The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General Advertiser for the Counties of Brecon Carmarthen Radnor Monmouth Glamorgan Cardigan Montgomery Hereford

FARM LEASES AND TENANT RIGHT. THE above was the subject discussed at the first meeting for the season of the, Brecon- shire Chamber of Agriculture; and the importance of the subject is such thait it well deserved not merely the notice given to it, but the position of honour assigned it as an opening to the proceedings of the Chamber for the season. The public as a rule know very little of, and perhaps care still less for, the difficulties under which the farmer labours in his occupation of tilling the ground, and his endeavours to make it yield to the utmost of its power. There is a feeling preva- lent that the farmer is always a grumbler, and that let the sun shine or the rain descend, he is sure to have a grievance. We need not stop to enquire how far this opinion of the farmer is true; but it is probable that as much attention as ought to be given to the complaints of farmers is not accorded them, because it is con- sidered they have a prescriptive right to grumble. The subj ect-or rather the subjects- at the head of these remarks may be looked at in different ways. They may be treated of merely as regards their bearing upon the farmer or his landlord, and also as effecting the com- munity at large; for it is certain that it is a matter as important to the general public as it is to the farmer himself, that there should be equitable leases and an equitable tenant right existing. Two different systems have been at work in England and in Scotland. In the former the tenancy of a farmer can in a great many cases be terminated by a six months' notice on either side. The evils attendant upon such a state of things can very well be under- stood by those who are in the remotest degree connected with farming pursuits, and if the consequences incidental to such a precarious tenure have been at all obviated or mitigated, it has solely been on acconnt of the honourable conduct of the landed proprietors. In Scotland, on the other hand, the system of leases has prevailed for at least a century, and the results are apparent in the great improvement which has taken place in agriculture in that country during that period. It is well known and admitted that a farmer must be a man of capital, and Mr. Downes in his remarks, in the course of the discussion on this subject, did not over- state the case when he said that a farmer ought to have a capital of £10 an acre, properly and successfully to work his farm. In cultivating a farm it is necessary that large sums of money should be laid out in draining and manuring, and works of a similar character; and it cer- tainly; does seem an anomalous state of things that tenants who have invested a large amount of capital in the land should have no other security than the good faith and good feeling of their landlords,—for such is the case when a farm is held from year to year. It may be that there are comparatively few who are sufferers by this system; but small as their number may be, they have a right to be pro- tected. This can be done-if not completely, at least to a very large extent by the system of long leases, and by adoptiag what is called tenant right. Neither of these will be sufficient without the other. It is true that during a long lease the tenant has in a great measure the uncontrolled possession of the land, and he is enabled to reap the benefit of the improve- ments he makes, and the money he expends. This is not entirely so, however; and then it is that tenant right steps in to complete the work of recouping the tenant for his outlay of capital. Tenant right denotes the various claims maintained against the landlords, such as the right of occupancy without the payment of increased rent, on the ground of improve- ments made by the tenant, as well as allowance for such improvements when the tenant has not reaped the full benefit of them. It is mani- festly unjust that a tenant who has increased the value of his farm 20, 30, or 50 per cent., by laying out several hundreds of pounds upon it, should be charged an increased rental with- out he has been in possession long enough fully to reimburse himself for his outlay. it is as manifestly unjust if no allowance is made to an outgoing tenant for such improvements, as well as the necessary outlay for manures, of which he has not reaped the benefit. A farmer's interest in all his improvements ends with his tenancy, and it is very unlikely there- fore—at all events towards the end of his term-that he will spend any money on the land which will be of benefit to it alone. On the contrary—as it was well put in the course of the discussion-during the last two or three years of his holding he will, in order merely to protect himself, take all he possibly can out of the land, thus leaving it in a thoroughly worked-out condition. As was pointed out very forcibly by Mr. David Thomas, there are three parties injured by this proceeding. The land- lord cannot get as much rent for tne farm as he might if the land were in good heart; the tenant has for two or three years to spend large sums of money upon the land without its yielding him such a good return as it ought to; and lastly, the public suffer, inasmuch as for several years the land does not produce nearly so large crops as it would if it were not worked out by every tenant at the expiration of his tenancy. If an equitable tenant right existed, the produce of the country would be greatly increased, and the necessity would not exist for such large importations of foreign corn. The question— What is the proper length of a lease P then requires to be answered, and also as to what will be an equitable method of compensating a tenant. In Scotland the system of 19 years' leases has prevailed; at the Chamber of Agri- culture meeting 21 years was considered the best. It is, however, most important that leases should be clearly and concisely drawn, so that the terms may be well understood by both parties, thus avoiding all disputes at its expira- tion. Such phrases, for instance, as "farmed according to the rules of good husbandry," are very ambiguous, and often lead to disagreements. The clauses in regard to cropping also must vary with the locality. The method of compen- sation is another question only to be decided by practical farmers and in seeking after a remedy regard must be had to the question indicated by Mr. H. P. Price, as to how many crops a farmer must have from his land, after manuring it, before he has been recompensed for what he put into it. It is matter for some little regret that the discussion we have been referring to should have terminated without any resolution having been come to. We would suggest whether it would not be advisable to appoint a committee to make enquiries upon the points raised, and endeavour to draw up a model lease suited to this particular locality. This would certainly be giving a practical turn to the debate, and it would then m all probability have a more lasting result.