Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

THE CHARGE OF ASSAULT IN A RAILWAY I CARRIAGE.— ED'vVAilDo V. JONES. The hearing of this case was resumed at the Court House, on Tuesday last, before the Rev. J. Wynne and Captain Taylor.—Mr E. H. Edwards again ap- peared for the complainant, and Mr Adams for the de- I fendant. Mr Edwards, before rising to the examination of wit- nesses, said he was there that day to defend his client from an imputation against her chastity, which the de. fence had threatened daring the cross-examination, to bring forward. He asked his friend, in the interest of the profession to which they belonged, to abstain from such a course. The witnesses were again ordered out of court. Mr O. Davies Hughes said he was there as the adviser of Mr Adams, who appeared for his clerk.—Mr Edwards Then Mr Adams must go out.—The court ruled in favour of Mr Edwards, and Mr Hughes retired. The first witness called to-day was John Thomas Edwards, prosecutrix's husband, who was deaf and dumb. Mr Edwards proposed to give the questions and receive the answers on paper. The first question put to him was, Are you the husband of Elizabeth Ed- wards?" He wrote in reply, "Yes, against Jones." Mr Adams said that mode of eliciting evidence was most unsatisfactory. The bench concurred, and the prosecutrix was called, when the dress she wore on the night of the alleged assault was produced, and stains were exhibited on it. Cross-examined by Mr Adams I never told any one before this occurrence I would have my revenge on defendant. I had no occasion to say so. I did not say so to Jane Parry at Llangollen about Christmas, or at any other time. (Witness having said that she knew Jane Parry, of Corwen, and she is a very improper young woman, some laughter was occasioned in court. The bench said that if any demonstration of the kind was repeated the court would be cleared.) Mr Edwards alluled to another anonymous letter which had been received, and wished to put it in.—Mr Adams said that that letter could not by any possibility be put in evidence, unless the hand-writing could be traced. Dr. Walker was then called, and stated that he was in court during the time the last witness was examined, and Mr Adams objected to his evidence being taken at all. If he was to be admitted, he thought Mr Hughes, who had been down stairs all the time, should be ad- mitted in court.—The Bench ruled that Dr. Walker's evidence be received. It had reference to the stains on the dress. Robert Roberts, lamp porter at Corwen station, said: I was at the station on Monday, the 10ih inst., when the train came in by which complainant had come. I have seen hev coming in twice lately. The first time she came in a second-class carriage. Doneld opened the door of the carriage for her. I gave Doneld my key to open the carriage door, and Mrs Ed.vards came out. That was the only time, as far as I can recollect, within the last fortnight. Doneld did not borrow my key at any other time. I do not know whether it was on the occasion when fog signals were on the line that Doneld came home with her from Ruthin. Mr Adams here called attention that a witness for the prosecution had stated that Davies, the guard, had opened the carriage door. Mr Edwards intimated that he might bring an action for perjury against some of the witnesses. Cross-examined by Mr Adams: I have seen com- plainant coming out of the train twice, but I don't recollect whether it was morning, noon, or night. -By the court: Doneld was on the Denbigh, Ruthin, and Corwen platform when he borrowed my key. He was on the platform when the train came in. I had seen him on the platform for twenty minutes before the train arrived.—By the Couit: About how long ago is it since he borrowed the key ?—It was about a week or a fortnight ago. John Thomas Edwards was then examined, Mr Thomas Lewis interpreting: I am the husband of I Elizabeth Edwards, the prosecutrix, and am a watch- maker in Corwen. I remember the night of Monday, the 10th of February, inst. When my wife came home at half-past seven o'clock she made a complaint to me. Her hair and dress were disordered. Her dress was torn, some buttons were off, and the front of it was opened.—Cross-examined: The dress has been in the care of my wife since the 10th. The dress was opened [ and torn that any ordinary person looking at it might have seen it. Her hair was also so disordered that any person would have noticed it, and it was down behind. —By the Court My wife had a jacket over her, which was torn by the neck part. There was also an under jacket also torn.—By Mr Adams: The rends in the dress could be seen though the jacket was on.-By the Court: The jacket was unbuttoned. My wife sat down when she came in, and in about ten minutes after she opened the dress. She complained of the clerk of Mr Owen D. Hughes that he had assaulted her. Thomas Cartwright, manager of the Denbigh, Cor- wen, and Ruthin Railway, deposed We have the bye- laws of the company and the instructions to the station- master and guards. The rule that the doors on the off side are be to locked is in operation on this line. The rule is for market days and on special occasions that the doors which would be on the off side at the next station should be locked. In a train from Rathin for Eyarth, which is on the near side, the doors are unlocked at Ruthin for Eyarth. They remain open for Nantclwyd. Derwyn is on the off side. It is not the duty of the guard at Nantclwyd to lock the near side. The line is a single line with stations on both sides of it, and there- fore no pointed rule applies. When the train gets to Gwyddelwern the side next the station should be opened. If anything occurs, such as the assault com- plained of, it was the duty of the complainant to report to the guard, and the guard to report it afterwards to the stationmaster. I am not aware that there is any rule or instruction as to the stationmaster to leave the platform and examine the locks on the off side, unless 1, on special occasions. I am not aware of any rule re- quiring Isaac Roberts to examine the doors at Gwyddel- wern. It is in the order of the regulations for Isaac Roberts to leave Gwyddelwern to go by train to Cor- wen. Mr O. Davies Hughes, solicitor at Corwen, said The defendant is articled with me. He has passed his in- termediate examination. Thomas Edwards is not one of my clients. I can't say whether I was at home on Thursday, the 13th. I did see the prosecutor on the I 14tll and his wife also. I saw the prisoner previous to the, 14th, and I saw him also on that day, but I had not seen him on the morning before I saw Mrs Edwards.