The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

LLANDOVERY PETTY SESSIONS. FRIDAy-Before Mr Edward Jones (in the chair), Colonel Jones, and Mr George Jones.

ALLEGED ARSON AT LLANDOVERY. The prisoner, James Jonos, charged with arson, was again brought up, and the interest taken in the case was keener than ever. The hall during the hearing was crowded to suffoca- tion, and the keenest interest was taken in the evidence. The affair has during the past week been the chief topic of conversation. Mr Thomas, in opening the case, said their worships might remember that the prisoner was remanded on Friday last, till that day, on a charge of aiding and abetting one John Davies, to set fire to a certain stack of hay, the property of the prisoner, James Jones, landlord of the Castle Hotel, Llangadock, with intent to defraud the London Fire Assurance Corporation. It would be proved that the prisoner effected an in- surance in this corporation in 1886, and in May last this rick was burned, and prisoner sent in a claim for 240, loss sustained by burning of the said rick. The insurance company made the usual investigations, and paid him RW. It would further be proved that the prisoner paid these men certain sums of money for setting the rick on fire.. He submitted that if he could make out a prima fade case, they would have nothing to do, but to commit the prisoner for trial. Before proceeding to cross-examine the two witnesses, J. Davies and W. Williams, on the evidence given by them at the last court, Mr John asked that the witnessses with the exception of the inspector to the insurance com- pany, be ordered out of court. This was agreed to. The Clerk (Mr J. Thomas), then read over the depositions, after which Mr John cross-examined the witness, John Davies. Mr John to witness—You are a brother-in-law of the prisoner, James Jones, I believe ?—Yes. Mr John-What time of the day or night did you set fire to the rick of hay ?—I can't say for certain. It was after night. Mr John-What do you mean after night ?— Was it 12, 1, 2, 8 or 9 o'clock I Somewhere about 12 o'clock. Mr John-How far do you live from the place where the rick was ?—About 5. miles. Mr John-And am I right in saying that you came straight to where the rick was when you set it on fire ?—Yes, sir. Mr John-Where did you meet Mr Williams ? —In the Red Lion, Caledfwlch. Mr John-He went with you ?—Yes, sir. Mr John-Didn't you see James Jones at all that night 1-No, sir. Mr John—You said you saw James Jones at the Victoria Inn, at Llandilo ?—I saw him on the road before I went to the Victoria Inn. Mr John—How long was that before the rick was set on fire 1-lndeed, I can't say. Mr John—Might it have been a week or a fort- night ?—I can't say, I am not sure. Mr J ohn—Might it have been a month ?—I can't say. can't say. Mr John-Might it have been two months ?— No, 1 don't believe it was. Mr John-It was on a monthly market day you saw him ?—Yes. Mr John-Had there been a monthly market between the time you saw him, and the time you set the rick on fire ?—Indeed, I do not remember, sir. Mr John-Very well. You had no talk with James Jones afterwards, after the first talk, un- til the rick was set on fire ?—Oh no, sir. Mr John-You know something about ricks of hay, don't you ?—Yes. Mr John—What would you say was the value of the rick ?—I can't say, sir. Mr John-What do you think 1-1 do not want you to pledge yourself to a shilling or so ?— Indeed, I can't say. Mr John-Now, do you think it was worth £ 60 ?—I can't say. Mr John-This is not the first time you have been in a police-court ?—I was never before. Mr John—You never stood in this particular dock or at Llandilo ?—Not for something of this sort. Mr John-I don't ask for something of this particular sort ? I ask you as a fact 1- Yes, I have been in court. Mr John-And the magistrates thought fit to fine you for something or other ?—Yes, for drink- ing a glass of beer. Mr John—How many times have they fined you ?—Only once. Mr John-You are rather fond of a drop of beer ?—Yes, I like a glass (laughter). Mr John—Had you been drinking the night the rick was set on fire 1-Yes, I had. MrJohn- Were vou sober I-No. sir. Mr John-I think you were fined between the < time you saw Jones and the time the rick was set i on fire ? Am I right ?—No, sir. Mr John-But you had been drinking between times 1-Ye& Mr John-And had been pretty well on ? aughter)-No, air; I only took one glass when I was fined. Mr John-I have never seen a man yet who was fined for drinking more than one glass of beer (renewed laughter). Do you remember the time you said Jones spoke to you in Llandilo at the Victoria Inn ?