Kentish Express 28 November 1857.

On Wednesday an inquest was held before Silvester Eastes Esq., Coroner, at the "Mechanics Arms," on the body of Peter Mahoney, aged 26, a soldier of the 4th Foot, stationed at Shorncliffe.

From the evidence of Hugh Evans, of the same regiment, it appeared that on Tuesday evening, himself and six other soldiers left the camp at about half past five, and proceeded to the "Bellevue Tavern," where they had sundry quarts of beer. Deceased, Carroll and Priest became intoxicated. A quarrel took place, on the landlord refusing to supply them with drink on credit. One of them pulled down the gas pendant, and they all came downstairs, Priest and Carroll striking the landlord. The men were afterwards turned out, and he stood opposite and saw the men smash the window; deceased was amongst them; he afterwards saw deceased run away, and on overtaking him he told witness that he was bleeding to death. Having procured assistance he took deceased to the "Mechanics Arms," and a doctor was sent for, but he shortly after expired.

William Hills, the landlord of the "Bellevue Tavern," corroborated the last witness, but said that the deceased was a quiet, inoffensive man generally.

Mr. Charles Egerton Fitzgerald, surgeon, deposed that he was called on to attend the deceased and examined the body after death, and found that there were two superficial wounds on the wrist, and one deep one; the wrist joint was also cut through, evidently by glass, and not with a knife.

Verdict: “That the deceased came by his death through a wound received by breaking a square of glass at the "Bellevue Tavern."”

Kentish Express 9 October 1858

Quarter Sessions, 30th September: Before J. Lonsdale Esq.

Peter McGowan, 45, mariner, was indicted for obtaining 2s. by false pretences from W.H. Swain. Prisoner was acquitted, but immediately taken to Hythe to undergo examination there for a similar offence. It was stated that there were thirteen charges against the prisoner at Sheerness. The way in which the money was obtained by the prisoner was by his representing he had an account at the bank, which was closed before he could get a cheque changed, and he expected a ship freighted with timber any day.

At the Police Court last week Mary Ann Hall was brought up on remand, and Daniel Livingstone, a private in the 100th Regiment, charged with stealing a portemonnaie, containing a gold Albert chain, and several articles of jewellery, value £9, the property of Corporal Salter, of the 100th Regiment.

It appeared that the prosecutor had been invalided to the hospital at the Camp, Shorncliffe, and left the above property in his knapsack in charge of Corporal Browning. A short time after, Browning also was invalided to the hospital, and during his absence his hut was entered, and the property abstracted.

It was also shown that the prisoner Hall was in the Alma public house in Sandgate, when the prisoner Livingstone came in, and calling Hall out, gave her the purse, &c., saying “Take care of this, and if it is claimed, you must deliver it up”. Hall took it, and next day sold it to Mrs. Hills, landlady of the Bellevue Tavern, Folkestone, for £2.

Livingstone said he found the purse in the room and gave it to Hall, believing her to be the waitress of the house.

Prisoners were both committed for trial.

Folkestone Express 11 July 1874.

Advertisement Extract.

Mr. John Banks is instructed to sell by Auction, at the King's Arms Hotel, Folkestone.

On Monday, July 27th, 1874, at Six O'Clock in the Evening.

The Following Valuable Freehold and Leasehold Properties and Ground Rent.

Lot 15: All that well and substantially built Freehold fully licensed Public House known as the Bellevue Tavern, at the corner of St. John's Road and St. Peter Street, containing on the Basement: Good beer and coal cellars. Ground Floor: Bar, Parlour and kitchen. On the first and second floors: Large Club Room, 4 Bedrooms and W.C. In the occupation of Mr. Charles Griggs.

The landlord's fixtures will be included in the sale.

Folkestone Express 1 August 1874.

Local News.

At the Auction Sale held at the King's Arms Inn on Monday last by Mr. John Banks, the following property was sold: Lot 15 £600.

Folkestone Express 17 March 1877.

Local News.

At the Police Court on Wednesday the license of the Bellevue, New Zealand, was transferred from Charles Griggs to George Piddock, late of the Carpenters Arms (West Hythe).

Folkestone Express 12 January 1878.

Last week we reported that Robert Burley, a member of the Borough police force, was seriously injured through having fallen down into the area of the house where he lodged. The poor fellow died about eleven o'clock on Friday morning. From statements made by the deceased to his brother, it seemed that before he got home on Wednesday morning he had been ill-treated by two soldiers, and in consequence of this report a considerable amount of interest was felt in the affair.

An inquest was held on Saturday evening at the Harvey Hotel, by J. Minter Esq., the borough coroner, when the following evidence was taken:

James Burley, a police constable stationed at Lyminge, identified the body as that of his brother. He deposed: His age was 21 last birthday. I saw him on Thursday last, having come to Folkestone in consequence of hearing of his accident. I found him in bed, and I asked him to tell me how it happened. He told me that when he went off duty he changed his clothes and went out with a friend. He was with him until between three and four o'clock in the morning, and left him at the bottom of Dover Street. He went up the street a little way and “ran against” two artillerymen, and they turned round and “dropped into him” and gave him a good thrashing, knocked his hat all to pieces and cut his head or eye. He found blood was running down his face and he went to a friend's house and knocked. Thinking he could not make anyone hear, he hurried home to his lodgings. Going up to the front door he kicked his left toe against the steps. He put his right foot out to try to save himself, and that slipped on the flag stones, in consequence of his boots having steel brads in them. That threw him round on his left side, and his back came on a low wall and pitched him over into the area. He remembered no more until he found himself in bed. He did not say if the soldiers followed him.

By a juror: I believe the soldiers recognised him as a policeman.

By the Coroner: I do not know if he meant to take them into custody.

The Coroner: From what I can learn, it appears that he thought they were two men absent without leave, and he might as well have the money for apprehending them.

William Wills Cooper, landlord of the British Lion, Bayle, said: On Thursday the 3rd, in the afternoon, I went and saw the deceased. Two men having come to my house on at 3.40 on the Wednesday morning, I asked the deceased if he was one of them and he said “Yes”. I also asked him if he went to my mother's house in Dover Street, and he said he did. He did not say what he went for. He lifted his right arm and pointed to his left eye and said he had been knocked about by two soldiers.

Mrs. Elizabeth Cooper, a widow, living at 103, Dover Street, said: I knew the deceased, Robert Burley. On Wednesday morning, about twenty minutes past four o'clock, I was in bed. I heard someone come to the door and knock with their fist, and then try the latch. I opened the window and saw a man and asked “Who's there?” A voice replied “Oh, Mrs. Cooper, will you come down? I am nearly murdered”. I said “I don't know who you are; you had better go home”. I could not see who it was. He said “Thank you”, and left a few minutes after. I did not know who it was, nor do I now, except from what my son has told me. The man appeared to be sober, as far as I could judge.

Frank Martin, a waiter, living at 28, Harvey Street, said: About twenty minutes or a quarter to five on Wednesday morning last I was in bed and was aroused by hearing someone groaning. I got up, went down to the front door, and looked over into the area, and there saw the deceased. He was lying on his left side, with his arm underneath him, and his hat was about a foot and a half from his head. He was insensible. I called the assistance of my father-in-law and we got deceased into the passage. We sent for Dr. Mercer, and afterwards put deceased to bed. There was a slight scar on his left eyebrow but there was no blood on his face or any part of him that I could see.

