The Glamorgan Gazette

OGMoli'E & (j\KW Ni,W> blaengarw. Funeral.—Oijl the moitai 6 of Air David Willi*11113' Gwendoline-street, weie interred at Pontycymmer Cemetery. Deceased « v ^5 :nhooitant. and ''sed away at the age ot 80 years. The tuneral was largely attended, and the Revs. W. A. Williams, and E. M. Evans officiated. Presentation.—The Young People's Society in connection with Bethania Chapel has had a most successful session, thanks to the efforts of the promoters, notably Dr. Evans, the president. The final meeting was held on Thursday night last week, when the mem- bers assembled in good force. Rev. W. A. Williams (the pastor) presided. The oppor- tunity was taken to present Dr. Evans with a silver-mounted walking-stick, bearing a suit- able inscription, as a mark of appreciation of his services. A successful programme was carried out, musical items being contributed by Messrs. E. Richards, D. Meredith, C. Llewellyn, B. Jones, and Miss E. Davies, while Messrs. J. Francis, D. J. Davies, and Mrs. Lewis gave recitations. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. J. Francis, J. Bowen, Philip Davies, P.D.P. and David Morgan.

PONTYCYMMER Organ Recital.-A report of the organ re- cital at the English Congregational Chapel on Wednesday night is held over till next week. Building Society.—There is a movement on toot to formulate a building society at Ponty- cymmer. Preliminary meetings have been held, and it is quite probaole that this so- ciety will in the near future erect numerous -dwellings. Free Church Council.-On Monday a Free Church Council committee met at Bethel Yestrv, there being a fair representation. It was decided to make an effort to secure the services of Gipsv Smith and Dr. Sheldon to conduct a mission in the valley. Success.—At the quarterly examination of the con-joint Board of the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Physicians held in London in March and April, Mr. D. H. Pennant, second son of the popular local schoolmaster, Mr. W. Pennant, was success- ful in passing the complete examination in physics, chemistry, botany, and zoology. Tabernacle.—The quarterly meeting in connection with the Tabernacle Sunday School was held on Sunday night, presided over by the pastor. Rev. D. Hughes. A capi- tal programme had been arranged, consisting of solos, duets, and recitations by the juvenile and adult scholars. Every item was rendered in fine style, and the singing was conduct-ed by Mr. J. Jones. Miss Butler presided at the organ. Vestry.-A vestry meeting was held at St. Theodore's Parish Church on Monday even- ing, under the presidency of the Vicar (Rev. W. Jones), who was supported by the Rev. T. Lloyd Evans, and the Rev. J. M. Llewellyn. The accounts of the churches were submitted and adopted as satisfactory. Mr. Goudge was appointed secretary of the parish for the ensuing 12 months. Mr. D. H. Hopkins (ironmonger) was re-appointed vicar's war- den, and Mr. Railton (manager of the Darran Colliery) was elected people's warden. Billiard League.—A meeting was held at Tondu last Friday night to inaugurate the Mid-Glamorgan Workmen's Institute Billiard League. Officers were appointed as follows: President. Mr. Evan Griffiths, Blaengarw; vice-presidents, Dr. D. J. Thomas, C.C., Og- more Valley, and Mr. T. Carliss, Maesteg; treasurer, Mr. E. J. Williams. Caerau sec- retary, Mr. Llewellyn Jones, Pontycymmer. The following places are included in this League:-Caerau, Nantyffyllon, Maesteg, Pontycymmer, Blaengarw and Nantymoel. A billiard shield, value £10, will be given to the team who wins three years in succession. Thirty matches will be played. Ffaldau Workmen's Institute. — The ninth annual general meeting has just been beld, and the statement of accounts, which was satisfactory, adopted. The insti- tute is made full use of, the library, reading- rooms, and games-room being attended by large numbers of workmen. The number of books lent during 1906 was 1,704, as com- pared with 560 in 1902, the opening year of the lending library. During the year ^580 meetings were held at the institute. The debt at the end of the year was £ 600, but, after paying all their liabilities to the con- tractor, and furnishing the new billiard- room, the trustees expect it will reach £ 1,250. Speech by Miss Pankliuret on the N.S.P.C.C.