WEST BRITON AND CORNWALL ADVERTISER . 5 September, 1856 . Advertisements . IN THE MATTER OF LEPINE GBP 50 REWARD . The above reward will be given for the MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE of FRANCIS and ANN LEPINE which occurred about 1718 to 1720, and a further commensurate amount will be given for any papers relative to the estate of the said Lepine. . Address Mr. W. FERRIS, No. 8 North-street, Finsbury-market, London . ...... . NOTICE - I will not be answerable for any Debts that may be contracted by my wife, JECOLIAH MAGOR, of the parish of Gwennap, after this date. RICHARD MAGOR, Adelaide, South Australia May 14th, 1856 ...... . To the EDITOR of the WEST BRITON . SIR, A letter having been sent from Padstow, dated August 23rd, 1856, written apparently by a Ship-Owner, to the Secretary of the Sunderland Policies (respecting the damage and repairs of the brig "Ford Mill", of Sunderland,) which inculpates the character of the Master, Surveyor, and Myself, I shall feel thankful if the individual would honourably come forward, and give his name and address, that the same may be investigated. . Hoping this may meet his eye, in your widely circulated journal, . I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, ROBERT DAWSON, Owner Padstow, Sept. 2, 1856 ...... LATELY PUBLISHED HISTORY of the BOROUGH of LISKEARD, and its Vicinity, by J. ALLEN . This work consists of a crown 8vo. Volume of 364 pages, cloth, gilt lettered, with a map, and twenty sketches of objects of interest, price Eight Shillings, free by post. . "Much curious matter is interspersed through its pages, and there is a racy freshness about its provincial details." Athenaeum "We can warmly recommend this volume as one which adds to our local information. The object was a laudable one, and it has been well carried out." Plymouth Herald "An interesting section of the book is a series of brief notices of distinguished individuals and families, who have either been connected with Liskeard, or resided within reach of it." Cornwall Gazette "It is in many parts most interesting, readable everywhere; the illustrations are excellent." Liskeard Gazette W. and F. G. CASH, 5 Bishopsgate Without, London . ...... . of INTEREST... . THE MORMONS - A history has been published in German of the Mormons or Latter-day Saints, in North America, from which it appears that America contains 68,700 of that sect, of whom 38,000 are in Utah, 5,000 in New York, 4,000 in California, 5,000 in Nova Scotia and Canada, and 9,000 in South America and the islands. Europe contains 39,000 of whom 32,900 are in Great Britain and Ireland, 5,000 in Scandinavia, 1,000 in Germany and Switzerland, 500 in France, and 500 in the rest of Europe. In Asia there are said to be 1,000 in Austria [trans- I think they meant Australia], and Polynesia 2,400, in Africa 100, on travel 1,800. There are besides 8,500 Schismatics, including Strangites, Rigdonites, and Wightites. The numbers amount in the aggregate to 116,500 and it is supposed that the whole sect cannot exceed 125,000. . LOCAL INTELLIGENCE . ROYAL CORNWALL POLYTECHNIC SOCIETY - It has been arranged to issue special excursion tickets to such ladies and gentlemen as may wish to join the parties on the Thursday and Friday, during the annual exhibition. Geologists, naturalists, and other scientific gentlemen will act as guides, and point out objects of interest in the different localities embraced in the scheme. Carriages will leave the Polytechnic Hall, at two o'clock on Thursday, and proceed direct to the geological investigations, which will at that time of tide be seen to considerable advantage. The guides will direct attention to the celebrated elvan course, and explain the peculiar formation of the raised beach, &c. . On the Friday, a marine excursion will be undertaken, and objects of interest investigated in natural history, including dredging for curious marine animals, &c. Should the weather hold up fine, the excursions will probably be attended with considerable advantage, and, being at a reasonable charge, will offer facilities for prosecuting, in a popular way, on a small scale, researches in natural history, geology, and science. . To ensure success to these and similar undertakings in catering for the amusement and instruction of the millions, it is necessary to enlist the social element; and one identified with the natural character - good eating and drinking. A comfortable tea will be provided at the close of the excursion by a special committee, and an advantageous locality is selected for the purpose of refreshment, with the sanction of the highly respected and liberal owner. . These