From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 8 January, 1875.

CATCH CLUB

The "Original" Catch Club at the "Harvey Hotel," had a successful opening night on Monday.

Folkestone Express 1 August 1868.

Mysterious Death.

On Monday afternoon a discovery was made at a house near the Harvey Inn, that the occupier, Mrs. Banks, was dead, and from the greatly decomposed state of the body, had evidently been so for some considerable time. The neighbours, though not seeing the deceased lady for some time, thought it nothing remarkable, for she was considered rather eccentric and held little communication with any of them. A full report of the inquest will be found below. The body was interred at three o'clock on Tuesday morning at the cemetery. The whole of the clothing and the bed of the deceased had to be destroyed.

Inquest.

The Coroner, J. Minter Esq., opened the inquest at the Harvey Inn on Monday evening at eight o'clock. After the jury had been sworn they proceeded to the house of the deceased to view the body, which presented a very sickening spectacle.

Mr. J. Banks, auctioneer, said: I identify the body as that of the wife of my late brother, at one time a builder in this town. At half past five o'clock this (Monday) evening the deceased's son, Joseph Banks, came to me and said his mother was black and he thought she was dead. He gave me the keys of the house, and I came and asked Mr. Marsh to go into the house with me. She lay on the bed in the same position as she was now. The bedroom window was shut. I had not seen her since about the middle of last April. I fetched Dr. Fitzgerald, and he came back with me to the house and at once told me to inform the Coroner. The last time I saw her she had an old nurse living with her.

The Coroner here said it would be better to adjourn further inquiry till Tuesday morning at eleven o'clock.

The adjourned inquest was held in the Committee Room at the Town Hall on Tuesday morning.

The first witness called was Harriett Parker, wife of J.W. Parker, Bathchairman, residing at Raglan Cottage. She knew the deceased; first saw her about four months ago, when Mrs. Banks called her as she was passing and asked her to fetch something, which she did. After that time she was in the habit of buying various articles at the deceased lady's request. The last time she saw deceased was three weeks ago last Friday at half past twelve o'clock in the morning, when she asked her to fetch two shillings' worth of brandy from Mr. Marsh's, and she told her to make haste as she did not wish for the neighbours to notice it. Witness' sister, and sometimes her lodgers, used to go in errands for the deceased. Witness did not know if anyone had fetched the deceased anything since she last saw her. Thought it very strange not seeing her so long, and mentioned it to Mrs. Marsh. Afterwards, seeing the Venetian blind move in the parlour, witness went back to Mrs. Marsh and said “There is someone about, as I seen the blind move”.

By the jury: Did not see any hand; only the blind move. Was not in the habit of fetching much spirits for her.

By the Coroner: Did not know she was in the habit of drinking; fetched her food as well as drink.

Mr. J. Banks, re-called, said he had searched the house, and had found £31 in a box in the drawers.

Mr. Joseph Banks, son of the deceased, who was greatly affected, deposed he had last seen his mother about three weeks ago at the house. She was then alive. He went to the house yesterday to fetch a pair of spectacles which had been forgotten by the nurse, Mrs. Shilston, who formerly attended on the deceased, but had left on account of illness in April last. Sometimes the deceased refused witness admission, so he had to go in the back way; he went there about five o'clock, and not being able to obtain admission in front, he opened the back basement window with a knife. Seeing no-one in the lower rooms, he went upstairs, where he saw the deceased lying on a bed. He closed the door, came out of the house, and spoke to Mr. Marsh, and from thence he immediately went to Mr. Banks. The doors were all fastened, and everything appeared in it's place. No-one had looked after deceased since the nurse left. She would not have anyone about her. He asked her to have someone a month ago, but she refused. Had not lived with deceased since last September. The last time he saw her alive she was excited. Deceased was in good circumstances.

Dr. Fitzgerald said that on Monday evening between six and seven o'clock he was requested by Mr. Banks to see Mrs. Banks. He found her lying on her back across the bed in the back room, one of her boots being on the ground, and the other under her. He examined the body and found it in a very bad state of decomposition. From the arrangements of her dress, the position of the body, and the furniture about the room being undisturbed, he was of opinion she died from natural causes. The deceased appeared to have been ill and vomited. She first lay on the bed in the front room, but afterwards struggled into the back room, and making a feeble attempt to take off her boots had fallen back, and there died.

By the jury: Did not know her previously, nor anything of her habits.

By the Coroner: There were no marks of violence on the body; in his opinion she must have been dead from 10 to 14 days.

Mr. Bradley, who attended on behalf of the friends of the deceased, wished to state that the deceased had an ample income.

The jury immediately returned a verdict of “Died from natural causes”.

Folkestone Express 14 June 1873.

Inquest.

In our last impression we briefly recorded the fact that a man named Thomas Campion fell among the rocks under the lighthouse at the end of the quay at the harbour, and died from the effects of injuries received. An inquest was held on Saturday at the Harvey Hotel, before John Minter Esq., and a jury. After viewing the body the following evidence was taken:

S. Eastes Esq., M.R.C.S. deposed to being called to see deceased at 27, Charlotte Terrace at two o'clock on Wednesday morning. He found him in bed, the only visible injury being a wound behind the right ear. Endeavoured to raise him from his state of insensibility without effect. Deceased had all the symptoms of severe concussion of the brain. Gave directions as to what should be done and called again early in the morning; found patient still insensible. Saw him five or six times during the day and used the proper remedies. Deceased continued in the same state until three o'clock the following morning, when his breathing became difficult and he was no longer able to swallow, and gradually sank and died at half past two in the afternoon from concussion – not compression – of the brain, most probably caused by a fall which witness had been informed deceased had had.

Elizabeth Impett, 27, Charlotte Street, said deceased had lodged at her house about seven years, was 48 years of age. Knew nothing of his friends. Deceased left home between eight and nine on Tuesday morning; passed him between eight and nine in Dover Street, when he appeared sober. He was generally a sober man, but sometimes he got out a bit. Two policemen and Forbes brought deceased home insensible about one o'clock on Wednesday morning.

William Henry Forbes said he lived at the Dew Drop, Fancy Street. Had known deceased about six years. On Tuesday evening deceased had tea with him, had a game of draughts after tea, had four pints of half-and-half among three of them, went to the harbour and down the lower landing along the jetty leading under the lighthouse. Deceased was eight or ten paces ahead of him, and he missed him. Called out “Tom, where are you?”, and receiving no answer went in search of him. Found him lying among the rocks under the lighthouse. Both of them were sober. Thought the deceased, in trying to step upon the transoms, missed his footing. It was dark, and low water.

The Coroner remarked that it was a curious thing for witness and deceased to go to such a place at that hour of night. What were they going to do?

Witness said they went for a ramble. Jumped down to deceased and found he had fallen six or seven feet and was lying on his back unconscious. Went immediately for assistance. Deceased was perfectly sober, and they were not larking or spreeing, and were on good terms and smoking their pipes.

John Kelway, an extra man in Her Majesty's Customs said he was watchman at the harbour on the night in question, and corroborated the last witness. Went to his assistance and found deceased jammed in a hole between two rocks. Procured further assistance and deceased was got up and sent home. Deceased and Forbes were perfectly sober, and appeared to be on good terms.

Wilson Willis, the Company's night-watchman corroborated.

Verdict “Accidental Death”.

Folkestone Express 3 January 1874.

Monday, January 2nd: Before The Mayor, Col. De Crespigny, J. Tolputt, J. Gambrill and J. Clark Esqs.

William Court, father of the prisoner in the previous case, on bail, was charged with assaulting John Moulden Wilshere, Cheif Superintendent of Police.

Mr. Wilshere deposed: Last evening about seven o'clock I apprehended William Court, one of the prisoners in the last case, at his father's house. There was no-one in the house at the time. On the road to the police station I had occasion to call at Mr. Pierson's, baker, Dover Road, and on leaving there prisoner got hold of me and asked what I was going to do with the boy. I told him to go to the police station, when I would give him information. He then became very abusive, and followed me to the Harvey Hotel, where I took the boy for the purpose of identification, and he said I should not take him. I told him the boy was in my custody, and if he would go to the police station I would give him every information. I went into the Harvey Hotel, and asked Court to remain outside and meet me at the police station. I then put the boy in the parlour at the Harvey Hotel, and prisoner forced his way into the house and took hold of my collar and tried to throw me. I then asked Mr. Marsh, the landlord of the hotel, if I could speak to him privately. Prisoner forced his way in and tried to shut the door and we had a struggle; he afterwards became a little quieter. P.C. Keeler was outside, and I requested him to take Court to the police station. Shortly afterwards I went outside and saw prisoner scuffling with Keeler and we were obliged to handcuff him. P.C. Hogben came to our assistance and it took us all three to handcuff him.

By The Mayor: I shut the door when I went in the Harvey Hotel. I did not know the boy was Court's son. Prisoner did not ask for any information, but said I should not take the boy. I took the boy to Marsh's for the purpose of identification as I did not wish to take the wrong boy.

By prisoner: You took me by the collar. You did abuse me and handle me and said more than once that I should not take the boy.

By The Mayor: Prisoner said “What has the boy done?” and I told him he was in my custody, and if he would go to the police station he should have every information, but I could not tell him there.

P.C. Abraham Keeler deposed: About a quarter to seven last night I was called out by the Superintendent to go in search of the two prisoners in the last case. The Superintendent apprehended the boy Court himself, and as he was going along he went into Mr. Pierson's shop and I remained outside. Prisoner followed him into the shop. When they came out prisoner asked the Superintendent what he was doing with the boy, and the Superintendent directed him to go to the police station, where he would give him information. The Superintendent then went across to the Harvey Hotel into the parlour, and prisoner followed him into the room. I was standing in the passage. When prisoner was following the Superintendent into the room he requested him to keep outside a little while, as he wanted to speak to Mr. Marsh privately. Prisoner said he should not go, but should be where his boy was. The Superintendent then closed the door and prisoner shoved against it and burst it open, and then caught hold of the Superintendent by the collar, and asked him what he was going to do with the boy. The Superintendent turned round and put prisoner out of the parlour into the passage. Prisoner forced the door open again and collared the Superintendent a second time. They then closed with each other and came out of the passage and the Superintendent requested me to take prisoner to the police station, and I asked him to come with me quietly, and he said he should not until the boy came out. I asked him a second time to go out, and, as he would not, I was obliged to put him out by force. When we got outside he swore he would not go to the police station with me or any other constable. We were obliged to handcuff him, and with the assistance of P.C. Hogben, he was taken to the station.

By prisoner: The Superintendent did not shove you out like a bull and try to throw you down. He did not rush at you when you collared him.

