Several public notices appearing in the Bendigo Advertiser reveal that there was more behind Anthony Corvan's actions as reported in the article in the preceding blog entry than was at first obvious.
On February 5, 1859, the Bendigo Advertiser printed the following:
"NOTICE. Mr Corvan is not authorised to receive any money or take orders on our account from this date. Pollard & Co, Bridge Street, Sandhurst, 3 February, 1859."
Directly underneath this was:
"NOTICE. If Pollard & Co (late A.J Jones) do not pay me my twelve week's wages, amounting to 48 pounds and commission on goods sold, I shall be compelled to take legal proceedings forthwith.
A.E Corvan, Paddy's Gully, Sandhurst."
It was on September 28 of the same year that Anthony Corvan was seemingly in cahoots with the local licensing police in setting up Edward Pollard for selling liquor without a license. When questioned in Court, Anthony stated that he "did it of his own accord, and from a love of justice", and that he had informed the police what he was going to do three days before he had purchased whisky from Edward Pollard.
It seems that there was bad blood between Corvan and Pollard, and the former had decided to seek revenge in a premeditated set-up, despite him denying this in court.
The year before- in August of 1858- more notices appeared in the Bendigo Advertiser that give us an insight into Anthony's life on the goldfields:
"CAUTION-To our customers and the Public. COWAN alias CORVAN has left our employ, and is no longer authorised to take orders or receive moneys on our account. Benj. Williams and Sons, Market Square. 31 July, 1858."
- Bendigo Advertiser, August 5,1858
"ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.
COWAN ALIAS CORVAN.(To the Editor of the Bendigo Advertiser)
Sir,- Such is the heading of an advertisement from Bn. Williams and Sons in this day's ADVERTISER. Now, Sir, you know what ignominy is attached to a man having an alias. My name is Corvan, and as such I put an advertisement in your paper on Friday 22 or 23 July, declaring that I had no longer any connection with Messrs Bn Williams and Sons. They know, and hundreds on Bendigo are aware, that my name is Corvan; therefore, in justice to yourself and protection to me, as the advertiser, you will be kind enough to say that the compositor mistook the "rv" for the "w", and that is the alias Messrs Bn Williams and Sons wish to make out.
Respectfully Yours, A.E CORVAN.
Paddy's Gully, Sandhurst, 5th August, 1858.
( The mistake of 'rv' for 'w' in manuscript is so likely that we should have thought there was no doubt as to the manner in which our correspondent's name came to be wrongly printed. We regret that it should have involved him in any unpleasantness.)"
- Bendigo Advertiser, August 6, 1858.
Looking up the Bendigo Advertiser for Friday, July 23, as specified in Anthony's letter, we find:
"To The Wine and Spirit Trade:- A.E Cowan begs to inform his friends and customers that he has no longer any connection with the firm of Benjamin Williams & Sons, of Sandhurst, Spirit Merchants. 22 July, 1858."
"CAUTION- To our Customers and the Public. Mr Corvan has left our employ, and is no longer authorised to take orders or receive moneys on our account.
Benj. Williams & Sons, Market Sq. 31 July, 1858."
- Bendigo Advertiser, 7th August, 1858.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Oh dear...more evidence of an unlikeable character!
Tonight has been both frustrating and rewarding in my quest for more information on Anthony Edward Corvan. The Bendigo Advertiser is starting to be published on Trove, and I have been keenly awaiting its appearance as the index showed over twenty Corvan references.
An email from Trove tonight notified me of the first of the articles to appear, but before I had downloaded more than three, the site went down. Hopefully I will be able to finish feeding my insatiable Corvan curiosity tomorrow, but for now I can report on an article about Anthony published in 1859, which is in effect yet another assassination on his character:
Bendigo Advertiser, Thursday, October 6, 1859.
ILLEGALLY SELLING SPIRITOUS LIQUORS.
Edward Allan Pollard appeared on remand, charged on the information of Mr. Superintendent McCulloch, the Inspector of Distilleries, with having, on the 28th day of September last, sold two gallons of brandy, he not having a license for so doing. Mr Lysaght, with whom was Mr Helm, conducted the offence.
James Edwards, Detective Officer, deposed that on the evening of the 28th ultimo, he was in Short Street, Sandhurst, and met a man named Corvan with a two gallon keg in his possession, and close to the premises of the defendant. He took him to the defendant, and asked him if the man Corvan had purchased the keg and contents of him. The defendant replied "Yes." Corvan then said "The detective has taken me for stealing it." Witness again asked "Has he purchased this here?" He answered "Yes."
Witness then asked the defendant "Have you a license to sell liquor here?" He replied "No, I have not, but I will have one tomorrow." Witness then called in the Superintendent, who was close by. On his coming up, he told the defendant who he was, and told him he should have to search his house to see what quantity of liquor he had in stock. Defendant showed them over the cellar,where there was a large quantity of brandy and whisky.The Superintendent asked him if the spirits were his. He replied it was, and that he was about getting a house in View Point to open business. They then searched the cases.Went next into a store in the rear of the house, where they found several hogsheads of brandy and other liquors, some full and some not full. Tasted the brandy out of one of the hogsheads. There were several small kegs containing liquor, the name of which defendant gave. Some of them were marked brandy. In a small yard between the house and the store were two hogsheads. Defendant said one contained brandy,and witness thinks he said the other contained rum. The Superintendent seized the whole stock, and placed two policemen in charge. It was afterwards conveyed to the Government store at the Camp. The keg produced is the same witness took from the man Corvan. It contained brandy.
Cross-examined by Mr. Lysaght: It was not by chance that he was in Short Street on the evening in question. Had seen Corvan once before. From information received, expected to meet Corvan. Did not know whether Corvan knew him or not when he first saw him. Asked him where he got the keg, and if he had stolen it.
By the Bench: Defendant did not try to conceal anything when the Superintendent searched the premises.
Anthony Edward Corvan deposed that on the 28th ultimo he went to the defendant's store, and purchased of him two gallons of brandy, and paid for it, paid him L2 2s for the two gallons, in a one pound note, a sovereign, and two shillings; after purchasing it he left, and was proceeding to his store, when a person whom he did not know at the time caught hold of him and said "What have you got there?". Witness replied "Brandy."
Cross-examined by Mr. Helm. Witness was a storekeeper. Has an application in for a refreshment license. Was not a sly grog seller for four years. Was not set on to inform against defendant. Did it of his own accord, and from a love of justice.Gave the police information of what he was going to do three days previously.
By the Bench: Would swear positively that when he left the defendant's store, he did not expect to meet Detective Edwards.
Robert McCulloch, Superintendent of Police, proved the proclamation of the district as a Special Licensing District.
Cross-examined by Lysaght: Had not had any communication whatever with the witness Corvan, previous to the information; was aware some of the police had with a man or men, but was not aware who they were.
Mr Lysaght addressed the Bench for the defence, representing that the occupation of the house in Short Street for the purpose of a store was only a temporary arrangement, pending his opening a store at View Point; and with the peculiar facts of the case before them, and the knowledge that the defendant had not on any previous occasion violated any legal enactment, he trusted the Bench would look leniently on the matter and dismiss the case.
The Magistrates retired into their private room for a short time for consultation, and on their resuming their seats on the Bench felt bound to give the accused the benefit of any doubt that existed, as, from the valuable stock which was jeopardised by the infringement of the law, as the learned counsel had suggested, it was hardly probable that he would have the temerity or foolishness to embark in sly grog selling. The law had been broken in the letter, but not in the spirit, and from the manner in which the witness Corvan had given his evidence, which had been directly contradicted by the clear and straightforward evidence of Detective Edwards, they could put but little credence in what he had stated, and they should therefore dismiss the case.