-In aid of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children a social evening was spent at All Saints' Mis- sion-hall on Monday evening, organised chiefly by Miss F. M. Thomas, headmistress of the Ffaldau Schools. During the evening Miss Pankhurst, the well-known suffragette, gave an address on the work of the society. She pointed out the great need of work of this kind in the large cities and towns, though there ought to be no necessity for such a society in a so-called Christian Eng- land, the richest country in the world. She made pathetic reference to scenes she had witnessed in some of the slums of Manchester where she was a school teacher. When she had seen the conditions under which they lived she was tempted to s«ty What wonder isome'women grew up so degraded in our large cities!" They had no chance of being other- wise. It was a wrong thing, she thought, to punish a child for wTrong doing who had been brought up in the slums. They must see that everybody was given a chance to learn to do good before punishing them for wrong- doing. One way of doing this was to improve the educational laws, laws affecting the buliding of dwellings, and the laws regulat- ing work and wages. To give the people sufficient wages must be one of the first steps in the settlement of the difficulty. Such a question would not be solved by one sex, but by both. (Hear, hear.) This was where votes for women came in women would be of great assistance in the settlement of social questions. Songs were rendered by Messrs. W. T. Hengoed, Tom Williams, and Miss Fullfoot; violin solos were admirably ren- dered by Mr. Hyam Freedman recitations were given by Messrs. E. T. King, W. Mor- gan. and Miss Nellie Morris. Mr. Willie Bees, of Cardiff University, presided at the piano. Subsequently games were indulged in. At the outset of the meeting, the Vicar (Rev. W. Jones) delivered a short address. THE NEW VICAR INDUCTED. As we recently announced, the living of the Garw Valley, vacated by the Rev. H. P. James, now of Bedwellty, has been conferred upon the Rev. W. Jones, B.A., formerly cur- ate of Canton, Cardiff. The induction cere- mony took place on the 13th inst. at St. Theodore's Parish Church, and the attend- ance was remarkably good for an afternoon service. Those present included the Rev. W. Morgan. R.D., of Llandaff; Rev T. Lloyd Evans, curate in charge of St. Theodore's; Rev. T. Tissington, who was the first vicar after the formation of the living; Rev. J. M. Llewellyn, curate of St. Mary's Church, Pontyrihil, etc. The proceedings opened with a processional hymn, and the service was intoned by the Rev. T. Lloyd Evans. Then the Rural Dean delivered an eloquent address, basing his re- marks on the words found in Psalm 121, verse 1, Look unto the hills, from whence cometh your help." He pointed out the duty of the incumbent to the people, and the people's duty towards the clergy. Thft formal ceremony of induction having been conducted at the door of the church by the Rural Dean, who invested the new in- cunib,nrt. 'lic latter entered the edifice. rang the' bell. After a hymn, given out by the Rev. Jbloyd Evans, was sung, the Rural Dean pronounced the blessing. In the evening a social was held at au Saints' Mission-hall to welcome the new vicar, when a large number sat down at the tables. Subsequently a miscellaneous con- cert was held, the vicar presiding. A splen- did programme was gone through. The newly appointed vicar is the first to occupy the new vicarage, which has been erected at a cost of £ 1,700. It is situated near the railway station. The church in the Garw at present—more especially at Pontycymmer- is in a flourishing condition. Much of its success has been due to the energy of the clergy.

OGMORE VALE. r Bethlehem Mutual Society.-On Tuesday evening quite a new topic was introduced in the reading of an instructive paper on Friendship" before Bethlehem Mutual So- ciety by Mr. Morgan Henry Lewis, Fairfield Villa. An opening solo was given by Miss Gwen Lewis, Meadow-street, in an able man- ner. A hearty vote of thanks to the speaker and the chairman (Mr. Jenkin Williams) ter- minated an enjoyable evening. Wedding.-On Monday morning an in- teresting wedding was solemnised, the con- tracting parties being Miss Alice Maud Lewis, R.A.M., the well-known contralto, and Mr. George Spenoe, of Nantymoel. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a violet-coloured costume trimmed with white satin, and hat to match. She was at- tended by her cousins, Misses M. Moses, Nantymoel, and Gladys Grant, Aberkenfig, and Miss Annie Maude Morgan, who wore light grey costumes, with hats to match. Miss Morgan carried a beautiful basket of flowers. Mr. John Morgan (the bride's brother-in-law) acted as best man. Break- fast was partaken of at the residence of the bride's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Spence were the recipients of numerous presents. Miniature Rifle Club.