By The Mayor: Mr. Marsh was there the best part of the time.

The Mayor to the Superintendent: Did you ask Mr. Marsh to come here this morning?

The Superintendent: Yes, but he is not here.

Mr. Henson here stepped forward and said Mr. Marsh was obliged to be away on business in the country.

This was the case, and on prisoner being asked if he wished to call Mr. Marsh, he replied that he could not say whether Mr. Marsh saw him, and on being further asked if he wished the case to be adjourned, he said it might as well go on, and went on to say: All I can say is I was going past Pierson's about a quarter to eight last night, when I saw the Superintendent and my lad. I went to his side and said “What is the matter?”, and he replied “The boy is in my custody”. If he had said he had been breaking into the church I would have said “Take him and let it be proved”. They went across to Marsh's and I asked him again, and he shoved me out of the door and said “It's no business of yours. Go out”. He then came to me with both hands and nearly shoved me down; he rushed at me like a bull. I will swear I never laid a hand on him. If he had said one word I should have been contented. I did not touch him till he did me. He asked me to hit him, but I knew better than that.

The Court was cleared for about twenty minutes, and on the re-admission of the public The Mayor said: Prisoner, you have been brought here on a very serious charge, which we are bound to take into consideration, and we are bound to uphold the police. At the same time the police should be strict as to what they do. We think the Superintendent erred in judgement in not at once telling you what he had got your son in custody for, but still that did not justify you in collaring the police. We have taken into consideration the provocation you have received. You have rendered yourself liable to a fine of £10, or six months hard labour, but taking into consideration the provocation you received in not being told what your son was in custody for, we only fine you 5s. and 5s. 6d. costs, or seven days' hard labour.

Prisoner: I will have seven days.

Prisoner was removed in custody, but a friend came forward and paid the money, and he was released.

Folkestone Express 13 May 1876.

On Monday morning last considerable excitement was created in Folkestone by a report being circulated to the effect that Mr. James Williams, confectioner and ginger beer manufacturer, of Fenchurch Street, had committed suicide. Upon enquiry it transpired that the report was but too true, the unfortunate man being discovered hanging to the bedpost. For some time he had been suffering from disease of the brain and a watch had been kept upon his actions, but on Monday morning he appears to have taken advantage of the temporary absence of his attendant and committed suicide.

An inquest was held the same night at the Harvey Inn, Dover Road, before Mr. Coroner Minter and a jury. The following evidence was adduced:

Mr. Richard Mercer said: I am a surgeon, practicing in Folkestone. I identify the body as being that of James Williams, of Fenchurch Street, confectioner. I have attended him occasionally since Christmas. He was suffering from disease of the brain. The family knew that; I cautioned them to watch him. This morning I was sent for and found him dead with the marks of the cord round his neck. Death, in my opinion, was carried by strangulation.

Arabella Ball said: I live at deceased's house. Deceased went to bed at ten o'clock on Sunday night and had a very good night. This morning at nine o'clock I took him up a cup of tea, and he said he would have some brandy and water at eleven o'clock according to the doctor's order. I went up again at a quarter past ten o'clock to ask him if he would have his brandy and water. I found him partly lying on the bed with his legs on the ground, and a piece of cord round his neck. The other end of the cord was fastened to the bedpost. I gave the alarm and then went for Mr. Mercer. Deceased was 56 years of age.

Lucy Jenkins: I am the wife of John Jenkins, mariner, and live in Fenchurch Street. At about ten o'clock this morning the last witness and Mrs. Williams came to me and asked me to go in. I went upstairs and took a knife. He was half lying and half sitting, and the cord was round his neck. I got over the bed and cut the rope. With assistance I placed him on the bed and took the rope off his neck. It had been tied thrice round his neck. He was not dead when placed upon the bed, but died in about ten minutes. I produce the rope.

The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased committed suicide while in a state of unsound mind.

Folkestone Express 22 July 1876.

Inquest.

Considerable excitement was caused in the town on Sunday by the report that a man named John Pope, who had attained the venerable age of 84 years, and resided with his daughter in Harvey Street, had by some means or other fallen out of his bedroom window, and received an injury to the brain which proved almost immediately fatal. The report unfortunately proved to be true. At first popular feeling was much excited by the belief that the poor old man had committed suicide because his parish relief had been stopped by the Board Of Guardians. This matter, it will be seen, was inquired into at the inquest, and the evidence seemed to show that though the old man's mind had been much disturbed by this discontinuance of relief, his mental faculties had long ere this been in such a state as to cause much alarm to the widowed daughter who so affectionately tended him. The deceased, before old age laid him aside, was by occupation a mariner. He was one of the few remaining links connecting the present busy age with a generation long passed away. His boyhood and early manhood were spent when George III was King; he was 17 years old when the glorious news of Trafalgar arrived in England, and was yet in his early prime when Waterloo was fought. Those who were pained by the first rumours attending his death will be glad to share in the humane view taken by the Coroner, and to think that the venerable old man, who had passed through so many vicissitudes and escaped so many perils by land and sea, did not at last hastily rush headlong into the presence of his Creator, but “in age and feebleness extreme” was gathered like a ripe seed into the everlasting garner. And very satisfactory it is to know that no painful question was raised as to whether the deceased should be denied the rites of a Christian burial, but that over the grave of the aged sailor “delivered from the burden of the flesh” have been uttered those words of ineffable beauty and comfort concerning the hope beyond the grave with which the church is wont to console bereaved and sorrow-stricken hearts.

The inquest was held on Monday evening at the Harvey Hotel, before John Minter Esq., Coroner and a jury.

The first witness was Charlotte Wallis, who deposed: I am a widow, living at No. 26, Harvey Street, and identify the body which the jury have just seen as that of my father, John Pope, who was 84 years of age and lived with me. He was formerly a mariner, and had lived with me for the last four years and upwards. His widow also lives with me. She was paralysed several years ago, and is utterly incapable of helping herself. For the last eighteen months the deceased had been in receipt of parish relief. He and his wife had 5s. a week allowed between them. Beyond that they had been principally supported by myself, with occasional assistance from my sister, Mrs. Nicholls, wife of a painter, and two of my brothers, one of whom is a porter in the employment of Messrs. Rothschild, and the other captain of a vessel. I have another brother, William Pope, who lives in Folkestone, and owns boats, but he had not contributed to his parents' support. With the exception of lucid intervals my father has been out of his mind since Christmas, and I have had on several occasions to sit up with him all night. On Saturday the deceased was very restless, and dressed himself three times, saying that he must go out to see Mr. Sherwood (the Mayor) respecting his relief having been stopped. Last Thursday it was that I sent my little girl for the relief and received a message that no more would be allowed. I told my mother and then my father. He said nothing about it until Saturday, when he dressed himself several times with the intention of going to see Mr. Sherwood. Between tow and three on Sunday morning, Mr. Ivan Hill called me up, and in consequence of what he said I went into the back yard and found my father lying in the yard. He was insensible and never opened his eyes. He was bent almost double. With the assistance of Mr. Hall I carried him in, and Mr. Mercer was sent for. My father slept in the same room as my mother, being on the second floor back. I had fastened the bedroom door as usual, to prevent my father coming out, and it was still fastened when Mr. Hill found him in the yard. On going into the bedroom I found the bottom sash open. My mother cannot speak so as to be understood by others, but by signs to me she indicated that he had gone to the window and got out, falling a distance of 20 ft. to the ground. In my opinion he fancied that he was going out to Mr. Sherwood's. The deceased died at twenty five minutes past three on Sunday morning. On Good Friday he attempted to walk through the window and fell into the yard, but did not appear to have hurt himself much.

By a juryman: I think the withdrawal of the relief he had been in the habit of receiving had affected his mind.

The Coroner said the brothers ought to be ashamed of themselves for not rendering further assistance. (Hear, Hear)

Ivan Hill, a carpenter living at 14, Harvey Street, deposed: About half pat two on Sunday morning I heard groans proceeding, as I thought, from a room in the next house. About ten minutes before I had heard a noise, as of someone slamming a door. I went to my window and saw the deceased lying on the ground. I got up and called Mrs. Wallis, and went with her and we together carried the deceased into the house. I then went for Mr. Mercer.

Mr. Richard Mercer, a surgeon practicing in Folkestone, deposed: On Sunday morning I was called to 26, Harvey Street, and found the deceased lying on a sofa in the back room, suffering from very severe concussion of the brain which might have been cause by a fall similar to what I have heard described. I saw that he was dying, and his injuries were so serious that there were no means of assisting him. There was a slight wound on the top of the head. I have no doubt that his death was caused by concussion of the brain brought on by the fall from the window.

The Coroner, in summing up, said it seemed to be clear that the poor old man had at times an idea that he could walk anywhere, and on the Saturday before he died he dressed himself several times with the intention of going to the Mayor respecting his relief. The daughter, who, greatly to her credit, had supported her poor father and mother without that assistance which she ought to have had from her brothers, who, he durst say, were much better able to assist her, seemed to have taken every possible care of the old man which in her position was possible. She even took the precaution of fastening the window, but on the present occasion he managed to unfasten it and get out. It was supposed at first that the stoppage of his relief had so preyed upon his mind that the poor old man had committed suicide in consequence. But the evidence rather seemed to show that the deceased imagining, as was natural in his state of mind, that he could get through the window as easily as through the door, opened it, and falling to the ground came to his sad end. It was to be regretted perhaps that the relief had been stopped in the way it was, though even had this not occurred the old man might have determined on going out for something else. The jury and himself had nothing to do with the action of the Board Of Guardians, though they might have their own feelings as to the propriety of stopping the relief without first making the sons contribute to the support of the deceased. Still it was not for them to pass judgement on the action of the Guardians, as they had not all the materials before them, and the Board, it must be remembered, had a duty to perform to the ratepayers. Nevertheless he rather wondered why they did not summon the sons before stopping the relief. It was not to his mind a case of suicide at all, but one of accidental death.

The jury were of a similar opinion and returned a verdict accordingly.

Mr. Trevanion said the jury all agreed with the remarks the learned Coroner had made. They thought the Guardians should have made the sons contribute before discontinuing the old man's relief.

The Foreman proposed that the jury should give their fees towards the expense of burying the old man, but others of the jury thought the sons ought not to be relieved of their natural and legal obligation. Most of the jury, however, the Foreman included, kindly gave their shillings to Mrs. Wallis, whose conduct they heartily commended.

Folkestone Express 26 May 1877.

Tuesday, May 22nd: Before Captain Fletcher, J. Kelcey and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

George Hart, a tramp, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Dover Road on the 21st of May, and with assaulting P.C. Keeler in the execution of his duty. The prisoner pleaded Guilty.