first experimental excursions will have a certain charm of novelty, although they are by no means intended to divert from the usual characteristics and objects of the annual exhibition; but rather to promote the popular encouragement of natural science, which, in every respect, the peculiar natural facilities of Cornwall afford. We understand that the entries of objects of interest generally for the ensuing exhibition promise not to fall short from a fair average of many years past, and will in some respects exceed them. The remarks on the program of applied science will be interesting. . CHURCH-RATE CONTEST - On the 28th ult., a vestry was held in the parish of St. Ives when the churchwarden's accounts were examined and passed, and they presented their estimate for the ensuing year, and proposed a rate of three half-pence in the pound. MR. WILLACK proposed as an amendment that there be no rate, which was seconded, and put to the meeting, but was lost by 7 to 5. the churchwarden's proposition was then passed. Mr.Willack demanded a poll, and on Monday and Tuesday last, the poll took place, when there appeared in favour of the rate 91; against it, 65. . BODMIN - THE GILBERT MONUMENT - On Thursday the 20th ult., the foundation stone of a monument, to be erected on the Beacon to the memory of the late General Sir WALTER RALEIGH GILBERT, Bart. was laid by the Mayor, MR. E. GILBERT HAMLEY, a nephew of the deceased general. And in the evening the contractors and workmen had an excellent supper at the Town Arms Inn. . APOTHCARIES' HALL - Mr. HUGH PENGILLY OLIVEY, son of Mr. H. O. OLIVEY, of Mylor, passed his examination in the science and practice of medicine, and received certificates to practice on Thursday the 20th of August. . APPOINTMENT - We understand that MR. PHILIP DARKE, formerly a pupil with MR. ROBERT JAMES, of Grampound, has been appointed house surgeon to the Salisbury Infirmary. . TREGONY FAIR - At this fair on Monday last, there was a very small attendance of farmers. For fat cattle, which were very scarce, there was a great demand, at about 60s. To 65s. per cwt. Good fat sheep were also scarce, and sold freely at about 6d. per lb. There were very few store bullocks, and those principally cows and heifers in the hands of the jobbers, and for which the sale was very dull. . PILCHARD FISHERY - MEVAGISSEY - On Monday last, three seans shot at Mevagissey, and took about thirty hogsheads between them. On Tuesday six seans shot, and landed about 120 hogsheads. Some of the drift boats had large [catches?]. . AN EXTRAORDINARY HARVEST MAN - MR. JOHN BASSETT, farmer, Polmenua, in the parish of St. Enoder, who has lived to see ninety-one summers, has this year stood in his harvest field as usual, and with a small reaping hook has cut down no less that 190 sheaves of wheat, in the short space of seven hours, and has continued at the same rate throughout the harvest. When in the prime of his life, he has been known to cut and bind 200 faggots of furze in one day; also to walk ten miles a day, and cut and bind one thousand faggots a week. He can still see to read small print without the aid of a glass; his strength and vigour seem to be unabated, and every faculty perfect. The united ages of him and his wife are 176 years. . A SHARK - A party of amateur fishermen from Liskeard, while pursuing their amusement near Looe Island, a few days since, hooked a shark, about six feet long, and succeeded in getting it close alongside the boat, near the shore; but in attempting to secure it with stronger weapons than hook and line, it made its escape. . SMUGGLING - CAPT. DEWAR, of the brig "Hope", was charged before the magistrates of Falmouth, upon the information of the Collector of H. M. Customs, with smuggling 16 ½ lbs. of cigars. He was fined GBP 100, which was paid. Application will be made to H.M. Customs for a mitigation of the penalty. . IMPOSTER - the REV. S. W. YATES, vicar of St. Mary's, Reading, has written to a clergyman of this county, stating that a great impostor, named WILLIAM JACKSON, has been imposing upon the clergy and other parties at Torquay; and he desires to put the clergy of this county upon their guard against his impositions. . TRURO POLICE - On Monday last, before the Mayor and MR. NANKIVELL, JAMES BOOTH, pipe-maker of Plymouth, and MARY ANN BAILEY, with whom he cohabited at a house in Pydar-street, were charged with being drunk and cruelly ill-treating some children of Booth's by another woman who is now dead; Booth's wife, however, being alive and living in Plymouth. The five children are from six to ten years of age. The neighbours had often been disturbed by their cries when