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THE APPALLING TRAGEDY IN SOUTH…
THE APPALLING TRAGEDY IN SOUTH WALE TIIE INQUEST ON THE MURDERED FAMILY. At noon on Friday last, Mr W. H. Brewer, the ceToner for t»e district, lielcl the inquest on Wil- liam Watknis, the husband of the family murdered ac Llangibbv cn the 17th. The inquiry was held at the White Hart Inn, Llangibby, whither a crowd had been attracted on receipt of the news that the inquest was to be held there. The jury having been sworn, the Coroner said :-This is a most fearful case a case, I think, we have never had anything in any country like it. I don't remem- ber ever having heard of such a dreadful affair. Of course, gentlemen, as far as we are able to judge, the man is in custody who committed this act. Of course we can't tell that as yet, but still I believe so. I saw him at Caerleon this morning, and he seems to be a very little bit of a small fellow. The man Watkins might have knocked him down if he had been prepared for it, but I have no doubt the poor man was taken unawares and killed, and his wife, I have no doubt, in trying to protect the husband, was killed also, and the murderer after- wards killed the children, and set fire to thenTand the house. So I understand. I know nothing of it I have not seen it yet, but I should fancy so. We will now go and view and then come back again. I hone we shall be able to finish the in- quiry to-day; I don't see why we shou dnot. The jury then viewed the bodies. The first witness called was Ann James, who said, in reply to Mr E. B. Edwards, the clerk to Caerleon magistrates, who had prepared her de- position :—I reside at Llangibby. I left my house on the 16th, and went over to Court Blethin. On passing Watkins' house I saw the front door open and a light down stairs, and when I returned home about 10.40 p.m., the door was closed, and the bedroom window was open, and a light up- stairs. Frank James next deposed: -I am 11 years of age. I know the nature of an oath. On the morn- ing of the 17th inst., I went to look for the deceased William Watkins, to go to work at the Cwm Farm, and when I got to the house I found Mrs v/atkins, the deceased, lying dead on her back in the garden. I was frightened, and went back. I came back again with my mother, and then I saw the deceased William Watkins lying dead in the garden, and I saw a smoke coming through a broken pane of glaass in a window in the house. The Coroner Have you anything more to state ? Witness: No, sir. Thomas Day, sworn, deposed I reside in Llan- gibby, and on the 17th instant I went to the de- ceased William Watkins' house, about 8 a.m. I saw John Morgan trying to get upstairs with a bucket of water. I ran round the house and got a ladder, and got up and knocked some slates off the house with a mattock, to let the smoke get out. I went into the bedroom, and there found the three children, dead. The eldest was under the bed and the other two on the bed. The Clerk Is that correct? Witness Yes, that is correct. Harriett Bowyer, a tidily-dressed girl of about 17, was next sworn. She said: I reside in the parish of Llanbaddock. I saw Joseph Garcea lying down by the side of the stile, about 100 yards from the deceased Win. Watkins' residence, at 11 a.m. and four p.m. on the 16th inst. Ann Gwatkins, an elderly woman, who was un- well, was sworn. She said I reside in Llangibby, and am the wife of John Gwatkins. Between seven and eight p.m. on the 16th inst., I saw Joieph Garcea? He came to my house and asked for some water. I gave him some, and he asked for a second glass. He asked me by signs and words the way to Newport. „ George Whiting deposed: I am a warder of the Usk prison. I remember Joseph Garcea leaving gaol on the 16th inst, He was confined for nine months, for housebreaking. His time expired on the 16th July. I discharged him at eight o'clock in the morning. He took his clothes with him. He had no knife. I was to pay his train fare to Newport. I was to take him to the station, put Urn in the train, pay his fare to Newport and when seated in the train to give him his ticket to Newport. But he got away without his train money. He had an old pair of blucher boots on when he left the prison, which I gave him. He had also a pair of canvass slippers tied in a pocket handkerchief. He had seven Spanish silver coins, and a handful of Spanish cop- per. He had 6d in silver and a id, in English money. Sergeant McGrath, Newport county police, said I apprehended Joseph Garcea at the South Wales railway station, on the morning of the 18th, at a quarter past twelve. He was sitting down in the Great Western railway office. He had a bag with him, containing one woman's cloth jacket, one waistcoat, a black cloth coat, one black-lead brush, the works of a clock, three pieces of calico (one about three yards, evidently the linings of a dress, or cut for that), one pair of trousers, three silk ties, a pair of black kid gloves, one woollen stocking, a black silk handkerchief, and a black lead pencil. I also found him wearing two pairs of trousers, one over the other. The outside pair were identified as belonging to atkins. I also found on him a waistcoat, a jacket, a black bowler hat, a pair of boots, and a pair of cotton stockings and a shirt. There is a mark of blood on the shirt. In a second bundle I found a blue slop, a guernsey, and a blue cap.' The blue shirt was wet, and the cap and the trousers were wet. The trousers were wet from the knee down. I also faund on him another waistcoat, a silk handkerchief, a glass, part of a loaf of bread, all of which things I now produce. He had 3s lid. in English money, and the knife now produced; He was wearing the boots pro- duced (thick hobnailed ones). Whiting re-called: These are not the boots I gave the prisoner, and he had not that knife when lie was discharged from Usk gaol. Mary Ann Watkins, a daughter of the deceased, -who was allowed to sit down, was an interesting looking young girl, dressed neatly in black. There are three other children living. She said I was home on Monday last. I have been in service six months, and my mistress gave me a fortnight's holidav. On the 15th I saw my father. He was quite well then. I left my home and went to service on the Monday. Here the witness was overcome, and burst into tears. She recognised the boots, the bag, the two pairs of trousers, a black silk handkerchief belonging to her father, the black cloth jacket belonging to her mother, her father's waistcoat, the new black