Mr. Marsh, the landlord of the Harvey Inn, stated that the prisoner was in his house on the previous evening, and as he was intoxicated he refused to serve him, but while witness's back was turned his wife served him with some beer, and he tried to take the glass away from him. Prisoner conducted himself in a disorderly manner and witness called in P.C. Keeler, who took the prisoner into custody.

Mr. Tunbridge deposed that P.C. Keeler called upon him to assist him in removing the prisoner from the Harvey Hotel, and he did so. The prisoner was very violent and struggled with them, and once succeeded in throwing Keeler to the ground.

Superintendent Wilshere stated that when the prisoner was brought into the station, Keeler complained of a pain in his back, and he directed him to go home. Dr. Bateman had since seen him, and from examination found that he was suffering from a severe sprain in the back, caused by a fall.

The Bench fine the prisoner 5s. and 3s. 6d. costs for drunkenness, and for the assault upon the police sentenced him to fourteen days' hard labour.

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 13 August 1881.

Saturday, August 6th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Caister, J. Clark and J. Holden Esqs.

Henry Clements, a jeweller's assistant, was charged with stealing a watch and chain, and 19 francs, the property of Mr. Dernbach, on the 31st July.

Prosecutor, who is bandmaster of the town band, and resides at Charlotte Terrace, said that he had known the prisoner for some weeks as a jeweller's assistant, working for Mr. Reich in Tontine Street. On Sunday, July 31st, he was at the Harvey Hotel, about eight o'clock in the evening. The prisoner was there when he went in. They conversed together, and he asked if he could give him a job, as he wished to earn a few shillings. He said “Yes” and gave him a watch to regild and clean, a chain to repair, 20 half francs, one franc, two francs and five franc pieces to make a necklace of. Prisoner said that he would do what witness required, and he was to return the watch and chain, and the coins made into a necklace on Thursday at the latest, but he did not do so. He enquired on the Thursday if the prisoner was in Folkestone and found that he was not, and in consequence of what he heard he issued a warrant for his apprehension. He identified the property produced as his; it's value, including the money, was £8.

Superintendent Rutter said that he received the warrant for the apprehension of the prisoner on Friday. Prisoner was taken to the police station about nine o'clock that evening by Hogben, and he told prisoner that he held a warrant for his apprehension. He cautioned him, and he said “All right, sir, I have got all that gentleman's property in my pocket”. He was then charged, and on searching him he found one metal watch, a chain, and eight francs in French money.

The Superintendent asked for a remand until Wednesday, which was granted.

Wednesday, August 10th: Before The Mayor, Captain Crowe, General Cannon, Alderman Caister, A.M. Watkin and F. Boykett Esqs.

Henry Clements was brought up on remand, charged with converting to his own use a watch, metal chain, and other articles, with which he had been entrusted. The following further evidence was taken:

William Robinson, hairdresser, of St. John Street, said the prisoner on Monday week offered him a chain for sale. It was similar to that produced, but he did not examine it as he had no intention of buying it. He asked prisoner if he came by the chain honestly and he replied “Yes”, and asked if witness came by his money honestly.

The magistrates considered there was not sufficient evidence to justify a committal, and discharged the accused man.

Folkestone Express 15 December 1883.

Wednesday, December 12th: Before The Mayor, Aldermen Caister and Sherwood, J. Holden and J. Fitness Esqs.

Samuel Barker was charged with obtaining a horse and cart by false pretences from William Swan.

Mr. Minter prosecuted, and Mr. Martin Mowll defended.

Prosecutor said he was a labourer, living at Postling, and on the 5th of December he owned a pony and cart. He came into Folkestone on that day, and put up at the New Inn. Had not seen the defendant previously. He saw him at the New Inn stables, and afterwards at the bar. Witness was going to “chop” his horse and cart with a man named Stone, and he was waiting for Stone to come. Defendant told him Stone would not come back, he told him “straight”, and it was no use his waiting. Between three and four o'clock he told defendant that he would sell the lot and go to work again. He said he wanted £7 for it. Baker said he would give £5. He refused to sell it for £5, but afterwards told the defendant he could have it for £5 5s. Defendant said he would have it, and if witness would go with him he would pay him. They went to the Harvey Inn, and defendant asked if someone was in. The landlord said “No”. Defendant then took 10s. out of his pocket and gave it to witness, saying he would go out and get the remainder. He told Baker he was not going to have the horse and cart without the money. He replied “O h, you needn't be afraid of your money. You come along with me”. They went together to a public house in Dover Street, where defendant said he could “get a bit of money”. He said he was the owner of houses, and had lots of property. Then they went to the Eagle Tavern, High Street, where defendant had a paper written out (two or three scraps of paper were put in). He told witness he would pay at ten o'clock the next morning. Witness still refused to let him have the horse and cart. In the presence of the landlord, Baker said he was the owner of houses, and believing that statement was true, he allowed him to take the horse and cart, and defendant promised to pay him at ten o'clock the next morning. Witness went to defendant's house at Foord at ten o'clock the next morning and saw defendant's wife, but defendant was not at home. He could neither find defendant nor his pony and cart. He searched about the town for him that day and the next, and then went to the police.

Cross-examined: I came to Folkestone with the intention of “chopping” the pony away with a man named Stone, a horse dealer, of Dover, whom I saw the day before. The 10s. was paid me at the Harvey, and the agreement was drawn up at the Eagle Tavern by the landlord. It was drawn up to show Baker would have to pay me £4 15s. on the next day. I made an entry in my pocket book. I saw the police on Thursday morning. A policeman told me I must summons him. I believe I told the policeman that Baker said he had property.

Re-examined: I should not have parted with the horse and cart if Baker had not said he was the owner of houses. I proposed to come to your office. Baker said you closed at four o'clock. The sergeant of police told him the character Baker bore.

Sergeant Ovenden said he had known Baker about ten years. Never heard of his having any house property. Could not say whether the furniture in his house belonged to him.

By the Court: Defendant is a dealer in ducks, horses, rags and bones, and bottles.

Mr. Minter asked the Bench to commit the prisoner for trial on the evidence.

Mr. Mowll contended that there had not been a prima facie case made out, but that on the contrary, the complainant, a dealer, sold his property to another dealer, and that there was not the slightest possible cause for saying the defendant had been guilty of a criminal act.

The Magistrates' Clerk said if the defendant did not intend to pay for the property, and if all those papers were a mere trick, then it was a case of larceny.

The Bench decided to commit the prisoner for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Express 12 January 1884.

Quarter Sessions.

Monday, January 5th: Before W. Frederick Laxton Esq.

Samuel Baker was indicted for obtaining by false pretences a horse and cart and harness, value £5 5s., from Wm. Swan, at Folkestone on the 5th December. Mr. Denman prosecuted, and the prisoner was undefended. The case was heard so recently before the magistrates that it is only necessary now to give a summary of the evidence.

William Swan, a labourer, living at Postling, stated that he came into Folkestone on the 5th December and put up at the New Inn, where he expected to meet a man named Stone, who had arranged to buy his horse and cart. Stone did not come, but he saw Baker, who said Stone would not be back, and asked him what he wanted for the horse and cart. He asked £7. Prisoner said he would give him £5, but afterwards offered £5 5s. Prosecutor agreed to sell for that amount. They went together to the Harvey Hotel, where prisoner gave him 10s. He told him that he need not be afraid about his money – that he owned lots of houses round about there, and had plenty of money. He wanted prisoner to go to Mr. Minter's office and get an agreement drawn up. Prisoner replied “Mr. Minter shuts up at four o'clock”. They afterwards went to the Eagle Tavern, where the landlord wrote a memorandum in prosecutor's pocket book to the effect that prisoner would pay the balance at ten o'clock the next morning. He believed that prisoner was the owner of houses, or would not have consented to part with the horse and cart. The next morning at ten o'clock he returned to Folkestone, and went to prisoner's house at Foord. His wife said he had gone down town. The money was not there. He searched all round the town for prisoner, but could not find him. He never received the money, nor had he seen the horse and cart since. He gave information to the police.

In reply to prisoner, witness said he did not order Mr. Back to hand the horse over to him. Prisoner paid for the stabling. He went three times to his house on the 6th, and again on the following day, and delivered a bill. He told him not to pay his sister, but told prisoner's wife he would take part of the money and leave the rest for a week or two.

Sergeant Ovenden was called, and in reply to Mr. Denman he said he had known prisoner for about ten years as a dealer in bottles, rags and bones, &c., going round with a cart. Never heard that prisoner had any property.

In reply to prisoner, witness said he had never known him to be before the magistrates.

Prisoner alleged that he bought the horse and cart, paid a deposit, and agreed to pay the balance in a few days.

At the close of the case, the Deputy Recorder asked Mr. Glyn if he had no evidence to negative the statement by the prisoner that he had lots of houses. It was quite possible that he had property which the police sergeant knew nothing of.

Mr. Glyn replied that if it were true that the man had houses it would be very easy for him to rebut the charge of false pretences.

The Deputy Recorder said it was a question whether he ought not to withdraw the charge and direct the jury to return a verdict of Not Guilty. However, in deference to Mr. Glyn, he would allow the case to go to the jury. He then summed up strongly in the prisoner's favour, pointing out that it was possible the prisoner had property, and it was not necessary that it should be situated in Folkestone. They must be careful not to allow a Criminal Court to become a Court for collecting or enforcing the payment of debts, because the prosecutor could recover the balance of his money in the County Court. Further, he referred to the fact that the prisoner, who had been known to the police for ten years, had nothing against his character, and that, considering his avocation was that of a dealer, a class of men likely to be thrown into contact with the police, it was very much in his favour.

The jury, however, retired for a few minutes, and returned with a verdict of Guilty.

Two previous convictions at the East Kent Quarter Sessions were then proved against the prisoner, and it appeared that on that occasion there was a prior conviction. This was in July, 1873, and prisoner then went in the name of Henry George, and was sentenced to six months' hard labour.

Superintendent Taylor said he had known the prisoner two or three years, and had had repeated complaints about him. He associated with three or four other persons who frequented fairs and markets in the neighbourhood to get hold of weak-minded people to swindle them out of their goods in such a manner as to evade the criminal law.

