Testimonies

Testimonies

• 315.

  There are 14 licensed beer-shops, and 74 licensed PUBLIC-HOUSES in Deal ? – Yes, I think so. I have taken them out myself ; 14 beer houses, and 74 fully licensed houses.

• 316.

  Did you hear at all of any employment as canvassers and messengers at this election more than usual ? – No, not more than usual There have always been a great many employed canvassing.

• 317.

  Do you not think there were more at this election than at the previous election ? – Really I am unable to form an opinion about it. If there is anything which you wish to ask as to Walmer I shall be happy to afford the information. I am clerk to the local board.

• 318.

  (Mr. Turner.) As to public houses at Walmer, can you give us the number ? – That the clerk to the magistrates will give you.

• 319.

  (Mr. Holl.) Of how many members is the local board composed ? – The local board of Walmer is composed of 18 members.

• 320.

  How about their political opinions ? – I do not think there is any balance one way or the other very much.

• 321.

  What is the principal class of voters there ? – Watermen, boatmen.

• 322.

  There are fewer tradesmen and more boatmen. There are more boatmen in proportion to the tradesmen at Walmer ? – I do not think so. I think the proportion would be the same as between those two classes.

• 323.

  There are boatmen and tradesmen ? – Boatmen, tradesmen, resident gentry, artisans, and lodging house keepers.

• 324.

  You account for the change of opinion by the fact of the late member going away ? – Yes, and Sir Julian Goldsmid being a stranger.

• 325.

  Mr. Roberts was a stranger too, was he not ? – Yes, but he had been here a week or two before.

• 326.

  Subject to the fact that he was here for a few days, can you give any reason why Mr. Roberts was more popular than Sir Julian Goldsmid ? – I cannot, except what I have said. There had been a change of opinion probably.

• 327.

  (Mr. Holl.) I think you are Clerk to the justices in Sandwich ? – I am.

• 328.

  Have you any connexion with Walmer ? – Yes; the justices at Sandwich license public-houses at Walmer. They are within our jurisdiction. Walmer is in the liberty of Sandwich.

• 329.

  I think you were agent for Sir Julian Goldsmid at Sandwich ? – I was.

• 330.

  Can you give me the number of public-houses at Sandwich ? – In Sandwich they number 33 licensed houses.

• 331.

  Are they all licensed ? – They are all licensed public-houses and beer-houses.

• 332.

  I do not know whether you can distinguish between what I call the licensed public-houses or beer-houses, and those licensed to sell spirits ? – I cannot tell you the distinction now. There are 33 fully licensed public-houses and beer-houses altogether; that is the spirit and beer too.

• 333.

  Does that include grocers ? – No, it does not.

• 334.

  Call you give us a list of those houses, the names and addresses, and the rateable values ? – Yes ; I have taken out a list which I will hand you in (handing same) with the names of the licencees, and the rateable value attached to each house. You will also find the same information with regard to Walmer.

• 335.

  I see that the rateable values vary from 8L up to 27L. and one is 47L. A large proportion vary from 8L to 15L. ? – Yes, it is according to the value of the house.

• 336.

  Then for Walmer there are 24 licensed public-houses and beer-houses ? – Yes.

• 337.

  I see the majority of them are about 15L, but there are some above that ? – Yes, that is about it.

• 338.

  How is Walmer governed ? – By a local board.

• 339.

  Are they elected periodically ? – Yes, every year.

• 340.

  How are they selected ? – I think the most eligible parties for the duty are selected from the tradesmen.

• 341.

  Is there any Liberal committee in Walmer ? – I think not. I think there is one in Deal, to which they belong. I think the Liberal party in Walmer, when they go to a meeting, come down to a little association in Deal.

• 342.

  With regard to the Conservative party, is there any Conservative association or committee in Walmer, do you know ? – I do not know.

• 343.

  Can you tell me who were the leading Liberals in Walmer ? – Yes ; there is Mr. James Ausenn.

• 344.

  (Mr. Turner.) What is he ? – He is a builder.