kid gloves, which were in her father's box, boy's jacket. She knew the ties—a blue one, blue and white, and blue and black-belonging to her father, and a red and black scarf belonging to her brother. She identi- fied her mother's blue-cloth jacket, the calico belonging to her mother; the stockings belonged to a man her mother washed for. The other things all belonged to her mother. The blacklead pencil belonged to her father. She had not been in the house since the murder. There was a clock hanging on the wall on Monday—24-hour clock a round-faced clock. Mr Mackintosh said it was one such as are called sheep's-head clocks." The loaf of bread produced was her mother's. It had been only partly cut. The stockings were her sisters'. When she saw her mother on the Monday she had some money in her pocket; wit- ness did not know how much. Mr Donald Boulton deposed: I am a surgeon living at Usk. On Wednesday, the 18th, I made a post-mortem examination of the body of William Watkins^ deceased. Externally I found two bruises on his forehead; one, a small one, quite sufficient to make a man insensible. There was a wound on the right side of his neck, three inches long, five-and-half inches deep, through the thoyryd cartilage, and the wound went into the oesophagus; the wound extended back- wards and upwards, and divided the common carotid artery, jugular vein, and other small vessels, laying bare the bone of part of the 2nd or 3rd vertebrae, and removing the transverse process of the vertebrce. There was blood over the clothes* The cause of death was hemorrhage (bleeding), from rupture of the carotid artery, or yon. might say, the cause of death was from the wound on the neck. He would bleed to death in about two minutes. I do not think the wound could be caused by the knife (produced). In its present state it is not sharp enough. The carotid artery was cut through. An instrument the length of that knife would do it. I don't believe the man could do it himself. A man would not cut his throat with his left hand. Un- doubtedly the man was murdered, and the family likewise. This being all the evidence, The Coroner said Well, gentlemen of the jury, you are satisfied that this is enough evidence. We will give you a little time to consult amongst yourselves, and have the room cleared for you, so that you can return your verdict. So far as this evidence has gone, I can see no doubt in the matter. Somebody did it, and from what you have seen here, and from the clothes which were found upon the man in custody, the prisoner must leave you but very little doubt about it after his having in his possession the poor unfortunate man's clothes, and the woman's clothes. The only difficulty we have will be with regard to the knife. That knife (the one produced) could not have done it. We can find no other knife yet. Still, there is no doubt that all these poor people were mur- dered-killed by stabbing. The Clerk: A surgeon has been asked to examine the prisoner at Caerleon, and we will take some little evidence upon that. Mr Boulfon said I examined him this morning. There are scratches on both his cheeks and across the nose. They are recent scratches. I think they were done by going through a fence. On his left hand are twelve distinct places where he had been trying a knife to see how it would cut. There were at least a dozen such marks on the left hand. The room was then cleared for a few minutes. On the re-admission of the public, The foreman of the jury said We find a verdict of Wilful murder" against Joseph Garcea. The jurymen's fees were devoted to a fund for the funeral of the murdered family. THE FUNERAL. The funeral took place on Friday evening at Llangibby Church, an old-fashioned white-washed edifice, hardly more than a stone's throw from the scene of the murder. Th^ friends of the family had fixed upon Sunday, but the police authorities felt that the day would be unsuitable. Arrange- ments were, therefore, made with the Rev. Mr Salisbury, the rector, to carry out the interment at the close of the coroner's inquest. The rector was assisted in this painful duty by the Rev. Mr Salfort Cook, the vicar of Llanbaddock-nigh-Usk, the parish adjoining. The coroner having given his certificate for burial at about four o'clock, it was decided that at six o'clock the funeral should take place. The information that such was to be the case spread through the village rapidly, and before the hour for interment arrived, some hun- dreds of people had gathered on the highway be- tween the desolate cottage and the village church, many persons being strong in their determination to see the ransacked and pillaged cottage. On the arrival of those who had volunteered to carry the remains of the murdered victims to their long homes, conversation was hushed, and in a few minutes the mournful procession commenced to form, and then to proceed to the graveyard. No such distressing spectacle had ever been seen in this sequestered village, and it is not to be won- dered at the villagers, whose hearts failed them to join the melancholy cortege, stood aghast. The first coffin contained the body of the father, the second that of the mother. The bodies of the children were next brought out. As may natur- ally be expected, the chief mourners were the four surviving members of the family, two daughters and two sons, each of whom was deeply moved, 0 and drew forth the sincerest sympathy of the crowds of spectators who lined the roadway lead- ing to the quaint little church, and who subse- quently followed the bier. When met by the clergymen reading the first portion of the burial service, the orphan children sobbed convulsively, and others soon joined in what became a general lamentation. Amid teers and sobs the service pro- ceeded and concluded. Then there was a general effort made to take a last look at the c jffins, as they lay in the huge grave-the receptacle which has been broadly designate" the house appointed for all living. The father and mother were placed side by side, with the children on the top. Sigh after sigh heaved from many a manly and womanly brest, as the people gazed on one of the most me- lancholy and heart-rending spectacles ever wit- nessed in connection with murder. THE ORPHAN CHILDREN. With commendable foresight and humane feel- ing, Mr Benjamin Evans, of Llangibby and New- port, has suggested to the Rev Mr Salisbury, the advisability of raising a public subseription for the benefit of the four orphan children, who have thus been bereft of parents and