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. A DEJ.IOAOY.- We have, during the past week, been favoured with a bunch of strawberries and white violets gathered from the garden of the Rev. Rees Price, vicar of Llanfaes. SEASONABLE LIBERALITY.- We understand that Colonel Pearce, K.H. Ffrwdgrech, has with his usual liberality at this time of year, given a large quantity of flannel, besides tea and sugar, and bread and cheese, to be distributed amongst the deserving poor of Merthyr Cynog. THS HIGH SHERIFF FOB BRECONSHIRE.-The following gentlemen have been nominated for the office of sheriff for this county:-Mr. Hugh Powell Price, of Castle Madoc: Mr. Thomas John Evans, of Tymawr-yn-y Glyn; and Mr. Oliver Morgan Bligh, of Cilmeray-park.. STREET ACCII)ENT.-On Monday afternoon a horse and trap, belonging to Mr. Waithman, of Glan- honddu, was standing in High-street, near Mr. Bright's shop, a jockey named "Jim Crawley" being in charge thereof. The animal being frightened at a noise made by some boys, bolted off suddenly, but had hardly started when the man in charge sprang at the bridle, and caught hold of it. The horse, however, continued its course, and got near the Old Bank, kicking so violently that the body of the trap was broken from the shafts, and the horse, with the shafts attached to him, made its way towards the shop of Mr, Benjamin, near which it got its feet entangled in the harness and fell, and it was then secured. The affair excited no little commotion in the street, and it was a fortunate circumstance there was no one in the trap at the time of the occurrence. THE PENNY READINGs.-On Monday evening a meeting of the Penny Readings Committee was held at the Town-hall. There were present Mr. J. Davies, in the chair, the Rev. D. Price, Rev. H. Griffiths, and Mr. F. Watkins. A deputation from the Young Mens' Mutual Improvement Society attended to consult the committee as to the best means of resuming the penny readings, and it was agreed that the Penny Readings Committee should co-operate with the Young Mens' Society, and render them all the assistance in their power. It was also arranged that the society have the use of the piano for the season, and that they receive the whole of the proceeds of the readings, and be liable for all expenses, the committee however, reserving power to itself to put an end to the readings during the season, if circumstances occurred to render it desirable to do so. GAS EXPLOSION.—On Saturday last an explosion of gas took place at the Angel Inn, Struet, which, however, did not cause any great damage. It appeared that there had been an escape of gas, and someone from the gas works had examined the pipe near the meter, which is in the cellar, for the purpose of ascertaining where the defect was. It is supposed that the candle used must have set fire to the gas escaping from the hole, but it was so small as not to be perceived, and the man having left the cellar for a short time, an explosion took place, being caused by the flame having enlarged the hole, and burnt through the piping. On going to the spot it was found that the rafters of the cellar ceiling were in flames. The gas was at once turned off, and a few buckets of water soon put the flames out. The alarm had, however, been given, and the fire engine got out, but its services were fortunately not required. DB. COKE MKMOBIAL SCHOOLS. — On Wednes- day, Nov. 10th, the second annual examination of these schools was conducted by J. Bowstead, Esq., H. M. Inspector, and his assistant. 192 children were present, of whom 163 had been present upwards of 200 times during the year, and were eligible for examination. In the lower school under the care of Miss Whyatt, 79 infants had fulfilled the conditions of attendance, and 23 were presented in standard 1, and all passed most satisfactorily. In the upper school, under the care of Mr. Jenkinson, 73 children were presented, and 66 passed on an average in every subject. An exercise in geography and parsing elicited the warm approval of H. M's. Inspector. The sewing department conducted by Miss Jenkin- son, showed considerable progress and improvement. Two pupil teachers, C. J. Price and L. Walsh, were recommended for apprenticeship in these schools. The whole examinations were most thorough and searching, and prove the persevering energy of the teachers, and the good order and progress of the children; the results being highly satisfactory to the committee. POLITICAL EVICTIONS IN WALES.—MOVEMENT TO RAISE £ 20,000.—Under the auspices of Mr. S. Morley, M.P., Mr. H. Richard, M.P., and other prominent Liberals, a movement has been commenced in Wales, having for its object the raising of a sum of zC20,000, with a view to aid those tenants who have been ejected from their farms by Welsh Conservative landlords. A conference of Liberals was held at Aberyst- with on Tuesday, at eleven o'clock. There was a large attendance of delegates. Mr. El M. Richards, M.P., presided. Letters were read from several Liberal friends, expressing deep sympathy with the oppiessed tenants, some approving, and others disapproving of the meeting, Amongst the latter, was Sir T. D. Lloyd, M.P., who expressed a fear lest the course pro- posed should foster an agitation prejudicial to the Liberal cause, by mixing it up with class and local interests. He recommended that application should be made to Parliament to appoint a commission of inquiry into the subject. Mr. W. O. Stanley, M.P., and Sir John Hanmer, wrote much to the same effect. The following letter of apology was sent by Lord Hyde, the member for this borough "Brecon, Nov. 13th, 1869. "SIR —I much regret to say that an appointment in London, on the 16th inst., will prevent me from attending the meeting at Aberystwith on that day.