— Cross-examined: Defendant's character has been good and exemplary ever since I have known him.—Mr Adams What is Mrs Edwards's character ?—Mr Edwards ob- jected to the question.—Mr Adams: What is the "eneral character of complainant for chastity ?—Wit- ness hesitated, and said You place me in an awkward position, and I decline to answer the question, unless I am compelled to do so."—The Court ruled that the t above question and answer could not be placed on the j depositions, At this stage Mr Edwards applied to their worships for a farther adjournment, in order that the dress might be examined by a scientific gentleman. Mr Adams strongly objected to a further adjourn- ment, and the bench refused to grant it. Mr Adams then in a very eloquent speech opened the case for the defendant. He alluded to the grave character of the case before their worships. On the one hand there was a young man charged with one of the foulest of crimes, and if convicted he would be for ever forbidden to enter upon the profession which he aspired to and on the other hand there was the protection of persons travelling in railway carriages and if crimes of the nature were proved it was no doubt the duty of the magistrates to convict. He knew of no crime so foul and outrageous as the one his client was charged with, and if he should be found guilty it would be their duty to convict. He hoped, however, to prove to the satisfac- tion of their worships that his client was innocent of the charge. Mr Adams criticised at great length the evi- dence for the prosecution, and after referring to the evidence he was about to bring, he called William Dykins, tea merchant, of the firm of Dylans, Grindley, and Chambers said On the 10th, I "got into a second-class carriage of the Denbigh, Ruthin, and Cor- wen train at Ruthin. Prosecutrix was in the same car- riage. It was the train that was to arrive at Corwen at 6-57. There was no other person in the carriage. She was, as far as my opinion went, in "apple-pie" order. By apple-pie" I mean that she was neat, com- plete, and respectable. I saw nothing about her hair to attract my attention. I travelled with her to Cor- wen. I conversed with her on the way. I got into the train at Gwyddelwern. I said to her, Good evening," and she replied, Good night." I was in the carriage three or four minutes before I had any conversation with her. I asked her was she going far. She replied that she going to Corwen. I asked her about a respec- table grocer at Corwen. I had never called with any one there, but as I had on hour or two to wait the trains, I might as well try to do something. She lived in Corwen but she knew very little of the grocers. I asked her if she was married, and she re- plied that she was to her sorrow. She did not at this time appear to be in sorrow. She said she had married a deaf and dumb husband. I said if I had time I would run up far a watch key. There was nothing ex- cited or peculiar in her manner. I went up town to her shop. I there saw her husband, and be could not un- derstand me. Prosecutrix came to the shop and made some signs to her husband to give me a watch key. I bought "a watch key, put down sixpence, and received fourpence change. When she came into the shop she wore a black dress. There was nothing the matter with her dress or hair. She spoke very agreeably with me. On leaving I said that when I came to Corwen I would call on her. She replied that she would be very glad to see me.—Cross-examined by Mr Edwards I came to Gwyddelwern from Ruthin by the six o'clock train with two young ladies. The young ladies went out at one of the stations, and I was alone till 1 came to Gwyddelwern. It was neither light nor dark at the time. It was a fortnight ago, and I cannot remember whether the moon was shining. I did not speak either to Roberts or the guard on the platform at Gwyddelwern. I saw a little of this case in the Liverpool Mercury. I have also seen the Wrexham Advertiser. I have been examined by the attorney for the defendant. I saw two men at the door at Corwen. I knew one, the guard. I believed his name was Davies. I also saw Doneld. I could not say which of the two men opened the door. I first saw defendant on that night at the refreshment room. I treated Roberts, the stationmaster, at the refreshment room. I saw a young person in the shop with Mrs Edwards and her husband. Isaac Roberts was not outside the shop when I was in, but a man was there whom I did not know. I waited for Isaac Roberts, and he came in two or three minutes. I went to the station with Roberts, to go off by the eight o'clock train.—Re-examined: I overheard Doneld say- ing to her that she ought to be ashamed travelling with a man alone. I then could hear him say, See that you go home straight. Peter Hughes said: I know Mrs Edwards. She came to my place on the evening of the 10th inst. It was between eight and nine o'clock at night. There were three persons in the house at the time. Mrs Ed- wards spoke to me, but I do not recollect that she said, I know nothing of the man." I do not recollect her using the word wrong" best. She said she knew nothing of the man, meaning prisoner. It is true that she said he came with me in the carriage from Ruthin to Ccrwen. She referred to me and said You know he is a decent young man.