The life of Ernest Scarce has a tragic ending. He was born in Brighton in 1881 and followed the occupation of his father, John, who was a dairyman. Ernest's mother was Louisa Ann, nee Green and Ernest was 7 months old in the 1881 Census, living at 41, Queen's Gardens. By 1891 they had moved to 17, Park Crescent Road, Brighton.
By 1911 Ernest was newly married to Annie Elizabeth nee Thornton and living at 17, Rowlands Road, Worthing. He worked as a milkman for Harold Fuente who had several creameries in the town. He was considered to be a jovial man, one of the best.
Fuente and Scarce advertisement
He went into partnership with Harold Fuente in 1914. Fuente had been in business since 1896 and was the founder of one of the largest dairy firms in the district. While Fuente was serving abroad in WWI Ernest carried on the business at 33, Rowlands Road and on his return apparently Fuente took no further part in the business.
In 1928 allegations of fraud were brought against Fuente and Scarce. Described as a deliberate, calculated and gigantic fraud on the public it consisted of ordinary milk being falsely sold as certified, that is free of TB.
Harold Fuente and Ernest Scarce were summoned to a special sitting of the Worthing Police Court on Tuesday, 22 May 1928. After the adjournment for lunch. Ernest did not return for the afternoon session. He was discovered at his home at 17, Rowlands Road, naked, face down in water in his bath, a box of stationery, weighing about 60 lbs, on the back of his neck.
His wife, at the inquest, said he had been very depressed and unable to sleep. The verdict was suicide whilst of unsound mind. Although he took his own life, he was buried at Heene Cemetery.
N.B. Burial, without ritual was allowed after 1832 and, with ritual, after the 1880 Burial Act. Ernest had no reason to commit fraud for his Probate announcement showed that he left a re-sworn estate of £17610 1s 3d to his widow.
Fuente was cleared of all knowledge of any fraudulent dealings going on and the case was dismissed.