of home. For persons in their position in life, the children have been well brought up, and are held in great respect by the neighbours and residents of the village. Mr Evans believes in making such an effort whilst public sympathy is warm, and has undertaken not only to subscribe himself, but to use his best efforts amongst gentlemen and tradesmen in Newport to raise a substantial fund. The vicar will doubtless take the initiative in his parish and district. This, however, should form the nucleus of what ought to become a public appeal to the liberality of all sympathisers throughout this and adjacent counties. None can read the account of the frightful massacre without having their feelings moved to the core, and it is not too mach to hope that some generous and spontaneous pecuniary as^i sistancewill be rendered to the bereaved children^1 thereby softening the distressed and harrowing condition in which they have unhappily been placed. THE PRISONER BEFORE THE MAGIS- TRATES. The prisoner Garcea was brought before the Caerleon magistrates on Monday morning, and charged with the murder of William Watkins and his family on the 16th or 17th inst. The crowd in and outside the court was enormous. The magistrates present were Messrs J. James (chairman), F. J. Hall, T. Llewelyn Brewer, F. J. Mitchell, and Capt. Hill. Mr Ensor, Cardiff, in- structed bv Senor Uncilla, who was present, ap- peared on behalf of the prisoner. On the charge being read over to the prisoner, Senor Uncilla interpreted it to him, and the prisoner responded in Spanish that he was not guilty. The evidence given at the inquest having been repeated, Mr T. H. Ensor said: May it please your worships. I have the honour to appear before you to-day to watch the case on behalf of the pri- soner at the bar, instructed by the Spanish consul for the Principality and for the county of Mon- mouth, and I need hardly say that a much more painful or unpleasant task could hardly devolve upon one. The prisoner already stands committed by the coroner's warrant to take his trial upon the heinous charge which has been preferred against him. Therefore it must be, to a certain extent, comparatively indifferent to him as to what view this tribunal may take of the case, because it is impossible to conceive that this case will not ne- cessarily and inevitably undergo examination and investigation before a jury at the assizes. Under those circumstances, I do not propose to make one single observation either upon the guilt or inno- cence of the prisoner, nor do I feel called upon to make any remark whatever upon the evidence which has been given by the several witnesses who have deposed before you. I desire, however, to state on behalf of the gentleman who, at the in- stance of his Government, has instructed me to watch over the interests of the accused, that there is no one living who regards with greater detesta- tion and abhorrence this horrible crime, which has resulted in the murder of no less than five indivi- duals, regardless of age, or sex, or helplessness. And I am sure it is his wish and desire, as it must be the wish and desire of every well-regulated mind, that the crime should be brought home on the person who was guilty of it,, and that the sword of justice should smite with no unerring aim. I do not com- plain of the loud passionate feeling and of the resentment of those who cry for vengeance, which has pervaded the public mind on this unhappy and lamentable occasion. Less could hardly be ex- pected. But just in proportion to the horrible and atrocious character of the charge just as tins appalling catastrophe agitates and bewilders the mind by contemplation of its unspeakable and transcendent horrors; j ust in propor- tion as there exists an almost universal cry of blood for blood, so ought every effort to be made to clear up everything which is ambiguous or mysterious in connection with this case, so, I venture to say, ought an judgment hostile to the accused, unless it is upheld by the strongest, accused, unless it is upheld by the strongest, clearest, and most irresistible evidence, to be withheld. It will be satisfactory to you, and also to the discriminatory portion of the public, to know that this man will not be condemned un- heard, and that, owing to the considerate liberality of the Government of the country to which he be- longs, he, an alien in blood and language, will at least have the same means and the same oppor- tunities of making what answer he can to the charge preferred against him, as would be enjoyed by any subject of these realms. I trust that the passionate excitement which this event has, not unnaturally, raised, will speedily subside and I hope when this awful and stupendous charge comes to be investigated by that tribunal before which it must come ultimately, and in the last resort, that every passion, that every prejudice, that every antipathy, and that every desire for vengeance will fade away in that holier desire for the impartial administration of calm and even-handed justice. I trust that the stranger and the soj ourner and the nationalities to which they belong may ever have* reason to repose confidence in the administration of English law, and I hope that even as in times past, so in the present time, and in the time to come, this land will continue to justify the boast of being a sacred temple for the perpetual resi- dence of inviolable justice (slight applause). The Chairman: The bench are very much pleased that you are here on the part of the stranger. We were rather anxious about it, and we hoped that it would be defended in every possible manner. We can have but one opinion as to what is necessary upon this occasion. Senor Uncilla then interpreted to the prisoner that he stood committed at the ensuing assizes, at Monmouth, to take his trial for the murder of Mr Watkins, Elizabeth Watkins, Charlotte Watkins, Alice Watkins, and Frederick Watkins. The Chairman You may as well tell him that the assizes will be held next week, and he had better make out his accounts, I think. Senor Uncilla communicated this intelligence to the prisoner. The witnesses were then bound over, the court cleared, and the proceedings terminated. The evidence taken was not interpreted to the prisoner, as it was considered unnecessary to do so, the prisoner being represented by Mr Ensor. The Spanish Vice-Consul, Senor Christobel, was present during the proceedings, and the depositions were taken by Mr E. B. Edwards, who officiated in a similar capacity at the