Hawking on the Seafront

This report from the Eastbourne Gazette from 25th July 1917, concerns the unfortunate case of a lad who 'Hawked' neswpapers on the seafront.

I was glad to see that good sense prevailed and he was 'let off' with a caution.

"Children’s Court

Frederick Brown, 14, of Cavendish Place who stated that he was employed by Mr Abel, newsagent, was summoned for hawking newspapers on the parade on July 16.

Parade Inspector Dann deposed to being on the central parade when his attention was attracted by a boy shouting “London papers”. He went to the to the top of the parade and saw defendant, who admitted that he was aware that he was doing wrong and added, “I have done it before.”

The Chief Constable remarked that the boy took charge of the stand on the Front and that he knew all about the by-law.

Defendant said he only did it to oblige the gentleman.

With a magisterial caution the case was dismissed."