—The Ogmore Rifle Club deserves congratulation on the inclu- sion of two of their members in the team to represent Wales at Southfield, London, on May 4th, in the International match of the Miniature Rifle Association. P.C. Holley and Mr. A. E. Marks (electrician)/ the men selected, are undoubtedly two excellent and consistent shots, and have secured their places in the Welsh team by sheer merit, and doubtless they will creditably acquit them- selves and bring honour to the valley. The English team will contain some of the finest marksmen in the country, including A. J. Coomber, King's prizeman. It is under- stood that an effort will be locally made by the Rifle Club Committee to secure sufficient funds to defray the expenses of P.C. Holley and Mr. A. E. Marks, and it is to be hoped that the committee's efforts will be tangibly supported by all the inhabitants. Special Services.—The English Congrega- tional Church held their annual preaching services on Sunday and Monday evening. The services of Prof. Tom Lewis, M.A., B.D., Brecon, had been secured for the occasion, and the fact that on the previous Wednesday the Professor had been appointed Principal- elect of the Brecon Memorial College added interest to the services, wnich. proved to be of an eminently successful character. On each occasion the pretty edifice was simply packed, and the audiences listened with rapt attention to the Professor's able and clear discourses. The choir, under the leadership of Mr. Abel Jones and Mr. Myrnach Davies, did their work well, and at the Sunday even- ing service a quartette was beautifully ren- dered after the sermon by Miss Lizzie Kin- sey, Miss E. A. Rattray, Miss Cassie Kinsey, and Miss Maggie Kinsey. Miss Cassie Kin- sey very ably presided at the organ through- out the day. Mr. J. T. Rees led the devo- tions at the afternoon service. Recitations were given by Olive Probert, Mary A. Brooks, Carrie Davies, Willie Court, Jennie Owen, Cyril Probert, Glan Rees, Eliza Burfet, Harold Probert, Nellie Cox, Willie Burrows, Cliff Probert; solos by Idwal Lewis, Evan C. Williams, Dorothy Edwards, Glyn Lewis, Percy Lewis, Tom Lewis, John Williams. Ethel Morgan, and Idris Williams. A vocal duet was given by C-einwen Edmunds and Gertie. Davies, and a pianoforte and violin duet by Harry and Sarah Williams. The soloists were ably accompanied by the follow- ing: -Misses Maggie Lewis, Maggie Lewis (Dunraven), Master D. E. Wigmore, Mrs. M. M. Taylor, Miss S. A. Williams, and Master Harry Williams (violin).

NANTYMOEL. Football.—The Nantymoel Soccer team, in their match with Cwmparc Reserves on Sat- urday, at Cwmparc, came a regular crop- per." The final result read Cwmparc Re- serves, 7 goals; Nantymoel, 1. New Organ.-The new Carnegie pipe organ at Dinam Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church, Nantymoel, is being installed and its completion will be commemorated by a grand organ recital, for which eminent artistes have been engaged. Welcome Home.—Mr. James Lloyd James, Vale View, Nantymoel, who has just arrived home from South Africa, received a most cor- dial "welcome home," and hearty congratu- lations from a very large circle, of friends upon his return to Gwalia Wen" for a well- earned holiday. Appointment.—The Workmen's-hall Com- mittee at their last meeting appointed Mrs. Clayton as cleaner and caretaker of their hall, in succession to her deceased husband. This kindly act to a widow who has been left with four young children is generally much appreciated. Wedding.—A quiet wedding took place re- cently at Bridgend, the parties being Mr. Morgan Griffiths, second son of Mr. David Griffiths, colliery mechanic, Blaengarw, and Miss Agnes Morgan, Council Schools, Nanty- moel. Mr. Thomas James, of Blaengarw, was best man, while the bride was accom- panied by Miss S. Jenkins, Council Schools, Pontyrhil. The presents were numerous. Departure.—Much regret was expressed when it became known that Dr. A. W. Ander- son, the esteemed and popular assistant to Dr. D. J. Thomas, C.C., at Nantymoel for nearly two years, had decided to leave in order to take up his residence in London so as to prepare of the D.P.H. examination (Diploma rublic Health). Dr. Anderson, who is very highly esteemed by his worthy chief and his profession generally, carries with him the highest opinions and best wishes of Nantymoelians for his future suc- cess in his profession, and strong hopes are entertained that on the completion of his collegiate career he will return to the Og- more. Ambulance Class.—At the recent examina- tion of the St. John's Ambulance Association all the students of Dr. Thomas's class who en- tered were successful, and certificates of suc- cess were awarded Messrs. W. Probert, David Jones, P.C. H. James, R. J. Buckton, Evan Williams, T. J. Job, J. Baker, junr., W. Roberts. Mr. Morgan J. Hill was awarded the voucher certificate for success in the second year's course. The members of the class, who feel specially obligated to Dr. Thomas for his excellent course of lectures during the session, have decided to mark I their appreciation of the doctor's sterling services by presenting him with a valuable I gold-mounted walking-stick, as a token of respect and thanks.

