Kent Herald, 20 November 1845.

Ville of Dunkirk.

In pursuance of an order from the minister and church wardens of this Ville, a public meeting was convened on Tuesday last, at the National School Room, Boughton hill, for the purpose of investigating a complaint preferred against Henry Church, the constable, by Mr. S. Gorham, grazier, of this Ville, "for having on the 10th instant, at the "Hope" beer shop, in Hearne-hill, stated that the said Steven Goreham had stolen two sacks of corn from Bosenden Farm, the proceeding night, the property of Mr. W. C.. Culver, of the said Ville, farmer."

The facts appear to be these:- For the last two years past Church has performed the overseer's duty as well has his own gratuitously, and on the day in question he accompanied Mr. Culver and the complainant, (the overseers) to Dargate on business, after which they went to the said beer shop, where they remained about an hour, in company with 12 or 14 others, among whom were John and Richard Branchett, two labourers living in Boughton; it appears that as soon as Church and the overseers left the house, these men manifested a great desire to know their business, upon which a man named Adams told them that Goreham had stolen some corn from Culver, and was in Church's custody in consequence; this statement called much excitement in the neighbourhood, particularly as Gorham's character is unblemished, and it appears that Church explained the cause of the erroneous statement to 20 or 30 persons, but as Gorham heard frequent repetitions of the charge he appeared to the minister and church wardens, who gave orders that a meeting should be held to investigate the matter as early as possible.

The minister (Mr. Horsley) expressed a wish to have Church discharged forthwith, which was strongly and successfully objected to by Mr. Saddleton, the churchwarden.

On the day appointed the Rev. J. W. Horsley, A.M., took the chair; there were present Messrs. G. Howland, jun., T. Brown, sen., H. Eve, Thomas Mercer, W. C. Culver, T. James Holmes, H. Hadlow, F. Baker, and several others.

Steven Goreham was then called, who stated that he was at the beer house on the day in question, but heard nothing spoken as regard his character; had known Church three years, and always found him ready to do him a favour; had done his duty as overseer for two years.

John Branchett stated that he was at the "Hope" beer shop, Dargate, on the day in question, that he sat close to Church, who whispered to him that Goreham had been detected in robbing Culver of three sacks of corn. This witness underwent a severe cross-examination by Church, who questioned him as to his memory, and it also turned out that sometime ago Church apprehended one of his sons for felony, and was transported for seven years, this was deemed much in favour of Church, but owing to the insolvent manner he answered the questions put to him, Church declined to ask him anymore; and called three respectable witnesses, Hadlow, Harvey, and Clements, who severally stated that a man named Adams first set the settlement on foot, and immediately after, Church, Culver, and Gorham left the house; it was also proved by Clements that the witness (Branchett) was tipsy when he came in the house, and worse when he went out; and Adams finding him to manifest a great anxiety to know their business, he told them such was the case, and which he was owned to several person since, remarking, he had done it "in fun," thinking no harm would follow. The case having been closed, Church made a very able and ingenious defence, fully disproving the charge made against him.

The Reverend Chairman then made a few remarks, not in favour of Church, by stating that Branchett's evidence was not corroborated by anyone, and as Church had brought forward three persons who had heard Adams say, as above stated, he considered, as an individual, they must place more reliance upon them than Branchett, and, as such, inquired of them their opinion, which was delivered as follows.

"The meeting having maturely weighed and considered the evidence in support of the complaint preferred against Henry Church, by Stephen Goreham, for defamation of character, is of opinion that he (the said Henry Church) is not guilty of the charge preferred against him, and does therefore honourably acquit him of the same." This was signed by the minister, churchwardens, and overseers.