in the High-street Custom House. The names of Barden and Robin Hood were famous in bygone times in connection with smuggling ventures. The case was tried at Rye on the 24th of September, the smuggled having been passed from the custom house of Hastings to that of Rye. The charge was that on the 23rd of August, 85 gallons of smuggled spirits had been found on the premises of which Barden was lately the landlord. Mr. Bellamy, Crown Solicitor appeared on the part of the prosecution, and Mr. Langham of Hastings, for the defendant. Evidence was given as above described, and Mr. Gent, of Rye proved the value of the spirit to be £107 13s. 4d. Mr. Langham did not attempt to prove the innocency of defendant, but pleaded for a mitigation of the fine, saying it would be impossible for defendant to pay the amount of penalty stated in the Act of Parliament, which was three times the value of the spirit; but if the Bench would mitigate the fine to one fourth, which they had the power to do, there would be a probability of it being paid. Mr. Bellamy did not think it was a case for mitigation, but the magistrates having consulted together, the chairman (Major Curteis) said they had convicted Barden in the penalty of £120 and £7 costs. Before the rising of the court, Barden paid down £80 and a fortnight was allowed him to pay the remainder.
Sale of Surplus Land
The sale of the surplus land of the South-Eastern Railway Company between the west end of York Buildings and the Station took place on the 16th of September. It consisted of 62 building plots of about 20 feet frontage and 100 feet in depth. All the plots were sold and realised good prices. The first four on the western side were bought at over £950 each by Messrs. Clement, Howell and Burchell; and among other purchasers were Messrs. Clark, Dinsdale, Vidler, Mills, Cox, Stace and Soloman.
Church Matters
The ancient church of St. Clement's, originally built of stone and flint, imbedded in cement and which by vandalism had been from time to time repaired with brick, was being restored in February of this year, not only for prevent further decay, but also for the purpose of restoring it according to the original design. A short time previously, mainly through the liberality of the late rector (the Rev. J. G. Foyster) a new window and doorway in the west front of the tower were put in; and now, by the addition of a reredos and a memorial window, to be placed at the east end of the chancel, the improvements were further progressing. Mr. Hy. Carpenter was the-
