From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 15 February, 1867.

COUNTY POLICE COURT

Joseph Davis, who had been remanded from a previous day on a charge of breaking into the house of William Fairbrass, and stealing therefrom a great coat value 10s. was again brought up.

The evidence of the prosecutor and of Superintendent English had been taken at the first examination.

That of the first wont to show that he was a labourer living in the parish of Hougham. On Wednesday morning, January 30, about half-past six he left his house to go to work, his wife and children being in bed. Everything in the house when he left was right as far as he noticed. In about an hour afterwards his wife sent for him and on going back to his house he found that several things had been taken from it. The great coat in question was one of the articles missed. The Superintendent, who is stationed at Seabrook, said that on the day in question he received information that several things had been taken from Mr. Fairbrass's house. He made enquiries, and on Thursday morning, on coming through Sandgate, he met the prisoner coming up the street. He was wearing the coat produced and identified by Fairbrass. Witness said, "This is the coat I have been looking for; where did you get it?" prisoner replied, "I bought it." Witness then charged him with stealing it, and took him into custody.

Frederick Kitham now deposed: I live at the "Valiant Sailor," at the top of Folkestone Hill. Last Wednesday week I was on the Dover Road, about eight o'clock in the morning, when I saw the prisoner. When I first saw him he appeared to have his coat off and to be in his shirt sleeves. It was rather foggy at the time. There was a bend in the road; and I lost sight of him for a little while; but when I saw him again he had a brown coat on. He looked towards Dover, and then took up a coat off the bank and went down the lane. When he came back he had the coat on and was buttoning it up. The coat now produced by Superintendent English is very much like it. He had two bundles in his hand, one tied up in a red and white handkerchief and the other in a blue one. After the prisoner had gone I looked and found the old coat now produced, stuffed in a hole in the bank, close to where I had seen the prisoner standing. I afterwards gave the coat to Superintendent English.

In cross-examination the prisoner witness said he had no doubt as to his identity.

This completed the case for the prosecution; and the prisoner, after having had the usual caution read over to him, said nothing in his defence.

The prisoner was then fully committed to take his trial at the next Maidstone Sessions, instead of at Canterbury, on account of there being a larger number of prisoner's then usual at St. Augustine's.

Three other charges were preferred against the prisoner, who was accused of stealing clothes the property of Sergeant Tilley, Corporal Seaton, and Private Elms.

It appeared from the evidence of Mrs. Tilley, wife of the first named prosecutor, that she washed for her husband and the two other men. On the 27th January her husband gave her white under flannel and a print shirt belonging to himself, a pair of drawers belonging to Corporal Seaton, and a night shirt of Private Elms. She washed them on the 29th, and on the 31st hung them out to dry, about ten o'clock in the morning. When she went, about three, to take them in, she missed them.

The prisoner was committed for trial on these charges also.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 18 October, 1895.

FATAL ACCIDENT

On Monday evening a sad trap accident occurred on Folkestone Hill, by which Mrs. Aird, landlady of the "Valiant Sailor," was killed, her husband and another occupant injured, and the horse killed.

Dover Express 09 April 1915.

"VALIANT SAILOR" LICENCE.

At the Eltham County Bench on Thursday last week, the licence of the "Valiant Sailor", at the top of Folkestone Hill, was temporarily transferred from the executors of the late Mr. William Aird to Mr. Alfred Aird.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 30 April, 1926. Price 1½d.

BURGLARY AT THE VALIANT SAILOR

At the Seabrook Police Court on Friday last week, Andrew Benedict Richards, of Chatham, who was charged on remand with breaking and entering the "Valiant Sailor," Hawkinge, near Folkestone, and stealing five Masonic medals, a metal watch and a bunch of keys, valued £7 5s., was committed for trial at the Kent Assizes. The Magistrates adopted a similar course in regard to two other charges of housebreaking at Cheriton.

Mr. A. C. Aird, of the "Valiant Sailor," stated that on the night of the 14th inst. he made an inspection of the premises and found them all secure. Just after six o'clock on the following morning, upon going downstairs, he noticed that the dining room window was open and one pane was broken near the catch. The room itself was in a state of great disorder. There was an office adjoining the dining room and the door had been locked. He unlocked the door and found that the window was open, and a pane of glass near the catch was broken. The office was also in great disorder. The front door was also unbolted. He missed nothing from the dining room, but he found that five of his Masonic jewels (three produced) and a gun metal watch, which had been kept in a drawer in his desk, had gone. Later he missed a bunch of keys, some foreign coins, and a small electric torch. He identified the three medals, whilst the keys and watch were similar to those he had had. The value of the missing articles was between £7 and £8.

Detective Constable Avory, stationed at Seabrook, deposed to examining the last witness's premises on the morning of the 15th inst. A room used as an office had been entered by the window, which had a pane of glass broken near the catch. The room had the appearance of having been hurriedly searched. On the 18th inst. he saw the accused in Custody at Chatham Police Station. When charged and cautioned Richards said, "Three of the medals I gave to three men at Folkestone; I also gave one of them the watch. I do not know who they were." On the 20th he (witness) recovered the watch at New Romney.

Miss Mary Green, of Chatham, said the prisoner was her brother, and on the 15th inst. he gave her two medals, a tobacco pouch, a silver pen and pencil, and a pair of gloves.

From the Dover Express, 19 August, 1938.

TELEVISION IN EAST KENT. RECEPTION AT "VALIANT SAILOR."

Radio enthusiasts will be interested to learn of the splendid reception of television programmes at the Highcliffe Tea Gardens (adjoining the "Valiant Sailor") which is 546ft. above sea level. Although some 80 miles from the television transmitter at Alexandra Palace, programmes are received with the utmost clarity. The demonstrations are arranged by Bobby’s wireless department, of 8, Bouverie Place, Folkestone, and two Pye vision receivers are used.

From the Dover Express, 13 May, 1970

£80 pub raid at Capel

Drinks and cigarettes worth £80 were stolen during the weekend from the "Valiant Sailor" public house at the top of Dover Hill, Folkestone, by raiders who got through a window.

From the Dover Express, 20 November 2014.

A most wonderful time of the year.

Why Christmas Day in your local is magical. By John Townsend, landlord of the Valiant Sailor in Capel.

CHRISTMAS is always a special time for family and friends sharing good food and drink.

Running a pub you get to celebrate this wonderful time of the year with your customers.

Some pop by for a drink while the dinner is cooking, others like having their Christmas dinner cooked by someone else so they can relax and enjoy it.

A pub’s atmosphere on this day particularly is so warm and it’s great to see everyone happy. It just feels like home.

This is our first year in the Valiant Sailor and we are opening for drinks on Christmas Day at noon for three hours.

So if you want to come by we’ll have a log fire burning.

Next Christmas we hope to be cooking the Christmas dinner too!

From the Dover Express, 26 March 2015.

CELEBRATE the start of spring at this lovely pub.

VALIANT: The Valiant Sailor in Capel.

Easter is a week away and that long bank holiday weekend will soon be here.

THE evenings are getting lighter, the weather is turning brighter and the grass is getting greener - surely that means we have made it to spring!

Here at the Valiant Sailor in Capel-Le Ferne, we have it all on offer this Easter, whether the weather turns out to be lovely and sunny or if it’s raining and windy. We have a lovely beer garden which also offers a children’s play area, meaning you can come and enjoy a drink with friends and let the kids have some fun at the same time.

We also now offer traditional home-cooked food complete with children’s menu all at £4.85, which you can enjoy in our restaurant area, or in the pub area for a more relaxed atmosphere. Be sure to book to avoid disappointment as we can fill up quickly - especially on a Sunday for our roasts.

After spending most of the winter tucked up at home, make sure you make the most of your bank holiday weekend and come and see us for a drink, lunch or dinner.

■ Book your table with John or Mike on 01303 621737.

Folkestone Express 8 July 1871.

Impudent Burglary.

On Wednesday night some daring persons gained an entrance to the Valiant Sailor public house by breaking the window of a back kitchen after the inhabitants had retired. A rabbit which the burglars found in the house was skinned and dressed, a fire lighted in the grate, and the rabbit cooked. Cloth was laid and plates and knives and forks used, and the men (if they were men and not ghouls) sat down to their nocturnal meal, leaving everything to be cleared away by the hostess in the morning.

Folkestone Express 10 February 1877.

Inquest.

Nothing has transpired during the last week to disturb the usual briskness of the ordinary work in the Warren, except the finding of the body of the unfortunate man Marsh, who was killed by the fall near the Eagle's Nest. The poor man's body was found on Monday evening by a platelayer named Underdown, who was engaged in clearing away the chalk and earth. The remains were so dreadfully mutilated as to be scarcely recognisable, the lower jaw being completely knocked up over the nose, and the legs and body so compressed as to leave hardly a whole bone in the body. Strange to say, those who expected to find the remains of the unfortunate man near the spot where he was last seen, were greatly surprised to find that they were discovered about two chains away, on the top of the chalk, and not, as some thought they would be found lying close to the metals. This was accounted for by the fact that the poor man was walking along the line, and the first fall of the chalk knocked him down, but instead of burying him, threw his body on the top, the remainder of the chalk then burying him.

Last Wednesday, one of the most interesting operations that have taken place since the first slip was commenced, in the shape of blasting away the loose portions of the cliff, which were thought to be dangerous, and likely, if they fell, to again stop the line. During the latter part of last week and the beginning of this, men were engaged in picking away the outer face of the cliff previous to blasting. To enable them to do this they were suspended over the cliff by ropes, which were passed through a ring to a leather belt which they wore round their waists, and which were fastened to stakes driven some distance into the ground. The face of the cliff is very much altered, indeed, from about 300 yards on the Dover side of the Eagle's Nest, for a good distance the cliff is hardly recognisable.

