obtained goods from others, and altogether managed to feather his nest pretty well. A prayer meeting was held to wish him “God-speed,” but doubtless the future supplications of the Class will not be so earnest for so uncertain a character. The sequel is not difficult to imagine. Johnson is now missing, and his friends are left to mourn, not only  his loss, but their own as well.

To the Editor of the “Weston-super-Mare Gazette.”

     THE PIOUS FRAUD―JOHNSON.

Sir,― Please give me room to say this adventurer was not known at the Y.M.C.A. and was not in any way connected with this institution.

        h.harrison.

the pious fraud johnson and his dupes.

Sir,— The sympathy expressed by a correspondant who uses that word as a pseudonym, in last week’s issue of your contemporary, cannot possibly be felt by members of the public who have any discernment, as it is obvious that the victims of this imposter, for whom he affects to feel so keenly, so far from being the child-like innocents he represents them to be, belong to that class of persons who are ever ready to do most for those who least require their aid, but from whom something to their own advantage is ultimately to be expected. It is clear that it was not because Mr. Johnson was a man or a Christian, but they believed him to be quite a moneyed person.that they were so ready to accommodate him with their own cash. Had some poor honest man, at his wits’ end for a shilling, appealed to these money-gushing philantropists he would probably have been treated with that supercilious indelicacy which deters sensitive but honest people in stress of financial weather from applying to some “poor earth-born companion and fellow mortal” for a little help that might enable them to tide over their crises; for with the unco-righteous and respectable, none are so undeserving of help as those most in need of it. It was very beautiful in these good Christians “not to be forgetful to entertain strangers,” but if they want to “entertain angels unawares” they must become sufficiently angel-like themselves to act from disinterested motives when playing the benefactor, and let their sympathy, moral and financial,flow forth to the toil-worn poor and world-weary, whose frail barques have not been able to keep pace with the waves of circumstances. In their present ludicrious situation it is impossible to sympathise with them, for that feeling is merged in contempt for their motives. Their deceiver is doubtless chuckling to think how easily he was able to make them victims of their own selfish cupidity and divulge their true natures.  Had they helped Johnson because he was a Christian they would not bewail their loss; they would say, “He was a member of Christ; much good may it do to him; I lent it him for Christ’s sake, and shall find it again after many days.” But the sombreness of their chagrin does not seem to be relieved by the light of any such sublime hope. On the contrary, the outcry about their wrongs reminds one of the Scripture: “ In Weston their was a voice heard, lamentation and weeping and great mourning, philanthropists weeping for their money, and would not be comforted because it was not.” This clever swindler can rejoice in the knowledge that his own diplomatic talents are of so high an order as to enable him to turn to his own advantage whole confederacy of amateurs in the diplomatic art of money-grubbing. It is not the loss of their cash alone from which these poor things are suffering. It is the undefined vision of great expectations with which their imaginations had encircled the personality of their friend Johnson which has so suddenly and cruelly dissolved in air. Alas!  Sic transit gloria mundi!  Still:

            What is friendship but a name—

               A charm that lulls to sleep;

            A shade that follows wealth or fame,

               And leaves the wretch to weep?

Though in their case this sublime relationship does not seem to have acted as a soporific. One quite wonders what this ingenuous deceiver was like in sober reality, when divested of the glamour with which the gold-fevered imaginations of his fawning admirers had invested him. Was he really mortal? Never ate onions, of course? For as Goethe tells us “ the nose decideth well what is sacred, what profane.” A teetotaler, no doubt? A non-smoker? A vegetarian? An anti-everythingarian? Had  he a celestial nose of alabaster whiteness? Did divinity lurk in the gleam of his eye? Did he talk the language of Canaan or of Vanity Fair? One would have thought these experienced people could have classified him by his vernacular alone. Was there no faint twang of Philistia which the trained ears of these Canaanites could detect? It is strange that some prophetic premonition was not vouchsafed to these children of light. Did none of them dream he saw Johnson turn into an alligator and float away on a stream of gold, amid the sobs, groans, and execrations of the innocents? But his victims have the consolation of looking forward to meet Johnson again “ In the sweet by – and – by,” where temporal trifles are forgotten; for after all, he is only human like themselves, though a trifle ahead of them in mundane arts; and it would be invidious in them to bear him any ill-will on that account. Besides, by the time they meet him again, they may have acquired greater proficiency themselves, and will feel under a debt of gratitude to him for this tuition. These anglers mistook Mr. Johnson for a goldfish, and did not spare their bait; but he turned out to be an octopus and sucked his parasites. Poor birds! They were caught with chaff, and now have to bear chaffing, which under the circumstances must be somewhat chafing.