—Cross-examined: This conversation arose from some words that had been said previously, but I cannot recollect the whole. She spoke of an anonymous letter her husband had received. I don't know prisoner's handwriting. She did not say, "I will not say anything now about Mr Jones." I meant as to his general character when I said he was a decent young man. Prisoner and I are members of the same congregation, the Calvinistic Methodists.— Re-examined Mr is <i«nrot->rr d our Sunday school, and is a well educated young man. John Wilcock said I was in last witness's house on the night in question. I saw Mrs Edwards coming in and saying to Peter Hughes that her husband had been very much put out of the way. She also said that she knew nothing of the (man) prisoner; but it was true that he came with her from Ruthin the day before, but he was a very decent young man. Jane Hughes, the witness Peter Hughes's mother, corroborated the last two witnesses's statements. —By the Court: Mrs Edwards said nothing about anything occuring in the train. I have said all that she said in reference to the prisoner. John Davies refused to speak English, having been called to repeat what he heard prosecutrix saying at Peter Hughes's, and was ordered out of the box. Mrs Templeton I was at the Railway Station on the 12th inst. Prosecutrix was in the same carriage as my husband and myself, and also the barmaid from the Crown. We had a conversation about the prisoner, and she said twice he never put his hands upon me.—Cross- examined I don't consider the question I put to her to elicit the above was impertinent so long as she spoke of the affair to everybody. I don't live at Corwen, but have stayed there a week.—Re-examined: My husband is a ventriloquist. He has been giving entertainments in Corwen, which have been patronised by the Vicar and Captain Taylor. Mr Templeton corroborated his wife's evidence. He said a conversation arose about some gentleman, and Mrs Edwards said and repeated it twice, that the man had not put his hands upon her. I am a stranger here and know none of the parties.—Mr Edwards You are not a conjurer, amongst other things, are you ?-Wit- ness I can deceive you. (Laughter.)—Mr Edwards Are you a judge of what is delicate between females ?— Witness: I don't know what you mean by delicate. There is no delicacy in public that I know of. (Laughter.) Doneld came up to the window, and after- wards the guard. I don't consider my wife was im- pertinent. They were talking together. Mr Adams then called Jane Parry to show some motive for the conduct of prosecutrix that at Christ- mas last Mrs Edwards had stated to her that she would have her revenge on prisoner for preventing Mr Davies Hughes taking up some case for her. Mr Edwards objected to the evidence, and the court decided it should not be heard, not being a relevant issue. Witnesses to character were then called, amongst others Dr. Walker, Mr Pearson Roberts, Mr William Jones, Penybont; Mr White, Mr Roberts, PlasynlJwJch Mr Williams, Gwerclas; Mr Jones, Plas Mr Lloyd, Bala Mr Simon Williams, Mr D. R. Jones, surgeon Mr Jones, London House Mr Lloyd, draper, who all spoke most highly of the prisoner. The court was cleared, and after the lapse of fifteen or twenty minutes the public were re-admitted, when the clerk to the magistrates, said that the justices had patiently weighed the evidence for the pro- secution and the evidence, and they felt that it was their painful duty to send the prisoner for trial at the assizes for the county of Denbigh. The evidence for the prosecution had satisfied them that a prima facia case had been made out for the prosecution. The ad- vocate for the prisoner had very fairly and moderately put the case on the part of his client, but notwithstand- ing the very eloquent defence on the part of the pri- soner, the justices felt that the evidence for the prosecu- tion remained undisturbed. The court house was densely crowded all day, the hearing of the case occupying fully eight hours. Great interest, almost amounting to excitement, was n, ni fested in the case throughout the town, and general sympathy for the prisoner was felt by the public. He was admitted to bail, himself in £300, and two sureties in 9200. DENBIGH. UNDEU-SHERIFF.—Sir Robert Cunliffe, High Sheriff, has appointed Mr T. Gold Edwards, of Denbigh, his Under-sheriff. Dru,nkenness.-On Monday last, a lad of the name of Evan Jones, of this town, was brought before the bench, for the above offence, on the Saturday night previous. He had the honour of getting a week's work on the treadmill for his behaviour. POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT.—On Friday, 21st inst., another of these entertainments was given at the Salem Chapel, presided over by Mr D. Griffith, (Clwydfardd.) These meetings appear to be increasing in populaiity, and the selection of the program me shows the desire to maintain a strictly moral, and elevating tone in the pro- l ceedings. The Rev. L. Jones, the minister, began in the usual manner with prayer, then the choir sang "Light of light enlighten me." Reading, by T. W. •, Griffith: song, Amser gwell," choir competition in I reciting a hymn, Masters Griffith and Hughes came for- ward, and the prize was divided between them song, Galar gwraig y milwr," Mr S. Jones, the choir join- ing in the chorus recitation, Nos Sadwrn y broth- ynwr, by Clwydfardd. The adjudication on the best essay on Grym Ymarferiad," three competitions were I received, but Ymgeisydd, who came out in the person of Mr J. Humphreys, received the prize. Song, BIoed- t diwn yr Anthem," Mr Isaac Williams, staff, 12 in num- ber, assisted by Misses A. Morris, and J. Lewis, con- ducted by Mr J. Morris, tailor, Bull Lane. We are happy to learn that they intend singing another anthem at the next meeting, if so, the attendance will be much larger. Recitation, by Miss S. E. Jones. The "Cuckoo" by the choir. Recitation, Jackdaw," by Mr J. Ed- wards. Song Swroldeb." Reading, a Welsh Stanza, all that came forward were taken in" this time, though the stanza was a Welsh one, but it was made out in figures, and all had to retire without the prize, ¡ though they read the figures. Song, Yr Eos," Miss Humphreys, Ruthin, and was encored, and accompanied on the harmonium by Miss Davies, of the same place. II The chapel was crowded, and all behaved themselves exceedingly well. j ELLESillERE. LECTURE.