Mary Ann Hayward, a single woman, living at 6, Queen Street, said: On New Year's Day I saw two artillerymen in the Belle Vue Inn. They told me they had been out all night, and strayed away from Dover. I told them if they did not go back they would be taken into custody. I and a friend treated them to beer, and bread and cheese, as they had no money. The short one, Jarvis, said he did not mean soldiering. They left me at half past eight on Tuesday night, when I gave them twopence to go home with. I saw them again on Wednesday morning in the Belle Vue Inn. They bid me good morning. I asked them why they did not go home, and they said they met the picquet out marching, and if they had gone further they would have been taken in. Jarvis said they were at the Raglan about half past eleven, and that they had knocked up against a policeman about three or four o'clock in the morning. The tall soldier pushed Jarvis, and motioned him to say nothing, and Jarvis laughed. They told me they were hungry and we got them some bread and cheese. About an hour afterwards I hear that a policeman had been ill-used. I asked Jarvis what he had been up to, and he got up and laughed and they both went out. One of them had told me previously that he meant murdering someone. He had had six months imprisonment and did not mean soldiering. He also said he had just had a fortnight's confinement.

Mr. Richard Mercer, surgeon, said: On Wednesday morning between six and seven o'clock I was called to deceased in Harvey Road. I found him lying in the passage of the house, perfectly insensible. He had a small graze over the left eyebrow, which appeared to have been done some little time, as the blood was quite dry. I assisted to carry him to bed and saw him again at eleven o'clock, when he was quite conscious, but paralysed below the breast. I examined him and found a fracture of the spine between the shoulders. There were no other marks of violence whatever – no bruises or cuts. I asked the deceased how it occurred, and he said he had been spending the evening with some friends and came home about four in the morning. When he got on the doorstep his foot slipped and he fell over the wall into the area. I asked him if he was perfectly sober at the time, and he said “No, I had a little more than was good for me”. In consequence of the reports about deceased having been knocked about by soldiers I have today and yesterday again examined the body, and there are no marks of violence other than those I have described. He died yesterday morning, the cause of death being the fracture of the spine, which in my opinion was caused by the fall. Deceased knew the critical state he was in, as I told him he was mortally injured, and he made the statement to me after I had so informed him. It would have been utterly impossible for him to have got home if he had received the injury at the hands of the soldiers.

Superintendent Wilshere, who was called by request of a juryman, said no report was made to him of the constable having been attacked by soldiers, and he only heard of it accidentally. It was quite probable that he attempted to take the two men into custody as deserters. He would be doing his duty if he did so.

The Coroner said that although at first it seemed that deceased had been ill-treated, the evidence of Dr. Mercer showed that such ill-usage was not serious and did not in any way contribute to his death. Had the soldiers followed him, and had he fallen in endeavouring to escape from them, it would then have been a question whether they would not be liable to a charge of manslaughter.

The jury at once returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”.

It having been stated that the deceased, out of his very moderate pay, contributed towards the support of his parents, the jurymen gave their fees to be transmitted to the old couple.

Folkestone Express 2 August 1884.

Monday, July 28th: Before W. Bateman, J. Fitness and J. Holden Esqs., and Alderman Caister.

Thomas Robins was charged on a warrant with assaulting Henry Wood on the 22nd inst., and also with using threatening language.

Complainant said he was employed as a bailiff to go to a house in Peter Street to levy a distress for rent. He went at seven o'clock in the morning, and saw the defendant in the street. Defendant asked him to go and have a drink at the Belle Vue Tavern. They went there, and on coming out, as they turned the corner, defendant struck him in the face and made him bleed. At the same time he said “You are a bailiff, and I'll kill you”. He had not told defendant his business. Defendant was a lodger in the house where he was going to levy. After he struck him, he asked witness to go and have another drink, but he declined, although they went together to the tavern, where defendant washed his face.

A witness named Eliza Keeler said she saw the blow struck, and heard the defendant say “I'll kill you”.

The Bench fined the defendant 5s. and 20s. costs, or 14 days', and bound him over in the sum of £5, with one surety in the same amount, to keep the peace for three months.

Folkestone Express 13 November 1886.

Advertisement.

Fountain Inn, High Street, Folkestone, TO LET, to which a new bar is now being added, making it the most attractive house in the High Street. Also Belle Vue Inn, Belle Vue Street. Apply Hythe Brewery.

Folkestone Express 7 March 1891.

Wednesday, March 4th: Before Colonel De Crespigny, W. Wightwick, W.G. Herbert, H.W. Poole and J. Brooke Esqs.

Transfers.

The licence of the Bellevue Inn was transferred to Charles Thomas Adams.

Folkestone Express 1 June 1889.

Inquest.

On Saturday afternoon an inquest was held at the Town Hall before J. Minter Esq., the Borough Coroner, on the body of Agnes Mary Green, who was killed on Thursday evening by being thrown from a dog cart.

Mr. Charles Lewis, surgeon, said: On Thursday evening, a little before seven o'clock, I was called to attend the deceased at her residence in Darnley Terrace, Sandgate, in consultation with Mr. Chubb, who was in attendance. I found her insensible, and suffering from a fracture of the left side of the skull some four or five inches in length. There was also a large wound near the right ear. She remained insensible until her deat, about an hour and a half after I left. She died from injuries to her head, which were such as would be produced by a fall. There was nothing which could be done to save her. She was evidently sinking when I first saw her.

William Barr, a groom, in the employment of Mr. Dixon Green, lieutenant in the Carabiniers, stationed at Shorncliffe, and residing at 2, Chichester Villas, Sandgate, identified the body viewed by the jury as that of Agnes Mary Green, wife of Lieut. Green, and said on Thursday, in company with the wife of Col. Dennis, she drove a mare in a dog cart to the sports in Sandgate Road. I was in attendance and riding on the back seat. About ten minutes past six in the evening we were returning, and on driving down Sandgate Hill, the deceased being driving, she accidentally hit the mare with the whip, which caused the mare to jump forward. I jumped down to get the mare's head to steady her. Before I could get there the mare bolted and galloped down the hill. I followed, and saw the mare turn off, as if with the intention of pulling up at the house from which they started. She made for the wall on the off side. The mare saw the wall and shot out again. The cart collided against the kerb, and Mrs. Green was thrown out. I saw her fall between the wall and the wheel. The mare continued on through Sandgate, and on my arrival at the place where deceased laid on the path I noticed that she was insensible and blood was flowing very freely from her head and face. I ran off for the doctor, knowing I could not catch the mare. Deceased had been in the habit of riding and driving the mare for the past eight or nine months. It was half-bred, and would not stand the whip, otherwise she was quiet.

Sidney Saunders, a publican, living at East Cliff, said: On Thursday, the 23rd May, I, with others, was walking across the footpath leading into Sandgate Road, and saw a dog cart, in which were two ladies and a groom. The horse was going at a gentle trot. I saw it make a plunge forward, and the groom get off the back of the trap and rush towards the horse's head. Before he got up to it the horse had bolted. He then made a grasp at the trap, appeared to stumble, and the horse was gone. I ran as fast as I could. I saw the horse turn towards the kerb on the off side, and as the wheel caught the kerb, one of the ladies was pitched out against the wall. The horse went right away through Sandgate. I found deceased lying on the path, insensible, and blood flowing freely from the head and mouth. I lifted up her head, unfastened her bodice, and procured some water and washed her mouth. Someone came along and said the deceased lived a few doors off, and asked them to carry her indoors. They did so, and Dr. Chubb came. Samuel Saunders and Joseph Whiting were with me.

