From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 12 January, 1917.

TRANSFER OF MESSRS. DICKESON & CO'S PROPERTY

At the Dover Police Court this (Friday) morning.

The Solicitors to the Army Canteen Committee applied that the licenses at Messrs. Dickeson and Co's premises at 1, Market Lane should be transferred to Mr. Earle, the new manager of the district. The premises were taken over on January 1st. They asked for the transfer so as to be on the safe side.

The application was granted.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 19 January, 1917.

CLOSING OF PUBLIC HOUSES

NONE TO BE SENT UP FROM DOVER

A meeting of the Dover Magistrates was held on Wednesday, when it was decided not to send any public-houses for compensation this year. We understand that the County Licensing Authorities suggested that this course, and the local Police also reported to similar effect, in view of the fact that the houses were now so crowded during the restricted hours of opening that it would be difficult to get evidence of redundancy. It is, however, probable that some levy will be made, as the Compensation Authorities have their banking account overdrawn.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 19 January, 1917.

CHARGES OF DRUNKENNESS

At the Dover Police Court on Saturday before Messrs. J. W. Bussey (in the chair) and W. J. Palmer.

George Gentles, a seaman, was charged with having been drunk and incapable on New Bridge.

Prisoner pleaded guilty.

Acting sergeant W. J. Popple said that he was on duty in Snargate Street on Friday at 4.45 p.m., when his attention was called to the defendant, who was on a tram-car, and was drunk and incapable. Witness brought him to the Police Station.

Chief Constable Fox said that the defendant was before the Court on the 22nd November last for a similar offence, and he thought that a serious view of it should be taken.

The defendant was fined 20s.; in default, fourteen days' imprisonment. Mrs. Ethel Rees, of 3, Templar Street, was charged with having been drunk and incapable in Beaconsfield Road.

Police-sergeant Petley said that at 9 p.m. on Friday he was on duty in Beaconsfield Road, when he saw the defendant being assisted by a sailor. She was drunk and incapable. Witness brought her to the Police Station.

Chief Constable Fox said that she was before the Court on the 27th November last, and was fined 15s. for assault. Defendant was the wife of a sailor, and she could have her separation allowance stopped, and if she came before the Court again, that drastic step would be taken.

Defendant was bound over for a year in the sum of £5, and placed under the probation of Miss Quance.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 2 February, 1917.

LICENSE TRANSFER

The license of Messrs. J. Binfield, deceased, was temporarily transferred to Mr. I. Davis, who has purchased the property.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 2 February, 1917.

DRUNK ON A TRAM-CAR

At the Dover Police Court on Saturday before Messrs. J. H. Back (in the chair) and W. J. Palmer.

Alec Marshall, fireman, R.N.R. was charged with having been drunk and incapable in Northampton Street.

Defendant pleaded guilty.

Police-constable Pott said: I was on duty in Northampton Street, when my attention was called to the defendant, who was drunk and incapable in a tram-car. He was bleeding from the nose.

The defendant, who had a good character from his officer, was ordered to pay the costs, 4s.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 9 February, 1917.

DOVER LICENSING MEETING

GREAT DECREASE IN DRUNKENNESS

The annual meeting of Justices for the purpose of issuing licenses for the ensuing year was held at the Town Hall on Monday before Mr. W. J. Barnes (in the chair), Messrs. Edward Chitty, W. J. Palmer, W. D. Atkins, F. W. Prescott and A. Clark.

