The Abergavenny Mail

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A I LABOURER. Mathon Farmer Stabbed with Hay I Fork. Hammered on Head With a Stone. I Yesterday (Thursday) morning, before Messrs/ Spencer H Bickham (in the chair) and Hubert Bray, James Morris, casual labourer, of Mathon, was again brought up in custody, on a charge of doing grevious bodily harm to Richard Lawrence, his employer, a farmer, of South Hyde, Mathon, on July 1 last. A short report of the case appeared in our last week's issue. Morris is a rough-looking man, of fair com- plexion, apparently 40 years of age. George Richard Lawrence, who was the victim of the alleged assault, was the first witness, and said prisoner was working for him at the time of the offence. On Wednesday, July 1, he sent for Morris to come and help him to dip some sheep, and he refused to come. He went to Morris, who refused to do as he wished him to, so witness ordered him off, and put his hand at the back of Morris's shoulder and neck and pushed him. Morris walked away seven or eight yards and then picked up the pitch-fork produced and came for witness, who held up his left arm to ward the blow off his heart, and it entered his arm just below the elbow. He caught hold of Morrisand was taking him down to the stable to lock him up And sent for the police. By the Bench As Morris came for him with the pitchfork witness jumped aside and the fork went into his arm instead of his side. One prong went through his shirt-sleeve, which was, loose. Proceeding, witness said Morris said he would rip his inside out. When he was taking him down to the stable to lock him up while he sent for the police, prisoner picked up the stone produced from behind and started hammering the back of his head, causing three wounds. The stone was handed up to the Bench, who asked what the discoloured mark on the stone was, and the witness said it was blood from his head. Witness's head bore the mark where the blows had been struck. Witness went on to say that his father came to his assistance, and prisoner was secured. Prisoner: Didn't you strike me first?- Witness: No, I did not strike you. I told you I was going to have my lunch first ?—I told you you ought to have had your lunch. I wanted to go off the ground and you would not let me. You kicked me ?-No, I never touched you except putting my hand on your shoulder and turning you round and saying Get off the ground. Didn't your father say, Go for him, Dick ? —No. In reply to the Bench witness said prisoner lived in a cottage on 'the farm and had a wife and family, or a woman who lived with him as his wife. Prisoner had worked for him off and oa for eight years. James Soley, a cowman in the employ of the previous witness, said he lived at South Hyde. On the day in question at 11 a.m. he was in the rickyard with the horses, when Mr Lawrence told prisoner to help him to dip the sheep. Prisoner said he was not going, and when Mr Lawrence asked him why he was not going, he said because he hqd not had his lunch. Mr Lawrence told Morris to get off the ground, and Morris said be was not going, and caught hold of the pitchfork and said he would "rip his out.' He did not see any more. By the Bench:: He was about two yards off Mr Lawrence when the fork was used. Witness had had his lunch, and he thought Morris had, he had had enough time. He saw Mr Lawrence push Morris and tell him to clear off the ground, and the latter said he would not go. He saw Morris pick up the the fork and go for Mr Lawrence. Witness could bot-go to the latter's assistance, as he was holding some young horses. Mr Lawrence got hold of iprisoner and took him towards the house. Robert George Lawrence, farmer, Hollings Hill, Cradley, the father of the first witness, said he was at South Hyde on the day named, as he dipped his sheep there, and two of his men were there also. His son went into the rick-yard where Morris and other men were at work, and he heard fiis son ask Morris why he did not go and dip the sheep when Soley told him. Prisoner said he had not had iris lunch, and began to use bad language. His son put his hand on prisoner's shoulder and told him to jget off the ground 'and pushed him. Morris then picked up the pike produced and ran 8 or 10 yards and ran at bis son, one prong entering his son's left arm and the other his shirt sleeve. Mis son closed with prisoner, who refused to w.alk, and his son picked him up in his arms aod carried him down the rick-yard. They went just out of witness's sight. He followed and then saw Morris on the ground and his so beat down bleeding from the head, where Morris hit him with the stone. Morris walked down to the stable, where witness locked him up, mbd went for P.S. Howard. In reply to prisoner, witness denied that he ever touched prisoner until after prisoner had hit witness's son with the stone. Prisoner did not have the pike in his hand when witness's son first went to him, but ran and picked it up after he was ordered off the farm. P.S. Howard, of Cradley, said he went to South Hyde on the day named, and saw Mr Lawrence, jar., whose left forearm was bent and his head bandaged, He lodged a complaint with regard to Morris, of stabbing him with a fork and striking him on the head with a stone. There was no blood on the fork, but there was on the stone. He went to the stable where Morris was ldcked up, and asked him what had been the matter. Morris said that Mr Lawrence had etruck him at the back of the head, and also threatened to kick him. He told Morris he should charge him with doing grievous bodily harm, to Richard Lawrence, by stabbing him in the left fore-arm with a hay-fork, and also causing injuries to his head with a large stone. Morris replied, All right, I suppose I shall have to put up with it." He then brought have to to LedbHry and locked him up. prisoner to The dhnirman Was he sober ?--Witness: Oh, yes, quite sober. Richard Lawience was then recalled by the Bench. The Chairman: After this man stabbed you with the pike what did you do ? Did you go and see a doct-(,i' ? Wittiess Yes. Was the injury a bd one ?-h it bandaged now 1-Yes. The Chairman The doctor ou^ht to be here. Supt. Williams It was my intention to hava him here. The Chairman The wound was a serious one was it ?—Witness Yes, the fork had gone into thepluscle, but it went on the right way. Did it bleed much 1-No. only wept. How far did the prong go into your arin-an inch ?—I could not say. Had you to remain in bed after the doctor had seen you ?—I had to keep very quiet for two or three days. I had to go to bed as soon as I came from the doctor, and stay there. And that was entirely owing to the injuries you received ?— Yes. The Chairman said they must have the doctor (Dr Findlay, of West Malvern) there to give evidence, and a remand would be granted until Saturday (to-morrow) at 11 a.m., Dc Findlay in the meantime to be subpoenaed.

