A Belbroughton Rating Case: Important Point: At the Stourbridge Police court, yesterday, before Colonel’s Fletcher and Cochrane and A. F. Godson, Esq., M.P., Mr. Charles P. Noel, Belbroughton, was summoned by the overseers of Belbroughton, for poor rates, amounting to £9 5s. Mr. Waldron appeared for the overseers, and Mr. H. C. Pinsent (of the firm of Smith Pincent and Co., Birmingham defended). It was submitted that a man named Valentine had permission from Mr. Noel to live at the Yew Tree House rent free. He was paid no wages, but he sold the produce of the garden, except that which he used himself. Mr. Noel also supplied coal for the airing of the house. A man named Fox, of Belbroughton gave evident that Mr. Noel allowed him to have the stable at Yew Tree House, and also allowed him the use of the coach house to put his cart in. This was allowed him free, and he did nothing whatever in return for Mr. Noel. It was a pure gift. Mr. Waldron contended that Valentine lived on the premises, and was a servant, and acted under the orders of Mr. Noel, the question was as to whether Valentine was beneficially occupied. Mr. Pincent contended that as Valentine had no wages, and that he was at the house by the kindness of Mr. Noel, he (Mr. Noel) was not liable. If anyone took to the house Valentine would have to turn out at a minute’s notice. Therefore, he could not be beneficially occupied. The case lasted a considerable time, and the Bench made an order for payment, allowing the solicitor’s fee.
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Referenced
GRO0435 Devonport: Hume Chancellor Pinsent: 1857 – 1920