AND WHAT BECAME OF IT. BABY FARMING CHARGE AT HANLEY. ADOPTION FOR LOVE AND £5. The mysterious discovery in Hanley a week of two ago of the body of a child roughly buried on a piece of waste land near Ivy House-road, was followed by a sensational sequel. In the early hours of Thursday morning last week the police effected the ar- rest of a young married woman named Har- riot Richards, late of 26 Phillips-street, Pontypridd, and a native of Llantrisant, who has been living recently in lodgings with a Mr. and Mrs. Reeves, at 54 Waterloo-street, Hanley, and on Thursday morning she was brought before the borough bench on a charge of causing the death of an infant child on the previous Monday. It tran- spired that the woman had also had the cus- tody of the other child whose body was re- cently found under such extraordinary cir- cumstances and the allegation made is that she had been conducting a "baby farm." The accused woman and her husband ap- pear to have only gone to Hanley from South Wales on or about March 26th last. They had previously been living with their own two children in Pontypridd, and it would also seem that they had "adopted" at any rate two children belonging to other people, having obtained them through the medium of an advertisement in a South Wales news- paper. The husband of tne woman is be- lieved to be a collier. Of the two "adopted" children whom the couple brought to Hanley, one probably died about the time of, or shortly before, their arrival in the town, for it was on March 27th that its body was discovered. At the inquest a young fellow named Durose told a singular story of the finding of the child. On the night of March 28th he was out on the canal side with some companions catch- ing rats, when a man passed them carrying a white wicker or straw holdall," fastened with two straps, connected in the centre by a leather handle. His conduct excited attention, but in the course of their occupation the men went down into a hollow and lost sight of the stranger for a time. Later on they encoun- tered him again, but this time he was carry- ing the hold-all under his arm, whereas pre- viously he had had hold of the handle. The next day Durose was passing over the land when his attention was attracted by a strap. On going to pick it up he noticed a brown-paper parcel near by, roughly covered over with bricks. On removing the bricke and paper he found the dead body of a female child a month or two old. At the inquest medical evidence showed that the child had died from congestion of the bowels, and a verdict was returned ac- cordingly. The conclusion arrived at was that the body had been disposed of in this singular way by poor people, who were un- able to bear the expense of burial in the ordinary way. Investigations were subsequently made by the police, and certain matters came to their knowledge. The hold-all was found, and its ownership traced, but, as the child had evi- dently died a natural death, no action was taken, and, as already explained, this child has no connection with the other "adopted" child in respect of which Mrs. Richards has now been arrested. It appears that Mrs. Richards has been in straitened circumstances, and that the baby which died on Monday had been ill. She had said that she was receiving 5s. a week for one child, but the neighbours were under the impression that this was for one of her own children. She is also said to have stated that she was receiving financial assistance from a soldier brother. A LLANTWIT MAJOR SENSATION. It has transpired that the baby in connec- tion with whose death Mrs. Richards is in custody is the child of Mrs. Annie Ludbrooke, of West End, Llantwit Major. Mrs. Lud- brooke is the wife of Frederick Ludbrooke, a soldier, who is reported to have died in Canada on the 1st of February this year. He enlisted at Penarth in the Submarine Miners and was stationed for some time at Laver- nock, during which time he met and married his wife. Over two years ago he was re- moved to A ova Scotia, and was eventually transferred to a Canadian regiment. On 10th February last, Mrs. Ludbrooke gave birth to a female child, and a week or two later she saw an advertisement in a South Wales paper offering to adopt a child for a premium of £ 5, replies to be sent to a South Wales newspaper office at Pontypridd. She answered the letter, stating that her husband had died, and she received a sym- pathetic reply from H. Richards," 26 Phillips-street, Pontypridd, offering to take the child, promising it a good homo, and stating that she would be tender to it. In reply to another letter Mrs. Richards said she wanted the baby for love" (although she had never seen the child), and that she would not require anything further after the pay- ment of the £ 5. Other correspondence fol- lowed, arrangements were concluded, and the child was taken to Cardiff on February 28th by Mrs. James, a Midwife living at 8 West End Terrace, Llantwit Major, who had at- tended the mother on the recommendation of a local medical practitioner. Mrs. James met Mrs. Richards oni River- side Station by arrangement, and the