QSR1891/4/5/1

Depositions of Fredrick Bannister - Porter of the Great Northern Railways at Postland; James Wright a Good Guard on Great Northern Railway at Peterboro'; John Francis - Porter or Checker at Kings [Cross][denoted as X on document] William Hull - Foreman platelayer at Sandy; Charles Papworth - Foreman platelayer at Biggleswade; Thomas Wagstaff Legate - Chief goods Clerk of Great Northern Sandy; Henry Chieveley Glendenning - Goods Clerk of Great Northern Railway, Sandy; Henry Edmunds - Foreman Porter of Great Northern Railway at Sandy; Arthur Joseph Pott - Station Master of Sandy; Thomas Wood - Polce Constable; Edward Green - Police Constable; Frederick Smith - Superintendant of Police at Biggleswade Station; George Odell employee of George Preece; Richard Parrish - Superintendent of Police Grt. Northern Railway. George Walker - Ploughman; John Newman - cowman. In the case of stealing two trusses of Hay to the value of 6/-

4 April 1891

From: 1891 To: 1891

The Examinations of Frederick Bannister, James Wright, John Francis, William Hull, Charles Papworth, Thomas Wagstaff Legate, Henry Cheveley [Chievely] Glendenning, Henry Edmunds, Arthur Joseph Pott, Thomas Woods, Edward Green, George Odell, Richard Parish, Frederick Smith, George Walker and John Newman taken on Oath this Fifteenth day of April in the year of Our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred and ninety one at the Town Hall Biggleswade in the county aforesaid, before two of Her Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for the said County in the presence and hearing of George Preece who is charged this day before us for that he the said George Preece on the 25th day of March One thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety one at Sandy in the County aforesaid then being employed in the capacity of a servant to the Director of the Great Northern Railway Company feloniously did steal two Trusses of Hay together of the value of 6/- the property of his said masters contrary to the statue in such case made and provided. This Deponent Frederick Bannister on his Oath, Porter on Great Northern Railway at Postland on 18th March I loaded 66 trusses of hay on 13656 G. I. truck – on the next day I loaded 13 trusses on the same truck =79. They were consigned by Ford a farmer to Hancock of Spalding – the truck was sent off by the 4.15 train March 23rd Deposition of George Preece of Stratford Sandy says:- yesterday morning (25th March) about 7 o’clock my lad Geo Odell – who is in my employ arrived at my house, he said “ Master as I came across the line I see two trusses of hay lying on the line at the level crossing”. I said “I will go and fetch them in case they get blown under the trains” I told Geo Walker (who looks after my horse) and John Newman (who looks after my cows) to be sure and not touch the two trusses. This was said after I had fetched them off the line. I carried the trusses one at a time. I also told Walker that the first time he went to the Station to take them, and I would report it. I wrote out a report to the Station Master at home and put it in my pocket book. I went to the Station at Sandy on duty at 8 am and left a little after 11am but I forgot to give the Station Master the report. I have that report now and it is the one I now give up. Last night about 11 o’clock the Police called me up. The policemen were Woods and Green. Woods asked me to accompany him to Biggleswade to see the Supt. of Police. Green took charge of the two trusses of hay referred to which at that time were in my barn. I went with the policemen to Biggleswade after hearing what I had to say Superintendant said there was no necessity to detain me, he would submit the case to Mr Parish of the Great Northern Railways Police and told Mr Smith I would see Mr Parish myself Signed George Preece Witness W Ridgeway. Deposition of James Wright - Porter Goods Guard on G. N. R at Peterboro’. I was on duty March 24th10:45 pm train from Peterboro’. I had one G. E. wagon No. 13656 from Postland to Kings Cross laden with Hay; the Hay was in trusses, tarpaulin sheet over it. I examined the train at Peterboro’, the truck was in good condition. At Knebworth my attention was drawn to the Train. I there examined the G. E 13656 wagon I found some loose hay round the rope and round the axle guard of the wagon – the tarpaulin sheet was loose one or two of the strings untied altogether. I had run from Huntingdon to Hitchin without stopping. I tightened the