LEDBURY EVENING CLASSES. I Examination Results. I The results are to hand of the examinations held at the close of last session under the auspices of the Midland Union of Educational Institutions in connection with the Ledbury Evening Classes, run by the Herefordshire County Council. The successful students are as follows:— SHORTHAND. Elementary—Edith Evans, George G Preece, Clifford Corbett, Vernon W J Henley, Francis Lewington, Reginald C Watkins, Frances Staunton, Jessie B Preece, Henry B Batchelor, Leslie N Powell, Charles D Gardner, Nellie E Croad. Intermediate-Charles G Lawrence, William R Matthews, Arthur T Hamblin, Vivian D Henley, William C Lippett. Advanced-Olive A Smith, Marjorie F Smith, Archibald Chadd, Emily L Lowe (50 words per minute), Clarice L Mills (60 words per minute). FRENCH. Elementary-Ellen M Mullins, Jessie M Manning, Margorie G Mills. Advanced—Charlotte M Page. DRAWING. Model (elementary)—Edward F Page. Design (elementary) Norah L Hartland, Charlotte M Page. COMMERCIAL ARITHMETIC. Elementary-CharleS B Hill, Charles C Lawrence, Ernest H Hopkins, Leslie N Powell, Edward F Page, Donald W Tilley. The teachers of the various classes are :— Shorthand, Mr H B Wbyld; drawing, Miss Lilian Stephens French, Miss Ballard com- mercial arithmetic, Mr F W Wade.

BOSBURY. I PAROCHIAL FETr,A, parochial fete is. to be I held in the Vicarage Gardens on Monday, July 20, commencing at 2 p.m.

MUCH MARCLE. 1 ANNUAL SHOW AND SPORTS.-The annual I show and sports will take place at Much Marcle, on Thursday, August 20.