—No, sir; I have not taken the time down. Mr John-I don't ask you if you have taken the time down. Do you remember being at the Victoria Inn ?—Yes, only to go to Mr Bishop. Mr John-And remember the time you set the rick on fire ?—Yes. Mr John-Had you been drinking between these two times at all ? Mind 1 don't ask you if you had been before the magistrates-No, air. Mr John—You have have been a teetotaller -between the times ? (laughter).-I can't say. Mr John—You have been in the service of Mr Richardson, of Glanbrydan 1-1 have been work- ing for him. Mr John-How long ?—A year and a half. Mr John-Let me ask you a question or two about that. While there did you tell the keeper that a farmer was poaching ?—No, sir. Mr John-And didn't the keeper watch the farmer to your knowledge ?—No, air. Mr John—Didn't he find that the farmer was yourself ? (loud laughter, applause, and cries of Silence")-No. Mr John—And didn't Mr Richardson think that the leis" farmers" he had about him the better, and gave you the "sack?"—I had the sack (hear, hear, applause, cries of Order and "Silence.") Mr John-Very well, that's enough for me. Are you very friendly with your brother-in-law ? -Yes. Mr John—Don't call him an old D-" and names of that sort? (laughter). -Never. Mr John—I have nothing more to ask him. Mr Edward Jones-Do you examine him, Mr Thomas ? Mr Thomas-I have no question to ask. William Williams, the next witness, was cross- examined as follows Mr John to witness-You- helped about aetting this rick on fire ?—Welsh, if you please. Mr Edward Jones-He gave his evidence in English last time, didn't he ? Still, if he desires it, let him give it in Welah. Mr John-He wants a little time to think, your worships, before he answers what I ask him. Cross-examination continued-You were with John Davies when he set fire to this rick of bay 1 -Yes. Mr John-You went with him to help him ?— I did not know what he wanted with me until I went up to Llangadock. Mr John-Where did you meet him 1-At the Red Lion Hotel, Caledfwlch. Mr John—How far away is the Red Lion?— About 31 miles. Mr John-And you say. you didn't know what you were going there for till you got to Llan- gadock ?—I did not know until I got to the field by Carregsawdde gate. Mr John—What did he say he wanted you to go with him for ?—He askei me to go with him as far as LIangadock, where he was to get half-a- sovereign with his brother-in-law, James Jones, and that if I went with him he would giro mo half-a-sovereign. Mr John—Did you go to the brother-in-law, James Jones, at all ?—Not that time. Mr John-And then you and he went to the rick and the rick was set on fire ?-We came to the rick, sir, and John Davies told me to go to the road and to tell him if anybody was coming. I told him that there was nobody coming, and he set fire to it. Mr John—What time was it that the rick was set on fire ?—It was from 1.15 to 1.30. Mr John-Was it on the 19th 1-1 don't re- member the day of the month now. It was on a Sunday morning. Mr John—Have you ever been in a police court before, either as a prisoner or as a witness ? -Yea; I was once at Llandilo for drinking at the Red Lion on a Sunday. Mr John-Did you ever nearly kill a man of the name of John Jones, of Tyrissaf ?—No, air. We fought and quarrelled and punched each other as you see men who quarrel do. Mr John-In consequence of the quarrel you had to pay John Jones a 210 note.—No; 29,,sir (laughter). Mr John—So that you were on the wrong side of the hedge, although differing 21 on that occa- sion 1-1 don't know about that, sir. Mr John—I have no more to ask you. Mr Thomas then proceeded to examine Mr W. H. Greey, Inspector of Insurance for the London Insurance Corporation, and was about to ask him if the prisoner had insured any of his property in that company, when Mr John interposed with the remark I object to that. My friend is going to ask as to the insurance policy in writ- Ing. Mr Thomas-Mr John has the insurance policy. I have an office copy of it. Mr John-I still object, sir. Mr Greey-What doea Mr John object to ? Mr John-I am not here to tell you what I object to. Mr Thomas-The original policy I underatand is in the custody of the prisoner. Mr John observed that he would allow his friend to make a point. It war this To prove a document, it must be there in the possession of his friend. If not, and he did not give him notice to produce it, he was not entitled to give secondary evidence. Mr Thomas said it was unnecessary. Secondary evidence would do. Mr John held that it would not do. The Chairman-At the beat or the worst it is only a