strings, I made a note “ G. R. Wagon 13656 Postland to Kings Cross stings untied” I took the wagon to Kings Cross – I reached Knebworth 1.5 am on 25th – I then made the note. [Cross examined]I took charge of the train at Peterboro’. I did not notice there anything wrong about the Hay there – it was bound with ropes and a sheet over it – Reached Huntington first stop – I do not suggest anyone tampered with the truck at Huntington – I passed by the truck but did not notice it as we left Hitchin the examiner called out about the sheet stings. I have never known Hay fall off trucks before – one or two strings were untied and others were loose. Deposition of John Francis – Porter or Checker at Kings Cross. I checked G. E. truck 13656 on 26 March , contents 75 trusses of hay – I checked G. E. Truck 13656 on 26 March contents 75 trusses of hay – I checked [“WS 111” inserted into margin at this point] it with the unloading order produced. There were 4 trusses missing. Deposition of William Hull – Foreman platelayer at Sandy. On Wednesday 25th March I was called up at 2.5 am and searched the line from Sandy to Biggleswade. I found two Trusses of Hay – the first one was 120 yards north of an occupation crossing to the fields. The second truss was 132 yards south of the same crossing – they were in the 10 foot way between the up main and up slow line. I left them in the 10 foot way and walked to Biggleswade and left instructions. I returned to Sandy about 5.15 the same morning - the two trusses were where I had left them – about 9 am. I searched the line again – the trusses were gone I made a report to Mr Pott the Station Master. P. C. Wood called me up the same night at 11:30 pm – I went with him to Mr Preece’s at Stratford in Sandy - I saw these 2 trusses of Hay in the Barn - The two trusses now produced are the same. [Cross examined] I reported to the signalman of Biggleswade that I had found the hay and that I could not find the hay I reported to the Station Master at Sandy – the hay now is in the same state as when I first saw it – none gone. P.C. Woods had a lantern – we went to his shed – the door was shut – there was other hay there – this was separated and apart – I did not go into the loft – I did go to Preece’s house a few minutes past 12 – he was in bed Wood knocked him up – I did not see him or hear anything said to him I then went away – I made no report of this – I have not seen Preece since. I have been a plate layer on G N R 30 years. I have known Preece foreman porter at Sandy for many years – he left the Company service on the 25th when I missed the hay I made no enquiries but reported the loss to the Station Master. Deposition of Charles Papworth - Foreman platelayer at Biggleswade. On 25th March I searched the line to Sandy about 7:15 am. I searched for 2 trusses of hay. I could not find any - I saw traces of hay on the crossing of the [NER] it was loose hay as if some had been pitched over the gates. [Cross examined] I know where the Prisoner lives – I did not follow it up or make enquiries. I did not make a report – I went to move it but could not find it – I told the Detective Officer 6 hours after. I had a report sent from Sandy – It was my duty to find it and move it I could not find it – I went to Sandy and at 3 o’clock I found it had been reported - I knew before 11 o’clock that the loss had been reported. Deposition Thomas Wagstaff Legate – Chief Good clerk Grt. Northern Sandy. On 25th March I saw the prisoner – Preece came into my office about 9:45 am. I said “ Foreman have you found any hay because Billy Hull was called up during the night to look for some which had fallen off between here and Biggleswade – he found trusses at Stratford which he has since been for and they are gone.” Preece said “I should think the B___ Donkey has eaten them” there is a donkey in one of the meadows near – Henry Chievely Glendenning a food clerk was present at this conversation. Foreman Edmunds was in the adjoining office - he was looking thro an open sliding window. I saw the prisoner again that morning on the company’s business – nothing further passed about the hay. [Cross examined] All were present and heard - I am sure of the day and time - I had heard of the hay being gone about 2 minutes before the foreman Preece came in - He left the Company’s service 12:30 that day. Edmunds succeeds him as foreman Preece and I are good friends. I have told Preece that I would have a good quart to myself when I saw his heels - It was not