The decision was received with audible tokens of satisfaction by those present; the demonstration was, however, promptly suppressed. The witness Corvan was, however, greeted on the stairs with a few hisses, groans, and other tokens of contempt.
The Court then rose."
Oh great...drunk, rogue, vagabond, wife-deserter and now police-informer and loathed member of a gold-mining community...Anthony's life just keeps getting better!!! :-)
I will hopefully be back tomorrow with another blog entry and more articles about Anthony from the Bendigo Advertiser...fingers crossed that whatever problems the Trove site is having will be sorted out by then.
An email from Trove tonight notified me of the first of the articles to appear, but before I had downloaded more than three, the site went down. Hopefully I will be able to finish feeding my insatiable Corvan curiosity tomorrow, but for now I can report on an article about Anthony published in 1859, which is in effect yet another assassination on his character:
Bendigo Advertiser, Thursday, October 6, 1859.
ILLEGALLY SELLING SPIRITOUS LIQUORS.
Edward Allan Pollard appeared on remand, charged on the information of Mr. Superintendent McCulloch, the Inspector of Distilleries, with having, on the 28th day of September last, sold two gallons of brandy, he not having a license for so doing. Mr Lysaght, with whom was Mr Helm, conducted the offence.
James Edwards, Detective Officer, deposed that on the evening of the 28th ultimo, he was in Short Street, Sandhurst, and met a man named Corvan with a two gallon keg in his possession, and close to the premises of the defendant. He took him to the defendant, and asked him if the man Corvan had purchased the keg and contents of him. The defendant replied "Yes." Corvan then said "The detective has taken me for stealing it." Witness again asked "Has he purchased this here?" He answered "Yes."
Witness then asked the defendant "Have you a license to sell liquor here?" He replied "No, I have not, but I will have one tomorrow." Witness then called in the Superintendent, who was close by. On his coming up, he told the defendant who he was, and told him he should have to search his house to see what quantity of liquor he had in stock. Defendant showed them over the cellar,where there was a large quantity of brandy and whisky.The Superintendent asked him if the spirits were his. He replied it was, and that he was about getting a house in View Point to open business. They then searched the cases.Went next into a store in the rear of the house, where they found several hogsheads of brandy and other liquors, some full and some not full. Tasted the brandy out of one of the hogsheads. There were several small kegs containing liquor, the name of which defendant gave. Some of them were marked brandy. In a small yard between the house and the store were two hogsheads. Defendant said one contained brandy,and witness thinks he said the other contained rum. The Superintendent seized the whole stock, and placed two policemen in charge. It was afterwards conveyed to the Government store at the Camp. The keg produced is the same witness took from the man Corvan. It contained brandy.
Cross-examined by Mr. Lysaght: It was not by chance that he was in Short Street on the evening in question. Had seen Corvan once before. From information received, expected to meet Corvan. Did not know whether Corvan knew him or not when he first saw him. Asked him where he got the keg, and if he had stolen it.
By the Bench: Defendant did not try to conceal anything when the Superintendent searched the premises.
Anthony Edward Corvan deposed that on the 28th ultimo he went to the defendant's store, and purchased of him two gallons of brandy, and paid for it, paid him L2 2s for the two gallons, in a one pound note, a sovereign, and two shillings; after purchasing it he left, and was proceeding to his store, when a person whom he did not know at the time caught hold of him and said "What have you got there?". Witness replied "Brandy."
Cross-examined by Mr. Helm. Witness was a storekeeper. Has an application in for a refreshment license. Was not a sly grog seller for four years. Was not set on to inform against defendant. Did it of his own accord, and from a love of justice.Gave the police information of what he was going to do three days previously.
By the Bench: Would swear positively that when he left the defendant's store, he did not expect to meet Detective Edwards.
Robert McCulloch, Superintendent of Police, proved the proclamation of the district as a Special Licensing District.
Cross-examined by Lysaght: Had not had any communication whatever with the witness Corvan, previous to the information; was aware some of the police had with a man or men, but was not aware who they were.
Mr Lysaght addressed the Bench for the defence, representing that the occupation of the house in Short Street for the purpose of a store was only a temporary arrangement, pending his opening a store at View Point; and with the peculiar facts of the case before them, and the knowledge that the defendant had not on any previous occasion violated any legal enactment, he trusted the Bench would look leniently on the matter and dismiss the case.
The Magistrates retired into their private room for a short time for consultation, and on their resuming their seats on the Bench felt bound to give the accused the benefit of any doubt that existed, as, from the valuable stock which was jeopardised by the infringement of the law, as the learned counsel had suggested, it was hardly probable that he would have the temerity or foolishness to embark in sly grog selling. The law had been broken in the letter, but not in the spirit, and from the manner in which the witness Corvan had given his evidence, which had been directly contradicted by the clear and straightforward evidence of Detective Edwards, they could put but little credence in what he had stated, and they should therefore dismiss the case.
The decision was received with audible tokens of satisfaction by those present; the demonstration was, however, promptly suppressed. The witness Corvan was, however, greeted on the stairs with a few hisses, groans, and other tokens of contempt.
The Court then rose."
Oh great...drunk, rogue, vagabond, wife-deserter and now police-informer and loathed member of a gold-mining community...Anthony's life just keeps getting better!!! :-)
I will hopefully be back tomorrow with another blog entry and more articles about Anthony from the Bendigo Advertiser...fingers crossed that whatever problems the Trove site is having will be sorted out by then.
Monday, August 27, 2012
More articles re. the sad demise of Anthony Corvan
The wonderful Paperspast site has added the Auckland Star to its remarkable newspaper collection, allowing us to search for more mentions of the sad demise of old Anthony Corvan. These articles speak for themselves...I have included them here, as well as older misdemeanors that were reported in other newspapers, to present a complete picture of my poor old great-great-great grandfather's last years in New Zealand:-
January 26, 1869: Drunkenness. James
Creighton, Eric C. Gold, Anthony E. Cowen and Henry McMahon were punished in
the usual manner for this offence. -Daily Southern Cross.
March 19, 1869: Drunkenness. Robert Madden,
John Higgin, Thomas Johnston, Anthony E. Cowen and George Martin were brought
up charged with this offence, and punished in the usual manner. -Daily Southern
Cross.
21 July, 1869: Drunkenness. Anthony E.
Cowen and John Pepplewell were fined for the above offence. –Daily Southern
Cross.
July 23, 1869: Anthony E. Cowan pleaded not
guilty to using threatening language to James Walker Stocks, butcher, who,
being sworn, stated that on Monday, the 10th inst., he went to the
accused to demand the rent. The accused pulled out a knife and said “Here’s
your rent”. Witness knocked it out of his hand. He was afraid prisoner would do
him harm if not restrained.- To prisoner: It was about five o’clock in the
evening. You had promised me the rent in the morning. When I went to your
house, you refused me the rent. You were a nuisance to the neighbourhood, and I
told you the Tuesday previous that I would double your rent if you did not
leave.- The case being proved against the defendant, the bench ordered the
prisoner to find two sureties of five pounds each, and himself in ten pounds,
to keep the peace for three months, or to be imprisoned for that term.- Daily
Southern Cross.
23 July,
1869: Police. There was no case of drunkenness on the list yesterday. Anthony
E. Cowan on the complaint of James Walter Stocks, was ordered to find sureties
of 25 pounds to be of good behaviour for three months. -New Zealand Herald.