—I remain, yours very truly, HTDE. "E. M. Richards, Esq., M.P." Mr. Evan Richards, M.P., presided, Mr. Samuel Morley, M.p., an(j Mr. Hy. Richard, M.P., being also present. Resolutions were passed to the following effect: —That it is a matter for sincere congratulation, and a strong proof of the development of political principles in the principality, that so many tenants voted accord- ingto their convictious, notwithstanding the pressure which they were subjected to by landlords and others. The conference deeply sympathised with the sufferers, and deemed it the duty of all who honoured political honesty to compensate, as far as possible, the losses sustained. With this view, it was proposed to raise a fund-ist, by donations and sub- scriptions 2nd, by collections in all the Welsh chapels in Wales and England; 3rd, by a guarantee fund, not more than 5 per cent. of which shall be called up until L2,000 has been raised by congregational collections. The fund is to be vested in five trustees three to form a quorum, sign cheques, invest and draw money, and make payments. in case of death or resignation, the survivors shall elect a successor. All evictions shall be considered by a committee, whose decisions phall be final. All fair claims to be referred to assessors who shall be appointed for each county. A secretary and treasurer were appointed, as also a committee for the purpose of arranging for collections in the various chapels. At the public meeting in the evening Mr. John Roberts, chairman of the Liverpool Reform Asso- ciation, presided, in the absence of Mr. Osborne Morgan, M.P. SECOND BATTALION 23RD ROYAL WELSH FUSILIEKS. —Colour-Sergt. D. Bennett, on the eve of being discharged on pension, was presented by the men of D company with a beautiful gold ring, as a token of their esteem and appreciation of his upright dealing with the company during the five years that he paid it. Sergt. C. Morris, in making the presentation, said that the real value of the ring did not represent the respect the men of D company entertained to- wards Colour-Sergt. Bennett, who returned thanks for their handsome present, and assured them that as it symbolised their kind and sincere wishes he would cherish it to the day of his death.—Aldershot Gazette. A CRY FOB A WELSH BISHOP.—A meeting, nu- merously and influentially attended, has (says the Western Mail) been held at Carnarvon, with the object of memorialising Mr. Gladstone to appoint a Welsh bishop to St. Asaph, in place of Dr. Short, who intends to retire. One of the resolutions was moved by the Rev. Robt. Ellis, Baptist minister. The speaker ascribed the prevalence of Dissent in Wales principally to the appointment of English- speaking bishops, who wanted sympathy with Wales, and bestowed livings on English relatives. The second resolution, to the effect that the meeting should memorialise Mr. Gladstone in favour of the appointment of a Welsh bishop for St. Asaph and other Welsh sees on vacancies occurring, was unanimously carried. THE NOVEMBER FAtR.-This annual fair was held on Wednesday and Thursday last, and in many respects was a good one. On Wednesday the supply of cattle was not so large as is usual at this season of the year, and this probably arose from the Trecastle and Talgarth fairs happening just before The quality of, the animals exhibited was also rather inferior. ° The buyers were numerous, con- sisting not merely of dealers, but many farmers also, keep being tolerably plentiful. The conse- quence was that very high prices were realised. Cows with calves were greatly in demand, and the few in the fair were quickly bought up at good prices, L12 to £ 17 being obtained for them steers, of which the supply was also small, fetched from X8 to X12, and barrens from Y,12 to 116. Fat beef sold at 7 |d. per lb. The sheep market was very small for the time of year. Wethers were few in number, and sold at rather high prices. There was also a small lot of ewes and a few Cardies, but the trade in these was rather slack; fat mutton fetching 7icl. per lb. The horse fair was small in number, and the generality of the animals not up to the mark. Good specimens of cart horses and cobs were in request, and, as so few were to be had, extraordinary high prices were asked and given. lhe butter and cheese market was as usual largely sup- plied and buyers were numerous. On the day before the fair many tubs of butter were sold at Is. Id. per lb., and on fair day Is. lld. and even Is. 2d. was given. Cheese also fetched from 4-ffld. to 6d. per lb. according to quality. The pig market on Thursday was one of the largest which has been held for some years past. There was a large supply of fat pigs and business was brisk, the prices realised being at out 10s to lis. per score. Of porkers there was a very fair number, which sold readily at lis. 6d. per score. There was a small lot of store pigs, and a moderate amount of business was transacted in them at slightly advanced rates. The usual hiring of farm servants also took place on both days, the wages offered and taken being as usual. The pleasure portion of the fair was very largely attended. The early morning trains of Wednesdayjbrought in several thousands of pleasure seekers, and the later trains considerably added to the number. Throughout the day the streets and markets were so thronged that it was difficult to pass, and the various public houses were also well filled. the "establishments'" were of the usual character, and the different methods of amusements offered were readily and largely embraced. On Thursday the number of visitors was by no means so large as on the previous day. The circus which came in on Wednesday, and remained over Thursday, was visited by a large number of persons, the performers being well spoken of. Fortunately for both business men and pleasurists both days were fine, and though somewhat cold, two more suitable ones could scarcely be expected at this time of the year.

