Transcriber's note:  I don't believe the numbers add up on the report of the sinking of the "Czar" but it's as written. Julia ....................................................................................................................... WEST BRITON AND CORNWALL ADVERTISER - transcribed by Julia Mosman 28 January 1859 LOCAL INTELLIGENCE MR. BRIGHT'S REFORM BILL - We have given in our second page an abstract of the bill which Mr Bright intends to introduce in the ensuing session of Parliament. As far as regards this county, while Mr. Bright's proposed to give West Cornwall an additional member, he would take away seven from the Cornish boroughs. Under schedule A of 56 towns towns which Mr. Bright would disenfranchise, there are Launceston, Liskeard, Bodmin, and Helston, of which the following statistics are given:                                                     Direct Taxes                           Population         payable in                GBP 10                 Members                            in 1851              1857                         Electors     Launceston...........6,005.....................2,942...............................349..................................1 Liskeard..................6,204.....................2,836..................................53.................................1 Bodmin...................6,337........................584................................360..................................2 Helston....................7,328....................2,771................................329..................................1 total.......................25,874.......GBP 11,133.................1,391.......................5 In schedule B, are 69 boroughs, with populations exceeding 8,000 and under 10,000, which are, in future, to return but one member each. 34 of these, which have now the privilege of returning two members, will only exercise half this privilege. St. Ives, Truro, and Penryn and Falmouth, wich now have five parliamentary representaties, would lose two amonst them. The figures appended to them are: St. Ives.......................8,972....................2,631.................................399.................................1 Truro........................10,733....................3,817.................................604..................................2 Penryn & ...............13,656.....................6,021................................739..................................2 Falmouth totals........................33,361...........GBP12,459.............................1,742.................................5 Under schedule 1, of English counties and divisions of counties, to which Mr. Bright would give an increased number of members, is West Cornwall, with a population of 165,167, represented by 4,542 electors, and which would return three instead of two members. PENRYN WESLEYAN CHAPEL - A new organ has been erected by Mr. GROVER in the Wesleyan Chapel, on which occasion a bazaar and services are intended to be held in aid of the organ fund. Mr. CRADDOCK will preside at the organ, and perform a selection of sacred music. THE ARMY - We notice with much pleasure in the London Gazette, of Tuesday last, the appointment of Mr. Joseph WARD, eldest son of Captain WARD, of Truro, to an ensigncy in Her Majesty's 99th Regiment, without purchase, vice BROWNE, promoted. APPOINTMENT - Cornwall Rangers Militia - Ensign Richard Henry STACKHOUSE VYVYAN to be Lieutenant, vice John BORLASE, resigned. QUEEN'S SCHOLARSHIPS - At the Christmas examination, Mr. Charles EVERSON, who served his apprenticeship at the Redruth National School, obtained a first class Queen's scholarship, which will entitle him to two years' residence in one of the training colleges for school-masters, free, and also to a sum of GBP 10 for books, &c. Also, Henry COLLINS, pupil teacher of the Camborne British School, obtained a first class scholarship. APOTHECARIES' HALL - Amongst those who passed their examination and received certificates to practice, on the 20th instant, we observe the name of Mr. Jonathan CROCKER of Launceston. PENZANCE LITERARY INSTITUTION - Mr. W. B. FORFAR, of Helston, assisted by Mr. JAMES, professor of music, of the same place, and Capt. GRYLLS, of Bosahan, gave a literary and musical entertainment to a well-filled room on Friday evening last. The literary portion was derived from Mr. Forfar's neatly-written and amusing book "Pentowan," just published, while the musical portion consisted of songs and solos introduced at pleasure. The entertainment was very successful, and cordial thanks were voted to the three gentlemen. PENZANCE FIRST ANNUAL BACHELORS' BALL - The successful carrying out of a ball amongst parties connected with trade at Penzance, has long been a desirable object, but hitherto unattainable. A