Mary Mitchell, (1845-10/11/1876). "worked in a mine"

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Tuesday, June 20. (Before T. W. Parker, Esq., R.M.) 

CIVIL CASES. 

Procter v. Moore. — Claim, L4 16s. Judgment for plaintiff for amount claimed. 

Same v. Sullivan. — Claim, L3 12s. Judgment for plaintiff by default. 

LUNACY. 

Mary Mitchell, wife of Jas. Mitchell, was brought up charged with being of unsound mind, and committed to the Lunatic Asylum, Dunedin.  -North Otago Times, 21/6/1876.

An inquest was held yesterday at the Lunatic Asylum on the body of Mary Mitchell, aged thirty-one years, who died on the 10th instant. The deceased was brought down from Oamaru in the early part of July last in apparently a dying state, and lingered with much suffering. It appeared from the evidence that she was a native of Cornwall, and prior to emigrating had "worked in a mine," where, probably, the seeds of the insidious disease to which she succumbed were sown. The jury (of which Mr C. H. Vince was chosen foreman) were unanimous in expressing their belief that every attention possible had been given to the unhappy patient, who presented a terribly emaciated appearance, being little more than a skeleton. The case was a very pitiable one, inasmuch as the husband, a laborer at Oamaru, is unable to find means to come down to his wife's funeral. It transpired that one of the inmates had evinced a very affectionate interest in the deceased and was an almost inseparable nurse. The verdict was "Death from heart disease."  -Evening Star, 14/11/1876.

Mary Mitchell was buried in a pauper's grave in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

Joseph Leamon, (1801-6/11/1876). "did not reply to his letters"

SUICIDE.

A premeditated and determined suicide was committed by a man named Joseph Leamon last night. Deceased was stopping at the Albion Hotel, Maclaggan street, and at about 9.35 p.m. yesterday he went out into the back-yard and returned into the billiardroom almost immediately, closed the door, and directly after a report of a pistol was heard. Mr Davies and others on going into the room found deceased in a reclining position on a form, with his back against the wall, and blood pouring from his head; and in his right hand a small breech-loading pistol. Deceased was then living, but unable to speak, and he expired ten minutes later. Six breech-loading cartridges to fit the pistol were found in his pocket. From the statement of Mr Davies it appears that deceased came here from Sydney on June 5 last, and had been unable to get work, and for the last six weeks had been unable to pay his board. He had been in a desponding state recently in consequence of this, and at not hearing from his two daughters in Sydney; and on two occasions had stated that if his daughters did not reply to his letters he would shoot himself. The body was removed to the Hospital, where an inquiry will be held to-morrow.  -Evening Star, 11/9/1876.

DETERMINED SUICIDE.

A melancholy suicide occurred at the Albion Hotel, Maclaggan street, about half-past nine on Sunday evening. Deceased, Joseph Lemon, a weaver by occupation, came from Sydney about June, since which time he had been boarding at the Albion, but, through not getting employment, became very morose. He wrote to his daughters, who reside in Sydney, for relief, but they never answered his letters, and he had threatened to shoot himself. No notice was taken of this threat, and though he appeared to be in a state of despondency during Sunday, no fears were entertained regarding him. Sometime after nine o'clock in the evening, he went into the billiard room, and shortly after the report of a firearm was heard, and upon the hotel proprietor and others entering the room, they found deceased partly lying on a form, with a small breech-loading pistol in his right hand, and blood oozing from his head. It was found that the bullet had passed through his ear, and in ten minutes he expired. Deceased, according to his own statement, was 75 years of age, a native of Yorkshire, and an Atheist.

The City Coroner (Dr Hocken) held an inquest at the Hospital on Tuesday, touching the death of Joseph Leamon, who died by self-inflicted injuries on Sunday evening. 

The Coroner: This, gentlemen, is a case, with the particulars of which I dare say you are acquainted. It is that of a man named Joseph Leamon, who shot himself on Sunday night. The pistol was fired in his right ear, and death took place almost instantaneously. It appears that he was in very distressed circumstances since his arrival here from Sydney. The question for you to consider is whether the man committed this act whilst in his full senses, or whether he was labouring under what is called temporary insanity,, It is quite possible, of course, that great depression of spirits, induced by want of work and means, might induce insanity sufficient for the purposes of the law; at the same time you should not lend yourselves too readily to verdicts of this sort, as I have long been of opinion that verdicts of temporary insanity are too frequently returned when there is not sufficient evidence to warrant them in doing so. I think it quite possible that a verdict of that sort is likely occasionally to prevent other would-be suicides from committing self-destruction. You will have to gather from. the evidence the state of mind deceased was in when he shot himself. 