17 January,
1870: Anthony Cowan was given into custody yesterday, charged with assaulting
George Payne. The latter is a letter carrier, the former a
watercress-carrier.-Daily Southern Cross.
18 Jan 1870: THE COURTS. SUPREME
COURT.-Monday, January 17. (Before his Honor Sir George A Arney, Chief Justice
)
Assault — Anthony Cowan was charged with assaulting George Payne, a letter carrier, who deposed : I know the defendant by sight. I was in Queen-street on Saturday, the 15th instant, at 12 o'clock, passing Moran's. Something struck me on the right leg, which nearly threw me down. I turned around and saw the prisoner close to me. There was only one blow. There were a great many people near me. — By prisoner :I never spoke to you. I should not think you had any animosity towards me. — Constable Clarke, sworn, deposed : I arrested the prisoner on Saturday last in Queen-street for assaulting George Payne, a letter carrier, the prisoner is a water-cress seller, and is very troublesome to people by pushing against them and making faces at people. I saw him strike the last witness a blow, which nearly caused him to fall upon his face. I then took the prisoner into custody. — Fined 20 shillings and costs, or a fortnight’s imprisonment.
March 24, 1870: Drunkenness- Thomas Courtland and Montgomery Cavagnan ( both out on bail) forfeited bail for drunkenness, not appearing when called on. Anthony E. Cowan was fined for a second offence. –Daily Southern Cross
April 5, 1870: DRUNKENNESS- Bridget Hawkey, George Mathieson, William Hawkins and Daniel Clarke were fined for a first offence. Anthony E. Cowan (fourth conviction) was fined 20 shillings and costs, with seven days' imprisonment.- Daily Southern Cross
27 April 1870: ABUSIVE AND THREATENING LANGUAGE: Anthony E. Cowen was charged by Captain Aldridge with using threatening language towards himself and family for some time past, and more especially on Saturday last — Captain Thomas Aldridge deposed : The prisoner comes frequently to Pitt Terrace, where I live, to gather water cresses from a watercress bed which grows there. He brings a large knife with him. He has been in the habit of threatening my own and other people's children with the knife. On Saturday last he threatened to cut my boy's head off. About fifteen days ago he threatened to take my life. He also comes into my house when he can, and has become a terror to the whole place. I am afraid he may do myself or children some harm.- Constable Andrew Clarke deposed : The prisoner has been often locked up for being drunk; for assaulting people; also, threatening people in the street ; making use of profane language, and tripping people up in the street. — Prisoner was bound over to keep the peace for the next six months, himself in £50, and two sureties in £25 each.
-Daily Southern Cross
October 3, 1870: DRUNKENNESS- John Shiers and Anthony E. Cowen were punished for drunkenness. –Daily Southern Cross
January 26, 1872:
DRUNKARDS: John Crossney, Joseph Molton, James Nichols, Anthony E. Cowan
and Matilda Morgan were each fined ten shillings and costs for being
drunk."- DSC.
February 16, 1872: POLICE COURT-THURSDAY. Before Thomas Beckham Esq, R.M and Capt. Holt, J.P. DRUNKARDS: Charles Hughes, Elizabeth Hart and Anthony E. Cowan were severely punished for being drunk. – DSC
November 25, 1872: BREACH OF GAOL AND GAOLERS' ACT: Anthony E. Cowan was charged with loitering about the Mount Eden Gaol. His worship, after hearing the evidence, gave the prisoner a severe caution and discharged him, considering the hours he had already been confined sufficient punishment for the offence.- DSC
September 4, 1874: Police Court. Bachanalians. Anthony Cowan,
John Smith and Robert Leary, all of whom looked rather the worse for their
convivialities over night were dealt with in the usual amount.-Auckland Star
September 23, 1874: DRUNKARDS- Joseph McGee, John George, William McDonald and William Hart were each fined five shillings, and Anthony E. Cowan and Edward Davis ten shillings, with the usual alternative of imprisonment with hard labour. – DSC & Auckland Star.
26 November 1874: POLICE COURT— Wednesday
[Before Thomas Beckham Esq, R.J) Drunkenness. — Anthony E. Cowan was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment with hard labor. - DSC
December 4, 1874: DRUNKENNESS- Sarah Moore for this offence was fined ten shillings, and Anthony E. Cowan was similarly charged and remanded until this morning. -DSC
December 5, 1874: DRUNKENNESS AND VAGRANCY- Anthony E. Cowan, an incorrigible offender, was sent to gaol for three months as a rogue and vagabond.- DSC.
March 6, 1875: DRUNKENNESS- Anthony E Cowen and William Shiels
were fined five shillings each and costs. - DSC
March 22, 1875: DRUNKENNESS- Samuel Weston was fined five shillings and costs, Richard Cahill, Anthony Cowan and George Colville were fined ten shillings each and costs, with the usual alternatives.- DSC
June 20, 1876: Police Court. Before R.C
Barstow, Esq. R.M.
21 June 1876: DRUNKENNESS- John Jones and Anthony E. Cowan were punished in the usual manner for this offence.
VAGRANCY- Anthony E. Cowen pleaded guilty to a charge of vagrancy. Four previous convictions were recorded against him, and this was his 45th appearance before the Court. Sentenced to six month's imprisonment. -DSC.
July 27, 1878. A Foolish Old Man.
October 9, 1878: Drunkenness. Five persons
were punished for this offence, and one of them, Anthony Cowan, for a third
offence, was sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment.- New Zealand Herald.
The Bench: Well, what is it?
Applicant: Your Worship, l am continually haunted
by three spirits, calling themselves the brothers Hokitika, and they say they
have been commissioned by Prince Alfred to murder me.
The Bench: Did you ever offend the Prince?
Applicant: Never, willingly.
The Bench We have no influence in the spirit
world, and cannot bind them spirits over to keep the peace.
Applicant: But couldn't you bottle them
up?
Sub-Inspector Pardy said that Constable
Hogan knew all about the spirits, and by his magic spell, would quiet them.
Applicant clapped his hands, and was taken to the guard-room, where he awaits
medical examination. – Auckland Star, and various others.
Prisoner: I bought the eel to sell. I am
known as a respectable watercress vendor, and was not drunk. But, your Worship,
I am a kind of stock pot for the police, and whenever they want a victim they
are down upon Anthony Cowan. He was not drunk.
Prisoner: Will you order me a breakfast
before I go to Mount Eden, as I have been starving through the night.
Sub-Inspector Pardy said that he would
have the usual rations.
October 18, 1878. POLICE COURT. Water-cresses. A man named Anthony Cowan was found last evening in a gutter by Constable Dugan in a wild state of drunkenness and apparent insanity. The old man's plea was "searching for water-cresses". As this was prisoner's fourth offence, he was sentenced to prison for seven days."
June 14, 1879: " ASSAULTING DR. GOLDSBRO'.
Anthony Cowan, known as the old watercress man, was charged with assaulting Dr, Goldsbro', of Parnell, by pushing him.
Prisoner pleaded guilty.
Dr. Goldsbro' said that this was the second time he had been assaulted in a similar manner by the prisoner.Yesterday afternoon at four o'clock he was speaking to a gentleman outside Mr Aicken's shop, when prisoner rushed between them, and deliberately gave witness a violent push.
Prisoner confessed that he was drunk at the time.
Fined 10 shillings for drunkenness and 40 shillings for the assault, or one months' imprisonment."
July 16, 1879: " An old man named Anthony Cowan was arrested today, charged with being drunk and with assaulting Dr. Goldsbro'. He was liberated from gaol only this morning, after undergoing a sentence of one month for an attack on DR. Goldsbro'.