inquest. Major Herbert and Mr Mcintosh, deputy, were present in their official capacities. The noise outside the court was powerful enough at times to prevent the. wit- nesses from being heard, and from the character of the exclamations which penetrated to the in- terior of the court the prisoner appeared to be clamoured for, the crowd outside expressing their readiness to lynch him. Strong barriers were er- ected to keep the crowd within bounds, but the babble of contending voices was at times perfectly deafening. The prisoner preserved a calm de- meanour throughout the trial. The traces of scratches have entirely disappeared from his face. The only movement visible on his features was the shooting to and fro of his eyes-very dark and very brilliant-which at times betrayed a latent inter- est in what was going on. In the cell he has con- ducted himself in precisely the same style. Even when the daughter of the murdered man identi- fied her father's clothes he exhibited not the faintest trace of emotion. He was conveyed to Usk gaol after the hearing, and when the crowd had, in some measure, dispersed. The only statement the prisoner has made was conveyed to his solicitor, and was to the effect that he picked up the pro- perty found on him by the roadside. «««—
[No title]
A RUNAWAY BRIDEGROOM AT LLAXELLY. — On Saturday morning the neighbourhood of the parish church at Market-street, Llanelly, were the scenes of considerable excitement. A young workman, well-known on the seaside, had arranged to meet his lady-love at the Altar of Hymen, promising to make her his wife for better and for worse." The young lady was in the church at the appointed hour, but after awaiting the arrival of the bride- groom for a considerable time, one of his friends went in search of him, and at last he was found at the Dynevor Castle Inn. On the road to church his courage failed him, and he turned into the Dynevor Castle for strength and consolation. As soon as his whereabouts was known, a number of young persons commenced yelling and creating a disturbance near the door, and so terrified was he that he quietly made his exit through the back door, but was followed for a considerable distance by the excited crowd. This is the second time our hero's courage has forsaken him in a similar man- ner. A MAN KILLED BY LIGHTNING.—A heavy thun- derstorm visited Newport, Pembrokeshire, last Friday night. About 11 o'clock some bright flashes of lightning were seen, and were soon fol- lowed by thunder peals, and almost an unbroken series of reports continued till 4 a.m. on Saturday. Between 1 and 2 a.m. the lightning struck the house of James Harris, Mountain. Entering the house through the chimney, it made its way through every room, and the bed-post in which Mr Harris and his brother slept was struck. Un- fortunately, Harris was killed on the spot, and, strange to say, his brother escaped uninjured. His wife and sister-in-law slept down stairs." The wife was severely injured on une side, and blinded in one eye. Hopes are cherished of her recovery. The lightning left the house through the back of the building. BATHING FATALITY AT SWANSEA.—We have to add another to the already numerous list of bath- ing fatalities. It appears that on Saturday after- noon Ernest Bond, son of Mr Bond, cashier at the Great Western Railway Station, High-street, Swansea, went in company with two other boys, named Evan Davies and John Sharp, to bathe at St. Thomas's. The deceased, however, had not been long in the water before he sank. Some twenty. five minutes after the poor lad was missed his body was found by John Rees, of the Albion Dry Dock, who brought it ashore, and it was con- veyed to the house of his father at Clifton Hill, but not until every possible effort had been used to restore animation. The deceased, who is spoken of as a remarkably industrious, nice boy, was ap- prenticed to Mr Morris, brass-fitter, on the Strand. The most profound sympathy is felt for Mr Bond, whose unassuming manners, stern integrity, and gentlemanly conduct have won for him a large circle of friends in Swansea. 0 IMPORTANT FORTHCOMING LAW SUIT.—A corres- pondent writes ?—A case very likely to rank among our causos eelebre will very shortly engage the atten- tion of the gently of the long robe, in one of our superior courts. It already counts an existence of eight years. The cause is known as Mordecai versus Harrison. The plaintiff is Mr John Mor- decai, of Cwmbwrla, near Swansea, who claims the right to estates in the counties of Glamorgan, Brecon, Carmarthen, Pembroke, Cardigan, and other places. The properties contain most valuable mineral deposits, consisting of coal—both athra- cite and bituminous, iron, lead, slate, etc., esti- mated to yield between £ 200,000 and £300,000 per annum. The printed Bill required by the Court of Chancery is of the most voluminous character. The plaintiff is a descendant of the Upper Forest family. Upper Forest was once the seat of the ancient family of the Popkins, who traced their descent from Rhodri Mawr, King of Wales.
PORTMADOC.
PORTMADOC. THE LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.—Where are the Liberals of Portmadoc and district ? Evidently, the time is close by when their immediate services shall be required. What about the association ? Siiip LAUNCH.—A beautiful vessel was launched from the building yard of Messrs Williams and Son, on Tuesday morning last. Many spectators had gathered in and around the yard to witness one of the most successful launches that ever took place at Portmadoc. The bottle was struck by Mrs Matthews, of Hendre. The vessel's name is Florence, m A PHAOMENON.—3n Saturday last, during a hea" thunderstorm, a shower of hailstones and long pieces of square transparent ice came down at Afonwen, on the Cambrian Railway. SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.—Last Thursday week, the members of the English Wesleyan Sunday School were invited by Mrs Davis, Aberia, to tea, at her elegant mansion. The tea was served out on the lawn by the river side. After the cloth was removed, the scholars, both young and old, engaged themselves in different games, and, before returning, sang several of Mr Sankey's songs in front of the mansion. Mr Humphreys, their superintendent, in their behalf, thanked Mrs Davis most sincerely for her great kindness, and wished every prosperity to her and her dear family, and Mr Price seconded the vote of thanks. The school then returned home greatly pleased with the treat they had had.