The Jury having viewed the body, the following evidence was given: — 

Joseph Davies deposed: I am proprietor of the Albion Hotel, Maclaggan street. Deceased came to lodge with me on the 15th of last June, stating that he had that day arrived from Sydney. He said he was a weaver, and enquired if there were any factories where he could get employment. He could not get anything at the Mosgiel Factory, and said he was too old to work at pick and shovel. He informed me that he had lived most of his time in America, but had gone to Sydney to see if his daughter was married. As soon as he could raise money, he intended to go back to America; but of late he had been in a melancholy condition. He wrote to his daughters for assistance, but they did not reply to his letters, and he told me he would shoot himself. After that he was confined to his room for a time, and did not eat anything. He had a revolver in his possession at this time, but I was not aware of it then. When I saw him with the pistol, I wanted him to give it to me, but he said he had carried it with him for many years and would continue to do so. Last Sunday evening, about twenty minutes to ten, he was sitting in the sitting-room, talking with some of the boarders, and then walked into the billiard-room. About two minutes after we heard the report of the revolver. On entering the room I found him sitting on the form, with his legs hanging over it. The revolver was in his right hand, and, though speechless, he was not dead. He lingered about ten minutes, and then expired. Deceased told me that he was 75 years of age, a widower, weaver by occupation, and a native of Yorkshire. He had no religion whatever. He was a man of very sober habits. 

Witness enquired of the Coroner where it was intended to bury deceased. 

The Coroner said that was a question he was not prepared to answer. 

Joseph Kendall, a boarder at the Albion Hotel, had frequently seen deceased. He was very taciturn, and would not enter upon conversation; sitting brooding by the fire for hours together without making any remark. His other evidence was similar to that given by the last witness.

The Coroner directed the Jury that they would have to consider whether the nature of the evidence was indicative of insanity or not. If they returned a verdict of felo de se the law directed that the goods of deceased should be confiscated, denied him Christian burial, and cast a stigma on his memory. As far as the evidence went, it seemed to show that deceased was in a despondent state of mind. 

A verdict of "temporary insanity" was returned.  -Otago Witness, 23/9/1876.

Joseph Leamon was buried in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery, in an unmarked area of paupers' graves.

Charles Lawson, (1848-11/1/1876). "a chain snapped"

Shocking Accident in Port Chalmers

An accident attended with shocking results occurred on hoard the ship Jessie Headman yesterday morning. Wool dumping having been finished, taking down the press was proceeded with, and one part of it, the cylinder, had been slung, and was being lifted up to be landed on the wharf. It was attached to this gin chain leading to the steam winch; and also to the yard arm tackle. The slack of the latter was taken in as the steam winch lifted the cylinder, when suddenly the gin chain parted, the cylinder, thus released, swung out on the yard tackle, and struck against the spare spar on the port side of the ship. Unfortunately one of the able seamen, named Charles Lawson, a Swede, was standing there, and the cylinder caught his right leg below the knee, and crushed it frightfully against the spar, literally mangling bone and muscle. The poor fellow was immediately lifted from where he had fallen on the deck, and was placed upon a hatch and removed to the railway station. Dr Stenhouse, of the ship Auckland, was in attendance at once, and Dr Drysdale, who had been sent for, arrived a few minutes later. A glance at the, leg was sufficient to reveal the fearful character of the injury, and that the limb could not be saved. The doctors thereupon decided to send the case to Hospital, and set about preparing the sufferer for the journey by rail. Two tourniquets were applied to-the thigh, and the crushed leg carefully covered, and the man was then despatched to Dunedin by the 11 o’clock train. He appeared very weak at first, and it was thought was sinking fast; but the drain of blood from the artery having been checked, he rallied considerably, and was likely to survive the severe shock his system has sustained.  -Lyttelton Times, 15/1/1876.

INQUEST.

FATAL ACCIDENT AT PORT CHALMERS 

The City Coroner held an inquest at the hospital today at noon, touching the death of Charles Lawson, seaman. 

John Muir, master of the ship Jessie Readman, now lying at Port Chalmers, stated that deceased was an able seaman on that vessel, in which he recently came from London. He was unmarried, about thirty-one years of age, and a Swede by nationality. Witness was in Dunedin when the accident occurred by which deceased met his death. It was caused by the breakage of a chain while lifting a cylinder. This chain had been in use about three years, but they generally last about five. Deceased was a steady, industrious man, and had no relatives in this Colony. 

John Fergusson, boatswain on the Jessie Readman, said the crew were discharging a wool press on Tuesday morning last, witness driving the donkey engine. The cylinder was hauled up twelve feet from the deck, but had to be let down again, and on the second attempt it was raised on one end, when the chain snapped, and the cylinder swung against the right leg of deceased, crushing it against a spar. He was conveyed to the railway station and attended by Drs Drysdale and Stenhouse. 

