From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 15 February, 1878

FIRE

The Superintendent of Police reported on the fire in Water Lane, stating that the fire originated from a person who was drunk upsetting a paraffin lamp.

On the suggestion of Councillor Mowll, the Clerk was directed to thank the London, Chatham and Dover Railway authorities for the assistance given with their fire extinguishing apparatus.

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 8 March, 1878. Price 1d.

TRANSFER DAY

The following transfers were confirmed:- The "Volunteer," the "Fox," the "George," the "Grand Sultan," the "Duke of Connaught," the "Prince Albert," the "Saracen's Head," the "Star," the "Wheatsheaf" (Broadstairs), and the "Rose Inn" (Broadstairs).

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 10 May, 1878

TRANSFERS

The “Neptune Hall,” Broadstairs, was transferred from Thomas Dray to Henry Smitherman.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 10 May, 1878

ASSAULT

Alfred Richards was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Townwall Street, and with assaulting his wife. He was further charged with assaulting Police-constable Fogg whilst in the execution of his duty.

The Bench sentenced prisoner to three months with hard labour for the assault on his wife, and one month for the assault on the Constable.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 10 May, 1878

REMANDED CASE

Susan Brown, alias Mary Bedul, on remand from Saturday, charged with being drunk, was now brought up charged with feloniously stealing various articles.

James Bowman said: I was in the employ of Messrs. Worsfold and Hayward, the lessees of the “Wellington Hall.” I am the hall keeper. The piece of green baize produced is the cover of a table in the hall, and belongs to Messrs. Worsfold and Hayward. I last saw it on Friday morning between six and seven. It was then in the large dressing room lying on the floor. The room was open all day for the purpose of being painted, and was left unattended when the men went to breakfast. The value of the baize is about 6s.

Mr. James Long said: On Friday afternoon prisoner came to my shop with some baize – that produced – and wanted to pawn it. She said it belonged to herself, and that her husband was a negro singer and used it in his profession. I advanced 2s. 6d. on it.

Joseph Bowman recognised the chisel and small screw driver produced. They were in the “Wellington Hall” on the mantle piece, and belonged to him.

The evidence of Police-constable Fogg given on Saturday was then read over.

Prisoner was then charged with obtaining 17 pieces of music by means of false pretence from Mr. J. Goulden.

John Palmer, an assistant to Mr. Goulden, Snargate Street, stated that Mr. Goulden declined to prosecute, and this charge was therefore not dealt with.

Mary Jane Bradford said: I live on the Commercial Quay. On Saturday evening I missed two spoons, an umbrella, a pair of scissors, and a little piece of work – all of which are produced. They were all in the front room of the house. The value of them is 2s. 6d.

Police-constable Fogg then deposed to finding the umbrella, scissors, &c., on the prisoner.

Prisoner was formally charged, and pleaded that she did not take the articles consciously, and indeed she was not quite sure now they were not her own property. She had been in a hospital at Shrewsbury for softening of the brain, and often did silly things.

The Bench committed the prisoner to take her trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 5 July, 1878

DRUNKENNESS

Another man was charged with being drunk and incapable, and with assaulting the Police in the execution of their duty on Saturday night.

Police-constable Nash said: I was on duty about half-past twelve on Saturday night in Cannon Street where I saw the prisoner and three other men using very bad language. I went to the prisoner and told him it was late, at time he was home. Prisoner then pulled off his coat and put himself into a fighting attitude. I told him if he did not go away I should lock him up. The other men said they would get him away, and they took him as far as Worthington's lane. Prisoner then left them and came towards me and told me he would fight me himself. He kept dodging round me. I told he he had better go home, but he would not, and in doing so he struck me a blow in the face. I got him on the ground, and the Superintendent and a coastguardsman came to my assistance, and we carried him to the Police-station.

Prisoner said he did not strike the Constable.

Superintendent Sanders said: About half-past 12 on Saturday night I was talking to a gentleman in Cannon Street when the last witness came past with a man. Not many minutes after I heard someone call out for help, and I went towards the spot, and there saw the last witness and prisoner on the ground. He had hold of Nash's collar. The prisoner was very violent, and with the assistance of a coastguard we carried him to the Police-station. I did not see the prisoner strike the Constable.

The Bench said it was a very aggravated case and they could not pass it over. He would be fined 20s. and costs 7s., in default seven days' imprisonment in Maidstone gaol.