The Deputy Recorder, in sentencing the prisoner, said the facts of the case as just stated were not known to him, and perhaps it was quite right that a judge should not know them until after the prisoner was convicted. But the jury had found him guilty after having carefully considered their verdict, which they had not arrived at hastily. There was no doubt that the countryman parted with his property on the faith of the misrepresentations he had made, and the law held that to be an offence. Unfortunately for the prisoner, that was not his first offence. He did not pay particular heed to the statements of Superintendent Taylor, but there was the record against him, that he was convicted at the East Kent Sessions in July, 1873, and there was a conviction, it appeared, previous to that, and he was sentenced to six months imprisonment. Therefore that was the third offence known against him. Of course such cases must be severely dealt with. It was an unfortunate thing for the prisoner's family, but the law must take it's course without contemplating what would be the effects on a man's family. He had consulted the magistrates on the Bench and they quite concurred that it was his duty to pass a sentence of twelve months' imprisonment with hard labour.

The Court then rose.

Folkestone Express 6 December 1884

Friday, November 28th: Before General Armstrong and Alderman Banks.

Charles Snelling was brought up and charged with stealing a pair of slippers, value 1s., the property of Mr. G. Marsh, of the Harvey Hotel.

Prosecutor, proprietor of the Harvey Hotel, Dover Road, said prisoner went to his hotel on Thursday evening, the 20th, and engaged a bed for the night. After he had had his tea he said he should not go out again, and was supplied with a pair of slippers. He afterwards left the house and took the slippers with him. He identified those produced as his property, and he valued them at 1s.

William Hart, manager at the Harvey Hotel, said he saw prisoner about six o'clock on Thursday in the bar parlour. About eleven o'clock he saw him wearing the slippers. He again saw him next morning between nine and ten o'clock. He then had his boots in his hand, and asked to be directed to a cobbler's shop. Witness directed him to Tontine Street, and he left the house wearing the slippers. He did not return, nor did he pay his bill.

Edwin Kelway, a lad, living at 40, Canterbury Road, a coffee house, said the prisoner went there on the 21st, early in the morning. He had some refreshments, and remained about an hour. Before he left he said he would leave the slippers till dinner time and would call for them again. The slippers were wrapped in a piece of brown paper, on which the name of Mr. Marsh, Harvey Hotel was written. Prisoner did not return for the slippers and they were given up to Supt. Taylor on Thursday evening.

Supt. Taylor said he received the prisoner at the police station at Faversham on Thursday. He told prisoner the charge, and prisoner replied “Very well. You will find the slippers at the Welcome Coffee House, Canterbury Road”. Prisoner was detained in custody by the Faversham police. Witness received the paper and slippers from Mrs. Kelway on Thursday evening.

Prisoner was then charged with stealing a gold ring, value £3, and a silk handkerchief, value 3s., the property of William Hart.

Prosecutor said the prisoner slept in a room at the Harvey Hotel, opposite to the room where he (witness) slept. Prisoner went upstairs about twenty minutes before witness. Witness's bedroom door was unlocked. He got up about a quarter to seven, and prisoner came downstairs about nine. He left the house between nine and ten. On the following Sunday witness missed a gold mourning ring which he had left in the pocket of his waistcoat, and a silk handkerchief from his coat pocket. The coat and waistcoat were hanging on a peg near his bed, and covered over. He found a common ring in the place of his ring. He identified the ring produced as his property. He knew it by a slight flaw in the glass. He bought the ring at Mr. Darley's for £3 10s. or £3 5s., and valued it at £3. The silk handkerchief was, he believed, one he missed from his coat, and it's value was 3s.

John Edward Allen, manager to Mr. Samuel Barnard, pawnbroker of Faversham, said the prisoner went to their shop between two and three on Monday afternoon last, and offered the ring produced in pledge, asking 5s. on it. He advanced him 5s. at first, and subsequently 3s. 6d. more. He asked prisoner how he came by the ring, and he said he bought it in Oxford Street, second hand. He said he gave either 25s. or 35s. for it, he forgot which. He gave the name of Thomas Stacey, 23, Maison Dieu Road, Dover. Prisoner was respectably dressed, and was not in the same apparel as he wore in court. Witness gave up the ring to Supt. Taylor.

Supt. Taylor said he received the ring produced from Mr. Allen, and the handkerchief from the Superintendent of police at Faversham. He charged the prisoner with stealing the articles, and he made no reply. Prisoner had lived in the borough, but had no fixed residence. That morning he showed the prisoner the common ring which was found in Mr. Hart's pocket and asked him if it belonged to him. He replied “Yes, that's mine”.

Prisoner was committed for trial at the Borough Quarter Sessions.

Supt. Taylor wished to draw the attention of the Bench to the action of Mr. Allen, through whose instrumentality the prisoner was arrested. On several occasions he had been of great assistance to the police.

General Armstrong commended Mr. Allen's conduct.

Folkestone Express 19 May 1888.

Local News.

On Saturday night the hen roost belonging to Mr. Marsh, of the Harvey Hotel, near the viaduct, was broken into, and 21 fowls killed. Nineteen were found dead in a sack, having been killed and left ready for carrying away. It would appear that the robbers were disturbed and made off in a hurry, a hat being left in the hen house. No clue has yet been discovered, but it is supposed that the thieves belong to a party who have perpetrated several similar robberies in the neighbourhood west of Folkestone during the past week or two.

Folkestone Express 9 September 1893.

Local News.

A large number of old friends will hear with regret of the death of Mr. George Marsh, proprietor of the Harvey Hotel, who had been for a long time in bad health, but who at last passed away somewhat suddenly on Friday last. The deceased was 63. The funeral took place on Wednesday, when upwards of of the deceased's relatives and more intimate acquaintances followed in carriages, and a very much larger number were present at the cemetery. The coffin of polished oak was covered in beautiful wreaths and crosses, sent as tokens of sympathy with the deceased's widow and family. Mr. John Newman, a very old friend of Mr. Marsh's was the undertaker, and the Rev. E. Husband conducted the funeral service.

Folkestone Express 16 September 1893.

Adjourned Licensing Session.

The special sitting for the hearing of those applications for renewals to which the Superintendent of Police had give notice of opposition was held on Wednesday. The Magistrates present were Messrs. J. Clark, J. Hoad, W.H. Poole, W.G. Herbert, J. Fitness, J.R. Davy, J. Holden, C.J. Pursey and J. Pledge.

Mr. Lewis Glyn and Mr. Bodkin supported the applications on behalf of the owners, instructed by Messrs. Mowll and Mowll, with whom were Mr. Minter, Mr. F. Hall, and Mr. Mercer (Canterbury), and Mr. Montagu Bradley (Dover) opposed on behalf of the Good Templars.

Before the business commenced, Mr. Bradley handed to Mr. Holden a document, which he carefully perused, and then handed to Mr. J. Clark, the Chairman.

Mr. Glyn, who appeared for the applicants, speaking in a very low tone, made an application to the Bench, the effect of which was understood to be that the Justices should retire to consider the document. The Justices did retire, and on their return Mr. Holden was not among them.

The Harvey Hotel.

Temporary authority was given to Mrs. Marsh, widow of George Marsh, late of the Harvey Hotel, to sell until the next transfer day.

Folkestone Express 22 July 1899.

Monday, July 17th: Before The Mayor, J. Banks, C.J. Pursey and W. Wightwick Esqs., and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.

Walter James Davis and Christopher Lumley, excursionists, were charged with being drunk and disorderly, and Lumley was further charged with assaulting the police.

P.C. Johnson said at 1.45 on Saturday afternoon he was in the Dover Road and saw the prisoner Davis with his jacket off fighting another man. He went to him several times and asked him to go away, but he refused. Lumley all the time was egging him on to fight. They were both very drunk and both using very obscene language. There was a crowd of 50 or 60 people round them. When he arrested Davis, Lumley ran at him, struck at him and knocked him down. Witness and three or four more constables were severely mobbed by a crowd of excursionists. With the assistance of civilians prisoners were brought to the station.

P.C. Stannage said on Saturday afternoon he was called to the Harvey Hotel by the landlord to eject several excursionists who were creating a disturbance. With the assistance of other constables they did so. Lumley was outside using most filthy language. He saw Lumley strike Johnson.

The prisoner Lumley said on Saturday he had done a thing he had never done before – he took some drink. What he did he did in self-defence. Davis said he was very sorry. He wasn't quite himself at the time.

The Bench fined the defendants 20s. and 4s. 6d. costs for each offence, or in default 14 days' hard labour.

Folkestone Express 9 December 1899.

Wednesday, December 6th: Before J. Hoad, J. Holden, and J. Pledge Esqs., and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.

Sydney Henry Cross was granted a transfer of licence for the Harvey Hotel, Dover Road.

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions.

Folkestone Express 15 December 1900.

Saturday, December 8th: Before J. Stainer Esq., and Lieut. Col. Westropp.

Mr. Cross, landlord of the Harvey Hotel, applied for an extension of time on Wednesday, on the occasion of the annual dinner of the Prussian Hermits. It was granted.

Folkestone Express 7 December 1901.

Saturday, November 30th: Before Alderman S. Penfold, Alderman G. Spurgen, Alderman T.J. Vaughan, Col. W.K. Westropp, and W.C. Carpenter, J. Stainer, and G. Peden Esqs.

Mr. Sidney Cross, of the Harvey Hotel, applied for an extension of time till 12 o'clock on the occasion of the annual dinner of the Post Office employees on Wednesday.

Folkestone Express 22 March 1902.

Tuesday, March 18th: Before E.T. Ward and G. Peden Esqs., Aldermen Geo. Spurgen and T.J. Vaughan, and Colonel W.K. Westropp.

Alfred Weller pleaded Guilty to being drunk and disorderly on the previous evening in Harvey Street.

P.C. Thomas D. Sales said he was in plain clothes on Monday evening about 8.20 o'clock, when he heard an altercation in the private bar of the Harvey Hotel. The prisoner was very abusive to the landlord, and witness had to assist Mr. Cross to eject him, and he continued his bad language towards witness.

Mr. Bradley: Did he cause a crowd to assemble? – There was a crowd of about a couple of dozen.

The Bench inflicted a fine of 2s. 6d. and 4s. 6d. costs, or seven days' imprisonment.

Folkestone Express 20 December 1902.

Wednesday, December 17th: Before Alderman Banks, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, W. Wightwick, W.G. Herbert, and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.

A transfer of licence was granted to Mr. Keates, who formerly kept a licensed house at Great Yarmouth, in respect to the Harvey Hotel.

Folkestone Express 28 May 1904.

Monday, May 23rd: Before Alderman J. Banks, W.G. Herbert and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.

Frederick William Collins, one of the crew of H.M.S. Pembroke, was charged with being drunk and disorderly on Saturday afternoon.