These two having given corroborative evidence, the jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Folkestone Express 25 July 1891.

Wednesday, July 22nd: Before Capt. Crowe, Ald. Banks, W. Wichtwick and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Alfred Thomas Adams was summoned for keeping open his house, the Belle Vue Inn, during prohibited hours. He pleaded Guilty.

Sergeant Harman said he saw the defendant serve beer at half past eleven on the 9th July. In the front bar there were two men and a woman, and in the back room four men, and several glasses containing beer. There was no disturbance, and there were lights all through the house.

Defendant said he was not aware the time was so late. There was no complaint against the house.

He was fined £1 and 9s. costs.

Folkestone Express 1 August 1891.

Saturday, July 25th: Before Ald. Banks, H.W. Poole, W. Wightwick and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Five persons named Mortleman, Crow, Lee, White and Moore were summoned for being found on licensed premises during prohibited hours. They all pleaded Guilty, and said they did not know it was so late. The defendants were found in the Belle Vue Inn on the 9th inst., and the landlord had been fined for keeping the house open after hours on the occasion.

They were each fined 5s., and 9s. costs.

Folkestone Express 26 September 1891.

Wednesday, September 23rd: Before J. Clark, J. Holden, H.W. Poole, W. Wightwick, F. Boykett and J. Pledge Esqs.

Adjourned Licensing Day.

The Belle Vue.

Alfred Thomas Adams applied for a renewal of the licence of this house. He had been fined 20s. and costs in July, 1891. Mr. Minter appeared for the applicant.

Superintendent Taylor said four persons were found on the premises after hours. There had been no complaints since or previous, and the general conduct of the house was good.

The licence was renewed.

Folkestone Express 26 December 1891.

Wednesday, December 23rd: Before Aldermen Sherwood, Pledge and Dunk, J. Fitness and E. Ward Esqs.

Iden Pritchard, gardener, was summoned for stealing two heath plants, value 2s., from a greenhouse belonging to George Pilcher. He pleaded Not Guilty.

Prosecutor, a florist, having premises in Dover Road, said defendant had been in his employment as working gardener for more than 18 months. He left a week ago last Saturday. Since defendant left he had missed plants from his premises, and among them were three heaths of the kind produced, from a greenhouse. He missed the heaths on Friday, 18th. Defendant was in the house on the Wednesday or Thursday previous, saying he wanted to buy some shrubs, but he went away without buying anything. When he missed the plants he gave information to the police. There were nine plants of this sort in the greenhouse. He could swear positively to one of those produced, as it was peculiar in it's appearance, and he had tried to sell it to a customer a few days ago. They were also of an uncommon size to be flowering so freely. The value was 1s. each.

By defendant: I bought twelve plants of a nurseryman, and sold three. The nurseryman had plenty more of the same sort, and he served the trade. The greenhouses were not kept locked. I have had reasons to suspect you have taken goods. You were formerly a very useful man, but latterly you have given way to drink and been careless. I do not remember having given you a good recommendation lately.

Alice Maud Mary Jordan, of the Red Cow Inn, said the defendant went to her mother's house on Thursday with Christmas Trees and two plants. She recognised one of the heaths. Defendant asked her to buy it, and she did, paying 9d. for it. She knew defendant as a customer.

Mary Ann Maple, wife of Thomas Maple, of the Honest Lawyer, Belle Vue Street, said the defendant went to that house with one plant on Thursday evening. He asked 1s. for it, and she bought it of him for 6d. She knew him as a customer.

William Jenner, a lad in the service of the prosecutor, said he saw the defendant on Wednesday evening at ten minutes to ten, outside the garden gate in Dover Road, walking to and from.

Thomas Alfred Tutt, another lad in the prosecutor's employ, said he saw the defendant about ten o'clock on Wednesday evening go into the Belle Vue with a Christmas tree in his hand. Witness saw him again on Thursday evening near St. John Street with a plant like those produced in his hand.

Prosecutor was re-called, and said the garden was approached by gates. The larger one was locked, but not the smaller one. Mr. Wilson had a right of way to his premises there. The greenhouse was not fastened in any way.

Defendant said he bought the plants from a hawker, but did not know his name.

The Bench considered the case proved, and fined defendant 10s., 2s. the value of the plants, and 18s. costs, or 14 days' hard labour, telling him he was liable to be imprisoned for six months.

The Bench recommended Mr. Pilcher to keep his premises locked in future.

Folkestone Express 3 June 1893.

Saturday, May 27th: Before Col. De Crespigny, H.W. Poole, and W. Wightwick Esqs.

The licence of the Belle Vue Inn was transferred to Mr. Thomas Nolan.

Folkestone Express 8 August 1896.

Saturday, August 1st: Before The Mayor, General Gwyn, Alderman Banks, and W.G. Herbert, W. Wightwick, H.D. Stock, and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

The licence of the Belle Vue Inn was provisionally transferred to Mr. Hobson.

Folkestone Express 4 August 1906.

Saturday, July 28th: Before Alderman Banks, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, J. Stainer, W.G. Herbert, and R.J. Linton Esqs.

The licence of the Belle Vue Inn was temporarily transferred from Mr. J.A. Hobson to Mr. Warren.

Folkestone Express 9 October 1909.

Saturday, October 2nd: Before Alderman Vaughan and Lieut. Col. Fynmore.

Frederick Hollands was summoned for being drunk on licensed premises. He pleaded Not Guilty. Mr. G.W. Haines appeared on behalf of the defendant.

Inspector Swift said at about a quarter to eleven on the night of the 25th September, in consequence of the noise and conduct he heard in the Bellevue public house, St. John's Street, he visited the house, accompanied by P.C. Allen. In the bar he found from fifteen to twenty men, among them the defendant, who was leaning on the top of the counter, with his hat off, in a half-dazed condition. In consequence of what he said to a woman behind the counter, the defendant got up from the counter and faced witness. He was unable to stand steadily, indistinct in his speech, and drunk. Witness called the attention of the landlord to him, and in consequence of what he said to the landlord the defendant left the premises. Before he went away he told defendant he should report him for being drunk on licensed premises, and he made no reply. Defendant went in the direction of his home in Dover Street. As he got into Harvey Street witness noticed that he was very unsteady in his gait. A man who had also been in the Bellevue came along and took him by his arm, and they went away together.

Cross-examined, witness said he did not suggest defendant was making part of the noise in the Bellevue. He did not take hold of defendant and turn him round. He had no doubt about his condition. The landlord was not endeavouring to remove a man who had just come in. He seemed to be enjoying the fun.

P.C. Allen corroborated. In his opinion defendant was drunk.

