The tradition of the Newlyn, fishermen was not to fish on a Friday, to commemorate our Lords crucifixion, or on a Sunday in honour of the Sabbath. This had been ignored by an increasing number of trawlers from other parts (Of England) despite warnings. On the 18.5.1896 matters came to a head when the Newlyn men boarded the offending trawlers as they came in with their illicit Sunday fish, throwing both fish and crews overboard. Some of these trawlers made for Penzance, where the St Ives men sailed. The Newlyn men went by road to help them and were met by the Penzance police reinforced by the 'County' police. The police numbers had increased by hastily sworn in as Special Constables, Penzance men, who feared for their property. Fists, staves and stones were the common weapons.

The Chief Constable, Col. W.R. Gilbert, (Born at Menheniot) then 83 years of age, had been informed by telephone, he requested help from the military, who sent 300-400 troops by train. By use of telephone the Chief Constable ordered all available police to attend the riot also, and on arrival he took overall command. Two RN Destroyers, arrived at the scene, but the fighting stopped to allow the soldiers to take up their stations and no sailors were landed. The fighting eased and then stopped due to fatigue and the necessity of a meal. The presence of the destroyers had a salutary effect on the fishermen, who were thwarted from their endeavours to get at fishermen from other parts, who made good their escapeh.

The aged Chief Constable ensured that the extra costs for the military should not fall upon the 'County'. What a change from the present day policing, where vandalism takes place regularly. In an effort to get a uniformed Constable on the streets of Liskeard, the people are expected to pay an additional £9,000 extra police rates. Our CCC being too interested apparently, in doubling or more their perks. Our local leaders have not stated their efforts if any, to avoid taxing us a further £9,000 in order a uniformed PC will patrol Liskeard for an advertised two hours Friday and Saturday evenings.

Like the beat of Drake's Drum for England, Liskeard needs an Owen Sivell's rallying call, or an even more ghostly one from Menheniot!

MR V LESTER

Liskeard.