Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
12 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
SUSPICIOUS DEATH AT GROESLON,…
SUSPICIOUS DEATH AT GROESLON, NEAR CARNARVON. Deputy Chief Constable Prothero, Inspector Edwards, Sergeant Williams, and P.C. IVJW lands were on Monday engaged in inquiring into a case of suspected murder in the neighbourhood of Groes- lon, near Carnarvon. A stone mason named Richard Smart, a native of Afonwen, Caerwys, Flintshire, was on Sunday morning found lying in a stable belonging to Mr G- J. Evans, Cae'rcud, having bruises on the eyes and face. The un- fortunate man died in a few hours after having been removed to the house, where every medical and other efforts were made to prolong his life. From the inquiries made by the police, it appears that the deceased lodged in a house at Dyffryn Twrog, Carmel, and worked at Pisgah chapel, a new place of worship belonging to the Indepen- dents of the neighborhood. He paid a visit ro Penygroes on Saturday, and there met Thomas Jones, Brvncapel; II. Williams, Peuybuarth; and J. Lewis, Penbonc, at the Victoria Vaults. The deceased was then said to be under the influence of drink, and was refused to be serve 1. After reaching Groeslon by the last train, he again met the above men, together with a quarryman named Robert Jones (Ishmael), Fron, at the Llan- fair Arms. Mr Williams, the respected landlord of that well-known hostelry, states that the deceased and all those who were in the house at the time were perfectly quiet, and thsd, no quarrel ensued between any of them. The deceased was a hum- orous man, of short stature, and when a little in drink he was always in a merry mood, and it seems that such was the case on the evening of Saturday last. Smart left the inn about ten o'clock and was soon followed by his son, Robert Smart, who had come down to meet him. Both walked together along the dangerous road leading from Groeslon to Carmel and the quarries, but when a short distance above Penffordd Elen Board School, the son left his father alone, stating that he wanted to go faster, in order to reach one of the shops at Carmel before closing time. The son heard his father's footsteps for some time, and did not hear any quarrel or disturbance after he left him. He did not see his father afterwards, until he found him at Cae'rcud on Sunday. A quarryman named Hugh Williams had informed him on the previous evening that his father was drank and lying in a stable, but ^ie did not get up, as he ex- pected he would come home. Having elicited the above information at the inn, the officers proceeded along the road leading to Carmel, and made in- quiries at all the houses in the neighbourhood where young Smart left his father. The general reply to the questions given by the inhabitants was that on Saturday evening they only heard the usual noi-c occasioned by drunken people on the road." One of the women living at Sea View, a house situated a few yards below Cae'rcud, ad- mitted having heard a noise, as if some drunken person was being dragged along the read, about half-past ten on Saturday night. A leather strap, belonging to a pair of braces, together with a white button, was found on the road a short distance from the house. D.C.C. Prothero and fellow officers afterwards paid a visit to Cae'rcud, I and examined the stable where the deceased was found bv Mr Evans. The latter informed them that he heard no noise on Saturday evening, but he accounted as a reason for this that he slept on the ground floor; the house being on a green plot of laud, with no hard footpath leading to it, it w;is possible fur persons to cross the field without making any great noise. The stable, which is situated a few ar is from the house, was locked, but a small door, fastened by props, at the gable end, was knocked in, and it was by this means that an entraace into the building was effected. A strap, together with a button, were found to be missing from the deceased trousers, which were doubtless those found on the road. Leaving Cae'rcud, the officers went in search of the parties who were said to have seen the deceased on the road. The first person they met with was Morris William Jones, who said that he assisted Thomas Jones, Robert Jones, Hugh Williams, and John Lewis, to gt4 the deceased into the stable. The men informed him that they had found Smart lying on the road. As thev failed to rouse up the parties living at Cae'rcud, Morris Jones went home to fetch some matches, but he met all except John Lewis on jetnrning in the direction of the stable. Lewis, it appears, had promised to remain with the deceased all night. Lewis, he further