Defendant then went into the witness box. He said he was a greengrocer and fishmonger, and on the day in question he had been out at work all day. It had been very wet, and he was wet through. He went into the Bellevue public house about nine o'clock. There were several people in the bar. He remained there until the arrival of Inspector Swift, at about half past ten. Witness's hat was off, and lying on the table. He was leaning over the counter talking to the barmaid. Somebody put his hand on his shoulder and said “Hollands”. Witness turned round, and Inspector Swift said “You are drunk”. Witness replied that if he was drunk he would go home, and he picked up his hat and left the house. He was not drunk. He walked in the direction of Harvey Street, where he met his wife. After he got home, Mr. Bridgland came up, and he had a conversation with him. Then witness and Mr. Bridgland went to the Druids' Club. He ordered drinks, but did not drink, as he was called away by Horace Waddell, who had been in the Bellevue. He accompanied him to Dr. Gilbert's house. The landlord of the Bellevue was with them. He saw Dr. Gilbert, and he also saw Dr. Lidderdale. He was prepared with the fee to have a certificate as to his condition, but he did not obtain it.

The Chief Constable objected to the statement made by the doctors being given as evidence.

Mr. Haines said the statement would show why the doctors were not present.

The Magistrates Clerk asked the witness if they had examined him.

Hollands replied in the negative.

Cross-examined by the Chief Constable, witness said his going to the doctors was the landlord's doing. The steward of the Druids' Club was not present in court. He said he didn't want to come. If he had come, he would have said witness was sober.

Frederick Thompson, of 49, Marshall Street, said he was in the Bellevue public house on September 25th. He went in at about a quarter to nine. He spoke to defendant. The police did not suggest that he was drunk, and he (witness) had more drink than defendant. (Laughter) Inspector Swift first went into a side room. Then he came and caught hold of Hollands and turned him round. Swift called the landlord and told him defendant was drunk. Hollands took up his hat, and said if he was drunk he would go home. He left the house. P.C. Allen stood just in the doorway. Defendant was not indistinct in his speech or half-dazed. He was sober. Witness accompanied defendant to Dr. Gilbert's and Dr. Lidderdale's. They did not assist defendant to walk.

Cross-examined, witness said it took defendant an hour to drink a bottle of ale. He also had three or four twopenny worths of whisky. Defendant was perfectly sober.

Horace Waddell, painter, 47, Marshall Street, said he saw Hollands in the Bellevue, and he did not do anything which would lead him to think he was drunk. He saw defendant go along St. John's Street, and he walked straight. He was sent by the landlord, in company with Thompson, after defendant, and found him at the Druids' Club. He accompanied him to Drs. Gilbert and Lidderdale. Hollands was sober.

Cross-examined, witness said he thought it was strange the police should pick on defendant.

William Bridgland, 28, Dover Street, said he saw defendant come out of the Bellevue public house. He was walking straight, and did not show any signs of intoxication Witness overtook defendant in Harvey Street. He was talking to his wife. All three then walked together to defendant's house. Hollands asked him if he would have a drink, and they went to the Druids' Club. Defendant ordered some whisky for himself and a pint of beer for witness. Defendant did not drink his. He was perfectly sober.

Cross-examined, witness said defendant told him he had been accused of being drunk when he got home. Witness did not assist him home.

John Hatfield, 2, Black Bull Road, said at about a quarter to eleven on the night in question he was coming down Harvey Street, when he met defendant and said “Goodnight” to him. Witness was going home, and he had to pass the Bellevue public house. Defendant was walking perfectly straight.

This concluded the case.

The Chairman said the evidence was very conflicting, and they gave the defendant the benefit of the doubt.

The Chief Constable then asked to be allowed to withdraw the summons against the licence holder of the Bellevue for permitting drunkenness. He understood Mr. Haines was appearing for him on Wednesday next. As they had dismissed the case against defendant, it was useless to proceed with the summons. The landlord was present in court.

The Magistrates allowed the summons against Warren to be withdrawn.

The Chairman called forward Inspector Swift, and addressing him he said they did not wish him to think that they did not consider that he had done his duty in that matter, but they thought that he might have taken a little more care to convince himself that Hollands was drunk.

Folkestone Express 22 January 1910.

Wednesday, January 9th: Before Messrs. E.T. Ward, W.G. Herbert, R.J. Linton, Major Leggett, and Lieut. Colonel Fynmore.

The following licence was transferred: The Bellevue Hotel from Mr. H. Warren to Mr. F.J. Taylor.

Folkestone Express 9 January 1915.

Friday, January 1st: Before J. Stainer, G.I. Swoffer, G. Boyd, and W.J. Harrison Esqs.

When the name of Beatrice Kemp was called out to answer a summons for being drunk on licensed premises, a rather stylishly-dressed woman stepped forward and said “That's me”. She pleaded Not Guilty.

When P.C. Allen entered the box to give evidence, she exclaimed “Oh, you again”.

The Clerk (to the defendant): You behave yourself now. You are before the Magistrates.

Defendant: Most decidedly I will.

P.C. Allen commenced his evidence, but was interrupted by the defendant, who shouted out “You have been following me for weeks. You have tried to catch me”.

When the constable was allowed by the defendant to start his evidence, he said at 6.45 on Monday evening P.C. Prebble and himself were called to the Clarence public house. Later he visited the private bar of the Belle Vue Inn, John Street, where he found the defendant leaning against the wall drunk. He drew the attention of the landlord to her.

Defendant: Stick it up against me. Do what you like.

The Clerk (to the Magistrates): Will you remand the defendant in custody until tomorrow, then perhaps she will be sober?

Defendant: That is right. I want a rest.

The Magistrates thereupon remanded her until the following day.

Saturday, January 2nd: Before J. Stainer, G.I. Swoffer, G. Boyd, and W.J. Harrison Esqs.

Beatrice Kemp, who was ordered on the previous day to be detained in the cells owing to her conduct, was brought before the Magistrates on a summons for being drunk in licensed premises.

Beatrice, who was rather fashionably attired, was in a repentant mood, and she immediately told the Magistrates that she was sorry for her behaviour on the previous day.

P.C. Allen repeated his evidence as to how he went to the Belle Vue public house and found the prisoner in the bar drunk and leaning against the wall. He further stated that he said to the landlord “You see this woman's condition?” He replied “Yes. She has only just come in. I have already refused to serve her”. The landlord requested her to leave. As she refused to do so, he (witness) requested her to go home, and after a good deal of persuasion she went outside, and was taken home by her mother. He had not the slightest doubt about her condition.

Prisoner: If you will give me another chance, I will sign the pledge.

The Chief Constable (Mr. Reeve) said the prisoner had a very bad record. She had already 17 convictions against her, chiefly for drunkenness and obscene language.

Prisoner: Yes, I will promise to sign the pledge.

The Chief Constable said the prisoner was last there on November 13th, when she was fined £1 and costs. She was a great nuisance when in drink.

Prisoner: If I sign the pledge I shall not drink any more. You might give me another chance.

The Chairman said the prisoner had made promises before like that, but she had broken her promises.

Prisoner: I have never promised to sign the pledge before.

The Chairman said the prisoner must find two sureties, herself in one of £10, and another surety of £10, for her good behaviour for six months. In default of finding the sureties, she would have to go to prison for two months.

Folkestone Express 5 February 1916.

Local News.

Yesterday at the Police Court, Horace Dennis Kingsley and Rose Edwards appeared on remand charged with supplying cocaine to soldiers, contrary to Section 40 of the Defence of the Realm Act.

The Chief Constable (Mr. Reeve) said the two prisoners were before the Court a week previously, and were remanded in order that further inquiries could be made. He had been instructed by the Director of Public Prosecutions to state that he was willing to conduct the prosecution. Therefore he asked for a further remand for a week on the evidence already given. An analysis had to be conducted, and other matters had to receive attention.