matter of adjournment. Mr Thomas said that he did not see his friend at all until that morning to give him notice. It appeared that this policy covered more property than the rick of hay. In support of his point, Mr John quoted the work of a leading authority on criminal law to the effect that it must be proved by the document itself, but if it is shown that it is lost, destroyed, or in the possession of the prisoner, who had had notice to produce it, other evidence might be given of its existence. His friend could not get over that. The Chairman-Do you press that, Mr John ? Mr John-I do, your worships. Mr Thomaa-Are you prepared to produce it ? I give notice now, Mr John. Mr John-Certainly not. The Chairman remarked that, after what Mr John had read, it appeared that the policy muat be produced. After some further remarks, Mr John ask their worships not to adjcurn the case, but to say that his friend had failed to make out his case. The prosecution had had a whole week to make out their case, and he urged the Bench that the convenience of himself and the prisoner be considered as well as theirs. Mr Thomas said that the prisoner was entitled to hold the policy because it covered a greater amount of property than the rick of hay, and suggested an adjournment till the following day (Saturday). Mr John asked their worships, if they did adjourn the case, not to do so to the following day, but to do so till that day week. It would mean a great loss to him, as he would have to throw over other appointments to attend. The Chief Constable was proceeding to make some remarks, when the Chairman asked who prosecuted in this case 1 Mr Thomas replied that it was the police authorities. The Chairman-Then I don't think we can hear the Chief Constable. Towards avoiding an adjournment, a remark was made as to the expense that an additional journey would involve for one of the witnesses for the prosecution, as it would entail his coming down again from London. Mr John observed-I am not going to save the prosecution one atom of trouble. In the additional light which was thrown on the case by the cross-examination by the wit- nesses, Air John urged the Bench to lower the amount of the security for bailing the prisoner. The application was refused, the Chief Con- stable remarking that if anything was done the amount should be increased, and not decreased, as suggested by Mr John. THE LICENSE OF GRIFFIN INN, LLANGADOCK. Mr J. W. Nicholas, Llandilo, made an applica- tion with reference to the Griffin Inn, which is situated in the parish of Gwynfe. Mr Nicholas said that at the last Llangadock sessions, held on Thursday week, an application was made for the renewal of that license, which application was adjourned to the next Llangadock sessions, which would take place on the 17th. As the license would expire on the 10th it was necessary that he ahould now apply for a temporary renewal till the 17th, when the application would again be made to the magistrates there. Col. Jones said they refused to grant the present tenant a license at all, and had warned him that he could only sell till the 10th. Mr Nicholas observed that he had written to the magistrate's clerk here enquiring into the circumstances of the case, and had read the reply which he had sent. From that he understood that the case had been adjourned. CoL Jones did not believe it was adjourned at alL If his memory served him true it was positively declined. The Chief Constable was understood to say that the present tenant had a license up to the 10th only. On the 17th application could be made by a fresh tenant no others. Mr Nicholas asked if he was to take it that he had been misled by that letter, which stated that it had been adjourned to the next sessions. Col. Jones—Yes, to the next tenant. Mr Nicholas asked if he was to understand that the license had been refused to the present tenant. Col. Jones—Certainly. Mr Nicholas did not know that. He applied that the license should be allowed for these few days. They had the power to do that. The Chairman said that neither he nor Mr G. Jones knew anything about the case. Mr Nicholas was believed to say that he knew nothing too. He asked the Chief Constable if he objected. The Chief Constable replied that he was given to understand that he was not to have a license at all. If that was the case he (the speaker) and everybody else was powerless. Mr Nicholas—I have told their worships that they could grant it to the landlord. Col. Jones-It is adjourned for application by a new tenant. Mr Nicholas—You would not grant a temporary licence to the owners. t Col. Jones-No.