An addition of 400 men has been made to those now working on the tunnel and slips, and it is now almost certain that the tunnel will be clear in about 28 days. So nearly have they got through that the sound of the men working on the outside is plainly heard by those clearing on the inside of the tunnel. It is proposed to make an open cutting of part of the Martello Tunnel, from the Dover end, for about 150 to 200 yards.

The men do not have to travel very far for their beer, Messrs. Langton and Co., of the Imperial Brewery, Tontine Street, having erected a shed near the works and taken out a license to sell intoxicating liquors there. Those who have charge of the beershop are very often placed in a very awkward predicament. For instance, on one occasion, just as they had "turned in" for a little rest, some of the excavators called for beer, and upon being refused, threatened to burn the "shanty" down, and actually kindled a large fir on the outside with the intention of so doing, but the inmates having become alarmed, they supplied them with beer.

On Sunday evening, as the South Eastern Railway Company's bus was proceeding to Dover a number of navvies waylaid it, and having thrashed the conductor and driver, jumped on the top and drove off to Dover.

"It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good" is thoroughly verified by the fact that although the stoppage of the line is a great loss to the South Eastern Railway Company it has proved a lucky windfall to the keepers of the toll gates on the Dover Road, the traffic along the road being enormous.

An inquest was held at the Valiant Sailor, on the Dover Road, on Wednesday last, before the County Coroner, Thos. Thorpe Delasaux Esq., on the body of the unfortunate man Marsh, who was killed by the fall of chalk from the Eagle's Nest in the Warren on the 15th January last.

The unfortunate man, who has been in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company for upwards of twenty five years, leaves a wife and family, and we are pleased to notice that several benevolent persons are endeavouring to raise a subscription for them.

Henry Underdown, a Folkestone man, who is a platelayer in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company, said he had been employed with many others in clearing away the chalk which had fallen on the line in the slip from the Eagle's Nest. He was present when the body of the deceased was found on Monday last about five o'clock. He was quite dead, and appeared to have been so for some days. He believed deceased came by his death by being suffocated by the chalk that had fallen upon him. He had been working near the spot where the deceased was killed. He believed the slip was caused by the great quantity of rain which had lately fallen, and thought that the deceased was accidentally killed.

Charles Peters, living at Folkestone, a platelayer, who has been employed on the South Eastern Railway for the last twenty years, identified the body as that of William Marsh, who was in the same employ as himself. He said that on the day in question he was at dinner with the deceased, when his wife called him (deceased) to put a plaster on his side, as he had had one of his ribs broken some time back. While the deceased was having the plaster put on witness was sent for by Mr. Brady. Shortly after he saw deceased walking down the line towards Dover with a signal flag in his hand, and a few seconds after an immense quantity of chalk fell in the direction in which the deceased had gone, and on the spot where his body has since been found. He agreed with the last witness; in his opinion the fall of chalk was occasioned by the late heavy rains. Not a moment's warning was given of the probability of the chalk falling.

Edward Scott, another platelayer, also identified the body and corroborated the evidence of the last witness.

The Coroner, in summing up, said there were only two questions for the jury to consider, and they were what caused the deceased's death, and whether he was suffocated by the chalk falling upon him. There was no blame attached to anyone, and he had no doubt the falling of the earth was caused by the late heavy rains.

After a short deliberation the jury returned a unanimous verdict of "Accidental Death" caused by a great quantity of earth falling upon him.

Folkestone Express 18 October 1879.

Hythe County Police Court.

Before The Mayor, Rev. F. Wrench, and Dr. Wildash.

William Vye was charged with being drunk and refusing to quit licensed premises, the Valiant Sailor Inn, Dover Road, Folkestone, on the 7th instant.

William Aird said that on the 7th inst. the defendant went to his house in the evening intoxicated. He ordered the defendant out, and he refused to go, so witness ejected him. Defendant then used disgusting language and took off his coat to fight, and struck at him repeatedly.

John Giles said that he saw Mr. Aird trying to put the defendant out. He could not say if the defendant was drunk; if he was not drunk, he was very "fightable".

The Bench fined the defendant £1 and 12s. costs, or in default 14 days' hard labour.

Folkestone Express 17 July 1880.

County Court.

Saturday, July 10th: Before G. Russell Esq.

William Sellis v William Aird: This was a claim by the plaintiff, a lad, lately in the employ of defendant, a dairyman, residing at the Valiant Sailor Inn, to recover damages for wrongful dismissal. There was a second case, in which Walter Banks was the plaintiff, the particulars being precisely the same. Nr. Minter appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr. Mowll for the defendant.

William Sellis said he entered the defendant's service on the 11th October last for twelve months at £8 10s. a year. He was to board and sleep in the house. On Sunday, the 13th June, he was discharged. He and his companion reached home at ten minutes past eleven. His master said he was not going to keep the house open for them on Sunday night. He turned them out, but afterwards allowed them to sleep there for the night.

In reply to Mr. Mowll, plaintiff denied that they had continually missed customers. They had not given Mr. Aird great trouble by staying out late at night and refusing to get up in the morning when called. It was not a quarter to twelve when they got home on Sunday night. Mr. Aird said he would give them till eleven o'clock sometimes. They had to get up at five o'clock in the morning.

Walter Banks corroborated this evidence. He said Mr. Aird was not waiting up for them, as there were persons in the house when they got home. It had frequently been half past eleven before they got home when Mr. Aird was in the town with them.

In cross-examination witness denied having missed as many as fifteen customers in one round. They had missed customers because it was impossible to remember them out of their heads. Frequently Mr. Aird did not book up for three days.

Defendant then described the duties of the two lads. In consequence of their irregularity in delivering milk he had lost many of his best customers. He had frequent complaints. The week before he discharged them they missed as many as twenty customers. They did not have a written list. They would have to go to about eighty houses, and they knew them well. He frequently had to complain about their not getting up, and ten o'clock was their time to get home without they had permission to stay later. On one occasion they stayed out all night. It was a quarter to twelve when they reached home on the Sunday night in question, and their delivery for the day had not been booked. They told his man they did not care for his customers. They were yearly servants, and it did not matter what they did. He was a considerable loser in consequence of the lads not having fulfilled their engagement.

Jams Tickner, a man in Mr, Aird's employ, said it was a quarter to twelve when the lads came home. He had never known them to be working for Mr. Aird after eight o'clock, beyond feeding the ponies.

Mr. John David Robinson and Mr. Daniel Ealding gave evidence that the plaintiffs had frequently neglected to deliver milk to them.

His Honour said he must hold that the boys were culpably negligent, and that their dismissal was justified. He gave judgement for the defendant in each case. Mr. Aird did not ask for costs.

Folkestone Express 4 June 1881.

Inquest.

On Wednesday afternoon an inquest was held at the Royal Oak Inn on the Dover Road on the body of a man who was found dead in a field at Capel-le-Ferne. From a paper found on the body it was ascertained that his name was Thomas Tickner, and that he was formerly a gunner in the Royal Artillery. He had been previously seen in the Railway Bell Inn, and subsequently at the Valiant Sailor Inn, where he appears to have created a disturbance. The body was found lying over a land roller. There were several bruises about the face, both eyes were blackened, and the head, face, and neck were very greatly discoloured in such a manner as to lead to the suspicion that the man had met with foul play. The presumption was further strengthened by the fact that on searching the body the police only found a sixpence and some coppers, while it was stated that the morning previous he was at a public house in the neighbourhood, when he had, besides other money, a half sovereign in his possession. It appeared, however, from the medical evidence, that the man's neck was dislocated. There was no extravasation of blood in the brains, and as there appeared to be no doubt that the man had been addicted to drinking, it was thought he probably sat on the roller and fell over, and a verdict was returned of death from dislocation of the neck, there being no evidence to show how it occurred.

Folkestone Express 3 September 1881.

Hythe Petty Sessions.

Thursday, September 1st: Before Major Kirkpatrick, K. Kingsford Esq., and Dr. Wildash.

Thomas Young, a tramp, was charged with stealing, on the 27th of August, 5s., the money of William Aird, of the Valiant Sailor, Folkestone.

P.C. Wickens said that the prisoner was given into his custody, and he told him that he was charged with stealing 10s. He said he knew nothing about it. On the way to the police station, prisoner said "Policeman, you were right; I put a 2s. piece in a man's pocket. You must do your duty, but if it is months hence I shall come back and find my nest".

The prisoner pleaded Guilty, and was sentenced to two months ' hard labour.

Folkestone Express 22 July 1882.

Local News.

At the County Police Court on Monday, John Ferguson, of Folkestone, was brought up charged with assaulting Mr. and Mrs. Aird, of the Valiant Sailor public house, on the Folkestone Road, on Sunday last; and with doing damage to the door to the amount of 4s. He stood further charged with assaulting Police Constable Wickens of the County Constabulary.

William Aird said that on Sunday afternoon the defendant went to his house, in company with two or three others, knocked at the door with a tremendous force, and witness opened it and found defendant there with his coat and waistcoat off. Witness asked them what they wanted, as it was during prohibited hours. Prisoner said "Give me two glasses of whisky". He replied that he could not have it as it was during prohibited hours. Defendant then made use of the most obscene language and sat down on a form outside. He therefore asked him to move, and went up to him, and putting his hand on his shoulder said "Move on". The prisoner then struck him a blow on the side of the head. Witness ran indoors and got his gun and said "Now the next man that comes in here I will strike him over the head with the butt end of my gun". He went into the house, and his wife went to shut the door, but whilst she was doing that the prisoner struck her in the face, causing the blood to flow. Witness then sent for a constable, and after he came defendant kicked him twice whilst he was endeavouring to take him into custody. After they got the prisoner into the cart to convey him to the Dover Police Station he was very violent, and whilst on the road the prisoner suddenly cocked his foot up and kicked witness on the side of the head very severely. He made use of the most filthy language all the way to the station.