—The first of a series of lectures during Lent was delivered on Thursday evening last, in the parish church, by the Rev. George Egerton, rector of Middle. The rev. gentleman selected as his subject Impatience of seasons of retirement: or, the dread of being alone with God." THE STORM OF SATURDAY Nirii-r.-Considerable damage has been done to the east window of Ellesmere Church—a most elaborate and costly one containing the figures of the four evangelists, by the storm of last Saturday. Mr Williams, of The Cottage, had a wall, thirty yards in length and about ten feet high, blown flat to the ground. GUN ACCIDENT.—An accident of rather a serious nature occurred to Mr Geotge Boughey, of Kitt's Grove, Staffordshire, on Wednesday last. He was shooting rabbits on his brother's farm at Lineal, and while loading his gun it exploded, blowing his thumb off and severely injuring the forefinger of his right hand. LLANGOLLEN. COU.YTY COURT.-At this Court, held on Tuesday, last, before R. Vaughan Williams, Esq., Judge, the cause list contained 77 original summonses, 2 adjourned summonses, and 2 judgment hearings. Nearly all the cases were settled out of court and no disputed cases came before his Honour. THE PEOPOSED RIFLE C-ar.Fs.-We have received a letter from Mr J. Williams, the hon. sec., complaining that the statement made in our last that the Lord Lieutenant had offered obstructions to the formation of the corps is incorrect. Mr Williams says the Lord Lieutenant has been most willing to assist the movement throughout. PENNY READINGS.— A well attended entertainment was provided on Friday, 21st inst. John Hughes, Esq., Dolhiryd, presided, and delivered a short address. A long programme was well sustained by the following ladies and gentlemen, numerous encores being demanded. Readers Mrs Carson, Mr Hiram Davies, Mr Attwell, Mr Richards, Mr J. Clarke and Mr Richardson. Musical: Miss Ouberbridge, Mrs Humphreys, Miss Jarvis, Mr Roberts, G. W.R., Mr Powell, Mr Attwell, Mr Hannagan, Mrs Jones, Cambrian Hotel (Gwilyn Berwyn); Mr J. Paghe, Mr J. Lloyd, Mr Evans, &c. The proceeds were to be devoted to the relief of the poor. PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY 25th, Before: Colonel Biddulph, M.P., R. Vaughan Williams, Esq., J. Pryce, Esq (The Tower) and Colonel Pryse. Driiiikenitess.-Robert Roberts, rockman, was charged with being drunk and helpless on the 1st inst., by P.C. E. Hitchcock.- The constable said that he found defendant quite drunk in Castle-street on the 21st, he did not know where he was, being quite incapable of taking care of himself. He was locked up.—Defendant admitted the offence, and was fined 5s. with 7s. 6d. costs, the chairman observing that drunkenness was an expensive amusement. Non-maintenance of Parents.—.Mr W. Evans, clerk to the guardians applied for an order against John Evans, Queen-street, and Evan Evans, miller, for not maintaining their mother who was in receipt of 3s. 6d. weekly from the parish. They had a brother who lived in Ruabon parish, but as the applicant had considered him to be out of the jurisdiction of Llangollen petty sessional district, no summons had been served upon him.—Ordered to pay Is. 2d. each, 8s-. costs and 5s. travelling expenses to Mr Williams.—A similar charge was brought against Thomas Edwards, who was ordered to pay Is. 6d. weekly, 8s. costs, and 5s. expenses.— Thomas Williams, Church-street, sued for not main- taining his parents, and pleaded poverty.—Ordered to pay Is. weekly, 8s. costs. As a return ticket from Corwen costs only two shillings, the justices seemed to think that Mr Williams had received a sufficient amount towards travelling expenses. NORTHOP. PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY.—Before Ll. Faulkner Lloyd, Esq., (chairman), J. Scott Bankes, Esq., and Colonel Wills. Eleven summonses had been issued for the non-pay- ment of Highway rate; the majority were settled out of court, some were excused on proof of inability to pay, and in the other cases the. usual orders were made. Assaulting a Police Ofifcer.-Tliomas and Edward Williams, brothers were charged by P.C. John Nuttall, with assaulting him about last Christmas. The case had been adjourned from the last meeting, there only being one magistrate on the bench when the case was called. Mr P. Ellis Eyton appeared for the defendants. According to complainant, it appeared that the defen- dants were drunk and noisy in Northop village. He tried to persuade them to go home several time, but they refused they were stripped and wanting to fight. Complainant in a scuffle with them was knocked on the [ head with a stick. He produced his cap in court which was dented in front, and -the mettle Prince of Wales arms, worn on the caps of the Flintshire constabulary, bent. As it was dark, complainant could not swear whether he had been struck with a stick or a fist, but when defendant's mother brought a light to the spot he saw a stick in Edward Williams's hand.Nlr Eyton, for the defence said the Williamses were going home on the night in question, and it being the Christmas season, they were going home singing, probably, Christmas j ? I probably, Christmis Carols, when the officer interfered with them without occasion. His instructions .were that Edward Williams did not strike complainant at all.