" September 6, 1880: POLICE COURT- THIS DAY. ( Before R.C Barstow, Esq,R.M.)
THE RUSHING WATERCRESS MAN. Anthony Cowan pleaded not guilty to a charge of drunkenness and disorderly conduct on Saturday last. Sergeant Martin deposed to seeing the prisoner staggering and muttering along Queen street, with a large conger eel in his hand, which he was swinging about to the great annoyance of the public. He was particularly troublesome to the ladies, rushing between them with considerable violence. He was followed by 50 or 60 larrikins, who were yelling and hooting, evidently enjoying the fun.
Prisoner: I bought the eel to sell.I am known as a respectable watercress vendor,and was not drunk. But, your worship, I am a kind of stock pot for the police, and whenever they want a victim they are down on Anthony Cowan. He was not drunk.
His Worship: You ought to know from experience. I find you have been convicted 45 times of drunkenness.
Prisoner: I was not drunk.
His Worship: Well, you acted as though you were, and I must impose a fine of five shillings and costs.
Prisoner: Will you order me a breakfast before I go to Mt Eden, as I have been starving through the night.
Sub-inspector Pardy said he would have the regular rations.
Prisoner: Yes, bread and water, splendid fare for a gentleman."
How long in NZ: 30 years
Age: 73
Occupation: Hawker
23 October
1894: Committee met at the home at 2.30 p.m. Inmates under review:
23 January
1895: Committee met at the home at 3.00 p.m. Patients under review:
COURT
APPEARANCES BY ANTHONY EDWARD CORVAN/COWAN REPORTED IN NEW ZEALAND NEWSPAPERS.
(In Geelong
in 1863 he joined the 1st Waikato Militia ( reg. no: 342) and sailed to NZ on
the 'Star of India'. October 1866 , New Zealand, Anthony was 'discharged by substitute' ( indexed as
'Anthony Edward COWAN no 342).
21 March,
1867: Police Court. Before Thomas Beckham, Esq, R.M.
Drunkenness.
The following persons were convicted of this offence and punished in the usual
manner:- John Smith, Edward Hyde, Joseph Caplin, Anthony Cowan, John Tunis
& William Moyes.-New Zealand Herald & Daily Southern Cross.
NOTE: In New Zealand the Vagrant Act (1866)
used the term “habitual drunk” to describe people who had been abusing alcohol
for more than three months and had three court appearances related to alcohol.
Anthony Cowan/Corvan eventually had this label attached to him. The following
comment was also printed in the DSC in 1867:
"There were fourteen drunkards brought before his Worship yesterday morning, and it would seem that, notwithstanding the scarcity of money, it can be found to get drunk upon. It is said that Wednesday being the day on which pensions are paid had something to do with the increase." -Daily Southern Cross, July 5, 1867.
"There were fourteen drunkards brought before his Worship yesterday morning, and it would seem that, notwithstanding the scarcity of money, it can be found to get drunk upon. It is said that Wednesday being the day on which pensions are paid had something to do with the increase." -Daily Southern Cross, July 5, 1867.
December 11, 1867: At the Police Court
yesterday, Antony Cowan and William Singleton were punished in the usual way
for drunkenness.- Daily Southern Cross.
January 1, 1868: Drunkenness. William
Ginder, Anthony E. Cowen and Bridget Hawkey were punished for drunkenness, the
latter receiving sentence of seven days additional imprisonment, being her
third offence. -Daily Southern Cross.
23 July, 1869: Threatening Language.
November 2, 1869: Drunkenness. Anthony
Cowen, James Gavin, James Brown, Daniel Smyth and Richard McCarey were charged
with drunkenness and punished in the usual manner. -Daily Southern Cross.
2 November
1869: Drunkenness. Anthony Cowan, James Gavin, James Brown, Daniel Smyth, and
Richard McCarey were charged with drunkenness and were punished in the usual
manner.- DSC
7 December
1869: Drunkenness. John McCune, Thomas Reid, John Watson and Anthony E. Cowan
were punished in the usual manner.- Daily Southern Cross.
Assault — Anthony Cowan was charged with assaulting George Payne, a letter carrier, who deposed : I know the defendant by sight. I was in Queen-street on Saturday, the 15th instant, at 12 o'clock, passing Moran's. Something struck me on the right leg, which nearly threw me down. I turned around and saw the prisoner close to me. There was only one blow. There were a great many people near me. — By prisoner :I never spoke to you. I should not think you had any animosity towards me. — Constable Clarke, sworn, deposed : I arrested the prisoner on Saturday last in Queen-street for assaulting George Payne, a letter carrier, the prisoner is a water-cress seller, and is very troublesome to people by pushing against them and making faces at people. I saw him strike the last witness a blow, which nearly caused him to fall upon his face. I then took the prisoner into custody. — Fined 20 shillings and costs, or a fortnight’s imprisonment.
-Daily Southern Cross
January 18, 1870: ASSAULT. Anthony C. Cowan charged by George Payne with
having assaulted him. Prosecutor, sworn, deposed: I was passing Morrin’s in
Queen Street on Saturday evening last, when I felt something strike me on the
right leg which nearly threw me down. I turned round and saw the defendant
close to me.
By the prisoner: Do you wish to press the charge against me?
The Bench remarked that it was a matter for the consideration of the
magistrates.
Andrew Clarke, constable in the Armed Police, sworn, deposed: I arrested
the defendant on Saturday evening, for assaulting the previous witness. I saw
him assault the latter by striking him on the right leg, almost causing him to
fall to the ground.
The Bench held the assault to have been proved, and fined the defendant
20 shillings and the costs,or two months’ imprisonment with hard labour. – New
Zealand Herald.
2 Feb 1870 : POLICE COURT. — Tuesday. (Before A. W. East, Esq., and W. C. Daldy, Esq., J.P's.)
Drunkenness. — John McEwan and James Miller were fined 5 shillings and costs, or forty-eight hours' imprisonment. Anthony Cowan, for a third offence, was fined 20s. and costs, or the usual alternative. –Daily Southern Cross
2 Feb 1870 : POLICE COURT. — Tuesday. (Before A. W. East, Esq., and W. C. Daldy, Esq., J.P's.)
Drunkenness. — John McEwan and James Miller were fined 5 shillings and costs, or forty-eight hours' imprisonment. Anthony Cowan, for a third offence, was fined 20s. and costs, or the usual alternative. –Daily Southern Cross
March 24, 1870: Drunkenness- Thomas Courtland and Montgomery Cavagnan ( both out on bail) forfeited bail for drunkenness, not appearing when called on. Anthony E. Cowan was fined for a second offence. –Daily Southern Cross
April 5, 1870: DRUNKENNESS- Bridget Hawkey, George Mathieson, William Hawkins and Daniel Clarke were fined for a first offence. Anthony E. Cowan (fourth conviction) was fined 20 shillings and costs, with seven days' imprisonment.- Daily Southern Cross
27 April 1870: ABUSIVE AND THREATENING LANGUAGE: Anthony E. Cowen was charged by Captain Aldridge with using threatening language towards himself and family for some time past, and more especially on Saturday last — Captain Thomas Aldridge deposed : The prisoner comes frequently to Pitt Terrace, where I live, to gather water cresses from a watercress bed which grows there. He brings a large knife with him. He has been in the habit of threatening my own and other people's children with the knife. On Saturday last he threatened to cut my boy's head off. About fifteen days ago he threatened to take my life. He also comes into my house when he can, and has become a terror to the whole place. I am afraid he may do myself or children some harm.- Constable Andrew Clarke deposed : The prisoner has been often locked up for being drunk; for assaulting people; also, threatening people in the street ; making use of profane language, and tripping people up in the street. — Prisoner was bound over to keep the peace for the next six months, himself in £50, and two sureties in £25 each.
