> All the best wishes for the New Year - may we all break down a few brick walls and have fun along the way. > Julia ....................... . > WEST BRITON AND CORNWALL ADVERTISER > 16 JANUARY 1857 > . > LOCAL INTELLIGENCE > . > THE F.B.H. BALL > . > Those who were present at the ball given by Miss BRUNE, at the Council Hall, Truro, four years since, had their recollections of that brilliant reunion most pleasantly revived on Thursday last, at a similar entertainment in the same building, to which the Master and Members of the F.B. Hunt had done the county the compliment of inviting its leading inhabitants. The invitations issued were as general as the accommodation afforded by the building would permit; the rooms, though crowded, were not inconveniently so, to the derangement of the dancers; while the numbers present - upwards of two hundred and thirty - contributed not a little to the liveliness and sustained spirit of the evening's amusement. > . > A large company had assembled by ten o'clock, who were received on their entrance by Mr. William WILLIAMS, Mr. Ennis VIVIAN, and other members of the F.B.H. and shortly after dancing commenced. > The ball was opened with the "Quadrille of Brides," so styled in compliment to the distinguished ladies who, on this occasion, made their first appearance since their marriage in their new character at a county assembly. > . > Lady Elizabeth St. AUBYN, with Mr. Frederick WILLIAMS as his father's representative, took the head of the quadrille, supported by Lady MOLESWORTH, with Mr. P. P. SMITH for her partner. At the opposite end Mr. ROBERTS danced with Mrs. MARRIOTT, whilst that well-known sportsman, Mr. Edward Hearle RODD led forth the Hon. Mrs. BRUNE, as the substitute for the bride Mrs. Brydges WILLYAMS, whose absence was a cause of muce [much] disappointment. > . > The flanks of the quadrille were supported by two couple on each side, four gentlemen of the hunt leading forth such fair partners as would give promise of a still larger bridal quadrille at the next gathering. The red coats of the gentlemen, and the beautiful bridal dresses of the ladies, made this dance most effective, and one of more than usual interest to the spectators. > . > A rapid succession of quadrilles, interchanged with the waltz, polka, and mazurka, allowed no rest - had they desired it - to the votaries of Terpsichore, and never was a ball witnessed in which the dancers perhaps formed so large a proportion to the rest of the company. These were again so well balanced, that neither belles nor beaux complained of any lack of partners; the latter too were sufficiently numerous to excuse those of riper years, if not riper discretion, from taking part in the fantastic activity of the evening, as they sometimes do - out of mere good-nature as they pretend - when young ladies, who would be columbines, are forced to remain stationary as "wall-flowers." The gallant officers from Pendennis contributed not a little to this state, which thus insured a full supply of the right men for the right places. > . > The mazurka was most effectively introduced and while many excelled as to the manner in which they acquitted themselves in this elegant dance, it is no disparagement to them to notice how Lord VALLETORT and Miss Charlotte BULLER imparted to it that additional grace, which riveted the eyes of all beholders, and is said to have inspired many imitative attempts at home since that evening's exhibition. > . > About twelve o'clock the doors of the supper-room were thrown open, which was arranged in a style and profusion which showed no expense had been spared, while a closer acquaintance revealed an essential excellence, which equally proved that the experienced taste of the members of the F.B. H. had been extensively exerted to do honour to their guests. A magnificent bridal cake, rising aloft over all like a miniature Mont Blanc in all its snowy purity, was the crowning ornament of this banquet. > . > The supper caused but little interruption to the dancing, while it imparted to it additional spirit as the night rolled on, and it was three o'clock before any real signs of departure were observable. > . > A freer space, however, only seemed to call forth more active exertions, and "Sir Roger de Coverley" and a country dance were not accepted as a finale, but the waltz and polka were renewed, and the company would probably have moved on to some still more "wavering morrice," had not the band read their usual riot act of dispersion, and bid them at half-past five put on their cloaks, to the tune of "God Save the Queen," which enabled some of the more