busi- ness of handing over the child, then eighteen days' old, was transacted in a coffee-tavern in that part of Cardiff, Mr*. James receiving a stamped receipt for the money. After- wards the two women walked towards the Taff Vale Station, but they parted before reaching it, Mrs. James returning towards Riverside Station. In conversation with our representative Mrs. James, who is the wife of a blacksmith, described Richards as a very dark person, about 26 years of age, of medium height and respectable appearance. She was wearing a dark tweed jacket, a black skirt, and a black sailor hat with a black band. She brought with her a Welsh flannel shawl with blue or grey stripes in which to wrap the baby. In the course of conversation Richards said that her husband was a timberman in a coal pit, that he earned good wages, and that the child would have a good home. From Mrs. James's description it would appear that the coffee tavern they went into is situated in Bridge-street, where Mrs. James paid for re- freshments. On Mrs. James's suggestion, Mrs. Richards returned 4a. of the money paid, "just for luck," and this was duly handed to Mrs. Ludbrooke on her return to Llantwit Major. No arrangements were made to have any further correspondence with reference to the child. Mrs. Ludbrooke feels the position in which she is placed most acutely, and her health it» considerably affected. She belongs to a very respectable family, who have resided in Llantwit Major for many years. No letter have, we understand, been received by her from Mrs. Richards since the baby. was handled over.

THE LETTERS. Mrs. Ludbrooke fortunately preserved the letters which she received from Mrs. Rich- ards, copies of which are given below:- 26 Phillips-street, Pontypridd, 23/2/07. "Dear Mrs. Ludbrooke,—Just a few lines in answer to your letter. I am very sorry to to here off your great loss; it is, indeed, terrible. You must have felt your position to be left with a baby so young, because you cannot do thing in the way of a living with a tiny baby. I am quite willing to adopt her on conditions that you will give her up en- tirely, but, of course, you wished it for to know how she is getting on, because, of course, it would be a great blow for me to rear her up to be a big child and then for you to want her back. She shall have a good home with me.' I will be as good and tender with her as you would be yourself. Please excuse me for putting a stamped ad- dressed envelope inside, but that is to save time, as I want an answer back by Monday morning, so please right to-day, as I have had about twenty answers to my advertise- ment, and this is the first I have answered as yet. I have picked you out as in the most need, so answer at once, for me to know if you will let me have your baby, if you are willing let me know where I can have her, and must I come to fetch her. Please let me have what clothes you have got for her so I must draw to a close.-I remain, yours truly, H. RICHARDS. "P.S.—Mind to answer this letter to-morrow (Sunday) for me to have the answer Monday, if you don't intend for me to have your baby for me to answer to some of my other correspondente. I will lett you know more in the next letter and when I see you." 26 Phillips-street-, Graig, Pontypridd, "Rhondda Valley, 25/2/07. Dear MrIS. Ludbrooke,—Just a line in answer to welcome letter which I have just received. It is for love that I want the baby. After you give me the £5 with her I shan't want anything off you afterwards. I promise you that she shall have a clean, com- fortable home with me. We are a respect- able married couple, and my husband is pa&- sionally fond of children, and so am I doted on them. I have had two of my own, but we all got a loss in some way or another. My husband was persuading me the other < day to go to the workhouse and have a little child from there, but I would rather have a baby to bring it up myself. We would hare more love for it bringing rt up from baby- hood, and the E5, of course, we want. As you can guess, it is a great expense to bring a baby up on the bottle, but we won't mind that a bit as long as you won't want her back; but I could let you know from time to time how she was getting on. Let me have a letter to-morrow (Tuesday) evening with the six post. If you do I will come to Car- diff Wednesday to fetch the baby. I don't expect you have much for the baby, but let me have what you got; you can bring them with you. I will meet you in the station any time you like, but you can name a place and time yourself, and time will suit me. I will have on a black skirt and hat, dark jacket. I am rather tall and dark. about 26. Let me know what you will have, on and what shawl you will have on the baby. and then we won't make a. mistake. Mind you wrapt the baby up warm, as the weather is very cold, and they little mites haven't got no blood in them to keep them warm. Trusting this will meet with yonr approve. I remain, yours truly, Mis. H. RICHARDS. "You made a mistake m saving Mrs- Phillips, but the best of us make mistakes sometimes. "26 Phillips-street, Pontypridd. (Undated.) "Dear Mrs. Ludbrook,—Just a line in answer to your letter. Let me have one back again Wednesday morning, and let me know when I can have the baby. I hope I can have- her Thursday or Friday. Your sister could have the money from the Post Office in a couple of hours if she telegraph for it. Let me know what station or place I will see the nurse. I will bring a shawl, a white one; mind and let me have a letter this evening. Writing in haste.