Interesting article regarding printed Governmental Returns - and their accuracy.  With this example one can judge the veracity of other published documents of the time; glad to know they were as reliable as those of today!  Enjoy.... ........................................................................................................................................................ West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser - transcribed by Julia Mosman 25 FEBRUARY 1859 . SHIPPING --- NEW ZEALAND ASSISTED PASSAGES will be granted to Farm Labourers, Shepherds, Country Carpenters, Wheelwrights, Masons, Smiths, and Handy Odd Job Men, with their families, to the province of Canterbury, New Zealand. Persons applying immediately to the Undersigned, will proceed by the first class ship "CAMEO", on the First of March. JAMES B. WILCOCKS Agent for New Zealand Barbican, Plymouth ..................................................................... STEAM TO NEW YORK DIRECT And the cheapest and shortest route to Canada West THE LIVERPOOL, NEW YORK, and PHILADELPHIA STEAMSHIP COMPANY, intend dispatching their full powered Iron Screw Steam ships from Liverpool to New York, as follows: City of Washington....................Wednesday............2nd March Kangaroo........................................Wednesday............16th March City of Baltimore..........................Wednesday.............30th March And each alternate Wednesday. Cabin passage, 15, 17, and 21 Guineas, according to the accommodation. Forward Passage, 8 Guineas, including provisions. Passengers for Canada and the United States, booked through on very advantageous terms. For further particulars, apply to WILLIAM INMAN, 22, Water-street, Liverpool; or to GEORGE M. STRINGER, Plymouth; WILLIAM WADE, Redruth; J. VINCENT, Truro; and BENJAMIN J. NOTT, St. Austell. ............................................................... SCHOOLS LITFIELD VILLA, LOWER HARLEY PLACE, CLIFTON, near BRISTOL MRS. and MISS BARKER have removed their Establishment from 14, Oriel Terrace, Weston-super-Mare, to the above-mentioned residence, on account of Weston-super-Mare not agreeing with their health, the air being damp and prostrating. Clifton is too well known as being one of the most healthy, beautiful, and aristocratic spots in England, to need any eulogium from Mrs. Baker's pen, and it offers superior advantages, especially to young ladies finishing their education, such as could not be had in a small watering place. . Mrs. and Miss Baker still continue to receive a select number of young Ladies as resident pupils, who are in every respect treated as members of the family, to which fact the pupils and their parents will bear ample testimony. This school offers superior advantages to most, as the principals are well educated gentlewomen (Mrs. Baker being the daughter of a late General of the Army) and they conscientiously devote the whole of their time to impart to their pupils a first-rate and finished education based on Christian principles. Mrs. Baker has finished the education of young ladies in the higher walks of life, and from her long experience she has acquired the happy mode of imparting instruction so as to render study a pleasure, and thereby ensure the more rapid improvement, as well as securing the happiness of the pupil. . The course of instruction includes every requisite for a sound, liberal, polite, and Christian education, embracing the modern languages, and every accomplishment befitting the gentlewoman. . The house is well adapted for a first class educational establishment; it is situated in the best part of Clifton, and is contiguous to the best roads for rural walks. TERMS Board, Washing, and Tuition in English; in all its branches, Writing and Arithmetic (by a master), French, by a resident Parisian Governess, Piano and Singing, or Drawing, with Needle-work, including all extras, (French daily spoken), 30 guineas per year. Latin, German, Italian, and Dancing with Calisthenics, 4 guineas each per year. . Prospectuses of the school, with references to the parents of present and former pupils, Wesleyan Ministers, and other gentlemen, forwarded on application with real name and address, free of charge. . All young ladies coming from a distance can remain the vacations free of any extra charge. . Mrs. and Miss Baker's professional Duties were RESUMED on the 18th of January, 1859. Vacancy for a governess pupil. N.B. - First class masters will attend the school as usual. ..................................................... PARLIAMENTARY RETURNS RELATING TO CORNWALL – PROPERTY AND INCOME TAX A return has been printed, by order of the House of Commons, of the amount of Property assessed to the Income Tax, under schedules B and D, for the year ending the 5th of April, in each parliamentary city or borough in the United Kingdom. The following are the returns for boroughs in Cornwall: City/Borough.................................Property tax.........................Income tax BODMIN..........................................GBP 13,856...........................GBP..8,318 HELSTON.........................................................877...................................16,265 LAUNCESTON..........................................15,847...................................11,888 LISKEARD......................................................9,732...................................15,994 PENRYN and FALMOUTH.......................2,558...................................50,955 St. IVES...........................................................9,078...................................14,564 TRURO............................................................1,583...................................10,969 These returns are manifestly incorrect in several instances. For example, in the case of Truro, the return ought to have been GBP 73,303, instead of the small amount appearing in the above table. The returns are also incorrect with regard to some of the other boroughs, and perhaps the whole of