said 6 months before - I did not apply for his place i did not say it spitefully – he gave me extra work - he did not count the packages properly - he gave me trouble - he has been reprimanded for forgetting to make reports and neglect of duty - the former Station Master cautioned him - He did not seem excited about leaving. Deposition of Henry Chievely Glendenning - Goods Clark G. N. Railway Sandy. On 25th March the prisoner came into the Goods Office about a quarter to 10 am. I heard Legate say to him Foreman have you found any hay because Billy Hull has been called up during the night to look for some Hay that has fallen off between here and Biggleswade and found two trusses at Stratford. The Prisoner replied “I should think the bloody donkey had eat it” I saw the prisoner after - he said nothing to me about it.. [Cross Examined] The next morning was when I first heard that Hay had been found on Preece’s premises - I did not mention the matter to the Station Master - the first person (except Mr Legate) that I spoke to about it was a Detective Officer G. N . R. 3 days after - He called myself and others. I went in alone - he did not caution me - he took down what I said - he read it over to me and I signed it - I did not know an accusation was made against Preece - he told me he was getting up evidence against Preece - Legate went first to the Detective - I might have talked it over with Edmunds I did not know Preece had been to Biggleswade Police Station. I only know about the Hay - I have only known Preece a few days I did not report it to the station master. [Cross Examined] I repeated to the Detective Officer the conversation I heard Deposition of Henry Edmunds – Foreman Porter G.N.at Sandy. On the 25th March I was in the Goods Office I heard a conversation about 9.45 am. I was in the checkers or foreman’s office - It joins the Goods Office - I was standing at the open sliding window. Legate spoke to Foreman Preece he said “Foreman have you found any hay as Billy Hull has been called up during the night to look for some that had fallen between here and Biggleswade - he found 2 trusses at Stratford and has since been for them and they are gone” Prisoner said I should think the bloody donkey has ate it” - I saw him twice that day, after, he said nothing about the hay – He knew I was to be foreman in his place. [Cross Examined] I have been at Sandy 10 years – I applied for his place 8 years ago – he got it - had been in the company service longer – he left of his own accord. I never threatened to give him a leg up - when he was made foreman I promised to help him - I quarrelled with Leicester – he was a dray porter – he left. I did not report the conversation at the time - Three days after a detective came – I went to him at that time I did not know Preece was suspected – On Saturday 28th I told Mr Potts the Station Master of the conversation – he came to me and several more Legate Glendenning [Plum] Kettleborough and Wilkinson – all six were together before the Station Master. Deposition of Arthur Joseph Pott – Station Master, Sandy. Prisoner was foreman porter – On 25th March I had a report from foreman platelayer Hull – prisoner came on duty 8:30am he left 12:30. In the course of the morning he brought me a letter applying for some return of sick fund which he had paid to for some years – this was about 10 o’clock. He made no report to me about any hay – that morning he returned to me the G. N. R rule book – see rule 350 [Entered in margin: WP 2] I saw some of my staff on the Saturday. I saw my office staff and my yard staff Station Master these 12 months – these are 383 rules – the prisoner should have reported to me the finding of the hay if in a place of danger. He should have removed the hay – if in danger from sparks. I have had to reprimand him for forgetfulness. I know the police went to him on the night of the 25th – I saw him on the platform at Sandy on the morning of the 26th – He left of his own accord. He left the service in his uniform and brought it back after on the following Friday week – pursuant to the rule book. He has been in the company service 12 ½ years – I know nothing against his character. [Re Examined] He never was sufficiently forgetful for me to report him to London. Deposition of Thomas Woods P. C on the 25th March I went to Stratford Sandy with P. C. Green about 8:30 pm. I searched the hedges and meadows – about 10:30 pm. I visited the Stone axe occupied by the prisoner I saw the 2 trusses now