—Defendant's were ¡ fined JE1 each and costs. .R?s? to Q:t?..—J ohn Davies, Thomas Williams, j and Kenrick Williams, were summoned for refusing to quit a public house at Halkin. The complainant by the consent of the bench withdrew the charge. RUABON. TEMPERANCE MEETING.—On Wednesday evening last the Wrexham DistTict Temperance League held a meeting in the Congregational Chapel. Excellent addresses were delivered by several gentlemen, and a very pleasant evening was spent. FATAL ACCIDENT AT TIIE GREEN PIT.-On Saturday morning last, about seven o'clock, a fatal accident occurred at the Green pit to a man of the name of John Miles, who resided at Pentre-christionydd. His death was caused by the falling of a quantity of roofing upon him, which killed him instantaneously. On Monday last an inquest was held upon his body, at the Red Lion Inn, Pentre-christionydd, before B. H. Thelwall, Esq., and a respectable jury, of which Mr Robert Green was foreman. The inquiry was adjourned till Monday next for the attendance of the government inspector. RHOSYMEDUE. I BAPTIST TABERNACLE.—This chapel is now closed for the purpose of being thoroughly cleaned and repaired. We understand that steps are being taken to render it more comfortable. It is expected that the new minister, the Rev. John Morris, will be ordained and commence his duties here about the beginning of May. THE OLD TRAMWAY.—We are pleased to Ieam that at last the old tramway has been transferred to the super- vision of the Highways' Board. It is now being con- verted into a good road, under the management of the surveyor, Mr Strachan. It is !o be hoped that in the general reformation,the drainage will not be overlooked. THE STORM.—During the tremendous storm which raged on Saturday night, and strewed the streets with I slates, a very large elm tree was blown down, near Bodylltyn Lodge. It fell ncross the turnpike road, and I knocked down a considerable portion of the Wynnstay I Park wall. As it formed a complete barrier, vehicles t were compelled to turn back to the park lodges, on either side, and proceed through the park. TEMPERANCE MEETING.—A meeting, in connection with the Wrexham District Temperance League, was held in the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Cefn- mawr, on Monday evening last. The attendance was good, the chapel being nearly full. The chair was j occupied by Mr Evan Hughes, who, in a brief address opened the proceedings, and then called upon the Rev. Joshua Roberts to address the meeting. Mr Roberts delivered an excellent speech, confining himself chiefly to the evils of the first glass. He was followed by Messrs. Wright and Edwards, of Wrexham, and Mr Bryan, of Trefynant, all of whom in an able manner advocated the claims of the society. The whole of the speeches were attentively listened to and well received and at the close several signed the pledge WATERWORKS.—At length, after so many months of watching and waiting" on the part of the inhabitants, the water has been brought into Cefn. The pipes have been laid as far as the. old Baptist Chapel, near which a column has been erected for supplying the water. To give the inhabitants a chance of trying the water, the company has very liberally given them leave to take the water gratuitously for three weeks. We trust that the company will carry on their pipes to Rhosymedre, which is in more need of a good supply of water than any part of the district. THE CHURCHYARD.—On the 17th inst., a public meeting was held at the National Schoolroom, for the purpose of devising the best plan of draining the church yard. The Rev. J. D. Edwards, in the chair. It was unanimously passed at the meeting, that, agreeable to the wish of Sir W. W. Wynn, the] church yard should be drained, after an estimate of the cost has been obtained. It was proposed by Mr J. E. Hughes, and seconded by Mr Beaman, that ja committee be formed, and collectors were appointed to call upon the friends of those buried in the churchyard for their voluntary contributions. It was proposed by the Rev. J. D. Edwards, and seconded by Mr Lloyd that the thanks of the meeting be given to Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, for his kindolibeality in given the new piece of ground to be added to the churchyard. THE SANITARY CONDITION OF RIIOSnIEDRE.-On the j ) 25th inst., a public meeting was held at the National Schoolroom, to take into consideration the means of abating the nuisances now existing in the neighbour- hood, where fever is at present raging. The chair was taken by G. H. Whalley, Esq., M.P. In taking the chair Mr Whalley made the following remarks :—Pass- ing through Rhosymedre yesterday, I met the Rev. J. D. Edwards, and with him Mr Lloyd and others and at their invitation I inspected some nuisances. Within I may say literally a stone's throw of one these nui- sances, I was told that there were now lying ill with fever twenty persons, and yet it was rather an open space than otherwise, for the National School is on one side of it, and Mr Edwards's own house on the other. What may be the effect of this most horrible nuisance that I there inspected, upon the children, some of whom at the time were at play about the place I do not know, but I felt its effects upon myself. Perhaps I stood over this nuisanee longer than was requisite, but from that time to the present I am not recovered from the sense of sickness and nausea I there experienced. Well, we all of us went into Mr Edwards's house and resolved to call this meeting, and the question now is what are we to do to make the Cefn and Rhosymedre a habitable and civilized