distant guests to reach home in time for the early family breakfast. > . > Mr. EMIDY's band, of Truro, was engaged for the occasion, which has greatly improved of late in its strength and execution. A little more encouragement and practice at such entertainments, will doubtless lead to still greater excellence, and the correction of some minor defects. The brass department was felt to be rather too loud, and to interfere with the social conversation of the elderly folk, and the softer talk of the younger, so that sometimes it is believed even a proposal would scarcely have been heard. The Emidy family can easily remedy these inconveniences. > . > It is but justice to add that every one present seemed thoroughly to enjoy the liveliness of the scene, and never was a ball kept up with greater spirit. All were equally sensible of the great pains which had been taken by Mr. William WILLIAMS and the other members of the hunt to make the entertainment as effective as possible, and few were satisfied in taking their departure without personally expressing to Mrs. William Williams, their sense of the pleasure they had received, and congratulating her and the ladies who had more specially rendered their assistance, on the complete success which had attended their exertions. Such an entertainment must be felt as a compliment not only to those who were actually present, but to the society of the county at large, and as a handsome tribute on the part of the Members of the F.B. Hunt towards promoting its festivities. > . > We should add that the Council Hall and suite of ten rooms were tastefully decorated, under the superintendence of Mr. John Nankivell JULIAN, builder, Truro, with evergreens and furze, in designs and festoons, interspersed with roses made by the ladies connected with the hunt. The whole was brilliantly illuminated by about 600 gas jets and 500 wax candles. The supper was laid in the Town Hall on a table of sixty feet in length, and was provided by Mr. CUTHBERTSON of Exeter. > . > The entrance to the ball-room was through the corridor which was also used as a second dancing-room, the end dressed in furze in imitation of a brake, from the midst of which a stuffed Reynard very naturally looked out. In the principal room we also noticed the brush and head of several foxes. At the entrance of the corridor, CONROY, the huntsman, and the "whip" of the hunt stood on either side, in full costume. > . > The suite of rooms was readily placed at the disposal of the F.B.H. by the Mayor of Truro, Mr. Edward MICHELL, who, we have reason to believe, is ready to allow them to be used for any public object. > . > BODMIN - The third annual musical entertainment of the Bodmin Choral Society took place in the Union Hill on the evening of Monday last; the music was chiefly from the compositions of "Fawcett" and "Kent". The full band consisted of upwards of thirty performers, including the principal musicians of the Cornwall Royal Rangers. Under the energetic and judicious management of Captain VERCOE, the whole performance gave considerable satisfaction to a crowded room of the gentry and respectable inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood. > . > MISS HAY'S CONCERT - The second concert of Miss Louisa Foote HAY and her sisters at St. Austell was given in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening last. It was an excellent concert, though slightly attended. > FLUSHING ANNUAL BALL - The tradesmen of this place, with a number of their friends from Falmouth and Penryn and their vicinities, met on Thursday the 8th instant, in a spacious hall formerly used and still known as the Assembly-room, which was decorated with various devices and evergreens, and embellished with numerous naval ensigns, presenting on the whole a lively appearance. Dancing commenced at nine o'clock, and was carried on with great spirit till an early hour, with the introduction also of songs and recitations. The party dispersed highly gratified and anticipating many such entertainments. > . > MARRIAGE LICENCES - The Chancellor of this Diocese has fixed the cost of licences for the future at GBP 2.7s.5d. > . > TESTIMONIAL TO A CLERGYMAN - the parishioners of Constantine assembled at the church-town, on Monday last, to present to the Rev. James MAYNE, a handsome silver tea-service, which had been liberally subscribed for by them as a testimonial of their respect and affection for him as the curate of the parish, which office he has served for the last eight years. We understand that Mr. Mayne is about shortly to remove to the curacy of Harberton, near