A Conisborough Rent Case.

November 1898

Mexborough and Swinton Times November 4, 1898

A Conisborough Rent Case.

Yesterday, at Doncaster. County Court, Thomas Trout sued John Drawer of Old Conisborough, for £1 2s. 6d., rent of a house lately occupied by the defendant as tenant of the plaintiff.

Mr. Baddiley appeared for the plaintiff and Mr. Pawson for the defendant.

The plaintiff stated that defendant took the house at 5/6 per week, on a months’, notice to be given on: either side.

Plaintiff said the defendant signed the conditions of tenancy in a book, specify that a month’s notice should be given on either aide, but defendant denied that the signature produced was his.

Plaintiff said the defendant signed the notice in his presence.

Defendant swore that the tenancy was a weekly one, and he had not signed the book produced; but that the book was signed by his son in his absence.

Defendant’s son said that the signature was his, and he was only 16 years of age.

Both the defendant and his son wrote their names down; in court by direction of the Judge; and his Honour at once gave judgment for the defendant, remarking that he had serious thoughts as to perjury on the part of the plaintiff. There would be a verdict for the defendant stop

Mr Pawson: You will allow costs?

The Judge: Yes, all costs.

Mr Pawson said he thought that kind of thing ought to be stopped.

The Judge said it would be a very good thing if they could stop that kind of thing.

Mr Pawson said he felt very strongly that these cases of perjury should be put a stop to.

The Judge: I will impound the book, and it will remain in the custody of the Court for the present