Loyns, Samuel | Day 11

Testified that he received a large order for £30-35 from the Conservatives for making flags the day after he promised his vote to Sir Julian Goldmsid. However in his testimony, George Marley said Loyns was paid £39 14s.

Sir Julian came to canvass with William Trigg for his vote but Loyns denied this was the reason for the visit. Sir Julian believed him to be a Liberal voter and in fact William Trigg testified that after the visit Sir Julian said he had promised his vote and he wrote ‘Promised’ in his book. The sizeable order seems to have swayed his allegiance as Trigg (a friend and neighbour of Loyns) said a Conservative flag was later hung out of his window.

Census shows he employed 19 hands.

Witness Type: Bribee

Party: Conservative

Other Days The Witness Was Called On: Day 5

Witness Testimony:

  • 13051.

    (Mr. Holl.) What are you ? — A grocer and linen DRAPER. 

  • 13052.

    You carry on business where ? — In Walmer. 

  • 13053.

    Do you remember Sir Julian Goldsmid canvassing for your vote ? — He called to see me. 

  • 13054.

    I suppose that was to canvass you for your vote, was it not ? — I do not know what it was for  — he did not ask me for my vote. 

  • 13055.

    Do you remember Mr. Trigg canvassing you for your vote ? — He came in with Sir Julian Goldsmid. 

  • 13056.

    Did not he ask you for your vote ? — No. 

  • 13057.

    You knew that they came to ask you for your vote, did not you ? — No, they did not ask me. 

  • 13058.

    Did you tell Mr. Trigg that you could not vote for Sir Julian Goldsmid because you had a large order from Mr. or Mrs. Roberts ? — No. 

  • 13059.

    Nothing of that kind ? — No. 

  • 13060.

    Did you never say anything of that kind to Mr. Trigg ? — No, never. 

  • 13061.

    Do I understand you to say that although Sir Julian Goldsmid and Mr. Trigg came to your place you did not think that they came to ask you for your vote ? — They did not ask me for my vote. 

  • 13062.

    Did not you think so ? What did you suppose they did come for ? — I did not know what they came for. 

  • 13063.

    Really, do you mean that — a candidate comes round with a person who is canvassing with him ; do you mean to say you did not know that they were asking you for your vote ? — I never had anything to do with elections before. I never voted before. 

  • 13064.

    Did not you know that they came to ask you for your vote and tried to get your vote from you ? — No. 

  • 13065.

    What did they come for ? — I do not know. 

  • 13066.

    Did they make any purchase of you at the time ? — No. 

  • 13067.

    Do you mean to tell us you do not know that they came to ask you for your vote ?  — They did not ask me for it, and did not say anything about my vote. 

  • 13068.

    Do not you know that that was the object of their calling ? — No. 

  • 13069.

    Did not you tell Mr. Trigg at that time or some other time when he spoke to you about voting for Sir Julian, that you could not because you had a large order from Mrs. Roberts ?  — No. 

  • 13070.

    Did you have an order from Mrs. Roberts ? — Not till after I had promised my vote. 

  • 13071.

    When was it that you got the order ? — I think it was upon the 14th. 

  • 13072.

    To whom did you promise your vote ?— Mr. Roberts. 

  • 13073.

    When was that ? — I do not know exactly which day it was, but it might be upon the 13th. 

  • 13074.

    Can you remember ? — Yes, I think it was. 

  • 13075.

    You think that you promised your vote upon the 13th and you got the order upon the 14th ? — Yes. 

  • 13076.

    Are you quite certain that you never said anything of the kind I have suggested to Mr. Trigg at any time ? — No. 

  • 13077.

    Nor to Sir Julian ? —No. 

  • 13078.

    (Mr. Jeune.) Have you always supported Mr. Brassey in previous elections ? — No, I never voted for anyone before, in my life. 

  • 13079.

    Were you here when the contest took place in 1874 ? — Yes. 

  • 13080.

    Had you a vote then ? — No.