RHYL.
RHYL. NEW VICAH.-The Rev — Richardson, of Aber- dovey, has accepted the living of Rhyl. CRICKET MATCH.—A match was played at the Voryd Field on Saturday last between the Rhyl Wanderers and the Rhyl Visitors, which resulted in a very easy victory for the former, winning by 36 runs, the Wanderers made 73 runs to the Visitors' 37. WINTER GARDEN'S BOWLING CLUB.—In our re- port last week of a tightly contested match played between the members of this club, we inadvert- ently omitted to mention that Mr Devine also con- ceied two points to each of his opponents, he haw ing won a prize. BOTANIC GARDENS.—These gardens, owned by Mr R. D. Roberts, Mwrog, are now in a splendid condition, and being open to the public are well worth a visit. ENGLISH WESLEYAN CHAPEL.—The Rev Charles Garrett, of Liverpool, preached at this place of worship noon and night last Sunday, and at each z!l service the chapel was crowded to excess. ENGLISH BRASS BAND CONTEsT.-This grand band contest, advertised to take place at the Winter Gardens on the 12th of August, promises to be a decided success in every way, surpassing the splendid contest held at the gardens last year. We are very sorry to hear that the Welsh brass band contest, advertised to take place on the 6th inst., had to be put off owing to there being no entries for competition. This fact ought to make all bandmasters of Welsh bands blush for shame. LIBERAL ASSOCI ATI o- -This much required as- sociation was formed here on Friday last, when the following gentlemen were duly elected upon the committee:—Revs A. Francis, J. Williams, J. Davies, Dr Easterby, St. Asaph; Messrs J. Griffiths, J. Davies, P. Mostyn Williams, J. Roberts, Queen-street; J. Roberts, builder; W. P. Jones, J. D. Ai'nsworth, J. T. Jones, Arthur Rowlands, J. Roberts (Garibaldi), J. Evans, R. Lloyd Jones, D. Trehearn, stationer with power to add to their number. Rev Dr Butterton, J.P., was elected president. The following gentlemen were elected vice-presidents :—Dr Easterby, Mr J. Perks, Mr J. Taylor, Mr J. Rhydwen Jones (chairman of the commissioners), with the power to add to their number from the committee of the association. Mr P. Mostyn Williams was elected secretary, and Mr S. Perks as hon. treasurer. Sub- scription will be Is per quarter (minimum) to be paid in advance. It was decided that the assocai- tion should meet the first Friday in every month. We compliment the members of this association upon having secured the services of Dr Butterton (who is a clergyman but of a staunch Liberal prin- ,y ciples) as their president. With such a worthy and influential gentleman at its head the associa- tion will assuredly prosper. A large sum of money was collected at the meeting held for forming this association, which will materially assist to set this association afloat in a manner worthy of the noble cause. We sincerely wish it every prosperity, and hope to have the pleasure from time to time of reporting its progress. We also hope that the Rev Duncan Macgregor's wishes may be fully realised, when we shall hear the voices of Mr W. E. Gladstone and Mr John Bright in that noble and appropriate building, the Winter Garden Skating Rink. FLOWER SHow.-The Floral and Horticultural Show, which is intended to be held annually at the Winter Gardens, was opened on Friday and Satur- day last. There were two very fine marquees erected upon the Croquet Lawn, in which were laid out a splendid display of fruits, plants, vege- tables, and cut flowers, all very tastefully arranged under the management of Mr Dickenson (head gardener), and Mr Devine (the indefatigable sec- retary). Some very much admired exotics, flowers, &c., were exhibited by Messrs J. Dickson and Son, Chester; W. G. Cauldwell and Sons. Knutsford Nurseries, and F. & A. Dickson and Sons, Upton Nurseries, which contributed very much to the show's success. Mr Pritchard, gardener at Galltfaenan; Mr Hill, Sir Pyers Mostyn's gardener and Mr Bennet, Mr Wynne's gardener, were also in charge of some very valuable contributions in fruit, flowers, &c. The show it. self was all we could desire,but the attendance was far from being encouraging to the undertakers. We are very sorry the patrons and gentry generally should make themselves so ridiculously conspicuous by their absence upon both days; truly, "fools and their money are not easily parted; all who paid this show a visit were amply repaid for loss of time and what little expense they were put to. The following is a copy of the awards of prizes:- General prizes-Ten miscellaneous plants; 1st, W. G. Cauldwell and Sons, Knutsford; 2nd, Messrs F. & A. Dickson and Sons, Upton Nurseries, Chester. Stove and greenhouse plants; 1st, Cauldwell and Sons. Six fine foliage plants 1st, Cauldwell and Sons; 2nd, T. Mainwaring, Galltfaenan. Six ferns (exotic); 1st, Cauldwell and Sons; 2nd, T. Mainwaring. Four ferns; 1st, T. Mainwaring. Six gloxineas; 1st, T. Main- waring. Single specimen stove plant (in bloom) Cauldwell & Sons. Siiwle specimens of greenhouse plants; 1st, Cauldwell & Sons. Single specimen of palm; 1st, Cauldwell and Son. Single specimen of dwarf fern, 1st, T. Mainwaring. Four Be- qunias; 1st, T. Mainwaring. Design of flower garden; 1st, Edward Jones, Mill Bank,. Rhyl. Table decorations (six plants in pots) 1st, Cauld- well and Son; 2, T. Mainwaring. Table decorations (six roses in pots) 1st, F. and A. Dickson 2nd, T. Mainwaring. Ditto six roses; 1st, F. and A. Dickson. Extra prize for Dahlias given T. Main- waring. Six stove and greenhouse plants 1st, Cauldwell and Son 2nd, T. Mainwaring. Fruit. -CollectioR of fruit; 1st, T. Mainwaring; 2nd, Sir P. Mostyn, Talacre; 3rd, Joseph Jones, St. Asaph. Pine apples; 1st, Sir Pyers Mostyn; 2nd, Chas. Wynne. Corwen. Two bunches of black grapes 1st, Chas. Wynne 2nd, Sir P. Mostyn. Two bunches of white grapes; 1st, T. Main- waring. Strawberries 1st, J. Jones, St Asaph 2nd, T. Mainwaring. Extra prize for two plates of red and white currants was given to T. Main- waring. Vegetables.