The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

The Ruthin Tichborne Case. Judge Lloyd Decides a Soldier's Name. AT the Rhyl County Court, in November, Judge Lloyd had an application made to him by Mr F. J. Gamlin, solicitor, Rhyl, acting on behalf of a young soldier—a native of Ruthin -who called himself William Arthur Jones, calling upon his uncle, Mr McLellan, a well- known farmer, to file in court a statement as to how he had dealt with the estate of plain- tiff's deceased brother's letters of administra- tion, which had been taken out by the defen- dant upon the assumption that he was the next of kin. The Judge made the order asked for, and about E50 was deposited in court, together with a statement of accounts. At the January court the case was tried, when an attempt was made by the defendant to show that the plaintiff was not the person he represented himself to be, and that he was the son of a man named Barker, of Ruthin. The case was fought out, and the judge re- served his decision, describing the affair as a Tichborne case on a small scale. On Friday, at the St. Asaph County Court, Judge Lloyd gave his decision. He said the plaintiff claimed to be the next-of-kin of the deceased, John Walter Jones. The question really involved was, who was plaintiff? He claimed to be the son of Richard Jones and his wife, Jane Jones. That Richard and Jane Jones were married there was no doubt, as the certificate of marriage was put in, and it was clear that they had a son named William Arthur Jones, and plaintiff asserted that he was that son, and was consequently entitled to a sum of money after the death of his father and mother which was in the hands of the de- fendant, who was the administrator of the de- ceased brother's estate. He (the Judge) had come to the conclusion early in the case that the plaintiff was not the William Arthur Jones he represented himself to be. It was clear that William Arthur Jones only lived about six days. the death being certified by his own mother. Then it was suggested that the plaintiff was another son of the same parents. and that the certificate of the birth of a son to the same moher was put in showing that he was born in Ruthin Workhouse in the year 1880. If so, he was born on June 1st, 1880, and at that time Richard Jones and Jane Jones were man and wife. There was evidence that Richard Jones had got into trouble, and that he had practically left his wife, who was living from time to time with a man named Barker. That was clearly proved by witnesses on both sides. It was suggested by the defendant that the plaintiff was. the son of Jane Jones by Barker. It really resolved itself into a ques- tion whether in the autumn of 1879 the hus- band had access to his wife. He had carefully looked into the evidence, but could not say it had been clearly proved that such could not have been the case. There may have been misconduct between the wife and Barker, who appeared to be a disreputable fellow. Under the circumstances, presumption of legitimacy must be adopted. He found that the plaintiff was not the man he represented himself to be, and that he was the third son of Richard and Jane Jones, who was born in the Workhouse. The difficulty as to the mother not registering the name of the father of the child was pro- bably owing to her connection with Barker. Being born in wedlock, the plaintiff was en- titled to the money left by his brother. With the defendant he had no fault to find. He very properly took out letters of adm'nistration, and under the circumstances was entitled to put the plaintiff to the proof. Defendant did not appear to have meddled with the money, but he did not know if the funds in court were accepted as being correct. Mr Gamlin said he would ask that the de- fendant produced to the Registrar vouchers for the balance, as JE50 7s 4d was all that was in court. The Judge said he would give judgment for plaintiff for the amount in court, subject to the account being properly vouched for. He would allow the defendant his costa out of the funds in court, and the balance to be paid to the plaintiff. He saw no reason for the de- fendant to be mulcted in costs, subject, of course, to the account being found to be cor- rect. Mr Robert Jones said he had a.ppeared for sisters of the deceased parents, and he asked that he should also have costs out of the funds in court. It was admitted that his clients were next if the other parties had failed. The Judge: Whether next or not, you were a long way off it. I think your interests were too remote, and I cannot interfere. ♦

Sunday Golf. Prohibited at Llandudno. A LETTER has been received by the Llandudno Town Improvement Association from the solici- tors to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in reply to the memorial on the question of Sun- day play on the Llandudno West Shore Golf Links. The lessee of the links, in the draft of a new lease submitted to him by the Com- missioners' agents, found a new clause prohib- iting golf on Sundays, and upon inquiry it was found that the clause had been inserted by the express direction of the Commissioners, to whom a petition praying that this should be done had been sent by a committee of minis- ters at Llandudno. The Town Improvement Association took up the matter on the ground that the interests of hotel proprietors, board- ing-house proprietors, and tradesmen would suffer to a serious extent if golfers were driven from the district by such a restriction. The reply to this representation, now re- ceived, definitely states that the Commission- ers cannot' delete the clause, inasmuch as a similar one appears in all the leases of land for golfing purposes on ecclesiastical property in other parts of the country, and no excep- tion can be made in the case of Llandudno. The omission of the clause in the original lease to Mr Cummings was an oversight. Ap- parently, therefore, it is now inevitable that, as from the time when the new lease comes into force, all Sunday golf on the West Shore links musit cease. A movement is, however, on foot for the for- mation of another course on land in the urban district belonging to the Mostyn Estate. It is understood that Lord Mostyn has helped to lay the case of the Town Improvement Asso- ciation before the Ecclesiastical Commission- ers, and, the representation having failed, he would be disposed to lease the land needed for a new course on which there might be Sunday golf, with a limitation as to the non-emplov- ment of caddies on that day.