                        I am, Sir, yours truly,

                                                       Saint Simple

Langport― A Langport correspondant supplies a list of the extraordinary school attendance of the children of Sergt. Banyard, late instructor of the local Volunteers, which must surely “break the record” of all England. The list relates to the attendance of six children in the parish of Langport. The eldest, a girl aged 14, has attended 3,449 times in eight years, having never been absent once. Two boys, aged 11 and 9 respectively, have each attended 1,729 times in four years, having been away one day only to attend the choir festival at Bath Abbey. The fourth child, a girl aged 7 years, has attended 862 times in two years, not having had one absent mark. Finally, two boys, aged 5 and 4 respectively, have attended 429 times in one year, neither having an absent mark.

   Presentation to Sergeant-Instructor Moore.—

There was a large number of Volunteers and others present at the Black Swan Hotel on Tuesday evening to bid farewell to Sergt. Moore, the late instructor of the Langport Company of Volunteers, who is retiring from the service on a pension after 21 years service. During his five years stay in Langport Sergt. Moore has, by his genial position and kindly manner, won many friends. His comrades thought they could not let him leave the town without giving him some token of the respect which they had for him, and as a slight acknowledgement for the valuable service he has rendered to the Company. It will be remembered that Sergt. Moore recently met with a serious accident, being knocked down by a bicycle, and although the injuries he received were very severe, so much so that he was in a very critical condition for a few weeks, his friends were very pleased to see him once more among them apparently restored to his usual health and strenght. Col.-Sergt. Smith occupied the chair on Tuesday evening, and among those present were Col.-Sergt. Cullen, Sergt. G.A.Cox, Sergt. W.J.Cattle, Sergt. F.Cox, Sergt. Dennet, Sergt. C.S.Payn, Sergt. J.F.Lenthall, Corporal Jones and Trott and many others.— The Chairman in presenting Mr. Moore with a handsome English lever silver watch and chain with a pendant and an illuminated address, spoke of the valuable service the recipient had rendered to the Volunteer corps of the town, and expressed a hope that he would soon get thoroughly well of the accident that recently befell him. He also wished him every success in his future career, and hoped that he might live long to enjoy the use of the watch that had been presented to him that evening. Mrs. Moore was also presented with a gold brooch.— Mr. Moore, in thanking those present, spoke of the great kindness that had always been shown him, and he took the opportunity of thanking them most heartily. — On the back of the watch was the inscription: “ Presented to Sergt.-Instructor Moore by H Company, 2nd V.B.P.A. Somerset L.I.” The address, which was in massive oak frame with gilt edging, was beautifully executed by Mr. F.Burningham. The following was the insription which it contained: “ H Company, 2nd V.B.P.A. Somerset L.I.— List of subscribers to the testimonial ( a silver English lever watch and chain) presented by the officers and non-commissioned officers and men of the above company to Sergeant Moore, their late instructor, on his retirement, as token of the respect in which he was held by them, and the energy shown by him in the interests of the company during his five years connection with it. Langport, 3rd December, 1895.— Capt. E.Q.Louch, Lieut. W.J.Carne-Hill, Lieut. J.Kelway, Col.-Sergt. W.Gough (resigned), Col.-Sergt. A.J.Cullen (resigned), Col.-Sergt. W.H.Smith, Sergt. G.A.Cox, Sergt. W.J.Cattle, Sergt. J.F.Cox, Sergt. C.S.Payn, Sergt. F.H.Dennett, Sergt. J.F.Lenthall (resigned), Corpl. S.Jones, Corpl. C.Trott, Corpl. D.Mitcham, Corpl. H.Skinner (resigned), Lance-Corpl. W.Yard, Lance-Corpl. P.Burston, Lance-Corpl. H.Fouracre, Lance-Corpl. E.Skinner, Privates F.F.Burrows, J.Brooks, A.Bickel, H.Bonning, P.Boobyer, E.Butcher, J.Cross, J.Champion, J.Coate, H.Dabbinett, A.Gaylard, G.Goddard, H.Hartland, F.Harvey, D.Hallett, J.Hutchings, F.Hector, F.T.Hurford, J.S.Harris (resigned), A.Jeanes, J.Kelly, W.E.King, J.Knowles (resigned), W.Lock, G.Lock, C.Meredith, P.Mounter, C.Morris, J.B.Perkins, W.J.Paul, S.Purchase, E.Purchase, J.Purchase, H.Purchase, E.Pitman, A.Russell, W.R.Richards, J.Savidge, W.Salway, F.Stuckey, A.J.Turner, H.Wheller, G.Webb, W.Webb,F.Webb, C.West, and R.Weaver.”