said. placed Smart in the spot whe"c he was found on the previous iii zbt, aft-T which both left. Despatching Inspector Edwards and P.C. Row- lands in search of Thomas Jones and Robert Jones (Fron), Mr Prothero and Sergeant Williams p"o- eceded to Ponybore, thp residence of John Lewis. They were here informed that he had not then returned from Penyrorsedd Quarry, and were thus obliged to stay in that neighbourhood for about forty minutes. To await his arrival, they paid a visit to Hugh Williams, who said he would tell all the truth, and who gave a version of all the affair. He stated that he did not accompany the men from Groeslon, but found them standing on the road a few yards below Cae'rcud, and that he heard cursing the deceased, and saw him knock him down. The deceased then became unconscious, and was carried in this state to the stable, after which information was given to the aon, Robert qmart. The officers were further in- formed that John Lewis had arrived home from the quarry since four o'clock, and that he was in the neighbourhood. A second visit, was then paid to Penybonc, but Lewis was subsequently found at Bryneithin. whence he was taken to Carmel. On v>_ i., 1 e denied having in anv way abused the deceased, adding that "they" fonnel him lying on the road. Mr Prothero and Sergeant WTliams iams then took Lewis into custody on suspicion, and he was conveved to Groeslon. Her thi*. officers met Inspector Edwards and P.C. Rowlands, both of whom had seen Robert Jones and Thomas Jones. The statement ma 1fJ by these men was to the effect that they and John Lewis found Smart lying on the road, and that they removed him to the stable. Lewis was afterwards conveyed to Car- narvon, and thus ended the inquiries of the police for that day. THE INQUEST. The inquest on the bodv of Richard Smart was held before Dr. Hunter Hughes, at Cae'rcud. on Tuesday afternoon, thj. following pprsotn benr* nrom on the jury :—Messrs. Robert Jones, fiafod- y-coed (foreman); Daniel Tnomas, IIafodb~>etli John Jones, Evan Ilnghes, Thomas Jones, Robert Davies, J. Jones, Thomas Jones, Seth Lewis, Thomas Edwards, Owen Thomas, Owen Parrv, and Daniel Eames. The jury having viewed the body, and examined the stable, the inquiry was proceeded with. From the evidence of Griffith John Evans, it appears that he happened to pass the gable end of the stable at nine o'clock on the morning n" Sunday last, and observing that the door of the opening through which hay. &c.. was admitted!! ad been thrown down, lie went in, and found the deceased bung in the stall, w;th a quantity of matting about him. Mr Evans thought at first I that the d who whs alive, was Jrrmk, 'h"t he immediately took him to the house and placed him to Bit on a chair before the fire. HP had a black eye, which had the appearnn'-e of having been struck, a bruise on the and blood on the moustache. The decea ed. when brought in. was very cold and shivering- Wnen found in th• stable, his cloth jacket was at his fpct, and his linen jacket. hat, and waistcoat in another place cl ""c b' The deceased sat on the chair before the fire t>1! about four o'clock in the afternoon, and he wa afterward" placed to lie on the setle, with a pillow under his head, and some warm clothing upon him. He remained in this position up t.o the time of his death, which took place at about 5 minute-; past four o'clock. A bottle of rum was found in the deceased's coat po k't. and the contents were administered to him as punch." Some whiskey and brandy were also supplied to him. The deceased's son came to see him in the morn iw, and Dr. Griffiths' assistant arrived at 12 30. The latter examined the deceased s head, but as he could not itaad on his feet, and appeared to be very bad, Dr. Griffith was sent for, and he came there about half past four o'clock. The deceased was then dead. Smart spoke several times, but did not seem to understand questions given him. When asked as to how he met with the injuries, the deceased only complained of a pain in the "back of the head. Morris William Jones, Efail Ucha, Llandwrog. was next called to give evidence. His statement was to the eileet that he started from Groeslon between ten and eleven o'clock, on Saturday night, accompanied by William Hughes, Brynrhydd, and Griffith Thomas, Penbryn Fotty. When opposite the gate leading to Cae'rcud, Thomas Jones, who was on the other side of the wall, called out and said that someone was drunk and sleeping there. The witness went into the field where lie saw the men, who said they had carried Smart from the road, adding that they had parted to rouse up the people living at Cae'rcud. The men with the de- ceased were Robert