Striking Testimony of a Resident of Wrexham on the value of 0 I as a FOOD for # BABIES 50, RHOSDDU ROAD, WREXHAII, 12/A January, 1905. 7> Messrs. KaliN, ROBINSON k Co., Ltd., London. i Honour to whom Honour Is due." GENTLEMEN, I am taking upon myself the liberty of sending you my little son's photograph and to tell you that it is through your Patent Barley that he is our chief comfort Pat, and treasure to-day. I fee! it my duty to acknowledge the benefit derived from your prepara- tion, inasmuch as you have not only saved my little man's life but you have also made my dear wife and myself of the happiest couples in the town of Wrexham to-day. His age is four months and he is still going strong. I may just further add that up to two months I had in my own private opinion a very slight hope that we should ever rear him, but thank Heaven your prepara- tion was recommended to me just in time. After he commenced to use it, I noticed a change in twenty-four hours. Such a change, had I not experienced it myself, I could not have believed. Hoping you will accept my little ion's photograph, and wishing you every prosperity. I am, Gentlemen, Faithfully yours, T. LLOYD JONES.

Had a Fishy Smell." A Rhyl Man's Claim for Wages. AT the St. Asaph County Court on Friday, be- fore his Honour Sir Horatio Lloyd, a young man named Benjamin Jones, of Rhyl, claimed 16 weeks' wages at 15s per week from Mr Thomas, accountant, Liverpool, who was the trustee under the deed of assignment of Mr J. T. Jones, trading as Jones, Glynn, and Co., grocers, Water-street, Rhyl. Mr F. J. Garnlin appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr J. Roberts Jones for the defendant. The case was one involving the question whether Mr J. T. Jones did or did not tell the defendant, when he executed the deed of assignment, that he owed the plaintiff (his brother) 16 weeks' wages. Plaintiff said he agreed to work for his brother for his board and 15s per week, but as trade was bad he only received a few shillings as pocket money. A statement was also put in drawn up in September, but dated June, by Mr Jones, of Bodfor-street, Rhyl, showing that plaintiff was a preferential creditor for the amount claimed. It was not denied that defednant received that paper, but as it was dated June, and not Sep- tember, he treated it as "ancient history." Plaintiff, his brother, and Mr W. J. Jones were called to prove the case. For the defence, the defendant said the brother distinctly said he had paid all wages due, and that he only gave plaintiff a few shil- lings pocket money, as well as board, lodging, and clothes. He did not know he had Mr W. J. Jones's statement until the claim was put in, and then he found it in the papers. Defendant's clerk gave evidence to the same effect. Defendant said as it appeared to "have a fishy smell," the committee of inspection de- cided to fight the claim. The Judge said he felt that the dispute was a reasonable one, but he could not go behind the statement found in defendant's papers. He believed that the ease turned on the words "give" or "gave." He believed plaintiff's brother said, "I give my brother so-and-so," whereas defendant took it "I gave." Being Welshmen, the mistake could arise. Defendant: I am a Welshman, and under- stand Welsh. The Judge: But you are an educated man. I give judgment for F,12 for plaintiff.

