Northampton Mercury - Saturday 05 July 1862

Barnet Wooton, of Potterspury, appeared before the magistrates for being drunk and disorderly in the parish of Furthoe, on Sunday morning last.—Sergeant Willis said : I saw him between 11 and o'clock on Saturday night. He wanted to fight, 1 would not allow him ; he said he would fight, and he and his antagonist went in the direction for Stony Stratford, I followed them. When they had got some distance they commenced operations, I interfered, and took Wooton into custody, but the other got away. In answer to question from the bench, Willis said he was at Pury. Defendant was convicted, and sentenced to seven days' imprisonment in Northampton Gaol, hard labour.

COMMITMENT TO NORTHAMPTON COUNTY GAOL

William Earle, seven days, for being drunk and disorderly at Furtho.

TOWCESTER HIGHWAY DISTRICT

FURTHO.— The road in fair order. Requirements 30 tons of Heyford slag, or gravel. Estimated cost for year, £7.

COMMITMENTS TO NORTHAMPTON COUNTY GAOL

Nathaniel Foxley and Joseph Smith, charged with highway robbery, at Furtho.

THIRD COURT.—WEDNESDAY.
Before Serjeant Tozer.

Furtho. —NATHANIEL FOXLEY (42), labourer, and JOSEPH SMITH (35), labourer, were charged with robbing Harry Bowden, at Furtho, on the 24th October, 1863. Mr. Stevens appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Metcalfe defended the prisoners.—Harry Bowden, the prosecutor, stated that he lived at Potterspury, in February last. Was a carpenter. On the 24th October last he left Stony Stratford about eleven o'clock at night, in company with a person named McNeil. Going along the road he saw a woman lying. Foxley came up and said "What have you to do with the woman?" He said, "Nothing ; have you ? Because if you have you had better take care of her, and not let her lie here and be taken up by the policeman." Foxley then fetched Smith, and in a few minutes a third man came up from the same direction. Had never seen the men before. His two friends, Vincent and McNeil, were there, and they were all talking and witness was smoking, and the two prisoners asked him to let them have some of his tobacco. He gave them his box to help themselves. The policeman then came up and witness then went along. Believed Foxley passed in a few minutes. They did not speak, but after they had gone fifty yards they turned back. Foxley had got stick when he passed. They each had a stick upon their shoulders when they came back. Did not see Smith have a stick when they passed. Vincent was with him, and said "Don't fight with little stick like that, but get a telegraph post." The prisoners and the man not in custody then all struck at himself and his companion. They all struggled one amongst the other, and the stranger struck him at the back of his head, which knocked him down and stunned him. Did not know how long he lay upon the ground, but when he came to his senses he found himself alone, as all the prisoners and his own friends had left him. Had not seen McNeil since the Sunday morning after the affray, which occurred on the Saturday night previous. McNeil was lodging at Potterspury. It was an accidental meeting, as McNeil was only a travelling painter. When he came to his senses he went along the road, but could not see anybody. He then returned, and found his purse on the ground empty, with the exception of three postage stamps. He also found his hat on the ground near it. Saw his money safe in his purse when he left Stratford. His tobacco-box and two sixpences, and few coppers were left in his pocket. On Sunday he gave information to the police-constable, and then went with police-constable Willis to Stratford, where the prisoners were apprehended. The prisoners at the bar were the men who assaulted him. The men were at the public-house about half a mile from the bridge.