Lizzie Vidler, who resides opposite, corroborated the complainant's statement. She saw the prisoner pull out his purse and ask the other man to go and get something to drink.

Instructing Constable Henry Wickens, stationed at Hougham, said he went with Mr. Aird and others in pursuit of the prisoner, and came up with him and three other men near the Royal Oak. Mr. Aird charged him with assaulting and beating him, and witness said "I shall have to apprehend you and convey you to Dover". He replied "You b----, you take me into custody. Why, I will be the death of you". The prisoner then began to kick about and swear so, that he called the assistance of Mr. Aird, and with difficulty they handcuffed him. The prisoner kicked witness twice in the scuffle. At last they got him in a cart, and with difficulty conveyed him to Dover. On the road the prisoner was very violent and threw up one of his feet and caught Mr. Aird in the face.

William Hilton, a tailor, of 62, Fenchurch Street, Folkestone, said: On Sunday afternoon I was with the prisoner, Mr. Hayes, and Mr. Allen. Three of us went up the hill from Folkestone and sat outside Mr. Aird's house on a seat. When we arrived there were two young gentlemen outside, and they knocked at Mr. Aird's door. Mr. Aird came out, but the young gentlemen were gone. The landlord pushed the prisoner, Ferguson, Hayes and myself off the seat. The prisoner asked what he meant by doing so, and with that Aird ran indoors and fetched a double barrelled gun and, aiming it at the prisoner, fired. However, I supposed there was only a cap on it for it only made a slight noise when he fired. The prisoner resisted the gun, and pushed Aird's arm on one side. The landlord then ran indoors and got a poker, saying he would knock his (the prisoner's) brains out with it. Subsequently I went up the road, and by the time we got to the Royal Oak, Hougham, a constable and three others came up to us in a cart. The constable said he was going to take the prisoner into custody for assaulting Mr. Aird. After the prisoner was in custody I saw Mr. Aird put his hand into prisoner's pocket and take out a purse containing 25s. and put it into his own. The prisoner wanted me to take the money, but Aird would not let him, as he put his hand into prisoner's pocket and took the purse out. We never knocked at Aird's door at all, but it was two young gentlemen who did it. The evidence of the last witness is not true. The prisoner pulled off his coat and waistcoat while coming up the hill, and it is not true that he pulled his shirt off. The prisoner did not pull his purse out and ask us to go and get something. The prisoner was quite sober, and so were all the rest of us. We had previously been at the Fountain and had some ginger beer and whisky mixed. Previous to that we had been at the Globe, where we had been after we came out the Fountain, and we separated and went home to dinner, and then walked on to Dover.

H.J. Hayes, a groom, residing at 57, Fenchurch Street, Folkestone, said: I was with the prisoner on Sunday. We went to the Fountain and had some beer and the others had ginger beer. I did not go to the other public house with them, as I met them just as they had left that place. Then we went and had dinner, and we walked down to the Junction Station at Folkestone in order to come to Dover. However, we were too late and we set off to walk. The prisoner said he would walk me up the Dover hill, and for that purpose the prisoner pulled off his coat and waistcoat, and Allen held them for him. The prisoner arrived at the Valiant Sailor first, and then sat down on the seat outside. Two young gentlemen were sitting on the seat at the time and knocked at the door, but as nobody came they went away. Just as they had gone, however, the prosecutor came out and asked us what we meant by knocking at his door. We told him we had not done so, and he replied "You ---- blackguards. You get off my premises". With this Aird pushed us all off the seat. Some words then ensued between Aird and the prisoner, who had been sitting on the seat nearest the door. I never saw prisoner strike Aird or his wife. Aird then ran into the house and got a double barrelled gun, which he presented at the prisoner, and on the right hand nipple there was a cap, but he could not fire, for the hammer was only half cocked. Finding the gun would not go off he ran in again and got the poker, after which a scuffle ensued. I then proceeded up the road. After this the constable, Mr. Aird, and another man came up with us near the Royal Oak, Hougham. The constable told the prisoner he was going to take him into custody on a charge of assaulting and beating Mr. and Mrs. Aird. The prisoner said he knew nothing about it. The prisoner then wished me to take his money, but Aird would not allow him, and took it out of his pocket. There were two half sovereigns, two two shilling pieces, and two sixpences. The prosecutor then took the money out and threw the purse on the side of the road in the grass.

Mrs. Vidler was re-called, and said she was confident she saw Ferguson pull out his purse, and heard him ask Hayes to go and get something, and after waiting for a time the prisoner went and thumped the door with his fists and head. She did not see any young gentlemen there before they came up the hill. Hayes was the first man to go to the door, but he did not appear to knock, and then Ferguson went. Ferguson was the first man up there, and then, as witness was frightened, she rushed to the door to see what the man had got his coat off for, and then saw the other three coming up the hill. She saw Aird with a gun after Ferguson struck him. The gun was not pointed, however, but he used the butt end.

At the request of Superintendent Maxted, the case was adjourned till Thursday.

John Ferguson was brought up on remand at the County Petty Sessions, held at the Town Hall, Dover, on Thursday afternoon.

Mr. Mowll appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Rayner for the defence.

The evidence taken at the previous hearing will be found on another page.

Mr. Aird, the prosecutor, produced the gun which the witnesses alleged he had fired at them. It was a central fire breech-loading gun. He had not used it for quite six weeks previous to Sunday last.

Cross-examined by Mr. Payne: After the prisoner struck him he went indoors and took his gun from the place where he usually kept it. He held it by the barrel with the butt upwards. He did not see the prisoner rap at the door, but he peeped through the blind and saw him leave the door.

Mrs. Harriett Aird was next called. She corroborated her husband's evidence and said that she was upstairs when she heard the knocking at the door, and immediately went downstairs to see what was the matter, and heard her husband say to the prisoner "If you continue knocking like that I'll knock the first one down with this". He had a poker in his hand which he picked up after he had put the gun away. She tried to shut the door and had nearly fastened it when it was thrust open and the prisoner hit her in the mouth, cutting her lip. The prisoner took everything off with the exception of his trousers. Her husband held the gun with the butt upwards.

Lizzie Vidler said that on the Sunday afternoon she was sitting at her window, facing the door of Aird's house, and she did not see anyone go to the door before the prisoner. She saw him running up the hill with his hat and coat off, giving her the impression that he was mad. When Mr. Aird took the gun out he held it in a striking attitude by the barrel, with the butt over his shoulder, and afterwards saw the prisoner run at the door with his head and burst it open. Mr. Aird did not point the gun at either of the men.

Charles Cox, a milkman, said the he was going up the hill on Sunday afternoon, and he saw the prisoner walking up very fast, passing him. Prisoner had his coat, waistcoat and hat off. He was alone at the time, but there was a young man behind. When witness reached the top prisoner was outside the Valiant Sailor. He saw him "go at" the door with his head and burst it open. Prisoner then took his shirt off and threw it in the road. Witness did not see any more, as he drove on towards Capel.

At this stage of the proceeding it was understood that Mr. Mowll would ask the magistrates would grant summonses for perjury against the witnesses for the defence, and Mr. Payne, before examining them, cautioned them before proceeding.

William Milton was the first witness called, and he still adhered to the statements made by him at the previous hearing. The gun was produced and he held the gun in the way which he said Aird held it, viz., with both hands, as if ready to raise it to his shoulder to fire. He was positive that he saw a cap on the gun, and saw the flash when the hammer fell.

Henry Hayes, better known as "Buck Taylor" was the next witness. He gave his evidence in a very clear manner. He examined the gun and said it was the one used by Aird on the day in question. He positively swore that although he was fifteen yards from Aird he could see that the gun was only half cocked, and that was the reason it did not go off. There were two young men at Aird's door when they went up, and they knocked at the door, although they said they had tried before and did not think it would be much good. Half a second after they knocked, they left the door, and one second and a half after ther were out of sight. He was very positive as to the time it took for the young men to get out of sight. Neither the prisoner nor any of them knocked at the door; it was the two young men.

Alfred Allen, a seafaring-looking man, living at Folkestone, said that he carried the prisoner's things. When he reached the Valiant Sailor he saw Aird with a poker. He was about 30 or 40 yards away when the scuffle took place, but he did not see the prisoner burst the door open. He denied, as the two previous witnesses had done, that the prisoner took off his shirt. He saw several young men on the hill. After a great deal of hesitation witness stated that he did not see two young men going away from the Valiant Sailor. He went up the path and the young men might have gone the other way.

The magistrates retired for a short time, and upon their return said that they found the prisoner guilty on all three charges, and they fined him 2s. 6d. for wilful damage, 4s. damages and 3s. 6d. costs for bursting open the door. For assaulting the Police Constable they sentenced him to two months' hard labour, and for assaulting Mr. and Mrs. Aird, one month's hard labour. The costs in each of the assault cases amounted to £1 5s. 6d., and in default of payment, 14 days' hard labour.

The court was crowded, and at times during the evidence for the defence some applause was attempted, but instantly suppressed.

It was understood at the conclusion of the case that the magistrates had granted summonses for perjury against Hayes or Taylor, Milton and Allen.

Folkestone Express 24 October 1885.

Saturday, October 17th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Caister, Dr. Bateman, Colonel De Crespigny, J. Holden and J. Fitness Esqs.

William Collard, William Wicks, and Henry Sharp were charged with trespassing in search of rabbits on land in the occupation of William Aird.