— The silver watch, chain and pendant were supplied by Mr. F.Cox, jeweller, etc., of Bow Street, Langport. The handsome challenge cup, given for competition by Mrs. Bagehot, which was recently won by Corpl. Trott, was also supplied by Mr. Cox.

SEAVINGTON ST. MICHAEL.

Death of a Crimean Veteran.― About a week before last Christmas Charles Swain, a labouring man of this village, 68 years of age, had the misfortune to loose his footing on the frosty causeway outside the School, whereby he sustained such severe injuries to his back and head that the services of Dr. Sinclair were called into requisition, and the poor fellow has been confined to his bed undergoing much suffering almost ever since, until Thursday evening when he breathed his last. The deceased joined the Army at Taunton in December, 1848, and served 10 years as a private in the Coldstream Guards, during which time he fought throughout the Crimean Campaign, undergoing tremendous hardships  and privations. At the conclusion of his 10 years’ service in December, 1858, he took his discharge, and was awarded the then usual gratuity of £1. His certificate of discharge is endorsed as follows:― “Conduct good; he was present at the battles of Alma and Balaclava and the siege of Sebastopol, for which he has a medal and three clasps. He is also in possession of a good conduct ring.― Signed, Fredk. Poulet,Colonel.” Swain returned to Seavington and settled down as a farm labourer, without the least recognition from successive Goverments for the terrible hardships which he, in common with thousands of others, had undergone in the Crimea, until the summer of 1893, when he was awarded the “special campaign” pension of 9d a day for life, and for this he was indebted to the kind intervention of the Rev. J.P.Billing, rector of Seavington; Colonel Hoskins; and Mr.M.W.Blake, of South Petherton; and, it is believed, Mr. Strachey, the sitting member for South Somerset. ”Better late than never” is an old saying, none the less true in this case than numberless others, for the poor fellow’s  health and strength broke down of late years, and but for this timely allowance of 5s 3d a week and his club money he must  have  gone on the parish. He leaves a widow and a grown-up family. It is not a little singular that on the morning before his mishap he received through the post an invitation to dine with the veterans in London, which of course, he was unable to accept; and still more so that Sir John Astley, whose brother, Captain Astley, is now living within sight and hearing of the cottage in which Swain breathed his last, speaks in his “Fifty Years of My Life” of the time he was serving with the Scots Guards in the Crimea, and while ascending the heights of the Alma the Coldstream Guards were on their left and the Grenadiers on the right.