—Collections 1st, T. Main- waring; 2nd, Sir P. Mostyn. Cucumbers; 1st, T. Mainwaring; 2nd, J. S. H. Evans. Cauli- flower; 1st, Sir P. Mostyn; 2nd, T. Mainwaring. Peas; 1st, Sir P. Mostyn; 2nd, J. Jones, St Asaph. French beans 1st, J. S. H. Evans 2nd, T. Mainwaring. Potatoes (round) 1st, Joseph Jones 2nd, T. Mainwaring. Potatoes (kidney) Sir P. Mostyn; 2nd, Rev Dr Batterton, Rhyl. Carrots; 1st, T. Mainwaring. Turnips; 1st, T. Mainwaring. Onions; 1st, Edward Jones, Alill Bank; 2nd, J. S. H. Evans. Lettuce; 1st, Sir P. Mostyn; 2nd, Joseph Jones. Tomato; 1st, Sir P. Mostyn; 2nd, T. Mainwaring. Parsley; 1st, Thomas Jones, Bodelwyddan. A case of roses exhibited by Mr J. E. Roberts, Denbigh, was highly commended, as was also a groupe of mis- cellaneous plants exhibited oil the lawn by Messrs F. and A. Dickson, Chester. At this exhibition, we noticed a magnificent groupe of foliage and flowering plants, exhibited by Messrs W. G. Cauldwell and Sons, of Knutsford, a list of which we annex -Pliceiuo coma, Prelifera, Cycasreviluta, Croton variegatum, Anthurium, Scheyeriauum, Ixora-coleu, Eurica-eurbryaia, Allainanda, Hen- dersonu, Cocos-weddeliiana, Cordylina-indivisa, Croton pictum, Demmropu, Fissus, Phormium- tenax, Colensu, Croton, Interaptum, Swainsonia, Albas, Erica, Tricolor, Hendersonu, Thrinox elegans, Dicksonia, Antartica, Gleichenia-opel- lunca, Adiantum-farleyense, Davalla-mooreana, Gleichena-dichotoma, Yllcca-fiiamentosa-varie- gata, Catania-barbonica, Areca-baueru, Gleichenia flabellata, Allamanda-chelsonu, Also, Messrs Cauldwell and Sons' basket of stove and green- house plants were greatly admired in fact, we may safely assert that a more splendid collection of plants were never seen at any flower show in the kingdom. We consider that great praise is due to Mr King (Cauldwell's foreman), for the great state of perfection into which he has brought these beautiful plants to.
RKV E. HERBER EVANS AT Tfll…
RKV E. HERBER EVANS AT Tfll TABERNACLE. Mr Spurgeon's Tabernacle is situated in ington Causeway, and a short run by rail iro1 i Ludgate Hill to the Elephant and Castle Stattf will bring you nearly to its doors. The history 1 c Mr Spu ryeon' s efforts in procuring the wherewith ? to build it is so well known, and the building itse is so familiar to numbers of your readers that detailed account of the one or the other is scarcel requisite now. After threading your way frd the station through a few narrow streets you fi yourself opposite the Tabernacle, and the first id pression it gives you is not likely to be a vel favourable one. A vast square front rising darfc with a portico supported by massive pillars, open courtyard and some plain iron railings. T roof rising from the walls in a peculiar shap dome very suggestive of a large dish-cover. Rl1 ning along each side are narrow passages with dool ways and steps leading some down into the lectul rooms under the chapel, others leading into chapel itself. Everything massive and gauut huge. Making your way into the interior of t chapel all is changed, the sensation of vastness rej mains of course, but the heaviness, the barene^ is entirely gone. Looking from the platform J° see below you the..floor of the chapel, a ft' passages running the whole length of it the mainder of the space utilised, not an inch of pe room lost—folding seats in the passages themselv Running all round the building are two galleri one above the other, resting on iron pillars, lig, and airy-looking, painted white, pickfed out 1 gold. The dish-cover that looked so hideous fro the outside is now seen to be a ceiling all ventilating apparatus in one, and very well it f alfi its mission; on the hottest days the Tabernacle cool. When I reached the chapel last Surd' morning, about half past ten, the door had not y* been opened for the admission of the public, b being in possession of a ticket I was admitted at side entrance. After taking a seat on a benc running along the gang-way of the lower gallel close to the platform I had a little time to lo" about me. The first thing that struck me aft' getting accustomed to the size of the place W the organisation and system displayed in arrant ing for the comfort of the congregation. TO morning service begins at eleven, and at ten ti doors are opened for pewliolders and those who hl1 "passes." The pew-owners, of course, take pO session of their seats. Theholders of passes are seat along the passages on the floor, and along tJ gangways of the gallaries. When the fingers 1 the clock point to about eight minutes of the he the holders of "passes" are shown into the n* occupied seats