Jersey Times 1848 - 7

Sir Thomas Le Breton arrived in the Island on Tuesday last by the Courier mail steamer, Captain James Goodridge, Jun.

On the steamer being signalled, a tide of people set in from the town towards Victoria Harbour, where not fewer than a thousand persons must have been assembled as she entered the port in her wonted gallant style a few minutes before one o’clock.

Shortly afterwards, the mails having first been landed, Sir Thomas, accompanied by the Greffier, Charles De Ste Croix, Esq, and Mr P J Simon (who had both gone out to welcome him) was seen in a boat approaching the landing place, opposite to which was the Bailiff’s carriage standing in readiness to receive him.

At this point then hurried an eager crowd of those on the pier; and on the Bailiff landing he had some difficulty in gaining his carriage owing to the gauntlet of hand-shaking through which he had to pass to it.

Once within it, followed by J W Dupré, Esq, Attorney-General; John Hammond, Esq, Solicitor-General; and Mr P J Simon, the crowd gave Sir Thomas three-times-three cheers, followed by three more as Sir Thomas raised his hat in acknowledgement, and the carriage drove off.

As the Bailiff set foot on shore, a spirited salute of salvos commenced from the opposite cliff, from two beautiful little pieces of brass belonging to Mr Godfray Jun of Woodlands, continued as Sir Thomas passed beneath them amid the cheers of a numerous party gathered round the guns; and did not cease until after his entrance within the town; in many parts of which, flags, garlands, heraldic devices and complimentary mottos were displayed in honour of the advent of the new Bailiff of Jersey.

The new Bailiff, the new Attorney-General and the new Solicitor-General were, we believe, sworn in before the Royal Court yesterday morning, but as our Reporter, in common with the rest of the representatives of the Island’s Press, was excluded from Court by order of the Committee appointed to conduct the arrangements of the day (consisting, we understand, of Mr Judge Bisson, Mr Sheriff Hugh Godfray, Mr Greffier Charles De Ste Croix and Mr Deputy-Vicomte John De Ste Croix) we are not able to discharge our wonted duty to the public by recording the (doubtless) interesting proceedings which occurred.

If this insult to the Jersey Press has been perpetrated with the sanction of the newly-appointed authorities, we fear that it is but an ill augury of either the wisdom or the liberality of the new regime.

Since the above was in type, a friend has handed to us the following:-

On the new Bailiff taking his presidential chair, Sir James Reynett, the Lieut-Governor, addressed to him his felicitations in the terms ensuing: “Sir Thomas Le Breton, Mr Bailiff, I congratulate you sincerely on the high office to which it has pleased Her Majesty to name you in this Island.

I feel assured that its duties will be ably and conscientiously performed; and it has afforded me much satisfaction if I have contributed to your nomination, by the expression to Her Majesty’s Government of the high opinion I entertain of your talents and character.”

The annual Jersey races came off on Wednesday and yesterday and proved to be the best and most amusing we have ever had in this Island.

On Saturday last, no less than forty entries were made, including five for the Pony race, five for Her Majesty’s Cup, five for the Tradesmen’s plate, and five for the Garrison plate for the first day’s sport; the entries for Thursday were six for the Caesarean plate, five for the Hurdle race and nine for the Ladies’ cup.

Besides these, several horses were post-entered.

On Wednesday morning the weather proved most propitious, and from an early hour the inhabitants of St Helier seemed all busy with preparations for the day; cars, vans and conveyances of all sorts were filled with life and bustle, and the entire road to the course appeared to be one living and excited mass of human beings.

A considerable number of booths, displaying their colours, were seen on entering the race-ground, and the company which filled them during the day proved that the accommodations were far from being of the worst possible order. The refreshments furnished by Messrs Germain, Hawkins, Le Breton and others were indeed of an excellent kind, and would scarcely have disgraced even a Derby Day.

A disgraceful riot, in which several persons were hurt, took place in the lobbies of the Theatre Royal Crescent after the close of the performances on Monday evening last. The particulars of it have been handed to us; but some consideration for the parties implicated, who should have known better than thus to engage themselves in a drunken brawl, prevents our publication of them.

No Police were present to interfere on the occasion, another argument in favour of a Town Night Watch, whose duty it should be to quell such disturbances, arrest the ringleaders, and present them before a Daily Police Magistrate on the following morning.