P.C. Smith stated that at 2.30 on Saturday he went to stop a fight at the Harvey Hotel. On arriving there he went into the saloon bar, where he saw the prisoner, another bluejacket, and a petty officer. The prisoner had blood on his hand, face, and cap. The landlord pointed o the prisoner as the cause of the disorder, and asked witness to eject him. Witness ejected him into Harvey Street, and he then tried to re-enter the hotel. Prisoner was drunk and refused to go away, and caused a crowd of about 150 people to assemble. He used very bad language, and with assistance was taken into custody.

Prisoner said he only had had five glasses of stout, and was not drunk. He got excited and “went mad”.

A fine of 5s. and 5s. 6d. costs was imposed.

Folkestone Express 4 June 1904.

Wednesday, June 1st: Before W. Wightwick Esq., Lieut Colonel Westropp, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, C.J. Pursey and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Thomas Henry William Keates, the landlord of the Harvey Hotel, was summoned for permitting drunkenness on his licensed premises on May 21st. Mr. John Minter appeared on behalf of the defendant.

P.C. Smith said about 2.20 p.m. on May 21st he was called to the Harvey Hotel to stop a fight. On arriving there he went into the saloon bar, where he saw two blue-jackets and a petty officer. The petty officer's head was much battered, and his face was covered with blood. The officer left by a door leading to the interior of the bar. There had evidently been a severe struggle, as the marble top of a table lay on the floor broken. Some panes of glass were also broken, and other things were scattered about. The two blue-jackets were drunk, and they had blood on their hands, faces, caps, and clothes. He asked the landlady if she wished to prefer any charge against them, and she replied she only wanted them to go outside. He then ejected them, and they became disorderly. One of them, Collins, had to be taken to the police station by witness and P.C. Johnson. Witness later went to the hotel and saw Mrs. Keates. She said the blue-jackets were the cause of the trouble, and the attack was made upon the petty officer as he was going from the saloon bar to the rear of the premises. She said the sailors had been there since about 11.30 a.m., but they were not drunk. Since they had been in the hotel they had only had four half tankards of stout each.

Cross-examined, he said the potman called him to the house. He did not know the potman had put the sailor out before witness went. After witness had put them out the sailor (Collins) went into the house again. They persuaded both the sailors to go away, and one did so, going up the Dover Road.

P.C. Johnson corroborated, and further stated that in the saloon bar a glass window was broken, as well as a vase, and a chair and the furniture had been upset.

P.S. Dawson said when Collins was brought to the police station he was decidedly drunk.

Charles Henry Errey, 85, Dover Road, said he saw P.C. Smith turn the two blue-jackets out of the hotel. Collins, who was drunk, was also very disorderly, and he was taken into custody.

Cross-examined, he said both blue-jackets were decidedly “fresh”, but they might have been more drunk.

Herbert Jones, 97a, Dover Road, also said both blue-jackets were drunk.

Cross-examined, he said the man who was locked up had difficulty walking.

Inspector Swift said he went to the Harvey Hotel at three o'clock on May 21st. The saloon bar was in a disorderly state, He saw Miss Keates, and asked her what time the men went into the house.

Mr. Minter objected to the evidence being given, because it was not fair for the Inspector to go fishing for evidence. No caution was given to Miss Keates by the officer, and in his opinion it was not fair for the officer to repeat what she said.

Witness said Miss Keates told him that the men came in about twelve o'clock. He then saw Mrs. Keates, and told her that Collins had been locked up and charged with being drunk, and she replied “He was not drunk”. She said the men had only had four half tankards of stout since they went in about eleven o'clock. Miss Keates then said “Not eleven o'clock”, and her mother then stated it would be about half past when the men went in. She also said that the men were as sober as she was.

Frederick Reason also gave evidence. He said that Collins was excited by drink, but was not very drunk.

Cross-examined, he said Collins used beastly language outside the hotel.

Mr. Minter, on behalf of the defendant, said that when a person was charged with permitting drunkenness on licensed premises, it was for him, under the Act, to prove that he took all reasonable steps to prevent drunkenness. He was going to call eveidence that he did everything to prevent drunkenness. Even if the men were drunk, and were served with drink, it would not make the landlord liable to the charge which was now preferred against him. He would, however, be liable to a charge of selling drink to a drunken person. The daughter would be the person who gave evidence. Mr. Keates was away at the time, but of course e was responsible for the action of his servants. Defendant had been a licence holder for 18 years. He came to Folkestone with the highest character, and had never had a complaint made against him. It was a serious matter for him if he were convicted, for he would have to leave the house.

Frederick Crow said he was a potman at the Harvey Hotel. He was cleaning the windows in the public bar when three blue-jackets came in somewhere about twelve o'clock. They were sober, and called for three half tankards of stout. Shortly after they called for another three half tankards, and presently for another three, but they never drank the contents of the third, because the petty officer came into the roo and the fight began. He went for a policeman, and saw P.C. Smith, who told him to go for another. He saw P.C. Johnson, and they went back together. Collins was excited, but not drunk.

Miss Alice Kathleen Keates said she was the defendant's daughter. She was serving in the bar when the blue-jackets came in. She served them three times with a half tankard of stout each. When they went into the house they were quite sober.

Cross-examined, she said she was in the bar the whole time the blue-jackets were there. Her mother did not supply them with any drink. The blue-jackets were perfectly sober.

The Magistrates retired for a short time, and on their return into Court the Chairman said the majority of the Bench thought defendant ought to have the benefit of the doubt because the case was not fully made out. The case would therefore be dismissed.

Folkestone Express 16 July 1904.

Wednesday, July 13th: Before W.G. Herbert and W.C. Carpenter Esqs., and Lieut. Colonel Westropp.

Mr. Minter, solicitor, made an application on behalf of Mr. T. Keates, landlord of the Harvey Hotel, in respect of closing a door between the hotel and an adjoining house. He stated that some years ago the cottage was taken in by Mr. Marsh, the then landlord, who added it to the hotel adjoining. The present landlord wished to have the door closed up, and the cottage restored to its original position.

The application was granted.

Folkestone Express 13 August 1904.

Wednesday, August 10th: Before Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, and J. Stainer Esq.

The licence of the Harvey Hotel, Dover Road, was temporarily transferred from Mr. Keates to Mr. Edward Smith.

Folkestone Express 30 May 1908.

Wednesday, May 27th: Before W.G. Herbert Esq., Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Major Leggett. G. Boyd and C. Jenner Esqs.

Mr. G.W. Haines made an application on behalf of the executors of the late Mr. E. Smith for the transfer of the licence of the Harvey Hotel, Dover Road, to the widow, Mrs. Smith.

The Chief Constable raised no objection and the transfer was granted.

Folkestone Express 1 May 1909.

Saturday, April 24th: Before Messrs. W.G. Herbert, J. Stainer, G.I. Swoffer, R.J. Linton, and G. Boyd.

Frederick Crundall was charged with being drunk and disorderly the previous night. He pleaded Not Guilty.

P.C. Kennett said at 7.25 the previous evening he was in Dover Road, and when near the Harvey Hotel he saw a crowd of people. The prisoner was in the midst of them, with his coat off, and he was shouting that he was an old soldier and would fight the best man in the town. Witness asked him to go away several times, but he continued to use bad language. He also said he would go when he had smashed witness's jaw, and then they would not find him. The man was drunk.

Prisoner said he was quiet enough until a man interfered with him, and he then turned round to him.

The Chief Constable said the prisoner had not been there for nearly five years.

In default of paying a fine of 5s. and 4s. 6d. costs, Crundall went down for seven days' hard labour.

Folkestone Express 4 December 1909.

Wednesday, December 1st: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, Major Leggett, and Messrs. J. Stainer, R.J. Linton, and G.I. Swoffer.

On the application of Mr. G.W. Haines, authority was granted to Mrs. Killick in respect of the Harvey Hotel. The late tenant, Mrs. Mary Jane Smith, who held the licence, died on Nov. 3rd. Mrs. Killick, who was one of the executrixes, was an assistant to the late Mrs. Smith.

Folkestone Express 29 January 1910.

Wednesday, January 26th: Before Messrs. W.G. Herbert, J. Stainer, R.J. Linton and G.I. Swoffer, and Major Leggett.

The licence of the Harvey Hotel, Dover Road, was temporarily transferred to Mr. Bassett.

Folkestone Express 26 February 1910.

Wednesday, February 23rd: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Major Leggett, amd Messrs. J. Stainer, G.I. Dwoffer, and R.J. Linton.

The following transfer was confirmed: The Harvey Hotel, from Mrs. Killick to Mr. C.S. Bassett.

Folkestone Express 28 October 1911.

Tuesday, October 24th: Before Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Alderman Jenner, and R.G. Wood Esq.

The licence of the Harvey Hotel, Dover Road, was temporarily transferred from Mr. Bassett to Mr. Wyborn (sic).

Folkestone Express 2 December 1911.

Wednesday, November 29th: Before J. Stainer and R.J. Linton Esqs., and Major Leggett.

The following licence was transferred: Harvey Hotel, from Mr. Bassett to Mr. Whiteman (sic). Temporary authority had been granted.

Folkestone Express 27 July 1912.

Thursday, July 25th: Before Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Chas. Jenner Esq., and other Magistrates.

James Edward O'Brien, a private in the Royal Irish Fusiliers, was charged with forging and uttering a cheque for £4 7s. 10d., with intent to defraud Mr. Whiteman, of the Harvey Hotel, Folkestone.

Arthur James Whiteman, landlord of the Harvey Hotel, Dover Road, Folkestone, said on the 17th July, in the morning, the prisoner went to his hotel. He knew him as a frequenter of the house since last December, and knew him to be a soldier stationed at Shorncliffe Camp, by the name of O'Brien. On the 17th inst., when he went in, he saw the prisoner in the bar. He produced a cheque, and asked him to cash it. Knowing the prisoner, he examined the cheque and asked him about an alteration n it, and asked the prisoner who Faylority was, that being the name to whom the cheque was apparently payable. The endorsement was on the cheque at the time. O'Brien replied to the effect that he was a friend of his who could not get away from the Camp, and the money was required to pay an account for goods supplied on the Camp. He believed the prisoner's statement to be true, and he cashed the cheque for £4 7s. 10d. – the full amount. Subsequently he paid it into the National Provincial Bank, and it was returned endorsed “Endorsement irregular”. He gave information to the police.

