The West Somerset Free Press 18 Nov 1905 Bridgwater inc Attempted Suicide BOYCE Drowning GAGE Sequels to Carnival BAKER MORIATY ALSBURY LATHAN Infirmary Free Institution

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The West Somerset Free Press, and Williton, Minehead, and Watchet Journal. Saturday 18 Nov 1905.

Page 5 Column 6


BRIDGWATER.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. - At Wednesday's meeting of the guardians, the Rev. F. N. SMITH presiding, it was decided to give extra relief to the outdoor paupers in Christmas week. It was agreed to have a re-assessment of the parish of Moorlinch, Mr. J. BAKER, of Othery, being appointed to act as valuer.

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. - On Saturday afternoon, shortly before two o'clock, a case of alleged attempted suicide was reported to the borough police, the unfortunate person concerned being Fanny BOYCE, a middle-aged woman, the wife of John BOYCE, a hobbler, living at 58, West-street. It seems that Mrs. BOYCE was in her house, accompanied by a young girl, and without much warning, it is alleged she took a quantity of phosphor paste, or rat poison, which she had previously purchased. She at once became seriously ill, losing consciousness, and medical aid was speedily summoned. Dr. Wilberforce THOMPSON quickly arrived and administered emetics. Having partially recovered, the unfortunate woman was taken to the Bridgwater Infirmary in a cab by P.C. FOWLER and others. She was detained in custody at the institution. No reason is assigned for the apparently rash act.

DROWNING FATALITY. - On Saturday a drowning fatality of a somewhat mysterious character occurred. Adrian Edward GAGE, of 38, Barclay-street, Bridgwater, left his home in the morning, in his usual health, to go to his work, but appears to have walked to Northmoor Green instead. After leaving the Thatchers' Arms, he was not seen again until his body was found floating down the river Parret. - The inquest on the body was held on Tuesday by the deputy coroner, Mr. G. F. LOVIBOND. According to the evidence, the deceased was last heard of at the Thatchers' Arms, Moorland. He was not seen again until his body was found floating in the water. The jury returned a verdict of “Found drowned.”

SEQUELS TO THE CARNIVAL. - At the borough police-court, on Monday, Edwin BAKER, of St. John-street, was charged with assaulting Sarah Ann MORIARTY, on the night of the carnival. Complainant, the wife of Sergt.-Instructor MORIARTY, of the Volunteers, was passing up Fore-street with her daughter and a friend when defendant, who was a masquerader, deliberately struck her in the face with a squib-holder, blacking both eyes. Mr. F. W. BISHOP was for the prosecution, and defendant, who pleaded not guilty, was sent to prison for 14 days with hard labour, and another seven days in default of paying the costs. - Sidney Clement Thomas ALSBURY, moulder, Salmon-parade, was charged with assaulting George Quick LATHAM, dairyman, Redland, Bristol, on the night of the carnival. Mr. BISHOP prosecuted, and Mr. W. T. BAKER defended. The case for the complainant was that he, his wife, and friends were in High-street watching the squib displays, when a squabble took place near by. As the men were interfering with the comfort of himself and friends, he remonstrated with them, whereupon defendant set upon complainant, striking him a severe blow over the eye, cutting the flesh, and otherwise injuring complainant's face. Complainant became practically senseless, and was treated at the Infirmary, and was subsequently so affected by the assault that he was unable to return to Bristol, and had remained in Bridgwater since. The defence was that it was a case of mistaken identity, but the Bench considered the case proved, and sent defendant to prison for six weeks' hard labour.

INFIRMARY MADE A FREE INSTITUTION. - The ninety-second annual meeting of the subscribers to the infirmary was held on Thursday, Mr. W. J. R. POOLE, chairman of the committee of management, presiding. The annual report showed that there had been a steady increase in the work of all departments. The present financial year started with a deficit of £397 10s. 1d., but £1,200 was raised by means of the fancy fair in the summer, and the committee had applied £397 in extinguishing the debt on the institution, and the remainder, £802 9s., had been placed on deposit, to be available if in future years the annual income fell short of the expenditure. The report was adopted. The Mayor (Alderman H. W. POLLARD) was unanimously elected president of the institution for the ensuing year. The meeting discussed the question of making the infirmary a free institution. The general committee recommended the adoption of the report of a sub-committee in favour of making the institution free, believing that by the adoption of such a course many additional subscribers might be relied on, that many present subscribers would increase their annual subscriptions, that the support of the working-men in the town and district would be more gladly given, and that the friendly societies would lend assistance by direct donations and by organising fetes and collections. The opinion was expressed at the meeting that addititional <sic> annual subscribers could be obtained and further income secured to meet the loss which would result from abolishing the fees now paid by inpatients and out-patients. On the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Mr. R. Y. FOLEY, it was unanimously agreed to adopt the committee's recommendations, and to authorise the committee to alter the rules accordingly for confirmation at a special meeting, and that the name of the institution be altered from the Infirmary to the Bridgwater Free Hospital.


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