THE SUPPOSED INCENDIARISM AT PYTINGLAS. EXAMINATION BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES. A great deal of interest has been manifested in this neighbourhood in the endeavour to discover the miscreant who set fire to the rick and farm buildings on the farm occupied by Mrs. Davies. We last week briefly stated that the suspected man was brought before Mr. James Williams and Mr. Lewis Hughes at the Shire-hall, and committed for trial on the charge, and we now give the evidence in extenso upon which he was committed. John Morgan, farm labourer, was charged with unlawfully and maliciously setting fire to a stack of corn, the property of Mrs. Jennet Davies, on the 1st instant, in the parish of Llandefaelog and also with setting fire to a barn and other outbuildings, also belonging to Mrs. Davies, on the 2nd instant. Mr. Bishop appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Games for the defence. The case having been opened, the following evidence was given Rachel Jones deposed I am a servant with Mr. David Davies, of Pytinglas; my mistress' name is Jennet Davies; I went there at May fair; Mr. Davies and Mrs. Davies, Elizabeth Johnson, the prisoner, Alfred Gwillim, John Jones, a boy, and a little girl named Emily Davies, live in the house; the little girl is Mrs. Davies' grandchild; I remember the 1st of this month we were all at home, but about seven o'clock Mrs. Davies went to Pytingwyn; after she left I was sitting in the kitchen with Emily Davies, and Elizabeth Johnson had taken some shoes upstairs the servants were all out, excepting John Jones, who was just coming in the house when a stone came against the window, and broke it; Elizabeth Johnson called out for Alfred Gwillim, and he came and asked what was the matter I said someone had broken the window, and he came in, and Elizabeth Johnson bolted the door we all four then sat down in the kitchen the prisoner was out at that time; he came to the door, and Elizabeth Johnson opened it; he asked why we had bolted the door, and Elizabeth said it was because someone had broken the window, and he said Oh well;" I asked him if he had seen anyone, and he said he had not he came into the house, and then went out to see if he could see anyone he took out a candle with him, in a lantern the candle was lighted; Alfred Gwillim went with him; I had orders to fetch my mistress from Pytingwyn, but I was afraid to go; I told the prisoner so, and Alfred said he would go with the prisoner for her, but he would not go alone the prisoner then said he would go himself, and he went out by the back door, taking the candle and lantern with him; Elizabeth then bolted the door, and we all sat down by the fire; in a short time I was going to the parlour, and I saw a light in the back I asked the boy if it was moonlight, and he said "no;" he then went to the kitchen window, and said there was a light, and that something was on fire we all, five then went up to the garret- Elizabeth Johnson, Emily Davies, John Jones, Alfred Gwillim, and myself—and saw that the rick was on fire; we called out, and in a short time people came, and we all went downstairs, and I think went out together; no one had been out but John Morgan till then; I saw the prisoner that night; I recollect Tuesday, the 2nd instant master went from home on that day, and we were all at home except him Elizabeth and I were milking the cows, and John Jones came to the beasthouse to me; Alfred was not at home then he went somewhere at the time when I went out to milk; when we were in the beasthouse Elizabeth heard a noise in the stable; in conse- quence of something said between us, Elizabeth called out "John," and the prisoner answered; Elizabeth called three times, and he answered immediately from the lower barn; I did not see him, but I knew his voice John Jones was there at the time with us John Morgan came to us, and after we had finished milking we left John Morgan and John Jones together I and Elizabeth Johnson went to the house with the milk, telling John Jones to take the cows out; I did not see them taken; Eliza- beth was with tne when I was straining the milk and she took the pails out to wash them; I went out to her, and Mrs. Price, of Pytingwyn, came on and we were together in the shed; I then went to the house with Mrs. Price, leaving Elizabeth in the shed; I went to the back kitchen for basins for supper, and was about a minute doing so; in conse- quence of what Mrs. Davies told me I went out to call Elisabeth, and saw fire in the lower barn; the barn door opening into the yard was open; I came back and told Mrs. Daviei the barn was on fire, and she went out; I did not see Eliza- eth when I went out, n'br did I go to the shed to look for her I could not see the door of the shed from the house door Mrs. Davies and I went to the barn, and she went into the lower barn the two sides of the lower barn were burning—the two inner ones; there was straw against the door facing the field, piled high we then went out, and I went to take the beds out of the house the prisoner came to Pytinglas in the hay harvest I never saw him smoking we lost a box of matches off the mantel- piece on Monday I saw them last on that morning the prisoner slept in the house usually, but he did not sleep there on Sunday night I did not see the prisoner after milking the cows, until some time after the fire had begun it might be a quarter of an hour between the time that John Morgan went out of the house to fetch Mrs. Davies, and the, time when I saw the rick on fire. Cross-examined The stone that broke the window came into the house; I have not got the stone; I said one of the servants must go and fetch my mis- tress because I was frightened the prisoner did not ask anyone to go with him he went out through the back the rick was on fire about a quarter of an hour after he went; no one else went out to see who broke the window it was about half-past seven o'clock at this time I did not see any strangers about the house during the day we had been in the house five or ten minutes before the window was broken it was rather dark; I heard Elizabeth go up stairs with some shoes, but did not see her; I am not very friendly with the prisoner when we called to the prisoner when he was in the barn he-came to us directly; Elizabeth had been cleaning the pails on the second day only a short time; Mrfl. Price stayed there all night; as soon as she sat down mis- tress asked me to call