Philip Edward Kelly, a lieutenant in the Royal Irish Fusiliers, said he knew the prisoner as a private in the battalion. Early in July he was indebted to Messrs. Taylor and Taylor, of Bricklayers Arms Station, on the stable account, of which he had charge. He drew the cheque produced in payment of Taylor and Taylor's account on the 6th July. The amount was left blank, as he did not know the actual amount due. He afterwards handed the cheque to Lieut. Wakefield, of the same regiment, with certain instructions. The last witness saw him on the 23rd about the matter. He noticed that the cheque drawn by him had been altered without his knowledge or authority. The alterations were the date from June 30th to July 16th,, and the names of the payees to R. O'Faylority, by crossing the initial letters, and making it read Faylor and by adding “ity” to the second name, making it Faylority. There had also been an alteration of the word “stable”, and, after witness's signature, the letters “Capt”.

The Chief Constable asked for a remand until next Tuesday, and it was granted.

Mr. Whiteman, re-called, said prisoner did not say how he came to be possessed of the cheque, and witness did not ask him.

Folkestone Express 3 August 1912.

Tuesday, July 30th: Before Alderman Vaughan, Alderman Jenner, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Capt. Chamier, Colonel Owen, and J.J. Giles Esq.

James Edward O'Brien, a private in the Royal Irish Fusiliers, was brought up on remand charged with forgery.

The evidence given at the last hearing was read over.

Lieut. Wakefield, of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, said the cheque produced was handed to him by Lieut. Kelly on or about July 1st. At that time there had been no alteration in the date, which was then June 30th. It was then payable to Messrs. Taylor and Taylor. There had been no alteration on the face of the cheque then. The amount had not been filled in. Lieut. Kelly gave him certain instructions as to it, and on or about the 15th he filled in the amount, £4 7s. 10d., now appearing on the face of the cheque, which he had ascertained was the amount due to the firm. He wrote a letter to Taylor and Taylor, and enclosed it with the cheque in an envelope, which he addressed to “Messrs. Taylor and Taylor, Forage Contractors, Bricklayers Arms Station, London, S.E.” To the best of his knowledge he put the letter in the post box in the officers' mess. The box was cleared from time to time by the Post Corporal, and the letters were conveyed by him to the Shorncliffe Post Office. There was no endorsement upon the cheque when he posted it.

Detective Johnson said on the 24th July he received a warrant for the arrest of the prisoner O'Brien. About 3.45 p.m. he saw him at Shorncliffe Camp, and told him he was a detective officer and held a warrant for his arrest. He cautioned him, read the warrant to him, showed him the cheque produced, and said “This is the cheque you are charged with forging”. He replied “I shall be glad when it is all over”. He then brought him to the police station, and on being formally charged he replied “I found a letter outside the officers' quarters half open. I picked it up, pulled it open, and found a cheque inside, and went down to the bank at Cheriton with it. They told me they could not change it, at it was not on their bank. They told me I must get someone who knew me, as it was crossed. As I have a wife and child to keep and I was only drawing 1s. a week, and she was drawing the remainder, through desperation I scratched out the name on it and altered it. I went to Mr. Whiteman and he gave me the money.

Prisoner said he wished to say what he did to the police officer. His child was seven months old, and his wife was not nineteen years old until December. He had never been up on a charge like that before, and his character in the Army was spotless.

O'Brien was committed for trial at the next Kent Assizes.

The Chief Constable opposed bail unless it was substantial.

The Magistrates offered bail, in himself in £50, and one surety of £50, or two of £25.

Folkestone Express 30 November 1912.

Local News.

At the Kent Assizes on Monday, James Edward O'Brien, 21, soldier, pleaded Guilty to forgery at Folkestone on July 17th, and also admitted previous convictions.

Mr. Weigall, prosecuting, said the prisoner was entrusted with a letter containing cheques for £4 7s., drawn by an officer, in payment of forage bills. He abstracted the cheques, altered the name, forged the endorsement, and cashed the cheque at a public house.

The judge (struggling with a document): I am trying to read your statement, O'Brien. As far as I can see, it is that you were wrongly convicted on one of the previous occasions. That's the effect of it, isn't it?

Prisoner: Yes, sir.

In sentencing prisoner to 15 months' hard labour, his Lordship said he doubted whether he ought not to send him to penal servitude, but he would give him one more chance. He noticed that he had spent five years in a reformatory. One always heard that lads in a reformatory were turned into honest citizens, or if they were not, they turned out very badly, and he seemed to be one of the latter.

Folkestone Express 15 March 1913.

Local News.

At the Police Court on Friday, before Colonel Owen and J.J. Giles Esq., Arthur James Wightman, the landlord of the Harvey Hotel, was summoned for selling drink on his licensed premises at twenty minutes to twelve on Sunday night. He pleaded Not Guilty. Mr. G.W. Haine defended.

Mr. Reeve (the Chief Constable) said before calling the evidence he would like to draw the Magistrates' attention to Section 83 of the Licensing (Consolidation) Act. It read as follows; “In proving the sale or consumption of intoxicating liquor for the purposes of any proceedings relative to any offence under this Act it shall not be necessary to show that any money actually passed or any intoxicating liquor was actually consumed. If the Court hearing the case are satisfied that a transaction in the nature of a sale actually took place or any consumption of any intoxicating liquor was about to take place, then the licence holder is responsible”.

Inspector Swift said about 11.40 on Sunday night, the 2nd inst., he was in Dover Road, in company with P.S. Sales, when he saw lights burning in the front room of the ground floor of the hotel, facing Dover Road. He heard voices, then the playing of the piano and singing, both of which were conducted in a suppressed tone. In a few minutes the piano stopped. Someone said “What are you going to have?” A minute later a light was switched on in the bar, which had been previously in darkness, and he saw the defendant go to the engine in the bar and draw several glasses of beer. He left the bar with the drink and shortly after returned and drew some more beer, with which he left the bar. The light in the bar was switched off. About three or four minutes later the light was again switched on in the bar, and the defendant then drew some more beer, with which he left the bar. The light was switched off. He kept observation until between five and ten minutes past twelve, when the defendant came to the main door, and unfastened it. He (witness) met him and said “Who have you on your premises?” He replied “Friends, but they are just going”. He went in, and in the passage which led to the room referred to, he found a man named Pitman, with a bicycle, apparently ready to make a start. In the room there were eight other men, fully dressed, with hats and overcoats on. Most of them were seated round the table. He said to the defendant “What explanation have you to give for the presence of these men?” He hesitated, and then said “I invited them here to have some music and a singsong”. He asked him “When did you invite them?”, and he replied “About five minutes to ten. I think it was about that”. One of the men in the room said “It was before that. It was about twenty minutes to ten”. He said to the defendant “Your explanation is not satisfactory, and I shall report you for allowing your premises to be opened for the sale of drink during prohibited hours”. He replied “There has been nothing sold here at all”. There were several glasses on the table, some containing beer, some empty and dirty. After obtaining the names and addresses of the men, one named Hale said “As a matter of fact, we were invited here this afternoon”. All the men were local residents.

Cross-examined, witness said the singing was just snatches of songs. While he was watching the bar the piano and the singing were going on. He thought one man sang songs. He heard ragtime song being sung, but he did not hear “Ora Pro Nobis”. (Pray for us)(Laughter) There was no attempt to cover up the bar window. All the men appeared to be sober. He did not say when he left “Gentlemen, you can continue your party”. The landlord told him he could go anywhere to search the place. He would not describe it as a bachelors' little gathering.

In reply to the Clerk, the witness said the men were a little surprised to see him. There was no chance for the men to bolt. (Laughter)

P.S. Sales corroborated, and further stated that Inspector Swift told the men when he took their names and addresses that they would be reported for being on licensed premises during prohibited hours.

Cross-examined by Mr. Haines, the witness said some of the glasses contained the drains of liquor and two pint glasses were about two thirds empty. Some of the men did not look very comfortable when Inspector Swift and he went in.

Mr. Haines, in the course of his defence, said according to a section of the Act a holder of a Justices' Licence should not be liable for any penalty for supplying any intoxicating liquors after the hours of closing to private friends, bona fide entertained by him at his own expense. Therefore, if he satisfied the Magistrates that they were bona fide friends and were invited by the defendant and that they did not pay one penny for the entertainment, then the case must be dismissed. There was no suggestion that there was any noisy or rowdy singing going on.

Defendant went into the box, and said he had held the licence for eighteen months. On Friday his wife went away owing to the doctor's order. The men were all friends. Not long ago some of them assisted him at a concert. On Sunday morning he saw Mr. Davis and Mr. Highland and told them he felt lonely, and asked them to turn up in the evening and have a little singsong after closing time. Mr. Highland said he was going to Dover, and would not be back until the last train. He told him to knock at the door and he would let him in. Mr. Highland and his friends came. They numbered five. He asked one or two Prussian Hermits, who had met previously in the house, to join the party. He supplied the party with drink. He did not ask them for money, and no offer was made by any of them. He gave the drink to the men voluntarily. He switched up the lights in the bar. When he opened the door the Inspector stood there, and when he was questioned about having a little party he invited the Inspector in. He was surprised to see the Inspector, because it was quite unexpected.

Cross-examined by the Chief Constable, defendant said he invited Mr. Hogben and Mr. Highland to the house at dinner time. He left it to Mr. Highland to bring his friends, but they were to be men whom he knew. He invited Mr. Pitman and Mr. Dewell, who were in the club room, about ten minutes to eight, before they went up to the Prussian Hermits' meeting. He was certain he invited Mr. Davies at midday. The others were friends of Mr. Highland, who brought whom he liked. He had not invited the four men who came with Mr. Highland. Their names were Scott, Hales, and Harry, whose surname he did not know, and the fourth he could not remember. One of the men he had never seen before, but he came on the invitation of Highland. Mr. Highland and the other four entered his house after closing time.

In reply to the Clerk, he said Highland was a well-known singer in the town, and he extended the invitation to his friends who were singers. The Prussian Hermits' lecture finished at ten minutes to ten. When Highland came to the house he answered the door and Highland asked him if it was convenient for his friends to come in with him.

In reply to the Chief Constable, defendant said the Inspector did not ask him when he invited the men into the room. He did not tell the Inspector that he invited them at five minutes to ten.

Re-examined by Mr. Haines, defendant said he invited Highland's friends into the house.

In reply to the Clerk, defendant said all the men, with the exception of three, had taken part in smoking concerts at his house.

