FOR once, everyone had good reason to talk about the weather.

Much to the delight of holidaymakers and those with outdoor pursuits, it had been extraordinarily dry in the late summer and early Autumn of 1898. In fact, Hampshire had not witnessed rain clouds for four months.

But as the year progressed, so the dry gave way to bitter cold, as one incident in late November firmly illustrated.

Although Southampton was represented with some 40 magistrates, only one, Sir Frederick Perkins, extraordinary turned up for one day's hearing.

Of course the court could not function in such circumstances and an urgent message was sent out for another to attend.

Some 20 minutes later, J R Smith put in a belated appearance and business promptly began.

However, the cold had invaded the court room, with just about everyone muttering about the inhospitable conditions.

Eventually Sir Frederick ignored court etiquette re-donning his top hat and keeping it on until all the cases had been settled!