CHIEF CONSTABLES REPORT

The following report from the Chief Constable was read:- “Gentlemen,- I have the honour to submit for your information my annual report under the Intoxicating Liquor Laws and Orders made by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic). The houses have been conducted satisfactorily with the exception of the following persons, who have been proceeded against for infringements of the Board's Orders. On the 28th April, 1916, Alfred W. Shingleton, licensee of the “Cinque Ports Arms,” Clarence Place, was fined 10s. for failing to exhibit and Order of the Board in some conspicuous place in his licensed premises. On the same day, William J. Fagg, of the “Eagle Hotel,” London Road, was fined 20s. for a similar offence. On the 1st May, 1916, Albert C. Lewis, licensee of the “Park Inn,” Park Place, was fined 20s. for permitting intoxicating liquor , to be consumed on the premises when the house should have been closed; the house is now under new management. On the 18th August, 1916, Gilbert C. Deverson, licensee of the “Shakespeare Inn,” Elizabeth Street, was fined 20s. for supplying intoxicating liquor to a person when the premises should have been closed. On the 6th October, 1916, Albert Edward Groombridge, licensee of the “New Inn,” York Street, was fined £20 for accepting an order from a sailor for four half-pints of whisky on a Sunday evening during the hours when the sale of spirits was prohibited by the Orders of the Board; the house was placed “out of bounds” to sailors and soldiers, and is still “out of bounds”; it is under new management. On the 27th October, 1916, Alfred William Sheridan, Secretary of the “Oddfellows Club” was fined 40s. for consuming intoxicating liquors; and Archibald Webb, the Steward, was fined 10s. for permitting it to be consumed contrary to the Orders of the Board. On the 5th January, Edwin Le Gross, licensee of the “Avenue Inn,” Snargate Street, was fined 10s. each in two cases for permitting treating on his premises; the premises are now “out of bounds.” Also on the 5th January, John Casselden, licensee of the “Trocadero,” Snargate Street, was summonsed for permitting treating, and Mrs. Mabel Newing, a barmaid, was summonsed for supplying the liquor; the case against Casselden was dismissed, and Mrs. Mabel Newing was fined £2, being £1 on each of two summonses; the premises are now “out of bounds.” On the 8th January, William Walter Wall, licensee of the “New Endeavour Inn,” Buckland, was summonsed for permitting intoxicating liquors to be consumed after closing time, contrary to the Orders of the Board; the case was dismissed on the payment of costs. The “Burlington Inn,” Castle Street, mentioned in my report of last year as being “out of bounds,” is still “out of bounds.” 2,295 visits have been made to licensed premises this year, against 471 the previous year; the increased visits this year having been caused by certain houses selling light beers, which have necessitated increased vigilance by the Police. Ninety-five visits have been made to clubs. There are in the Borough:- Fully licensed houses, 143; on and off beer-houses, 5; off beer-houses, 10; confectioners, 3; and shops,11; total 172. Drunkenness:- 1914, males 86, females 19, total, 105; 1915, males 108, females, 31, total 139; 1916, males 27, females 15, total 42. The great reduction in drunkenness I attribute principally to the Board's Orders limiting the hours for the sale of intoxicating liquors. The population last census was 43,645; now estimated at 57,645. Population to each licensed house on estimated population, 335.24; population to each licensed house on estimated population last year 329.24. Drunkenness per 1,000, 0.72; last year, 2.4. The undermentioned houses were closed on 30th December last, under the Licensing (Consolidation) Act, 1910:- The “Crown,” beerhouse (anti 1869) London Road; the “Bell Inn,” St. James's Street; the “Royal Hotel,” Clarence Place. This makes a total of forty houses been closed in twelve years by the Compensation Authorities. With regard to the selection of houses to be referred for compensation, I respectfully submit that, in consequence of the reductions in the cases of drunkenness and the difficulty of differentiation by the restricted hours, that no licenses should be selected for compensation this year.- I am, Gentleman, etc., David H. Fox, Chief Constable.”

The Chairman said that it was a very satisfactory report.

RENEWAL OF LICENSES.

In the case of the “Avenue Inn,” Snargate Street, Mr. E. le Gros having joined up, the license was transferred to Mrs. Le Gros. It was stated that the house had been in the family for many years. The Bench warned Mrs. Le Gros to be very careful.

The license for singing and music granted for the St. Mary's Parish Hall was put in the name of Mr. Matthews, the Secretary of the Parish Hall, instead of the late Mr. Baker.

The Magistrates decided to renew the whole of the licenses, except the following, the licensees in respect of which were called forward:- Mr. Shingleton, “Cinque Ports Arms”; Mr. A. Fagg, “Eagle Hotel”; and Mr. G. Deverson, “Shakespeare Inn.” The two former had been fined for not exhibiting notices; and the latter for serving at a prohibited hour; and they were cautioned by the Chairman to be very careful to carry out all Orders, after which their licenses were renewed.

ALTERATIONS.

In the case of the “Avenue Inn,” Snargate Street, notice had been given to present plans of alterations. Mr. Mowll appeared, and showed that the corner of the partition where the barrel was in the recent case should be taken off, so that there should be no corner.

