March 12, 1924
Magistrate’s Court.
(Yesterday afternoon.)
A third arrest in connection with the loss of schr; “Willis C.” has been made by Detective Simmonds. The third party implicated in the affair is George Goobie. belonging to Hillview, Trinity Bay. Goobie was arraigned before Judge Morris in the Lower Court yesterday afternoon, when he was charged with the following indictments—
(1) For that you did between the 1st day of August and the 7th day of October, 1923 both days inclusive steal take and carry away general merchandise to the value of $24,000 and upwards the property of the New York Costume Company and Thomas Smyth both of St. John’s then being in a certain vessel called the “Willis C.” which said vessel was then on a coastwise trading voyage from St. John’s to Labrador, contrary to the statute in such case made and provided.
(2) For that you did on the 7th day of October, 1923 at Snook’s Arm in the electoral district of Twillingate, unlawfully, maliciously and feloniously set fire to a certain vessel called the “Willis C.” the property of T. & J. Dunn of Harbour Grace, then being on a certain run from Nipper’s Harbour to Pacquet, together with certain goods then laden and being on board the said ship with intent thereby then to prejudice certain underwriters who had before them unwritten several policies of insurance on the said ship for a coastwise trading voyage from St. John’s to Labrador and on certain goods alleged to be laden on board the said ship which said policies were then in full force and operation contrary to. the statue in such case made and provided.
The prisoner represented by Counsel and was not asked to plead owing to the Crown not being ready to proceed. Mr. Higgins, K.C., on behalf of his client made a motion for bail, which was granted in the sum of $l0,000. The accused signing bonds in the sum of $5,000, with two securities of $2,500 each, for his appearance when called upon.
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March 20, 1924
Here and There
Barratry Enquiry On.—The enquiry into the charge of casting away the schooner “Willie C.” was continued yesterday afternoon before Judge Morris, when the evidence of Mr. Thomas Smyth was taken. The court adjourned at 5:30 until this afternoon.
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April 7, 1924
Enquiry Postponed.—The preliminary enquiry into the schooner Willis C. which has been conducted before the Magistrate’s Court for several weeks past, has been postponed indefinitely. This has come about owing to several witnesses residing in Green Bay being unable to reach the city on account of ice conditions.
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April 30, 1924
SOUTH COAST STEAMSHIP SERVICE._____________________________________
August 22, 1924
CHURCHILL, Alice Mira – On Monday, Aug. 11th [1924], death visited the home of Mr. Albert Churchill of Hodge’s Cove, Random South, taking away his only child, Alice Mira, at the early age of 20 years, 7 months. The deceased was only eleven months old when her mother died, and as soon as she became old enough, took up the duties of housekeeping for her father, which duties she faithfully performed until a short time before her death. Even during her illness which lasted but a year, she struggled to care for her father, who she loved very much. The many wreaths that covered her casket, and the many young people who lingered weeping by her grave side showed how much Alice Mira Churchill was loved by the people of her home village. Our sympathy goes out to the lonely father, who without wife or child continues his journey alone. His beloved daughter found a friend in Jesus, who bore her safety thither, and she expressed a wish that her father too would seek and find this Friend, so that in his lonely hours he may find comfort, and meet his beloved ones in the end.
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September 19, 1924
The Loss of Schooner
Capt. D. Stoyles who lost his schr. at Labrador during the early part of the month is at present in the city. He leaves in a day or two for the coast in an endeavour to locate the wreck and salve some of his fishing gear. The schr. with about 35O qtls. codfish, left Pleasure Harbor about, 6 o’clock Friday morning, Sept. 6th, bound across the Straits. When about 5 miles east of St. Peter’s Islands Capt. Stoyles noting that the raising wind threatened a hurricane started to take in canvas and steer for Henley Harbor. In bringing his schooner to windward the foremast broke and about 14 feet of the spar with the two jibs and foresail came down bringing with it the main mast. Two of the crew were caught underneath the wreckage and Capt. Stoyles thought at first that they had been killed, but fortunately they escaped injury. The Captain’s son Albert, who was at the helm, was knocked down the companionway into the cabin by a piece of the topmast which hit him on the head and also smashed three spokes from the wheel. Although stunned by the blow he recovered after a short while. After the schooner was dismasted she became helpless. Heavy seas playing on her decks made it almost impossible for the crew to leave in safety. A quantity of oil was poured on the water and all were enabled to get aboard their motor boat, in which they reached the schr. Sarah M. Capt. Miller who landed them at Henley Harbor. The had on board 320 qtls. codfish, five casks cod oil, two cod traps and all the necessary outfit for a fishing schooner. None of the cargo or outfit was insured and the loss to Capt Stoyles is a severe one.
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October 8, 1924
Moves for Dismissal
The case of three men named Gooby, Delaney and Frenchmen, who were charged with burning and casting away the schooner “Willis C.” about a year ago, come up for further hearing in the Magistrates Court this morning. Mr. F.A. Mews, Crown Prosecutor, intimated to the court that in view of contradictory evidence he did not think that the Crown case could be sustained, and moved that the charges be dismissed. Mr. C.E. Hunt appeared on behalf of defendants.
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Transcribed by Wanda Garrett and Brandon Seward. Page created March 2021. Latest update December 2021.
These transcriptions may contain human errors. As always, confirm these as you would any other source material.