The money was paid.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 26 July, 1878

DRUNK AND RIOTIOUS

William Barry was summoned to appear in answer to a charge of drunkenness and riotous conduct at Tower Hamlets on Sunday afternoon last.

Police-constable Prescott said: On Sunday afternoon last, about 2.15, I was on duty at Tower Hamlets, when I saw the prisoner fighting with a man named Baker. I went up and told them to desist but they would not, and I took Baker into custody. The prisoner followed me and tried to get Baker away. The prisoner did not strike me, but there were a number of complaints about him and others.

Thomas Newlan said: I am a grocer living at East Street, Tower Hamlets. On Sunday afternoon last, between 2 and 3, I heard a smash of glass, and in consequence went to my front door, and saw the prisoner on the ground with his ear cut. At first I thought the man way dying, and went to fetch some water, when I saw that some glass was broken. Prisoner apologised and said he would have the glass put in. he came the next day to my shop and said he was sorry for what had occurred; he pushed a man named Baker against the window. These occurrences are frequent on Sunday afternoons, but I have never seen the prisoner there before.

Prisoner said Baker struck him and he asked him what he was doing, and then Baker was taken into custody.

Police-constable Prescott was re-called and said that the prisoner was fighting near Mr. Newlyn's shop.

The Bench fined the prisoner 13s. and costs, which he paid.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 26 July, 1878

LARCENY

Richard Morley Bessence was charged with stealing from 15. Beach Street, a gold ring and 16s. in money, the property of Henry Joseph Martin.

Henry Joseph Martin said: I am a hairdresser, living at 15, Beach Street. About three weeks ago the prisoner came into my shop and asked to be shaved. I shaved him and also cut his hair. At the time a girl came to the door with milk, and the prisoner said he wanted some rum and milk. I fetched him some, and when I came back, he drank the rum and milk in my presence. Another man came in, they stayed about 20 minutes, and he and the prisoner went away together. I then went to the kitchen, and got my breakfast, and there I missed a gold ring and 16s. I saw the prisoner yesterday in Snargate Street wearing the ring. I spoke to him, and he walked up and down the street. After a time the prisoner ran away and he was stopped by a soldier, and taken into Mr. Parton's the grocer, and there the prisoner threw the ring away, and Mr. Parton found it. The value of the ring is 9s. Prisoner afterwards gave me a receipt for the sum of money.

John Parton said: I am a grocer living in Snargate Street. Yesterday I saw the last witness running past my shop, and knowing him I asked him what was the matter, and he said the prisoner had stolen a gold ring and 16s. I followed him and the prisoner to Mr. Court's, and asked the latter why he did not give up the ring. He said he had not got it and knew nothing about it. I asked him why he ran away, and he said “If you will allow me to come into your shop I will explain all.” I did so, and when there he said “if you go into Mr. Court's yard you will find the ring.” I went, and the ring was given to me by one of Mr. Court's men, and I gave it to the last witness who identified it. A Policeman came and the prisoner was given into custody. The prisoner said he would not have done it if he had not been drunk, and asked the prosecutor to let him go, as he had a poor mother in the asylum and he would compensate him. He gave his address, which was the “Royal Albion Hotel,” Folkestone.

By the Bench: Prisoner was running down Snargate Street, and was stopped opposite Mr. Court's yard. Prisoner said there was an agreement in my shop that he would compensate the prosecutor, as he thought it would be better than giving him into custody.

Prosecutor was re-called, and in reply to the Bench said the prisoner was not very drunk.

The prisoner pleaded “Guilty” to the charge; but said he was drunk at the time, and if the Bench would let him off he would join the Army. It was his first offence.

The Bench sentenced him to three months' imprisonment with hard labour.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 23 August, 1878

OPPOSITION TO INCREASING THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC HOUSES IN DOVER

Last evening a public meeting was held at the Union hall, Mr. R. H. Jones, J.P., presiding, to discuss the question of licensing more public-houses in Dover. Mr. Hilton, agent of the United Kingdom Alliance, attended. The meeting was held under the auspices of the “True Briton's Hope Lodge of Good Templars.”