them are wrongly stated. . This is a matter of very great consequences at the present time, when any new scheme of parliamentary reform may probably be based to some extent on property assessment. The fact of these returns being so greatly erroneous should at once be brought under the notice of the county and borough members for Cornwall, in order that they may be rectified, and Cornwall assume her proper position in any parliamentary reform bill, based to any extent on property assessment. . The following was the amount of property assessed to the income tax, under schedules B and D, in the county, exclusive of and distinguished from that charged in the parliamentary boroughs, in the year ended 5th April, 1857: EASTERN DIVISION.......................Property tax GBP 398,324.....................Income Tax GBP 89,629 WESTERN DIVISION..........................................................258,153....................................................308,693 . ASSESSED TAXES The following were the amounts of assessed taxes charged in the year ended the 5th of April, 1857: BODMIN....................................GBP. 516 HELSTON..............................................585 LAUNCESTON.....................................532 LISKEARD..............................................336 PENRYN and FALMOUTH...............757 St. IVES...................................................310 TRURO.................................................1149 . The following was the amount of assessed taxes charged in the county, exclusive of and distinguished from that charged in the parliamentary boroughs, in the year ended 5th April 1857: EASTERN DIVISION....................GBP 7,776 WESTERN DIVISION.............................5,720 . MAGISTRATES’ CLERKS' FEES: >From a return of the gross amount of Clerks; fees received by every clerk to the Magistrates of every city and town in England and Wales of more than 10,000 inhabitants, during the years 1855, 1856, and 1857, we extract the following: 1855.............GBP. 168.1s. 1856........................175.5s. 1857........................180.6s. J.F. BENNALLACK, Clerk of the Justices 8th June, 1858 . COUNTY COURT RETURNS The following is extracted from returns of every County Court in England and Wales from the 1st of January, to the 31st of December, 1857. Circuit 60 comprises Bodmin, Falmouth, Helston, Liskeard, Penzance, Redruth, St. Austell, St. Columb Major, and Truro. The following were the total returns from the circuit: Total number of plaints entered...................................10,724 Ditto above GBP 20, not exceeding GBP 50...................127 Causes upon which the hearing fee of 2s in the pound was taken..........................2,746 Causes tried above GBP 20......................................................68 Causes in which, on admission of debt, the fee of 1s in the pound was taken.....1,996 Causes in which judgment by default was entered..........2 Number of days that the court sat.....................................133 Total amount for which the plaints were entered.................................................GBP. 24,079 Total (exclusive of costs) for which judgment was obtained.............................GBP. 11,898 Amount of such costs, exclusive of fees of court....................................GBP.......607 Amount paid into court without proceeding to judgment.................GBP....1,516 Total amount of fees received................................................GBP....2,934 Amount received to the credit of suitors, paid in...........GBP....8,779 Ditto.......................................paid out..........................8,601 Causes tried by jury..............................................................................................18 Causes in which the party requiring a jury obtained a verdict...............7 Total number of executions issued against goods of defendants....845 Judgment summonses issued......................................................................1,195 Judgment summonses heard by the court.................................................570 Warrant fo commitment issued.......................................................................286 Persons actually taken to prison under such warrants...........................119 The following was the number of plaints and the amounts for which they were entered, in the different county court districts in Cornwall: BODMIN...........Plaints Entered..........642............Amounts GBP. 1,095 FALMOUTH.........................................935...................................2,344 HELSTON.............................................545...................................1,147 LISKEARD..........................................1,480...................................3,179 PENZANCE........................................1,358...................................3,926 REDRUTH..........................................2,635...................................5,080 ST. AUSTELL......................................1,501...................................2,311 St. COLUMB MAJOR............................430......................................976 TRURO..............................................1,228...................................3,418 CAMELFORD........................................226.....................................590 LAUNCESTON......................................520...................................1,294 ................................................................................ WALLIS v. WALLIS - CRUELTY - The petitioner in this case was the wife of a gunmaker in Jermyn-street. She was married to the respondent in 1843, and had had four children. She charged him with striking her on the face, locking her in her bed-room, depriving her of her clothes and jewels, using threats, and other acts of cruelty. These allegations were proved by her own evidence and that of servants and other witnesses. There was no evidence for the defence. . SIR C. CRESSWELL said that issues were frequently raised in that court that were of far greater social importance than any of those questions of contract or debt which juries had so often to decide. It was not the policy of the law to grant separations on trivial grounds, or from any mere incompatibility of temper. Husbands and wives might make each other as wretched as they pleased, provided they only kept hands off, and refrained from threats from which violence might reasonably be apprehended. The jury found the respondent had been guilty of cruelty. ................................................................................. LOCAL INTELLIGENCE PROPERTY TAX, POPULATION, &C - The following is extracted from a parliamentary return, dated Feb. 3, 1859, showing the annual value of all the real property, including railways and canals, rated under schedule A, for the year ending April 5, 1857, in each county or parliamentary borough in the United Kingdom; the population of each according to the census of 1851; the number of parliamentary voters in each; the members of parliament returned by each; and the amounts payable under schedule A (at 1s.4d in the pound) for the year ending April 5, 1857: ..............Real Property....Population...Voters..Members....Amt. Payable East Div..GBP. 587, 179.....130,256........6,251....2....GBP. 39,145 West Div.........548,283.....165,167........4,542.....2............36,552 BOROUGHS BODMIN.........22,709........6,337............390........2..............1,513 HELSTON........16,550........7,328............309........1..............1,104 LAUNCESTON..24,299.......6,005............438........1..............1,618 LISKEARD........21,524.......6,204.............372........1..............1,434 PENRYN and FALMOUTH....28,000.....13,656.............856........2................1,866 ST. IVES..........20,264.......8,972.............536........1................1,350 TRURO...........29,061.....10,733.............646........2................1,937 .......................... CHAPEL OPENING - Sermons were preached at the new Primitive Methodist Church, Lostwithiel, on Sunday last, in the morning by Mr. CHARLES GARTON HONOR, circuit minister, and in the afternoon and evening by Mr. ISAAC WHITE, circuit superintendent. The congregations were large and attentive. In the afternoon, Mr. HONOR preached in the open air, to a large number of persons who could not obtain entrance into the chapel. The collections amounted to GBP 10. . PRIMATIVE METHODIST MISSIONS - Sermons on behalf of these missions were preached in the Mount-street chapel, Penzance, on Sunday last. The Rev. O. PULLEN, of St. Day, officiated in the morning, and the Rev. C.T. HARRIS, of St. Ives, in the evening. On Monday the annual public meeting was held, presided over by Mr. J. WHITFORD, and addressed by the above-named gentlemen as well as by the Revs. J.P. BARNETT, S.T. ALLEN, and H. WORTH. Mr. POWELL read the report, which stated that during the past year four additional missionaries have been sent to Australasia, and one to Tasmania. The society employs 128 missionaries. The total income for the year to the Missionary Fund is GBP. 11,098.0s.4d, being an increase of GBP 683.11s.10d. A missionary breakfast was held in the Primitive Chapel on Tuesday morning. The proceeds of the annual meeting amounted to about GBP 20. . THE PULPIT OF CORNWALL - We have received the following: To the Editor of the West Briton. Sir, Allow me to say in reply to the letter which the Rev. S. DUNN inserted in your journal last week, that if I have been betrayed into any errors respecting him, I will, on his sustaining his accusation by reasonable evidence, make ample and speedy amends. I, however, decline to do so upon his mere assertion, and challenge him to the proof. Yours respectfully, ISHMAEL, author of the Pulpit of Cornwall. Truro, February 24th, 1859. . ST. DAY PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY - This society gave their second concert of vocal and instrumental music, on Thursday the 17th instant, in Mr. BAWDEN’s school room, to a numerous and respectable audience of nearly 280 persons, who were highly pleased with the entertainment. The songs and glees were a good selection, and called forth many encores, especially the personation of "I'm Ninety Five," and "Here to Cool Grot," &c. We must not forget to notice the tastefully decorated room, which had a very excellent effect, and reflected great credit on the members for their exertions. It is very gratifying to see the progress of this society, to which we heartily wish every success. . CRICKET IN CORNWALL - Mr. WELDHEN states that notwithstanding the heavy loss (GBP 20.2s) sustained by the Grand Match at Penzance last summer, and the still heavier one, by his party, in their three matches of last season, he this year has again the pleasure of stating that they have engaged the All England Eleven to play two Grand Matches in June next; the western one at either Penzance, Redruth, or Truro, and the eastern one also near the line of Railway, at either St. Austell or Lostwithiel; the interests of cricket at Plymouth being cared for by a match with the United Eleven, in August next. Mr. Weldhen says: "In announcing the willingness of his party, after so great a loss, again to risk some hundreds of pounds in furtherance of a common science, he has to solicit the warm assistance of all lovers of cricket, as the future endeavours of his party will be guided solely by the interest shown by the public." . TRURO POLICE - On Monday, before Mr. CHAPPEL and Mr. E. MICHELL, magistrates, ELLEN DAW, of Truro, CAROLINE PAUL, of Wheal Busy, MARY ANN THOMAS, of Redruth, and ANNA MARIA MURREN, of Redruth, women of improper character, were all charged by P.C. GAY, CHRISTOPHER, and JOHNS, with having been drunk and disorderly and used indecent language in the public streets, on Saturday night. The three first were committed to 21 days hard labour in the house of correction, and Murren, who is an old offender, having been previously committed no less than sixteen times, was sentenced to