few spirited gentlemen of the town, however, had this season determined on making the attempt, and we have with pleasure to record that their efforts on Tuesday last, the 25th instant, were successful beyond their utmost expectations. About 25 couples met at the Assembly Rooms, which were tastefully decorated for the occasion. Dancing (consisting of country dances, polkas, waltzes, quadrilles, &c.) to the enlivening music of the Penzance Quadrille band, was kept up until twelve o'clock, when all present adjourned for refreshment. After having partaken of the good things provided, dancing was resumed, and continued with great spirit until an early hour, when all parties separated, delighted with the arrangements which had been made for their pleasure. CONCERT - A concert at Truro is announced by Mr. J.S. MITCHELL, in another column, and we are informed the vocalists recently received a flattering reception at Carclew, from Sir Charles LEMON and his distinguished visitors. We understand the class was formed and instructed by a gentleman long under the immediate tuition of HULLAH, and consequently fitted in every way to train the members to sing with correctness and striking ensemble. EMIDY'S CIRCUS - This Circus has performed at Falmouth every night during the past week to crowded houses, and the performances have been continued this week. On Wednesday last, they were under the patronage of Major SHAW, and the Officers of the Hampshire Royal Artillery, stationed at Pendennis Castle. On Friday the 28th, they are announced to be under the patronage of Mr. J. B. MOORMAN, Mayor of Falmouth. BROCOLI - Mr. W. CRADOCK, of Penzance, states that notwithstanding the great production of brocoli in that neighbourhood, it has heretofore been very difficult to obtain the best seed, which, to be genuine, should be saved from the best-selected crowns, and at the furthest possible distance from any other seeding root or vegetable; and the difficulty alluded to has been increased by the great reluctance of the principal growers to part with any of their best seed. He has himself endeavoured to remedy this deficiency by providing seed obtained at considerable cost and saved in the manner above stated. FRUITING OF PAULOVNIA IMPERIALIS - It may be interesting to some to hear that the Paulovnia has fruited freely this year at the seat of Mr. Wm. H. POLE CAREW. The seed vessels are wide at the base and coming to a sharp point, something like an exaggeration of a filbert, but with the beard of the filbert closing to a sharp point instead of foliating, and the base of the nut is far wider. These trees were planted about eight years ago, and have flowered more or less profusely for the last four or five years, but until this last autumn have never ripened any seed. The trees at Mr. Pole Carew's, Antony House, Cornwall, are at this moment covered with long spikes of flower-buds and seed-vessels. C.L.C. (The seeds of this plant are beautiful microscopical objects. Some of those with which our correspondent has favoured us are perfect enough to grow.) Agricultural Gazette DINNER TO MR. BEVAN - The attorneys practising in the Penzance County Court invited the Judge, Mr. C. D. BEVAN, to a dinner, which took place at Bell's Union Hotel on Monday last. Twelve gentlemen met on the occasion, the only invited guest, beside his Honour, being the Mayor of Penzance. Mr. R. MILLETT, sat at the head of the table, as senior solicitor; and Mr. T. CORNISH occupied the vice-chair. The repast and wines were excellent, and a few very pleasant hours were spent. ST. AUSTELL COUNTY COURT - A sitting of this court was held in the Town-hall, on Thursday, the 20th instant, before Mr. C. D. BEVAN, when there were eighty new plaints and eight adjourned summonses, one new trial, twelve judgment summonses, and one jury case – total 102. The only case of any interest was that of SYMONS v MICHELL. Mr. BISHOP appeared fro the plaintiff, and Mr. STOKES for the defendant. The plaintiff and defendant are both farmers, residing in the parish of Gorran, on adjoining estates. The action was brought to recover the amount of the damages which the plaintiff alleged he had sustained in the loss of a young bullock owing to the gross negligence and imperfect fences on defendant's estate, whereby the cattle of plaintiff frequently broke into the lands of defendant. On one of those occasions defendant, assisted by a sheep dog, drove one of plaintiff's bullocks out of the field, which adjoins the cliff near Carhayes. The bullock attempted to jump the low fence, which being rotten, gave way with the weight of the animal, which fell over the cliff and was killed. It was stated that the defendant saw the [dreadful] occurrence, but being at variance with the plaintiff, he would not allow any information of what had