PETERSFIELD, November 13. APPEAL.—The following case of appeal, which was heard at the last bench, caused some considerable degree of notoriety:— Appellant the Rev. John Manuver Sumner, M.A., rector of Buriton and Petersfield, versus the parochial anthorities, defendants. The appeal was against the assessment to the poor-rate for the tithes of the parishes of Buriton, Petersfield, and Sheet. Mr. Edwin Albery, solicitor, of Midhurst, ably conducted the case on the part of the parish authorities, but failed to prove that this living consisted of two benefices, relying upon distance on the Ordnance Map, which showed that the two churches, Buriton and Petersfield, were not within two miles of each other by about 100 yards. This was sworn not to be the case by the plaintiff, consequently the defendants were non- suited without costs. An urgent appeal being made for expenses by the appellant, met with a sturdy refusal by the gentlemen presiding. This case has caused some considerable unpleasantness and angry feeling, which we trust will soon subside. The decision will create not a small defalcation, in the rate being reduced on this living.
(See also 02-Nov-1858)