nearest to them. At five minutj to the hour all the doors of the floor are opened the people are allowed to stream in for a minute' two, then the doors are closed. The doors of tJ galleries are open and closed in the same way. T chapel that at five minutes to the hour was 0 about a fourth part filled with a scattered congr gation when the clock begins to strike is dens packed, every nook and corner filled by an attetf tive, silent throng of some seven thousand soul* I was aroused from my occupation of surveyi^H the throng by hearing the three words "Let1* pray uttered in a voice I knew very well. There looking as much at home and speaking naturally as if he were in the old pulpit 1 Salem," stood Mr Herber Evans. After utt d ing a few sentences of earnest prayer, he proceed to announce the number of the hymn to be saol The readiness in which the people in the far- nooks of the galleries turned to the page enough to prove that the clear, musical voice plainly heard. After reading the- hymn throng a thin, pale-faced man got up and came to > Evans' side at the front of the platform, and col menced a well-known tune. At the third or fot note the whole congregation joined in. y effect was sublime. No organ, no choir, but l' heartfelt singing of praise. Then came the r ing of a portion of the Scripture, another hytfj after that Mr Evans prayed again at greater leu*? than at first, and, if possible, with more impo sioned earnestness. Another hymn was announ by Mr Evans and read by one of the deacons, r afterwards communicated to the congregation contents of a telegram received from Mr Spurge (who is travelling in Scotland for the benefit of health), stating that he was deriving much beiol rom "rest." Mr Evans then rose commenced his sermon. At th^ commeu" ment Mr Evans did not seem quite' at; owing no doubt to the rail in the platform-ff. being too low for him to lean on. Very soon became accustomed to that, and then proceed with all that natural eloquence and power so Wf known in Wales. At first the congregate listened in rather an apathetic way, the 11". fanning themselves and the gentlemen admirj! their finger-Eails. Before Mr Evans had b speaking a few minutes the apathy vanished, ere lie had reached the end of his introduction, had his audience, metaphorically, hanging on ™ lips. • Now and again after an affecting anec there was scarcely a dry eye in the chapel. ",11 Mr Evans told the touching tale of the farmer's lad praying for his father, the fat'1' who was listening to him whilst he thought b far away when he painted in vivid sentence t conquered father kneeling by the side of the prol ing son, and the tearful submission of the scofS? master, several hard-v'saged men in the pe^, my side actually sobbed aloud. It was indeed^ sight once seen never to be forgotten. The se*' upturned faces from the floor, rows of faces f the galleries all rivetted, white and tear-stain upon the speaker. One of the remembrances, my life will be the soft sigh that rose from t congregation when the sermon ended, and smiles as each turned to the face of his friend find there the same pleased look. j The service in the evening was very similar, chapel more crowded than even in the mordi Until then I never could understand the rage Sankey's hymns, or rather tunes. They al^ seemed to me jinglingly pretty, but after hearJ "Stand up, stand up for Jesus," sang by seven thousand or so voices at the Tabernacteuj shall always feel a greater respect for them, t Evans seemed to be more at home in the even1 and preached a sermon, if possible, more effee4 than that of the morning. t We have heard many called the" we! Spurgeon," but after the appearance of a J preacher able to fill Spurgeon's place in Spurge0 ( Tabernacle to the more than satisfaction Spurgeon's people, I should imagine the title only be given now to the one person wh°j entitled to wear it. The compliment is at best: invidious one, and in my opinion Mr lief Evans does not require borrowed plumes to add j the honour of his name. Mixing in the crowd going out, I heard nothing but satisfaction t remarks of praise, such as "A splendid speake^ One of the most beautiful sermons I have e* heard," &c. To my idea, knowing how his cO" gregation idolise Mr Spurgeon, a remark madetll one of the elders to another that" perltapS f, sermon might not read as well as Mr S but really it was grand," is very suggestive. one of Spurgeon's people compares a maO. favourably as this with him, praise can no fur go. I
DISBANDING OF THE RESERVES.
DISBANDING OF THE RESERVES. •$ A special army circular has been issued bj <■ Secretary of State for War, notifying the order that the services of the army and > reserves will not be required after the 31st in £ t3 ) Preparations are being made at Aldershot r a view to be held by the Duke of Cambi'1?^ About 11,000 men will be paraded on the occa»' A the last on which the reserves will be present their sendees shall be again required. The a reserve men will be given railway or other war* j, to their homes, and militia reserves to their he quarters.
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"NOTHING SUCCEEDS LIKE SUCCESS."— we est success this season is the real Welsh 1 Suit, sold at X2 12s. Gd. by M. T. Morris, 1 I Establishment, Carnarvon. L
THE FATAL BOAT ACCIDENT.