Dr Yates, house-surgeon to the Hospital, said deceased was admitted on Tuesday morning. He was suffering from a severe compound fracture of the right leg. The bone was broken into pieces, the skin and flesh stripped off and lacerated. He was in a state of collapse, and expired in the afternoon. Witness applied an instrument to stop the bleeding, and also gave him stimulants, but he did not rally at all. 

The jury returned a verdict of “Died from injuries accidentally received.”  -Evening Star, 13/1/1876.

Charles Lawson was buried in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery, in an area of paupers' graves.

Richard Sexton, (1848-21/1/1876). "his brother's death"

A case of suicide, under somewhat strange circumstances, occurred yesterday. A man named Richard Sexton, who has been for some time past in the service of Mr Paveletich, of the Universal Hotel, was locked up for drunkenness on Wednesday night, and yesterday morning was fined. The fine was paid, he was discharged, and went to the hotel. Shortly after he took some liquid that was in a bottle kept for cleaning brass work. Having drank the liquid, he said good-bye to one of the servants, went to his room, and speedily died. A doctor was soon in attendance, but too late. The remainder of the liquid and some matter thrown up by deceased has been given to Dr Black for analysis. An inquest is to be held to-day.  -Otago Daily Times, 21/1/1876.

CORONER'S INQUEST.

An inquest was held at the Hospital yesterday, before Dr Hocken, Coroner, touching the death of Richard Sexton, who committed suicide on the previous day.

The Jury having viewed the body, the following evidence was taken: — 

Thomas Pavletich, proprietor of the Universal Hotel, Maclaggan street, stated that deceased, who had been in his employ for the last nine mouths, received intimation of his brother's death a fortnight ago, and had since been in very low spirits and drinking heavily. 

Ellen Lonorgan, domestic servant at the Universal Hotel, said she had known deceased for the last nine months. After coming from the Police Court on Thursday, he entered the bar where she was sitting, made the remark that he was going upstairs to his bedroom, held out his hands to her and said good-bye. On her asking him where he was going, he replied that be was going to bed for an hour, after which time she was to call him. Witness, thinking he was going to leave the house, followed him, and  on reaching his room he told her to go down to the kitchen and remove from there a glass out of which he said he had drank some of the stuff used for cleaning the brasses. At this time he was lying on the bed, and on going downstairs she gave the alarm to a boy. She found a little fluid in the glass. On returning she found he had fallen off the bed, appeared insensible, and did not move.

Dr Brown said he was called in and found deceased lying in a lobby at the Universal Hotel. He was quite livid. He breathed two or three times and died. Witness found the inside of decsased's mouth and his tongue quite white, evidently the effect of corrosive action.

Professor Black stated that he had analysed the contents of the bottle, which was unstoppered and unlabelled, from which it is said the deceased drank, and a piece of blotting paper which Dr Brown had steeped in the vomited matter found near deceased's bed. The latter contained a small quantity of sulphuric acid, and the bottle a strong solution of oxalic acid, which being a very powerful poison accounted for the corrosive marks in deceased's mouth. 

Dr Brown, re-called, stated that a strong solution of oxalic acid was capable of causing death in fifteen or twenty minutes. 

Constable Hinds deposed to finding in deceased's papers entries which showed him to have been a native of Cork. He was about 24 years of age, and a Roman Catholic. 

A verdict of "Committed suicide while temporarily insane" was returned.  -Otago Daily Times, 22/1/1876.

Richard Sexton was buried in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery, in an area of paupers' graves.

Malcolm McGuiggan, (1847?-1874). "on the spree"

An accident, which had a fatal result, befel one of the seamen belonging to the ship Parsee on Saturday night. The man, whose name was Malcolm McGuiggan, went ashore "on the spree," with some of his shipmates, and accompanied by one of them, returned to his vessel very much the worse for liquor, at about 10 o'clock. In attempting to get aboard over the gangway plank he missed his footing and went overboard, striking in his fall one of the ship's mooring chains. His mate at once gave the alarm, and aided by two or three other seamen belonging to the steamer Taranaki, succeeded in rescuing McGuiggan from his perilous position, and conveyed him on board his ship. He appeared to be very much exhausted, and all but insensible, and hence it was deemed advisable to call in medical assistance. Dr Drysdale was summoned, and was quickly in attendance, and administered such remedies as were deemed requisite. The man seemed to rally under the treatment, and when the doctor again visited him at between two and three o'clock next morning he appeared to be progressing favourably. But during the forenoon unfavourable symptoms, indicating severe internal inflammation, set in, and increasing in intensity during the day, it was decided to send the sufferer to the Dunedin Hospital, and he was accordingly forwarded to town by the afternoon train, Dr Drysdale accompanying him. He died in about half-an-hour after reaching the Hospital.  -Otago Witness, 19/9/1874.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held at the Hospital on Tuesday by the Coroner, Dr Hocken and jury, on the body of Malcolm McGuiggan, who died from the effects of injuries received by falling over the Railway Pier, Port Chalmers, on Saturday night. 