Jones (Fron, Rhwngvddwy- afon), John Lewis (Penbonc), Hugh Williams (Penbuarth), anl Thomas Jones (Br/ncapel). Smart was lying all the ground at the gable end of ihe stable. The door of the opening at the back of the building was knocked down by Thos. Jones, after which witness went home to get matches. As he was returning he met all "he men whom he had seen with the deceased, except John Lewis. They said that the latter re fused to come, and had said that he would remain there all night, until the deceased would be removed to a better place. The men refused to return, and witness proceeded in the direction of the stable, and called out John," three times. Lewis had by this time commenced to sleep, with his head on Smart's shoulder, and his left hand across his body. The witness struck a match, and found the deceased lying in the entrance at the gable end of the stable, the feet being outside. Another m^tch was struck, and witness went in. John Lewis then got up, and moved the deceased to the place where he was found on the following morning, w tness holding the matches at the time. The deceased was placed in the stall, on some chaff with matting upon him, and John Lewis remarked, "That's a very good place for him till the morning." Witness at first thought that the deceased was drunk and asleep, as he was snoring very hard. He did not think that the deceased had been injured, and received no in- formation to that effect. John Lewis endeavoured to awake the deceased, but he seemed quite un- conscious. and was groaning. All the men, except- ing Hugh Williams, were in drink. Witness and John Lewis left together. The former did not -return till the morning, when he found that the deceased was not in the stable; he afterwards was informed that he had been removed by G. Jones Evans. The deceased had only a trousers on when witness saw him on the first occasion, and he had not seen him before that evening. In returning home with John Lewis, witness did notepeak with him about Smart, and he made no reference to him. Smart was a person rather fond of drink, rJnrl witness hnd seen him in an intoxicated state on the previous Saturday evening, when he accom panied him along the road. The deceased was often seen in drink on Saturday nights. From the evidence of Hugh Williams, quarrv- man, Peuybuarth, it appears that he and Richard Williams. Penvbwlch, left the Llanfair Arms. Groeslon, between ten and eleven o'clock on Satur- day evening. On the wav home, they met Robert Jones, John Lewis. and Thomas Jones standing with the deceased on the road near Sea View, Cae'rcud. The deceased stood against the wall, with John Lewis close by. The others stood on th e road a few vards off. Witne-s and his com- panions went on for a few roods without saving "nvthing. bn* he subsequently stopped and asked Richard Williams to listen, as the mnn were in drink. His companion, however, went on. and witness stood to listen for a short time. Witness heard John Lewis rav, Take that. you d—1 of a Rmart." and he saw him strike the deceased, who fell down. IT" could not say where the deceased was struck. The witness then went down towards fhem, and thev afterwards commenced to remove him. John Lewis was one of the foremost for re- moving bin. Witness called out Richard Smart" two or three times, but the deceased made -no repV, and seamed as if he were asleen and snored. There were sicrTl" of drink on the three men, but John Lewis anneared to have sobered considerably after havin g striking the deceased, who wassnb- s^riuentlv removed to the gable end of the stable. Witness did not assist, them in any way he nicked up the deceased's hat. and took it towards the stable. Dnring- this time, the deceased seemed to be unconscious of what was going on. When Morris Wdliam Jones came np. Thomas Jones went to meet him, and informed him that t-hev had found the decreed drunk on the road, a short dis- tance below Cae'rcud. Evidence was then given bv witness as to the manner in which the decease^ was removed to the stable, where he was left. The deceased, together with John Lewis and Thomas .Tones had been seen by witness at the Victoria Vaults, Penvgroes, about half-past eight o'clock on the same evening. Smart, who was then in drink, was refnspo to be served. The others W"re sober at the time. Smart said" Thew won't give me anv drink although Thave monev." Witness then callpd for a glass of beer, and handed it to +he deceased, who drank one half of it. A quarrel took place between John Lewis and the decpa«ed. Tt was commenced bv the former, who said that ^isgah ehanel would fall down. No blows were given. an-l all left soon afterwards, in