REDMARLEY. I SPORTS' RESULTS.—The results of the sports at the annual fete of the Redmarley Branch of the Gloucester Conservative Benefit Socity, held on Monday, were as follows :—Juvenile race—1 F Wiggington, 2 H Rouse, 3 C Lane. Single Members—1 T Hodges, 3 W Matthews, 3 J Dobbins. Married Members—1 J Watkins, 2 C Brace. Open race—1 F James, 2 P Dudfield, 3 T Hodges. Ladies' race—1 Miss A Beale, 2 Miss G Vaughan, 3 Mrs A Priday. Members, any agel T Hodges, 2 J Dobbins, 3 W Matthews. Flower SHow.-The second annual exhibi- tion of the Redmarley and District Horticultural Society will be held in the grounds of the Down House, Redmarley (by kind permission of Sir George Bullough, M.F.H., and Lady Bullough), on August Bank Holiday, Monday, August 3rd, when upwards of 270 will be offered in prizes. There is a tine programme of pony races and sports, and Mr J Dainton's Pierrote, U The Wellands" will give perform- ances at intervals, while the Imperial Viennese Military Band has been engaged. The private grounds of the Down House will be open to visitors to the show from 2 to 6.30 p.m. and for dancing from 7 to 9 p.m. Schedules and all information can be obtained from the hon. secretary, Mr T Kirby, School House, Red- marley. WEDDING.—A pretty wedding was solemnised at the parish church, on Thursday afternoon. The contracting parties were Wycliffe Richard, eldest son of Mr R James, of the Rose and Crown Inn, Red marley, and Beatrice Elsie, daughter of the late Mr William C Clutterbuck, of Copelands, Staunton. The ceremony was conducted by the Rector (Rev M Niblett). The bride, who was given away by Mr E J Davis, looked very charming in a pretty dress of biscuit-coloured satin, draped in the front with laee, and silk tassels, and the bodice being trimmed with silver beads. She carried a beautiful bouquet of pink carnations. Mr Fred Taynton, of Gloucester, acted as best man. The wedding was of considerable local interest and a number of parishioners were present at the church. A reception was afterwards held by Mrs W Brewer at Lowbands Farm, to which numerous guests were invited. The large number M handsome presents testified to the popularity of the bride and bridegroom. The honeymoon is being spent in London. The motor cars were supplied by Messrs' Garbutt, of Gloucester. t. 1/8 sent to the Reporter Office, Ledbury, wil ensure a copy of this paper being sent post free every Friday,evening or a quarter (13 week*).

DEATH OF MR. CEORCE HOPKINS, I OF LEDBURY. We regret to record the death of Mr George Hopkins, of the firm of Messrs George Hopkins and Sons, motor engineers and coachbuilders, of New-street, Ledbury, which took place at his residence at New-street on Tuesday morning at the age of 65 years. Mr Hopkins, who had been a fairly hale and hearty man, was taken ill about a fortnight before his death, being attacked by acute bronchitis and congestion of the lungs. Dr Green was called in and later in consultation Dr Harrison and Sir Robert Simon, specialist, of Birmingham, but despite all that medical skill and careful nursing could accom- plish he gradually grew weaker and passed away as stated. The late Mr Hopkins was the only surviving son of the late Mr John Hopkins, coachbuilder, w ho died some few years ago. The business in New-street was commenced about 70 years ago by a Mr Shaw, from whom it passed into the hands of Mr John Hopkins, who in turn was joined by his son George. Mr John Hopkins retired from the business some 22 years or so ago, and was succeeded by Mr George Hopkins. In due course the latter was joined by his two sons, Mr George and Albert J Hopkins, and for some years now it has been carried on under the style of Messrs George Hopkins and Sons. When the motor industry began to develop the late Mr George Hopkins saw the possibility of development, and of late years the business had grown considerably, necessitating extensive alterations to the premises, which now cover a large area. The late Mr Hopkins was of a very quiet unassuming, and retiring disposition, and took no part in public life, but devoted him- self entirely to his business pursuits and his home. He had, however, a host of friends, by whom he was held in the highest respect and esteem. His wife predeceased him, and he leaves a grown-up family of two sons and a daughter, Mr George and Mr Albert J Hopkins and Miss Hopkins, to mourn his demise, and with them the deepest sympathy is expressed. Mr Hopkins was a member of Court Good Samaritan of the Ancient Order of Foresters, until the coming into force of the National Health Insurance Act, when he ceased his mem- bership. In politics he was a strong Unionist and was a member of the Ledbury and District Lodge of the National Conservative League. In religion he was a Baptist. The funeral has been fixed for to-day (Friday) at Ledbury Cemetery, leaving the house at 2 p.m.