three months’ hard labour. . JOSEPH ANDREWS, apprentice to Mr. CLYMA, painter, St. Nicholas-street, and SAMUEL WILLIAMS, labourer, were charged with fighting and behaving in a riotous manner in Kenwyn-street, between twelve and one o’clock on Sunday morning. This being their first offence, they were cautioned and discharged on payment of the costs. . JONATHAN and RICHARD WEBBER, labourers, of the parish of Kea, were charged by P.C. GAY and JOHNS, with being drunk and behaving in a riotous and disorderly manner, at one o'clock on Sunday morning last. This being their first offence, they were only fined 5s and costs each. . On Tuesday, before Mr. CHAPPEL, FRANCIS O'NEIL, an Irishman, was charged with hawking without a license. It having been proved that the prisoner had been seen hawking razors without license, he pleaded in defence that he had been ill for a long time, and in order to procure a little food, he had sold one of four razors which he had. He produced an old license, and said that his long illness had prevented him from renewing it. He begged the magistrates not to convict him, promising to leave town immediately if set at liberty, and in order to afford him the opportunity of doing so, he was discharged. . W. TABB, gardener, of Truro, was charged with having assaulted his wife on the previous night. It appeared that the parties have been living separate for some time, and on meeting his wife in Lemon-street on the previous night, as she was returning to her lodgings from where she had been working, he took hold of her, put his arm around her neck and threatened to throttle her. A crowd of people collected, and P.C. Gay seeing that the parties were creating a disturbance, brought them both to the station house. The husband was fined 5s. and costs, with the alternative of twenty-one days hard labour, and also ordered to enter into his own recognizances of GBP 10 to keep the peace for three months. . MARY ANN SEARLE, alias BULLOCK, from Redruth, a female of no character, and the keeper of an improper house in Truro, was charged with having picked the pocket of JOHN ANNEAR, residing in the neighbourhood of Penstrase Moor, of a purse containing 4s.6d. She was remanded for three days. . REDRUTH POLICE - THOMAS MILL, of Illogen, was taken into custody on the 16th instant, for being drunk and disorderly; he was charged with the offence before Mr. MAGOR, county magistrate, and fined 5s. and costs. . JANE MARTIN and MARIA JOHNSON, both of Redruth, were apprehended on the 19th instant, by Sergeant JAMES, for assaulting and threatening the life of ESTHER LAUNDER, of Redruth. They were taken before Mr. Magor, and Mr. S. DAVEY, on the 21st instant, but there not being sufficient evidence against Martin, she was discharged with a caution. Johnson was called upon to find sureties to keep the peace for six months, and in default was committed to Bodmin. On the 21st instant, ESTHER LAUNDER was taken into custody for assaulting and threatening the life of MARIA JOHNSON; she was also called upon to find sureties to keep the peace for six months, and in default, was committed to Bodmin. . STEALING PIGS' MEAL - At the Town Hall, Truro, on Wednesday, before Mr. CHAPPEL, JAMES PALMER, carrier, was charged with stealing 27 lbs of barley meal for feeding pigs, of the value of 1s.6d, the property of Mr. JOHN LAKE. . The prosecutor occupies the flour mill, known as Tiddy's Mill, and behind the bakehouse adjoining the mill, he keeps a number of pigs. In a shed, near the piggery he keeps a quantity of barley meal, some of which the bakers are in the habit of missing up daily for the animal's food. For some weeks past portions of this food have been missed. The men before leaving work, mixed up a certain quantity of the meal, which they placed in an iron trough or vessel ready for the pigs, but in the morning a considerable portion of it was gone, and as the gate of the yard was regularly locked, they were unable to account for the loss. . About a week ago, Mr. Lake communicated with Superintendent NASH upon the subject, and the latter directed Sergeant WOOLCOCK to watch the premises, which he did during several mornings past, and between five and six o’clock on Wednesday morning, as he was secreted on the premises, he saw the prisoner crawl under the gate into the yard and go to the iron vessel, and put a quantity of the mixed-up barley meal into a bag which he carried, with which he was walking away when the officer pounced upon him, and charged him with robbery. The prisoner immediately dropped the bag, and said this was his first offence. . These facts being proved by GEORGE MASON, baker, in Mr. Lake's employ, Sergeant Woolcock, and Mr. Lake, the prisoner was remanded till next day. . The prisoner keeps two horses and carts, and it was stated that the former were in fine condition owing to the quantity of barley meal which they had for some time received. When brought up on Thursday, the prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment. . COUNTY COURT, FALMOUTH - This court was held at the Polytechnic-hall, on Tuesday and Wednesday, when there were 25 judgment summonses, three adjournments, and 75 original plaints entered on the records. There were not many cases of interest to the public; amongst those tried were COX v. TRUSCOTT. This action was brought to recover GBP 11.3s.6d for goods supplied for the repairs of a vessel, at Falmouth. Mr. GENN appeared for the plaintiff; and Mr. MOORMAN for defendant. His Honor gave judgment for plaintiff, for full amount claimed, to be paid immediately. . LAKE v. SYMONS - This was an action brought to recover GBP 45 for one year’s rent of a shop and house at Falmouth. Plaintiff said she was the widow of Mr. R.G. LAKE, deceased; she kept the books, and did so in her late husband’s life time; she recollected the defendant living in the house on the market strand; it was next to where she now lived; old Mr. SYMONS and his son, together with the rest of the family, lived there after he left the King’s Arms Hotel; the