they were beaten by Booth or Bailey. On Saturday last, this ill-treatment was renewed, and some of the neighbours gave information of it at the police station. MR. NASH, and police constable WOOLCOCK went to the house, and found the man and woman drunk. The children were examined by DR. BULLMORE, who found marks of ill-usage on their persons. The offence was proved against the woman, and she was sentenced to one month's hard labour under the Aggravated Assaults Act. The man was fined 5s. and costs for drunkenness, and both! were reprimanded by the magistrates. . On Wednesday last, JOHN MAC ENTEGER, of the Nelson Arms, Kenwyn-street, was summoned for having in his house on the 21st of August, at twenty minutes before eleven at night, six or seven prostitutes, and men of notoriously bad character, all in a state of intoxication. He had been previously twice convicted for allowing bad characters to assemble and get drunk in his house. He was now fined GBP 20 and in default of payment, committed to the house of correction for six months, and disqualified from selling beer for the next two years. . HOUSEBREAKING - On Friday afternoon last, a house occupied by MR. THOMAS BALL, near Zelah, St. Allen parish, was broken into, and several articles stolen, including a gold and silver brooch, two gold cravat pins, a half sovereign and a shilling. Mr. Ball's daughter had left the house about half-past two, and was absent about half an hour. When she returned, she found that some person had entered during her absence by the front window, and had gone out at the back window; and on examination, she found that the articles abovementioned had been stolen. The thief had most probably escaped just as she entered. . A little girl saw a man come from the back of the premises with a chisel in his hand, and go over a hedge, and a young man sitting on the hedge saw him go on the turnpike-road towards Truro. A description of the man was given at the Truro police station, and SAMUEL WILLIAMS, carpenter of Truro, was suspected. He was apprehended on Sunday morning last, at his house on Castle-hill, drunk; and the parties who had seen the man go over the hedge, being sent for, identified him as that person. Inquiries were made by MR. NASH, superintendent, and police constable WOOLCOCK, and it was found that the two brooches had been given by Williams' daughter to a young woman called GUMMOW, in Goodwives-lane. Samuel Williams was taken before Dr. CARLYON, county magistrate, on Monday, and committed for trial at the quarter sessions. He stated before the magistrate that he found the brooches on Kenwyn-hill. During the night after his committal, he attempted to escape from the Truro prison by rem! oving some of the stones from the wall. . THE ROBBERY OF PLATE AT PENWARNE - On Wednesday last, RICHARD JENKIN, an assayer of Redruth, and GORDON TREVANION CHADWICK, of the same place, were taken before Mr. ENYS, county magistrate, at Penryn, and committed for trial at the next assizes, for a burglary committed at Penwarne, the seat of the Rev. M.N. PETERS. Jenkin admitted that he had melted down 6 lbs. or 7lbs. weight of silver for Chadwick, and had been induced to go with him to search for some more which they could not find, in a croft in the parish of Stithians. Their movements having been watched by the neighbours living near the place, a search was made, and two bags filled with silver articles were found hid in a pile of stones, and information having been given to the constables they apprehended the prisoners. Our correspondent states that the arrangements of the constables were excellent, all acting together and giving each other every information. Those engaged were Messrs. JULYAN, of Falmouth, FITZSIMMONS! of Helston, EDWARDS and MERRIFIELD of Penryn, THOMAS of Ponsanooth, NICHOLLS, RODDA, and HODGE of Redruth, and Superintendent ARMITAGE, of the West Cornwall Railway police, who was the first on the spot, and with the others made the necessary arrangements, and all deserve great credit for their exertions. An application was made by the prosecutor, Mr. Peters of Penwarne, to admit Jenkin as an approver, but Mr. Enys said he could not do it, but an application could be made to the Judge at the assizes, and it might be allowed. Bail was taken for Jenkin, two sureties of GBP 100 each, and himself in GBP 100. About one half of the plate has been found, the remaining having been melted up. . ROBBERIES IN THE PARISH OF FALMOUTH - Last week, Mrs. RYAN and the Rev. N. HALY were sent for to Devonport, and on going there, identified a quantity of plate, which had been stopped by the police, and which was a part of the property