Herbert Davies, of 19, St. John's Street, said he was a bar manager. He sang on occasions, and had appeared at several concerts. He knew Mr. Wightman as a personal friend, and quite frequently used the defendant's house. He had assisted the defendant at his house. On Sunday he went to the house at midday, when he saw Mr. Wightman, who told him he was going to have a little bachelor party after closing hours and asked him to come. There were two other gentlemen in the bar, Mr. Hogben and Mr. Fred Highland, to whom he also extended the invitation. He did not hear Mr. Highland's reply, but it was possible for them to have had a conversation afterwards. In the evening he turned up shortly after half past nine, and at closing time he went into a private room with Mr. Dewell, Mr. Pitman, and Mr. Wightman, who asked them to go into the room. That was just before he closed up. After closing time they had some music, and Highland arrived at a quarter past ten. Mr. Highland and Mr. Hogben and friends came in. In the morning he heard Mr. Wightman ask Mr. Highland to bring his friends with him. He had two drinks on the invitation of Mr. Wightman, who asked for the others. He never heard Mr. Wightman ask for payment or anyone offer to pay. He considered there was no question of a sale. He was there when the police arrived, and the Inspector, as he was leaving, said “You can get on with the party”. He only heard the Inspector ask questions for an explanation. He did not hear Mr. Wightman say that he gave the invitations just before closing time.

In reply to the Clerk, witness said he heard Mr. Wightman tell the Inspector he asked some of them to come in the morning.

Cross-examined by the Chief Constable: Mr. Pitman and Mr. Dewell were invited into the room after they left the meeting just before ten o'clock, when they were in the bar. The three men with Highland were strangers to him.

In reply to the Clerk, witness said he could not say that the defendant had not invited Pitman and Dewell previously.

Frederick Henry Pitman, 73, Chart Road, said he knew the defendant, and went to the defendant's house for meetings. He had assisted at some of Mr. Wightman's concerts, as he was on the concert committee. On Sunday there was a meeting of the Prussian Hermits. He went to the house at ten minutes to eight, when he saw him in the usual way. Defendant then said that he was going to have a party after closing time. Mr. Dewell, who was present, and himself were invited to stay. At the close of the meeting Mr. Dewell, Mr. Davies and himself went into the room. They did not pay for the refreshments they had. He took it for granted that he was a guest.

William Reginald Hogben, a clerk, of Victoria Road, said he was a singer, and had assisted Mr. Wightman with concerts. When he was in the house at midday with Mr. Davies and Mr. Highland, Mr. Wightman invited them to bring a friend or two to a party after closing time. Highland said he was going to Dover, and he would not be back with his friend until after ten o'clock. Mr. Highland turned up about half past ten, with friends who were introduced to Mr. Wightman. Hey had refreshment, but no-one paid.

In reply to the Clerk, witness said five of them gave songs.

Francis Frederick Highland, of 1, Radnor Cliff Road, said he was a butcher. He was a singer, and had assisted Mr. Wightman at his concerts. On Sunday he was in the Harvey Hotel, when Mr. Wightman gave him an invitation to attend a party after closing hours, and he could bring one or two friends. He was not certain that Hogben was there at the time. On his return from Dover he was let into the house with his friends, two of whom he introduced to Mr. Wightman. The men with him were Messrs. Hales, Thompson, Wilson and Scott. He was not asked to pay for the drink, and he did not see anyone pay. He considered they were all guests of Mr. Wightman. When Inspector Swift left, he said “Now, gentlemen, you can continue the party”.

Cross-examined by the Chief Constable, witness said he did not think Mr. Wightman knew two of his friends previously.

The Chairman said the Magistrates thought the police had done what was right in bringing that case there. It was not for the police to hold an impromptu petty sessions on the doorstep. They had decided to dismiss the case, but at the same time they would like to point out to the defendant it would have been wise if he had given notice to the police that he was going to have some friends in, as was generally done. The police were perfectly justified in what they did, and it was certainly indiscreet on the defendant's part not to have given that notice.

Folkestone Express 13 February 1915.

Annual Licensing Sessions.

Wednesday, February 10th: Before E.T. Ward Esq., Colonel Owen, R.J. Linton, W.J. Harrison, J. Stainer, and R.G. Wood Esqs.

The licence of the Harvey Hotel, temporarily transferred to Mr. Charles Edward Piper, was confirmed.

Folkestone Express 11 September 1915.

Local News.

On Tuesday another case of giving whiskey to a soldier came before the Magistrates, R.J. Linton being in the chair, when Vincent Andrew Sackett, a well-dressed man, was charged with an offence under the Defence of the Realm Act, and further with being drunk and incapable. He pleaded Guilty to the drunkenness, but denied the more serious charge.

Corporal Corder, of the Canadian Military Police, said at 8.10 the previous night he was in Harbour Street, when he saw the prisoner surrounded by four Canadian soldiers. He saw the prisoner give the bottle of whiskey (produced) to a Scotch Canadian, who put it under his kilt. Witness placed the four soldiers under arrest, and called on Sergt. Graham, of the Canadian Military Police, to assist him in arresting Sackett. All the soldiers were sober and on leave in the town. He saw no money pass between the soldiers and the prisoner.

The Chief Constable (Mr. H. Reeve) said that was as far as he could take the case that morning, as he had not been able to get the necessary instructions from the competent authority at to how the prisoner should be prosecuted.

The Magistrates remanded Sackett until the following day, bail being offered to him in one surety of £10 and himself in £10.

On Wednesday morning Sackett again appeared before the Magistrates, and he was defended by Mr. H. Stainer.

Corpl. Corder repeated the evidence he gave on the previous day. Further, he stated that he had since found that the soldier to whom the whiskey was given was Pte. Mitchell, of the 42nd Battalion.

P.S. Prebble said about 8.15 on Monday evening the prisoner, together with the bottle of whiskey, was handed over to him by Sergt. Graham, who said he had seen Sackett give the bottle to a Canadian soldier. Prisoner said nothing. He (witness) brought him to the police station, where he charged him with unlawfully giving a bottle of whiskey to a soldier, and also with being drunk and incapable. In answer to the former, he said “I did not”.

Cross-examined, witness said the prisoner was very sensible, and knew all that was said to him, but his legs would not hold him up.

P.S. Sales said when the prisoner was brought to the police station he was drunk.

Captain Blake, Assistant Provost Marshal, said the members of the regiment to which the soldier belonged should be in camp by 9.30 p.m. In his judgement the possession of a bottle of whiskey by a soldier would be against that man efficiently carrying out his duties.

Mr. Stainer said the prosecution had to prove an intent that the defendant wished to make the soldier less capable of doing his duty. No doubt the Bench would infer that if a bottle of whiskey was given to a soldier it would make him les capable of carrying out his duties. If the defendant was drunk, he did not know how the prosecution could support the intent.

Sackett, giving evidence, said he had been a licensed victualler at Herne Bay. He had suffered with dropsy, and had been in Folkestone for about three months, staying for the last two months at the Harvey Hotel. After his illness the doctor told him not to touch anything but stout, except gin once or twice a week. On Monday he had two glasses of stout for dinner, but he did not have anything else. He left the Harvey Hotel somewhere about seven o'clock in the evening, and came down Dover Road. He did not know any more until he woke up in the police station on the following morning. He was charged on that morning. He did not remember going into a public house, and he did not know how he came into possession of the bottle of whiskey.

Mr. Piper, the landlord of the Harvey Hotel, said Sackett had been seven weeks in his house. Defendant generally had four glasses of stout during the day, and only one glass of gin. He only knew of the defendant having two Guinnesses on Monday. He had found the defendant forgetful at times.

In reply to the Chairman, witness said the defendant had no gin in his house that day, but he had three stouts.

Questioned by the Chief Constable, Mr. Piper said he knew nothing of the defendant's movements after 6.30 in the evening.

The Bench retired, and on their return the Chairman (Mr. Linton) said the Magistrates had very carefully considered that case, and they were unanimously of opinion there must be a conviction. The defendant would be fined £20, and if he had not been in a feeble state they would have sent him to prison. In default of payment he would have to go to prison for a month.

On the application of the defendant, he was allowed ten days in which to pay.

Folkestone Express 29 January 1916.

Thursday, January 27th: Before G.I. Swoffer, G. Boyd, A. Stace, and C.E. Mumford Esqs.

Horace Dennis Kingsley and Rose Edwards were charged with supplying cocaine to soldiers, contrary to section 40 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations on January 26th.

Pte. Herbert Welch, of the Canadian Force, said he belonged to the “Black Devils”. He was billeted at 46, Dover Road. He recognised the two prisoners, whom he had known about two months. He had purchased from the man, whom he knew as “Horace”, stuff called “cocaine” on 20 or 30 occasions, or perhaps 40. Some times had had paid for it and on others not. He had received the stuff in small packets and had paid 1/- and 2/6 for it, according to the size of the packets. He had received from the female prisoner small packets of cocaine on ten or twelve occasions. He had not paid her anything, but the stuff had been a gift from the woman. He had mainly received the packets from the male prisoner in the Harvey Hotel, but from the female he had received it at the Theatre, in the streets, and in restaurants.

The Clerk: Have you ever been to a house in Shellons Street?

Witness: I cannot say that I have.

Have you ever been to a house to see these prisoners? – No, sir.

Kingsley said he noticed the charge against him was dated the 26th January. He wished to ask Welch if he sold him any on the previous day.

Welch: No, you did not.

The Clerk (Mr. J. Andrew) said at the present stage it was immaterial whether he was charged with committing an offence on a certain date. The Bench could receive evidence of any similar transaction within six months of that date.

The Chief Constable (Mr. Reeve) said that was as far as he could take the case that day and asked for a remand.

The Chairman said the Magistrates had decided to remand the prisoners until next Thursday.

Both prisoners asked to be allowed to have bail, and the Bench fixed the sureties at £25 each defendant, and one surety of £25 each, the sureties to be to the satisfaction of the Chief Constable.

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 27 November 1920.

Local News.

Plans for alterations to the Harvey Hotel, submitted by Mr. Jackson, architect, Ashford, on behalf of the owners, to the Magistrates, on Tuesday morning were approved.

Folkestone Express 13 August 1921.

Local News.

The licence of the Harvey Hotel was on Tuesday temporarily transferred to Mr. George F. Maxted, the previous licensee having recently died.

Folkestone Express 7 January 1922.

Local News.

The following extension was granted at the Police Court on Tuesday: Harvey Hotel, January 18th, 11 p.m., Co-Operative Staff Dinner.

Folkestone Express 16 June 1923.

Local News.

On Friday at the Folkestone Police Court William Whiting was charged on remand with stealing a pair of boots from the shop of Mr. R.G. Wood, Tontine Street, of the value of 13s. 6d.

The evidence given at the previous hearing was read over. Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty to stealing.

The Clerk read a statement handed in by prisoner, in which he stated that after he finished work on Saturday at 12.30, on his way home he called at the Harvey Hotel to have a drink. When he came out a strange man pulled him up and asked him if he would buy a pair of new boots for 6s., saying he had just come out of the Naval Reserve, and wished to sell them to get to Whitstable. He bought them for 6s., and wore them up to the time he was arrested. He appealed to the Magistrates to give him a chance now that he was in regular employment, for the sake of his wife and children, and let him prove himself a good citizen.