STATION SCENE AT HEREFORD. I Convlot Nearly Escapes. I A Bold Dash For Freedom. I Brought Down by a Hammer. I There was much excitement on Wednesday in the neighbourhood of Barr's Court Railway Station, Hereford. Three gangs of prisoners, twenty in number, were being transferred from Usk Prison to Hereford Prison, and whilst wait- on the platform for the arrival of conveyances, one burly prisoner succeeded in slipping his handcuffs and breaking away. There was a wild scene immediately, porters and travellers being much alarmed at the dash for liberty, and the manner in which it was executed. Warders shouted 11 Stop him," but it was left to Harry Shepherd, a wheel examiner, to take action. He was at the end of the platform, and saw the prisoner running towards him, with three warders and a number of porters in full chase. He carried a hammer with a long handle, used for testing wheels, and gave the prisoner a sharp tap on the ankle with it as he passed. The runaway dropped, but rolled off the platform on to the permanent way, and crawled beneath some empty waggons. Dodging everyone, he ultimately ran into an open coal shed some dis- tance away, and was getting through an aperture at the back, when one of the warders caught him by the legs. In another minute he would have gained the open country. The prisoner is serving a sen- tence of twelve months for highway robbery. 0

HOUSING PROBLEM. I Now It Is Being Tackled In Colwall. I 44 Clifford Cordley," in an article contributed to the Daily Chronicle," says that the housing problem is being tackled in pioneer form in Rip van Winkle Herefordshire by the Colwall Parish Council, who design to set an example to theft county and to the country at large. At an adjourned meeting, held some months ago, the Colwall Parish Council accepted a plan to erect three pairs of sample cottages at a cost of JB290 per pair, or three blocks for 91,200, which sum it was proposed to borrow at 4 per cent., repayable in 60 years, subject to the approval of the Local Government Board. Having regard to the cubical feet of accommodation to be provided, to the sanitation, and to the cost of the land, it was estimated that these capital cottages (planned after Mr Burns's ideal) could be let at 38 6d a week, but the chairman said that 44 a 3s 6d cottage would probably have to be let for 4s because there were numerous extras. The purchase of land would entail a cost of another 3d a week." The scheme, approved by the higher local authority of the Ledbury Rural District Council, is now being proceeded with, despite some difficulties with regard to requisite building sites and hard conditions as to rights of way, road making, and the like.

Perhaps it is not genei ally understood that we undertake all descriptions of Ooloured and Plain Stamping. We get dies cut and I turn out th6 order complete. Send on a trial I order to the Reporter Office.

"r IAIIIW Use leaky tubs to catch rain water WHY when galvanized tanks are so cheap ? A TANK jNBNBSiB Does not shrink open like a tub. Keeps the water clean and sweet. Just the right height to lift a bucket out. iF Can be put in any corner. Never wants repairing, pitching, ■ I or painting. Good for a lifetime, and you can get one for 7/10. These sizes are now in stock:— 30, 50, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 190 gallons. The price and the quality cannot be beaten anywhere. Come and have a look at them and see which size would suit your purpose best. GeoraeHi?  TS c'r^LEDBURY^