Mr. Aird, a farmer, residing at the Valiant Sailor, said he occupied Lime Kiln Farm. On the 12th inst., about 10.30 a.m., he saw four men coming along. They passed his house and went across to the cliff. He saw something moving in the side pocket of one of them. He went upstairs and watched them, and saw them go towards the edge of the cliff. He followed them, and saw Wicks and Collard stooping down at a rabbit hole. He saw Wicks put a net in his pocket, and one was left behind. They had a ferret with them, which they also left behind. He took all their names. They afterwards went to his house and threatened him because he would not give up the ferret.

Charles Vidler, a man in the employ of Mr. Aird, said he saw Wicks and Collard, each at a rabbit hole, on the edge of the cliff. He produced a ferret which was taken from one of the holes after the men had left.

The defendants were each fined 10s. and 10s. costs, or 14 days' hard labour.

Wednesday, October 21st: Before Captain Carter, J. Fitness and J. Holden Esqs.

William Birchett and Frederick Southern were charged with trespassing in search of game on land in the occupation of Mr. Aird.

William Aird said on the 14th of October in the afternoon he saw defendants on the edge of the cliff, putting up a net. Birchett had the net, and Southern handed him a ferret. There were other men watching. He ran up to them and they made off, taking the net and ferret with them. He had cautioned Southern many times during the past year.

George Burgess gave corroborative evidence.

Defendants were fined 10s. and 10s. costs, or 14 days', and cautioned.

Folkestone Express 23 April 1887.

Saturday, April 16th: Before The Mayor, Colonel De Crespigny, Surgeon General Gilbourne, General Armstrong, W. Brooks and W. Wightwick EsqsWalter Fuller and William Marsh were summoned for assaulting William Aird on the 11th April.

Complainant, the landlord of the Valiant Sailor, said on Monday afternoon his shepherd called him and said a dog had been worrying the sheep. He went to the meadow, where there were several ewes and lambs, and he saw a dog come out of the fold. He told Fuller to take the dog away, and he said he shouldn't. He said it was Mr. Downing's dog. He told him if he did not take the dog away he should shoot it. Complainant then secured the dog by means of a handkerchief, when Fuller knocked him down and jumped on to him. He got away with assistance, and was taking defendant along when Marsh came up and kicked him, and they then both ran away together.

In reply to Fuller, Mr. Aird said he could not say whether he was asleep or not when he went up to him and asked his name. He did not hit him on the nose.

Fredk. Southon, a gardener, said he was near the Valiant Sailor on Monday afternoon and saw Fuller knock Mr. Aird down and jump on him. Mr. Aird was trying to lead the dog away with a handkerchief. Fuller knelt on Mr. Aird. Defendant hit him on the ear. He also saw Marsh inside the Valiant Sailor.

William Graves, defendant's shepherd, said he called his master to keep defendant's dog away from the lambs. While Mr. Aird had the dog in a handkerchief, Fuller hit him and rolled him over. "Jacob" rolled them over, and then his master got on top of Fuller. Fuller made Mr. Aird's nose bleed. The two men then started and ran down the hill. Marsh persuaded Fuller to go away. He did not see Marsh do anything.

The Bench fined Fuller 10s. and 10s. costs, or 14 days' imprisonment, and Marsh 5s. and 9s. costs, or seven days', and allowed a week in which to pay.

Folkestone Express 11 June 1887.

Advertisement.

Caution!

Notice To Trespassers. Any person found trespassing on the land of W. Aird at Hawkinge, Capel, and in the Borough of Folkestone with dogs or guns will be prosecuted.

Folkestone Chronicle 18 June 1887.

Saturday, June 11th: Before Capt. Crowe, Alderman Banks, H.W. Poole and J. Brooke Esqs.

George Wardie, labourer, was charged with trespassing on land belonging to W. Aird in search of conies.

Mr. Aird, landlord of the Valiant Sailor, and occupier of Limekiln Farm, said on 31st May about two o'clock in the afternoon the defendant, with two or three other men, came into his house and asked permission to go ratting on his land. He refused them and they then went round the back of the house and commenced ferreting, and afterwards they went near his limekiln lodge and one of his men told him they killed a rabbit.

John Southen said he saw defendant put a ferret in a hole near the scavenging yard, and a rabbit ran out. It was on Mr. Aird's land. The dogs ran after the rabbit and caught it. There were four men together and one took the rabbit.

John Trent, in the employ of Mr. Aird, saw the defendant near the smallpox hospital put a ferret in a hole and he afterwards caught a rabbit there.

Defendant said he went ratting and Mr. Aird gave him permission. He killed 17 or 18 rats. A rabbit was started, but he did not know anything about that.

Fined 10s., with costs 11s., or 14 days'. Allowed a week to pay.

Folkestone Express 18 June 1887.

Saturday, June 11th: Before Capt. Crowe, Alderman Banks, H.W. Poole and J.H. Brooke Esqs.

Michael Ward was charged with trespassing in search of game on land in the occupation of Mr. Aird.

Complainant said he saw the defendant with a ferret on his land near the rubbish heap.

In reply to defendant, complainant denied that he gave him permission to ferret on his farm.

John Southon said he saw defendant put the ferret into a hole. He was working for Mr. Pilcher near the scavenge yard. He saw a rabbit run towards the road; the dogs ran after it, turned it, and caught it near the scavenge heap. There were four men and one of them took the rabbit.

Defendant said they killed 17 rats. He knew nothing about a rabbit.

John Friend, in the employ of Mr. Aird, said he saw the defendant on the 31st May near the hospital. Four other men were with him and two or three dogs. He saw the dogs catch a rabbit which was started at the back of the hospital.

Defendant was fined 10s. and 11s. costs, or 14 days', and allowed a week to pay.

Folkestone Express 17 November 1888.

Friday, November 9th: Before Alderman Banks, W. Wightwick, and H.W. Poole Esqs.

Edwin Rennie was charged with assaulting Nellie Harriett Aird on the previous day.

Complainant, the daughter of the landlord of the Valiant Sailor Inn, said she was 15 years of age last birthday. On Thursday morning about half past nine she was coming down the hill alone from her father's house towards the town. She met the prisoner at the top of the footpath near the mile-stone. She was only a few yards from the road when she met the prisoner coming up the footpath. He caught hold of her waist, gave her rather a hard pinch, and then let go. He caught hold of her so suddenly that it frightened her. He said nothing to her, and did nothing else. She said to him "How dare you insult me so?" She could not say whether he made any reply, but he laughed. She could not say which hand he caught hold of her with, nor did she know whether she screamed out or not. There was a man over the bank with a horse. She called to him, and he went to her assistance. Prisoner ran off when he saw the man coming. She returned home, but was not quite sure whether she went at once. She had never seen the prisoner before to her knowledge.

Charles Alfred Shrubsole, a labourer in the employ of the Corporation, said he was near the mile-stone on the Dover Road about half past nine. He heard a girl cry out, and saw the man running away. The girl screamed, and he went up the bank to her assistance. He saw the prisoner running towards the scavenge heap. Witness called out to a man on the scavenge heap, who stopped prisoner and brought him back. The complainant said the man had interfered with her. The girl was about three rods from the road.

Sergt. Crampton, of the Kent County Police, said he was at the Valiant Sailor, in Dover Road, on Thursday morning. He saw complainant coming up the road crying. She told her mother she had been assaulted by a man. He went down the road with Mr. Aird, and met the prisoner in the custody of three men. Prisoner said he slipped and caught hold of complainant to save himself from falling, and he wished he had not run away. They brought him to Folkestone police station where he was charged, and made no reply. The complainant was very much agitated and hysterical.

Mr. Wm. Aird, father of complainant, said the prisoner told him he did not mean anything and did not know what made him run away. He said he had plenty of work to do, but he was out for a day's spree, and had made a spree of it.

Prisoner said he was going up the path and met Miss Aird coming down. He could see the men in the road, and it was not likely that he would assault her. As he was passing, he slipped and caught hold of her with his hand. He intended no insult.

The Bench considered that the prisoner did purposely assault the complainant, and fined him £2 and 12s. costs, or one month's hard labour.

Folkestone Express 11 August 1894.

Local News.

Last week, during the night, some tramps broke into the house of Mr. Aird, Valiant Sailor, Dover Road, Folkestone, and completely ransacked the house, carrying away several articles. Two men were apprehended at Canterbury, and pawn tickets for some of the articles were found on them.

Folkestone Express 1 December 1894.

Local News.

At the Kent Assizes Frederick White, 21, labourer, and Thomas York, 18, labourer, were indicted for burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling house of William Aird, and stealing three coats on July 22nd. Prosecutor is the landlord of the Valiant Sailor Inn, Hawkinge (sic), and found on the morning of July 23rd that his house had been entered and three coats stolen. Both prisoners had been previously convicted, and sentences of three years' penal servitude were passed on each of them.

Folkestone Express 19 October 1895.

Local News.

