Sims (head keeper), T. Stubberfield (under-keeper), and Eldridge (a watcher), on one side, and “Turf” Highland (of St. Leonards), Frank Coote (of Spittleman’s Down), and William Smith (of Bohemia) on the other side. Blows with the butt ends of guns were given by both parties, and severe injuries were inflicted. The poachers, however, were secured, and committed for trial.
At a hop-sweepstakes dinner, presided over by Mr. R. Deudney, thirty persons were present. On opening the box, one person had set the duty as high as £195,000, but the three nearest were £78,000 15s. by William Walter, £78,000 by Fredk. R. Gausden, and £83,000 by C. H. Gausden. The actual duty was £79, 7s. 1d. (sic, should be £79,000 7s. 1d.).
Apropos of hops, a fine hop, rising 38 feet from the ground, was seen during the autumn in front of Mr. Ross’s house, No. 1 Claremont.
Mr. Groslobb having effected great improvement in his ground at the West Hill, re-opened his chalybeate spa on the 22nd of April; and on Whit-Tuesday, Brett’s St. Leonards Band was engaged to play on the lawn, thus forming an additional attraction to visitors.
On the 24th of October, a running-match took place, between Albert Parks, butcher, and a footman named Barnes. The stakes were £2, the race ground was the parade, and the distance was 100 yards. On this occasion the footman “leg’d” behind and the knight of the cleaver proved to be the best footman.
Up to this time £2,508 had been given or promised for the proposed new church of St. Mary Magdalen.
