The Bishop of Exeter has passed sentence of deprivation on
the Reverend Charles Rookes, MA, Rector of Nymett-Rowland, Chumleigh, Devon, against whom Widow Brooks lately recovered damages for the seduction of her daughter Maria.
An accidental fire has destroyed all the central portion of Cliefden House, the mansion near Maidenhead which the Duke of Sutherland purchased of Sir George Warrender's executors. Only the wings of the mansion, and some of the choicer specimens of the immense collection of paintings, have been saved. Cliefden ouse once belonged to Frederick Prince of Wales. It was erected by George Villiers, the favourite of Charles the Second. In a well-known passage, Pope contrasts Villiers'a deathbed in "the worst inn's worst room" with his "life of pleasure"— "Gallant and gay, in Cliefden's proud alcove, The bower of wanton Shrewsbury and love."
Colonial readers will observe with regret the death of Mr. Burge, QC., many years in the enjoyment of extensive practice before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council on Colonial matters; formerly agent forJamaica, and more recently a Commissioner in Bankruptcy. Pecuniary misfortunes had overtaken Mr. Burge, and driven him from his high professional pasition; but nothing affecting his personal honour was ever imputed to him.
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