-Daily Southern Cross
October 3, 1870: DRUNKENNESS- John Shiers and Anthony E. Cowen were punished for drunkenness. –Daily Southern Cross
December 22, 1870: DRUNK AND DISORDERLY- Anthony E. Cowan, for drunk and
disorderly conduct, was fined 20 shillings and costs, and was sentenced to two
months' imprisonment for a breach of the Vagrant Act, 1866."- Daily
Southern Cross
December 22, 1870: Police Court-
Wednesday. Drunkenness. R. McGregor was fined five shillings for a first
offence.A.E Cowen, for being drunk and disorderly, was fined 20 shillings and
costs, or to be imprisoned for 48 hours. The same offender, being an habitual
drunkard, was sent to gaol for one month as a vagrant. – NZ Herald.
February 21, 1871: VAGRANTS: Mary Walton was sentenced to two
months' imprisonment for being an habitual drunkard. Anthony E. Cowen was
sentenced to two months' imprisonment for having no lawful means of support.-
DSC
30 June 1871: Last night an old fellow, named Anthony E Cowen, was arrested by Sergeant Egan, charged with wilfully and maliciously breaking a pane of glass in a window in the house of G.A Christy. -Daily Southern Cross.
July 1, 1871: Police Court. Malicious Injury To Property- Anthony E. Cowen was charged by A. Christy with breaking a pane of glass, value 5 shillings. Sentenced to be imprisoned.- DSC
September 5, 1871: DRUNKENNESS- William Arthur, James Good, Eliza Hughes, John Dagleish, Thomas Fagan, Anthony Cowan and William Stephenson, for this offence, were each fined in the usual manner. -DSC
September 8, 1871: DRUNKENNESS- William Burton was fined 5 shillings and costs for being drunk. Anthony E. Cowen, for being drunk a third time, was sent to gaol for seven days. – DSC
30 June 1871: Last night an old fellow, named Anthony E Cowen, was arrested by Sergeant Egan, charged with wilfully and maliciously breaking a pane of glass in a window in the house of G.A Christy. -Daily Southern Cross.
July 1, 1871: Police Court. Malicious Injury To Property- Anthony E. Cowen was charged by A. Christy with breaking a pane of glass, value 5 shillings. Sentenced to be imprisoned.- DSC
September 5, 1871: DRUNKENNESS- William Arthur, James Good, Eliza Hughes, John Dagleish, Thomas Fagan, Anthony Cowan and William Stephenson, for this offence, were each fined in the usual manner. -DSC
September 8, 1871: DRUNKENNESS- William Burton was fined 5 shillings and costs for being drunk. Anthony E. Cowen, for being drunk a third time, was sent to gaol for seven days. – DSC
27 September, 1871: Court of Petty Sessions. Drunkenness. Two
persons were fined, with the usual alternative, for first offences. Anthony E.
Cowan, against whom were many previous convictions for various breaches of the
law, was sent to gaol for seven days.
October 9, 1871: Police Court. Vagrancy. Anthony E. Cowan, for
habitual drunkenness, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, with hard
labour. –New Zealand Herald.
February 15, 1872: DRUNK & DISORDERLY. Anthony E Cowan was
sent to gaol for seven days, as an old offender, and Robert Atkinson forfeited
his bail. –Auckland Star.
February 16, 1872: POLICE COURT-THURSDAY. Before Thomas Beckham Esq, R.M and Capt. Holt, J.P. DRUNKARDS: Charles Hughes, Elizabeth Hart and Anthony E. Cowan were severely punished for being drunk. – DSC
Feb 22, 1872: Anthony Corvan's first appearance in the Auckland
Provincial Hospital records.He was admitted on February 22 and released on
February 29, and the cause of his being admitted was 'contusion'. The records
for Auckland Hospital provide fabulous additional information...for example, at
the time of Anthony's first admission, he was 53 years old and his occupation
was "cook". His place of abode was Auckland and, surprisingly since
he was a Catholic, his religion was given as Church of England
March 5, 1872: Police Court, Vagrancy. Anthony E. Cowan, being
an habitual drunkard and having been previously convicted as an idle and
disorderly person, was ordered to be imprisoned for six months with hard
labour. – Auckland Star.
March 6, 1872: HABITUAL DRUNKARD: Anthony Cowan, charged with habitual drunkenness, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labour. - DSC
March 6, 1872: HABITUAL DRUNKARD: Anthony Cowan, charged with habitual drunkenness, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labour. - DSC
March 6, 1872: Habitual Drunkenness. Anthony Cowan was charged,
under the Vagrancy Act, with this offence and sent to prison for six months
with hard labour.-New Zealand Herald.
23 November, 1872: Police Court. “HOME SWEET HOME”. Anthony E.
Cowan, an old gaol-bird, was charged with loitering, yesterday, about the
public gaol at Mt. Eden. The charge was proved by Laing, one of the warders of
the gaol. The prisoner cross-examined the Warder at length on matters of gaol
discipline. He informed the Court that he was there with his water-cresses.
His Worship said that he was afraid they were steeped with rum,
and cautioned him against selling water-cresses in that locality. On this
occasion, however, he would discharge the prisoner. – Auckland Star.
November 25, 1872: BREACH OF GAOL AND GAOLERS' ACT: Anthony E. Cowan was charged with loitering about the Mount Eden Gaol. His worship, after hearing the evidence, gave the prisoner a severe caution and discharged him, considering the hours he had already been confined sufficient punishment for the offence.- DSC
January 15, 1873: Three persons were locked up last night by the
police charged with drunkenness. Anthony Cowan, Patrick Lynch and Mary Walton
were also locked up, charged with being vagrants. They will be brought before
the presiding Magistrate at the Police court this morning.-DSC
January 16, 1873: VAGRANTS ACT 1866: Mary Walton was charged
with a breach of the Act. The prisoner was before the Court only a day or two
ago on a similar charge but was discharged, and sent to the Old Women's Refuge,
where it appears she did not choose to stay, as she was found by the police
lying drunk in the streets. The Bench did not consider this a case for much
leniency to be exercised, and the prisoner was accordingly sent to prison for
twelve months.- Anthony E. Cowan was likewise brought before the Court on a
similar charge, and was sentenced to three month's imprisonment."- DSC
July 19, 1873: DRUNKENNESS: Ann Paget and Anthony E. Cowan were respectively charged with this offence, and muleted in the sum of five shillings and costs or 24 hours' imprisonment.
VAGRANCY: Anthony E. Cowan was further charged with being a common vagrant, and having no lawful visible means of support. The case was clearly proved, and Inspector Broham asked that the full penalty allowed by law should be inflicted, as there had been in that Court no less than 35 convictions against the accused. His Worship sentenced him to one year's imprisonment with hard labour." – DSC
July 19, 1873: DRUNKENNESS: Ann Paget and Anthony E. Cowan were respectively charged with this offence, and muleted in the sum of five shillings and costs or 24 hours' imprisonment.
VAGRANCY: Anthony E. Cowan was further charged with being a common vagrant, and having no lawful visible means of support. The case was clearly proved, and Inspector Broham asked that the full penalty allowed by law should be inflicted, as there had been in that Court no less than 35 convictions against the accused. His Worship sentenced him to one year's imprisonment with hard labour." – DSC
August 25,1874: Anthony was admitted as a patient to Auckland
Provincial hospital again. Like the first time, he was admitted under the name
'Anthony Cowan'. He was still living in Auckland with "cook" as his
employment, and was 55 years old. He was admitted for rheumatism by Dr.