Mr. H. H. Jones, in opening the proceedings, said the meeting was a public one, and called for the purpose of considering the question of the further restriction of the number of public-houses in Dover. He should have been glad to have seen some Licensed Victuallers present, so that they might have given their view on the question. After alluding with satisfaction to the passing of the Irish Sunday Closing Act, the Chairman mentioned that on the previous day the licensing magistrates meeting had been held at Folkestone, when two new licenses were applied for and both had been refused in consequence of the opposition raised to them by the temperance people and others. Let them do likewise in Dover he had before him a clipping from the advertisement columns of the Dover Express containing a list of the whole of the applications for licenses that would be made at the forthcoming Brewster Sessions in Dover. The first was from Mr. John Scott, who applied for a licence for a house situated in Clarendon Street. When a similar application was made last year there was a very great objection and the application was not granted. He trusted the same thing might occur again. The next was a licence to be applied for by a Mr. Goozee for a house at Ringwould, and that place being a good distance from Dover they might let the people of that neighbourhood look after themselves. Next, Mr. Thomas Wright desires to re-open a house called the “Spotted Cow,” at Durham Place. That house, he believed, had been closed for having been used for the purpose which it was not necessary to describe, and he trusted that the “Spotted Cow” would not be allowed again to be opened. (Applause.) The next application was from a personal friend of his, Mr. Cullen Marsh, for a licence to sell beer and spirits in the “Granville Gardens.” Some two or three years ago Mr. Marsh obtained a wine licence for a room at the old Baths, and when that room was demolished he applied to have the licence transferred to the new building in the “Granville Gardens.” He (Mr. Jones) was opposed to that transfer because he did not think that the people who went there to hear the military bands needed refreshment, and he thought that the licence should have been transformed to the bathing Establishment at East Cliff. However, he was over-ruled, and the wine licence was transferred to the “Granville Gardens.” Now an application was to be made to sell beer and spirits at those rooms. The matter had been taken up by the St. James's Branch of the Church of England Temperance Society, and they had protested against the granting of this new licence. A clergyman who lived near the “Granville Gardens” would the next day (Friday) go round to the residents in that neighbourhood to obtain signatures against the granting of the licence. Such a licence was not needed there. No doubt Mr. Marsh would keep the place all right, but after a time he would give it up, and then it would degenerate into a regular smoke-pipe drink-shop. He was told that the steward of a certain club in the neighbourhood had his eye upon the “Granville” refreshment rooms, and that when the licence was granted, perhaps he might apply for a transfer to himself, and then it would be a branch establishment to the officers' club. The other application was from Mr. Leney, for the transfer of the licence from the “Union Inn,” which was going to be pulled down, to premises adjoining the “Apollonian Hall,” being 1 and 2, Strond Street. Anyone who knew anything about Commercial Quay must know that now there were a great many public-houses more than were needed. The Harbour Board who were going to pull down the house, would doubtless allow fair competition to the owner, and he thought they should rest satisfied with the compensation, and not seek to open another house close to two or three more. (Here, here). In conclusion, he said he hoped that a united effort would be made to prevent the granting of these licences, and he trusted that before another year they should be able to organise a movement for decreasing the number of public-houses. (Here, here).

Mr. T. Burns next addressed the meeting, urging that there being nearly 200 public-houses in Dover, strenuous efforts should be made to reduce that number.

Mr. John Hilton, of the United Kingdom Alliance, then gave an eloquent address on the legislative restrictions on the liquor traffic.

The Rev. G. Tegg, Mr. W. Gilbert, Mr. Hearnden, Mr. T. W. Dowle, and others having addressed the meeting, the following resolution was carried unanimously:- “That in the opinion of this meeting it is undesirable to grant any additional licences in this Borough for the sale of intoxicating liquors, but rather that some of the country licenses should not be renewed.”

The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman and to Mr. Hilton.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 30 August, 1878

THE DOVER LICENSING MEETING

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DOVER EXPRESS.

Sir,

I think it is creditable alike to the temperance men and the respectable portion of the publicans that the proposed increase of the licenses on Monday next will be opposed, and I hope they will be opposed successively. I have no vested interests, neither have I any temperance crotchets, but I think that any reasonable man must see that Dover needs no more public-houses. The most objectionable application of all is for a licence for the “Granville Gardens” refreshment room. It would be an entire breach of faith with the public if that building should be turned into an ordinary drinking saloon. As for the application for re-opening the “Spotted Cow,” I should think that would not have a shadow of a chance. That house on the Clarendon estate is certain unneeded. It is close to the “Engineer,” and the residents in that neighbourhood hope that the bench will protect them against any more public-houses. At first sight there seems a plausible excuse for granting the licence for the Commercial Quay because the present house occupied by Mr. Everson is to come down. If a new house were going to be built on the same site, that reason would hold good, but there is no reason whatever for increasing the nest of public-houses round the General Post Office. Every body is saying there are too many public-houses in Dover. Here is a legitimate way of getting rid of one, and if the magistrates will embrace this opportunity, they will be benefiting the town.