Elizabeth to come for tea; I saw her in about half-an-hour after I had left her cleaning the pails there was a large fire when I saw it; prisoner could not see the barn from where Elizabeth was cleaning the pails; I do not know that the prisoner's new pair of boots was burnt with the fire I never saw him with new boots. Elizabeth Johnson, who stated that she went to Pytinglas as a servant in May last, partly corrobo- rated the evidence of last witness. She further said that when her mistress went out the prisoner had gone to the field with the horses, and Gwillim and Jones were with the bull; all John Jones came into the house, just as he was shutting the door, and as she was going upstairs, something came in through the window, and she went back to the kitchen she then saw the window broken, and glass inside; Rachel asked her what was there, and she said she did not know she aked John if he saw someone out and he said no" she asked him to call Alfred, and he said No indeed I won't; she then called him from where she was standing, and he replied, and came in no one could have gone out of the house without her seeing them after Alfred came in they bolted the door, and sat down in the kitchen after about five minutes witness went to the back kitchen to put the supper things by, and she heard someone running in the garden at the back of the house she did not know who it was, but she went to the kitchen and told the others what she bad heard they all sat down a bit, and John Morgan came to the door she opened it, and he asked her what she wanted to bolt the door for that time of night she replied it was time to bolt the door when there was someone about the house breaking the windows "break what window" he asked, and she replied the kitchen window"; he asked to see, and she lifted the blind and showed it to him either Alfred or he then said Let us go out to the stable"; she did not tell prisoner there was someone in the garden they wanted to see who was about, and John Morgan asked for a candle, which she lighted and gave him it was a large piece, and she put it in the lantern they went out and in about five minutes came back, and said they could not see anyone she saw them looking at the window, and went out to them, and after that they all came iu John Morgan said he had been with the horses; the horses ought to go to a field, nearly to Llandefaelog witness said she was afraid to go to meet her mis- tress, and Alfred said We will go meaning as she thought, the prisoner and himself; prisoner said "Which of us will gof" and Alfred said, "I will not go by myself, but I don't mind going with you;" prisoner replied, There are not two wanting—I can go by myself;" Alfred said, I will come with you," but prisoner again said, "No, I can go by myself;" he then went to take the lantern that he had before, and found no candle in it; he went to near the front door, on the inside, where witness bad seen him put the candle out and place the lantern he then brought the lantern, and asked witness for a piece of candle she asked where was the candle he had before, and he said it was burnt in the stable Rachel then said we should have a noise about the candles, and the prisoner said, "Bother, bother, there is enough without talking about the candlethere was a piece then burning on the table, and she gave it him, and he put it in the lantern he then went out the back door, which was the nearest way to Pytingwyn. The witness then corroborated the evidence of the last witness as to the discovery of the fire, and said she had not seen the prisoner again until the fire was over Mr. Davies went from home on Tuesday recollected going to the cow-house to milk she was in the barn by herself, and Rachel was in the other cow-house; after a time she went to the one where Rachel was, and John Jones was also there when she was in the beast-house next to the barn she saw John Morgan going in at the end of the lower barn, and she did not see. him again until she had nearly finished milking; some conversation took place between them in reference to a noise, and they called to the prisoner, and he came and asked them what they wanted; after they had finished milking they took the milk to the house and strained it, and after that witness went to the shed to wash the pails while doing so she saw John Morgan and John Jones taking the cows to the field; thought Mrs. Price was present when the cows were passing the field where the cows were was very near-the next field to the farm yard saw John Jones come back from taking the cows, and go into the stable and send the horses out, and they went up towards the pond; that night they were to go another way, and the boy went after them, and turned them into the stable; the boy went in to try to turn them out, but failed, and he called to John Morgan to come and help him as he did no come the boy went down to the gate, and he came back saw the horses go through the front gate of the fold, when still in the shed Rachel came to the door and called her to tea, but she did not Lyo she heard Mrs. Davies screaming, and saw Rachel pulling her out of the barn her mistress had two bags in her hand Rachel then went to Pytingwyn, to say the barn was on fire, and witness and her mis- tress got water, and went to the barn, but the fire was too far gone to throw it on her mistress went in again, aid she brought her out; her mistress seemed quite frightened, and she took her into the house, and ran out to call John Morgan and Jones had seen them, when her mistress first called out, in the fold, going down to the lower fold gate; they did not come back went into the bouse, but did not see her mistress, and found she was in the field at the back of the house thought Mrs. Price was upstairs it was about ten minutes or quarter of an hour after Rachel left her that the fire broke out; she had not been out of the shed until Rachel called her; if she had left the shed and gone to the barn she should have bad to pass the kitchen window, or climb up over a bit of wall; no one could have passed the lower fold gate without her seeing, but they could have got at the back of the calf's cot, or cow- house or stable, without her seeing them never saw the prisoner smoking missed a box of matches after the second fire, and had not seen them since the prisoner used to