By Mr. Metcalfe : Did not know that Smith worked at the public-house. Had a sovereign in his pocket when he left Potterspury, and while at Stratford bought a pair of trousers for eight shillings. He then bought some envelopes, which cost about 6d. They went into the Plough. Was not in any other public house that night that he could recollect. Would swear he did not have any gin at the Swan or any other house that night. Did not go into the White Horse, the Swan, or any other public-house that night. Did not to go to any one to ask for lodgings. Was not refused lodgings because was drunk. Never went into any public-house that night. Vincent some drink with him. His partner tossed for some rum from the landlord. Then went into the room, and tossed for some cigars. Did not know who paid for the rum. Paid for one pot of beer and a little rum. Was not any the worse for liquor. Could not put away more than three half-pints. Some people were singing in the room he was in. Left work at four o'clock, and started between six and seven o'clock from Potterspury to go to Stratford. When he got there he went into the Market-place, and walked about the streets looking for a friend until about ten o'clock, when he went to the Plough. On returning home, beyond the bridge the row commenced, and it was there that the woman lay. Did not touch the woman, except on the shoulder, to assist her up. Was quite sure he did not touch the woman anywhere else. When Foxley came up he wanted to fight him, but he objected to fight in the dark. Believed Foxley was behind the wall; he believed Foxley and Vincent were struggling together in the ditch. When he came to himself all the men were gone, the Scotchman and all. He then walked home, but first returned to Stratford, and then went back. Neither Vincent, or McNeil, or himself had sticks when they left home. Vincent then took the three sticks the prisoners had at the time of the row

By Mr. Shepherd : There was no charge against him for indecent assault. —William Vincent, carpenter, was in October last living Potterspury, and, in company with Bowden and McNeil, went to Stratford. On their return home they saw a woman lying in the road, and spoke to her, and then Foxley looked over the wall. He asked what they had to do with the woman and they said, Nothing; they were only advising her for her good. Did not see Foxley until he looked over the wall. Went little way, and met a policeman, and told him that woman was lying in the road. Went back to Bowden, at that time the prisoner Smith had a stick. Foxley had stick when he looked over the wall. Prisoners passed them, and then they turned back and fight commenced, ant witness threw one of the prisoners down. Did not see anything more of Bowden after the fight. Picked up the three sticks and took them home. When he went towards Stratford did not see Bowden. On Sunday morning Bowden strapped up his head, which was broken in three places.

Mr. Metcalfe: Went to Stony Stratford and called at the Plough, and tried to obtain protection. Did not know where the police station was. For a good reason he did not think they would stop there until he came back. Was in the Plough about a quarter to twelve. Was drinking some beer and a quartern of whiskey and cigar. Could not say whether Bowden had any whiskey. Heard Benson and McNeil had some whiskey. The cigars they bought. Was not sure that Bowden tossed for any cigars. Did not toss at all for rum. Did not toss for anything. Did not know whether Bowden tossed at all. They were sitting in one room part of the time. Might have had a pot of beer. Was sure he did not go to any other public house.

By the learned Serjeant: Bowden did not leave home with him.

By Mr. Metcalfe: Went to the Post Office to get an order to send to his wife. Bowden did not go to the Post Office with it. Did not go to any shop. Walked about the town until he went to the Plough, where he believed he met Bowden.

By Mr. Stevens : Went to the Plough, and could not make any one hear, and then went home to Potterspury, where he lodged.

Police-serjeant C. Willis went with Bowden to the Falcon, at Stratford, on the Sunday evening, and there Bowden pointed out the prisoner Smith. Witness told him the charge, and he apprehended the prisoner. The prisoner said, What, do you mean to charge us with robbing you? Bowden said, Yes, I do. Apprehended Foxley at his father's house he denied robbing Bowden, but said he was there. He then took him to the lock-up, and Bowden identified him. Another man named Gayden was named being present, but he had been unable to find him. The sticks produced were given him by police-constable Healey. When he saw Foxley he was knocked about, and his head was tied up, and he did not examine it. Smith was not injured. Smith had on the smock he now wears, and there was some blood upon the inside of the slop collar. Police-constable Clark took woman into the lock-up drunk night, but he was not now present.

Mr. Stevens then read statement that was made by both prisoners at the examination before the magistrates, and they denied taking the money, although they were all present, and were fighting.—This was the case for the prosecution.

Mr. Metcalfe, for the defence, strongly commented upon the fact that no search had been made to see if the money was there. Although the prosecution bad very fairly stated this fact, still he thought that some search ought to have been made at the time. He also contended that the principal person who could have given a candid opinion as to the condition of the men at the time, was not called. The policeman who apprehended the woman was not called. Then they were in a state of liquor. From the witnesses' own statements, they had had several "goes" of one thing or other, and so much mixing the jury would all know caused people to be a little the worse. He thought it, too, in favour of the prisoners, that the sticks which had been produced were evidently not carried there for the purpose of highway robbery, but were picked at the time, as they were evidently pieces of poles used in fences near the place. He also dwelt strongly upon the carelessness of the police in not searching the place. He contended they had not made out that the money had been lost, and therefore the case was not made out.