It appeared from the evidence given that on Saturday night, about a quarter to ten, three men, of whom deceased was one, came along the Pier intoxicated. The wharf was lighted up as usual. When abreast of the ship Otago, near its fore-rigging, they were nearly in the centre of the Pier. Deceased had hold of one of the other men's hands. The night watchman on the Pier, who was close to deceased, observed one of the deceased's feet come across one of the railway plates tripping him up. Deceased then stumbled forward and fell over the side of the Pier into the water, as also did one of his companions. The night watchman then cried out: "Two men overboard," called for the light of the Otago to be shown, and dropped a buoy down close to one of the men. He then threw another to deceased, who was struggling in the water. At this stage, Mr Edward Nelson, third mate of the Taranaki, came up, and courageously jumped into the water, rendering assistance to the drowning men, and fastening the bight of a rope which had been put over the side round deceased's chest. By this means deceased was brought up. Deceased, who had been hurt in the fall, did not speak; he was lying helpless on the pier. He was carried to the ship Parsee, where he was undressed. He lay for some hours helpless, raved for a while, and afterwards became sensible. He was taken to the Dunedin Hospital on Sunday afternoon, and died about half-an-hour after his admission. The verdict returned was that deceased died from acute congestion of the lungs, caused by accidentally falling into the water.  -Otago Witness, 19/9/1874.

There is no record of Malcolm McGuiggan's burial. A James McGuiggan; age: 27, occupation: mariner, native of Ireland, is buried in a pauper's grave in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery. His date of death is recorded as September 17, 1874.

Kenneth McDonald, (1878-1/12/1908). "bonds of love and loyalty"

AN APPEAL.

A DESERVING CASE. 

(To the Editor.) Sir, — We shall be obliged if you will kindly publish the following appeal to the Highlanders of the Clutha in particular, and generally to all kind hearted folk: —

Kenneth McDonald, aged 30, a native of the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, was employed as able seaman on the s,s. Surrey, from which ship he was taken ashore to the Dunedin Hospital some three weeks ago, suffering from an internal complaint common enough among seamen on account of so much change of water. The poor fellow succumbed to his illness a few days ago. His mortal remains were laid to rest in the North Dunedin burial ground, and followed there by six of his countrymen (sailors) among other friends. The deceased left a widow in poor and needy enough circumstances, and a little girl two years old. The widow's address is 17 Lensport, Lochs, Isle of Lewis, Scotland. The deceased was on Home wages — viz., £4 per month, and left half-pay in the Home shipping office, to be duly forwarded, when earned, to his wife. Whenever he was taken ashore, however, the poor widow's half-pay would discontinue. The balance of wages due to the deceased, we understand, is the very small sum of £2 8/. Now, those who know the strenuous struggle for existence experienced from year to year by the poor crofters of the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland, will doubtless realise the situation, and be in a position to sympathise, and understand the very sad plight in which the poor widow and her orphan child are left. 

Those who know something, even in song, of the long-expected home-coming of poor Jack, after a long, long absence from that place that is ever dear to every man's heart — home, will, with others, we feel sure, do something towards cheering and gladdening the sorrowing heart of the poor widow. I am extremely sorry that my circumstances will only permit me giving 5/ towards this, which I have much pleasure in forwarding to you herewith. We respectfully suggest, Sir, that the proceeds of this appeal be forwarded to the worthy chief of the Dunedin Gaelic Society (Dugald McPherson, Esq., Crawford street, Dunedin), to forward same to the Mayor of Stornaway, Isle of Lewis. Therefore, all those that will kindly give may rest assured that the widow will duly receive their respective donations. 

In conclusion, Sir, we heartily thank you, anticipating your very kind favour in taking charge of donations towards this most deserving cause even the cause of the sorrowing widow and the fatherless.

— I am, etc., FINLAY McKENZIE, Seaman. 101 Cumberland Street, Dunedin. 

(Note. — Mr McKenzie forwards 5/-.  -Clutha Leader, 11/12/1908.