Yours, &c.

A TOWNSMAN.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DOVER EXPRESS

Dear Sir,

I was extremely surprised last week to learn from your valuable paper that the proprietor of the “Granville Gardens Refreshment Rooms” intended to apply for a beer and spirit licence.

I am not one who would pay much attention to the outcries of people who are continually fancying their prosperity is being damaged – we have lately had ample illustrations of the folly of doing so – yet in this case, should the licence be granted, I think the owners of the house on Marine Parade and Camden and Waterloo Crescents will have just cause for complaint.

That a refreshment room should exist on the Seafront there is no question, but that it should be turned into a drinking booth and beer shop is surely undeniable, especially as it is situated in the very best part of town, and at a point where visitors and residents alike are in the habit of congregating.

Trusting you will raise your powerful voice against it.

I am, dear Sir, yours truly,

S.J.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DOVER EXPRESS

Sir,

Can any of your readers inform me why the public-house called the “True Briton,” which was formerly at 1, Commercial Quay, was closed?

P.O.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DOVER EXPRESS

Sir,

Can you inform me and others who are seeking for information how it is that licenses are refused at Dover and afterwards granted at Broadstairs?

Yours &c.,

ENQUIRER

[We never heard of such a case. Sometimes when Magistrates are not satisfied with the evidence before them, they give the parties an opportunity of supplementing their evidence at the adjourned meeting at Broadstairs, but when a license is definitely refused at Dover it is never revived at the adjourned meeting at Broadstairs.- Ed. D.E.]

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 30 August, 1878

ANNUAL LICENSING DAY

The annual licensing meeting will be held at the Town Hall on Monday, when, besides the ordinary applications for renewals, five new licenses will be applied for, viz., 1 and 2, Commercial Quay; the “Granville Gardens;” “Spotted Cow,” which is now closed; a new house in Clarendon Street, and one for Ringwould.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 6 September, 1878

DOVER ANNUAL LICENSING SESSIONS

The annual sitting of the Dover Magistrates Licensing Committee too0k place on Monday at Dover, for the purpose of renewing public-house licenses, and hearing applications for new ones. The Licensing Committee consists of E. F. Astley, S. Finnis, R. Dickeson, T. E. Black, R. Rees, W. R. Mowll, and C. Stein, Esqrs. They were all present except Mr. Dickeson, who is in Cumberland.

THE EXISTING PUBLIC HOUSES

The first business was to renew the licenses for existing houses. The process was for the Clerk to call out the names from the book, and on the application or representation answering, the license was obtained by paying the fee in the ante room unless there were any complaint against the house, and then the parties were requested to wait. The following is the list read:- Bull, Volunteer, Cherry Tree, Duke of Wellington, Endeavour, Green man, Gate, Milestone, New Endeavour, Plough, Prince of Wales, Fountain, Primrose Hall, Rose and Crown, Three Cups, Admiral Harvey, Angel, Dew Drop, Carpenter's Arms (closed), Coach and Horses, Denmark Arms, Friend in Need, Falcon, Globe, Grapes, Havelock Arms, Hand and Sceptre, King William, Mason's Arms, Park Inn, Royal Standard, Red Lion, Rose, Sportsman, Sir John Falstaff, Town Arms, Tower, Turnham Green Tavern (stand over), White Lion, Wheatsheaf, Wheelwright's Arms, Albion (stand over), Prince Alfred, Sir Sydney Smith, Royal Clarence, Clarendon, Old Commercial Quay, Crown, Two Sailors, Deal Cutter, Castle, Duchess of Kent, Duke of Cambridge, Eight Bells, Endeavour, Exeter Arms, Five Alls, Flying Horse, Fleur de Lis, Folkestone Cutter, Fountain, Garricks' Head, George, Golden Lion, Good Intent, Gothic, Grand Shaft, Grand Sultan, Granville, Great Gun, Green Dragon, Greyhound, Guildhall, Gun, Harp, Hope, Hotel de Paris, Kent Arms, King's Head, Liberty, Lion (no tenant), London Packet, Lord Clyde (wait), Lord Warden Hotel, Mariner's Arms, Marquis of Anglesey, Marquis of Waterford, Garrick's Arms, Ship, Silver Lion, Star (wait), Restaurant Parisian, Swan, Terminus, Three Compasses, Trinity Pilots, Two Brewers, Union Tavern, Walmer Castle, Warrior, Wellington, William IV, York House, Burlington, Buffet South-Eastern Railway, Esplanade Hotel, Five Bells (Ringwould), King's Head (Ringwould), King William (Ringwould), Lord nelson (Ringwould), Victory (Ringwould), Zetland Arms (wait), Black Horse (Charlton), Crown (Charlton), Carrier's Arms, Canterbury Bell, Devonshire Arms, Imperial Crown, Hope and Anchor, Plough, Star, Sir Garnet Wolseley, Comet, Forester's Arms, Nottingham Arms, Oxford (Music Hall), Prince of Wales, and Railway Bell.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 13 September, 1878