The learned counsel then called a witness named Mr. William Clark, a farmer at Cosgrove, near Stony Stratford, who could not say he knew Foxley, but he had never heard any harm against him, although he had lived in the neighbourhood. Did not know Smith. They had neither of them worked for him.

The learned Serjeant summed up. He thought the evidence was quite reliable. It was quite plain that at the time in question they were not drunk.

The jury returned verdict of Not Guilty against both the prisoners.

COMMITMENTS TO THE NORTHAMPTON COUNTY GAOL.

Eli Meakins, days' hard labour, for poaching, Furtho.

COMMITMENTS TO THE NORTHAMPTON COUNTY GAOL.

Thomas Adcock, two calendar months' hard labour, for an assault at Furtho.

Furtho.—Thomas Adcock, of Leicester, was summoned by John Coles, of Furtho, charging him with assault. It would appear that the assault arose in consequence of complainant not giving defendant a night's lodging. The Bench considered it a bad case, and committed the defendant to Northampton Gaol for two calendar months.

FURTHO, near Stony Stratford.

IMPORTANT SALE OF FARMING STOCK, &c.

GEORGE BENNETT

Is instructed by the Executrix of the late Mr. William Warr, deceased,

TO SELL BY AUCTION,

On the Premises, on Thursday, August 2, 1866, the
under-mentioned valuable and well-bred

STOCK, GROWING CROPS, CORN, WOOL,
GRASS KEEPING, &c., viz.

29 Young dairy cows, four fat cows, four down-calving heifers, 14 in-calf ditto, nine yearling ditto, 17 calves, two pure-bred shorthorned bulls, one four years old, the other two years old (Pedigrees will be published in Catalogue) 19 fat ewes, 101 fat and meaty shearhogs and theaves, six store ewes, six lambs, two shearling rams, four bacon pigs; 138 acres of growing crops of wheat, barley, beans, and oats, with suitable accommodation for spending the straw, &c.; two stacks of wheat, one of beans, 100 quarters of thrashed wheat, 12 quarters of vetches ; 340 fleeces of wool, nearly all of which is teg wool; 168 acres of grass keeping up to the 11th October, 1866, in convenient Lots, all well fenced and watered.

Credit will be allowed on the Growing Crops, Corn, and Grass Keeping, on the usual conditions. Business at Eleven o'clock.

Catalogues may be bad at the Inns in the neighbourhood; the Place of Sale; and of the Auctioneer, Buckingham.

STONY STRATFORD. Petty Sessions, Friday, September 14th.

Present: Rev. H. J. Barton, chairman ; and J. C. Mansel, Esq. Stony Stratford.

Rabbiting at Furtho. —Levi Henson was summoned for being in search of conies at Furtho.—Sergeant Willis proved the case, and defendant was convicted in penalty and costs 14s. 6d. Paid.

TO BE LET

From the 25^th March, 1867

THE RECTORY FARM of FURTHO, near STONY STRATFORD, consisting of Ninety-nine Acres, Tender, subject to terms and conditions.—Application to be made to Rev. J. Wm. Mason, Plas Bowman, Caernarvon, North Wales.

FURTHO MANOR FARM, near Stony Stratford.

GEO. BENNETT Is instructed the Executrix of the late Mr. Wm. Warr, deceased,

TO SELL BY AUCTION,

On the Premises, on Thursday, 21st March, 1867, at Half past Ten o'Clock,

TWO VALUABLE CART HORSES,

HARNESS HORSE, USEFUL COB, an IN-CALF COW

THE FARMING IMPLEMENTS,

CONSISTING of mowing machine, haymaking machine (by Smith & Ashby), horse rake (by Howard), eight furrow steer drill, with turnip box ploughs, harrows, capital broad and narrow-wheel waggons and carts, several lots of cart harness, and a variety of useful tools and effects; also neat dog cart (by Davies, Northampton), set of harness, saddles, &c, &c.