Totnes, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the appointment of the Mr. RICKARD, who succeeds the late Rev. Edward ROGERS, as the vicar of Constantine. > . > LAUNCH - On Saturday last, there was launched from the building yard of Mr. TREDWEN, Padstow, a handsome schooner, named the "Star of St. Agnes," purchased by Mr. M. T. HITCHENS, of St. Agnes. > . > TRAVELING EXTRAORDINARY - On the arrival recently of the Fairy omnibus, at the Chapel Hill-gate, Truro, from Hayle, it was observed that there was a fowl roosting on the fore axle. The bird, a fine Cochin China hen, was immediately captured, and was recognized by the guard to belong to the inn yard at Hayle, to which place it was conveyed by return of post. > . > DEATH OF THE JUDGE OF THE CORNWALL COUNTY COURTS - We regret to announce in our obituary of this week, the death of George Granville KEKEWICH, Esq., Judge of the County Courts of Cornwall, which melancholy event took place at his residence at Exeter, on the 7th last, after a short illness, he having presided over the courts of last month. > . > The learned gentleman, who had attained the age of fifty-five, was educated at Winchester and Exeter College, Oxford, and was for many years a member of the Western Circuit, and one of the revising barristers for Somersetshire and Dorsetshire. > . > On the creation of the County Courts in 1846, he was appointed Judge of the Cornwall Circuit, and he so assiduously and conscientiously discharged the duties of his office as to gain the respect and esteem not only of the successful, but of the unsuccessful suitors also, in the various courts over which he presided. He was untiring at getting at the truth, so as to arrive at a just decision; and although he never allowed his kind-heartedness to over-rule his duty, we have heard of more than one instance of his purse being open to the poorer suitors. > . > We understand that the father of the lamented gentleman, who is still living, is uncle to Samuel Trehawke KEKEWICH, Esq., of Penmore, near Exeter, and was formerly a judge at the Cape of Good Hope. > . > At the court held at Penzance, on Tuesday last, by the highly respected Recorder of that borough, Charles Dacres BEVAN, Esq., the professional gentleman, out of respect to the memory of the departed judge, adjourned all the cases in which they held briefs to the next court, and the like course was observed at the court at Helston on Monday last. > . > At the court of Penzance, on Tuesday last, Mr. R. MILLETT, as the senior solicitor present, expressed in a neat speech, the respect in which he and his brother professionals held Mr. Kekewich; and at the Falmouth County Court, on Saturday, a similar feeling of deep regret at the unexpected demise of Mr. Kekewich, was expressed by the solicitors present. > . > THE LATE CAPTAIN HAMBLY - The funeral of Captain A.J.B. HAMBLY, of the Chatham division of the Royal Marines, took place on Thursday the 8th instant, and was conducted with all the military honours usually observed on the occasion of the burial of an officer of rank. The deceased officer, who had been twenty years in the service of the Royal Marines, died at his quarters in the barracks, from which his body was subsequently removed to Melville Hospital, where the procession was formed. > . > In addition to the officers of the Royal Marines a large number of naval officers belonging to the ships of war lying at Chatham, with the officers of the provisional battalion and the Royal and East India Company’s Engineers attended. Capt. Hambly entered the corps of Royal Marines in 837, his commission as second lieutenant bearing the date of August 1st of that year. He obtained his company in 1851. > . > In 1842 the deceased officer served in the Chinese expedition, where he was severely wounded. He also served on board the "Monarch" in the Baltic during 1854, and afterwards in the Pacific station until invalided home in May last. Times, February 9th. (The deceased was the eldest son of the late Capt. Hambly, R.N., who formerly resided for several years at Penryn.) > DAMAGE TO SHIPPING AND LOSS OF LIFE - We regret to state that much damage to shipping, with loss of lives, occurred on the coasts of this county during the violent gale on Saturday night and Sunday morning last. We have received the following from our correspondents: > Scilly - On the 10th instant, at eight o'clock, p.m., the wind commenced blowing a gale from the W. to W.N.W., which soon assumed the force of a storm, blowing until five o'clock, a.m., on the 11th instant, with much more force than it has blown here before for the winter. The ships in port rode out the