On Monday evening a trap accident, which unhappily resulted in the death of Mrs. Aird, wife of William Aird, of the Valiant Sailor Inn, and serious injury to his son, Mr. Thomas Aird, took place. It appears that Mrs. Aird and her daughter set out to accompany the young man to the station, he being due at Canterbury, where he was about to enter a situation in a grocery establishment. His box of clothing, which weighed about a hundredweight, was placed in a light cart, and Mrs. and Miss Aird got up to ride. Mr. William Aird had previously examined the harness, and saw that it was alright, and directed his son to lead the horse down the hill, the road being steep and winding. They left the Valiant Sailor at nine minutes past six, and they had got some little distance down the road, when, in some mysterious way, the horse was frightened, and started off. It appears that the headgear had come loose, but how it happened is not likely to be ascertained. Mr. Thomas Aird was knocked down, and the wheel of the cart went over him. Soon after, the wheel of the cart went up the bank, and the mark is plainly visible in the grass, but the cart did not turn over. Mrs. Aird was thrown out, and appears to have fallen heavily on her head, fracturing her skull and injuring her brain. A moment later Miss Aird was tossed out, and then the horse, which was a remarkably quiet animal, and had been driven for years by Mrs. Aird, dashed on until it reached the sharp bend near the lime kilns, where the poor brute went with such force against the bank as to break two legs – one hind and one fore. One wheel of the cart was much damaged. The heavy box and other articles remained in the cart. When Miss Aird was able to get up, she went back a little away, to pick up what she thought was a wrap, but discovered that it was her mother. Mr. Thomas Aird, with exertion, was able to get up and walk, and endeavoured to assist his sister, but he fainted or became unconscious. Information was at once sent to Mr. Aird, who sent assistance, and Mrs. Aird was taken back to her home in a cart which was passing. The young man was also carried home, but Miss Aird was able to walk. She attributed her safety to the fact that her hair was in large pads at the back of her head and broke her fall. Dr. Henry Lewis and Br. Bateman attended the sufferers. Mrs. Aird died soon after eight o'clock. Her son remained unconscious till the morning, and at midday was only semi-conscious. His nose and face are much injured, but it is hoped that no bones are broken. Mrs. Aird was 46 years of age, and she leaves a large family. Most travellers on the Dover Road knew her as an admirable hostess.

Inquest.

The inquest was held at the Valiant Sailor on Tuesday afternoon, before Mr. R.M. Mercer, the County Coroner. Owing to the discourteous attitude of the Coroner towards the reporters, it was difficult for them to obtain an accurate account of the proceedings. They were all huddled together in semi-darkness in the doorway, and but for the kindness of Mr. Aird, who stood in the passage and held a candle, would have been unable to write a line. From their position they could see an hear little, but the particulars were subsequently supplied by the witnesses, and by their assistance we are enabled to give the following report of the enquiry:-

William Aird said he was the husband of deceased – Harriett Kate Aird. Her age was 46. He got the cart ready and assisted his man to harness the horse. One of the reins, which were double ones, was buckled singly, and he re-adjusted it and put it right. The cart was a two wheel business cart. It was nine minutes past six when they left home. His son was going to Canterbury, and intended to catch the 6.32 train. The deceased was going to drive him to the station, and was then going on to see Dr. Lewis. He carefully examined the harness before they started, and was in fact more particular than usual. He had had the horse six years. About five minutes after they had gone, someone came and told him that a horse had run away down the hill. He went down the road, where he found a crowd of people round the deceased. He put her in a greengrocer's cart and brought her home. She died at ten minutes past eight. He sent down to look for the horse's bridle, but it could not be found. It was about 75 yards above the chalk pit where his son was knocked down. He could not say whether anything came off the horse's head. Mr. Weston, who was driving down the hill, saw the whole thing. The horse's legs were broken, the right hind leg in several places, and he had been obliged to shoot it. His daughter was in the cart with his wife.

Frederick Jasper Weston said on Monday evening he was driving down the hill, when he passed two people in a cart. They had just reached the top of the hill. His man trotted on till they got nearly down to the chalk pit, when they heard voices shouting. He looked behind, and saw a horse and cart coming down the hill, and when he saw which way it was coming, he tried to draw aside out of the way. He saw, however, he could not do anything, and the horse galloped by, just missing him. The horse was galloping hard. He saw two women in the cart, but he did not know who they were then. The cart ran into the bank and seemed to stop for a minute, and then it seemed to go over, but he did not think it did. The occupants were thrown into the road. It was nearly dark, and they were about twenty yards ahead. The cart seemed to pause for about two seconds, and then the pony dashed ahead round the corner out of sight. Miss Aird then got up. When the accident happened they were about twenty yards below him, and there was no time to do anything. He found Mrs. Aird in the road, and her daughter stood up crying for help. The son was not visible. He did not see anything of the son, but when he helped Miss Aird to rise, she said her brother was on the top of the hill, dead, or some expression of that sort. He did not see the horse bolt; he only saw it after it had bolted. He could not remember the exact time, but it was soon after six. He could not see whether there were any reins. He got help, and had Mrs. Aird lifted into a van that was passing. He could not recognise who it was at the time, although he knew Mrs. Aird perfectly well. There was no-one leading the horse or holding on to the reins. When they were thrown out he went to them at once. The deceased laid in the road unconscious, but Miss Aird was conscious and got up. He and his man were not alone. There was another man in the road, and they procured assistance, and placed deceased in a van that was going up the road, and took her home. He went part of the way back, and saw young Aird walking, or, rather, being helped up the hill by two men, one on each side of him. He was led back to his home with the van. Witness asked if he could render any help. He did not think Aird was unconscious. He could not tell how the horse started. After the occupants were thrown out the horse and cart disappeared round the corner.

Florence Kate Aird said: I think the bit fell out, and my brother went to put it in, when the blinkers came off. I have never had such a thing happen before as the bridle coming off. Mother had the reins. My brother clung to the horse and hung on for about a dozen yards, and then he dropped, and mother was thrown out. I was not thrown out then. She dropped the reins before she fell. I think the cart pushed my brother up against the fence. I sat still. I held mother and told her to sit still. I think I was thrown out directly after into the road. I don't know how I fell. I was unconscious for a minute. My brother tried to put the bit in, when the blinkers came off, and that, I think, frightened the horse. The bridle has not been found since.

Dr. Henry Lewis said death was caused by a fracture of the skull and consequent injury to the brain. The skull was fractured on the right side near the vertex. In all probability the base of the brain was also injured. He said when he saw her that she might not be alive when he came again at ten. She was in a state of great collapse, but if there had been sufficient strength remaining, he was prepared to perform an operation in order to relieve the possible pressure on the brain.

The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Another eyewitness, named Mr. K.J. Atkins, gave the following account of the accident. He said about a quarter past six he was coming up the hill with his horse and cart, accompanied by his wife, when he heard a woman's voice shout "Tom, stop the horse". He jumped out, and when he reached the ground he saw the horse break away from the young man. He ran back, but the horse was gone, and he found the young man lying on the ground with the bridle and the blinkers in his hand. He went on to the Valiant Sailor, and got Mr. Aird to go down.

The whip, two cushions, a Mackintosh rug, and a brown paper parcel, which were in the cart when the horse bolted, are missing, and no trace whatever can be discovered of them.

Folkestone Express 21 November 1896.

Local News.

On Tuesday three man, named Potts, Mountain, and Karnu, were charged before the Borough Magistrates with being drunk and disorderly at the Valiant Sailor, and Potts was further charged with assaulting P.C. Crapps. From the evidence, it appeared that the defendants were creating a disturbance, being engaged in a drunken quarrel. P.S. Crapps, who was passing at the time, called upon them to desist, when Potts caught him by the throat and struck him in the face, whereupon Crapps drew his truncheon in defence. Corroborative evidence was given by Mr. Aird and his son, and the Bench fined defendants 10s and 15s. 2d costs, or in default one month's hard labour, and Potts was further fined for the assault £1 and 10s. costs, or in default a month, the two sentences to run consecutively.

Folkestone Express 3 April 1897.

Local News.

On Monday, at Hythe, before the County Bench, Henry Murton, a labourer, was charged with breaking windows, the property of Mr. W. Aird; with being disorderly and refusing to quit licensed premises, and also with assaulting Mr. W. Aird. From the evidence it appeared that about eight o'clock on the evening of March 28th, prisoner in company with six other men, entered the Valiant Sailor, and called for beer. Prisoner was served with a quart of beer, but, on subsequently asking for more, was refused. He commenced to sing and shout, and Mr. Aird ordered him to leave the house. He went out and commenced to break the windows, doing damage to the extent of £1 2s. 6d. On Mr. Aird going out, prisoner dealt him a violent blow on the side of the head, which knocked him down. The Borough Police were sent for, and he was taken into custody. Prisoner was sentenced to six weeks' hard labour.

Folkestone Express 7 July 1900.

Saturday, June 30th: Before J. Fitness, W. Wightwick, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Charles E. Bowman pleaded Guilty to a charge of stealing £1 1s. 1d. from his employer, Mr. W. Aird.

Alfred Edward White said he was a licensed victualler, and was landlord of the Martello Tower (sic), in Dover Road. He was supplied with milk by Mr. Aird, and sometimes it was delivered to him by the prisoner. He produced a book, in which an account of the milk was kept, and it was made up once a month. Last month he owed £2 8s. 7d., and paid £1 7s. 6d. to Mr. Aird personally. At the end of the month of May he paid the remainder £1 1s. 1d. to the prisoner, who took the book and never returned it.

William Aird, of the Valiant Sailor, said he was a dairyman, and the prisoner was in his employ about two and a half years. His duty was to deliver milk, take the cash, and account for what he had taken every night. He was paid £1 7s. 6d. by Mr. White, which left a balance of £1 1s. 1d., for which sum the prisoner did not account. When witness asked him what he had been doing, he said he had been "fooling about", and had spent it all. He could not give him a good character, because he had embezzled other sums.

The defendant said he was never in such a position before, but of late he had been drinking. He had previously acted upright and honest.

The Bench informed him they had the power to send him to prison for three months, but as he previous conduct was good, they reduced the sentence to two months.

Folkestone Express 23 February 1901.

Local News.