produced – I left P.C. Green with the hay and went to Sandy I called up William Hull. I got to Hulls about 11:30 – It was then passed 12 from what Hull said. I called Mr Preece – he came down – opened the front door he said - what do you want – I said there has been 2 trusses of hay lost off the G. N. R do you know anything about them – He said Yes they are in my barn – I fetched them. I said “you did” He said “Yes me and my boy Odell did however” I said “I am very sorry but I am afraid you will have to be charged with stealing them. He said “ You don’t mean that – Good God I never thought any harm in fetching them – when my boy Odell came to work this morning – he said Master theres two trusses of hay on the Railway I said is there – then well go and fetch them – I only fetched them to see if there would be any enquiries made about them and I told my chaps not to touch them in case there was any enquiries made about them” I said the best thing you can do is to go with me to Biggleswade and see the Supt. – I said Did you say anything to the Station Master about it He said no I was very busy that day getting all my things in as I was leaving and forgot all about it. He pointed out the 2 trusses in his barn. He came with me to Biggleswade to the Police Station (Green was present part of the time of the conversation) We saw Supt. Smith – Smith said he was sorry to see Preece on such a charge – Preece said so am I sir – but I did not think of stealing the hay – I only took it until there were enquiries about it. Preece was not detained at the Biggleswade Police Station – we returned together towards Sandy – I said I cannot understand how it was you had not heard of their hay being lost as most of the other Railway men seem to know about it. He said I never heard a word about it – Had I have done it would have refreshed my memory and I should have said in a minute I had got it – he said nothing about any report written or verbal to the Station Master. [Cross Examined] When I went to him I had not made up my mind what I should do. He answered my questions readily. He was not in custody on the way to Biggleswade. I did not make enquiries of Odell. I had not heard of Legate, Edmunds or Glendenning. He did not say he had written out a report and forgot to send it but he did say he forgot to report it. Deposition of Edward Green P. C. On 25 March I went to Stratford with P. C. Wood - we went to Preece house – I heard a conversation – Wood said – Do you know anything about 2 trusses of hay taken from the G. N. R. Preece said “I fetched them” P.C. Wood said “You did” Preece said “me and my boy did however” P.C. Wood said I am afraid you will have to be charged with stealing them – Preece said “Good God” We then went to the barn and Preece pointed out the 2 trusses which he said he fetched - I took possession of the hay and now produce it. When I served the summons Preece said “It’s a rum one” I saw Walker who is prisoners brother in law and Newman who lives in Preeces house. I also saw a boy named Odell and took down in writing a statement he made. [Cross examined] I went to see Odell on the morning of the 26th no one was with me. There was some more hay in the barn – this lay close to the others – the other was loose – this was in trusses – I did not hear him say he told his men not to touch it. Deposition of Frederick Smith Supt. Of Police - the prisoner was brought to my P Station about 2 am on the morning of the 26th. I said I am very sorry to see you here on a charge or case like this - He replied “So am I but I never intended to steal the hay” my boy Odell told me when he came to work yesterday morning there were 2 trusses of hay on the line - I said “lets go and fetch them and we went and fetched them” I took them till there was some enquiries about them” I said “did you report it to the Station Master” He said “No I was busy settling up with him it was the last day I was there and I forgot to mention it but the foreman platelayer on the Potton length. L & N W must have seen us as we were within site. I’m not certain it was the foreman but it was one of the gang. The foreman of one of the up trains must have seen us” I said “Well you can go but I must report it to Mr Parrish” He said “Would you go and see Mr Parrish” I said “ you must please yourself about that” He did not say he had written a report to the Station Master. He did not say he had instructed his man to take the hay to the Station. Deposition of George Odell on the 25th