In the same rooms, and in connection with the Institution, Mr Marriott delivered an able lecture on Phrenology, on the 16th of March.
The Society of Arts. This Institution was one of the 270 societies in union with the Society of Arts, to which Mr. A. Burton, as our own President, paid an annual subscription of two guineas. That gentleman, on the 9th of June was present with other delegates at a conference of the Society of Arts, and on the following day a special train conveyed the whole party to the Crystal Palace. The next day, which was Wednesday, found the delegates by invitation at the Mansion House, there to enjoy the proceedings at a conversation.
A fact for the Curious. There were many curiosities at the local exhibition referred to in connection with the Institution, but not any of so personal a nature as the following:- A funeral took place at Bexhill, in the same year, remarkable for its circumstances. The name of the deceased was Philadelphia, the wife or widow of John Christian, and her age was 77 years. The bearers were four Savages and the followers were seven Christians – seven of the ten sons of whom she was the mother. (Vide “The Brooks of Bexhill and Hastings”)
Inquests at St. Leonards
A Melancholy Death. On the 20th May, an assistant to Mr Robert Hempsted, chemist, of 14 Grand Parade, named Frances Mott, (a son of the same named person at Brighton) committed suicide by taking Prussic acid. His age was 18 years, and at the inquest Mr Hempsted said the youth was very circumspect and temperate in his habits, and so punctual in everything, that he was very fond of him. He could not in any way account for the rash act, nor for the writing in pencil on the back of a letter, which was as follows:- “Oh pa! Grieve not for me; I have been so wicked. It is better, I am sure, not to live at all than to go the way I have been. I have had every wish gratified, but not satisfied. I have had the best master and mistress in the world – so kind to me. Oh, bless them, I pray thee father. Goodbye dearest father. Pray for me.” The young man had gone to his room after breakfast to dress for the day, and had come down and staggered in a dying state at the door leading into the shop.
Drowning Cases. Inquests were held on the 25th and 27th of June respectively on Alfred Harland, 11 years of age, who was drowned while bathing near 40 Martello Tower, west of St. Leonards, and John Bundock, better known as “Margate Jack” who was drowned while bathing at Rock-a-Nore, East of Hastings.
Robbery.
A sheep was stolen during the night of June 3rd, at the back of Warrior Square. The animal, which belonged to Peter Banks, was slaughtered on the spot, and the skin left in the field. A reward of £10 was offered.