In the case of the “Trocadero,” Mr. Casselden attended with a plan, and the Magistrates examined it. The question of the sanitary accommodation was raised by Mr. Prescott; and it was decided with regard to the proposed alterations to the bar, which will be reduced by 8ft., that it would not be passed until the sanitary accommodation was increased. The renewal of the licence was adjourned till the adjourned Sessions in March.

The compensation levy of the railway buffet and the refreshment houses was ordered to be one-third of the ordinary levy.

The permission to open several houses early was renewed, but it was stated that they were not opened now.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 9 February, 1917.

TRANSFER SESSIONS

The special Sessions for transfers, will be held on April 13th, June 1st, August 3rd, October 5th, December 7th, 1917, and January 4th, 1918.

The adjourned meeting for renewing licenses for the Liberties will be held on Wednesday, February 21st, March 22nd, at 11 a.m., for the purpose of hearing applications for new licenses within the Liberties (if any).

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 9 February, 1917.

THE LICENSING SESSIONS

The Dover Licensing meeting on Monday was notably as the first that has been held since the Licensing Compensation Act came in force when the Magistrates have not sent any of the houses in the Town to the Compensation Authority at Canterbury on the grounds of redundancy. The statistics as to drunkenness showed that there were only 42 charges last year, against 139 the previous year – the lowest, we believe, on record. The number of cases reported by the Chief Constable where prosecutions have taken place against licensees shows that the Central Control Board's Orders are being enforced in Dover. The restrictions that the licensed houses are under in Dover are likely to increase instead of decrease. The naval and Military Authorities are clearly determined to strongly enforce all the Government Orders, and there is the fact that in the near future, owing to the decrease of imports, it will be necessary to decrease the amount of grain that is to be converted into beer, with the result that one may expect that if the War continues another twelve months there will, in all probability, be no grain at all available for making beer.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 9 February, 1917.

THE EFFECT OF DINNER BEER

At the Dover Police Court on Monday before Messrs. F. W. Prescott (in the chair) and W. D. Atkins.

William Sawyer was charged with having been drunk and incapable in Woolcomber Street.

The defendant said that he had not had any drink for years, and the cold got hold of him.

Police-constable Vincent said that at 4.20 p.m. on Saturday his attention was called to the defendant in Woolcomber Street by a soldier and a civilian. Defendant was standing with his back to the wall. Witness got him on the path, and as he could not walk he took him into custody.

The defendant said that what he had was in his dinner hour, he walked towards East Cliff and it overcame him. It was due to the bitter cold weather.

The case was dismissed with a caution.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 16 February, 1917.

A RUM CASE

At the Dover Police Court on Wednesday before Messrs. H. F. Edwin and W. D. Atkins.

Frederick Webb, was charged with being drunk and incapable in Cannon Street.

Acting-sergeant H. E. Roberts said at 11.20 p.m. on Tuesday night, he saw prisoner lying on the footpath in Cannon Street, helplessly drunk. In the road near prisoner was a bottle (produced), which he claimed as his property. It contained about three pints of rum. He would not say where he got it. Witness took him on an ambulance to the Police Station.

The Chief Constable said the man had got the drink from where he was employed and it would be a matter for the Customs to say if he had paid duty. It really belonged to the Navy, but the officer of his ship did not want to make a charge. Prisoner was a Dover man employed as a watchman and had not been before the Court before.

A fine of 10s. was imposed.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 16 February, 1917.

DRUNK AND INCAPABLE

At the Dover Police Court on Monday before Messrs. H. F. Edwin (in the chair) and W. D. Atkins.

Edward Thomas Lane was charged with having been drunk and incapable in Tower Hamlets Road.

Police-constable Roberts said that he saw the prisoner lying on the footway in Tower Hamlets Road, helplessly drunk, at five minutes to eight on Sunday evening. Witness removed him on the ambulance to the Police Station with assistance.

Several previous convictions were proved against the prisoner; and the Chief Constable said that the prisoner left his cell that morning in an abominable state.

The Bench said that the prisoner had a very bad record, and they would fine him all they could, but that would only be 10s. It was lucky that he fell into the hands of the Police, as he had £3 19s. upon him.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 16 February, 1917.

DOVER COUNTY SESSIONS

The Dover County Sessions were held on Thursday at the Town Hall. Those present on the bench were Messrs. Monings (in the chair), Edward Chitty, Prescott, Hinds and Major Banks.

LICENSING SESSIONS

It was the annual licensing sessions, and the report of Superintendent Stone, as read at Wingham a fortnight ago, was presented. Superintendent Castle's report was also read.