-I remain. yours truly, H. RACHAIRDS." "26 Phillips-street, Graig, Ptontypridd, 27/2/07. Dear Mrs. Ludbrooke,—Just a line. I had your letter this morning. I will be in Cardiff to-morrow morning, Thursday, to meet the 12.30 in. I will bring a shawl. You need never regret letting me have her. I will be a good mother to her. Let the nurse know to tell me if there is any name you wish to put her. I think to put it Annie. It is a favourite name of mine. Mind you, don't fail to let me have her to- morrow. I shall be there for certain, whether it is fine or rain. I am anxious to have her.-I remain, Yours truly, H. RICHAUDB." THE RECEIPT. The following is a copy of the. receipt signed by Mrs. Richards: — 28/2/07. Mrs. Richards, 26 Phillips-street, Pontypridd. This is to certify that I, Harriet Rich- ards, did receive of Annie Ludbrooke, on the 28th February, JEo for the adoption of her inr fant, on condition that she will not claim the said infant from this date. Signed, "fuILIUET RICHABDB."

POLICE PROCEEDINGS. The accused appeared to feel her position acutely in the dock on Thursday. She is a plump looking woman, 24 years of age, of fresh complexion, with black hair and grey eyes. She wore a plain black straw hat, with a black band, and a coat of dark material. In her left hand she held a hand- kerchief, which she frequently applied to her ^When the case was called on, the Chief Constable said: This woman is charged with causing the death of an infant female child on the 8th inst. I have to ask for a re- mand for one week to enable us to make in- quiries. Probably it will be within your Worships' memory that on the 27th of March last the dead body of a female child was found on some waste land off Bucknall-road. The inquest was held the following day, and Dr. Square, as the result of a post-mortem examination which was held, gave certain evidence and the jury returned a verdict of "Death from natural causes." The child was in a somewhat emaciated condition, but there was a certain amount of food in the stomaoh. Inquiries were made, and it was found that the husband of this woman had deposited the child on the vacant land. It afterwards came to our knowledge that & second child in her possession was very ill and in an emaciated condition. That child was taken to Dr. Greenwood's surgery on April 2nd. He saw the child, and, from the woman's description of the symptoms from which it was suffering, he prescribed for it, and she took it away. He did not see it again, and the child died on the 8th inst. (Monday). Dr. Greenwood certified that death was due to bronchitis and convulsions. From what came to our knowledge after- wards, I on Wednesday night ordered this woman's arrest on this charge, and had the body of the child removed to the mortuary. I have arranged for Dr. Greenwood, in con- junction with another medical gentleman, to hold a post-mortem to-day, and the whole of the facts will be reported to the Coroner.

MRS. RICHARDS'S CONNECTION WITH CARDIFF. A representative has obtained interesting particulars concerning Mrs. Harriett Rich- ards. About three years ago she oocupied for a fow months furnished apartments in a house in Temperance Town, Cardiff, returning to the same place about six or seven weeks ago. She first came to me," said her landlady, Mrs. Jones, about three years ago, with a bright little boy about three years of age. His name was Johnnie. Mrs. Richards then struck me as being a clean, honest, industri- ous woman, but very poor. Shortly after taking rooms with me, she gave birth to a baby girl. It was christened at St. Dyfrig's Churcn, and I stood god-mother for it. On one occasion she was visited by a tall man. I understood him to be her husband, and he stayed over a Saturday night. At that time Mrs. Richards received money, so she told me, every Saturday from her father, who worked in a colliery at Porth. Then she left me," went on Mrs. Jones, about three years ago, and I did not see her again until the end of February or the beginning of March last. "Mrs. Richards brought a baby in her arms. and I said, "Hallo, another baby?' 