occurred to be given to his neighbour. Several witnesses were examined on the part of plaintiff, to show that the hedges on defendant's farm were very defective, and the jury, after a short consultation, found a verdict for the plaintiff for GBP 7 and costs. At this court the Judge intimated his intention in future to try all jury cases on the second day, and gave instructions to the officers of the court to act accordingly. TRURO POLICE - On Thursday, before Mr. W. T. CHAPPEL and Mr. H. MICHELL, magistrates, William STAPLE, landlord of the Barley Sheaf public-house, Old Bridge Street, Truro, appeared to a summons charging him with having, on the evening of the previous Sunday, the 16th instant, permitted persons of bad character to assemble in his house. The defendant admitted the charge, but pleaded that he was not aware at the time of the character of the persons in question. He was ordered to pay the costs, and cautioned to be more careful in future. On Friday, before Mr. Chappel, Ann Maria MURREN, a female of light character, was charged by P.C. CHRISTOPHER, with being drunk and behaving in a disorderly manner in the public streets, on the previous night. The charge was fully proved, and the prisoner was committed to 21 days' hard labour.  On Monday, before Mr. E. MICHELL, magistrate, James GRIFFIN, labourer, of the parish of Kea, Thomas HORNEYBROOK, of the same place, and Richard JOHNS, labourer, of Truro, were charged with emptying a privy at eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the 19th instant, contrary to the provisions of the Truro Improvement Act. The defendants admitted the offence, and were fined 10s and the costs. On Wednesday, before Mr. Michell and Mr. Chappel, Matthew HOLLOW, of St. Clement's, Truro, was charged by P.C. WARNE with behaving in a riotous and disorderly manner in the public streets, to the annoyance of the inhabitants, between one and two o'clock that morning. This being his first offence, the prisoner was discharged on promising not to repeat the offence. DEFICIENT WEIGHTS - At the Truro Police Court, on Monday, before Mr. E. MICHELL and Mr. CHAPPEL, magistrates, John TAVERNER, potatoe dealer, Truro, was charged on the information of Mr. Thomas PASCOE, inspector of weights and measures, with having in his possession a weight represented to be 56 lbs., but which was 11 lbs. deficient, a similar weight which was 4 ozs. deficient; and a third weight represented to be 25 lbs which was also 4 ozs. deficient. The defendant pleaded that he was ignorant of the fact of the weights being defective, as he had bought them of the previous occupier of the potato store as correct, and that a cargo of potatoes had been weighed out to him with these weights. The magistrates, however, told him, that when he took the weights, he ought to have ascertained that they were correct, and fined him 15s. and the costs. "THE ART OF SELF DEFENCE" - At the Truro Police Court, on Thursday last, before Mr. CHAPPEL and Mr. E. MICHELL, magistrates, Oliver HOCKING, beer-house keeper, Kenwyn-street, appeared to a summons charging him with having, on the 12th instant, permitted disorderly conduct in his house. It appeared that three men, a travelling chimney sweep, and two associates of similar character, had engaged a room in the defendant's house, and announced to the public that they were prepared to teach to all who might desire instruction "the noble art of self defence," and with the view of attracting attention, they displayed a number of drawings of persons in various boxing attributes. The charge for admission to the room, to witness the sweep and his friends display their skill, was 2d., and it was stated that a great number of boys frequented the room. At eleven o'clock on the night of the 20th instant, police-sergeant WOOLCOCK visited the house, and in the room in question, he found two of the men stripped with boxing gloves on, engaged in their disgraceful proceeding, which the officer immediately put a stop to. HOCKING pleaded that he was not aware that the purpose for which the man used the room was an illegal one, and on promising not to let the room for such an object again, he was let off with the payment of the costs and a caution. COUNTERFEIT COIN - On Friday last, at Redruth, a woman named Ann SMITH, was apprehended by P.C. BUCKINGHAM on a charge of uttering counterfeit coin, knowing the same to have been spurious; and on the same day another woman, named Jane Goldsworthy REED, was apprehended under the following circumstances. It appeared she entered the house of Mr. THOMAS, innkeeper, West End, Redruth, and called for some rum, at the same time tendering a half-sovereign, and while in the act of doing so, Mr. Thomas came into the bar, upon which the woman Reed "bolted", leaving the half-sovereign in