The Clerk said he understood that the prosecution at the next hearing would be represented by Mr. Travers Humphreys.

Prisoners were remanded for a week, bail being offered, themselves in £25 each, and one surety of £25 each.

Folkestone Express 12 February 1916.

Thursday, February 10th: Before Alderman Spurgen and other Magistrates.

Horace Dennis Kingsley pleaded Not Guilty to three separate charges of selling cocaine to a Canadian soldier on different dates in January. The cases were heard together.

Mr. Travers Humphrey, who appeared on behalf of the Public Prosecutor, said the prosecution was taken under regulation 40 of the Defence of the Realm Act, which provided that if any person gave or sold to a member of His Majesty's Forces any intoxicant when not on duty with intent to make him drunk or less capable of efficiently discharging his duties would be guilty of an offence. The arrest of the prisoner, together with a woman who would also be brought before the Magistrates, was considered to be a matter of some importance, because Major Morrison, A.P.M., had for some time been endeavouring to find out the source from which Canadian soldiers were getting large quantities of cocaine. The effect of the habit which they acquired was pitiable, and most disastrous. It made it absolutely useless to try and control the man, who was made unreliable, and very often resulted in insanity. If a Canadian soldier was found to have acquired the habit, he was considered absolutely useless for the sake of the Army from that day henceforth.

Corporal Price, of the 8th Batt., C.I., said he had known the prisoner two months. On January 12th he was in the Granville public house in Dover Street, when he saw the prisoner with some soldiers and women. He saw the prisoner hand small paper packets, similar to the one produced, to two soldiers and a woman. He spoke to him and asked him what it was, and he replied “Snow”. He asked him how much it was, and he said he would sell him one for 2/-. He bought one. The packet contained white powder, and he marked it January 12th. On January 16th he saw the prisoner in Harbour Street, and asked him if he could have more “snow”. He gave him a packet, and witness purchased it for 2/-. He was exactly in the same uniform as he was that day. He was acting under the orders of his superior officers, and to that extent was on military police duty. On January 26th he accompanied the prisoner to Dover and went with him to Thompson's chemist shop, 186, Snargate Street. He waited outside while he went in. When he came out witness asked him if he had been able to purchase any “snow”, and he replied “I have been able to gat half a drachm, and have ordered two drachms for Wednesday”. On Wednesday afternoon, the 26th, he went to Dover with the prisoner. That was early closing day. The man opened the side door, and prisoner handed him an empty bottle. He afterwards left the shop. They returned in three quarters of an hour, and prisoner went to the side door. The man answered the door again and handed him the bottle, which was full of powder. It was marked “Poison, cocaine hydrochloride”. The label bore the name Lewis Thompson, Snargate Street, Dover. Prisoner put the bottle in his pocket, and after he left the shop he asked him if he would sell him some. Prisoner went into a lavatory, and when he came out he handed him a small packet containing powder, for which he paid 2/6. They came back to Folkestone, and on their arrival prisoner was arrested by Det. Sergt. Johnson with the bottle in his possession. The packets were handed over to Johnson also.

Det. Sergt. Johnson said on January 26th, about 3.40 p.m., he was in company with P.C. Butcher on Grace Hill, and saw the prisoner and Price arrive from Dover. He went to Kingsley and told him they were two police officers, and should take him to the police station. He replied “All right”. At the police station he found in prisoner's possession the bottle marked “Cocaine; poison”, and an empty bottle which had got the label of Mr. Thompson, and also a packet containing powder. He later charged the prisoner with selling a certain quantity of powder to members of H.M. Forces with intent to make them less capable of performing their duties. Prisoner said “How can I make them less capable? They are my friends”. He later received the packets from Price, and took them to the Laboratory, Shorncliffe, and handed them to Capt. Malone.

Capt. Reginald Malone, M.D., said he was in the C.A.M.C. he received and analysed the contents of packets and bottles. They all contained a soluble salt of cocaine.

Capt. J.B. McMurray, C.A.M.C., said he was acquainted with the effect of cocaine, and had had experience of it. He was in charge of Moore Barracks Hospital. Cocaine was a most dangerous drug and a poison. Taken in repeated small doses it would become a habit. The effect of acquiring the habit eventually led to insanity. It was very difficult to get rid of the habit once acquired. In the early stages of that habit it gave very brilliant ideas, supernatural ideas, and nothing was impossible. The reaction left the man sullen, morose, bad tempered and totally unfit for duty. They had had in Moore Barracks over forty cases of the drug habit. He had examined one or two of the samples, and, in his opinion, if taken in quite small quantities, would have rendered a soldier less capable. Cocaine was a great stimulant drug.

In reply to the Clerk, the forty cases he referred to had acquired the habit. It took about two or three weeks to acquire the habit.

Questioned by the prisoner, witness said one of the small packets would certainly affect a man.

Major Morrison, A.P.M., said he had seen the effect of the cocaine. What first drew his attention to it was the men under its influence coming into the guard room. The effect of cocaine taking rendered a man less efficiently capable of discharging his duties. The cocaine was known as “snow” by the Canadians.

Prisoner elected to give evidence on oath. He said he was living at No. 6, Shellons Street. He had been to Dover on the day he was arrested because his chemist in Folkestone had run short. Owing to the price of the cocaine he was not in a position to give it away, but he did not sell it to the soldiers in a direct manner, receiving 2/6 or 2/- more as a gift when hard up. The men were personal friends of his, and he had known them three months. The Corporal was a little scared that he would be arrested. Corporal Price did not give him any money, although he lent him money to get it. He had no recollection of giving the first two packets to Corporal Price. He was an old soldier himself, and had been 12 years in the Army, had been wounded at the Front, and had been invalided out. He came to Folkestone to recuperate. He had been willing to do his bit and he did not want to injure other people. He had a North West Frontier medal of 1911, having seen service in India. He asked the Magistrates to deal leniently with him.

Cross-examined, prisoner said he had not his military papers with him. They were at 14, Storr Street, Tottenham Court Road. He had a small pension of 1/6 a day from the War Office. He had not applied for it lately, because when he got it he had a “grand slam”, and was no good for three weeks after. He had no occupation at Folkestone. He distributed the cocaine because the men were his personal friends. He got the stuff from chemists at Folkestone, but he would not give the names at present. The soldiers could not get it from chemists, because Major Morrison had put a bar on it for soldiers. He only knew that from what the soldiers said. He knew Rose Edwards, who had given a little cocaine to soldiers. She and he lived in the same house. She came from London. Other people besides themselves gave the soldiers cocaine. The soldiers had given him some because he took cocaine.

Mr. Travers Humphrey: What effect has it upon you?

Prisoner: It makes you more keen on what you are doing than what you would be without. It has a stimulating effect.

The Magistrates retired, and on their return the Chairman said that was a very serious offence. The Bench had found the prisoner Guilty of the charge, and he would be sentenced to six months' hard labour on each charge, but the sentences would run concurrently.

Rose Edwards was then placed in the dock. She pleaded Not Guilty to three charges. Mr. Travers Humphrey prosecuted.