TREGARON SHEEP DOG TRIALS. These trials were held on the Talbot Hotel land at a place called Drysgol, a place admir- ably suited for the day's proceedings. The officers were Field stewards, Messrs John Jones, J.P., Cilpyll; S. Jones, Llanio Fawr R. Lloyd, Penybont; E. Rowlands, Ystrad Caron W. Morgan, Talbot Hotel Robert Lewis, Park and Rowlands, Cwrtmawr Farm timekeeper, Mr D. G. Williams, Pencefn; starter, Mr W. Jones, Ochor; judges, Messrs J. Hughes, Llanarmon, Llangollen Vaughan Davies, Tanybwlch, Aberystwith; and D. Davies, Velindre, Lampeter. The mode of procedure was as follows :—Three sheep were let out from a pen half a mile distant from the competing dog. The dog was let loose, had to run and bring the sheep to where it started from, and put them through a set of polpo ahout two yards apart without any assistance. Then about 15 yaido distant fium that set were other poles fixed more closely to- gether than the first. The man having charge of the dog could help in putting the sheep through these, and so he could in penning. The time al- lowed to each dog was 15 minutes for dogs entered in the second class, and twelve minutes for those in the first. SECOND CLASS. The second class dogs ran first. There were eleven dogs entered for competition, and they ran in the following order Prince," a young black and white dog, eleven months old, the property of Mr J. E. Jones, Cefnwyddrug, Machynlleth. It succeeded in getting the sheep through the posts, and penned them in fourteen minutes. "French," a three year old black and white bitch, the property of Mr John Evans, Caenewydd, Tregaron, after spending a lot of time before seeing the sheep, drove them over the hill and could not succeed in bringing them back. Mag," a two year old black bitch, belong- ing to Mr Morgan J. Thomas, Seren, Ysbytty Ystwyth. After some difficulty it succeeded in putting the sheep through the posts, but time was called before the sheep were penned. Mag," a sharp looking young bitch, one and a half year old, failed to pen the three in time. Undoubtedly, with a little more training, this bitch will be able to accomplish some capital work. Waliaoe," a black dog, belonging to Mr John Jones, Nantstaiwen, Breeonshire, was more successful at the pen than the previous dog it succeeded in fulfilling the conditions, and penned the two in 14.1 minutes. Moss," a three-year-old black dog, proved very unsuccessful, though it was evident that it had received some good training. The next dog, March," belonging to Mr Hugh Williams, Derigaron, succeeded like the last-mentioned in scattering the sheep. Fleet," a red bitch, eighteen months old, the property of Mr David Roberts, Esgergarthen (shepherd of Mr Jones, Cilpyll), a controlled dog, soon saw the sheep, brought them down in a body, succeeded in getting them through the posts, and penned them with but a little difficulty in 14 minutes. Bradlaugh," a black and tan dog, two-year- old, the property of Hugh Davies, Lluest, Cwm- twroh, made a very bad start, and, after a second ohance was allowed it by the judges, it had to return without even sighting the sheep. The judges awarded the prizes as follows :—1, 22 10s, Fleet," D. Roberts, Esgergarthen 2, £ 1 5s, Mag," T. Price, Bwlch 3, 12s 6d, Prince," J. E. Jones, Machynlleth 4, 7s 6d, Wallace," John Jones, Nantstalwen. The judges gave as maximum marks 70, of which the first dog received 62, the second 47, third 46, and fourth 37. THE OPEN COMPETITION. By the time this competition commenced the weather was glorious, and the number of spectators had greatly increased. The first dog to enter the lists was Hero," a black and tan three-year-old dog, belonging to Mr T. Jones, Claerddu. The dog when let loose instantly ran up towards the sheep pen. The sheep, taking fright, ran over the summit, where the three sheep were joined by the other three which had got away in the previous competition. It got the six sheep through the set of poles in an excellent manner, but before the sheep were penned time was called. On the whole this dog showed very clever work. The second dog was Fleet," a two-year-old red dog, the property of Mr D. Roberts, Esger- garthen. On being let looae it rah up