Dover Hill was the scene of a series of accidents on Friday last. About half past two in the afternoon a man named Hogben, who had been in the employ of Mr. W. Aird, of the Valiant Sailor, for over twenty two years, was walking down the hill, and when opposite the lime kiln he slipped down and broke his leg. The unfortunate man sent a passer-by to the Martello and to the Junction Station for a cab, but without result, as the road was too slippery for the vehicles to ascend, and he was compelled to lie where he had fallen for over two hours before he received any attention. Eventually Mr. Aird was informed of the man's plight, and he at once sent a constable who was with him at the time to bandage the injured limb, following directly after with his wagonette, into which the man was lifted. Mr. Aird was driving, and they had not proceeded 100 yards down the hill when the wagonette suddenly swerved right round, and turning over, threw all the occupants into the road. Mr. Aird's shoulder was dislocated, but the constable, who fell on top of Mr. Aird and the injured occupant, sustained nothing more serious than a shaking. The man Hogben was conveyed to the Victoria Hospital, and Mr. Aird returned to the Valiant Sailor, where at the time of going to press he is progressing very favourably, though much bruised and shaken. It will be remembered that some three or four years ago Mr. Aird's wife was killed and his daughter seriously injured by a similar accident almost at the same spot.

Folkestone Express 14 June 1902.

Julderman Banks, G.I. Swoffer, W. Wightwick, and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

Sidney George Hadlow, (19), was charged with embezzling £2 2s. 9d. and 7s. 3d., the money of his employer, Mr. William Aird.

Janet Keeler, of 9, Langhorne Gardens, identified prisoner as the man who had delivered milk at the house for the past three months. On the 23rd May witness placed £2 2s. 9d. in a jug, and she afterwards saw prisoner counting the money.

Edith Foord, a housemaid at 20, Westbourne Gardens, said on the 2nd June she gave prisoner 7s. 6d. and the book. The following day prisoner returned the threepence change, but did not bring the receipted book.

William Aird, residing at the Valiant Sailor, stated that prisoner had been in his employ about four months. Any money handed to prisoner should have been accounted for the same evening.

Detective Burniston deposed to arresting the prisoner, who said "I have received the money, but did not pay it to Mr. Aird". When searched, prisoner had in his possession 1s. 9½d. and five dice.

The Chairman said the prisoner had pleaded Guilty to a very serious charge. Instead of protecting his master's property he had robbed him, and spent the money in a very wrong manner. He would be sentenced to two months' hard labour.

Folkestone Express 26 July 1902.

Thursday, July 24th: Before Alderman Banks and W.G. Herbert.

Saunders Berry White, a full-blooded Ethiopian, was charged with stealing £5 10s. 6d. from the ship Rose.

William Stevenson, captain of the ship Rose, said prisoner was cook on board and was shipped at Hartlepool on the 2nd inst. He then had no clothes and no money. The ship arrived at Folkestone on the 18th, and prisoner was on Saturday given half a crown on account of his wages. On Tuesday night, before going to bed, witness put his purse containing £5 10s. 6d. under his pillow in his own cabin. Next morning when he got up the money was safe. About half past eleven he missed his purse, and ascertained that the prisoner, who had access to the cabin, had gone ashore.

Charles Carlson, mate of the vessel, said only the Captain, himself, and the prisoner were allowed to enter the cabin. He did not see prisoner enter or leave the cabin, but saw him walking aft towards the cabin.

The Captain was re-called, and said the prisoner very seldom made up his bed. He had about 25s. due to him on Wednesday for wages.

A seaman named Sollenson said prisoner told him on Tuesday night that he had no money.

Elizabeth Harriett Petty, barmaid at the Valiant Sailor, Dover Road, said the prisoner went into the bar on Wednesday morning about 11.15, and asked for a packet of "fags". She served him, and he tendered half a sovereign in payment. She gave him the change. She did not see the purse.

Detective Sergt. Burniston said he went by rail to Dover and returned by road towards Folkestone. At a public house near the Priory station he saw the prisoner and questioned him. He then took him into custody on a charge of stealing £5 10s. from the ship. Prisoner said "I only had one half a sovereign, and I changed that on the road". Witness searched him and found 8s. 10d. on him. When formally charged at Folkestone, prisoner made no reply.

Prisoner was remanded till next Wednesday.

Folkestone Express 2 August 1902.

Wednesday, July 30th: Before Alderman Banks, G.I. Swoffer, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Saunders Berry White, a negro who was remanded last week on a charge of theft, was again brought up.

The Superintendent said he had no fresh evidence.

The Bench discharged the prisoner, the Chairman remarking that should any fresh evidence be forthcoming he would be arrested and brought up again.

Folkestone Express 2 January 1904.

Monday, December 28th: Before E.T. Ward, W.C. Carpenter and T.J. Vaughan Esqs., and Lieut. Col. Westropp.

Henry James Fedarb was charged with stealing three fowls, the property of Mr. Wm. Aird.

Det. Sergt. Burniston said at 2.45 on Saturday last he saw prisoner in company with a man named Newman, near the Public Baths in Foord Road. Prisoner was carrying something in a bag. When near the Castle Inn, prisoner handed the sack to Newman, and went into the public bar of the Castle. Witness stopped him, and asked him what the sack which he had given to Newman contained. He replied "You had better see". He called Newman outside, and then examined the sack, which contained the three dead fowls produced. Newman said he bought the fowls of Fedarb for 2s. Fdarb said he had won them at the Wonder Inn in Beach Street. He told Fedarb, that not being satisfied with his statement, he should take him to the police station, and he would there be detained while further enquiries were made. Witness went to the Wonder Inn, where he ascertained that the statement Fedarb made was false. He therefore returned and charged him with stealing the three fowls from some person or persons unknown. Fedarb replied "I found them at the back of a house near the Railway Bell Hotel on Thursday night". Subsequently he charged the prisoner with stealing the fowls from Mr. William Aird, of the Valiant Sailor Inn, to which he replied "I am not guilty".

Prisoner said he found the fowls just over a fence in a meadow at the back of a house in Dover Road.

William Aird, landlord of the Valiant Sailor, said he kept fowls in houses at the back of the inn, in a farmyard. He had examined the three fowls, and identified two of them as his property. Their necks had been broken. He did not miss them until that (Monday) morning, and had seen them safe on Thursday or Friday. The value was 3s. each. He had missed four since the previous Monday. They were counted every Monday morning.

Prisoner: I have heard you say in your bar that you never knew how many fowls you had got.

John Hawkins, head milkman in the employ of Mr. Aird, said he counted the fowls every Monday morning. That day week there were nine missing, but on counting them that (Monday) morning he missed four. He could not swear to the fowls produced, but they were the same sort as Mr. Aird kept. He had frequently seen the prisoner about the premises, and he had sometimes slept in stacks there, but not with Mr. Aird's permission.

Henry Edward Newman, foreman bricklayer, in the employ of Mr. Moody, living at 84, Marshall Street, said he knew the prisoner very well, and saw him on Saturday. Fedarb called him and asked him if he would buy three fowls. He asked where they were, and he replied that he would go and get them. He went away and returned with three fowls in a bag, which he carried to the Castle Inn. Prisoner told witness he won them at the Wonder and did not want them, and he could have them for 3s.

Mr. Ward: So you think you gave a fair price.

Witness: Well, you can buy plenty of fowls for 1s. each.

Mr. Ward: Well, we can't.

Witness continued his evidence: He gave 2s. for the three fowls. Burniston came up a few minutes after and took the fowls, and also the prisoner to the police station.

The prisoner was then charged with stealing two of the fowls. He said he "wanted the job settled", but was not guilty. He found the fowls in a bag in Mr. Major's field.

Mr. Bradley reminded the prisoner that his first story was that he won the fowls at the Wonder.

The Bench considered the case proved. It was prisoner's first offence, and he was sentenced to 14 days' hard labour.

Newman was called forward and censured by the Chairman for buying the fowls for 2s., and told him he must be more careful in future.

Folkestone Express 17 September 1904.

Saturday, September 10th: Before Aldermen Penfold and Vaughan, Lieut. Col. Fymnore, Lieut. Col. Westropp, and J. Stainer Esq.

George Tanner was summoned for trespassing in search of game on the previous Saturday morning. Defendant pleaded Not Guilty.

P.C. Allen said at 5.30 a.m. last Saturday, when near the Valiant Sailor, he looked on land belonging to Mr. Aird and saw the defendant on it. He was carrying a double-barrelled breech loading gun in his hand, and also had a whippet dog with him. Witness saw him fire at something. He watched him for some time and then went to him and asked him who had given him permission to be on the land. Defendant replied nobody had given him permission, but he was searching for white starlings.

Mr. Aird, the occupier of the land, said he had not given defendant permission to be on his land. There was a lot of partridges in the sanfoin, and defendant was among them.

Fined 20s. and 10s. costs.

Folkestone Express 23 November 1912.

Friday, November 15th: Before Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, J.J. Giles Esq., and Colonel Owen.

Horace Southon was summoned for trespassing in search of conies on land belonging to Mr. Aird. Defendant pleaded Not Guilty. Mr. G.W. Haines defended.

Alfred Charles Aird, of the Valiant Sailor, said on Sunday at 7.45 a.m. he was keeping observation on some snares which had been placed the day previous on ground in his father's occupation, when he saw the defendant coming towards the Valiant Sailor on the land, kicking the gorse bushes as he went along. He was also carrying a gun in his hand. He watched him for some few minutes, and then fetched P.C. Marshall of the Kent C.C., who he left on the road, while he procured his bicycle. The constable went along under the hill and he went along the top. He eventually came across the defendant, and asked him what he had been doing on the land previously. He replied "I have done no harm, Mr. Aird; I shot a pigeon in my allotment and came to find it". He told him that he must come with him to the constable, who then took the defendant's name and address. He also searched him, and the gun was found to be loaded and at full cock. They found no game or rabbits on him. He (witness's) father and himself had the shooting rights over the land.

Cross-examined, witness said the defendant's allotment was about three quarters of a mile away. It was below the Crete Road. The defendant was walking away sharply when he overtook him.

P.C. Marshall, of the Kent County Police, said at 7.45 on Sunday morning he was near the Valiant Sailor, when he saw Mr. Aird, and he afterwards went below the hill near the Sanatorium. He then saw a man carrying a gun walking amongst the gorse bushes twenty or thirty yards from the road. He later saw Mr. Aird overtake the man, so he went up to him.