Mr. Thomas' possession, who by this time had discovered it to be made of base metal. He at once communicated with Sergeant JAMES, who acted in a very prompt manner by sending men into the various roads leading to and from Redruth while he went on the Camborne road, and there meeting Sergeant BRAY, detailed the circumstances to him. BRAY started immediately for Pool, where he apprehended a woman answerin! g the description given by Sergeant James and took her into custody. She was subsequently identified by Sergeant James, and charged by him at Camborne as an accomplice of Ann Smith. She was brought to Redruth and taken before Mr. J.P. MAGOR, county magistrate, but was remanded until instructions are received from the Mint authorities in London. Considerable credit is due to Sergeant James for his great promptitude in this case, as otherwise the parties might have escaped detection, and have carried on their practices in other towns. PENZANCE POLICE - On Saturday, before the Mayor, (Mr. R. PEARCE), Harry QUAYLE, mate of the "Brilliant" from Antwerp, was summarily proceeded against by Mr. W. H. HOLMES, collector of customs, for smuggling 1 lb of Cavendish tobacco, and six bottles of Eau de Cologne, which were found concealed by Mr. MILLETT, tide surveyor, on rummaging his berth. He was fined the mitigated penalty of GBP 1.1s. and costs. PENZANCE QUARTER SESSIONS - These sessions were held at the Town-hall, Penzance, on Monday, before Mr. C.D. BEVAN, Deputy Recorder, the Mayor, (Mr. R. PEARCE,) and Mr. J.J.A. BOASE, magistrate. It was a maiden sessions, and after the usual formal business had been disposed of, Mr. R. Millett, the Clerk of the Peace, informed Mr. Bevan that there was no business whatever before the court, and that both juries had in consequence been discharged. The Mayor, in presenting Mr. Bevan with a pair of white gloves, stated that during the past year the town had been very free from crime. CARSLAKE [?] PETTY SESSIONS - At these sessions, held on Tuesday the 18th last, before the magistrates who usually occupy the bench, the following charges of drunkenness and disorderly conduct were disposed of - JOHN HOSKIN, of St. Erth, W. PERKIN, of Phillack, W. BOASE of Ludgvan, Joseph ROWE, of Ludgvan, James JAMES, of Ludgvan, John MICHELL of Gwinear, Richard LAITY of Marazion, John WILLIAMS of Perranuthnoe, Joseph SINCOCK of Redruth, John CARTER of Illogan, and George BRYANT of Marazion, were each fined 5 s. and costs for being drunk and disorderly and disturbing the public peace. For driving without reins, George MOUNTJOY of Phillack was fined 2s.6d. and costs. Peter WARREN of Ludgvan was fined 6s. and costs for the like offence. Richard SEMMONS of Perranuthnoe was heavily fined for driving four horses without reins. John IVEY of Ludgvan, was fined 5s. and costs, for neglecting to have his name painted on his cart, according to the requirement of the act. William WILLS, labourer, of Marazion, was fined GBP 1 including costs, for violently assaulting Richard PEARCE, P.C., of Redruth, while in the execution of his duty. Martha WOOLCOCK, of Redruth, was summoned by Rebeca McDONAL! D for assaulting her. The evidence on each side was of such a conflicting nature, that the bench dismissed the case, each paying her own expenses. ACCIDENTS - On Saturday last, as CRAGGS' van was proceeding from Grampound to Truro, it came into contact with a waggon belonging to Redruth, which was going at a rapid pace. The shaft was driven through the van horse and broken off, but it was skillfully extracted by Mr. HANNON, veterinary surgeon, Tregony. The horse, a valuable animal, was so much injured as to be thought quite useless. No blame was attributable to Mr. Craggs. The passengers escaped without injury, except a fright. On the evening of the same day, many of the inhabitants of Grampound were alarmed by the running away of the horse which had caused the accident to Craggs in the morning. The driver allowed the animal at the top of Grampound hill to set off and coming in contact with a fine team of horses belonging to Mr. W. DREW, of Creed, killed the leader on the spot. The driver, a steady man, named MITCHELL, in Mr. Drew's employ, was knocked down with the horses, and had a narrow escape, having sustained a broken rib, and being slightly bruised. The frightened animal, after passing through the town, was eventually captured without doing further injury. ATTEMPTED SUICIDE - On Sunday morning, Mr. John WHITE, miller, in the parish of St. Keverne, attempted suicide by cutting his throat with his razor. The unfortunate man has been in a desponding state and under medical treatment for some weeks past. The wound was immediately dressed, but there is very little hope of his recovery. THE FATAL ACCIDENT TO A WESLEYAN MINISTER - The South Eastern Railway Company have offered to the widow of the Rev. Thomas WOOD, Wesleyan minister, the sum of GBP 1,500 as compensation.  