business first carried on was that of a draper, and subsequently an eating house. Mr. KEMP, solicitor, deposed that he rented at one time an office of the late Mr. Lake; was adviser to Mr. Lake; he consulted him about drawing a lease for letting the house to Mr. Symons; he prepared draft of the same, but Mr. Symons refused to execute it; he said he was not afraid to take Mr. Lake's word, if Mr. Lake was afraid to take his word, and the reason it was not executed was the expense of it. His Honor, after hearing both pa! rties at great length, gave judgment for plaintiff for the full amount claimed, payable forthwith. . ST. COLUMB PETTY SESSIONS - At these sessions, held on the 22nd instant, before Mr. H.P. RAWLINGS, chairman, Mr. R.G. BENNET, Mr. C.G. BRUNE, and Mr. W. MICHELL, county magistrates, the following cases were disposed of. JONATHAN WAREHAM v. W.W. ARNALL. An order was made on the defendant for immediate payment of 6s.9d being for twenty-seven days’ work at 3d per day, and the costs for obtaining the order. . THOMAS MITCHELL was fined 10s. and costs, for beating and ill-using a little child, named ANGELINA HEWETT, three years of age, at St. Breock, on the 16th instant. . WILLIAM CHAPMAN, of St. Merryn, was fined 11s and costs for driving three horses in a waggon without reins, furiously through the village of Rumford, in St. Ervan, on the 28th of January last. ROBERT GRIGG, of Padstow, grocer, was fined 1s and costs for having four light iron weights in his possession, on the 3rd of February. The weights were also forfeited to the inspector of weights and measures. . FRANCIS WHITE, of St. Columb Major, was fined 2s and costs, for driving two horses in a cart furiously at St. Columb Minor, on the 1st instant. WILLIAM BROWN, and MARY ANN BROWN, his wife, vagrants, were brought up on a charge of stealing a cotton jacket from ANNA HILL, a lodging-house keeper of St. Columb, but the evidence against them not being sufficient, they were discharged with a caution. A MALICIOUS ACT - Early on Tuesday morning last, as the mail cart which leaves Penzance at 10 o'clock at night, and reaches Truro at two the next morning, was proceeding between Gloweth and Highertown, the horse was suddenly thrown down by something laid across the road, and the driver pitched out. The animal’s knees were severely cut, and the harness was broken, but the driver fortunately escaped with slight injury. On examination, the obstruction was found to be a large field gate, which had been lifted from its posts in a field adjoining the road, and between that spot and Highertown, no less than five similar gates had been unhung and placed across the road, in addition to a large piece of timber. Three men living in the neighbourhood of Chacewater are suspected of this malicious act, and the police are on the look out for them. Whoever the guilty parties are, it is to be hoped they will soon receive the punishment which their conduct deserves. . PENZANCE BOARD OF GUARDIANS - A communication was received from the Poor Law Board on Tuesday last, announcing their decision in the case brought against the relieving officer, Mr. FRIGGENS, (who was supported by the Board) by the vicar of Paul. The Board state that they have very maturely considered Mr. GULSON's report and the depositions he took. They acquit the relieving officer of any neglect of duty; they do not even consider that any harsh conduct was proved against him; at the same time they would counsel the relieving officer to be as kind and conciliatory in his manner to the poor as possible. . MILDNESS OF THE SEASON - On Tuesday last, from a bramble in the garden of Mr. WILLIAM NOTT, shoemaker, of Blowing-house hill, in the parish of St. Austell, three berries were gathered, one being quite black, one red, and the other green; and there are several other bushes in blossom. . TRIALS OF MANURES - At Penryn, on Thursday week, a large gathering of the agricultural community of that locality took place at the Elephant and Castle Inn, Mr. GEORGE MALLETT's, to discharge Mr. NEWCOME's lime bills. After doing justice to the roast beef and other good things amply provided by Mr. Newcome, an animated discussion arose as to manures and especially lime, to the virtues of which great justice was done. It was said to be a great advantage to the turnip crop, by preventing rot, and fingers and toes, and was recommended to be applied in the autumn preceding the sowing, or for the previous crop; and it was also highly spoken of for improving grass in old pasture lays. Referring to other manures, many of the company complained of the imposition and loss they had suffered from time to time by having artificial manures foisted on them which were worse than valueless, inasmuch as they not only lost the cost in money, but also their labour, land, and crop. The best Per! uvian guano, bone dust, and superphosphate were highly spoken of; but much dissatisfaction was felt as regards the monopoly in the guano trade; and a determination was expressed to use every available substitute, and to adopt some plan to test the other manures in the market; and after very many pointed remarks on the importance of the matter, it was agreed to name a preliminary committee to lay down some plan and rules, so as to give the different manures a fair and honest trial on different soils, by sowing quantities of equal money value, in the same proportions, and at the same time award small prizes to the merchants producing the article that would yield the best crop at the least cost, and calling on lords and tenant farmers for subscriptions to carry out these plans. Mr. E.A. BULLMORE and some other gentlemen, were appointed to take such preliminary steps as they should think fit, and to convene a general meeting for the appointment of officers and committee to fix ! the rules and prizes to be given, so as practically to test th! e differ ent articles on the land, and also by analysis. It was considered that the proposed plan would offer great advantages, both to the farmer and the