the ascent with the greatest speed, rounded the sheep well, but scattered the three. By some good work it succeeded in getting them again together. It kept at some distance from the sheep throughout. This dog was not at all successful at the poles, and had not succeeded in getting bis sheep through when time was called. March," a brindled dog, five year old, the property of Mr John Jones Nantstaiwen, suc- ceeded in doing its work in very good style. It kept the sheep well together, obeyed its master well, got them through the posts without much difficulty, and penned the sheep in 12 minutes. This performance was greatly applauded by the spectators. Nero," a black and tan three-year-old dog, belonging to T. Jones, Claerddu, made a very poor show, could not get the sheep to start towards home, and eventually scattered them in different directions. "Frenh," a three-year-old black dog, the property of John Evans, Caenewydd, Tregaron, made even a poorer show than Nero," for it could not even eye thevheep. Rose," a three-year-old black and tan bitch, the property of Mr Evan Williams, Tregaron, brought the sheep down hill in very good style. The dog put the three sheep through the. pen without difficulty. At the pen the dog worked admirably, but did not succeed in putting the sheep in custody within the specified time. Bonnie," the DroDerty of Mr T. Jones, Llanafan, Breeonshire, succeeded in getting to the sheep, but scattered them in different direc- tions. The same misfortune happened to Wal- lac," Mr Jones' (Nantstalwen) dog. The next dog, Lady," belonging to Mr J. E. Jones, Machynlleth, was more successful. It made a good start, did some capital work on the summit of the hill, and got the sheep towards home well. It proved successful at the posts. At the pen the dog worked cleverly, and it was clear that he had received some good training. The other two dogs were up to the average standard of the dogs competing that day. The work done by the dog of Mr Price, Bwlcb, was very commendable. The names of winners in the open class were i., the following :-1, t5, "Wallace," Mr John Jjnes, Nantstalwen 2, 22 10s, Rose," Mr Evan Williams, LlysEinon, Tregaron 3, 21 10s, "Robin," Mr D. Lloyd, Blaenant, Llanfair- Clydogau highly commended, Lady," Mr J. E. Jones, Machynlleth; commended, Magy" ■> Mr T. Price, Bwlch. THE DINNER. ned, v 7 At six o'clock a good number sat down at the Talbot Hotel to a splendid dinner prepared-in their usual style by Hoat and Hostess Morgan. The chair was occupied by Mr Davies, J.P., Felindre, Lampeter, while Dr. Lloyd acted as vice-chairman. Among others present were Messrs Davies, Troedybryn, Llaudilo W. Jones Ochor; T. Evans, Rhydyronen Alderman R. Lloyd, Penybont; M. Morgan, Union Work- house Evan Williams, Llys Einon Councillor Evan Rowlands, Ystrad Caron T Price, Bwlch D. Jones, Bryneithinog J. Jonea. Bryneithiuog D. J. Williams. Pencefn John Jones, J.P., Nantstaiwen; Hugh Arch, Great Abbey; J. Hughes, Llangollen J. Roberts, Aberayron R. Lewis, Park Evan Jones, butcher J. Williams, Pantyfedwen; D. Lloyd, Blaennant; W. Row- lands, Cwrtmawr Farm Morgan Jones, road surveyor; W. R. Hall, Aberystwyth; and Philip Rhys, Tregaron. After the cloth had been removed, the toasts were proceeded with. The Chairman proposed the toast of "The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family," which was drunk with musical honours. The next toast was The Judges." Mr J. Hughes, Llangollen, in responding, said that it afforded him more than ordinary pleasure to come to that part of the country and. to witness the great advance in agriculture. There n, were, he said, hopeful signs everywhere. Refer- ring to the day's proceedings, he said that unsuccessful competitors need not be in the least discouraged. There was always a great amount l. l. i :n r,. Ul iuuft agau iM-Mien in competitions, tie nad been pleased with the work done during the day, but would like to see one alteration made in training dogs, & he would throwout the hint to all shepherds present. In this part of the country it was the custom to teach dogs to bring the sheep to the shepherd. That, no doubt, served the purpose, but it necessitated the keeping of two