place. Shone, the inspector of nuisances being present, we asked him what he considered to be his duties and powers to correct these nuisances, as I be- lieve him to be a zealous and intelligent officer-his reply was, that this occasion is well worthy of your at- tention. He said that all he could do was to report to the Board of Guardians, and that he had repeatedly done so, but that the nuisances remained pretty much the same, except so far as he could persuade the people now and then to do something for themselves. It seems to me, that if the health and life of the people of Cefn and Rhosymedre are to depend upon P.C. Inspector Shone's reports, and upon them being laid upon the table of the Board of Guardians that they may all die off; aLd that as Dr Jones lately pointed out to me a good many of the houses that may be regarded as per- manent hospitals-a sort of ante-room to the chmch- yard. There can be no doubt as to what is required to to be done-a thorough system of drainage throughout this populous district—about I am told, 9,000 in all. I can hardly believe that there is any other like district any where, that is so entirely destitute of any such at- tention to the health and life of its inhabitants. I dare say that this is owing to the fact that most of the houses have been built by the working classes on what they considered crown land, and that many of them could not and more of them never reckoned in the cost of their houses, the necessity of providing for its drainage. It is for this reason that I have taken so much trouble about these Water Works, and if what I see in the new- papers be correct, I shall have to take a great deal more for it is the fact that some persons have actually done all they could to prevent my bringing water to the Cefn -and. have said that it was not wanted-and have been riising on alarm that there was going to be a Board of Health and new taxes for its works. I have no doubt whatever, that as the law now stands, a local Board of j Health is the only means of giving health and comfort to the inhabitants of the Cefn-but I am not going toi propose that remedy to you. I think I have done for the present, at all events, my duty in bringing the water to the Cefn, and I will further say now that if it is asked for, I will bring it to Rhosymedre, and whether in Cefn or Rhosymedre, I will take care that as much water as can be spared shall be passed through these gutters, and then,, as far as water can do it, clear away these nui- sances. This I will readily do -but I cannot under- take to lay pipes and sewers and carry out what is wanted-a system of drainage. I have nothing more to say except to ask you to keep Mr Lloyd and Mr Evan Hughes, the resident guardians, upon their duty at the Board. I hardly know what they can do further than what for a long time past they have been striving to do—they have repeatedly brought on the question, and often have been off, with some excuse or other- and jl verily believe that we have so many acts of Par- liament on more matters, that no one very well knows what the law on the subject is but we know very well what the rates are, and it is no satisfaction to us with the enormous rates we pay for want of management people should be left to die off with less care or thought than a farmer gives to his sheep. I have attended this I, meeting at the request of the Rev. J. D. Edwards and the Guardians, and must now leave it to them to pro- pose to you what they think it may be useful to act up- on.—The Rev. J. D. Edwards then proposed that the guardians be requested to call the attention of the Board to Inspector Shone's reports, and request the Board to take the necessary steps to remove the nui- sances now existing, the malaria arising from which was no doubt the cause of the present epidemic; and that if immediate and effective action was not taken by the Board, the subject would be brought before the Home Secretary. Mr Edwards said that having with i Mr Whalley, Mr J. Lloyd and others, visited several places in Rhosymedre, he could confirm the correctness of the report. The dirt and filth he saw were, in his opinion, enough to create the malaria in the neighbour- hood, and he believed that unless some means were im- mediately adopted to abate the nuisances, half of the people would be ill. He had resided in the parish about 25 years, and never saw so many cases of fever as at present, and the number is on the increase.— The resolution was seconded by Mr John Thomas and car- ried unanimously, the parties present signing a me- morial the Board embodying the resolution.—Mr Edwards moved a vote of thanks to Mr Whalley, and Mr Lloyd in seconding it said he could most conscientiously endorse what had been so clearly stated to the meeting, and if there was anything which he could possibly do to mitigate the eyil in his capacity as one uf the Guardians for this district, his humble services should not be wanting. RUTHIN. PENNY READINGS.—The seventh of the series of the above popular entertainments was given at the Assembly Room, Town hall, on Friday evening, the 21st inst. Dr Thomas Jones, presided. The following is the pro- gramme :—Song and Chorus, God Bless the Prince of Wales" address by the Chairman duet, Oh hark, hark, my soul" Miss Ann Jones and Mr C. Jones; re- citation, We are seven," Miss M. E. Jones song and citation, 11 We are seven' chorus, Yr Eneth ar y Bedd," Mr B. M. Williams, &e.; reading, English ballad—" The Sailor Boy i" and selections from Ceinon Alun, (Welsh) Rev. Llewelyn Thomas glee, Llwyn Onn," Glee Party dialogue, Two sides to a Tale," Messrs E. P. Jones and W. I; Jones duet on violin and Piano, Messrs Williams and 1 Powell Jones reading, Napoleon and the English bailor, Air Joseph Roberts; song, Father, dear fa- ther, come home," Miss M. J. Jones solo on the con- 1 certina, Mr J. Williams song, Meindied pawb ei fus- a ?