stolen by the two BASSETTS some time ago. There is no doubt that JOHN BASSETT, who escaped from the county gaol, had been to Devonport, and employed the man now apprehended to offer the plate for sale. We understand that the latter has been committed to Bodmin for trial. . FATAL ACCIDENT - On Tuesday afternoon, the 26th ult., Lieut. McLEAN, R.N., whilst fishing at Coverack, in a small flat-bottomed boat, built by himself, and in the act of drawing up a spiller, accidentally fell into the water, and, although a powerful swimmer, was drowned. He had been for several years in the coast-guard service, but had retired on half-pay about twelve months since. It appears that about two o'clock in the afternoon, he went out with a little boy, seven years old, in the punt to fish, and about an hour afterwards some workmen in a harvest-field saw that the punt, which had been moored about half a mile off Coverack, was drifting out to sea with the boy in it, and that Lieutenant McLean was in the water. It turned out afterwards that, whilst in the act of pulling up the spiller, he fell into the water, on which the boy became alarmed, and raised a cry, but Lieut. McLean exclaimed "I'm all right," and, being an excellent swimmer, he evidently thought that he s! hould with ease reach the boat, but he was seized with some kind of fit (most probably apoplexy). The boy called for assistance, but it arrived too late. The crew of a sean boat found the corpse floating on the sea, with the head under water. Lieut. McLean was deservedly respected in the neighbourhood of Coverack, Helston, and other places. . MINE ACCIDENT - At the Great Wheal Vor United Mines, on the 23rd ult., an accident took place, whereby MR.J.F. CREASE, who for some time past has been assisting in some scientific experiments underground, very nearly lost his life. It appears that, while crossing one of the untimbered whim-shafts, the brow of ground over which he was passing gave way under his feet. As he was falling, with great presence of mind, he flung himself outwards across a beam, which providentially projected in to the shaft, from which he was promptly rescued by one of the captains of the mine, or he would have fallen more than 800 feet. We understand that he is at present doing well . ATTEMPTED SUICIDE - An attempt at suicide was made on Tuesday last, by a married woman named SAVAGE, residing at Causeway-head, Penzance. She attempted to hang herself in the back-kitchen and was actually suspended for a short time, but was quickly discovered and taken down. Domestic unhappiness is the cause assigned for the rash attempt. . CORONER'S INQUEST - On Tuesday last, an inquest was held at Crantock, by Mr E. T. CARLYON, deputy-coroner, on the body of RICHARD HAMLEY, a mason, who whilst engaged in building a house there, had been up on the scaffold with some stones, and when returning with the handbarrow down about half way on the gang board, slipped his foot and fell over and pitched upon his head and shoulders, a distance only of about four feet. Deceased, before any assistance could be rendered, rolled into a quarry about four feet below, and when taken up it was found that his skull was fractured, and before he could be got to his house he was dead. Verdict, "accidental death". . NEWS FROM DEVON . MINES INUNDATED, AND GREAT LOSS OF PROPERTY On Sunday night last, the river Tamar broke into the South and East Tamar mines, which are worked under the river between Hole's Hole and Cargreen, and for some times past, the men have reported danger from the falling in of the large lumps of the bed of the river. Up to last Saturday night the works were continued as usual, and 150 miners were at work in two miles and a half of excavation. On Sunday evening a loud report was heard as of thunder - the water had broken into the mine, and the expelling air blew up the old closed shafts, filled with excavations to the river level, and damaged the engines and workings to the value of it is said of GBP 2,000. No lives were lost, because the men do not work on Sunday. It has been ascertained that, in the bed of the river, in about eight feet of water, there is a large hole leading to the mine twenty feet long by twelve feet wide. In both mines there were many hundreds employed underground and at surface, and eight steam engines an! d other machinery were employed to work the mines. South Tamar is one of the oldest lead mines in the county, said to have been worked in Queen Elizabeth's time. It resumed work some years since when a large capital was expended in erecting powerful machinery and cleaning up the old mine, since which it has paid several dividends. .