keep his clothes in the "tollett" over the stable, and sometimes over the stable the prisoner was out on the Sunday night previous to the fire; they shut the house up between nine and ten o'clock, aad he was not in then the door between the passage and back kitchen was locked, and anyone coming into the back kitchen could not come into the passage; next morning they saw dirt on the window of the back kitchen on the Monday was near the pond about dinner time, and asked the prisoner how he came in last night; he said he was not in, and she replied that he was; he asked Where and she replied, In the back kitchen he laughed it off then. Cross-examined There were two men in the garden on* Saturday night; don't know who they were; spoke to them Rachel was in bed then, and I was with her; I went to the window they called me Lizzie, but I did not know their voices • I go1 UP and went to the window because I thought it was one of the boys belonging to the house the family were all in bed except Alfred and little Jobn I asked Rachel who was there, but she did not know; John Jones heard them, and went to the window when the window was broken on Monday little John said, "I dare say it was one of those boys that were here on Saturday night;" between the time whfn the prisoner came back, after going to look who wa< there, and the time the fire was seen a quarter of an hour had elapsed I am quite certain it was Rachel's voice that called me in when I was washing the pails; I lived with Mrs. Jones, at the Hall, for about six months I found one of my boots burning in the fire at Pytinglas did not charge anyone in particular with it: I did not put it there myself; I never found the fellow to it I Was convicted about a hat, and was sent to Cardiff for two months. John Jones, servant, said: I went to Pytinglas last May recollect last Monday night Alfred and I were feeding the bull; the prisoner was taking the horses to the field, which was near Llandefaelog after finishing with the bull I went towards the house, but did not see anyone on my way when I went in I saw the girls sitting down by the fire Elizabeth was going with the shoes upstairs; when I was going in I heard the stone, and Rachel asked me if I saw something out there, and I said I had not seen anything. Witness then corroborated the previous witnesses as to John Morgan coming in when the door was bolted, and said before prisoner and Alfred Gwillim went out with the lantern, they. said they were going to ;see if someone was on the tollett. After corroborating the other witnesses also as to the discovering the rick was on fire, he said that from the time John Morgan went out of the back door until the fire no one le ft the house saw the prisoner at the rick with the Pytingwyn boys; prisoner went to Brecon for the engine, but did not see him again that night on the following evening, after putting the cows in, the girls came to milk; was in the cowhouse nearest to the shed, with Rachel, and Elizabeth was in the one next to the barn; did not know where John Morgan was; Elizabeth came in to empty the milk, and be asked who was in the stable Elizabeth said the horses were there, and Rachel said that John was there somewhere Lizzie said that John was in the barn • Lizzie then called him, and he answered, and came out of the barn to the cowhouse he came from the door next to the cow house know the door at the back of that one there was straw at the top of it, and it was fastened inside with a link did not see it open after the straw was put there the girls went to the house with the milk, and witness let the cows out; John was standing by the door witness took the cows through the gate to the orchard, and Morgan was in front, and opened the gate passed the shed where they washed the pails, and then got into the lower fold did not see anyone in the shed then when by the fold gate by the stable, as he was going down, he saw Mrs. Price, and she said the orchard gate was shut; after taking the cows to the orchard he came back to let out the horses, leaving the prisoner down with the cows by the orchard gate; the horses would have to pass the orchard in going to the field; after turning the horses out they did not go the way he wanted them to, and they ran into the stable he therefore went and called to Morgan three times to come and help him get the horses out; he then went lower down, and called out again, and prisoner then answered him; prisoner was not far from the window of the stable, and was as if he were coming from the lower shed; his face was towards the stable prisoner might have come that way because of the dirt; prisoner asked him where he had been so long, and said the horses were going up the road all the while; prisoner then went into the stable, andjturned them out, and they took them down the road; witness was before the horses when they were down by Velindre John looked back, and said the ricks were on fire that night again looked round and saw the light, and said to Morgan Let us go back Morgan said, "Let us take the horses on to the field," but witness again said Let us go back," and they did so they were then about five or six yards from the field; John Morgan said, Let us go over to the field;" it was a very nasty place to get over, and he followed me towards Pytinglas they were going by the side of the road, and there was a thick hedge when in the field they were above the road, but the hedge was above their heads witness was in front, and the prisoner not far behind; prisoner said, "Look at those two men;" witness looked towards the road, but did not see nor hear anyone; he did not holloa to anyone they went towards the house, and saw Mrs. Price, of Pytingwyn never saw Morgan smoking he had some boots in the tollett, and be brought them down the night before did not sleep in the same room as prisoner did. Cross-examined When he asked me to look at the man I did not stand to look in the road; I said "What sight was on them"; and kept running on, I knew Morgan was sent to Brecon for the engine it was quite dark when the window was broken; I think there were two panes broken did not see any- one in the yard when I went in; Llandefaelog is about a quarter-of-a-mile from Pytinglas; prisoner came in about 15 minutes after Alfred came in, and he directly proposed to go and look for