gale well. .. > Falmouth - the ship "Columbus", which was driven ashore off St. Mawes Castle some weeks since, laden with barley, was floated off on Saturday last, and taken in tow by two pilot boats, but could not be got to Mylor pool as was intended. [There was no steamer in harbour to take her in tow; she was beached higher up the roads, and will be ultimately got off.] > Newquay - On Sunday last this place was visited with a heavy gale from the N.N.W., and at daylight a large barque was discovered about three miles off shore heading to the westard. [She disappeared from sight, but was seen again about half a mile of the Head. They came to anchor, but was then seen to be drifting fast towards the shore. Two boats were manned, and also the Coast Guard boat, and went off to their assistance. > . > When they reached the ship all the crew except the captain and one man were in their boats, ready to leave. Great praise is due to Captain Wm. DARKE, of Newquay, and Mr. LIDSTONE, R.N., and the boats, crews, who immediately got on board and set all the canvas they could, or she would have been ashore in a few minutes. She proved to be the "Transit," Captain NICHOLLS, from Cardiff for New Orleans, with 700 tons of iron on board. She had lost her main yard in the gale; the captain state she parted her chain cables about 2 a.m. > Padstow - [a ship was seen trying to gain the harbour, when her boat was lowered, and the crew pulled toward shore, but the boat was lost, and all the crew drowned. A second ship sent a boy about 13 years of age on an errand to Padstow; he returned to the ship and was within hailing distance but was not noticed in the storm. The boat was found in Hell cove, but his body has not been found.] > . > RUAN HIGHLANES PETTY SESSIONS - At the petty sessions held at Ruan Highlanes in the parish of Ruanlanyhorne on Monday last, Richard BEARD and George BEARD were fined two pounds and costs for assaulting the constable of Tregony in the performance of his duty. Also Henry TUCKER, labourer, of Grampound, pleaded guilty of stealing fowls the property of Mr. Henry CROGGAN, of the same place; he was committed to the county gaol for two months, hard labour. > . > Truro POLICE - On Thursday last, before the Mayor and Mr. PADDON and Mr. CHAPPEL, magistrates, John HARRIS, alias "Probus Jack" was fined 5s. and costs for being drunk, and violently assaulting Jane HICKS, servant at the New Inn, Kenwyn-street, on the previous night. A similar fine was inflicted on Nicholas ANDREW, of Tregony, for being drunk and disorderly in the streets. > . > ACCIDENT - On the evening of Wednesday the 27th instant, a man named BASHER, in the employ of Mr. TROUNSON, hay merchant, of Cury, was returning from Penzance with a waggon and two horses, and when near Breage vicarage, he fell from the waggon and broke his thigh. He was discovered lying in the road, and conveyed to the Union House, Helston. Basher, who was intoxicated, had been previously cautioned by parties on the road as to his reckless driving. > . > CORONER'S INQUEST - The following inquests have been held befoe Mr. GOOD, county coroner: > . > On Wednesday, the 7th instant, at Gunnis Lake, in the parish of Calstock, on the body of Francis WARNE, four months old, found dead in bed about four o'clock on the previous morning. > . > It appeared from the evidence that the child had been placed in bed with its parents at eleven o'clock on Monday night; it was then quite well, and so far as was known remained so until four o'clock in the morning, when the mother awoke and found the infant dead by her side. > . > There were some slight appearances observable not altogether satisfactory, but after a careful examination of the body by Mr. WOOD, surgeon, who gave it as decided opinion that the child had died from natural causes, the jury returned a verdict to that effect. The parents, who appeared to be very respectable people, lost a child under similar circumstances about a year and a half ago. > . > On Saturday, at Moorwinstow, on the body of George JOPE, aged 65. The deceased was a farm labourer in the employ of the Rev. R. S. HAWKER, and on Tuesday afternoon last, whilst employed in feeding a threshing machine, his hand and arm were so much crushed as to render it necessary to amputate the limb, which was performed on the following morning by Messrs. KING and DINHAM, surgeons of Stratton, but the poor fellow survived the operation only a few hours; he appeared never to have rallied from the time of receiving the injury, and died about five o'clock on Thursday evening. 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