dogs. He would like the same dog trained to bring the sheep to the shepherd as well as to drive them away froni him. Several shepherds that day had shown that they possessed good lungs, as nearly all the competitors resorted to shouting to the dogs but it was his (Mr Hughes's) opinion that it would be worth while to work the dogs with the aid of signs and the use of the whistle. The judges were unanimously of this opinion. Mr Davies, Felindre, another of the judges, in responding, said that he was very grateful to the committM for having chosen him to act as judge at the third meeting of the Tregaron sheep dog trials. He could conscientiously say that if any felt that any unfairness had been shown in award- ing the prizes, he assured them that it was not due to any personal feeling, but to their (the judges') ignorance. The Vice-Chairman (Dr. Lloyd) proposed the health of The Successful & Unsuccessful COm. petitors." He thought that though some had received prizes their dogs had not yet reached perfection, and he hoped that shepherds woald act in accordance with the valuable hinta given them by Mr Hughes. Mr John Jones, shepherd, Nantstaiwen, Breeon- shire, responded, and said that shepherds had expended a great deal of time ana labour in getting their dogs to work in the manner they had done that day, but he hoped that by the next year's meeting the dogs would have reached nearer to the goal of perfection than they had this year. Mr D. Lloyd, Blaenant, also responded. Mr J. Roberts, Aberayron, sang Bageiles yr Wyddfa in excellent style. The next toast was that of the Officers of the Society," and with the toast were coupled the names of the energetic secretaries, Messrs M. Morgan and T. Evans. Mr Evans, in responding, said that the little work he had done as secretary afforded him great pleasure. He did it as a duty more than any- thing else, for he felt that it was the duty of every townsman to further the interests of the town he lived iu. Mr Morgan also said that the work had given him great pleasure. He hoped that the Society would thrive every year, and that next year the Society would be in a position to give larger prizes than were given that day. The Chairman proposed the health of The Treasurer," Mr D. J. Williams, Pencefn. who responded. Mr Tom Jones, Talbot Hotel, sane The old Arm Chair," the company joining in the chorus. The next toast was that of The Press," with which was coupled the name of Mr Hall, Cumbrian News, who suitably responded. The Vice-Chairman proposed the health of the Host and Hostess," and Mr Morgan responded.

FISHGUARD. J' OPENING OF THE LITERARY INSTITUTE.—The movement for establishing this institution was started a month ago by Mr B. Tlomas, of Ken- sington House, who having canvassed his resi- dents, called a general meeting, at which the project was cordially taken up. An executive committee was appointed, who elected Dr Lawton- Swete as chairman Mr W. S. Jenkins and Captain W. Williams vice-chairman; Mr W. J. Vaughan treasurer Mr E. Thomas and Mr E. Williams, secretaries. In response to circulars soliciting support, the following gentlemen have become patrons and donors :-The Bishop of St. David's, Mr A. Morrison, of Wyndcliffe, Good- wick (donation of £ 5; annual subscription, £ 3 ;) Mr J. Worthington, Glynymel (donation, £ 5) Mr H. Worthington, Glynymel (donation £ 1; annual subscription, ci) Mr H. Worthington, Goodwick Dr. W. Williams, Dr J. M. Owen, Mr H. Owen, and the Rev. T. G. Mortimer. The premises consisting of four rooms, are con- veniently situated in Main-Street, and are light, airy, and lofty, and command an extensive sea view. The committee has, for the first quarter confined itself to the supply of newspapers and magazines. Should the funds justify it, a library will afterwards be added. The subscriptions to constitute membership are 2s and Is (labouring class) per quarter. The institution was formally opened on Tuesday by Mr J. Worthington, and a concert in aid of the funds was held in the evening, presided over by Mr H. Owen.

CHLORO-LINSEED Cough Lozenges, post free, 7d. Of Chemists. LINUM CATHARTICUM PILLS, agreeably aperient, 9id, Is lid., 2o Od. Of all Chemists. I LI.A\-4