'Yes,' she answered, 'it is three, weeks old. My husband has been killed.' "What was her first husband's name, as it is evident, from what vou say, that Mrs. Richards has been married twice?" "t fancy we called her Mrs. Davies when she was first here," replied Mrs. Jones. "When Mrs. Richards—that was the name she gave me afterwards—told me the baby was three weeks old I asked Are you all right?' and she replied that she was. "I let her the room she occupied three years ago, and shortly afterwards the hus- band appeared with a little girl, the one, I presume, that was born in this very house. Her husband was a short, dark, thin-faced man. Mrs. Richards was fresh-com- plexioned, rather stout, and about 25 years of age. I must say." continued Mrs. Jones. that I was somewhat surprised at the woman being about like she was after, as she said, giving birth to a child only three weeks before, but, as she said, she appeared all right." "How was the child dressed?" It was always neat and clean, and cer- tainly received the best of attention, so far as a woman in Mrs. Richards's circumstances was able to give it. I saw the child dressed in a long, clean white robe, white bonnet, with a shawl of Indian silk.'V Asked whether the child was dressed above" Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Jones promptly ^^Freally don't think so. She was a beau- tiful needle-worker, and could work up some lovely things, as some of the neighbours here will bear me out. And as you know," remarked Mrs. Jones with a proud smile, "some women, however poor thev may be. ca-n make their children look love I v with the poorest material, and that was the kind of woman Mrs. Richards What wero the movements of Mrs. Rich- ards during the fortnight that you say she stayed with you last month ? She did not leave her room from the moment she entered it until she left. me al- together. Why? Because- she was ill, I suppose, or rather not fiT, to walk about. Her husbandL-MT. Richards—was in con- stant attendance upon her, but what gur- prised me most was that, although they were so poor, he did not go out to work." How do you know they were poor?" Well, the day she left me to go to Ponty- pridd I lent her a little money to pay the train fare. But in addition to that I know they were poor in other ways. but I never knew JdJrs. Richards to neglect the children. On two occasions," said Mrs. Jones, "she received two parcels. They were both sent to Cardiff by railway, as my little daughter fetched one and Mrs. Richards gave her a penny. That parcel contained baby's clothes. I don't know what was in the other parcel. Mr. Richards left here on the day of the International match—Ireland v. Wales —March 9th, and his wife on the following Tuesday (March 12th). I understood they had gone to Pontypridd." "Did Mrs. Richards appear to you to be interested in newspaper advertisements?" "Not to my knowledge. During the last fortnight Mr. and Mrs. Richards were here with me they kept very much to themselves. As I said, she did not leave her room at all. Mrs. Jones was informed that Mrs. Rich- ards was charged with causing the death of a child eight weeks old. "Well, the child Mrs. Richards brought here would be now about two months old, but she certainly did not give birth to it here. The child was brought here by Mrs. Richards." s

PONTYPRIDD STATEMENTS. Inquiries at Pontypridd confirm many par- ticulars obtained at Cardiff, but they deepen the mystery surrounding the birth of the baby girl which Mrs. Richards is sa.id to have taken with her to her old apartments in Tem- perance Town, Cardiff. Mrs. Jones, the Cardiff landlady, says the child was not born in her house. Mrs. Rioh- ards is alleged to have told the police that it was born at Mrs. Jones's nouse, and it ap- pears she made a similar statement to some friends at Pontypridd. Up to a few weeks ago, Mrs. Richards was in apartments with Mrs. Newman, at 26 Phillips-street, Graig, Pontypridd, the ad- dress given by her to the Hanley police. Mrs. Newman, when seen by our represen- tative, said that Mrs. Richards and her hus- band stayed with her for about two months, leaving on the Monday before Easter; and yet, according to Mrs. Jones, the Cardiff landlady, the woman and her husband were with her a whole fortnight, during the two months referred to by Mre. Newman. I saw the marriage certificate on the table one day," said Mrs. Newman, and as women are naturally a bit curious," she con- fessed with a smile, I looked at it and saw that Mrs. Richards was married at the Re- gistry Office, Pontypridd, on the 28th May of last year. Her name was given as Daviee, a widow, 24 years of age, but she looked older than that. They had two children when they came to us—a boy six years of age, named Johnnie, and a little girl, Elsie, about three. The boy. Mrs. Richards told me, was an illegitimate, in respect of whose mainten- ance she received 5s. a week from the father, who lived at Treorky. She did not vouch any information about the little girl. About six weeks ago Mrs. Richards went to Cardiff, and the same night a telegram came to the husband stating that his wife had been taken ill, and asking him to come at once. In less than a fortnight Mrs. Richards returned with a young baby, which she said she had given birth to at a certain address in Cardiff, where (she also added) she had previously been confined. The reason they left us," proceeded Mrs. Newman, "was because Mr Richards had only worked a fortnight during the time he was with her, and my husband had to ask him to leave. We understood they were going to Swansea Valley when they left us, but after- wards found out that they were somewhere in Staffordshire."