Kenderdine on August 25, 1874, and released on September 2. Anthony was 55
years old, and again stated that his religion was Church of England
September 5, 1874: DRUNKENNESS- Anthony Cowan, John Smith and
Robert Leary were punished in the usual manner for this offence. –DSC
September 23, 1874: DRUNKARDS- Joseph McGee, John George, William McDonald and William Hart were each fined five shillings, and Anthony E. Cowan and Edward Davis ten shillings, with the usual alternative of imprisonment with hard labour. – DSC & Auckland Star.
26 November 1874: POLICE COURT— Wednesday
[Before Thomas Beckham Esq, R.J) Drunkenness. — Anthony E. Cowan was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment with hard labor. - DSC
December 4, 1874: DRUNKENNESS- Sarah Moore for this offence was fined ten shillings, and Anthony E. Cowan was similarly charged and remanded until this morning. -DSC
December 5, 1874: DRUNKENNESS AND VAGRANCY- Anthony E. Cowan, an incorrigible offender, was sent to gaol for three months as a rogue and vagabond.- DSC.
March 22, 1875: DRUNKENNESS- Samuel Weston was fined five shillings and costs, Richard Cahill, Anthony Cowan and George Colville were fined ten shillings each and costs, with the usual alternatives.- DSC
April 13, 1875: Police Court. A Vagrant. Anthony Cowan, a
singular individual, was brought up on a charge of vagrancy, he having no
visible lawful means of support, and being a rogue and a vagabond.
The prisoner said he was guilty. He was weary of life.
It was stated that prisoner was a continual drunkard, and had
been convicted a great number of times.
The Bench took a merciful view of the case, and
sentenced him to one years’ imprisonment with hard labour.- Auckland Star.
April 14, 1875: VAGRANCY- Anthony E. Cowan, charged with having
no visible means of support, and being a convicted idle and disorderly person,
was sent to prison for twelve months with hard labour. –DSC
May 6, 1876: Anthony was again in hospital, this time with
colic. He was admitted on May 6, 1876, and released on May 12.His age was
incorrectly given as 60 years and his employment as 'labourer'. This time his
religion had changed again to 'Wesleyan'.
May 15, 1876: Police Court This Day.
Drunken Men and Women.
”Women and men alike to tippling take, And sink at last into the
Stygian lake.”
Anthony Cowan, James Avery and John Cox were fined five
shillings each for being drunk.
–Auckland Star.
May 25, 1876: DRUNKENNESS- Anthony Cowan,
Thomas King and Anne Swift had the usual punishment inflicted on them for this
offence. -DSC.
May 25, 1876: Drunkenness. Two inebriates
were fined five shillings and costs, or 24 hours’ imprisonment with hard
labour, and Anthony Cowan, an old offender, was fined 10 shillings and costs or
48 hours’ imprisonment with hard labour.
– NZ Herald.
May 27, 1876: Police Court. John Moore and
Anthony Cowan (third offence) were charged with being drunk last evening. Moore
was fined 10 shillings or 24 hours, and his companion in misery 20 shillings or
48 hours.- Auckland Star,
May 29,1876: DRUNKENNESS- Anthony Cowan, for the third offence, was fined 20 shillings or be imprisoned for nine days. -DSC.
May 29,1876: DRUNKENNESS- Anthony Cowan, for the third offence, was fined 20 shillings or be imprisoned for nine days. -DSC.
Victims of The Bottle. A Venerable
Offender.
Anthony E. Cowan, an old man, was charged
under the Vagrancy Act with being an incorrigible rogue and vagabond and a
habitual drunkard. The old man, with his pale, sad face and white head, replied
that he would plead guilty to the charge if it could be shewn satisfactorily
that getting drunk meant dishonesty. He was willing to have the matter decided
either by Johnson or Walker.
Prisoner
was informed that in the eye of the Law through being drunk four times within a
certain space of time, he was a rogue and a vagabond.
Sub-inspector Pardy said the old man was
well-known to the police, and was in the habit of lying out in the night. His
worship thought it would be of advantage to the old man to send him to prison
for two years, but he would only order him to Mount Eden gaol for six months. –
Auckland Star.21 June 1876: DRUNKENNESS- John Jones and Anthony E. Cowan were punished in the usual manner for this offence.
VAGRANCY- Anthony E. Cowen pleaded guilty to a charge of vagrancy. Four previous convictions were recorded against him, and this was his 45th appearance before the Court. Sentenced to six month's imprisonment. -DSC.
21 June, 1876: Police Court. Vagrancy.
Anthony E. Cowan was charged with being an incorrigible old rogue and vagabond,
having been three times convicted with drunkenness within the last 12 months.
He had also been convicted as an idle and disorderly person. Sub-inspector
Pardy said this was the 45th time that the prisoner had been before the Court.
He had only just come out of gaol. His worship sentenced him to six months’
imprisonment with hard labour. – NZ
Herald.
November 28, 1876: Solitary. Anthony Cowan
was charged with being drunk, and was fined 5 shillings and costs.-Auckland
Star.
November 29, 1876: DRUNKENNESS- Anthony E. Cowen was fined for being drunk. –DSC
November 29, 1876: DRUNKENNESS- Anthony E. Cowen was fined for being drunk. –DSC
January 8, 1877: DRUNKENNESS- Patrick Gray
was fined five shillings and costs, and Anthony Cowen 10 shillings and costs,
with the usual alternatives.-New Zealand Herald.
February 17, 1877. Police Court.
An
Old Hand.
Arthur was tipsy and out in the dark
And did not observe his friend, Constable
Clarke.
Arthur E. Cowan, an old man, who had
offended nearly 70 times 7, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly.
Sergeant Clarke described the circumstances. The old man was very drunk
in Pitt Street, and talking to himself on the inequality of law, when his
attention was attracted by the shadow of a lady upon a window blind; the old
man at once pulled off his coat, putting himself in a pugilistic attitude,
swore he would annihilate the musical spectre, but just about as he was about
to make a dash at the window, he felt himself within the protecting grasp of
Sergeant Clarke, who assisted him to the station. Sentenced to seven days’
imprisonment with hard labour. –
Auckland Star.
March 13, 1877. Police Court. The Night
Charges. Anthony E. Cowan, Bob(Maori), Seaton Hudson and Edward Brown were
charged with drunkenness. Cowan was sent to prison for seven days, it being his
third offence. The rest suffered the usual fine of five shillings and costs.-
Auckland Star.
Anthony E Cowan was charged with behaving
in Queen Street in a disorderly manner with intent to commit a breach of the
peace.
Prisoner pleaded not guilty.
Dr. Goldsboro’, sworn, deposed that he was
speaking to two ladies yesterday afternoon opposite Mr. Aicken’s shop, when
prisoner rushed between them in the most impertinent manner- he nearly knocked
the ladies down. He felt disposed to give the fellow the whip, but instead of
this he handed him over to a constable.
Prisoner- “What is your name?”
“Charles Field Goldsboro’.”
Prisoner- “What are you?”
“A medical man”.
Prisoner- “Humph”
Patrick Martin witnessed prisoner’s
conduct, which was unseemly and unprovoked.
Prisoner- “I had no motive for what I did.”
Dr. Goldsboro said he had other witnesses
if the Court would like to hear them. His Worship considered further evidence
unnecessary, and ordered prisoner to pay a fine of 5 pounds, or be committed
for one month with hard labour.