THE HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE,

Comprising in the Drawing Room, six rosewood chairs, in green figured damask; cabriole easy chair and couch to match, solid mahogany 100 table, Brussels carpets and hearthrug. In the Dining Room, six and two elbow mahogany chairs, easy chairs and sofa, in American cloth ; the Furniture of five Bedrooms, consisting of four-post and other bedsteads, spring mattress, wash stands, dressing tables, mahogany wardrobes, drawers, &c., &c.; also an assortment of kitchen requisites and articles of domestic use; together with the dairy and brewing utensils, the whole of which are set forth in Catalogues that are now in circulation, and may be had at the Cock and Bull Hotels, Stony Stratford ; the Victoria Hotel, Wolverton Station ; and of the Auctioneer, Buckingham.

FURTHO RECTORY FARM,

OLD STRATFORD, near Stony Stratford.

THE EXCELLENT GRASS KEEPING, AND LUXURIANT CROP OF CLOVER,

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,

By GEO. BENNETT,

On Friday, May the 10th, 1867,

By direction of the Executrix of the late Mr. William Warr, deceased, in the following convenient Lots :—

Seventeen Acres being Clover, and the remainder Grass. It may be mown or grazed at the option of the purchaser. If mown must be cut before the ____ of June, and stacked at the Homestead (where Yard will be found for spending the same up to the 25th of March, 1868), and the Aftermath grazed up to the 28th September, 1867.

The Company is requested to meet the Auctioneer at Lot l, 1, at Three o'clock in the Afternoon.

Credit on the usual conditions.

STONY STRATFORD. Petty Sessions, May 10th. —Present : Rev. H. J. Barton (chairman), and J. C. Mansel, Esq.
Furtho. —Jeremiah Tapp, labourer, of Potterspury, was charged on warrant with trespassing on land, at Furtho, in pursuit of game, in July, 1865. The defendant absconded at the time. The case was proved by Sergeant Willis.—Tapp was fined £3 and 12s. costs. Paid.

FURTHO RECTORY FARM

OLD STRATFORD, STONY STRATFORD.

FOUR capital Working HORSES, Harness, Three Dung Carts, Turnip Drill, 5 Quarter Beans, Corn Sacks Hurdles, &c.; GROWING CROPS of WHEAT, BARLEY OATS, and BEANS; GRASS KEEPING, HAY, and CLOVER,

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,

By GEO. BENNETT,

On Friday, 2sd August, 1867, by direction of the Executrix of the late Mr. William Warr, deceased. Business Quarter before Eleven o'clock.

Catalogues are now in circulation.

Furtho.

Reuben Tapp and John Tapp were indicted for assaulting police-constable Charles Willis, in the execution of his duty, at Furtho, on the 16th December.—Mr. Grant was for the prosecution, and Mr. Merewether for the defence.

Charles Willis is a sergeant of police Potterspury. On the 10th December he was at Furtho, on the farm of Mr. John Bird, when he saw some men at an ash plantation, and going down to a meadow, he met the prisoner and two others coming in the direction of the plantation. It was about two in the afternoon. He asked Reuben if he worked for Mr. Bird. He said "No.” Both he and his brother had the bottom end of a fresh-cut ash pole. Reuben had also a flag basket, which was nearly full of something. Mr. Bird had previously complained about the ash poles in the plantation being cut, and he asked Reuben what he had got in his basket. He said, "Nothing that you will have." Witness said, "I don't want it. I only want to see what it is." He said, "You shall not." He gave the basket to John, and got between witness and John with his stick up, and said, “If you come near me I'll knock you down." Witness said, "Don't hit me. I shall not interfere with you no further than I want to see what is in the basket." He got by Reuben, and followed John with the basket. John stopped, and got up his stick in a striking attitude. Reuben came up and took the basket from John, and John then went behind him. Reuben was in front flourishing his stick at him. Witness had seen Mr. Bird in an adjoining field as he was going down, and he shouted. He saw they meant coming upon him, and he drew his staff. As soon he had got it out, he was struck on the back of the head by John. He was knocked down. Reuben struck him on the head with the stick, took the staff out of his hand, and struck him with that. He was struck several times after that while he was on the ground, and was also kicked on the chin. Reuben went to his hat and smashed it with his staff, which he took away with him, and witness had not seen him since. When he came to himself a little, he saw Mr Bird running towards him, and his son and another behind him.