An Appeal

In connection with the appeal made on Wednesday morning in behalf of Kenneth McDonald, a good deal of sympathy has been awakened. McDonald was an able seaman on the s.s. Surrey. He was taken to the hospital at Dunedin a few weeks ago and died there at the age of 30. He was a native of Isle of Lewis, Scotland, and he leaves a widow and a little daughter unprovided for. We have been asked to receive subscriptions to go towards their assistance and gladly accede. All contributions will be forwarded to the Chief of the Dunedin Gaelic Society, Mr Dugald McPherson, Dunedin, by whom they will be transmitted to the widow through the Mayor of Stornaway, Isle of Lewis. We have to acknowledge the following: — 

Norman McDonald 3s 0. 

Gilmour and Sons 10s 0. 

J. W. A. Stone 3s 0.

"W.H.P. "Gore 10s 0

 “A Sailor's Widow" 5s 0

 G.G.C. 10s 0 

M.C 3s 6

M.D. 10s.  -Southland Times, 14/12/1908.

THE KENNETH McDONALD FUND. 

Sir, — It may interest your readers to hear more particulars regarding the widow of the late Kenneth McDonald; 27 Lent-post Lochs, Stornoway, Lewis, is a small sterile croft of about three acres, for which the widow will have to pay very big rent — rent altogether out of proportion to any returns this and similar crofts ever gave, or ever will give. On this little patch of land stands her modest whitewashed cottage. 

Big entailed estates have been, many years ago, cut up in this fashion, rendering it almost impossible for anyone to live in the place; hence the largo exodus — very large exodus — of Highlanders who left some years ago — and are still leaving — for foreign shorts in order to earn a livelihood. In the Western Highlands of Scotland the poor crofters are cramped in every possible form and manner. On account of this, in many instances they are obliged to carry seaweed in creels long distances on their backs to manure their little crofts. So small indeed are the sterile crofts on which the crofters are cooped up that in very many instances they cannot afford to buy or keep horses. The best of the land is fenced in for the hunting-grounds of the opulent; so what was impossible with the sword is now accomplished with yellow gold, and consequently the people are driven away to foreign lands. It is a burning shame to the Empire the manner in which the Highland crofters have been used in the past — a shame that will tell its own tale in coming ages, and is even telling it now. The Isle of Skye and similar portions of Highlands sent out and produced more distinguished soldiers and sailors than any other part in proportion of the British Empire. These crofters at that time gloried in fighting for King and country; but let England send recruiting officers up there to-day — what is result? They are simply met with laughter. No wonder that, as an Imperialist and patriot, my heart burns with indignation when I think of it. 

The widow is left unprovided for. The people in her immediate neighbourhood are poor — poor because what used to be a somewhat lucrative industry (the herring fishing) is now being much impaired by the introduction of steam trawlers. I hope we shall be able to collect about £100. This would enable the widow to start in some little business, and so be able to rear her orphan child. I trust that in any case we shall be able to send Home a goodly sum. This would not only relieve the poor, destitute widow, but likewise show the Highlanders at Home that they are not forgotten by their brothers across the wave, and that both are bound together, with bonds of love and loyalty stronger than death. 

— I am, etc., A. O. Robertson. Belleknowes, December 21.   -Otago Daily Times, 26/12/1908.

Kenneth McDonald lies, with five others, in a pauper's grave in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

THE KENNETH McDONALD FUND.

To the Editor, we, the undersigned desire very heartily to thank you for your great kindness in taking charge of subscriptions to the above fund. Ee also desire to thank all those who very generously subscribed. Amounts acknowledged L5 17s, and L10 14s, total L16 11s. — We are, etc., 

D. McPHERSON, Chief of the Gaelic Society, 

A. C. ROBERTSON. Dunedin, 22nd Feb., 1909.  -Southland Times, 4/3/1909.

Bristol House - "that notorious establishment"

The previous story in this blog, concerning Isabella Tassy, has led to the story of where she died. Frank Tod's "Pubs Galore" places Bristol House on the corner of Cumberland and St Andrew streets, noting that the license was held by William Hall in 1864 then in 1867-8, until it lapsed.

AN IRATE AMAZON. 

Mary Ann King alias Hall, one of the inmates of the notorious Bristol House, was charged with assaulting the police while in the execution of their duty. Mr Catomore defended. It appeared from the evidence that Detective Farrell and Sergt. Naden went to the house to execute a search warrant, when the prisoner, in an ungovernable rage, kicked the detective in the pit of the stomach, broke a jug over his head, and endeavored to strike the sergeant down with a poker, and was only prevented from doing so by his drawing a revolver. She was fined in the full penalty of L20 or three months’ imprisonment. The fine was paid.  -Evening Star, 20/1/1871.

MAYOR'S COURT.

Yesterday. (Before his Worship the Mayor, and W. Mason, Esq , J. P.) 

DRUNKENNESS. 

Charles Ramage was discharged with a caution. 

SLY GROG SELLING. 