Mr. Wood was one of those who were among the injured when the sad catastrophe occurred last year at Chilham; amputation of one leg having been found necessary, the rev. gentleman was considered to be progressing favourably, when his other leg, which was also much injured, became so bad that mortification set in, which ended in his death. The sum of GBP 1,500 together with what the widow will receive from the Wesleyan Connexion, will place her and her eight fatherless children in respectable circumstances. DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT - On the 25th instant, two young men, one named Samuel ORCHARD, and the other James FRANCIS, both residing in Gwennap, were apprehended by Sergeant H. J. JAMES, and P.C. No. 9, upon a charge of assaulting Mr. Thomas COCKING, and creating a disturbance during divine worship at the chapel, situate on Illogan Highway. They were taken before Mr. R. DAVEY, M.P., and Mr. MAGOR, county magistrates, and severally fined 12s.9d., including costs, and properly cautioned by the magistrates as to what they might expect if they ever again appeared before them under similar circumstances. LOSS OF THE "CZAR" STEAMER NEAR THE LIZARD; THIRTEEN PERSONS DROWNED - A melancholy catastrophe occurred on Saturday afternoon last, in the loss of the "Czar" steamer, a little to the eastward of the Lizard lights. The "Czar" was an iron screw steamer of 900 tons register, and 1,000 tons burden, belonging to Hull, and commanded by Captain JACKSON. She was bound from London to Malta, with a cargo of shot, shell, &c., and struck on the Vroge Rocks, on Saturday last, at 3 p.m., and soon afterwards went down. The captain, his wife, child, and ten of the crew were drowned. Eighteen persons were saved by the coast guard and fishermen from Landewednack and Cadgwith Coves, who, on perceiving the accident, launched their boats at great risk, through a heavy surf, and took up the crew as they sprang from the sinking ship into the water, the steamer's boats being knocked to pieces by the rolling and surging of the vessel. The "Czar" was returning to the channel with a strong west gale ! (supposed for Falmouth), her boilers being out of order. A correspondent supplies us with the following account of this sad disaster: On Saturday afternoon a large steamer, with a black hull and very deep in the water, was observed from Lizard Point, sailing very close to the land. She passed to the N.E. of the Lighthouses, and shortly after struck on a large sunken rock, called the Vroge, which is not above three-quarters of a mile from the shore. This rock is always covered with water, but at low tide (which it happened to be about the time mentioned), there is not sufficient depth for vessels of any size. The unfortunate ship proved to be the "Czar," of Hull, Capt. JACKSON, having on board a miscellaneous cargo of stores for Malta. Her engine had sustained some damage on her way down channel, and she was bearing up for Falmouth at the time of the accident. As soon as she struck, she began to settle down, and in less than half an hour she sank, breaking in two towards the stern. Part of the crew got off in the life-boat, and came on shore. Part of the crew got off in the life-boat, and came on shore. The! coast guard boat was put out at great risk, and succeeded in picking up five of the hands. The captain was on deck when the vessel struck, and his wife and child were below, but could not come up, as it is supposed that the cabin filled with water instantly. Capt. Jackson was observed with a life-buoy in his hand, but it is said he threw it away, and went down with his ship, apparently without endeavouring to save himself. His body was found on Monday, near the Blackhead. Ten of the crew were also drowned, and fifteen saved. The "Czar" had on board 50 Lancaster guns, a large quantity of shot and shell, and upwards of 100 casks of spirits. She was an iron vessel, built at Hull last year, and from the cabin furniture, &c., which is coming onshore, seems to have been fitted up in a superior manner. The lighter portions of the cargo are drifting along the coast to the east and west of the Lizard. It is evident that great want of caution was shown in keeping so near to the land! , and it is reported that one of the crew suggested its danger! , but th e course was not altered, and shortly after the melancholy catastrophe occurred. On Tuesday, one of the topmasts was still standing, and visible from the shore.  The following is a report from an officer on board her Majesty's paddlewheel steam sloop "Virago," 6, Commander DUNN, arrived at Plymouth. "Saturday, Dec. 22, at 11:30 a.m. exchanged colours with and passed an English screw steamer, a bark, of about 650 tons, under steam and square sails, running for the Lizard. The "Virago" passed the Lizard at 1 p.m.  