February 7th – Fatal Skating Accident at Goytrey
On Sunday afternoon as three boys were skating on the Canal at Goytrey, the ice gave way and they were all precipitated into the water.
One of the boys was rescued after holding onto the ice but the other two, who were named Watkins were unfortunately drowned, within 50 yards of their home.
A rumour reaches us that two men were on the spot and might have saved the boys by going into the water after them but instead of doing so promptly, they went away to fetch planks.
We hope for the sake of humanity that this statement is not true.
7th February – In Pursuit Of Game
Jas. Parfitt, who did not appear, was charged with being in pursuit of game in the parish of Goytrey. – Supt. MacIntosh stated that defendant had several times been convicted for trespassing and other offences and the Bench imposed a fine of 20s or 14 days hard labour.
18th March – A Row About The Baby
Charles and Elizabeth Williams v Abraham Williams. Both parties live near the Factory Llanover. Claim, £3 2s, balance of £5 18s 6d for nursing defendant’s baby. Mr Jacobs for the plaintiffs and Mr Gardner for the defendant. Mrs Williams said that payment was to be 3s 6d per week – the defence was that the arrangement was for 2s 6d per week.
There was also a set off of about £2, money lent and paid to the late Mr W Burgoyne on Charles William’s’ behalf – after a good deal of hard swearing on both sides, judgement was given for the defendant on the counter claim.
10th April – Neglect Of Family
Wm. Thomas of Goytrey was charged with neglecting to maintain his wife and family; and after bearing this evidence of the wife and relieving officer, Mr Jerroms, the case was adjourned for a fortnight to see if defendant could make some satisfactory arrangement.
14th August – Poor Rate
In the case of the Overseers of Goytrey against Elizabeth Priest, which was summons for £4 2s 6d for non-payment of poor rate, an order was made for the amount claimed.
18th December – Poaching
An old man, named Richard Jones was charged with trespassing in pursuit of game on property belonging to Colonel Byrde – Defendant was proved on the 1st inst., to have been seen setting wires, several of which were afterwards found. Defendant said he had not been on the land for eight years and he thought Colonel Byrde had given it up.
Mr Edwards: You had no right to put wires up even if the Colonel had given it up. Has he been convicted before? It appeared that defendant had been convicted on a previous occasion, Mr Parkes said that the offences charged against him had been proved but only upon his own admission but by the evidence and he would be fined 40s or one month.
Defendant: Is there to be no mercy shown? (laughter.)
Mr Edwards: There is a fine of £5 for setting a wire without a certificate. Will you pay or go to gaol?
Defendant answered: I suppose I must pay. The other man was only fined £1
Mr Phillips: Yes, but he was not a freeholder, Colonel Byrde retired from the bench during the hearing of this case.