The Trustees of Don Street Chapel, having decided to sell that edifice at a moderate price, as they make no use of it, call the attention of speculators to the advantages which it offers.

This building is in an excellent state of repair and could be used as a place of worship as formerly, it being furnished with all requisites for gas-lights, an organ, and several vestry rooms etc.

It could also be, at a slight expense, appropriated to other uses such as a Town Hall, its central situation rendering it most suitable for such, and its being secured for such a purpose would offer great advantage to the public in general and especially to the Parish of St Helier.

Its proximity to several large house or business renders it likewise well adapted for stores, into which the ground floor could be converted, whilst the upper storey would form the largest saloon in St Helier’s, which could serve for a number of public and private uses.

The purchase of this building, which could be effected by one or more parties, would, by making certain alterations in it at a small expense, yield a handsome return on the outlay. For price and conditions, apply to P Pequin, No 3 Winchester Place.

We understand that on Wednesday last, several shopkeepers in St Helier were fined 1s 6d for having their outer blinds too low, it being considered as a nuisance.

On Tuesday afternoon no less than three new vessels were added to our mercantile navy. A schooner was launched from the building yard of Mr G Deslandes and Son near the first tower; she was built for account of Capt Laurens, was christened the Gulnare, and is about 56 tons NM. A schooner was also launched from the yard of Mr Bartlett; she is for account of Capt Tonkin, is 104 tons NM, and was christened the Zebia.

A handsome yacht of 12 tons NM was also launched the same day, near Rozel, built for account of Mr J W Godfray; she was towed into St Helier’s Harbour on Wednesday. And the press and the public were totally unaware of any one of these intended launches.

Mr George Gaudin, Chief of Police of St Martin’s, appeared to answer a report of the Attorney-General based on a letter written to him by the Churchwardens of that Parish, complaining that they would get no funds for the maintenance of the poor; owing to no parochial rate having been levied for the last two years.

The Solicitor-General, for Mr Gaudin, said that his client found himself in a very singular position. According to custom, in the month of January 1847, he convened a meeting to assess the parochial rate, but his political opponents created such a tumult that he was compelled to dissolve the meeting, without having assessed the rate.

In the month of January 1848 another meeting was convened, but, at its very commencement some parties, among whom were the very Churchwardens now in question, would not allow him to proceed, and he saw himself under the necessity of again dissolving the meeting. Owing to this, no assessment had been made, nor had there been any rate levied. His client had entered a report of the fact on the 5th of February last; but since then nothing had been done.

The Attorney-General replied that the political dissensions of the Parish ought not to cause the poor of the parish to be neglected. The amount required for the maintenance of the poor was about £200 annually, and there was now about £375 due.

The parties who had given trust to the poor, would not do so any more, preferring rather to abandon their claims than to continue in so unsettled a state. As to the report entered on the 5th of February, M Gaudin had left the Island whenever the case was to be called. In the name of justice, of humanity, the responsible parties of a parish ought to see to the maintenance of their poor.

The Bailiff:- Whatever maybe the dissensions of the Parish of St Martin’s, the poor must of necessity be maintained; nor can they be expected to remain without sustenance until the Court should decide this case. It would be desirable that all these suits were closed; and he would advise the different parties to meet, and to name two or three persons on each side to decide these parochial affairs. In any case, means must be adopted for the regular maintenance of the poor.

The Attorney-General:- If some measures be not taken for the regular maintenance of the poor, I shall feel myself compelled, in my public capacity, to carry my complaints against the parish assembly before a superior authority. I demand that the Court do now order the Chief of Police of St Martin’s to assess the rate, so that the poor of that parish may be relieved.

The Court announced that judgment would be given on Saturday next.

Anne Hocquard, wife of Mr Jourdain Blampied; and Ellen Francis, wife of Mr John de Gruchy, were presented at the Bar by Mr Centenier Robilliard, for having falsely registered the birth of a child, under the name of Albert Francis, son of Thomas, whereas it was the illegitimate child of the said Ellen Francis, who was attempting to conceal the birth of the said child from her husband. The women were admitted to bail in the sum of £25 each.

Before E L Bisson Esq, Judge-Delegate, and Judges Le Couteur and Picot

James Gilbert was placed at the Bar for having allowed his horse to ramble about the streets and for having committed an injury to Mr Nixon. The defendant denied the fact and was ordered to find bail in the sum of £1 for his reappearance.