\leindiecl pawb ei ftis- ness ei hun," Mr J. Bryan; reading, Tell's Speech," Mr Ezra Roberts; glee, "The Wanderer," National School Glee Party; song and chorus, Up with the Lark in the morning," Mr S. Bryan reading, Sir John," illr G. W. Gilbert sonS. "The Whistling Thief," Mr E. Rickman National Anthem. All passed off admirably, and a very large and respectable audi- ence attended. A vote of thanks to the chairman was propo-ed by the Rev. J. W. Freeborn and seconded by E. H. Edwards, Esq., solicitor. We understand that Major Johnson, the Woodlands, has been elected to pre- side at the next meeting, to be held on Friday, the 6th of March. COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS, MONDAY.—Before James Maurice, Esq., and R. F. Birch, E-q, ■larceny. Two gills named Elizabeth Hughes and I-Vary James, aged respectively 13 and 14 years, were in custody, charged with stealing a watch and money the property of one Bryan Williams, an inmate of the Ru- tlun almshouses. After all the evidence had been given they were sentenced to 1-1 days imprisonment, at the expiration of that time to be sent to a reformatory school for 4 years. Several cases were heard, most of which were for ri. ding without reins and non-payment of rates, in the j j former the defendants were fined nominal sums, and in the latter warrants of distress were ordered to be issued.

 Mr Calvert, late her Majesty's consul at the Dardan- elles, has been convicted before the Supreme Court at Constantinople of defrauding the underwriters at Lloyd's of £ 12,000, and sentenced to two year's penal servi- Itude, I

j — IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT r HOUSE OF COM:IONS.-FRID!.Y. I A new writ was ordered for Argyleshire, in the room of Mr Finlay, who has resigned.—Lird A. Clinton postponed his motion on the subject of Ireland, stating that he intended to move it as an amendment to Mr Maguire's motion on Tuesday.—Lord Stanley, in reply to Mr Baring, said that the suspension of diplomatic relations between England and Mexico had been caused by the act of the Mexican Government, which had declared that no official communication should take place between that country and the nations which had recognised the Emperor Maxiinilian.-Auswerin, a. question by Captain Vivian, Sir Stafford Northcote acknowledged that the telegraph between England and India was in an unsatisfactory state, but it was ques. tionable whether it was worth while to incur the expense of a new route by way of the Red Sea, especially as Sir Robert Napier had written expressing a confident hope that the Abyssinian expedition would be brought to a close this season.—During a discussion on the report of the Metropolitan Board of Works, the House was counted out. I HOUSE OF LORDS.—MONDAY. The Marquis of Clanricarde called attention to the question of land tenure in Ireland, and introduced his bill dealing with the subject. He condemned the tenant-right schemes which had been proposed to remedy existing evils as unj ust to the owners and as likely to prove ruinous to the peasant proprietors who had no capital, ond would have to obtain it at excessive interest. The only hope of improving land in Ireland was in the introduction of capital, which could only be obtained by farming on a large scale. The bill he proposed secured to the tenant a fair remuneration for his improvements, and dealt fairly with the rights and interests both of occupier and owner. Lord St. I Leonards suggested an inquiry, with a view of showing in what the Act of 1860- had failed. The Earl of Kimberley said the bill would do no harm, and might do good, but in some respects it was deficient, and would require careful consideration in committee. He preferred that compensation should be secured to the tenant by the law, in the absence of an agreement. He commended Mr Chichester Fortescue'a scheme, but thought the question was so complex that they should consider the scheme of any person who had the slightest pretension of a right to propose one. The Earl of Malmesbury said the Government would not oppose the second reading, and added that the inten- tions of the Government would be fully explained in another place" by the Secretary for Ireland. The bill was read a first time.—The Earl of Malmesbury moved ) the second reading of the Habeas Corpus Suspension (Ireland) Act Continuance Bill. Earl Russell, adinit- I ting the necessity of the measure, and the moderation displayed by the Executive Government in Ireland, said | they ought to prove the causes of Irish discontent, and expressed surprise that the Earl of Malmesbury had said nothing as to the intentions of the Government regarding admitted grievances. The Earl of Hardwicke I sugested that Earl Russell should have endeavoured to carry out his views during the long period he held I office, and added that the abolition of the ITish Church j would create far more enemirs, and seriously weaken j the power of England. Earl Grey expressed concurrence with the views of Earl Russell on the Irish Church, and said that as long as the Irish people were treated with injustice such measures as that bill would prove futile. The Duke of Richmond urged that that was not the time to state the policy of the Government, and after some discussion the bill was read a second time. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—MONDAY. I Mr Ilelly took his seat for Stoke-upon-Trent.—Mr M'Laren gave notice that on the motion for the second reading of the Scotch Reform Bill he should submit a resolution declaring that Scotland required at least 15 additional members.—Lord Stanley, in reply to a question, gave some information relative to the employ- ment of English officers in the Turkish service, showing that Sir W. Wiseman, who had been appointed to assist in the' organisation of the Turkish fleet, had been prevented from taking effice until the Cretan war was finished, and that Captain Hobart, who had been a member of the Turkish Admiralty Board, had resigned his post in the British navy.