Cross-examined, witness said he heard the defendant say something about having been shooting pigeons. When he first saw the defendant he was twenty or thirty yards from the crest of the hill. He found no cartridges or ammunition on the defendant. He heard no gun fired.

Defendant, giving evidence on oath, said he had an allotment about sixty or seventy yards from the Crete Road. He had a gun licence. They were swarmed with rats on the allotments, so he went up to shoot them on a Sunday morning. About that time of the year a large number of wild pigeons flew across. On Sunday morning he shot at some pigeons which flew over his allotment. One fell, so he went up the bridle path leading to Crete Road, and when he got there he looked after the bird. Mr. Aird then came up and said he was not looking after him, but another man. He went with him to the constable. He was about three or four hundred yards from his allotment garden when he met Mr. Aird.

Ernest Grist, of 4, Pavilion Road, said he had an allotment near the defendant's. On Sunday morning he was in the allotment, and whilst there he heard the report of a gun from under the hills. The defendant was in his allotment with his gun. At the time he heard the gun he noticed a number of pigeons fly over the hill. He later saw the defendant go up to the hill.

The Chairman said the Magistrates considered there was not sufficient evidence to convict, so the defendant would be discharged.

Folkestone Express 6 March 1915.

Local News.

We regret to record the death of Mr. W. Aird, of the Valiant Sailor Inn, who died on Saturday afternoon in last week after a very long and painful illness. Mr. Aird was well-known in Folkestone, and was at one time a member of the Elham Board of Guardians. The funeral took place at the Folkestone Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon.

Folkestone Express 15 May 1915.

Local News.

The licence of the Valiant Sailor, Dover Road, was transferred to Mr. A.C. Aird, the son of the late owner.

Folkestone Express 5 June 1915.

Notice.

Re. William Aird, Deceased.

Pursuant to the Act of Parliament of the 22nd and 23rd Vict., C35, notice is hereby given that all creditors and other persons having any debts, claims or demands against the estate of William Aird, late of the Valiant Sailor Inn, Dover Hill, near Folkestone, in the County of Kent, licensed victualler and dairy farmer, deceased (who died on the 27th day of February, 1915, and whose will was proved in the Principal Registry of the Probate Division of His Majesty's High Court of Justice on the 10th day of April, 1915, by George Pilcher and John Andrew, the executors therein named) are hereby required to send in the particulars of their debts claims or demands to us, the undersigned, the solicitors for the said executors, on or before the 10th day of July, 1915, after which date the executors will proceed to distribute the assets of the said deceased amongst the persons entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims and demands of which they shall then have had notice, and they will not be liable for the assets of the said deceased, or any part thereof, so distributed to any person or persons whose debts, claims or demands they shall not then have had notice.

Dated this 3rd day of June, 1915.

H.B. Bradley and Hulme,

72, Sandgate Road, Folkestone.

Solicitors for the said Executors.

Folkestone Express 24 April 1920.

Local News.

At the Dover County Petty Sessions in last week, George Appleby, of Bow, London, and Pte. Sydney Chambers, R.A.S.C., were summoned for firing a revolver on the highway at Hougham on the 4th March. Appleby did not appear, but Chambers pleaded Not Guilty.

Alfred Shilling, of 8, Avenue Road, Dover, a taxi driver, said that on March 4th he took two men to Folkestone, one of whom was Chambers. He did not know the other. They stopped at the Hare and Hounds, as the civilian wanted a drink. He could not get any, although it was not out of hours. He then produced a revolver, and wanted to fire it. Chambers got him into the car, and they drove on. The soldier had already got possession of it again, and going along the road he leaned over the front of the car and fired three shots. Witness warned him about it. The man was the worse for liquor. Another car passed them before they got to the Naval air sheds, when shots were fired from the back of the taxi. Clayson, the carrier, passed them later, and shots were fired from the left of the car. At the Naval air sheds three shots were fired in front of the officers' mess there. The civilian fired them. Witness saw both of the men fumbling about for cartridges, and the civilian found some loose in his pockets. Chambers wanted to fire it, but he did not know how until the other showed him. He then fired from the side of the car at the Valiant Sailor. The civilian fired between six and ten shots. When witness dropped them at Folkestone Central station the civilian still had the revolver in his hand, and insulted people. Chambers paid the fare.

John William Fagg, 65, Longfield Road, watchman at the Capel Air Station, said he was outside the office on the evening in question, and heard a car coming from Dover. He saw flashes, and heard reports of the revolver fired from the car towards the buildings. It was nearly dark at the time. He heard someone call out "Go on! Go on!" Later he heard two more reports as the car went on. He informed the Folkestone police by telephone.

P.S. Chaney, of the Folkestone police, said he arrested Appleby for drunkenness at 9 p.m. on the 4th March in Cheriton Road. On searching him he found the revolver (produced) in his pocket. He was fined 5s. the next day. Chambers was not then with him.

Chambers said he met Appleby on the boat coming from France, and they were pals together in France. He took him to Folkestone, but denied firing the revolver.

The Chairman said there was no corroborative evidence against Chambers, and the case would be dismissed against him, and the case against Appleby adjourned for a month in order that he might be present.

Folkestone Express 21 April 1923.

Elham Petty Sessions.

Thursday, April 20th: Before Dr. J.W. Tyson, Councillor C.E. Mumford, Councillor Osborne, Mr. H. Strahan, and Mr. A.S. Jones.

Mr. A.C. Aird, Valiant Sailor, applied for an occasional licence for the annual stock sale to be held in a meadow adjoining the Valiant Sailor by Messrs. Hobbs, on Wednesday, May 2nd, from 2.30 to 5 p.m.

Supt. Russell offered no objection.

Granted.

Folkestone Express 17 April 1926.

Local News.

Early yesterday (Thursday) an unwelcome visitor entered the Valiant Sailor, the well known licensed premises on the main Folkestone-Dover Road.

Sometime between midnight and six o’clock in the morning one of the windows was force and the burglar was able to have a good look round. He must have been disturbed, however, for he left a lot of valuable articles untouched, but made off with a number of valuable Masonic jewels belonging to Mr. A Aird, some of which it will be impossible to replace. Close by was a large pile of coppers and a number of silver articles were undisturbed.

Folkestone Express 24 April 1926.

Local News.

On Monday, at the Seabrook Police Court, Andrew Benedict Richards was charged with breaking and entering the Valiant Sailorpublic-house and stealing five Masonic jewels, a metal watch, and a bunch of keys, valued at £7 5s., the property of Mr. A. Aird, on the night of April 15th and 16th. A second charge against him was of breaking into the dwelling-house in Risborough Lane, Cheriton, of Mr. Edwin Turner, and stealing two wallets and cards, and a gold-filled watch, valued at £6 10s. He also was charged with breaking and entering the Victoria Hotel, Risborough Lane, Cheriton, during the night of April 15th and 16th, and stealing £6 in money, a silver-plated pencil case, cigars and cigarettes and other articles of the value of £6 15s., the property of Mr. F. Rivers.

Only evidence of arrest was given, Det. Const Avery stating that on the previous evening he went to Chatham Police Station, where he saw the prisoner m custody. He brought him to Seabrook Police Station where he charged the prisoner with the offences. In reply prisoner said he gave three of the Masonic jewels to three men in Folkestone, and that he put some of the papers he obtained from the wallet behind a hedge at the Menage, Cheriton.

Prisoner was remanded until Friday.

Folkestone Express 1 May 1926.

On Friday, at the Seabrook Police Court, before Mr. J. S Clark and Mr C. Sheath, Andrew Benedict Richards was charged, on remand, with breaking and entering the Valiant Sailor public-house and stealing five Masonic jewels, a metal watch, a bunch of keys, and one electric torch valued at £7 5s., the property of Mr. A. Aird, on the night of April 14th and 15th.

Alfred Charles Aird, the licensee of the Valiant Sailor public-house, said his premises were securely looked when he retired to bed just after midnight on the night of the 14th and 15th April. About 6 a.m. on the 15th April, on coming downstairs, he discovered that the window of the dining-room had a small piece of glass broken off near the catch, and was wide open. The room was in n state of disorder. He examined the office, and found that the front door was unbolted. From the office he missed five Masonic jewels, and which the three (produced) he identified He also missed a gun-metal watch, which had been kept in a drawer in his desk. At a later inspection he missed a bunch of keys and some foreign coins, and a small electric torch, all of which he identified, although there were 200 coins in the first place. He valued them at between £7 and £8.

Det.Con. Avery, stationed at Seabrook, said at 7 a.m. on the 15th April, in consequence of a telephone message, he visited the Valiant Sailor public-house, where he examined the premises in company with Sergt. Fry. A room used as an office had been entered by the window, which had a pane of glass broken near the catch. The room was in a state of disorder, and had the appearance of having been hurriedly searched. The thief, not being able to gain admittance in any other part of the building, owing to the door of the the room in which he would have entered being locked, had left by the way he had entered, and had entered the dining-room by the window, as he had entered the office on the first occasion. The room was in disorder. At 6 p.m. on the 18th April, he saw the prisoner detained at the Chatham Police Station. He told him he was a police officer, and cautioned him, and charged him with breaking and entering the Valiant Sailor public-house, in the parish of Hawkinge, and stealing therein five Masonic medals and brooch, a metal watch, a bunch of keys and a pocket flash-lamp, of the total value of £7 5s., the property of Alfred Charles Aird, during the night of April 14th and 15th. He made no reply. He conveyed him to the Seabrook police station, where, at 10 p.m., he again cautioned and charged him. He replied "Three of the medals I gave to three men at Folkestone. I also gave one of them a watch. I do not know who they were". On the 20th April he recovered the watch (produced) at the Plough Lodging House, New Romney, from Alfred Brown, a lodger at the house.