Before the Bailiff and Judges P W Nicolle and Bertram

Orders in Council were read, confirming the sentences of the Court of 7 years’ transportation on Ann Lake for burglarious robbery; and 14 years’ transportation on Wm Berryman and Geo. Risley for the same crime. These convicts were then remanded to gaol until such time as they can be transferred to the hulks in England.

The dinner was held at the Bath Hotel on Thursday evening last, immediately after the return of the Stewards and other company from the course.

Between thirty and forty gentlemen sat down to a table supplied in a style which did great credit to the worthy host, Mr Seward. Wines, including Champagne, were furnished in great abundance, and of very good quality.

Mr Roche ably presided, and was well supported by Mr C T Dumaresq, as Vice President. Capt Margary sat on the right of the President, and other officers of the gallant 54th, and of the Artillery, were present.

After the usual loyal toasts, “Thanks to the Stewards”, and next “to the Officers of the Garrison”, were given with appropriate introductory speeches, and were enthusiastically received. The health of Mr Seward was then proposed, with a well-merited eulogium on his performance of the duties of Clerk of the Course, and his exertions to promote the good order and good management of the sports of the two days.

He cordially returned thanks, expressing his earnest desire, at all times, to aid in procuring good racing for the Island.

It has afforded us much pleasure to learn that the Right Hon the Earl of Zetland, the Lord-Lieut of the North-Riding of Yorkshire, and the Most Worshipful Grand-Master of the Free and Accepted Masons of England, has been pleased to cause Letters Patent to issue, under the great seal of the United Grand Lodge, constituting Jersey a district Masonic Province.

His Lordship has further been pleased to nominate and appoint J J Hammond Esq (the Seigneur of Samares, in this Island) to be the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master for the said new masonic province.

By this appointment, Mr Hammond becomes not only a member, but a Grand Officer of the highest rank of the Grand Masonic Lodge. In fact, the office to which he has now been elevated, is considered to be of such high importance, that a similar honour is seldom conferred on other than peers of the realm or Commoners of the most exalted position in society. We sincerely congratulate the Seigneur of Samares upon the high Masonic, and consequently social, distinction which it has thus been his good fortune to attain.

To be sold, a great bargain, or will be offered by auction, without reserve, at Gorey Pier on Friday the 6th day of July, a small yacht, in perfect repair, sails new last season, has a trawl, dredges and small boat, is a fast and good sea boat. Apply at Payn’s British Hotel, Gorey Pier.

We have reason to believe that several of the most respectable and influential leaders of the two political parties of the Island have made mutual overtures towards a more amicable understanding between them in all public matters; and that there is now some hope that the “rose” and the “laurel” will ere a distant day be united and become the blended emblem of one great party, whose sole object will be the realisation of all needful reforms in the institutions of their country.

The Members of the Jersey Cricket Club will meet on Gorey Common every Friday instead of Thursday as hitherto. On Friday next, the 14th inst, a grand match will be played between eleven members of the 34 Country Parishes and eleven members of the Town Parish.

Owing to the fall of a horse in Halkett Place on Wednesday evening last, a portion of the cart it was drawing nearly entered one of the large-glassed windows of Mrs Nicolle’s magazin de modes; and unfortunately so pressed a lady, who was passing at the moment, against the house, that she received several severe bruises.

From an early hour on Wednesday morning picquets of the Depot 54th Regiment searched the town for a young private named John James, who on Tuesday night had robbed an Officer, his Master, of a sum of £46. He had quitted the barrack at Elizabeth Castle at about 4 o’clock am and had not since been heard of; and it is believed that he started for America in the St George, which sailed thither from St Helier on that day. During the day the picquet encountered and arrested a comrade of James, in a state of utter intoxication, and upon whom was found a £5 note given him by James. He was in plain clothes and doubtless also contemplated desertion. We derive these particulars from the Impartial (of Saturday) – a most industrial collector of local news.

York Place, New St John’s Road – Classical and Mathematical Establishment. Conducted by Mr George Handcock.

The course of instruction comprises Greek, Latin and French languages, mathematics, and all the essential branches of the English Language.

The system adopted by the school is one of the most modern and approved plans and ensures to a boy not merely a superficial education but a sound and thorough knowledge of what he learns.