—Mr Hardy announced that a new commission was about to be issued for com- i pleting the inquiry into the pollution of rivers,Ilr j Ewart obtained leave to bring in a bill for the adoption of the metric system of weights and measures.—The only other notable business transacted was the in- troduction by the Lord-Advocate of bills to amend the administration of the law in Scotland. HOUSE OF LORDS.—TUESDAY. APPOINTMENT OF MR DISRAELI AS PREMIER. The Earl of Malmesbury sai,l: It is my duty to inform your lordships that the Earl of Derby has, from failing health, felt himself obliged to tender his resignation to Her Majesty, and that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to accept it. Her Majesty has also been graciously pleased to send for the Right Hon. Chancellor of the Exchequer, and to give him power to form a government if possible. It must be a subject of great pain to all of us, on which ever side of the House we sit, and have sat, when we ses an eminent statesman obliged to secede from public life and the management of public affairs, not from any of those chances and changes of political life to which we are all accustomed and cheerfully resign ourselves, but from failing health, which takes him, as it were, before his time from amongst us, and deprives us cf his advice and ability. If this- is painful to- noble lords opposite, as I know it must be, how much more so must it be to those friends who have served him, as I have done, for so many years, and have sat by him through so many dreary years of opposition ? There is one consolation for us under the circumstances. Although we may regret that we should be deprived of his presence from the cause which I have described, at the same time we have the hope that the rest that he proposes to give himself will restore him to us again in greater strength, so that, at all events-, we shall have again the advantage of his ability and eloquence. With respect to the course of business, it is necessary that the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act should receive the royal assent before Sunday next. I shall, therefore, propose that we take the third reading on Thursday at two o'clock, and meet on Friday to hear the royal assent given to the bill. No more business will be proposed this week.—Earl Russell: There can be no possible objection to the course proposed by the noble earl. I may, perhaps, be permitted to express my sympathy with the noble earl, and the rest of his colleagues at the loss which they have sustained in no longer having the Earl of Derby at the head of Her Majesty's Government. Often as we have differed and still differ, on many public questions, I could not fail to regard him with sentiments of regard and esteem which his great qualities were so well calculated to earn. With respect to others, the confidence which has been bestowed upon him by a great political party of this country is a proof of the trust which he was so well calculated to inspire. With regard to the eloquence with which he stated his opinions, the records of parliament will bear immortal testimony. With respect to all other matters which are public questions, history must deal; but I trnst, with the noble lord, that we shall again see the Earl of Derby in the House and, although the state of his health, which is much to be lamented, may prevent him from assuming an official position, we shall again hear the clear and eloquent speeches of which he is so great a master, in which he is wont to express the opinions which flow from his breast, his intelligence and great mind, and which are so well calculated to inspire the respect and esteem of the House.—The Habeas Corpus Suspension (Ireland) 1 Act Continuance Bill passed through committee. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—TUESDAY. In consequence of rumours that Lord Derby had resigned his office of Prime Minister, and that Mr Disraeli had been summoned to Osborne as his successor, the House was crowded at four o'clock.— Mr Beresford Hope took the oath and his seat for the University of Cambridge, in the room of Sir C. J. Selwyn, appointed one of the lord justices of appeal.— A number of motions, of which notice had been given, were postponed for a future day. [ LORD DETBY ,S RESIGNATION. Lord Stanley rose at half-past four o'clock, and said he had to announce to the House that Lord Derby, in consequence of the state of his health, had resigned ofifce. Her Majesty had accepted the resignation, and Mr Disraeli was at present engaged in the formation of a ministry. He regretted to interpose any obstacle in the way of the motion of Mr Maguire in reference to the condition of Ireland, but he believed he was only following the usual course by moving that the House adjourn till Friday.—Mr Gladstone, in response to calls from the Opposition side of the House, said the course suggested was the usual and proper one. With reference to the cause, which the noble lord, by a singular destiny, had been called on to announce to the House, he could not but express the universal sentiment of the House that a career so long, so active, and one in many respects so distinguished and remarkable as that of Lord Derby, should have been brought to a close by the failure of his bodily health and strength.— Mr Maguire deferred his motion until Friday, in the I hope that a day might then be fixed for taking it-" l Lord Stanley remarked that the government were no less anxious than the hon. member that the question should be speedily and fully discussed.—The motion 1 for adjournment was then agreed to, and the HousS r rose at a quarter before five o'clock,