upright manure merchant; and after fully discussing the matter, and offering many plain suggestions on practical husbandry, the party separated, highly pleased with the kind and generous manner in which they had been met by Mr. NEWCOME, and by the very excellent dinner set on the table by Mr. MALLETT. . CHILD DROPPING - Four or five cases of child dropping have recently occurred in the parish of Gulval, the last taking place on Saturday. It appears that JAMES ROWE, a lad 14 years of age, whose father is in the employ of the Rev. W. WINGFIELD, had occasion on Saturday morning, between ten and eleven o'clock, to go to the house of Mr. JOHN ROBERTS for some twine. On his return, he saw a woman in a field belonging to Mr. OLIVER, and on coming up to her, she said that she was nearly frightened to death, for there was a bundle in the hedge, and so far as she could judge a child appeared to be wrapped up in it. She requested him to stay there and mind the bundle whilst she went to Church-town, and obtained some assistance. He, however, called to some men who were working in Mr. Oliver's field, upon which the woman ran away as fast as she could. He had not seen the bundle as he was going to Mr. Roberts's, and he did not believe that it was there then. He and some others pursued th! e woman, whom they found in Mr. Roberts's house, crying. She said that she was a married woman, wife to JAMES CHAPPEL, who lived at the Castle, and she declared that she had nothing whatever to do with the child. . On Monday an inquest was held at the “Old Inn,” before Mr. W. HICHENS, when the above facts were deposed to, and Mr. RICHARD QUICK, surgeon, Penzance, stated that he had made a post mortem examination of the body. It was that of a male child, and after a careful examination, he had not found any external marks of violence. It had arrived at maturity, and was apparently healthy. There was a little bloody mucus oozing from the left nostril, and the umbilical cord, nearly seven inches long, had not been secured. The lungs were healthy, and floated, leading to the inference that the child had breathed. His opinion was that no assistance having been provided at the birth, the child had suffocated. The jury returned a verdict of "death from natural causes." . >From inquiries instituted by the police, it is evident that the woman who first pointed out the bundle to the boy Rowe is not implicated in the offence; on Tuesday, a widow named MARGARET WHITE, of Nancledra, was apprehended on suspicion, and taken before Mr. T.S. BOLITHO, but was liberated on her own recognizances, and the police are making further inquiries. . HELSTON COUNTY COURT - At the monthly sitting on Monday, the only adjourned case was one from the December court, in which JAMES RICHARDS, carpenter, of Helston, sued J.T. KEVERNE, of Penzance for GBP 32, for work and labour, agreeable to a contract, but for which the defendant contended he was not liable. Originally there were two contractors, although subsequently, on TURNER, the co-partner of Richard in the business, having become insolvent, the work was divided, and defendant instructed plaintiff to proceed with his part of the work. His Honor gave judgment for the plaintiff, because he considered the fresh agreement valid, when Keverne in the presence of several witnesses promised payment to Richards. The case was fully reported in the West Briton at the time of the trial. . There was another case, JENNINGS v. HOARE, which occupied the court a long time. It appeared that plaintiff had lodged and boarded defendant for several weeks. Miss HOARE is a stranger, and professes to be a member of a high family in this neighbourhood, and having made herself obnoxious by her frequent calls and communications, the clergy of the neighbourhood interfered and promised to settle the claim against her if she would leave the county. This she refused to do, and now sought to justify her conduct because some papers belonging to her were detained by the Rev. R. TUDOR. She defended her case personally with remarkable pertinacity, and although much extraneous matter was introduced by her, the judge allowed her great latitude, and showed an extraordinary degree of patience, but eventually gave judgment for Mrs. Jennings. . FELONY AT HAYLE - A lad named BENJAMIN HARRIS, was charged before the Rev. U. TONKIN, at Lelant, on the 19th with a felony. He was in the habit of calling at Foundry House, Hayle, to shave Capt. JOHN WEST. On Thursday last he called at 10, and was desired to come again. An electro-plated crust stand had been placed on the dresser of the middle kitchen at nine by the housekeeper. At twelve he came and shaved Captain West, and 10 minutes afterwards the stand was missed. In the afternoon Harris called on Mr. DANIEL, watchmaker, of Hayle, and offered a stand for sale. Mr. Daniel detained it, and on P.C. BOUCHER calling, it was given to him, and Capt. West identified it by a private mark. When apprehended, Harris admitted that he took the crust stand on his second visit. He was committed for trial. . CHARGE OF FELONY - For some time past, Mrs. GERTRUDE SYMONS, of Penzance, who carries on the business of her late husband, Mr. JOHN N. SYMONS, chemist and druggist, has missed money from her shop, and as her losses became serious, she was advised to test the honesty of her assistants, Mr. WILLIAM LEAR, of Truro, who has been her manager for 12 months, and Mr. DAVIES, an apprentice. . For this purpose on Tuesday, in last week, she marked some half-crowns and eight shillings, and left them with Mrs. COURTENAY, who handed them to her husband, Mr. J.S. COURTENAY. About six in the evening, Mrs. Symonds examined her till and saw 6s.6d in it. A quarter of an hour afterwards Mr. Courtenay called at the shop with a list of articles, paid 17s8d for them with the marked money, and requested the goods to be sent to his house. . Soon afterwards Mrs. Symons went to the till; she found only 5s.6d. there of the unmarked money, and one half-crown missing of the marked. Inspector OLDS