–Auckland Star.
29 July, 1878: Police Court. Breach of the
Peace.Anthony E Cowan was charged with behaving, in Queen Street, in a manner
calculated to provoke a breach of the peace. Dr. Goldsbro’ deposed that the
accused, without any provocation, rushed at him, and attempted to strike him.
Patrick Martin, coachman to Dr, Goldsbro’,deposed to seeing the accused rush up
and attempt to strike Dr. Goldsbro’. The accused, in reply to the bench, said
he never knew Dr. Goldsbro’, and could have no motive for striking him. The
Bench found him guilty of the charge, and sentenced him to pay a fine of five
pounds or, in default, a month’s imprisonment.
- New Zealand Herald.
September 30, 1878: Police Court, before
R.C Barstow, Esq, R.M.
Water-cresses- Anthony Cowan, for being
drunk and disorderly yesterday, was fined 10 shillings and costs. The old man
was stopping persons in the street, and bawling “Water-cresses” at the top of
his voice. He was supposed to be suffering in the head from continued
drunkenness. –Auckland Star.
October 8, 1878: Police Court This Day.
Drunkenness. Fannie Spayne, Anthony Cowan, Jane Jackson, Robert Mill and Henry
Colson were charged for this offence.- Auckland Star.
October 18, 1878: Police Court.
Water-cresses. A man named Anthony Cowan was found last evening in a gutter by
Constable Dugan, in a wild state of drunkenness and apparent insanity. The old
man’s plea was “searching for water-cresses.” As this was the prisoner’s fourth
offence, he was sentenced to prison for seven days.” –Auckland Star.
November 1, 1878: Anthony admitted to
Auckland Provincial Hospital in November for "general debility". He
was admitted on November 1 and released on November 11. His age was given as 60
years, his employment 'labourer' and his religion for the second time was
Wesleyan
November 12, 1878: Police Court. The Water
Cress Man. Anthony Cowan, who has been convicted over 40 times, has been
charged with being a rogue and vagabond etc. The old man, trembling with years
and infirmities, from drink, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with
hard labour. -Auckland Star,
November 13, 1878: Police Court.Tuesday.
Drunkenness and Vagrancy.One person was punished for being drunk. Anthony E
Cowan for being a rogue and vagabond, and habitual drunkard, was sentenced to
six months’ imprisonment with hard labour. -New Zealand Herald.
May 2, 1879: Anthony was admitted to the
Auckland Provincial Hospital for dislocation of his shoulder. His patient
details were the same as for his previous visit-living in Auckland, 60 years
old, a labourer and Wesleyan. He was discharged as a patient on May 13, 1879.
June 14, 1879: ASSAULTING DR GOLDSBRO’.
Anthony Cowan, known as the old water-cress man, was charged with assaulting
Dr. Goldsbro’, of Parnell, by pushing him. Prisoner pleaded guilty. Dr.
Goldsbro’ said that this had been the second time he had been assaulted in a
similar manner by the prisoner. Yesterday afternoon at four o’clock he was
speaking to a gentleman outside Mr Aicken’s shop, when the prisoner rushed
between them, and deliberately gave witness a violent push. Prisoner confessed
that he was drunk at the time. Fined 10 shillings for drunkenness, and 40
shillings for the assault, or one months’ imprisonment. – Auckland Star.
June 16, 1879: Police Court. Saturday.
Drunkenness and Assault. Anthony E. Cowan was charged with being drunk, also
with assaulting Dr. C.F. Goldsboro’ by pushing against him with his body.
Prisoner pleaded guilty. For the first offence he was fined ten shillings and
costs, and for the second forty shillings and costs, or one months’
imprisonment. – New Zealand Herald.
July 16, 1879: An old man named Anthony
Cowan was arrested today and charged with being drunk, and with assaulting Dr.
Goldsbro’. He was liberated from gaol only this morning, after undergoing a
sentence of one month for an attack on Dr. Goldsbro’. – Auckland Star.
July 18, 1879: POLICE COURT. THURSDAY.
ASSAULTING DR. GOLDSBRO’.
Antony E. Cowan was charged with being
drunk, and also for assaulting Dr. C.F Goldsboro’ by pushing against him.
Prisoner said he did not remember anything. Charles F. Goldsboro’ deposed that
on Wednesday afternoon he was talking to Mr S. Morrin, when the prisoner rushed
between them. He was sure the man was not sane. Samuel Morrin deposed that he
was in conversation with Dr. Goldsboro’ when the prisoner rushed between
them.For the first offence he was sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment, and to
be bound over to keep the peace for twelve months; himself in 20 pounds, and
two sureties in ten pounds each.- New Zealand Herald.
September 6, 1880: The Rushing Watercress
Man. Anthony Cowan pleaded not guilty to a charge of drunkenness and disorderly
conduct on Saturday last. Sergeant Martin deposed to seeing the prisoner
staggering and muttering along Queen Street, with a large conger eel in his
hand, which he was swinging about to the great annoyance of the public. He was
particularly troublesome to the ladies, rushing between them with considerable
violence. He was followed by 50 or 60 larrikins, who were yelling and hooting,
evidently enjoying the fun.
His Worship: You ought to know from
experience. I find you have been convicted 45 times for drunkenness.
Prisoner: I was not drunk.
His Worship: Well, you acted as though you
were, and I must impose a fine of five shillings and costs.
Prisoner: Yes, bread and water splendid,
fare for a gentleman.- Auckland Star.
February 3, 1881: POLICE COURT. An
Eccentric Person. Anthony Edward Cowan, alias “the water-cress man”, was
charged with drunkenness &c. Prisoner caused much amusement by his dress
and behaviour in Court. He tripped into the dock, and, in answer to the charge,
replied “yes; drunk; quite drunk; quite right, took too much; felt giddy, fell
down, picked up by Constable McCormack; quite right; I’m the water-cress man,
Anthony.”
Prisoner, who wore a long black robe, and
red Turkish cap, was fined five shillings and costs. – Auckland Star.
March 15,
1883: An old man named Anthony Cowan, well known to the police, made the
somewhat singular application to the Magistrate today for an order prohibiting
publicans from supplying him (Cowan) with liquor. The order was granted. -Auckland Star.
March 1892: On
March 10 he was hospitalised in Auckland Hospital for "hysteria". For
the first time, his surname was almost written correctly as "Corvin"
rather than "Cowan". Records show that he was 73 years old, a native
of England, religion Church of England, his occupation was back to being a
cook, and he had been in New Zealand for 30 years. His residence was given as
"care of Mrs Hamilton, Khyber Pass". He was released on March 18,
1892.(Khyber Pass was in an area just south east of the main part of Auckland,
which is now known as the suburb of Newmarket.)
The last
record of Anthony 'Corvin' confusingly states that he was admitted to the
Auckland Hospital on March 10, 1892(the previous entry had him being admitted
on March 10 1892 and being discharged on March 18). This time his injury was
very serious, especially for a man of his advanced years. Anthony fractured the
neck of his femur(thigh bone), a very serious injury to a 73 year old man these
days with modern medical advances, let alone an old alcoholic in 1892 whose
diet over the years had most likely been atrocious.
11 March, 1892: An old man named Anthony Cerns, aged 73, in going out of the Royal Mail Hotel late last night, fractured his thigh by slipping on the kerbstone. He was removed to the hospital. – Auckland Star. This is most definitely our Anthony Corvan under yet another misspelling of his name.