THE FATAL BOAT ACCIDENT. An adjourned inquest touching the death of Edwin Gresty Johnson, who was drowned at the boat accident which occurred on the 13th inst., was held at the Alexandra Hotel, on Monday last at 3.30 p.m., before Dr. Brown, deputy coroner, the following gentlemen again serving upon the jury :—Messrs W. Reynolds, Edward Hughes, Joseph Roberts. W. Powell Jones, Hugh Jones, W. Jones, Stephen Lloyd, Edward Parry, Thomas Williams, John Davies, Samuel Hughes, Francis Gallagher, George Hatwood. Thomas Earl Perkins (foreman).—The first witness called was Henry Fielding, who, upon being sworn, said: I am 13 years of age, a schoolboy, I well remember Saturday evening,fof the 13th instant. On the afternoon of that day, I went to a cricket match at Voryd Field. I stayed there until 5.30., I then went to my father's public house, Manchester Arms, where I saw Fred. George and Robert Evans. I asked Robert Evans to take me out for a sail,who said he would, and immediately procesded down to the boat Pageant. I assisted him in spritting the sails ready for sailing. I had known Robert Evans about 18 months previous to this, and had sailed with him in a similar boat to the Pageant several times, Robert Evans was in charge of the Pageant at the time of the accident. Edwin Johnson and Frederick George joined the boat together. I had never seen Johnson previously. George I knew well, he being an old workman of my father. We started about 7 p.m., intending only to sail as far as the pier. Robert Evans was steering, I was in the bow, Fred. George was between the masts about three yards from me, and Johnson was in the stern with Evans. We reached the Pier all safe, and then we turned in the direc- tion of Pensarn. (Here a plan of the course from the Voryd to the Pier drawn by Mr Reynolds was introduced). We sailed towards Pensarn at a good pace for about 10 minutes, then turned back again for Voryd, and sailed in that direction, about 3 minutes, WhCli I saw the bow go uhder water, then the boat heeled over towards the Pier. At this time, Fred George and I stood together upon the shroud. I don't know how Evans supported himself. I saw Johnson after the boat heeled over he appeared to me as if clinging to the gunwales, were he remained for about 5 minutes, he then slipped off into the sea, and I never saw him again. Evans was perfectly sober at the time of the accident. I was frightened myself before the accident, because the wind was high and the sea rough.—Robert Evans upon being sworn, said I hail from Hoylake, but have resided in Rhyl for some months past. I follow the avocation of sailor, but am employed during the summer months in taking charge of pleasure boats plying for hire. I am in the habit of taking the boats out daily, but had not been out on Saturday, the 13th inst. all day because I had been up all the previous night fishing. At about 6.35 on the 13th, I went to Voryd Cricket Field, and stayed there watching a match being played until 7.5, I then left with Fred George and we proceeded to the Manchester Arms, where I got a pint of ale. After staying there about 15 or 20 minutes, I went down to Mr Eliot's boat Pageant which laid about 20 or 30 yards from the Manchester Arms. I then commenced getting the boat ready to go out for a saii. The deceased shouted out asking me to wait while he ran into Clark's, and he would go with me for a sail. I sailed from the Voryd, the wind being N.W. I went on a tack to the Pier, then I stood towards Pensarn for about 10 minutes, then we turned back towards Voryd. All this time Johnson and I where sitting in the stern together, Fielding and George being forward.,We had sailed about 5 or 6 minutes in the direction of Voryd when a heavy sea broke over the boat knocking me and Johnson clean out into the sea, I swam the best way I could, and got hold of the boat, after that I remember nothing at all We were all quite sober when we started from Voryd, and had no drink on board. The boat was well found in everything necessary for saving life.—John Foulkes, boatman, upon being sworn, deposed That on Saturday, the 13th, between 8 and 9 p.m., while in his own pleasure boat, he saw a boat fill on the Rhyl Bar. He immediately shouted out for assistance to save the lives of those in the boat, when lie was joined by nine men, and proceeded to the boat, taking off it Fred George, Henry Fieldiner, and Robert Evans, e ich of whom were almost dead. Aboutj25 minutes had elapsed from the time the boat filled until we rescued the 3 persons.—Price Roberts, having been sworn, deposed That he knew the deceased well, having been a fellow-workman of his for some time. He was on the beach and present when the body was found on Sunday afternoon, he recog- nized it as being that of Edwin Gresty Johnson. I helped to convey the body to the Queen's Hotel.—After this witness had given his evidence, the Coroner ordered the court to be cleared, the jury only to remain. The verdict returned by the jury was that of Accidental Death," and they strongly recommended John Foulkes to the notice of the Humane Society for his noble and very timely efforts to save life.
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THE POISONING OF INDIAN TROOPS AT MALTA.— Telegraphing in reference to the poisoning at Malta, concerning which questions are to be asked inParliament on Monday, the Malta correspondent of the Western Morning News explains that there having been considerable fever among the Indian troips who, singularly enough, are feeling the heat more th&n the Europeans, lime juice was served out daily. Several bottles of strong disinfectant became mixed with the lime juice supply, and 40 Bengal countrymen were poisoned. None of the cases proved fatal, although all were severe. The occurrence has given rise, among those superti- tious troops, to a grave suspicion to murder. ITALY AND THE CONGRESS.—-A telegram received from Rome, states that a meeting organised by the Democratic party was held here on Sunday, when two thousand five hundred persons were present. A large number of letters and telegrams were read, from various well known personages, amongst whom were General Garibaldi and Signors Gaffi, Cempanella, and Mario, expressing sympathy with the object of the agitation in favour of the restora- tion of the South Tyrol to Italy. After five speak- ers had delivered addrssses, the meeting adopted a motion condemning the violation by the Berlin Congress of, the principle of nationalities and popular sovereignity, affirming the solidarity of the Italian people with the populations bought and sold by the Congress, and reminding Italy that there still exists Italian countries subject to foreign domination, which are looking to the near future for justice and truth. Perfect order prevailed tttfPugUuut the proceedings..