Argus readers were gripped by the news of a suspected arson attack 100 years ago this week.

Catherine Gertrude Pemberton appeared before judges accused of “feloniously, unlawfully and maliciously” releasing gas and lighting a candle in an attempt to injure another woman.

Mrs Pemberton said that the leak had been ongoing for six weeks and was not part of some attempted murder plot.

In other news well digger James Hook from the Poundfield area of Crowborough had a remarkable escape after plummeting 60 feet down the well he was sinking for Crowborough District Water Company.

He fell into eight foot of water but remarkably suffered just two broken ribs and was treated for shock.

Trade relations were also uneasy with an ongoing strike of carpenters and joiners.

The decision of the Eastbourne Master Labourers Association to increase the wages for carpenters and joiners by halfpenny per hour was not enough to bring the workers back off the streets.

Finally, Broadwater Church received what was described as a “very handsome present” of a Credence Table made from 362 pebbles found on the beaches of Worthing, Lancing, Portslade, Hove and Eastbourne.

Miss G Boxall made the gift which was used for the first time on Easter Sunday.