Can a Jew be an Englishman? A Rhyl Borrower Charged 280 per cent. Interest. No Quarter Given to the Lender. A PECULIAR money-lending case from Rhyl was heard at the St. Asaph County Court on Fri- day, and it raised the question whether the fact that a money-lender who was a Jew, and did not disclose his racial identity, was suffi- cient to upset an arrangement. The plaintiff was Mr Simeon Alexander Cohen, trading as D: Walker, of 24, Mulgrave- etreet, Liverpool. He sued Mr and Mrs Hewitt and Mrs Bircham. of 9, Butterton-rd., Rhyl, for J612 10s on a promissory note. Mr F. J. Gamlin appeared for plaintiff, and Mr J. Roberts Jones for the defendant. It was contended by the defendants that the bargain was unconscionably harsh, and that there had been misrepresentation, as plaintiff did not disclose the fact that he was a Jew. Plaintiff said he traded as D. Walker, and was registered in that name. He lent Mr and Mrs Hewitt £10 on a bill for £15, repay- able at 10s per week. As the furniture in the house was in the name of Mrs Bircham, he also asked her to sign. Defendant never asked him if he wa.s a Jew, and after the instalments fell in arrear, being several days late, he wrote to the defendants, and then he saw a judgment registered against Hewitt for £ 11. He took out a summons, as defendant had signed a form saying that they did not owe more than £10. After he had taken out the summons, Mr Robert Jones wrote and offered to pay 16s court fees and also the 10s per week. Nothing was then said about excessive interest. He sued for JE12 10e, but 10s was paid after the summons was issued. 80 per Cent. Interest. In cross-examination, the plaintiff said he did not trade in his own name, as he had taken over a business carried on under the name of D. Walker. He swore that defend- ants did not ask if he was a Jew, and say that if he was he would not have anything to do with him, as they had had unfortunate deal- ings with Jews. Had defendants referred to that, he would have fought shy of the whole business, as it would have shown that they had been in difficulties. He knew that Mr Jones said the judgment had been satisfied. He denied that anything was said about Jew or Gentile. Mr Roberts Jones: Don't you think 280 per cent. is a pretty stiff sum? Plaintiff: I do not agree it is 280 per cent. It is only 50 per cent. Mr Roberts Jones: Good heavens, man, only 50 per cent. per annum? Plaintiff: I never said "per annum." Mr Roberts Jones: Is it not a pretty big rate; 280 per cent. per annum ? Plaintiff: I do not know. I have never taken the trouble to work it out or reckon it up. In reply to other questions, the plaintiff said he always felt that the risk was greater to- wards the end of the period for the repayment of a loan. Mr Hewitt was called, and said that plain- tiff distinctly said he was not a Jew, and that he was the actual lender, trading in his own name. He had had dealings with a Jew, a Mr Glass, from whom things were bought, and the dealings were unfortunate. He distinctly told plaintiff that if he were a Jew he would have nothing to do with him. I Mr Gamlin said he wished to disassociate himself from the rate of interest charged by plaintiff, and also from the whole proceedings, excepting that he was acting as a solicitor for plaintiff. He asked Mr Hewitt why he ob- jected to dealings with a Jew, who said he was an Englishman. A Jewish-Englishman. Mr Hewitt: An Englishman? Mr Gamlin: Yes; he says he is an English- man. Mr Hewitt: Then why should he be a Jew? How can he be both? (Laughter). Mrs Hewitt also gave evidence, and said that plaintiff denied that he was a Jew. Replying to the Judge, Mrs Hewitt said: We were willing to pay 10s per week. The Judge: And that is what I have decided to make an order for. There will be judg- ment for plaintiff, with costs, for J62 per month. Mr Gamlin said his client wished to point out that the proceedings were taken under the Billfl of Exchange Act, and, therefore, he was entitled to judgment forthwith. The Judge: I shall not give it.

The Welsh National Show. The Subscription List a "Disgrace." THE annual general meeting of the Welsh National Agricultural Society was held on. Saturday at Aberystwyth. Mr C. Coltman Rogers presided, and among those present were Sir R.. Green Price, Messrs W. Forrester Addie, Welshpool; J. H. Addie. Carnarvon; E. Green, Welshpool; D. Evans, Llwynacdfor; D. Lloyd Lewis, Aberystwyth; and Lewes Pryse (general manager). The Chairman submitted the report of the Council, which stated that the membership stood at 181. The show for 1905 was very suc- cessful, and the tenant farmers' classes were well filled, representing about 60 per cent. of the total entries in the show, as compared with just under 50 per cent, in 1904. The Council had been in communication with the Board of Agriculture in regard to its sheep-dipping areas in different parts of the country, and in some cases had been successful in getting them to alter the boundaries for the convenience of large flockmasters. Another important matter was sheep-worrying by dogs, which the Council hoped would get the attention it deserved from the Government before long. There was an adverse balance of JE212 7s 8d on the working of last year's show. Sir R. Green Price announced that it had been decided to offer at next year's show second prizes in all special classes open to tenant farmers. A protest was made by Mr Edward Green against the payment of JE50 for the use of the show field. Sir Powlett Millbank was elected president for the ensuing year. A resolution was passed approving of the action of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society in their endeavours to protect and improve the Welsh mountain ponies. Sir R. Green Price said the Committee had decided to offer the same amount in prizes this year aa last, namely, £ 1,100. In view of the deficit, however, economy would have to be exercised. The Preservation of Welsh Hats Would be BettergSupported. Mr Lewes Pryse said they wanted new mem- bers. Their subscription list, F,365, was dis- graceful. He received a letter on the previous day from a gentleman who gave JS700 towards the show, and he said that when he gave his donation he thought other landowners and wealthy men in Wales would follow his lead. But these people gave as little as they possibly could. Had it been a museum for preserving Welsh hats, or something of the kind, they would have given their thousands, but here they only gave £ 5 notes. Mr Forrester Addie said with a subscription list of only JB565 it would be impossible to con- tinue to give prizes amounting to £ 1,100 each year. Colonel Scott, Penmaenucha, was appointed a trustee of the Society. The following were appointed members of the Council:—Messrs T. Roberts, Aber; J. H. Addie, Carnarvon; C. Murless, Wrexham; W. C. Bell, Rhuddlan; Colonel Cornwallis West, Ruthin; W. H. Roberts, Mold; Hugh Peel. Ellesm<jre; J. Roberts, Towyn; J. Williams, Bala; & E. J. Owen, Dolgelley; W. F. Addie,. Welshpool; D. Pryce, Montgomery; E. Green, Welshpool; C. C. Rogers, Brampton Brian; Owen Price, Brecon; C. Lloyd Edwards, Pwll- heli; Lewis, Hencastle; and Jfynford Phillips, M.P. It was decided to hold a general meeting at Aberystwyth on the third Wednesday in Sep- tember to decide the place at which the show for 1907 should be held.