Here's what was making headlines in the Argus 100 years ago today, March 31, 1920:

SHIP ON FIRE.

CAPTAIN, WIFE AND CHILDREN DROWNED.

BOATS CAPSIZE.

A crew’s fight for life on a burning ship which they had to leave in a rough sea was told at an inquiry.

The Clifton Grove, a small steamer, roughly 40 years old, left for Calais with a cargo of creosote oil in barrels, part of which were stored below deck,

She carried a crew of eight, the master, Capt. James Wilson, was accompanied by his wife and two young sons.

With the exception of James Spivey, a member of the crew, all on board lost their lives.

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On the way down the coast, the steamer developed a list. The weather became bad, and the list became worse.

Captain Wilson decided to turn to the mainland for shelter, and part of the deck cargo was jettisoned to rectify the list.

In the midst of the storm, the ship heeled over to port, and fell into a rough sea.

A large paraffin tank in the engine room broke away, and the contents took fire, compelling the engineers to rush on deck.

Two boats were got out, but they capsized.

The inquiry was adjourned.

LORD TREDEGAR’S WOOD.

NEWPORT JUVENILES ARRESTED.

A BOY of 15 was charged at Newport with stealing a sack and a quantity of wood from the stables of the Tredegar Estate, value 2s, the property of Lord Tredegar, on 26th inst.

Mr T. B. R. Wilson prosecuted. He stated that it was not desired to press the case unduly, but the idea was that the Bench should use their discretion after hearing the case.

The caretaker of the premises had been missing firewood before this case occurred.

It was stated by PC Hurley that when he charged the prisoner he first denied the theft of the wood, but afterwards he said: “I did steal it.”

Sergt. Major Williams, the caretaker, gave evidence showing that he caught the prisoner on the premises, and the latter told him he had been there before.

The prisoner said he had been employed at the bottle works. His father stated that he was out of work now, and he had given the boy a beating.

He did not know what the boy intended doing with the wood.

The Bench dismissed the case, and ordered the father to pay 15s. costs.

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Two girls were charged with stealing and receiving a pair of lady’s shoes, value 8s 6d from a shop on the 30th inst.

According to the evidence, the boots had been hanging outside a shop, and from there they were taken.

They were afterwards offered in pledge, but the shop assistant had certain suspicions, and communicated with the police.