Corporal Price said he knew the prisoner. He saw her on January 14th at the Bellevue Hotel. When he came out of the house he saw empty some white powder in a soldier's handkerchief from a small box. He asked her what it was and she said “Snow”. He asked her if she could spare some for him and she said she could. She gave him some for which he gave her 2/6. At half past four the same day he saw her again and he asked if she could sell him another packet, and he paid her 2/- for it. On January 17th he saw her in the Granville Hotel and he bought a packet of “snow” from her for 2/6. On the 24th January he visited her house at 9.15 a.m., and he purchased a packet from her for 2/-. She wrapped the cocaine up in an envelope bearing her address as Little Fenchurch Street.

Mr. Travers Humphrey: It is a Y.M.C.A. envelope. (Laughter)

Detective Sergt. Johnson said on January 26th he saw the prisoner at the police station and he charged her with selling the powder to soldiers with the intent of making them less capable of efficiently performing their duties.

Captain Malone gave evidence of analysing the contents of the packets produced by Corporal Price.

Captain McMurray gave evidence as to the effect of the drug.

Prisoner gave evidence on oath. On the 14th January she gave Price a little “snow”, but she did not sell it to him. On January 17th and 24th she did not see Price at all, as she was in bed.

Cross-examined by Mr. Travers Humphrey, she said she obtained the cocaine from a fellow who sold it in the West End of London. He was not a chemist, but the man sold it to the girls in London. He sold it in the streets. She had never tried to purchase it from a chemist in Folkestone. She had only given it to two Canadian soldiers. She had been in the habit of taking cocaine, but she had broken herself of the habit since Christmas. She had only given “snow” to Price on two occasions. She could get a pill box full of the stuff in London for 2/6.

Kingsley, called by Edwards, said he had never known the prisoner to take money for the cocaine.

The Chief Constable mentioned that the woman belonged to London, and was a well-known prostitute.

The Magistrates sentenced her to six months' hard labour on each charge, the sentences to run concurrently.

Corporal Price was called forward and the Chairman said the Bench wished to express their appreciation on the way he had given his evidence and had acted in the case.

The Chief Constable said with regard to Kingsley's statement, they had found that on January 17th, 1913, he was sentenced to two months' hard labour for felony in London.

Charges under the Pharmacy Act against both prisoners were withdrawn.

Folkestone Express 22 April 1916.

Local News.

At the Police Court, on Thursday of last week, before J. Stainer Esq., and other Magistrates, Frederick John Taylor, the licensee of the Belle Vue Inn was summoned for permitting drunkenness on his premises on April 14th. He pleaded Not Guilty. Mr. G.W. Haines defended.

Sergt. G.T. Taylor, attached to the Town Commandant's staff, said on the evening of the 14th April he was in the bar of the Belle Vue when he saw Private Bell, of the 32nd Reserve Battalion, who was under the influence of drink. At twenty minutes past seven he saw the man go to the bar and order a double decker whisky, which was served by the defendant. About half past seven he was served with another double decker by the lady behind the bar. The man became quite drunk, so he went to fetch the picquet, returning at 7.48. The man was then served with a small whisky, the lady behind the bar serving him. The man was sitting down by the door, and Corporal Spilby, who was in charge of the picquet, asked him to stand up. After a little hesitation, he struggled to his feet. Corpl. Spilby then arrested Bell. The man was incapable then of supporting himself. When he told the landlord that he had found a drunken man on his premises, he replied “I am sorry”.

Mr. Haines, in commencing his cross-examination, warned the witness that he must remember he was on his oath. He pointed out that he had given evidence in previous prosecutions, and then asked witness if he was not interested in cases likely to come on. Witness admitted that was so.

Mr. Haines: You have sworn particularly as to Bell's condition. Were you present at the inquiry at the Camp when he was charged with being drunk?

Witness: I was not.

Who were the military police present then? – I do not know anything about it at all.

Do you know that ten witnesses appeared for the defence on that occasion? – No, sir.

Do you know he was acquitted? – No, sir.

You ordered this man to be arrested? – I turned him over to the picquet.

Did you attend the inquiry to support the evidence? – No, sir.

Do I understand you had been drinking in this house yourself? – Yes, I had a glass of beer.

Replying to further questions, witness said Bell was on the premises when he went into the house at 7.15. He saw Bell served with a double decker by the landlord and another by the lady behind the bar when he became incapable. Afterwards he saw him served with a small whisky by the lady.

Mr. Haines: Now I put it to you this man had only one glass of beer, or a pint of beer in the house. There is a difference between beer and a double decker. – I did not see him have a beer.

You say he was incapable of taking care of himself? – He was quite incapable of taking care of himself after the second glass of whisky.

Mr. Haines (to the Magistrates): I am bringing evidence to flatly contradict this witness. If my evidence is right, then you (turning to Sergt. Taylor) are grossly perjuring yourself. I only want to warn him, and I do not want him to be misled. He says that there were two double deckers drunk and that the man was drunk.

Corporal Mark Mildred, Military Police, said he went to the Belle Vue about a quarter to eight in answer to Sergt. Taylor's call. He saw Private Bell, who was incapable and drunk. In his presence he called for a small whisky, which was served by the lady behind the bar. He went out and brought the picquet and Corporal Spilby up.

Cross-examined, witness said he was not on duty. Taylor came down into Tontine Street for him, and asked Major Morrison if he could have his assistance. He went to the Belle Vue with Sergt. Taylor about a quarter or ten minutes to eight. The sergeant pointed out the man to him. Bell was sitting just behind the door. He went for the picquet, but the sergeant did not say anything then to witness, as he had previously said there was a man very drunk in the house. The man was quiet enough when he saw him. He simply carried out orders given to him. When ordered to stand up Bell staggered to his feet. He did not know the man had been to the front and had got trench feet. He saw Bell a quarter of an hour afterwards at the guard room. He saw him walk from the house to the main road, and the picquet had hold of him. He was present when Major Morrison saw Bell at the guard room. The man staggered out of the cell with no hat on, and saluted with his left hand. He did not attend at the inquiry.

In reply to the Clerk, witness said he went for the picquet as soon as he called for the small whisky.

Corporal John Spilby said he went into the Belle Vue with a picquet. He went into the public bar, where he saw Bell, who was drunk, sitting down on the left hand side of the door. He asked him to stand up, but he could not do so without witness's assistance. He was drunk and incapable. He arrested him.

Cross-examined, witness said he was not present when Bell was tried at the Camp. The man certainly needed assistance to enable him to get to the guard room.

Corporal Mills said he was in charge of the Canadian guard room in Rendezvous Street when Bell was brought in. Corporal Spilby preferred the charge against him. He was so drunk and incapable that he had to be held on by either arm.

Cross-examined, witness said Bell smelt very strongly of whisky.

Inspector Swift said on the evening of the 15th inst., he called on the defendant and told him there had been a report made against him by the military authorities for permitting drunkenness on his premises the previous evening, adding that he would probably be prosecuted. Mr. Taylor replied “That's wrong; there was no-one drunk here. A little before eight the military policeman looked into the bar here, and said “The picquet has just taken a soldier out of the bar, and most likely the boss will submit a report against you”. I did not see the man myself, but I was afterwards told by other customers he was a soldier known to me as “Old Bell”. He is a regular customer. He came in just as I was drawing the blinds. He was then perfectly sober. He sat down in the chair close behind the door and had one pint of beer only”.

