said, in his past conduct it had not been his desire to offend anyone, nor had he gone out of his way to please anyone unless duty compelled him. He would claim no honour for what he had done in getting up the Relief Fund – one which had enabled the authorities to distribute 2,500 gallons of bread. Mr. Clift also said, when giving the toast for the “Army and Navy”, that he proposed it with the deepest feelings, in consequence of the extraordinary exertions now required of them in the East. Hastings, he was sure, would render them all the assistance possible. He was proud that during his office a triumphant sum of £1,032 (afterwards £1,150) was now lying at the Bank, and he thought there was no other town which had taken the matter up so early. [Mr. Clift’s efforts with those of the Rev. J. A. Hatchard’s and others’ in collecting money for the Patriotic and local relief funds, were regarded by many as redeeming features to his (Mr Clift’s) otherwise display of autocratic and partisan political spirit].
Discharge of Constables. At a meeting immediately preceding the quarterly meeting on the 9th of November, the Council acted on the recommendation of the Watch Committee to discharge Inspector Campbell, Sergt. Phillips, and private Waters. As stated on page 56, the police were warned that if the tippling at public houses continued, they would be dismmissed(sic). And now, in support of the Watch Committee’s recommendation, Coun. Deudney remarked that Hasting had the worse police force in England, and he hoped they would get a good Inspector, and weed out the best men to serve under him. [See page 56
Improved Conduct. Before the end of the year, under the regime of the new Mayor (Mr Ginner) and the new Inspector (Battersby) vigorous measures were taken to enforce public house regulations and to produce a more orderly and decorous conduct in the public thoroughfares.
Escape from Gaol. At the commencement of the Year, William Durrant, 26 years old and 5 feet high, but better known as “Elephant” or “Trunky” was awaiting trial for stealing stays from Spencer’s shop. His avocation was that of a seller of water-cresses and mushrooms. While in gaol, he got on to a w. c. where himself and others were washing, and with surprising agility, climbed the high wall and over the cheveaux-de-frize[a], and after dropping into the road, ran off without being caught. On a previous occasion, when P. C. Adams laid hold of him, he slipped out of his shirt, and ran off, leaving the tattered garment in the hands of the constable.
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