was sent for. He called both young men into the parlour, and announced his business; before he had concluded he saw a coin drop from Lear's hand, and this proved to be one of the marked half-crowns. Lear said he had given change in the course of the day to a customer, and had repaid himself. He was given into custody, but late at night was bailed out. The next day (Wednesday) he was taken before the borough magistrates, and committed to the next Sessions for trial, but was admitted to bail - himself in GBP100 and two sureties in GBP 50 each - until the Sessions. . BURNING OF THE BARQUE "BRISEIS" - The captain and crew of the above ship arrived in Southampton in the Avon, from the Brazils, on Monday. The following details are furnished by the chief mate (JOHN NORTON). The Briseis, Captain CARE, left Gravesend in October, with government stores, consisting of wooden and iron bosses, &c., for Vancouver’s Island. The crew, including the master and mate, comprised 15 individuals, and there were five passengers on board. . Nothing of importance occurred until the 7th of December, when the ship was in lat. 21.52S, long 23.0W. About 6 o'clock in the morning of that day, smoke was discovered issuing from the hold. Search was made during the day to ascertain where the fire originated, but without effect. The weather at the time was fine, and the wind light; and as the smoke continued to increase, much anxiety was manifested. About midnight the smoke was so dense, both fore and aft, that it was deemed necessary to get the boats out, and make preparations for leaving the ship. This was done under the supervision of the mate, but before it could be accomplished flames burst forth from the main hatch. With great difficulty, water and provisions were got into the boats, and the passengers and crew were compelled to leave the ship, from the violence of the flames and the suffocating effects of the smoke. . There were but two boats available, and they were somewhat deeply laden by the number of persons in them, and the provisions and personal baggage which they were enabled to get out of the ship. There was only one lady passenger on board. The boats put off from the ship soon after one o'clock on the morning of the 8th, and an hour after, the three [mast?] went over the side. The boats lay to until noon of that day, and the ship having burnt to the water's edge, they left her. . It was ascertained that they were about 300 miles from the nearest port, and 500 from Rio de Janeiro, to which port they steered, as the wind was favourable. In order that the boats should not part company they were connected by a rope, and in this manner they hoisted sail and departed on their perilous voyage. . The weather for the first day or two was fine, but afterwards, the wind rose to nearly a gale, and the sea also rose, so that there was great danger of the boats being swamped. This continued for some time, and after suffering great hardship, as the boats were constantly making water, they were picked up by the Brazilian brig "Liberali", on board of which they were treated with much kindness, and conveyed to Pernambuco, from whence they were dispatched to Southampton by the English consul. The "Briseis" belonged to Messrs. BARFIELD, of St. Ives, Cornwall. Daily News. . MINE ACCIDENT - In Wheal Kitty mine, JOHN POPE, of Lowerquarter, has been seriously injured by the explosion of a hole. It appears that the men had prepared two holes for blasting. They had arranged to let off one first, and then to fire the second after; but the explosion of one set fire to the other. Not knowing this the men went into the level to complete their work, when the second hole went off, and large pieces of stone struck Pope, and lodged deeply in the flesh in various parts of the body. . FATAL MINE ACCIDENT - MR. HICHENS held an inquest on Tuesday last, in the parish of St. Just in Penwith, on the body of STEPHEN BLEWETT, aged 22 years. The deceased was a kibble-filler at Wheal Owles mine in the parish, and on Saturday last was thus employed at the 148 fathoms level. About three o'clock in the afternoon, the lander, being about to leave work, sent down the kibble with a "token" attached, signifying that that would be the last kibble, and the kibble having come up in due course, the lander emptied it and then left to go home, and without waiting to see that the filler came up safely. . The usage of the mine seemed to be that the lander should remain till the kibble-filler came up, and had he done so, the fact of an accident having happened to the deceased would have been sooner discovered, but in consequence of the lander having left before the filler had come up, his not having come up was not known for many hours after, and upon the alarm of his family on that account, search was made for him in the night of Saturday, when he was found dead at the 148 fathom level, having fallen, as was supposed, in the course of coming up, from the fact of one of his shoes having been found, as well as marks of his feet and hands, as if he had struggled, to save himself above where he was found. Verdict, "found dead." . PREVENTION OF MINE ACCIDENTS - The Patent Safety Skip invented by Mr. BENNETTS of Tuckingmill has been successfully erected and tried at South Wheal Frances Mine. The experiment took place on Monday afternoon last, in the following manner: first, stationary, then ascending and descending empty, and lastly filled. Each time the rope was suddenly cut asunder with an axe, and the skip immediately became firmly fixed. We may add that these trials were most satisfactory to the agents on the mine, and to several other persons who were present. . BODY WASHED ASHORE - Mr. CARLYON held an inquest on Monday last, at Cubert, on a body supposed to be that of a large-sized female, which had been washed ashore at Holywell Beach, on the previous Saturday. It had no clothes on, and had evidently been in the water some time. There was no means of identifying it, and the jury returned a verdict "found washed ashore." . SUDDEN