if the stronger child had been taken from them; yet, was their consolation – if such a term be applicable – of the briefest kind; for, at exactly the same minute on the following morning, they were deprived of the other child in a precisely similar manner. The fact of these children being born so nearly together and with the same symptoms may be regarded as an extraordinary coincidence, yet the curious in such matters would not ascribe it to chance. Some years ago it was stated in the Tyne Pilot that the wife of a sailor named Fifty, at North Shields had two daughters at one birth. More recently these daughters were married within three days of each other, each to a sailor, commenced housekeeping within three doors of each other, and presented their husbands with twin daughters.
Death of a Town Councillor. At his residence, 15 Marina, St. Leonards, the death of Mr. John Austin took place on the 4th of May. Mr. Austin was a retired builder, the owner of considerable property, and a representative of the West Ward in the Hastings Town Council. He had been out of health for a considerable time, but professed to be pleased to have a little gossip with the present writer whenever the state of his ailment did not prevent self-exertion enough to reach the latter’s premises. The two were members of the Adelaide Lodge of Oddfellows, and though Mr. Austin was of a genial disposition, it was believed that the mutual friendship sprang from the persevering efforts of one of the party to improve the financial position of the Lodge. Mr. Austin’s remains were conveyed to the Borough Cemetery, attended by seven carriages, containing friends, executors and members of the Town Council.
Manslaughter. On the 11th of October an inquest was held at the Town Hall to ascertain by what means Mr. John Holder, of St. Leonards – a carpenter and volunteer – came by his death. The enquiry lasted a long time, and was adjourned till the following Monday for additional evidence. The leading circumstances appeared to be that on the evening of the 9th of October, the deceased was at the Warriors Gate Inn, apparently elated with his success at the Rifle shooting on the previous day. From thence he went in company of three persons, Walter, Wix and Geering, to the Horse and Groom, where they had two pots of beer and appeared to be on friendly terms. In leaving to go home Wix held out his hand, saying at the same time, “Good night, brother chip.” Deceased said “No, I shall not shake hands with a stranger.” After this, high words followed, and each party, in a state of intoxication wanted to fight the other, but were for some time restrained by Waters, who stated that he was sober. At last deceased struck Wix, the latter returned the blow, the deceased falling to the ground and remained for some time insensible. At length consciousness returned and on being asked where he lived replied, “Anywhere you like.” He was then laid in one of the porches of Lavatoria square. After Waters had assisted Wix home to his own house, he returned with a constable to where Holder had been placed, but -