At 2:15 p.m. the bark was observed keeping too close apparently to Lizard Point, and at 2:40 p.m. she was apparently on shore. Up to this moment she had shown no signal of distress. The wind was blowing strong in squalls from W.N.W., and the "Virago" was by this time 11 or 12 miles to leeward of her, and could not possibly have got back before dark, when, from the nature of the coast and the fact of there being 200 troups with their baggage on board, very little assistance could have been rendered. However painful it was to leave the vessel in such a distressing position, Commander Dunn was compelled to continue his course, and to convey the troops to their destination. One of the Irish steamers had passed inshore of the "Virago" and was steaming towards the Liz! ard." INQUEST ON THE BODY OF THE CAPTAIN On Sunday last, the body of a man was washed ashore at Daumas, in the parish of St. Keverne, about seven miles N.E. of the Lizard, and it was identified by the mate of the "Czar," as being the body of the captain of that vessel. On Tuesday, an inquest was held on the body at St. Keverne church-town, before Mr. John CARLYON, county coroner. The name of the deceased was Robert JACKSON, aged 35 years. There was no witness present at the inquest to identify the body, as the mate and survivors of the crew of the "Czar" steamer had been ordered by the authorities at Falmouth to proceed on to London. The following evidence was given - JOSEPH ROBERTS, of the Coast Guard service, deposed that on Sunday last, about eight o'clock in the morning, he was at Dowlas Cove on duty, when he saw something resembling a corpse, floating a few yards off the cove. There was a river between him and the place where he saw the body, which prevented him from getting possession of it, but shortly afterwards it was picked up by a man called J. TRIPCONEY, and removed to a barn near the spot, belonging to A. PENGELLEY, a farmer. On Monday morning, witness saw the mate of the "Czar," and went with him to the barn, where he identified the body as that of Robt. JACKSON, the commander of the "Czar" steamer, which was an iron-built boat of 1,100 tons burden, belonging to Hull, and bound to Malta, laden with government stores. The mate stated that she struck on the Vroge Rocks, a little to the eastward of the Lizard light, and not more than about half-a-mile from a point called the Hot Point. He stated that they experienced very heavy weather on Friday night and Saturday morning, and just after they passed the Lizard, the sea was so high that they determined to put back to Falmouth. The captain had his wife and child on board, and being anxious for a smooth water as soon as possible, he hauled in too close to the land, and the steamer struck on the rocks. As soon as she struck they got out the boats, and put nine or ten, who could not swim, into the first boat that was launched. This boat was swamped immediately afterwards, and all that were in her were drowned. One boat, however, escaped from the wreck with four persons, and picked up others; and six of the crew were taken from parts of the wreck by one of the boats of the Coast-guard. The captain was seen to jump from the vessel with a life-buoy, and was supposed to have been injured by some of the falling spars, as he had a severe wound on his forehead, and other injuries on his hands, and his right leg was broken. The steamer had a crew of 28, besides the captain's wife and child, and one passenger; of them 13 were drowned, and 18 saved. John TRIPCONEY stated that the body, when picked up, had on a white holland shirt, on which the deceased's name was marked; and inside vest, beaver trousers, blue cloth waistcoat, neck-tie, two stockings, and one boot. There was nothing found in deceased's pockets except a scrap of blue paper, a quill tooth-pick, and a black-lead pencil. In the absence of the survivors of the crew, who, as before stated, had been ordered from Falmouth to London, the jury returned an open verdict of "found washed ashore." CORONER'S INQUESTS MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE - On Saturday last, an inquest was held before Mr. J. CARLYON, county coroner, at St. Anthony in Roseland, on the body of Wm.  