The Chairman said that the Bench were satisfied with the reports. The licenses had been signed and would be given to the licensees. They were pleased to see the decrease in the convictions.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 2 March, 1917.

DRUNK IN WORTHINGTON STREET

At the Dover Police Court on Saturday morning, before Messrs. T. A. Terson (in the chair) H. F. Edwin and W. D. Atkins.

Elizabeth Helen Pollard was charged with being drunk and incapable in Worthington Street.

Prisoner pleaded guilty.

Sergeant Husk said he was on duty at 8.45 p.m. in Worthington Street, and saw prisoner who was supporting herself against the railings. He spoke to her, and finding she could not take care of herself, took her to the Police Station.

Prisoner said that she was waiting for a tram. She had not been very well, and took a little whisky, but not being used to drink it overcame her.

Prisoner was discharged with caution.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 2 March, 1917.

ADJOURNED LICENSING SESSIONS

The adjourned Licensing Sessions were held at the Town Hall this (Friday) morning, before Sir William Crundall (in the chair), Messrs. W. J. Barnes, H. Hobday, and W. Bradley.

The license of the “Walmer Castle,” Market Square, was transferred from Mr. J. Jolly to Mr. G. Wood (Messrs. A. Leney and Co's agent).

The license of the “Tower Inn,” Tower Street, was transferred from Mr. W. Dobson, to his wife, Mrs. A. J. Dobson, during his illness.

The “New Mogul” was transferred from Mr. A. Booker, who had joined the colours, to his wife, Mrs. M. F. Booker.

The billiard license at the Naval Rest and Sailors' Bethel, Northampton Street, was transferred from Mr. A. Dowman to Mr. F. Holmes.

In regard to the “Trocadero,” it was now explained that there was sufficient lavatory accommodation on the premises, and, with a slight alteration, it was quite satisfactory. In regard to the alteration to the bar, 11ft. was being cut off, so that the customers could be kept under observation; and the licence was now ordered to be issued.

The licence of the late Mr. J. Binfield at Last Lane was transferred to Mr. I. Davis, who had purchased the premises.

The Chairman: Are you going to run the place yourself?

Mr. Davis: If I can have a lease to live forty more years (laughter). I shall try and get a tenant, and then open it.

The transfer was granted.

In regard to the alteration at the “Avenue,” it was stated that it had now been carried out, and was quite satisfactory.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 9 March, 1917.

TOO MANY HOP GARDENS IN KENT

AREA TO BE USED TO GROW FOOD

Mr. R. E. Prothero, Minister of Agriculture, has warned the Kent County War Agricultural committee that, owing to the further restrictions on the output of beer, the area devoted to hops in the county is too large, and should be reduced. He adds:- “The fertility of the land thus diverted from the growth of hops should at once be utilised to increase the essential food supplies of the nation. Potatoes or oats, or, possibly in certain areas, beans, are the most obvious substitutes. I remind you that time is short, and that immediate action is necessary.”

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 9 March, 1917.

SUPPLYING DRINK TO H.M. FORCES

CHARGE AGAINST A WOMEN

At the Dover Police Court on Monday, before. J. H. Back, W. H. Palmer and F. G. Wright.

Agnes Hathaway was charged with unlawfully supplying intoxicating liquor to members of His Magesty's Forces, to wit, two men of the Royal navy Air Service and a stoker of H.M.S. _______, when not on duty, with the intent to make them drunk, or less capable of performing their duties.

Defendant, in answer to the question whether she was guilty or not, said, “It is true, I sent for the beer.”

Police-sergeant A. H. Ovenden said: On Saturday at 3.30 p.m., from information received, I went with Acting-sergeant Roberts and Police-constable Beer, to 5, Thornton's Lane. In the back kitchen were three men, two men of the Royal Naval Air Section and a stoker of H.M.S. ________, also defendant's next door neighbour. Defendant was in the act of going up stairs with three quart bottles of beer in her apron. We stopped her and she said, “I bought and paid for these; these are mine.” We also found another full bottle of beer behind a door in the room and under the table an empty bottle. On the table were two cups which had contained malt liquor. Two of the men were decidedly the worse for drink. The two Royal Naval Air Service men were on pass, and were allowed to go. The stoker was an absentee and was handed over to the Naval patrol. We brought Mrs. Hathaway and the five bottles to the Police Station, where she was cautioned and charged. In answer to the charge, she said the stoker gave her 7s. with which she paid for the beer. She said that Mrs. Hughes, the neighbour, had brought them in. They had apparently had warning of our approach from the children that were outside.

