7 APRIL 1832, Page 6

THE BERNERS PEERAGE. — The claim of Mr. Wilson of Kirkby Cane,

Norfolk, to the Barony of Berners, was finally heard on Thurs- day. Mr. Wilson is descended from Thomas Knyvet, uncle of the last Lady Berners' and claims the barony as heir general, and repre- sentative of Elizabeth and Lucy, daughters of the said Thomas. The proof on Thursday consisted, in addition to various written docu- ments, of the oral testimony of Lord Albemarle respecting the descent of the immediate claimant. The evidence was ordered to be printed. The Attorney-General, for the Crown, stated that he had no opposition to offer to the claim.

Between the 1st January 1831 and the 31st December of the same year, the Vice-Chancellor heard 314 causes, 17 exceptions 78 further directions, 1,099 petitions, 541 bankrupt -petitions, and 2,030 motions not of course.

'Van officiarr'eturn made last week; it appears, that from the 1st of January 1831 to the 1st of January 1832, the new Police' force has apprehended 72,824 persons, on different charges-45,907 males, and 26,917 females. Out of this number, 2,955 were committed for trial; 21,843 were summarily convicted before the Magistrates ; 24,239 were discharged by the Magistrates ; and 23,787 drunken characters were discharged by the Superintendents of Police at the Stationhouse, after they became sober. The number of persons charged before the Magistrates for being drunk were 7,566; of this number, 3,187 were discharged, and 4,379 were fined 5s. each, which would amount to 1,094/. 15s. ; of the number fined, 3,187 were males, and 1,194 were females. It appears that the greatest number of persons were appre- hended for drunkenness in the months of December and July, and the least number in February,-viz. July, 1,419 males and 810 females ; December, 1,418 males and 931 females; February, 923 males and 678 females.