DINNEY, aged 51 years. The deceased was under-gamekeeper to Sir. S. T. SPRY, and from the evidence of Mr. Wm. CLEMMOW, farmer, of Boharrow, it appeared that deceased, witness, and three others, went in a small boat to Polvarth, about five o'clock on Friday afternoon, and from thence proceeded to St. Mawes. After remaining there about an hour, the deceased and witness left in the boat to return to St. Anthony, but finding that the wind was growing strong, and that they could not get up the river, they turned and made for Porth Mill, where they landed on the quay. It was however so dark that they were unable to find any place at which to moor the boat, and witness held the painter while the deceased left him to go and ask Mr. MARSDEN, of Porth Cottage, where they could moor it. At this time, the water was high, and on a level with! the road, and a quantity of sea weed was floating on the water and road, which prevented the latter from being distinguished. The deceased unfortunately in the dark walked into a mill pond, on the other side of the road, and although every exertion was made by Mr. and Mrs. Marsden, and others, for the recovery of the body they did not succeed in doing so, till deceased had been under water nearly two hours, when life was extinct. Verdict, "accidental death." SUDDEN DEATH - On the 20th inst., Mr. HICHENS, county coroner, held an inquest in the parish of Camborne on the body of Gilbert BENNETTS, aged 47 years. The deceased was a miner, but feeling some pain in his back, in consequence of a blow he had received about a week before at the mine, he had not been to his work for some days. He was able, however, to walk about, and had been doing so nearly the whole day on which his death occurred.  In the evening of that day (the 18th) he came into his house about seven o'clock, having been absent from it between two and three hours, and on entering it, he asked whether two fo his children (naming them) had come home, and being answered by his wife in the affirmative, he almost instantly after said, in a faint voice, "I feel very poorly," and attempted to lay hold of an elbow chair which was near him, apparently to seat himself on it, but failing in the attempt, he fell to the floor. He was immediately lifted up by a char-woman who was in the kitchen at the time, and placed, with the assistance of other persons who were called in by the wife, in a chair, where he died instantly. Verdict, "natural death." SHOCKING ACCIDENT - On the 22nd instant, Mr. HICHENS held an inquest in the parish of St. Just in Penwith, on the body of William SEDGEMAN, aged 13 years. The deceased was employed on the floors at Pendeen Consols Mine, in that Parish, and on the 19th instant, a man of the name of John STEVENS (who had charge of a crushing machine belonging to the mine), and the deceased, were engaged in detaching a tram-waggon laden with copper ore from the rope with which it had been drawn to the crusher, for the purpose of feeding it, when the deceased, taking hold of the rope, walking backwards towards the crusher, and unfortunately his left foot slipped between the two rollers, and before the machine could be stopped his leg was drawn in nearly up to the knee. Stevens caught hold of the deceased and held him on until the machine could be stopped, which was done in less than a half-minute, but it occupied nearly a quarter of an hour to open it so as to get the leg out, which was pressed ! quite flat. The attendance of three medical men was procured with the view to amputation, but they being satisfied that he would die under the operation, desisted therefrom, and he died a few hours after. Verdict, "accidental death." FOUND DEAD - On the 24th instant, Mr. HICHENS held an inquest, in the parish of Camborne, on the body of Ann JEWELL, aged 53 years, who was found dead in her bed on the morning on the 22nd instant by one of her daughters, three of whom slept in the same room with her on the proceeding night. She was heard by one of them to call out in the night "Oh, I am dying!" and the daughter thereupon struck a light and placed it by her side, but as the mother had been ill for a long time and was accustomed to call out in her sleep, and as she became quiet, and she [the daughter] thought had fallen asleep, she did not go to her, and on getting up in the morning, she found her dead. Verdict, "natural death." FATAL MINE ACCIDENT - On the 26th instant, Mr. HICHENS held an inquest at Wheal Reeth Account House, in the parish of Uny Lelant, on the body of Francis NICHOLAS, aged 36 years, whose death occurred in that mine on the 22nd of November last, in consequence of the ground on which he and his comrades were standing giving way under their feet. The deceased, who fell from the 120 fathom level, was carried 4 fathoms under, where he was buried under such a mass of rubbish as to occupy from that time to the present in getting him out. His two comrades saved themselves, one by laying hold of the ladder in the shaft, and the other by clinging to a piece of timber. Verdict, "accidental death." Julia M.   West Briton Transcriptions, 1836-1856 at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~wbritonad St. Austell Area History and Genealogy at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~staustell