the man who had broken the window; I was disturbed on Saturday night, andl got up and went to the window; there was someone throwing dirt at the window, and calling to the girls I think there were two there, and one had a long rod did not hear the girls speaking to them, and am certain that I do not know them saw Morgan in the rick yard, when he came back, doing all he could to put the fire out it was about five o'clock on the Tuesday when I was in the beast-house with the girls after being called the prisoner came to us, and we chatted together for three or four minutes John and I stopped there about four minutes after the girls went out, and it took us about five or 10 minutes to take the cows to the field John scolded me for being so long bringing the horses down to him we did not put the horses in the field, but ran back as fast as we could and prisoner helped to keep the ricks from burning because of the sparks from the barn; as far as I could see he was doing everything he could do to stop them from catching fire while in the yard I did not see Elizabeth in the shed at all, and did not know she was there there was a smell of fire there all that day there were several at the ricks besides him I have been offered a sovereign by Mrs. Price, Vennyfach, to tell all I knew about John Morgan. Daniel Rowlands deposed I am a coal seller, and work at Caradoc, and live at Sarnau; on Sunday, the 31st October, I was at Pwllygloyau inn, which is more than a mile from Pytinglas, about six o'clock in the evening soon afterwards the prisoner came in, and we sat near one another it was getting rather late, aad I asked him if he was coming home, and he said no, I am going to have another pint;" I said I would have one also we were then asked if we would have some supper prisoner then said he had had no lunch at Pytinglas that evening, and I asked what was the reason, he replied that there were lots of visitors there, and he did not like to go for it because he had not cleaned himself; I then said, There is plenty of bread and cheese in Pytinglas whenever you like" he then asked if he should have an old Jack-o-lantern; there was a candle in it, and he had it to come out; we were then going out, and I asked him if he was coming home, and be said no"; I then said, Come on, boy," and he said I won't come home now but when I will come home I will warm their place before this day week;" I then went home, and got there about 10 o'clock. Cross-examined I had been there about four hours or so; I live about three quarters of a mile from there no one treated me there the prisoner was quite sober; he did not say he would frighten anyone, nor did he make use of the word frighten to me the first time I spoke of this was at Baily- brith I was at the fire on the second night, but did not say a word to anyone about what the prisoner told me I heard on Wednesday that Morgan was apprehended I did not see the prisoner there I was at Bailybrith on Monday last, and saw Mr. Price, the Bank, and his aunt there I did not go thereto say a word about the expression the prisoner made use of, but about some lime; Mrs. Price, Baily- brith and Mrs. Davies, Pytinglas, are two sisters Mr. Price, Bailybrith came in there I believe Mr. Price, Bailybrith, asked Mr. John Price, the Bank, if they bad found out who had put the place on fire I said, "There is not the least doubt that Jack (meaning the prisoner) put the place on fire, from the words he told me on Sunday night." Alfred Gwillim gave evidence corroborative gene- rally of the other witnosses. In reference to the candle had by the prisoner, witness said that after Morgan had been told someone had been throwing stones at the window he (Morgan) got a candle and lantern, and he and witness went out the candle was about four inches long they went to the stable, and Morgan went to the top of the u tollett" for his aboes; he took them to the house then went to the beast-house they then returned, and the doar was bol'td soon afterwards Morgan had not enough time to take the horses to the field and return before the window was broken when witness told Morgan he would go with him to Pytingwyn to meet his mis- tress, he said, no, I do not want you the candle that they came in with was not burnt out, but Morgan had a fresh piece to go out with then; heard Lizzie asking Morgan what he wanted with another piece, and he told her not to talk about that, as it was burnt;" Morgan then lighted another piece, and went out at the back door witness did not go that way when he wanted to go from home; the rick yard was about 40 yards from the back door Mor- gan would not pass by the rick yard in going to Pytingwyn; when they were in the garret witness did not see Morgan by the fire; saw him that night go on the back of the mare for the engine, but did not know when he came back aftewards saw him between twelve and one o'clock they slept together usually, but they did not sleep at a!hth6\1'1igbt¡ nor did they sleep together the night before the fire John Morgan was out, and on the Monday witness asked him where he had been on Sunday, and he said he had been in Pwllygloyau twitted him about his having been in the back kitchen, and prisoner laughed never saw prisoner smoke at Pytinglas on Tuesday night they left off working at about six o'clock; witness went into the house, and Morgan into the stable with the mare witness came back, and then saw Morgan at the fire; Mor- gan told him on Tuesday night that he had seen a man running down the road, and if he only knew it was the man that set the building on fire he could have tripped him on the road; Morgan told him first of all it was two men he saw; it was the road below the house be meant; the building had nearly finished burning when he and Morgan were speaking. Cross-examined: We were out for about ten minutes on Monday night looking if we could see 1 anyone; Morgan brought the lantern, and put out the candle, and hung it on a nail in the kitchen he did not go out of my sight when he was out with me I brought an empty lantern from the stable with me into the house there could not have been much of the candle left when we came in; if I had to go to Pytingwyn I should like a bit more candle than there was there when Morgan went through the back to Pytingwyn Eliza Johnson went with him to the door to