Defendant said that one of the bottles was a paraffin bottle.

Witness said that he was a teetotaller, and perhaps he could not tell, but smelling one bottle he said that it smelled of beer and paraffin mixed!

Defendant: It is paraffin! You can burn it! The two men who were drunk did not have anything in her house. She denied saying that Mrs. Hughes brought the men.

The Chief Constable said that he wished to call attention to the fact that a man absent without leave was found in this woman's house, the worse for drink. This was a thing which the Naval authorities had called special attention to, viz., men getting drunk on the sly, which affected the welfare of the men and made them not fit for the performance of their duty if called upon.

The Chairman said that the Bench considered this to be a very serious offence at this time, for the men who are defending our shores to be enticed into these places and to be given beer, which unfitted them for the duty they might have to go off at any time to do. They could send defendant to prison for a very considerable period, or inflict a heavy fine, but as this was her first offence they would deal leniently with her by fining defendant 40s., or three weeks imprisonment in default. She would be allowed until Saturday to pay. They wanted that case to be a warning that others would be more seriously punished.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 16 March, 1917.

LICENSES REFERRED

The Licensing Justices of the St. Augustine's Division, at their adjourned licensing meeting at Canterbury, on Saturday, referred the “Rose Inn,” and the “Tower Hotel,” Herne Bay, to the Compensation Authorities.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 27 April, 1917.

DRUNKEN SEAMEN

At the Dover Police Court on Monday, before Messrs. W. J. Barnes (in the chair) and W. D. Atkins.

Michael m. Thornton was charged with having been drunk and incapable in the Market Square.

The defendant pleaded guilty.

Acting Police-sergeant Popple said that at 10.10 o'clock on Saturday night he saw the defendant and another man. The defendant was obviously drunk. He fell whilst being assisted by another man, and when they turned him over they found his eye bleeding.

It was stated that the defendant belonged to a merchant ship; and the captain said that the defendant was a reliable man, but, owing to a “little bit of a scrimmage outside, he had taken too much to drink.”

The case was dismissed with a caution.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 8 June, 1917.

KENT NEW LAND TO BE PLOUGHED

The Board of Agriculture has consented to the inclusion of the acreage of hop land that has been grubbed as a part of the County's quota of land (95,000 acres) to be brought under the plough.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 13 July, 1917.

THEFT OF WHISKY FROM THE PRIORY GOODS STATION.

At the Dover Police Court on Saturday, before Messrs. J. W. Bussey (in the chair) and H. Hobday.

William Mount, of 141, Clarendon Street, was charged with stealing twelve bottles of whisky from the Priory Goods Yard, the property of the S.E. and C.R. Company, valued at £3 18s.

Ernest Richard Wyborn, checker at the Priory Goods Yard, said that the prisoner was a stableman in the employ of the Company. On Thursday night the whiskies were checked, and were safe when he closed the shed in the yard. There were three cases of the spirit there, the same as portions of the one produced, and there were twelve bottles of Greers' whisky in each. Witness also saw five bags of chaff in the stable for the horses. When witness opened the doors of the shed the next morning, in clearing the shed up, he noticed only three bags of chaff and only two of the three cases of whisky. Witness then reported the case to Mr. Harnett, the manager. Prisoner came round and fetched the three bags of fodder. It would be his duty to fetch them as required. Witness came on duty at 7.30 a.m., but the prisoner was there before that hour.

James Henry Langley, goods checker, said that he commenced work at six o'clock on Friday morning. When he returned from breakfast at about 9.30 he saw the prisoner come out with the fodder. There were two bags on the platform. Witness saw the third in the shed, and he carried that out for the prisoner and put it with the others.