order to pro- ceed for the train. Smart left the house first, and lie came down to Groeslon bv the same train, but not in the same compartment. All afterwards met vi the TAauffrr Arms, but witness did not see anv- thing- take T)I,rf,, between them. He. however, heart Smart ask someone to "trike his part." but he did pot know what for. He did not see the deceased afterwards till he met him on the road, near Sea View, in the company of Thomas Jones, Robert Jones, and John Lewis. Thomas Jones, quarrvman, Br"ncapel, was then examined. Tt apnears from his statement, that n0. together with John Lewis and Robert Jones, left the Groeslon Inn. about 10 o'clock on Satnrdqv night. After preceding some distance. John Levis left them, and witness and Robert, Jones proceeded along the road as far as Sea View. Thev here oveHook John Lewis and Sm-^rt. who wag lying on the road, the former I'tftnninz flhwe him. Lewis called out Hie, Robert Jones, come here to help me to remove the man from the oad: he is drunk" He did not say who he was Witness and his companion assisted Lewis to remove him ont nf the road. Hugh Williamc and Morris Tones subsequent!v came there. Witness had sc/'n the decayed at Groeslon. before coming un. John T ew;s. Robert, Jones, and himself wo™ in drink. He could not sav where John Lewis left thorn he must have gone before them, as thev saw 1, with cTYjtrtin coming up. Witness was in the deceased's company at. Penvgroes for some "'1'1f'. The latter then seemed to be heavv in drink. W;tne«« npver heard anything taking n^ace between the deceased and anyone at Penv- groes, and no cross words were made use of. There wa no quarrel between them at the Llanfair A~us wi, of opinion that John Lewis went before himself and Robert Jones after starting (ow.ards home: he however could not. sav posi- I tively as he was so drunk.—D.C.C. Prothero asked why had the witness informed the police on the r)~evions evening that all three came hp from Groeslon and found Smart lying on the road? —Witness explained bv saying his memory had rl;lerl I, that dav, owing to the officers having alarmed him. The evidence o1 John Griffith, Penvgroes. was to the effect that he was called to. see Smart on c' ir<dav afternoon, when he examined the bodv e°refuPv. a"d found no marks of violence in any nvt except his evp, nose, and face. The eve wa" blackened ft",l swollen, and the nostrils were bleed- ing, but no hone was broken. None of the marks accounted for the death of the deceased, and wit- ness could not account for it without making a post-mortem examination. A post-mortem examination was then fixed for A post-mortem examination was then fixed for Wednesdav. and the inquiry was then adjourned till Thursday.
---IADJOURNED INQUEST.—VERDICT…
ADJOURNED INQUEST.—VERDICT OF MANSLAUGHTER. The adjourned inquest touching the death of Richard Smart, was concliidedat yesterday, when Dr Hunter Hughes (the coroner), together with the same jury, were present. Mr J. B. Allan- son (Messrs Turner and Allanson) watched the proceedings on behalf of John Lewis, who was ap- prehended on suspicion. The medical evidence given at the previous inquiry having been read over by the coroner, Mr Allanson applied for permission to peruse the depositions, which was granted. Dr John Thomas Griffith, surgeon, Penygroes,' deposed to having on Wednesday made a post- mortem examination of the body of the deceased Richard Smart. He did not find any marks on the lower part of the body. There were a few super- ficial scratches on the head and forehead, but these were of no consequence. The right eve was very much blackened, with infused blood in it. Clotted blood was in the nostrils. There were no other external mar", in- dicating violence. On opening the scalp, witness found some clotted blood, the size of a shilling, between the pericranium and the skin there was also a considerable quantity of clotted blood at the back of the head. There was a fracture on the right side of the head, extending from the base of the skull to the root of the nose, and there was a deal of clotted blood at the base of the brain, above the fracture. He examined the brains, and found them slightly lacerated in the part where the fracture was. This was sufficient to cause death. In witness' opinion this was the cause of the deceased's death. Great violence alone would have caused these inj uries. The Coroner: Could a person striking another in the face have caused them ? Witness replied that the injuries could have been effected in that manner if the person who was struck fell against some hard substance. He did not think that a single blow from a fist could have caused the injuries. A