other hand, certain kinds of commodities would be more easily obtained; fishermen would pursue their calling with greater regularity or security, and a shelter from storms would be afforded to our colliers and other small or medium size craft that crowd the “narrow pathway” bounding our shores.
- As regards visitors, we believe they would still be numerous, be there harbour or no harbour. the natural attractions and good name of the place will all secure a goodly number of the health-seeking community; but they will take care to reside as far away from the harbour as may be convenient, and thus, while the now valuable property in and about the more modern parts of Hastings becomes comparatively deserted, St. Leonards – and particulary(sic) that part north of the town will be more than ever occupied by the wealthy and well-to-do.`
- We believe that by far the largest number of persons residing in the western part of the borough are decidedly opposed to the formation of a harbour at Hastings; but if the effect of a harbour be as we have described, it will be Hastings more than St. Leonards that will regret it. – (See public meeting, next chapter)
Coroner’s Inquests.
Three inquests were held in St. Leonards by R. Growse, Esq., within two days – one on the body of a new-born child, one on Charles Blake and the third on Alfred Waters.
A Male Infant was found on the night of the 16th of January, in consequence of the barking of a dog, close to a gate leading to the back entrances of 13 to 11 Magdalen road. It was wrapped in a parcel and was proved to have been born alive but without medical assistance. It had a mark round its neck, and there were other indications of unnatural treatment. After a long investigation, a verdict was found of “Wilful murder against some person unknown”, and a recommendation that the Secretary of State be asked to offer a reward for the apprehension of the murderer.
Charles Blake, a grocer’s assistant, at Mrs. Stubberfield’s, 11 London road, was the subject of the second inquest. He had been there employed about 3½ years, and on the 17th of January, when the senior-assistant (Mr. S. P. Diprose) and Mrs. Stubberfield’s son returned to the shop from the dinner table, they found Blake lying behind the counter apparently dead, the discharge of firearms having been previously heard. Neighbours were called in and a surgeon was sent for. He still breathed, but nothing could be done to save life. He was of a nervous and somewhat excitable temperament. Seeing that he looked very gloomy on resuming work in the morning, Mr. Diprose, on asking him some questions, received the reply that he believed Mrs. Stubberfield had commenced a lawsuit against him, and sooner than such should be he would -