William Hall, the occupier of the notorious Bristol House in Cumberland street, was charged with the offense. It will be recollected that on the 19th inst., Detective Farrell and Sergeant Naden went to the place to execute a search warrant. While there they met a boy leaving the house having purchased sixpenny worth of beer there. The offence was fully proved and the defendant, who did not appear, was lined L10 and costs. 

KEEPING A DISORDERLY HOUSE. 

William Hall was further charged with this offence. Sergeant Thompson said he believed the defendant was about to abscond; he therefore applied for a warrant for his apprehension, which was granted.  -Evening Star

, 25/1/1871.

MAYOR'S COURT.

Wednesday, 25th January. His Worship the Mayor, and W. Mason, Esq., J.P.

Assaulting a Police Officer. — William Hall, the keeper of the notorious Bristol House, was charged on information with assaulting Sergeant Naden, whilst in the execution of his duty. As he did not appear a warrant was, on the application of Serjeant Thompson, who said he believed that he had absconded, ordered to be issued for his apprehension.

Neglected Child.—Mary Jane Walsh was brought before the Court as a neglected child. Its mother, who was a servant at the Shamrock Hotel, left her in the charge of the person who had since kept her, and who said that she went to Waikouaiti, and was afterwards supposed to have gone to Christchurch, and that she had not heard from her for the past nine months. The mother was an Irishwoman, and witness believed her to be a Roman Catholic, but was not quite sure. The Bench committed the child to the Industrial School for a period of 7 years, stating that as it was not quite clear to them, they would not make an order as to the religion in which she should be brought up. Subsequently an order was inside, directing that she should be brought up in the Church of England form of religion. 

Breach of the Licensing Ordinance — William Hall, who did not appear, was charged with having, at the Bristol House, Cumberland street; on the 19th inst., sold, or permitted to be sold, 6d worth of ale, without a license to do so; Sergeant Thompson informed the Bench that in bringing forward this case the Police relied on the clause which says delivery is sufficient to prove sale, until the contrary be shown. Sergeant Naden deposed that he, accompanied by Detective Farrell, went to the house of the defendant in Cumberland street on the 19th inst., with the object of executing a search warrant. Just as they approached the side door, they saw a little boy of about 6 years going in with an empty jug in one hand and a shilling in the other. Detective Farrell questioning him, he told him that he was going into the house for some beer. When he came out he had the jug with ale in it in one hand, and in the other a 6d, which he said he had got in change for the money he had given for the ale. They then went into the passage, where Margaret King, a reputed prostitute, took the jug of ale from the boy, and threw it at Detective Farrell. There was a room inside, which appeared to be used as a bar, and contained liquors. Mary Cameron, a reputed prostitute, was in that room. Detective Farrell gave similar evidence, and said that after the boy had come out they sent him in again to find who had given him the beer, upon which Margaret King threw it in witness's face and assaulted him. In the room which was used as a bar-room when the house was licensed, they found a barrel of beer on draught, and numerous bottles of brandy, as well as whisky, cordials, lemonade, and other kinds of drink. John Kennedy, a seaman, living in Cumberland Street, said that the little boy in Court was his son. On the 19th of the month, which he remembered by coming home later than usual to dinner, he on that account gave him a shilling to get some beer. He brought back a sixpence, but no beer. Johnny Kennedy said: My father gave me a shilling to get beer. I went $o Mrs Hall's and got sixpence-worth. "Mary, Anne" gave it to me. I gave her a shilling, she gave me a sixpence back. The last witness was not sworn. The Bench was of opinion that the sale of the beer had been clearly proved, and fined the defendant L10 and costs.  -Otago Daily Times, 26/1/1871.

LICENSING MEETING

George Haughton. — This was an application for a general license for the notorious Bristol House, in Cumberland street.

Mr Harris, on behalf of the applicant, said the house was formerly used as a hotel, but it acquired such an unenviable notoriety, in consequence of the conduct of the persons who frequented it, that the Bench took away the license. It was then kept as a boarding-house for some time, but in this character gained an equally unenviable reputation. The present applicant was a thoroughly respectable man, and could produce undeniable proofs of sobriety, good conduct, and fitness to take charge of a hotel; while the inhabitants of the immediate neighbourhood would prefer to see the. house duly licensed, and in the hands of a respectable man, than to be kept as a boarding-house. 

The Commissioner of Police opposed the application, stating that the house had been the haunt of a notorious brothel, which had but recently been broken up, and he wondered that any respectable man should think of going into it, as there is still a certain amount of infamy attached to the house, and many persons who were not aware of the brothel having been broken up might go to the house under the impression that it still existed, and, misconduct themselves. — Moreover, a licensed house in the locality was quite unnecessary, as the Auld Scotland Hotel was not 250 yards off. He was quite satisfied that if this license was granted, Hall, the keeper of the the brothel, ultimately return, as he did once before.