Witness was ill, and attended by surgeon.

said he had no suspicion of game, but only that he thought they had cut and were carrying away the ash poles. That was an offence not giving a right of search.

The Court over-ruled the objection.—John Bird, a farmer at Furtho, said he was down in the field a little after two o'clock on the 16th December. He saw the policeman cross an adjoining field, and soon after heard shout. He then saw the policeman struggling with two men. They knocked him down, and took to their heels. The prosecutor was very much injured, and he thought he was a dead man.

Dr. Daniel, of Stony Stratford, described the injuries, which he said were dangerous.

lnspector Hurst, of Towcester, found the two ash sticks at the prisoners' father's house.

The jury found both the prisoners guilty, and the Court sentenced them each to Eighteen Calendar Months' Imprisonment, with hard labour.

STONY STRATFORD
PETTY SESSIONS, March 12th

Rabbiting

Ancel Bland, Thomas Bland and Jesse Cook were charged with trespassing in search of conies on land in the occupation of Mr. Bird, of Furtho.

Mr. John Chettle, tanner, of Potterspury, deposed: I saw the defendants on the 5^th inst on land in the occupation of Mr. Bird. They had a net with them. I merely rode by them, but did not speak to them. I saw them at a rabbit-hole.

Neither of the Blands appeared.

The defendant Cooke said he was not there, but Mr. Chettle said positively he was.

Cooke was convicted in penalty and costs 18s. 6d, or fourteen days; committed. The two Blands each and costs, or two months. There were previous convictions against the latter.

COMMITMENTS TO THE NORTHAMPTON COUNTY GAOL.

Jesse Cook for 14 days hard labour for poaching, at Furtho.

COMMITMENTS TO THE NORTHAMPTON COUNTY GAOL.

James Hardwick, 21 days' hard labour, for wilful damage, at Furtho.

COMMITMENTS TO THE NORTHAMPTON COUNTY GAOL.

Thomas Bland, for two months, hard labour, for poaching, at Furtho

COMMITMENTS TO THE NORTHAMPTON COUNTY GAOL.

Stealing Fowls Furtho.

John Tyrrell, 52, labourer, was charged with stealing two tame fowls, the property of John Bird, at Furtho. on the 10th of October, 1870.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty

The Chairman remarked that prisoner was convicted of stealing growing peas on the 27th of June last. He had very soon got into trouble again. The sentence of the Court was that he be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for Four Calendar Months.

Deaths

Nov. 4, at Furtho Manor, Stony Stratford, LETITIA LUCY ANNE, the beloved daughter of JOHN and ANNE BIRD, aged 18. [of scarlet fever]

Births

April 9, at Plas Bowman, Carnarvon, the wife of the Rev. J. W. MASON, rector Furtho, Northamptonshire a son.

ARNOLD'S FURTHOE CHARITY THE Second Monday in April of this year being Easter Monday, the next Quarterly Meeting of the Trustees will be held on Monday, the 21st day of April, at Twelve o'clock. E. MONTAGUE BROWNE, Clerk to the Trustees. 2, St. Giles's Square, Northampton, 26th March, 1879.

THE BISHOP OF PETERBOROUGH'S
VISITATION.

A presentment from Furthoe was made, mentioning complaint of the removal of a certain monument the church of that parish, and his LORDSHIP, having listened to the explanation the incumbent, said that in future when there was reason to remove a monument, it would be advisable first to consult the representatives of the family interested, and then obtain a faculty for the removal.

Things Old and New

FORTHO. A marble tomb, on which were the effigies of man and his two wives, with a tablet at their feet, and shield of arms at each corner, but these are now defaced. It is supposed to be the monument of Anthony Furtho, who was twice married, and died the first year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth.

STONY STRATFORD. PETTY SESSIONS.—May 24. Before Mr. M. G. S. Knapp (chairman), Mr. L. R. Hall, and Mr. E. H. Watts.

