WILTS & BERKS CANAL TRUST

George Britton, 31 canal boatman from Wootton Bassett was summonsed to the New Swindon Local Board for whom Mr W.H. Kinneir appeared, charged with using a boat within the district as a dwelling house without having the same registered.

M. Simpson, the inspector said he saw the defendant with boat called the "Berks champion", there was a woman and three children living in a very small cabin. Defendant said he never heard of the act before or anything about registration, and did not know that he was doing any harm. Mr Kinneir said he did not wish for a heavy penalty. Fined 5s and £1 13s costs.

Swindon Advertiser - October 31st 1885