Anthony
Corvan was in hospital for six months with this hip injury. Information given
in his admission record is as follows:
Discharged:
23 September, 1892
Native of:
England
How long in
NZ: 30 years
Age: 73
Occupation:
Hawker
Late
residence: care of Mrs. Hamilton,Khyber Pass
Religion:
Church of England
Disease:
Fracture of neck of femur
Days in
Hospital: 197
On 24th
April, 1890, the Costley Home for the Aged Poor in Auckland had been opened by
the Governor, the Earl of Onslow. There were six wards with accommodation for
178 males and 58 females. The 148 people were admitted when the Home was
opened. It was described thus: " The Home is beautifully situated on
thirteen acres of volcanic soil, and is surrounded by undulating and charming
scenery."
The Costley
Home Committee Minutes Book has three mentions of Anthony…twice referred to as
'Corrin' and once as 'Corvin'.
24 July,
1894: HOSPITAL & CHARITABLE AID BOARD. COSTLEY HOME, The following cases
were admitted to the Costley Home, all being destitute and aged persons-
Anthony Carvan (aged 76 years), Patrick Healy (86), John Elwood (56) and John
McCanmouth(64). –Auckland Star.
September
25, 1894: Inmates under review. Committee began examination of all cases of men
in the home and dealt with the following as noted:
Anthony
Corrin (seen) Remain in home Chronic
23 October
1894: Committee met at the home at 2.30 p.m. Inmates under review:
A Corrin
Remain Chronic
23 January
1895: Committee met at the home at 3.00 p.m. Patients under review:
A Corvin to
have three days leave to look for work.
October 8, 1878: Police Court. DRUNKENNESS. Fannie Spayne, Anthony Cowan,Jane Jackson, Robert Mill and Henry Colson were charged for this offence. Anthony Cowan, for a third offence, was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment."
October 18, 1878. POLICE COURT. Water-cresses. A man named Anthony Cowan was found last evening in a gutter by Constable Dugan in a wild state of drunkenness and apparent insanity. The old man's plea was "searching for water-cresses". As this was prisoner's fourth offence, he was sentenced to prison for seven days."
June 14, 1879: " ASSAULTING DR. GOLDSBRO'.
Anthony Cowan, known as the old watercress man, was charged with assaulting Dr, Goldsbro', of Parnell, by pushing him.
Prisoner pleaded guilty.
Dr. Goldsbro' said that this was the second time he had been assaulted in a similar manner by the prisoner.Yesterday afternoon at four o'clock he was speaking to a gentleman outside Mr Aicken's shop, when prisoner rushed between them, and deliberately gave witness a violent push.
Prisoner confessed that he was drunk at the time.
Fined 10 shillings for drunkenness and 40 shillings for the assault, or one months' imprisonment."
July 16, 1879: " An old man named Anthony Cowan was arrested today, charged with being drunk and with assaulting Dr. Goldsbro'. He was liberated from gaol only this morning, after undergoing a sentence of one month for an attack on DR. Goldsbro'.
" September 6, 1880: POLICE COURT- THIS DAY. ( Before R.C Barstow, Esq,R.M.)
THE RUSHING WATERCRESS MAN. Anthony Cowan pleaded not guilty to a charge of drunkenness and disorderly conduct on Saturday last. Sergeant Martin deposed to seeing the prisoner staggering and muttering along Queen street, with a large conger eel in his hand, which he was swinging about to the great annoyance of the public. He was particularly troublesome to the ladies, rushing between them with considerable violence. He was followed by 50 or 60 larrikins, who were yelling and hooting, evidently enjoying the fun.
Prisoner: I bought the eel to sell.I am known as a respectable watercress vendor,and was not drunk. But, your worship, I am a kind of stock pot for the police, and whenever they want a victim they are down on Anthony Cowan. He was not drunk.
His Worship: You ought to know from experience. I find you have been convicted 45 times of drunkenness.
Prisoner: I was not drunk.
His Worship: Well, you acted as though you were, and I must impose a fine of five shillings and costs.
Prisoner: Will you order me a breakfast before I go to Mt Eden, as I have been starving through the night.
Sub-inspector Pardy said he would have the regular rations.
Prisoner: Yes, bread and water, splendid fare for a gentleman."
February 3, 1881: POLICE COURT. An
Eccentric Person. Anthony Edward Cowan, alias “the water-cress man”, was
charged with drunkenness &c. Prisoner caused much amusement by his dress
and behaviour in Court. He tripped into the dock, and, in answer to the charge,
replied “yes; drunk; quite drunk; quite right, took too much; felt giddy, fell
down, picked up by Constable McCormack; quite right; I’m the water-cress man,
Anthony.”
Prisoner, who wore a long black robe, and
red Turkish cap, was fined five shillings and costs. – Auckland Star.
March 15,
1883: An old man named Anthony Cowan, well known to the police, made the
somewhat singular application to the Magistrate today for an order prohibiting
publicans from supplying him (Cowan) with liquor. The order was granted. -Auckland Star.
March 1892: On
March 10 he was hospitalised in Auckland Hospital for "hysteria". For
the first time, his surname was almost written correctly as "Corvin"
rather than "Cowan". Records show that he was 73 years old, a native
of England, religion Church of England, his occupation was back to being a
cook, and he had been in New Zealand for 30 years. His residence was given as
"care of Mrs Hamilton, Khyber Pass". He was released on March 18,
1892.(Khyber Pass was in an area just south east of the main part of Auckland,
which is now known as the suburb of Newmarket.)
The last
record of Anthony 'Corvin' confusingly states that he was admitted to the
Auckland Hospital on March 10, 1892(the previous entry had him being admitted
on March 10 1892 and being discharged on March 18). This time his injury was
very serious, especially for a man of his advanced years. Anthony fractured the
neck of his femur(thigh bone), a very serious injury to a 73 year old man these
days with modern medical advances, let alone an old alcoholic in 1892 whose
diet over the years had most likely been atrocious.
11 March, 1892: An old man named Anthony Cerns, aged 73, in going out of the Royal Mail Hotel late last night, fractured his thigh by slipping on the kerbstone. He was removed to the hospital. – Auckland Star. (This is most definitely our Anthony Corvan, recorded under yet another misspelling of his name)
Anthony
Corvan was in hospital for six months with this hip injury. Information given
in his admission record is as follows:
Discharged:
23 September, 1892
Native of:
EnglandHow long in NZ: 30 years
Age: 73
Occupation: Hawker
Late
residence: care of Mrs. Hamilton,Khyber Pass
Religion:
Church of England
Disease:
Fracture of neck of femur
Days in
Hospital: 197
On 24th
April, 1890, the Costley Home for the Aged Poor in Auckland had been opened by
the Governor, the Earl of Onslow. There were six wards with accommodation for
178 males and 58 females. The 148 people were admitted when the Home was
opened. It was described thus: " The Home is beautifully situated on
thirteen acres of volcanic soil, and is surrounded by undulating and charming
scenery."
The Costley
Home Committee Minutes Book has three mentions of Anthony…twice referred to as
'Corrin' and once as 'Corvin'.
24 July,
1894: HOSPITAL & CHARITABLE AID BOARD. COSTLEY HOME, The following cases
were admitted to the Costley Home, all being destitute and aged persons-
Anthony Carvan (aged 76 years), Patrick Healy (86), John Elwood (56) and John
McCanmouth(64). –Auckland Star.
September
25, 1894: Inmates under review. Committee began examination of all cases of men
in the home and dealt with the following as noted:
Anthony
Corrin (seen) Remain in home Chronic
A Corrin
Remain Chronic
A Corvin to
have three days leave to look for work
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