DRUNK AND INCAPABLE

William Brown, charged with being drunk and disorderly and with obstructing the footway in Biggin Street, the previous morning, was fined 2s. 6d. including costs.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 27 September, 1878

COUNTY LICENSING SESSIONS

The Licensing Sessions for the Dover district of the county was held at Dover on Thursday before Dr. Astley, Steriker Finnis Esq., Major Stevenson, F. Fortescue, Esq., and C. J. Plumptre, Esq.

RENEWALS

The following applications for the renewal of licenses were made and granted. – Francis Bushell, "Bull's Head" Adisham; John Collard, "Marquis of Granby" Alkham; W. Keller, Alkham; Joseph Box, Coldred, Mary Ann Luston, Coldred; Cornelius Chais, Eythorne; Alfred Bushell, "Crown," Eythorne, Finnis Deer, Wingham; W. Finnis, Wingham; Edward Stockin, Hougham; Henry Upton, "Four Bells," East Langdon; James Ward, Lydden; Henry Baker, St. Margaret's; Fred Fagg, "Hope" St. Margaret's; George Cragg, St. Margaret's; Alfred Philpott, "Three Horseshoes," Mongeham; W. Fagg, Little Mongeham; Mary Ann Clark, River; G. Down, River; H. Street, "Plough," Ripple; H. Penfold, “White Hall,” Shepherdswell; E. Marsh, "Chequers," Sholden; T. Ratcliff, "Boot," Sutton; W. Marsh, Swingfield; W. Tritton, "Black Horse," Swingfield; G. Cousins, Swingate; R. Sutton, "Royal Oak," Whitfield; James Dunn, "Endeavour," Wootton; G. Wood, "Canteen," Fort Burgoyne; T. Tunbridge, "Carpenter's Arms," Alkham; R. Friend, "Yew Tree," Barfrestone; W. Files, Ewell Street, T. Friend, "Fox," Ewell; Andrew Isles, Eythorne; B. Makey, Eythorne; George White, Guston; John Chapman, Guston; W. Potter, Hougham; J. Foster, Maxton; A. Cox, Hougham; H. Wright, Hougham; T. Tritton, West Langdon; C. Gell, Lydden; J. Gell, St. Margaret's; G. Bigginton, Great Mongeham; C. Halliday, River; J. Poulter, Shepherdswell; and G. Walker, "Sportsman," Sholden.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 4 October, 1878

DRUNKENNESS

David Lewis, a navvy working on the new railway, was charged with being drunk and with obstructing the footway in Biggin Street the previous evening.

The case was proved and the prisoner was discharged with a caution; but before leaving Mr. Jones asked the proprietor to throw the bottle of rum away, which was found on his person when taken into custody. Prisoner hesitated but did not comply.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 4 October, 1878

DRUNK

Henry Macdonald was charged with being drunk and disorderly and with obstructing the footway in Queen Street, on Saturday evening.

Police-constable Ebenezer Fenn supported the charge and the bench dismissed the prisoner with a caution on promising not to appear there again.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 11 October, 1878

DRUNK

H. Beecham was charged with being drunk in High Street, Charlton.

Police-constable Bailey said: On Saturday evening I was on duty in High Street. I saw the prisoner about seven laying down drunk, and a number of people round him.

Prisoner was fined 1s., and 6d. costs.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 1 November, 1878

A DRUNKEN WOMAN

Mary Baddey was charged with being drunk and incapable in Union Street.

Police-constable Nash said: Yesterday I was on duty in Union Street about seven o'clock in the morning, where I saw the prisoner, who was so drunk that she could not move. She was not able at attend the Court yesterday because of that.

The prisoner was fined, who said she had no money and was detained in custody.