The applicant said he had no connection whatever with Hall, and all he knew of that person was that he owned the house. Mr Strode said that the Bench, looking at the former character of the house and at the statements of the Commissioner of Police, were of opinion that the license must be refused. The house appeared to be under the entire control of the man Hall, who was about the most disreputable character in the city; and the Bench could not for a moment be a party to an arrangement by which Hall, by some manoeuvre of his own, might get the present applicant out of the house, and continue his old game under colour of the license. Seeing that consequence might ensue if the license were granted, the Bench had but one course to pursue, and as being safe to the interests of the public, to refuse this application. They did so without the slightest reflection on the character of the applicant, whom they believed to be all that Mr Harris had stated.   -Otago Daily Times, 8/3/1871.

QUARTERLY LICENSING MEETING

George Horton renewed the application made by him at the last licensing meeting for a license for premises in Cumberland street, lately known as “Bristol House.” The application was opposed by the Commissioner of Police, who expressed his belief that if the license were granted, it would in the course of time fall into the hands of the notorious Hall, who owned the promises. Mr Harris, who appeared for Horton, submitted that this was an uncalled-for assumption on the part of the Commissioner. His client had obtained a seven years’ lease of the premises; he was a man of irreproachable character, and would never be a party to such a transaction. Mr Strode said that so long as that detestable character, Hall — than whom he was prepared to say there was none worse in the Colonies — no license would ever be granted for it. There were a thousand and one ways, known to himself and all other justices, whereby the man could get the house into his hands. Application refused.  -Evening Star, 6/6/1871.

MAYOR'S COURT.

This Day. (Before his Worship the Mayor.) 

DRUNKENNESS. 

John Sinclair and Thomas Todd were each fined 10s. Annie McPherson, alias Mrs McKenzie, was fined 40s, or fourteen days’ imprisonment. 

OBSCENE LANGUAGE. 

Samuel Farra was fined 40s, or a month’s imprisonment. 

OFFENCE AGAINST THE BYE-LAWS. 

Alexander Cameron was lined 2s fid and costs for allowing cattle to stray. 

SLY-GROG SELLING. 

William Hall, proprietor of the notorious Bristol House, was charged with this offence. It appeared from the evidence that on the evening of the 20th inst. three men named Moir, Porter, and Low, went to the defendant’s house, to see some women there. One of the men told the woman who represents herself as Hall’s wife, to get some beer, which she went for, and he paid her for it. All present, including Hall, who was in the room the whole time, partook of it. Moir went to a bedroom with a woman named Annie Lockwood, and immediately after she left him he missed from his coat pocket the sum of L35. He went down stairs, and in Hall’s presence accused the woman of stealing it. Hall said such a thing could not have happened in his house, and threatened to strike the man with a whip-handle which he held in his hand. The police were sent for, but a search being instituted by Inspector Thompson and Detective Farrell, resulted in no trace of the stolen property being found. In a cellar were found a barrel of beer on tap, and receipts of very recent date for large quantities of beer, one receipt being for L14. It was stated in evidence that before the robbery Moir and the woman had had some words about money; when the other wished to take him away with them but Hall quieted their fears by saying it was all right, as Moir had been there before. 

Hall’s defence was that he knew there was beer in the house and that he drank with Moir, but he denied having received any money for it, or that he was present when it was sent for. 

His Worship considered the evidence to have been of the clearest description, and there was not the slightest doubt that the defendant had been guilty of a breach of the Licensing Ordinance, because it mattered not whether he had actually received the money or not. The evidence was conclusive on the point of his being present when the beer was ordered, when it was brought in and when it was paid for. The evidence also showed his servant had taken the money — of course with his knowledge, which brought him under the Ordinance. The house he occupied was a most notorious one — in times past it gained a frightful notoriety; but he had been in hopes that its character had been changed. It appeared, however, that the defendant had resumed the practices which he formerly carried on there, and it was the duty of the Bench to stop those proceedings as far as possible. The defendant would be fined L25, The fine was immediately paid.  -Evening Star, 23/2/1872.