fall, brought about by a blow, could have done so. The Coroner Then your opinion is that the de- ceased must have received a blow first, and fallen afterwards. Witness Yes but the fall caused the fracture. In failing, the deceased must have come in con- tact with some hard substance. The injuries were not inflicted by the blow itself. The Coroner: There are blows and counter blows. Where on the deceased's head, whether he was struck bv a fist or whether he fell, would the clotted blood be ? Witness: At both sides; but the fracture was not at the spot where the blow with the fist was given. I think that a fall against some har-d substance, together with a blow from the fist caused the fracture. Mr Daniel Thomas (a juror) Could the fracture have been caused by a fall itself ? Witness: No, it could not have been caused bv the deceased simply falling himself, unless he had been struck by some one and thus fallen down. The Coroner: What do you think caused the discolouration of the eye ? Witness It was caused bv the blow. 7 IrAHansop here observed that he wished that the OL^VV might not be taken for granted at present. Supposing he proved that the deceased was drunk, and that he fell several times. The Coroner: We have evidence that the de- ceased received a blow, which I will read to you soon Witness then proceeded with his evidence, rmd stated that a single blow from a fist would have caused the discolouration to the eve. The Coroner: Were there signs on the face as if the deceased had been dragged along the road ? Witness I did not see any. The marks on the nose might have been caused by falling on some gravel. 0 Mr Allanson Might the scratches on the head have been caused by falling on the ground ? Witness: Yes. In renlv to the coroner, witness said that a simple fall against any hard substance might have caused the black eye, without the man having received a blow from a fist. Robert Smart, deceased's son, deposed: I now reside at Dvffryn Twrog, in this parish, and am a stonemason by t. ade. The deceased, who was also a stonemason, was 48 years of age. and came to this neighbourhood on the 16th of Ma last. He belonged to Afonwen, Caerwys, and came here with Robert Hnghes to build Pisgah Independent chapel. T was coming home with him from Groes- lon some time after ten o'clock last Saturday night. T had previously been in his company at tv.e Llan- fair Arms, where I visited about a quarter of an hour before the deceased. I remained there for half an hour, and the deceased for about a quarter of an hour. He left the Llanfair Arms a few minutes before me, but I soon followed, and we both walked together nlone a short, distan c above Penffordd Elen Board School. I here asked him to walk a little faster, as T wanted to get to Carmel before the shop closed. He said "Go on. I will follow von." I then went on, and did not s"e him afterwards that night. The deceased was in drink, but not very drunk. When near Dyffrvn Terrace, about a quarter of a mile below the school, the deceased tripred and stumbled on his knee, by walking. I was not holding him at, the the time, as he was not, so drunk as to require mv assistance. To the best of mv knowledge, the deceased did not hurt himself when he stumbled, and was able to walk as before. This was the onlv fall he had; and I never heard him complain of anv illness. I was in my father's c impanv fit the Llanfair Arms, Groeslon, and was sitting opposite to him. in the same room. I did -not h-,ir 'h;-t-n quarelh'ug with anybody that n-'ght. ll"gh Wil- liams. John Lewis, and several others whose nflffi"q T don't know, were in the roopi atthe time. I left these men in the house. Was iir),- in any other public house with mv father that night. The Foreman: After leaving the public house that night, did you and the deceased pass anybody on the road? Witness: No. Hugh Williams came to me be- tween lo and 11 o'clock on the same night, and informed me that mv father was in the bar? at C'1I"rcnd. and that John Lewis was going to ston with him. I told Hugh Williams that T evneete 1 mv father home shortly. I did not go to look for him until G. J. Fvans sent the po-tman yonder at 10 o'clock on the following mornincr. T then came down at once. The postman told rnp, that mv father was at Cae'rcud, and that he was ill. When I arrived at that place T found the deceased 1 n>g on the settle, in the The deceased did pot know me he appeared to be quife nncor.cions. and was snoring and appeared to be sleeping. When I raised his head he complained of a pain at the back of the hcnd. We at once sent for a doctor, and Dr. Griffith's assistant arrived there. He was afterwards followed by