COLWALL NEWS. I EVENING CLASSES EXAMINATION I RESULTS. The results are to hand of the recent examina- tions held by the Midland Counties Union of Educational Institutions, in connection with the Colwall Evening Classes, held at the Workman's Hall. The successful students were :—Short- hand-Average speed 60 words per minute— Fred Hales, Mary West. Intermediate— Myrtle A Kite, Sarah 0 Horton, Tom L Hawkins. Elementary Albert W Allen, Evelyn M Pedlingham, Gilbert J Mason, Lucy Harris, Gertrude M Tombs, Phyllis Insall, Marjorie Marshall, Willie Horton, William P Taylor. Pitman's special examination, theory- Isabella M Boyd, Myrtle Kite, OUTING. I On Saturday last the employees of Messrs Schweppes, Ltd., mineral water manufacturers, went for their annual excursion. The party left Colwall at 2.30 a.m. en-route for Blackpool, arriving at this popular watering-place at 10 o'clock. The day being a brilliant one a most enjbyable time was spent, the host of attractions provided for visitors' enjoyment coming in for a fair share of patronage, and the popularity of Blackpool may be gathered from the fact that no less than 101 excursions ran there on Satur- day. The return journey was commenced at 1.15 a.m. on Sunday morning, Colwall being safely reached at 8. The employees of the Royal Well Brewery Company also took advantage of the trip, which was organised by the Malvern Hygienic Laundry Company. LOCAL WILLS. I Mrs Julia Tarleton Tilley, of Colwall, widow of the Rev. Henry T Tilley, formerly vicar of Claverdon, who died on May 14th, left estate valued at £ 23,304. Testatrix left 220 to her gardener one year's wages to each servant (in- door) of two years' service j350 to the rector and churchwardens of St. Michael's, Claverdon, for church purposes j350 towards the extinction of the debt on the Church of the Good Shepherd, Upper Colwall 2200 to the Queen's Hospital, Birmingham; 9200 to the General Hospital j3200 to Dr. Barnardo's Homes; 2200 to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals j3200 to the master and fellows of Caius College, Cambridge j3200 to the vicar of St. Mary's, Bearwood, Smethwick, for the endowment fund 250 each to the executors; 2500 to her sister, Maud Marian Adkins; £8,000 to the children of her brothers-in-law, Benjamin Bissell Tilley and John William Tilley and R.50 to her godson, Jasper Howlett. The residue of her property, subject to some other bequests, she leaves to her brother and sisters or their issue.

Sirtbs, dbatriages, and Beatbs, DEATHS. PASSINGHAM-Jnly 2nd, at The Berrow, near Ledbury, George Augustus Passingham, youngest son of the late Jonathan Passinghom, of Heat on, Middlesex, in his 73rd year. FRY—July 4th, at H"w Caple Grange, aear Ross-on Wye, after fonr days' illness, Francis Gibson Fry, J.P., of Hoarwithy, near Here- ford, the younger son of the Rt. Hon. Lewis Fry, of Goldney House, Clifton, Bristol, aged 51 years. HOPKINS—July 7, at New-street, Ledbury, George Hopkins, aged 65 years.

ARTHUR J. VIRGO. MONUMENTAL WORKS, Oathedral Olose, Hereford Memorials in Marble, Granite or Stone. Designs Famished. Brick Vaults & Steen Grave Country Work a Speciality I The Oldest Butiom in Harojore.

let Battalion Herefordshire Regiment. "C" (LEDBURY) COMPANY. Musketry.—The Sergt-Instructor will be on the 30-yards' Range on Thursdays and Saturdays during the afternoon. All N.C.O.'s and men are warned to fire part I as early as possible. Clothing.-Any N.C.O.'s or men in possession of clothing, viz. (service dress jacket, trousers and putties), which reap ire changing, are warned to return same to the Drill Hall at once. A. V. HOLMAN, Captain, BE.ST W AS "?' 'I." Doe not- Stain line h l, 6- ( 5 oft'les fragranf- LONDON E THE *?SAMITAS;"C? L'rD Lot4l)ON.E. I 1 DAVID SMITH" SON | Monumental Sculptors, LEDBURY. MONUMENTS, TOMBS, HEAD. STONES and CROSSES of every description, in Marble, Granite and Stone, fixed in any part of the kingdom. OLD MONUMENTS RENOVATED. Designs and Estimates sent free on application.