Inspector Bourne said prisoner was a local man. There were two conviction for drunkenness, and on 28th November, 1921, he was fined 10s., and £14 17s. 6d. for breaking a window at the Labour Exchange, or in default two months. On the 7th October he was sentenced to three months' imprisonment in the second division for breaking and entering a dwelling house in Shorncliffe Road.

Whiting was sentenced to three months' hard labour.

Folkestone Express 25 August 1923.

Local News.

On Wednesday, at the Folkestone Police Court, Mr. Jackson, architect, Ashford, submitted plans for alterations to the Harvey Hotel, Dover Road, and the plans were approved.

Folkestone Express 21 February 1925.

Local News.

The following extension of licence was granted by the Magistrates at the Folkestone Police Court on Tuesday:—Harvey Hotel, one hour, on the occasion of the dinner of the Ancient Order of Druids.

Folkestone Express 6 June 1925.

Saturday, May 30th: Before Mr. G. Boyd, Dr. W.W. Nuttall, and Col. Broome-Giles.

Pte. David Falconer and Pte. James Smith, both belonging to the Inniskilling Fusiliers, were charged with breaking two glass panels at the Harvey Hotel, Dover Road, the property of Mr. George Parker.

Mr. George Parker said at 11.05 p.m. the previous night he heard a knock at the door of his hotel, and he found there were two soldiers leaning against the glass panels of the door. He asked them what they wanted, and they said “Will you give us a drink?” He told them he could not as it was past the time for serving. He advised them to go home. He left the door, thinking that was the end of the matter, and went back to his private room. Immediately after he heard a smash of glass. He went to see what it was, and found the broken panels of glass. He telephoned for the police. He saw the two soldiers almost at the same moment a police constable arrived. The glass was 38ins. by 15ins., and the cost for replacing it was four guineas.

Albert Edward Tritton, a taxi driver, said at 11.10 p.m. the previous night, when on the way home in his car, he saw two soldiers leaning against the glass panels of a door of the Harvey Hotel. He saw one of the soldiers draw back and slip, and give the glass a smash. He could not see who they were, as it was dark, but they were soldiers.

P.C. Pay said at 11.10 p.m. the previous evening he was on duty in Dover Road, and saw the two soldiers standing on the kerb. He told them he had been informed that they had broken some glass panels, and that he would take them into custody. He took them to the police station, where they were formally charged. Falconer replied “I am willing to pay for it”. Smith replied “I deny the charge”. Both were under the influence of drink. He examined a stick of one of the defendants, and found the knob was dented.

An officer from the Camp said Falconer's character was good, but the character of Smith was only fair. They had been in the regiment for about four years.

The Chairman said each would have to pay £2 2s. towards the damage done to the panels, and they would also have to pay a fine of 5s. each, and 5s. witness's fees.

Folkestone Express 15 January 1927.

Monday, January 10th: Before Mr. G.I. Swoffer and Mr. A. Stace.

Mary Anne Williams was charged with wilful damage, and with being drunk and disorderly on Saturday evening.

She was not present when the case was called, having been bailed out, but when the evidence was being proceeded with she entered the Court.

The Deputy Clerk (Mr. Rootes) told her she was late, and she replied that she had been waiting for her husband to come with her.

Defendant pleaded guilty to both charges, and said she had had too much drink because she had the flu.

Mr. George Barker, the landlord of the Harvey Hotel, said on Saturday night, about half-past nine, the defendant came into the private bar. He noticed she was drunk, so for he would not serve her. He tried for ten minutes at least to persuade her to leave the premises. As she did not appear as if she would go he went to the other side of the counter and helped her out. He closed the door and she immediately smashed one of the panes of glass in the door, either with her fist or an umbrella. He went outside, and she immediately moved away to the Dover Road. A police-sergeant came along, and he reported the matter to him, and the defendant was arrested. The value of the pane of glass was 5s.

Defendant: He came and threw me right out into the street.

Witness: I took hold of her shoulders and assisted her out.

P.S. Hollands said about 9.35 p.m. on Saturday when going down Dover Road, he heard someone shouting. On looking round the corner of Harvey Street he saw the defendant, who was shouting abuse, coming from the doorway of the hotel. He saw she was drunk, so he went to her and cautioned her. She became quieter and started to go aw ay w hen Mr. Barker came up, and from what he said, he (witness) took her into custody.

Defendant said she was very sorry. She had had the flu, and she had a little drop too much to drink, and it overcame her. She asked the Magistrates to look over it and give her another chance. If they did so she would try again.

The Chairman: When was she here last?

Inspector Pittock: On August 25th, when she was dismissed after the case had been adjourned for a month. She had been here on 35 occasions.

Mr. Stace: When was the occasion before the last occasion?

Inspector Pittock said that was on July 7th, 1925. She had not been fined since February, 1923, when the Salvation Army promised to look after her.

Mr. Stace: Is anyone here from the Salvation Army?

Inspector Pittock: I think they have finished with her now.

The Chairman said the Magistrates could not overlook that now. She would have to pay 5s. fine and 5s. for the damage she had done on the first charge, and 5s. fine for being drunk and disorderly. In default of payment she would have to go to prison for seven days on each charge, or 14 days in all.

The Magistrates allowed the defendant seven days in which to pay the fine.

Folkestone Express 18 July 1931.

Local News.

At the Folkestone Police Court on Wednesday the following licence was transferred: The Harvey Hotel, from Mr. Waghorn to Mr. Sherrin, formerly of the Chequers Inn, Ash, near Sandwich.

Folkestone Express 26 November 1932.

Local News.

At the Folkestone Police Court on Wednesday, before Mr. J.H. Blamey and other Magistrates, the licence of the Harvey Hotel was transferred from Mr. H.J. Sherrin, who is leaving the town for Margate, to Mr. F.J. Grew, of Streatham.

Folkestone Express 25 November 1933.

Wednesday, November 22nd: Before Mr. J.H. Blamey, Alderman T.S. Franks, Councillor Mrs. E. Gore, Mr. F. Seager, Mr. W. Smith, Eng. Rear Admiral L.J. Stephens, and Alderman J.W. Stainer.

Mr. J.A. Evans, formerly of Llandudno, applied for the transfer of the licence of the Harvey Hotel from Mr. Grew. The applicant said he had been a holder of a licence for fourteen years. The Bench granted the application.

Folkestone Express 7 November 1936.

Local News.

The Magistrates, on Tuesday, granted a protection order in respect of the transfer of the licence of the Harvey Hotel from Mr. J.T Nye to Mr. Ernest G. Green, of the Lion and Lamb, Brentwood.

Folkestone Express 30 December 1939.

Local News.

Two sixteen-year-old boys were summoned at the Folkestone Juvenile Court on Friday morning for consuming intoxicating liquor when under the age of 18. Both defendants pleaded guilty.

P.C. Crane said at 12.45 p.m. on Sunday he was on duty in Harvey Street, walking towards Dover Road. When about 100 yards away from the Harvey Hotel he saw two youths go into the hotel. He drew level with the hotel and saw one of the boys peering through the window of the bottle and jug department. A few minutes later he opened the door and saw the two defendants inside. One boy was sitting on his left against the counter and next to him was an empty glass. The other boy was holding a half pint glass containing about an inch and a half of beer. He (witness) said to him “Is that beer?” and the boy said “Yes”. He examined the empty glass and found that that also had contained beer. He asked the boy with the empty glass how old he was. He said he was 18 years of age. The other boy said he also was 18. He told the boys he did not believe them and he would find out. The first boy then said “No, I am 16”, and the other defendant admitted he was only 16. He told them they had committed an offence by entering licensed premises, ordering beer and drinking it. He told them they would be summoned. He spoke to the licensee and he made a statement as follows: “At about 12.45 p.m. today two youths entered the jug and bottle department of my premises. I asked them their age and they replied they were over 18 and on that understanding I served them with two half pints of beer and charged them 2½d. each. I do not wish to break the law, but thought they spoke the truth”.

The Chairman (Alderman Mrs. E. Gore) to the defendants: You knew you had no business there?

One of the defendants: We knew that if we went into the public bar we would not get served, but would in the bottle and jug.

The mother of one defendant said the hoys were not in the habit of doing it. She understood they had been in the hotel once before and the landlord asked them their age, but he did not do so on the occasion in question. She had spoken to the licensee and he said the boys looked 18, but they did not.

The Chairman: Of course, they don’t.

The father of the other boy said he did not know his son frequented the place until the constable brought him borne.

The Chairman said “You are here for a very serious offence, you both knew you were doing wrong. We are going to dismiss the case with a caution, if you give your assurance that you will not do this again. You promise that?

The boys: Yes.

The Chairman: If you do there will be very serious trouble.

The Magistrates’ Clerk (Mr. C. Rootes): This finishes it for the two boys, but one thing, the licensee is liable to get into very serious trouble.

Folkestone Express 23 March 1940.

Lighting Order.

Ernest George Green, Harvey Hotel, was summoned in respect of an illuminated sign.

P.C. Miller said at 3 a.m. on March 8th he was in Dover Road when he saw a light coming from the public bar of the Harvey Hotel. On closer examination he saw it came from an illuminated sign in the window. The sign was the word “Open”. He called the defendant, who said the light had been forgotten.

Defendant said it was only a small sign and did not cast much of a light.

Fined 10/-.

Folkestone Express 30 March 1940.

Lighting Order.

Offences against the lighting regulations continue, and a number of cases have been heard at the Folkestone Police Court by the Magistrates.

There was a further long list of summonses on Tuesday, when the Magistrates on the Bench were Councillor R.G. Wood, Mr. A.E. Pepper, Mr. L.G.A. Collins, Eng. Rear Admiral L.J. Stephens, Alderman J.W. Stainer, and Miss Grace Broome-Giles.

Margaret Green, Harvey Hotel, did not deny the offence.

P.C. Seamer said at 10.50 p.m. he saw a light shining through two windows on the first floor of the hotel, and the buildings on the opposite side of the street were brightly illuminated. The electric light was on the landing of the first floor.

The defendant said she left the light on for her husband. She did not think it would show through the door, which had coloured glass in it.

Fined 10/-.

Folkestone Express 20 April 1940.

Lighting Order.

Ernest George Green, Harvey Hotel, admitted the offence.

War Reserve Police Constable Maxted said the light was shining through the hotel entrance at 9.40 p.m.

The defendant said the light was reflected from his office, and the lamp was 22 feet away from the door.

The Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) said there was a previous conviction on March 19th.

Fined 10/-.