Dr. Griffith, but mv father was then dead. Tn Teplv to the Coroner, it was here announced that Dr. Griffith's assistant was not 97iftl,4!fl(l and the jury did not think it necessary to call him as a witness. Robert Jones, Fron, was called to give evidence. D.G.C. Prothero said that his statement -:is in every respect similar to that of Thomas Tones. His evidence was therefore not taken. Owen Williams, landlord of the Llanfair Arm. Groeslon, said that he remembered the deemsrd cflming- to his house last Satnrdav nioht. T1,c last train from Afonwen arrived about a quarter before 10 o'clock, and the deceased came in >d, i ii-u. time. Witness was in the cellar when he flrrivel. awl heard his voice. When the decr>a=el left, the house, witness was standing in the bar. and saw the side of his head as he was talking and hHdipg "Good night" to Mrs Williams The deceased staved in the house for about ten minutes, and onlv received one glass of beer. From his n"onear- ance and manner of speech witness did not think that lie was very much in drink. Thomas .Tores. John Lewis, Robert Jones, W. Hughes, and H"l"h Williams were in the house at the time. W]tpe°f did not see Morris W. Jones there. The men were present after the deceased left. and staved for a few minutes. They could not stav any longer, fis it was very near closing time. The men were not too drunk to be served with -a glass or two more beer; and witness would not have refused to supply them, had it been earlier, and had they asked for it. They were not too drunk to know what they were about. Mr Allanson: If you were in the cellar, you cannot say whether Smart was sober or not. Witness: I was in the cellar when he came in and heard his voice; but I was in the bar when he left, and saw the side of his head as he con- versed with my wife and bade her Good night." I can only judge of his condition from his appear- ance and manner of speech as he was leaving the house. Mr Allanson: Then, as far as you know, he might have been very drunk, or he might have been sober. You cannot say ? Witness No, I cannot say. Mr Allanson: If witnesses are called to prove that the deceased was thoroughly drunk, and did not know what, he was about, you are not in a po- sition to disprove their statement ? Witness I can only judge from his appearance and manner of speech. The Coroner: Did you ever see the deceased drunk ? Did you know him ? Witness Yes, I have often seen him yonder in drink, and we refused to serve him. I knew him well. I never saw him drunk, but we have refused to supply him with drink for fear of making him intoxicated. Mr Allanson: Wiiy did you refuse to serve him with drink F Witness: Because we did not wish to give him more than was well for him. He was a very comical man. I think that the deceased was not drunk when he was yonder on Saturday night. Mr Allanson Was Jehn Lewis drunk and quar- relsome at your house that night? Witness: No, I did not see anything out of place among any of them, and I heard no quarrel between John Lewis, Smart, and the others. The Coroner now read the evidence of Hugh Williams. Coming to the part where the witness alleged that he saw Lewis strike the deceased, Williams now denied having made any such state- ment, adding that he only heard the noise and saw the fall. The Coroner, the foreman, and several of the jurymen observed that Hugh Williams, when examined on Tuesday, had distinctly swore that he saw Lewis strike the deceased. The Coroner added that he had given him the question several times, and the witness had answered according to the depositions then taken down in writing. Witness still persisted in saying that he did not see the blow being given. Mr Daniel Thomas: Then, if you did not see a blow being given, how can you say that John Lewis struck the deceased. Witness I only heard John Lewis say Take this, Smart, you d 1; then heard a noise, and saw the fall. The Coroner strictly pressed the witness to make a truthful statement, as he had distinctly given a different version of the affair at the previous inquiry. Witness said he was certain that John Lewis struck the deceased, but could not say whether he had anything in his hand at the time. John Lewis was close to the deceased, whilst the others were about three ) ards off, and he was certain that the former struck him. Mr Daniel Thomas What noise did vou hear on the road to cause you to ask your companion to stop and listen ? Witness I heard no noise then. A quarrel had taken place between them at the Vaults, Peny- groes, and this was the reason why' I stopped. I had also heard Smart asked some one to take his part when he was at the Llanfair Arms. Cross-examined