A NORTHAMPTON MAN SUMMONED.

Robert French, of Raglan - street, Northampton, was summoned for not contributing towards the maintenance of his father, George French, of Furtho.

The defendant not appear in Court until after the case had been disposed of.

The complainant, George Holman, the relieving officer of the Potterspury Union, stated that defendant's father was in receipt of outdoor relief, and was permanently disabled. He had had a letter from the relieving office of defendant's district, stating that French received average 24s a week. Defendant had a wife and three children. He contributed 1s a week for some time, but doing without assigning any reason. The Guardians asked for order for 1s. a week. —The Magistrates made the order.

FURTHOE. The Rectory of Furthoe, Northants, near Stony Stratford, vacant by the resignation the Rey. J. Chalmers, through ill-health, has been offered by the patrons (the principal and fellows of Jesus College, Oxford) to the Rev. Dr. Payne, warden of St. Paul's College, Stony Stratford, and accepted him. The living a good one, notwithstanding that only one service has been held on Sunday to the present, and the church, a small structure, is quite a mile from any inhabited houses, Old Stratford being the nearest place.

STONY STRATFORD

Fashionable Wedding.— On Wednesday afternoon a very interesting ceremony was witnessed the parish church, when Mr. F. H. Lieutenant of Madras Staff Corps, and son of Mr. F. Pigon. Bignores, Dartford, was married to Miss Annie Barrington Payne, daughter the Rev. Dr. Payne, rector of Furthoe. The bride was attired in brocaded satin dress, with court train, handsomely trimmed with old lace, both on the skirt and bodice and veil of the same. The bridesmaids, who were dressed white lace over green silk, with green cheffon hats and white feathers with rose buds, and posies of blush rose-buds, were the Misses Pigon (2), Miss Bowne, Miss Sankey, Miss Battcock, and Miss Lang. The bride, who, upon entering the church, leant upon the arm her father (who gave her away) also carried a splendid bouquet, supplied by Mr. Clarke, of Castlethorpe. The ceremony was commenced by the singing of hymn 350, "The voice that breathed o'er Eden, which was nicely led by the choir. The officiating clergy were the Rev. H. C. Pigon (Bournemouth), the Rev. J. Long (Rector of Hardenhurst), assisted by the Rev. W. M. Miller (Vicar of St. Giles's). The bridegroom's best man was the Rev. R. L. Lang. There was a large number of people present to witness the event, the guests alone numbering 100. Miss Bird officiated at the organ, and played the commencement "Pastorale," "Song of Hope," and "Bridal Chorus," and at the conclusion "Mendelssohn's Wedding March." After the ceremony the usual repast was supplied for the guests at the Rev. Dr. Payne's. Dr. Bull's, and at the College, The Volunteer Band played on the lawn during the afternoon. Mr. E. Revitt, of the Cock Hotel. Stony Stratford supplied the carriages. The presents were numerous and costly.

FURTHOE.

A Thanksgiving Service was held the Church of St. Bartholomew on Sunday afternoon, the sermon being preached the Rev. J. H. Travers, curate of St. Giles's, Stony Stratford. Special harvest hymns ware sung. The offertory was towards augmenting a fund for the building church at Old Stratford.

FURTHO ESTATE, near Stony Stratford.

WILLIAM BEESLEY and SONS have received instructions from the Trustees of Arnold's Charity

TO ARRANGE FOR SALE BY AUCTION,

On Monday, February 5th, 200 Fine LARCH TREES and Several ELM Ditto

(in Lots to suit Purchasers).

Full particulars in Catalogues, to be had on application to the Auctioneers, Towcester. STONY STRATFORD

LETTER TO THE EDITOR.

LOWER HEYFORD CHARITIES.

“TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY.”

Sir, —In in the year 1841 there were 559 souls in Nether Heyford, and that the rateable value was 4,692 13s., and the amount of assessed property £2,273. The school was founded and endowed in 1674 by Mr. William Bliss, of London, native of Nether Heyford, with the sum of £400, £100 to be laid out for the purchase of the school Nether Heyford, and £300 for the purchase land in Long Buckby, and granted to trustees—42 acres of land. Two acres of the land have since been sold to the Grand Junction Canal Company. The remaining portion lets for £120 per year, and there are dividends of shares in the said company.

