Bovey Tracey Townsfolk at Newton: A large number of Bovey Tracey Passive Resisters appeared before the Newton Bench yesterday. Mr. H. J. Heath, son of one the Passive Resistors, proved the rates, and the cases were taken separately. Rev. R. Blake (2s 10d) said his objection was the same as that stated six months ago, and when he came there again his objection—a strong conscientious one—would be the same. Rev. W. H. Payne (3s 2d) objected to the wording of the summons, which stated that he had not paid the poor rate, or any part thereof. He had paid the poor rate. What he objected to, was the part devoted to the teaching of sectarian education: Believing that the Act provided for sectarian teaching, he objected to pay. Mr. George Pinsent (1s) said he objected to pay because the rate was devoted to that which was contrary to his conscience. Mr. William H. Heath (8s 10d) said he wanted to know whether the amount was really part of the poor rate, or was it a rate for education? He strongly objected to paying a rate for education when they had no part or power in controlling it. The Chairman: We all object to rates. Mr. Heath: What I object to paying is the working rate. Others appearing were Messrs. Robert Carpenter (1s 11d), William Pascoe (1s 9d), Turner (3s 8d), Arthur Wyatt (1s 9d), William Sercombe (4s 41/2d), George Tucker (1s 9d), and Jabez Tucker (3s 2d). These gentlemen all stated they had conscientious objections. Separate orders were made in each case.
[see also Western Times: Friday 23rd September 1904 and similar Exeter and Plymouth Gazette: Wednesday 21st September 1904]
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0340 Bovey Tracey: George Pinsent: 1844 – 1937