let him out; she might have been two or three minutes before she came back about ten minutes after Morgan went out Rachel came from the kitchen, and said she heard someone in the gar- den a person going to Pytingwyn had no need to go into the garden the prisoner showed me a lantern in the manger on Monday, and said he had it from Pwllygloyau be put it in the hay loft there was a candle in it when I saw it, but it was not lighted. Re-examined Eliza Johnson had not time, after going to the door with Morgan, to go to the rick yard and back. Jennet Davies deposed I am the tenant of Pytia- glas on Monday evening, about seven o'clock, I went to Pytingwyn, leaving the five servants behind j I told Rachel to come and fetch me home; it was dark when I went; I did not go home that night • on Tuesday I was at home we generally milk about five o'clock the cows came to be milked at the usual time on Tuesday Lizzie and Rachel were there, and the men were about the house the girls came into the house and strained the .inilk Mrs. Price came to my house about six o'clock, and Rachel came in with her in a little time I told Rachel to call Lizzie in to tea, and it was about five minutes after that Rachel and Mrs. Price came in; she went out to do so, and came back directly, and said, Ob, mistress, the barn is on fire;" I did not hear Rachel calling on Lizzie; I ran to the barn, and went into the lower barn the door was open; on the left hand side there was barley, and also on the right there was straw against the door opposite I don't thiiik anyone could come in through the door opposite; theme was In the straw against the door when I saw it first; I was taken out by Rachel I met Lizzie as I was coming out of the barn I then went out with some water, and I think the two girls were with me; I never had any quarrel with any of my servants. Cross-examined The shed where they wash the pails is from ten to twelve yards from the house; Lizzie did not appear longer at the pails than neces- sary if Rachel were in the porch I should think I could hear her calling Lizzie; Lizzie had been out between five and ten minutes in the shed altogether. Sergeant Thomas deposed I heard of this fire on Monday night, about nine o'clock, and went to Pytin- glas I saw what had been burnt; I went up again on Tuesday morning, and had conversations with all the servants there; I had a conversation with the prisoner in the house; I asked him if he used tobacco, and he said "no," and that he did not smoke I asked him if he had any matches about him, and he said no I asked him if be had any objection for me to see, and he replied, "No; I am certain I have no matches;" I searehed him, and in his vest pocket I found two matches and some pieces of matches, whkh I now produce prisoner then said, I did not know I had any he also said, I was going to Pytingwyn- for Mrs. Price I took a lantern and candle with me, but when I got out I douted it, because it was not dark there was a fire again on Tuesday night, and I was there; I saw the prisoner about eleven or twelve o'clook I heard him say that he heard a man running down the road when he was coming back from taking the horses te the field; he told me to-day, during the adjournment, that if little John Jones would come on and say the truth he would say that they met a man running down the road when they were coming back from taking the horses. Cross-examined I did not ask prisoner what he used the matches for. P.C. Oram deposed I went to the fire on Monday night, and searched about the place to see if I could see anyone the broken window was shown me, and there were three panes broken I saw the mark of a stone on the woodwork; I looked about, and found the stone now produced; neither Sergeant Thomas nor I could see anyone; I went there again on Tuesday, and on Wednesday I was told to appre- hend the prisoner on suspicion of setting fire to the barn prisoner said, "I cannot think what you want to take me in custocbf without you saw me doing something;" when I was bringing him to Brecon he asked me if ever a man was sent to prison with- out having something proved against him I said I did not know on Thursday he asked me who was coming against him, and I said the servant girl he asked what had she to say, and I said she saw him coming out of the barn; he asked me if they could do anything to him for that, because he did go in to rest himself after Monday night. The magistrates having intimated that they intended to send the case for trial, and owing to the lateness of the hour Mr. Games did not address the court, but the following witnesses were called for the defence:— John Davies deposed I am a servant at Pytin- gwyn I remember the fire at Pytinglas;. I saw the prisoner in the stable at Pytingwyn; he told me he had been in the house for his mistress to come home; that was on Monday night; t did not see a lantern with him he was in the stable with me while I gave the horses a bucket of chaff; we afterwards went to the field, which is three fields one way, and four another, from Pytinglas I said, "They are burn- ing gorse again in Cefncoedmawr's land," and he replied, Yes, and they have been doing so for the last fortnight;" our little boy said, they have got a good fire, too I remarked it was nearer, and sure to be at Pytinglas No is it?" said the pri- soner I said it was sure to be »o, and tbe prisoner said, Let us go over to see we went the nearest way to Pytinglas, and John Jones came along; as we passed through the middle of the field John Morgan said to John Jones, Well, well; this will be the ruin of our people;" we could then see a great blaze, but could not see what it was we went on a bit, and I turned back to go for further assist- ance; I saw John Morgan and John Jones going towards the fire; when I came back I saw Morgan there. John Jones gave evidence of a similar character to the last witness, and said they all helped to put out « the fire. Cross-examined: Before Davies left us the pri- soner said, Boy, boy, the place is on fire, and It will be the ruin of our people;" we could see where the fire was he asked me if there was a loaded gun in the house, as there was sure to be murder in the house, because they were screaming so. After the above evidence had been given the prisoner was committed to take his trial at the Assises.