Also by will, dated May 1st, 1675, Mr. Edmund Arnold, of Doctors’-commons, London, a native of Lower Heyford, devised his manor house and estate of the village of Furtho in trust for the poor, and apprenticing children of the poor of this parish. Now, sir, that portion left to the poor in 1841 yielded over £40 per year, for the latter purpose over £20 per year, and for Upper Heyford also £20 per year for apprenticing poor children, from Arnold's Charity.

Sir, you will see that brings in over £80 per year for the poor; £37 per year for the school; sum total, £117 per year. This is from date 1841, that is years ago. Now will any of your readers inform how much this charity has increased in value since that time, and how much of it there has been distributed per year, and if has been distributed fairly and the full amount, accordance with the will of the donors?

The time is near at hand when a full investigation will take place (irrespective of friend or foe). It will for enquiry whether the charities are distributed fairly and to the full amount to the needy poor, whether they are members of the State Church or any other Church or sect. In future let publicans and sinners be treated fairly and without distinction, all alike. I find great complaining in all our villages; and it is our duty, as far as our power lies, to “prove all things,” and to "hold fast that which is good,”

Yours truly, JOHN FAIRPLAY PAGE

 Lower Heyford, February 14^th 1894

FURTHOE.—Harvest Festival.

An overflowing congregation assembled at the quaint little church at Furthoe on Sunday afternoon, on the occasion of the harvest festival. The decorations were neatly executed, the altar, lectern, and font looking very pretty. The singing was led by some of the choir boys from St. Giles' Church, Stony Stratford, Miss Bird presiding at the harmonium. Special Psalms were chanted, and the harvest hymns were joined in heartily by the congregation. The sermon was preached by the Rev. W. S. (Vicar of Nash), from St. Mark iv., 28. The offertory was behalf of the Church Expenses Fund.

Rev. James Payne, Rector Furthoe, was summoned for riding a tricycle without a light in the parish of Passenham, at 9.30 p.m. on December 12th.— Mr. Payne was unable to attend, and case was adjourned for a fortnight.

FURTHO. —The harvest thanksgiving service was held at the quaint little church of St. Bartholomew on Sunday afternoon, the bare walls being brightened with fruit, flowers, corn, and foliage; the font, surmounted with a tiny cross of corn, with a bunch of grapes for a centre-piece, looking very pretty.

The service was taken by the Rev. Dr. Payne, and the sermon was preached by the Rev. W. G. C. Prideaux (curate of St. Mary's) from Proverbs xi., 18. The choir boys from St. Giles' Church, Stony Stratford, assisted in the musical part the service. The offertory was in aid of the Church Expenses Fund.

Isaac Pangbourne, a tramp, fired a stack of clover, valued £60, the property of Mr. Matthew Willison, at Furtho. At the Northampton Assizes in November he was sentenced to seven years' penal servitude.

FURTHO.—A harvest festival service was held in Parish Church on Sunday afternoon, when there was a large congregation. The Rev. Dr. Payne read the first lesson, and the Rev. J. B. Harrison, R.D. (rector of Paulerspury), the second lesson. Special hymns were sung and Miss Bird presided at the harmonium. An excellent sermon was preached by the Rev. J. B. Harrison from Revelation iv 2. A collection was taken in aid of the church expenses fund.

Stony Stratford

Divisional Petty Sessions, Friday.

Thomas Russell of Wolverton, grocer, was charged with allowing seven cows to stray on the highway at Furtho on January 31^st The offence was admitted, and the particulars stated by P.S. Sismey. Fine and costs 10s.

FURTHO. — The harvest festival service at the quaint little church at Furtho was held on Sunday afternoon, when there was a packed congregation. The decorations consisted of corn, fruit, flowers, and vegetables. The Rector (Rev. Dr. Payne, D.C.L.) conducted the service, and the lessons were read and the sermon preached by the Rev. H. O. Izard, curate of Stony Stratford, the text being taken from Matthew xiii., 24 and 25. The collection was in aid of the Church Expenses Fund.