DEATHS - Mr. TRENERRY, butcher, of Buck’s Head, near Truro, died suddenly on Thursday morning, the 24th instant. He was in perfect health, and attended to his duties, in Truro market, on the previous evening. Mr. Trenerry was much respected by every one who knew him. . Mr. Carlyon held an inquest on Wednesday last, at the Exeter Inn, Richmond-hill, Truro, on the body of RICHARD HILL, painter, aged 49, who was found dead in his bed by his wife, on her awaking about five o’clock on Wednesday morning. It appeared that he had gone to bed the evening before, about ten o’clock, in his usual health; and the jury, after hearing the evidence of Mr. TRURAN, surgeon, who had no doubt that he died by the visitation of God, from natural causes, most probably disease of the heart, returned a verdict to that effect. . ROYAL CORNWALL SAILOR'S HOME - An omission occurred in our copy of the annual report of this institution, inserted last week, in reference to the 107 ship-wrecked seamen received therein. It should have been stated that Captain BRADFIELD, the honorary agent of that excellent society, had sent the greatest part of that number to the Home, and afterwards forwarded them to their homes. . CORNWALL RAILWAY - On Friday last, Mr. BRERETON, the engineer, (Mr. Brunel's representative), tested the Moorswater viaduct, near Liskeard, by passing and re-passing over it with an engine and tender and 250 tons of ballast; and the result was in every way most satisfactory. . LITERARY INSTITUTIONS . TRURO INSTITUTION - On Friday last, Mr. BUCKLAND gave a clever and humorous entertainment entitled "Ye Manners and Customs of ye Englyashe," representing fashions and customs of the olden time, enlivened by shrewd and witty remarks. Mr. Buckland’s singing and piano accompaniments gave his audience, as usual, much pleasure and amusement, and the whole entertainment was very satisfactory, the Assembly Room being crowded on the occasion. It was announced that on Friday the 25th, the Rev. T.B. HART, of Tregony, would lecture on the principle and practice of the electric telegraph, illustrated by diagrams, experiments, and models. . TRURO WORKING MAN'S READING ROOM - On Tuesday, Mr. PERRY gave a lecture on "The Best Means of Improving the Morality of the Working Class." A discussion followed in which several of the members joined, and a vote of thanks was given to the lecturer. On Tuesday, 1st of March, Mr. CARTER will give "Readings from various authors." . DEVORAN - Mr. LAWRY, of Truro, delivered a lecture in Devoran Chapel, on Thursday evening, on "Jamaica." At the close, he exhibited some beautiful specimens of copper and coal, brought by himself from the island. He received the thanks of the audience for his highly interesting lecture. . HAYLE MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY - The members and friends of this society were favoured on Friday last, with a very impressive and interesting lecture on "John Bunyan's Pilgrim," by the Rev. W. HASLAM, the Rev. F. HOCKEN in the chair. At the close of the lecture a unanimous vote of thanks was passed to the lecturer. . PENZANCE INSTITUTE - On Monday evening last, a lecture was delivered at the Assembly Room, by Mr. R. BLIGHT, on "British Sailor sand Naval Victories." The subject, though necessarily a very broad one, was involved in no perplexity, owing to the judicious manner in which the lecture was arranged. The lecturer first gave a rapid but interesting sketch of the rise and progress of the British navy. He then drew the character of British seamen, spoke of their heroic daring, their noble generosity and their strange superstitions. Ample and hearty justice was done to that bold and hardy class of men, by whom the terror and glory of the British name have been carried to the remotest ends of the earth. The lecture was of a singularly suggestive character, as was sufficiently shown by the discussion which followed. At the suggestion of Mr. R. PEARCE, mayor of Penzance, Mr. Blight was requested to treat more fully the subject of English Naval victories in a series of lectures. The meet! ing was large, and presided over by Mr. R.Q. COUCH, president. . PLANS FOR THE NAVAL RESERVE - [a partial report] and the ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH .....Recommendations: Reliefs of 4,000 men to be held in receiving and training ships at the principal ports. Coast guard to be increased to 12,000 men. 5,000 men to be added to the reserve of marines; to enroll about 5,000 marines who have retired on short service; adding altogether about 30,000 men to the service. Naval volunteers also to be raised somewhat after the model of our volunteer militia; by offering good pay, pensions, and admission to Greenwich, they hope to induce 10,000 men, and 10,000 men living in ports and engaged upon the coast, to enroll themselves as volunteers to receive occasional inspection in gunnery, to place themselves within call and constant communication, and be ready to serve for a certain time when required. This gives another 30,000, raising the total reserve to 60,000 men. The condition of the seamen to be improved; more boys to be trained; the temporary lodging hulks to be improved; allowance of bread and meat raised; clothes, bedding, and! mess utensils to be supplied; and important improvements in the system of promotion, provisioning, and pensions introduced. The total cost will be GBP 598,000 per annum during peace. . Last year 20,671 ships and 177,832 men were employed in the trade of the United Kingdom. . Government have granted the Atlantic Telegraph Company a guarantee of 8 per cent, for 5 years, on GBP 800,000. The guarantee will not be unconditional, as from the numerous applicants, the government have decided on not giving more of that character. The cable remains in exactly the same state as at the previous meeting. The directors having no adequate funds for lifting and repairing. A new act will be obtained in order to raise the necessary capital. 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