Detective Greenland said that shortly after three o'clock on Friday he received information as to the theft of the case of whisky from the yard. Subsequently he went to the stables in the yard, where he saw the prisoner Mount, whom he asked if he was in charge of the stables. And he replied that he was. Witness told him that something was missing, and that he (witness) was going to search the stable. In doing so witness found an old coat hanging on the wall, and in the lining he felt a bottle of whisky which had been tampered with. Witness then cautioned him, and asked him how he accounted for the bottle being there. He said, “I do not know.” He denied that the coat was his, but on turning it round witness found a pocket book, which the prisoner admitted was his, and one he had for putting greenstuff down in. Witness again asked him if the coat was his, and he said, “Yes; an old one.” Witness made a further search in the chaff-room, and found three sacks of chaff leaning against the bin, which witness asked him to tip in the bin. The third sack witness undid himself, and as he was doing so the prisoner said, “There is nothing in there.” Witness put his hand into it, and pulled out a bottle of whisky. Witness then got the prisoner to tip the rest of the chaff out of the sack, and witness recovered seven bottles of whisky in all. Witness asked the prisoner how he accounted for the bottles being there, and he said, “I do not know. I brought over five sacks of chaff between 9.30 and 10 this morning from the goods platform.” Witness asked him how he accounted for bringing over five sacks when there were only three there. He said, “I brought five over.” Witness asked him at what time he was in the yard that morning. At first he said “3.45,” and then “4.30.” Witness brought him to the Police Station, where he was charged, and in reply he said, “It is not in my coat.” Witness's attention was called to the broken case (produced), which was under the wall in the yard, near the exit gate. Witness searched the prisoner at the Station, and found a corkscrew and £30 1s. 7d. in money, mostly notes.

George Harnett, goods agent, said that a case of whisky, consigned to Messrs. Lukey, left in the shed the previous night with two others, was missing. He made every possible inquiry about the case, and subsequently it was reported that boards representing parts of the missing case had been found in the goods yard. He reported the matter to the Police at once. The prisoner was the only man who would have access to the fodder and harness room, and had the key. His booked time was 5 a.m., and he had been specially warned not to arrive earlier. A watchman was employed at night.

Prisoner: There is a key left there in the day time.

You should not. Why do you do that?

The prisoner asked the Bench to deal with the case, and pleaded not guilty. He said that he went home to dinner at ten minutes to 12, and got back at 2.30. The detective felt the coat and found the bottle partly emptied, and he told him that he knew nothing about it.
The Magistrates' Clerk: The whisky was found in the place you had control of. Do you want to call any witnesses?

I have no witnesses, sir.

Mr. Lord said the prisoner had worked for the Company for about thirty years. He did not know of anything previous against him. They were losing very many things through theft as well as the interference with articles on transit. During the great stress of the war it was very difficult to exercise that supervision which was necessary to prevent that kind of thing. The prisoner had been trusted as an old servant of the Company, and they were sorry to see him in such a position, but they felt they must press the charge.

The Magistrates' Clerk: He loses his job?

Yes.

The Chairman said that the Bench were very sorry to see the prisoner in that position after such service with the Company. They were satisfied that he was guilty, but were not going to send him to prison. They would fine him £5; or, in default, a month's imprisonment.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 20 July, 1917.

SCENE AT BUCKLAND.

At the Dover Police Court on Saturday, before Messrs. Edward Chitty (in the chair) and H. Hobday.

Lawrence Sykes was charged with having been drunk and disorderly in Cherry Tree Avenue.

The defendant said that he was guilty of having been disorderly.

P.C. Richards said: At 9.30 p.m. I went to Cherry Tree Avenue, owing to information I had received. I saw prisoner there drunk and stripped to the waist, wanting to fight someone. I advised him to go away. He refused to do so, and asked to be locked up. I took him into custody, and brought him to the Police Station. He has lost his foot, I believe.

The defendant: I was not drunk.

Chief Inspector Green said that he was at the Police Station when the prisoner was brought in. He had nothing on except his trousers. He was very excited, smelt of drink, and was apparently drunk. He lives in Herbert Street, and the Constable had to sent to him from the Police Station.

The defendant said that he had never had any drink that day.

The Chief Constable said that the defendant called at the Police Station previously. He was then drunk. He had a mark on his face, and wanted a man to be taken into custody. When they refused and told him to summons the man, he said that he would have it out with the man himself.

The defendant said that he lived in a very rough neighbourhood, and the people knocked his house about and stole things. A man waylaid him as he was going from work, and he heard him raving about a woman. The man knocked him about. He came to the Police Station to get the man arrested, but they advised him to summons the man, and he said he would go back and fight him. He wished that he had taken the Inspector's advice and summoned him.

The Chairman said that after the defendant had had time to think it over he had behaved in a disgraceful manner. No one had the right to walk about the streets with only their breeches on. He would be fined 20s.