March I worked for George Preece – I crossed the G.N.R at the Stratford crossing which leads on to Preeces land – I saw 2 trusses of Hay on the line a little before 7 am. I told Mr Preece there were 2 trusses lying on the G. N. R - He said – all right I’ll fetch them – I did not go with him to fetch them – I did not see him fetch them - the same day George Walker told me about the hay. My duty was to take milk in a can round Sandy – I did not then know where the hay was – I did not see it again that day. [Cross examined] One policeman Green has been to see me – he was with me 10 minutes and took down what I said – I was frightened of him. After I told my Master I went out with my milk – I was told not to touch the hay because it had to go to the station - He told me if anyone asked me about the hay I was to tell the truth about it – I said All right I’ll say so if anyone asks me. Walker and Newman work for Preece – Walker told me not to touch the hay. [By Bench] It was the same day that my Master told me to tell the truth about the Hay. [Re Examined] I saw Preece the same day and the next day. Deposition of Richard Parrish Supt. Of Police G. N. R.. The deft came to my office 26th March – he was from home – he remained there till 4 pm. My chief clerk handed me the letter I produce – Preece came in shortly after and said I have made a statement in your office and I want to see you respecting the same I said you had better say nothing – I have read your statement and I cannot say anything until the matter has been investigated – He asked me if I had seen the statement and the letter he had addressed to the Station Master - I said yes – here it is [Entered in margin W.P.3]- I then broke open the letter addressed to the Station Master at Sandy – I produce it- [Cross Examined] My Chief Clerk took down his statement [Entered in margin W.S.4] I now produce it For the Defence Deposition of George Walker - Ploughman for Preece. I live with him – he is my brother in law. I was in the stable on the 25th March about 7 o’clock Preece came in – he had nothing with him – he said nothing – I did not see him again that day. He said to me in the stable that morning – George I have fetched two trusses of hay off the line – he wished me to come and see them - he showed me them in the barn – 2 trusses – We had a small piece of hay partly untied – He said to me we was not to touch the two trusses he had took from the line - He said they might be required for – I believe Mr Newman was present he works for Preece – I never touched the hay at all. [Cross Examined] He told me he was going to report it to the Railway Company - I have not mentioned this to anyone before. He told me to take it to the station the first opportunity. I have seen P.C. Green and another I told them that Preece told me to take them to the station – I did not take them to the station – I never thought anything more about them. [Re Examined] I did not go to the station that day. They came to us on the 26th and questioned us and took down what was said - I am a labourer and have no interest in the farm. I am paid by Preece as Labourer. Deposition of John Newman - Cowman for Mr Preece at weekly wages I went into the barn about 7 o’clock – Master followed me in - Walker was about – I saw 2 trusses of Hay we were all told not to touch them – we were not to use them – I don’t remember his giving me a reason why the police did not look me up. [Cross Examined That is all the conversation I heard.] Memorandum from George Preece to Mr Pott Station Master, Sandy dated March 25th 1891. Dear Sir my Boy [reported] to me this morning that there was two trusses of Hay laying on the line near the level crossing I fetched them and put them in my barn and told my man to bring them in to the Station first time he came to the Station. Yours Truly G. Reece [Entered in margin X34653 ] Statement of Accused – I am not guilty

33 pages

item

Bannister, Frederick,
Wright, James,
Francis, John,
Hull, William,
Papworth, Charles,
Wagstaff Legate, Thomas,
Edmunds, Henry,
Pott, Arthur Joseph,
Woods, Thomas,
Green, Edward,
Smith, Frederick,
Odell, George,
Parrish, Richard,
Walker, George,
Newman, John

porter, Goods Guard, Porter or Checker, Foreman platelayer, Foreman platelayer, Chief Goods Clerk, Foreman Porter, station master, police constable, police constable, police superintendent, Police Superintendent Grt. Northern Railway, ploughman, cowman, SANDY, BIGGLESWADE, Kings Cross Station, Peterborough, Stratford