Mr. G.W. Haines said that case presented a very serious aspect. The evidence he had obtained showed that it was entirely at variance with that of the prosecution, and it was clear one side or the other was committing the most wilful perjury. The two could not tally in any way. All the drink Bell had that day was one pint of beer for his dinner and one pint in that house. As for drinking spirits, he was told that he had not touched spirits for the last ten years. Bell had been to the front and now suffered from trench feet and rheumatism, and the consequence was that he now walked with a stick.

Sergt. Taylor, re-called, said he went into another bar to inform the landlord that he had arrested a man for being drunk on his premises. There were a bunch of men from a Highland Regiment in the bar, and he pointed out to the landlord that one Highlander was alsou nder the influence of drink, with the result that he got the man off the premises.

Cross-examined, witness said the man was sitting down, and he could generally tell when a man was drunk even if he was sitting down. He had his cap off, and was swinging it in his hand. He had a glass in front of him, but he would not swear that it contained milk. He did not know what the man had been drinking. He had not sufficient evidence for summoning the landlord for serving the man on the premises. He had not sufficient evidence to arrest the man. He left the premises in order to get assistance, and when he returned the man had gone away. He went out because he wanted to talk to Corporal Mildred about the other man.

Defendant gave evidence on his own behalf. He had been the licensee of the Belle Vue for six years. On the night in question his wife and he were serving in the bar. Private Bell was a regular customer, and he always found him a quiet and inoffensive chap. He sometimes had one to three pints of beer, but defendant never knew him to drink spirits. Bell came in as he was pulling down the blinds. Witness said “Good evening, Old Bell”. Private Bell then ordered a pint of beer, with which witness served him. He did not serve him with any whisky during the evening. After he had got his pint he sat down by the side of the automatic piano. He never served him with anything more that evening. He saw the man talking to other people in the bar that evening. He began to clear the bar about five or six minutes to eight. He had seen Sergt. Taylor in the bar drinking, and to the best of his knowledge he had beer. That was about ten minutes past seven. He never saw the going of the sergeant. He afterwards came to him in the private bar and said “I have just arrested a drunken man on your premises. I shall report you”. He then went out, but a second or two after he came rushing back and said “Clear these men out of the bar”. He did not point out to witness any particular man. When he came back he said “Where is that man who was here?” He replied that he had gone out. That man had a glass of milk in witness's house. He was perfectly sober.

Cross-examined, defendant said Private Bell could not have been served without his wife's or his knowledge. He had known Bell for three or four months.

Mrs. Emily Taylor, the defendant's wife, also gave evidence. She said she never served Private Bell on that particular night. She had never seen him drink whisky.

Private Oliver Bell, attached to the 32nd Battalion, C.E.F., said he had been to the front for nine months and came back in December. Before he joined up he had been a prison warder for fourteen months, and he was now on police duty. He came back with rheumatism, and still walked with a stick. It was over two years since he had tasted spirits in the shape of liquor. He drank beer, and was a regular customer at the Belle Vue Hotel. He left Camp on April 14th at 6 p.m., and came into Folkestone. He had a pint of beer at noon. He went into the bar a little after seven. Previously he had seen Private Bridges in the street. He ordered a pint of beer, and that was all he had in the house that evening. About ten minutes to eight a picquet arrested him. He was seated when they came in, but stood up when he was asked to do so. He was not drunk or incapable. He came before his Commanding Officer the next day on a charge of being drunk. He was examined, and was dismissed. He was told by his officer that it was an honourable dismissal.

Cross-examined, witness said no witnesses gave evidence at the inquiry. He was perfectly sober, and when he asked the Corporal what was the charge against him he replied “You will find out soon enough”. He did not need assistance to get to the guard room.

Private Godfrey Bridges, of the 32nd Batt., said he had known Bell for about five years. They enlisted together. On Friday, the 14th, he went to the Belle Vue and left his wife there. He went out, and later saw Bell in the street, returning a few minutes later. Shortly afterwards Bell came in. He went up to the bar and came back with a pint of beer. Witness was with him all the time, and he had nothing more to drink. He could not see how Bell could have got drink without him seeing it. He walked with the aid of a stick. It was not true that he was drunk.

Cross-examined by the Chief Constable, witness said he came down to the guard room with a sergeant to try and find out what the charge was against Bell. The sergeant, who was away on leave, went into the guard room. He had never known Bell to drink whisky, and in Canada, where witness kept a bottle of spirits always in the house, he had refused to touch it.

Mrs. Bridges and Private Mackintosh gave similar evidence.

Mr. Haines mentioned that he had six more witnesses who would give corroborative evidence, therefore he would not call them. It was clear the Magistrates could not believe both sides, but if they believed the prosecution, then his witnesses were liars. There could be no mistake about what Sergt. Taylor said. He contended that he had laid before them evidence which would make it difficult for them to convict the defendant.

Major Morrison, A.P.M., was called by the prosecution at this stage. He said he went into the guard room on the evening in question, and had Private Bell taken out of the cells. He was satisfied that the man was drunk. The man walked out of the cell into the room without assistance, but staggered. He did not speak to him.

Cross-examined, witness said Bell had no stick with him when he saw him. He saw the man walk three or four yards.

In reply to the Clerk, Major Morrison said the man did not come to attention when he saw him.

The Magistrates retired, and on their return the Chairman said they had had a great mass of evidence before them, and by the utter discrepancy between one side and the other, there must have been gross perjury on the part of someone. There had been deliberate lying by one side or the other. That being so they were going to dismiss the case.

Folkestone Express 9 February 1924.

Annual Licensing Sessions.

Wednesday, February 6th: Before Alderman R.G. Wood, Dr. W.J. Tyson, Miss Weston, Miss Hunt, the Rev. Epworth Thompson, Alderman Pepper, Col. Owen, Col. Broome-Giles, Messrs. G.I. Swoffer, G. Boyd, A. Stace, W. Hollands, E.T. Morrison, J.H. Blamey, and W.R. Boughton.

The Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) presented his report as follows: I have the honour to report for your information that there are at present within your jurisdiction 114 premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor, and taking the population of the Borough according to the last Census this gives an average of one licensed house to every 329 persons. The following are particulars of the licensed premises: Full licences 71; beer on 7; beer off 6; beer and spirit dealers 13; grocers, etc., off 6; confectioners wine on 3; chemists wine off 4; cider and sweets off 1; Total 114 (81 on and 33 off). Fifteen of the licences have been transferred during the year. Four occasional licences have been granted to licence holders to sell drink on special occasions elsewhere than on their licensed premises, and 60 extensions of hours have been granted to licence holders when dinners, etc., were being held on their licensed premises. In no case has any abuse of the privilege been reported. Six hotels and one restaurant have authority under Section 3 of the Licensing Act, 1921, to supply intoxicating liquor with meals for one hour after 10 p.m. on weekdays, viz.: Metropole Hotel, Grand Hotel, Majestic Hotel, Regina Hotel, Esplanade Hotel, Royal Pavilion Hotel, and Central Cafe. During the year ended 31st December, 1923, 26 persons (21 males and 5 females) were proceeded against for drunkenness; 16 were convicted and 10 discharged after being cautioned by the Bench. Of those proceeded against, 8 were residents of the Borough, 5 were soldiers, 10 were of no fixed abode, and 3 were non-residents. This is an increase of one as compared with the number proceeded against last year, when 25 persons (16 males and 9 females) were proceeded against, of whom 16 were convicted and 9 discharged. The permitted hours, as allowed by the Licensing Act, 1921, have been fixed by the Licensing Justices for the Borough of Folkestone as under: On weekdays from 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Sundays from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eleven clubs where intoxicating liquor is supplied are registered under the Act. All the licensed premises have been periodically visited at irregular intervals by my officers during the year to see that the same are being conducted in a satisfactory manner, and I am pleased to report that with few exceptions no adverse reports have been submitted to me. There are 28 premises licensed for music and dancing and one for public billiard playing. During the year two licensees have been proceeded against for breaches of the Intoxicating Liquor Laws, viz.: (1) 15 June 23 Henry William Cork, George the Third, Fenchurch Street, permitting intoxicating liquor to be consumed on his licensed premises during non-permitted hours; the case was withdrawn upon my application to the Bench. (2) 7 September 23 Alfred John Cope, Rose Hotel, Rendezvous Street, failing to have his name and expression of business for which the licence was granted affixed to the premises; fined 10s. On 20th October, 1923, Michael Ivory, of the Bouverie Hotel, Bouverie Road, was convicted and fined £1 at Newport, Isle of Wight, for consuming intoxicating liquor on licensed premises during restricted hours. I beg to report that in my opinion there is still a redundancy of licensed premises on the older portion of the Borough. Observation has been kept, and it would appear that very unequal trade is done between house and house in the same neighbourhood. Three houses, viz.: The Oddfellows, Dover Street, The Belle Vue, St. John's Street, The Richmond Tavern, Richmond Street, according to reports received, are doing the least trade in the area referred to, and I have no hesitation in saying that they are redundant to the needs of the public, and I accordingly recommend that the licence of each house be referred back for your consideration at the adjourned meeting. I have to express my appreciation of the fairness and courtesy extended to me by the Bench during my first year of office, and also for the able assistance I have received from your Clerk, Mr. John Andrew.

The Chairman said they were especially pleased, it being the Chief Constable's first year there, that he was in a position to present such a good report. The members of the Licensing Authority were very gratified that the report was so good. They were of opinion that such a good report must point to the fact that the licence holders had been careful during the past year to see that the law had been carried out and adhered to on every possible occasion. Proceedings had only been taken against two licence holders, and they were reminded that in one instance the Chief constable withdrew the summonses, and in the other case the offence was of a technical nature. Then with regard to the cases of drunkenness, out of the 16 convictions only eight of them were residents of the Borough. When they considered the population of Folkestone and that Folkestone was a port, with a fishing quarter, and with a military district adjoining, the Magistrates thought it spoke well for the community. They knew the community of Folkestone was very sober, but it only required a few indiscreet persons to spoil their record. They were glad to know that those few indiscreet persons had exercised great discretion during the past year, and they hoped the number would not be increased during the present year. On behalf of the Bench he offered his congratulations to the licence holders and the general public, who had enabled the Chief Constable to present such an excellent report. The Justices had given full consideration to the question of the renewal of those houses specifically mentioned with regard to redundancy, and they had decided to put back the renewal of those licences for consideration at the adjourned meeting, and they directed the Chief Constable to cause opposition to their renewal. As proceedings were also pending against the Prince of Wales Inn for alleged breaches of the Licensing Act that licence would not be renewed, but would be put back to the adjourned meeting also. The question of the renewal of the licences of the Rose Hotel and the George the Third had also been considered, and they would be renewed that day. All the other licences would also be renewed.

Folkestone Express 1 March 1924.

Adjourned Licensing Sessions.

Wednesday, February 27th: Before Dr. W.J. Tyson and other Magistrates.

The Magistrates considered the opposition of Mr. Beesley to the renewal of the licences of the Oddfellows Inn, Dover Street, the Richmond Tavern, and the Belle Vue on the ground of redundancy.

Mr. Rutley Mowll appeared in the cases of the Oddfellows Inn and the Richmond Tavern, both of which are owned by Messrs. Leney and Co., of Dover, and the respective licensees, Mr. G.A. Woodley and Mr. A. Ingleton, and Mr. G.W. Haines appeared for Messrs. Mackeson and Co., the owners, and Mr. F.J. Taylor, the licensee, of the Belle Vue Inn.

Evidence was given by Mr. Beesley and Inspector Pittock to the effect that the houses were unnecessary for the needs of the district, and the latter gave evidence as to the result of his observations regarding the trade done at the three houses compared with the other houses in the district.

The Magistrates decided to renew the licence of the Richmond Tavern, but referred the other two houses to the Compensation Authority at Canterbury.

Folkestone Express 22 November 1924.

Local News.

A meeting of the East Kent Compensation Authority was held at the Sessions House, Longport Street, Canterbury, on Monday, to approve the awards agreed as regards houses which had been referred for compensation. Lord Fitzwalter was in the chair. The following were the awards: Oddfellows, Dover Street, Folkestone, £1,525 - £1.314 1s. 1d. to Messrs. Alfred Leney and Co. Ltd., of Dover, and £210 18s. 11d. to Clement Augustus Woodley, the tenant; Belle Vue Hotel, St. John's Street, Folkestone, £1,320 - £1,071 18s. 6d. to Messrs. Macke

son and Co. Ltd., and £248 1s. 6d. to Frederick John Taylor, the tenant.

Folkestone Express 6 June 1931.

Tuesday, June 2nd: Before Alderman G. Spurgen and Mr. L.G.A. Collins.

William Whiting was summoned for assaulting Robert Fryer by throwing a bottle at him on May 28th.

Robert Fryer, of 5, St. John's Street, said the defendant was one of his sub-tenants, and there were altogether four families living in the house, which was formerly a public house. About nine o'clock in the morning he heard a bumping about and swearing, so he got up and saw the defendant on the landing. He was creating the noise, and Whiting said one of the girls in another family had been peeping through the keyhole. He told him that he had already given him a week's notice to get out of the house and he did not want to hear anything about the matter. Miss Hiesley came up the stairs and he heard her tell Mrs. Whiting what her husband had said was not the truth. Mr. Whiting came out of one of the rooms and started to thump the girl and slapped her. He pushed her downstairs, and he (witness) managed to save her by putting out his arms. Defendant threw a scrubbing brush at her and then he told him (witness) to get downstairs and threw a glass water bottle at him. It struck him on his arm, which was bruised. At the time he thought the blow had broken his arm.

Madeleine Hiesley, of 5, St. John's Street, said defendant hit her and threw a brush at her.

Defendant said the water bottle fell out of his hand.

Alderman Spurgen: There was some ginger behind it. A fall of the water bottle would not hurt a man's arm like that has done.

Defendant: He did that by falling downstairs.

Whiting was then summoned for assaulting Madeleine Hiesley.

He pleaded Guilty, but said he had received provocation.

Complainant said the defendant struck her, threw a brush at her, and then threw her down the stairs.

In reply to the defendant, she said she did not rush upstairs and slap Whiting's face before he slapped her.

Defendant said the complainant came upstairs interfering, so he pushed her down. He was not going to be dictated to by her and have her “cackling”.

The Magistrates fined the defendant 10s. for the assault on Mr. Fryer, and he was ordered to pay 4s. costs on the second case. He was allowed 14 days in which to pay.