MRS. RICHARDS'S PARENTAGE. It has been definitely ascertained tha.t the woman in custody is the second daughter of John Burns, a tailor, who resided at Llan- trisant for many years. The father left the district some years ago, and accused's state- ment that he is dead is generally believed. When she was nine years of age, Mrs Harriet Richards, together with an elder sister and three younger brothers, was admitted to the Pontypridd Workhouse, the mother being very ill at the time. Subsequently the child- ren were transferred to the Cottage Homeø at Treforest, where they remained for some time. In January, 1901, Mrs. Richards, then a spinster, was re-admitted into the Workhouse and gave birth to an illegitimate child, who was christened William John. He is still living, and is the son alluded to by Mrs. Newman in the above interview, and towards whose maintenance Mrs. Richards informed her landlady she received oa. a week from a person in Treorky. The age given by the accused—24 years—coincides with the re- cord kept at the Union when she was admit- ted am a child.

INQUEST OPENED. The Hanley Coroner on Friday opened an inquiry on the body of the child in connec- tion with whose death Mrs. Richards was on Thursday charged at Hanley. The accused, whose demeanour was quiet, attended the inquest, and said she had not seen her father for years and her mother was dead. She was the wife of a collier, who had gone away. The Coroner: Have you communicated with your relatives ?—No I have a sister in South Wales. The Coroner You ought to be represented throughout in this matter. I shall not take anv but evidence of identification. The jury viewed the body, and the inquest was adjourned for further inquiries for a week. Accused's two children, a boy and girl respectively about six and three years, have been taken to the workhouse.

SUCCESSFUL YEAR S TRADING. The twelfth general meeting of share- holders of Messrs. Ben. Evans and Co. (Limited) was held at the Company's Offices, Swansea, on Friday, Sir Joseph Renals, Bart., chairman of directors, presiding. The other directors were also present, viz., Messrs James Jackson, James Parker, and John White (managing director). Mr. Percy Mason (auditor) and Mr. G. W. Mayhew (sec- retary) were also present. The Chairman, in moving the adoptio,n, of the report and statement of accounts, which showed a profit of £14,685, of which J38,723 was available for dividend ior the year ended February, 1907, at the rate of 7 per cent. on the ordinary shares and 10 per cent. on the founders' shares, said the report was very satisfactory. It might oe asked why Ben. Evans did not go ahead like some great Lon- don concerns. Well, they could not expect to trade on the scale of shops the doors of which were passed by five millions of people. For a town of 100,000 inhabitants they did well. They had to take things as they were, and they had reason to be satisfied at the confidence shown in them by their customers. The shareholders in Messrs. Ben. Evans were contented and satisfied. They had always received 7 per cent., and there was every in- dication that this would be continued. Their expenses had certainly increased. The em- ployees deserved favourable consideration from a great firm like Ben. Evans and Co. Swansea, he thought, deserved a far better railway approach than at present existed by the Great Western Railway. Perhaps it was from philanthropic reasons that they stopped passengers at that beautiful suburban re- treat of Landore. (Laughter.) He thought Swansea had a great future before it, and they would not have to wait much longer for a vast increase of population. The new docks of themselves would attract important industries. Their returns this year had in- creased, and they were able not only to pay the 7 per cent., but also to pay a small divi- dend on the founders' shares. The chair- man then referred to the great services of Mr John White, J.P., the managing director, who was really Ben. Evans and Co. (Ap- plause.) He greatly regretted the resigna- tion of Mr. Aynesley as secretary, and was glad to see him present. In conclusion, he expressed the hope that he would long be able to congratulate them on the strength, and the persistent strength, of Messrs. Ben Evans. Mr. Jackson seconded. He said Ben Evans's showrooms lost little or nothing by comparison with those of the biggest London houses. He felt sure that as long as Mr. John White was connected with the business everything must go well. Mr. Martell referred to the large amount of the outstanding debt due to the firm- £ 23,000—and said he hoped Mr White would go carefully through the list of debtors and reduce the amounts. Mr. White said the utmost carei was taken, and the bad and doubtful debts were ex- tremely small. Liberal allowance had been made for them in the statement. Sir Joseph Renals was re-elected chairman and Messrs. Percy Mason and Co., auditors, and hearty votes of thanks were passed to the managing director and staff.

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