NEW light has been shone on a mysterious 'black blob' below a window on the outside of Launceston's White Hart Hotel. It is one of several honours accorded to a former MP in the nineteenth century.

He was Mr Justice Haliburton, who was born Thomas Chandler Haliburton in Novia Scotia in 1796.

Mr Jim Edwards, of Launceston, who has conducted historical research into Mr Justice Haliburton and his links with the town, says the 'black blob' which can be seen from The Square, is a bust.

It was one of the honours bestowed upon him by the town.

"This was inserted into the fabric of the front of the White Hart Hotel, just below the window of the room it is thought he stayed in on his visits to the Borough.

"At the moment — just a black blob below the top floor centre window, it is to be hoped it may be made a little more prominent when the new proprietors spruce up the grand old building which is, or course, a Listed Building in a Conservation Area and permissions to do anything which may alter the appearance of the edifice, have to be obtained.

"Thanks to the gift of a new camera, we can now see just what the object is, and thanks to Mr Arthur Venning, a former editor of the Cornish & Devon Post, we are able to show a portrait of the old gentleman."

Thomas Chandler was born on December 17, 1796, in Windsor, Nova Scotia, the son of William Hersey Otis Haliburton and Lucy Chandler Grant. He attended University of King's College, Windsor, N.S., and became a lawyer, opening a practice in Annapolis Royal.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.