Mary Green, 16, Queen's Street, Chatham, said the prisoner was her brother. On the 15th April about 10-30 and 11 o'* clock her brother came home. She thought it was on the Thursday that he gave her something; it may have been on Friday. He gave her a tobacco pouch, and two medals, and a pair of silver pencils, and a pair of gloves (produced). The following day the police called at her house. She handed the property over to them and an attache case belonging to her brother, and which she got from under the sofa. The police opened it in her presence, and it contained cigars and cigarettes and a glove.

Prisoner: When I gave you those things said I had bought them at Folkestone.

Witness: Yes. I did not believe you though.

Det.-Con. George Hawes, of the Kent County Constabulary, stationed at Chatham, said on Saturday, the 17th April, he received information from Supt. Goulding of certain offences having been committed in the Elham district, together with a list of stolen property. He made enquiries, and in consequence of information received, he kept observation in the High Street Chatham. About 9-30 p.m. the same evening, in company with Det. Con. Gilham, he saw the prisoner in Globe Lane, Chatham. He stopped him and said to him "You know I am a police officer I am making enquiries respecting a case of burglary near Folkestone on the night of the 14th and 15th April, and I have reason to believe you have been to Folkestone". He replied "No, I haven‘t". He then said "Look here, I have been to Folkestone, but you don t want me. I told you I would not do another job in Chatham, and if you let me go I will put you on to a good job". He then noticed the prisoner was wearing a suede glove on the right hand, and was carrying another in the same hand. He examined the gloves and asked him how he came in possession of them. He replied "I bought them". He said to him "They answer the description of a pair of gloves stolen at Cheriton on the 15th April". He then cautioned him, and told him he should take him to the Police Station, where he would be detained for further enquiries. About 10-30 p.m. the same evening he went to No. 16, Queen’s Street, Chatham, where the prisoner resided with his married sister, Mary Green. He was in company with Det.-Insp. Galloway and Det.-Con. Gilham In consequence of what, he said to prisoner's sister, she handed him a hunch of keys and a flash-lamp from the prisoner's attache case The two Masonic medals were shown to him on a cistern in a lavatory at the rear of the premises by the prisoner's brothel in law, Edward Green. He took possession of the medals. The third Masonic medal was recovered by the Northtleet Police and handed to him.

Det.-Con. H. G. Gilham, stationed at Chatham, gave corroborative evidence.

Prisoner was then charged with breaking into the a dwelling-house of Mr. Edwin Turner, Risborough Lane, Cheriton, and stealing two wallets and a gold-filled watch, etc., of the value of £6 10s.

Edwin Turner, an Army pensioner, 180, Risborough Lane, said about 9.15 p m. on the 15th April, he went to bed, and left several articles, including a presentation gold watch, silver chain, and wallet containing Army documents on the kitchen dresser. He heard no noise whatever during the night. He woke about 9 o'clock on the 16th April. He went to tho dresser between 9.15 and 9.30, and in consequence of what lie discovered, he informed the police He valued the articles at £6 6s.

Catherine Turner, wife of the last witness, also gave evidence.

Dorothy Mary Turner, cashier, said about ten minutes past seven on the morning of the 17thy April, she came downstairs, and noticed that the back door was open. On the kitchen table she noticed two ornamental tins, with the lids off, but it did not strike her as unusual. The previous night about 11.30, she heard a ’bus stop. She then heard footsteps, and the door handle was turned. Her father was not in at the time, so she thought it was her father.

Sergt. Marsh, stationed at Cheriton, said shortly after B p.m. on the 16th April, in consequence of a communication received, he visited 180, Risborough Lane, Cheriton, where he found an entry had been made to the premises by the back door, it being insecurely fastened. A bolt, which was on the top of the door, appeared to he slightly out of a line with a slot in which the bolt should go.

Det.-Cons. Hawes, stationed at Chatham, said in consequence of information received, he went to 16, Queen’s Street, Chatham, where the suede glove (produced) was handed to him by the prisoner’s sister. A gold watch was handed to him by the prisoner’s sister-in-law arid a Morocco wallet was found on the prisoner when he was searched at the Police Station.

Det. Cons. Avery, said when he saw the prisoner detained at Chatham Police Station, he cautioned him and charged him with breaking and entering a dwelling house at of it 180, Risborough Lane, Cheriton during the night of the 15th and 16th April, and stealing therein a gold filled watch, a razor and case and two pocket wallets, of the value of £6 10s., the property of Edwin Turner. He made no reply. He conveyed him to the Seabrook Police Station, where he was again cautioned and charged by him (witness), and he replied "The papers which were in one the of the wallets I put in the hedge on the edge of the Menage". On the 19th April he the searched the spot indicated by the prisoner, and found the papers (produced), and also the razor case.

Prisoner was' then charged with breaking and entering the Victoria Hotel, Risborough Lane, Cheriton, during the night of April 15th and 16th, and stealing £6 in money, a silver-plated case, cigars and cigarettes, and other articles of the value of £6 15s, the property of Mr. P. Rivers.

Arthur Henry Alker, of the Victoria public house, a son-in-law of the licensee, Mr. Rivers, said on the 16th April about 10-20 p.m. he locked and secured the house. After finishing work in the bar, he had occasion to go into the lavatory about 10-30, and the window was closed. He did not hear anything during the night. The following morning, from a communication he received from Miss Fowler, he examined the till, and found it was empty The previous night there was something in the till. In the saloon bar, on the counter, was a half-pint glass, half-filled with beer, and a half-pint bottle of milk stout, both of which were not there when he went to bed. He noticed there were footmarks on the floor, and the dining room was in disorder. A parcel on a small table was undone, and a pencil was missing from a case. He discovered a pair of brown suede gloves were missing from his overcoat. He notified the police, and when he returned he found the lavatory window was wide open, and a pair of house-steps were against the wall outside. A brush find comb were lying on the ground outside, and which were on the ledge on the inside of the lodge the night before. There was £2 in each till the night before, and there were three tills. He identified a pencil, a glove, and the cigar box. The goods belonged to Mr. Rivers with the exception of the gloves; apart from the £6, the glove, pen and pencil he valued at 19s.

Mary Fowler, a barmaid at the Victoria public-house, said about 7 o’clock on the morning of the 16th April she went downstairs to let the painters in. Whilst she was undoing the door, two of the painters came through the dart-room door and said something to her. She had not opened the door previously. She then went back into the kitchen, and after that she went behind the bar and found the till open, and there was a penny or two halfpennies in that till. Overnight there had been £2 in it. There were three tills, and the same amount was left in each till, as change, overnight. She saw the other two tills were wide open.

Mary Green, the prisoner's sister, said the glove, pen and pencil, and two packets of Nosegay tobacco (produced) were given to her by the prisoner.

Det.-Con. George Hawes said in consequence of information received on the 17th April at 9.300 he saw the prisoner in Chatham wearing a brown suede glove on his right hand and carrying the other in the same hand. He told him he had bought them. He examined the gloves, and said they answered the description of a pair of suede gloves stolen at Cheriton on the 15th April. He cautioned the prisoner, and told him he would take him to the Police Station, where he would be detained for further enquiries. On the way to the Police Station the prisoner dropped the gloves, and the one produced was recovered by Det. Con. Gilham. At 10.30 p.m. the same evening he went to 16 Queen's Street, where he saw the prisoner's sister, who handed to him the pencil case, the pen, and a quantity of cigarettes, tobacco and cigars.

Det. Con Avery said at Chatham he charged the prisoner with breaking and entering the Victoria public-house, Cheriton, during the night of 15th and 16th April, and stealing therein £6 in money, a silver-plated pen, a silver-plated pencil, and a pair of suede gloves, and a quantity of cigars and cigarettes, of the total value of £6 15s. He made no reply. He conveyed him to Seabrook Police Station, where he again cautioned and charged him. He made no reply respecting that charge.

The prisoner, in answer to the Clerk, said he had nothing to say to the charge made if against him.

The Chairman, addressing the prisoner, said they had considered the case, and they thought it was a terrible thing that people could not be in their own house at night without having things taken. He would be committed to take his trial at the next Assizes.

Folkestone Express 31 December 1932.

Local News.

Burglars were very busy at the Valiant Sailor public house on the Dover Road just outside the Folkestone boundary early on Wednesday morning.

Mr. A.C. Aird, the proprietor, did not retire to rest until nearly one o'clock after seeing that the premises were properly secured. Nothing was heard during the night to disturb any of the occupants of the house, but when Mr. Aird got up in the morning and entered his office he found that the contents of the room had been disarranged.

A sum of about £6 in money which had been placed in the room the previous night had disappeared.

Entry had been obtained by means of a window which had been forced.

Folkestone Express 19 January 1935.

Local News.

On Friday Mr. John Hawkins, of Haseldene, Capel le Ferne, died with tragic suddenness.

Mr. Hawkins, who was 64 years of age, was in the employ of Mr. A.C. Aird, of the Valiant Sailor, as head cowman, had been home to have his breakfast. He was walking back to his work, and when on the main Folkestone-Dover road he collapsed. The passengers on a bus coming from Dover to Folkestone saw him lying in the road, and they went to his assistance. He was found to be unconscious, and he was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital, where on examination life was pronounced to be extinct.

Mr. Hawkins had been employed on the farm for forty years and was held in high esteem not only by Mr. Aird and his fellow workmen, but by everyone with whom he came in contact.

He leaves a widow, a daughter and two sons with whom the deepest sympathy will be felt in their sad and tragic bereavement.

The facts were communicated to the Folkestone Coroner (Mr. W.G. Haines), who did not deem an inquest to be necessary.