MAYOR'S COURT

Affiliation. — Elizabeth Clarke v. George Harrington, cabdriver, was a claim for maintenance for the support of an illegitimate child aged three weeks. Mr Wilson for defendant. Plaintiff said defendant was a shipmate of hers, and, on discovering she was in the family way, he had gone into the country, and now wanted to say the child was not his. He first had connection with her some two years ago, while on board ship, on the passage out, and on many occasions subsequently. After leaving the ship she took a situation with her aunt. By Mr Wilson: She could swear, with a clear conscience, that no one has had connection with her, except defendant, during the last twelve months. She did not know a house called Bristol House. She never slept with anyone there, nor told anybody that she had. She did not know anyone of the name of Ross. (Ross was then called, and plaintiff said she knew him by sight.) She did not know anyone of the name of Fielding. (Fielding was then called, and complainant said he was a shipmate of hers.) He came to her when she was at Mrs Frazer’s, and took her to Mrs Hall’s (Bristol House). He said he would find a home for her. She stopped there because she had nowhere else to go to. That was the Friday before Christmas, and she would not say Fielding did not sleep with her that night, she also knew a man called Frank, a lamplighter, but could not say he had not connection with her. —Fielding denied having told plaintiff that George (defendant) would give her L5 to say no more about it. When she told him (witness) that her child’s father was a certain party, he told her the best way was to summons him. — Mr Wilson said he would not insult the Court by calling any more witnesses. The case was then dismissed.  -Evening Star, 21/2/1873.

R M COURT

ILLEGAL DETENTION.

Isabella Lyle, an unfortunate but apparently well-educated young woman, charged William Hall, of Bristol House notoriety, with detaining a box, her property, containing five dresses — one white muslin, one violet coloured, one black and red, one Rob Roy, and one black and Brown, together with other wearing apparel, to the value of £10. Prosecutrix stated that she had been living at defendant's house for six weeks, and owed 15s for board. Of this she paid 10s to defendant's wife, who stated that the amount due was 30s. Defendant harboured young women for the purpose of prostitution, and allowed disorderly characters to frequent the house. He also sold spirituous liquors, but witness did not think he held a license to do so.

The Bench ordered the things to be returned within three days, or their value to be paid, with costs of Court.  -Otago Daily Times, 26/9/1873.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Friday, December 19. (Before A, C. Strode, Esq., R.M.) 

Drunkenness. — Margaret Downie was fined ds, with the usual alternative; Alex. Cowie, 10s, with the option of 48 hours’ imprisonment; and Marion Mconnell, 40s, or seven days. 

Obscene Language. — Jane Monson was charged with making use of obscene language in a right-of-way off Great King street, yesterday afternoon. Constable Rooney heard the defendant making use of obscene language towards some one in Bristol House. — Prisoner stoutly denied the charge, whereupon his Worship informed her that it was no good her feigning injured innocence. She had frequently been convicted; he and she were in fact very old friends. (Laughter.) Prisoner wanted a remand, so as to produce evidence to show that she had not used the words imputed to her; but his Worship would not entertain the application, believing it was an “old affair," and fined her 10s, in default seven days’ imprisonment with hard labor.   -Evening Star, 19/12/1873.

The following story is presented as published and with the knowledge that the language used in it is of its day.

A treat of no ordinary nature was afforded in the Resident Magistrate's Court in the early part of the present week, the litigants in the cases, which were the cause of the entertainment, being gentlemen of color. The plaintiff in the first case called (for there were cross-actions) is a hair-dresser in Maclaggan-Street, well-known in Dunedin, and is generally dressed in a manner which completely takes the shine out of most of his fairer colored fellow-men. He hails from Virginia, and it was in consequence of acting the good Samaritan towards a Virginian brother, that circumstances occurred which led to the Court proceedings. The last-mentioned individual held the responsible position of cook on board the Gamecock about a couple of years since, from which vessel he ran away, and he came to the plaintiff for refuge, after having paid a bill for board and lodging elsewhere. This Christian (the barber) paid, and took the ebony cook to live with him at his own house, where he boarded him for various periods, and where also the latter had the extravagant allowance of two white shirts per day, done up by plaintiff's wife, and had supplied to him by plaintiff black kid gloves, black silk hats, neckties, &c. After treating the cook in this liberal manner, it came to the ears of the hairdresser and his wife that their guest was in the habit of visiting Bristol House — an establishment whose fame has been often noted in the annals of our Police Court. This was not to be tolerated, and the ex-cook was turned away. This action was subsequently brought to recover about £18 for board and lodging. Parker, the defendant, instituted a cross-action for money lent, and also pleaded a set-off in the first case to the extent of about £6 for fowls, ox-tongues, eggs, and other choice fare which, he maintained, he had brought to plaintiff's house while living with him, and the receipt of which Christian absolutely denied. The evidence was very conflicting, but was intensely amusing, and was accompanied with such grotesque gestures by the rival darkies, as to cause suppressed laughter in the Court during the hearing of the case. Mr. Strode seemed to be in great doubt which side to believe; and in order to further investigate the matter, postponed the case till Wednesday, when judgment was given for £13 15s.  -Tuapeka Times, 7/2/1874.

In 1875 Bristol House had a new name and a new liquor licence.  The Victoria Hotel it became and so it remains to this day, in a new building on the original site.