Saltley Reformatory Inmates

James Hook

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Notes:

23 June 1855 A short report of his remand was given by the Worcester Journal of Saturday 23 June 1855 p.3 col.4. It says: FELONY. – James Hook and Albert Tyler was charged with stealing a quantity of brass, the property of F C F Malden Esq., surgeon of Foregate Street. From the evidence adduced it appeared that the first-named prisoner entered the service of the prosecutor on the 28th May last as occasional servant. But did not sleep in the house. He had a turning lathe in a room over the kitchen, which was worth sixty guineas. Hook contrived to break off several pieces from it, which he sold for 9d at Ottey’s marine store, in Powick Lane, on the 11th inst. PC Berridge took the prisoner into custody, when the young thief said he received 10d for the brass. The evidence against Tyler was very slight, and he was admitted as evidence, it appearing that he was only a companion of the prisoner’s, and his testimony more clearly proved the latter’s guilt. Hook was committed for trial, and Tyler was discharged.

7 July 1855 A short report of his committal was given in the Worcester Journal Saturday 7 July 1855 p.8 col.3 PLEADED GUILTY. James Hook, errand boy, to stealing a number of pieces of brass, forming parts of a turning lathe, the property of his master Mr F C F Malden. Surgeon, Foregate Street, on the 11th of June. Fourteen days solitary confinement, afterwards to be removed to the Reformatory School at Saltley.

14 December 1855 In the Reformatory Minute book it is recorder that: Mr McCorkindale [would-be colonist] attended the committee and explained his views with reference to the proposed emigration to Natal, and it was agreed that the following boys be allowed to go to Natal on the necessary consents being obtained, viz. Williams (aged 14) [boy 68], Manning (aged 14) [boy 28], Devaney (aged 15 next May) [boy 57], Peechey (aged 16 next July) [boy 69], Hopcraft (aged 13 next May) [boy 65], Hook (aged 14) [boy 74).

The President undertook to write to the Home Secretary for his consent to the arrangement as far as concerned the boys detained under the Youthful Offenders Act, or by conditional pardon, and Mr Morgan engaged to deliver the letter personally at the Home Office. Mr Ellis produced the consents of the boys’ parents. Mr McCorkindale explained to the boys in the presence of the Committee the terms of their engagement and all signified their assent. Resolved: that proper Indentures be prepared and that £8 be paid Mr McCorkindale for outfit and passage money for each boy.

22 December 1855 In the Minute Book it is recorded that: the President laid before the Committee the consent of the Home Secretary for the emigration to Natal of the four boys detained under sentence.

14 February 1856 The Minute Book records that: all the boys … except Devaney had sailed with Mr McCorkindale in the brig Portia for Natal on November 4th instant, the necessary consents from the Government and Parents having been first obtained. They were accompanied by Alfred John Taylor [boy 83], a well-educated boy, who had been committed at the Worcester Sessions a [few?] days previously, and by James Hines boy 58], who was selected instead of Devaney. Mr Ratcliff inspected the vessel before the boys joined, and afterwards visited them on board, where they all expressed gratitude for the kind treatment in the Institution, and for the opportunity afforded them to emigrate. They all evinced much courage and determination to do well in their future career.

[For more information about Mr McCorkindale and the purpose of the trip to Natal see the Liverpool Mail Saturday 16 February 1856 p.3 col.5]

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