by Mr Allanson, witness said that he saw the deceased leaning against the wall. Witness was then about eight yards off. He did not hear Lewis say to Smart, "What are you doing there ? why don't you come home ? Smart was leaning with his face to the wall. It was a very dark night, but it was possible for Lewis to have known the deceased then. Witness did not see Smart take hold of Lewis by the collar. D.C.C. Prothero: It was quite as easy for Lewis to know the deceased as it was for you. Witness: Yes. Mr Allanson said he would reserve his further cross-examination of the witness till Saturday. A Juror: Why did you not tell the Son that a person had struck his father? Witness: I then thought that what I said would be quite sufficient to get him to come down and see his father.—In reply to another question. witness said that he was certain the words "Take that, Smart, you d-l," were made use of by Lewis, and no one else. Addressing Mr G. J. Evans, the coroner said that Thomas Jones had stated that he knocked the door in order to get the key of the stable to put the deceased in. This was confirmed bv another witness. Could they have knocked without hav- ing been heard by Mr Evans ? Mr Evans said that he went to bed at ten o'clock that evening, and slept on the ground floor. He always heard an, noise occuring on the road, and had the door been knocked he was of opinion that he would have heard the noise. The. Coiouer then lucidly summarised the evi- dence, and expressed his hope that the jurors would patiently listen to the same, and return a verdict in accordance therewith. He minutely referred to the evidence of Hugh Williams, which, in his opin- ion, was rather important. There was some consistency in the evidence of Thomas Jones, and he (the coroner) was sorry to find that that witness and his companions were in drink on the occasion, whereas Hugh Williams was sober, t and was therefore a witness they could believe Although the evidence of the latter was slightly different to what was stated by him at the previous hearing, he still said he was certain that John Lewis struck Smart. Although this witness now slightly differed in his evidence, it was substantially the same; and his evidence agreed with that of the doctor and as far as he could see, this was the tr le storv. for when a man was drunk he would fall verv heavilv from a blow like that. If the jury believed the evidence of Hugh Williams that John Lewis struck Smart, they would also have to judge of the feelings of Lewis on the occasion in doing so. It appeared that a quarrel had taken p'ace between them at the Victoria Vaults, Penygroes, and it. was for the jury to sav whether this was fit the root of the matter. They were to judge whether it was a drunken squabble or not, and if thev believed it to be so, together with the evidence of the blow being struck, they would return a verdict of manslaughter. verdict of manslaughter. The Foreman observed that the inquiry was a very painful one, and many of the jury would have do 'btless been glad had they not been called The jury then retired, and after a short consulta- tion they returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, amounting to a charge of manslaughter against John Lewis. Depntv Chief-constable Protheroe watched the proceedings on behalf of the police.
[No title]
) At the Warwickshire assizes on Wednesday, John Sutcliff, who escaped from Birmingham gaol and was recaptured, was sentenced to seven yearsnenal servitude for robbery and assault. John Henry Jones, traveller, Birmingham, was also sentenced io sm-m years for embezzlement, having been previously convicted. A P irl:am, ntary paper was issued on Wednesday i containing the text of the order sent on the 23rd to Vice-Admiral Hornbv to proceed with the Mediterranean fleet from V ourla to Constantinople, and of the countermand sent on the following day. Vice- Vlmi'-al Hornby's replies are also given. A despatch from Mr Layard, dated from Con-tanti- nonle on Tuesday, was also published on Wednesday, stating that orders and full powers to accent the bases of peace had been sent to the Turkish Plenipotentiaries on the 23rd, and that three times since then the Porte had telegraphed to them to report the result, but without obtaining any answer.
SUCCESSOR TO LORD CARNARVON.
SUCCESSOR TO LORD CARNARVON. Sir Michael^Hicks Beach, Secretary for Ireland, has accepted the post of secretary for the Colonies. He had a long and confidential interview with Lord Carnarvon this evening. THE RUSSIAN MARCH. BERLIN, Thursday. The Russian Van is stated to have reached Icherlu three marches from Ichatoladja the centre of the defences of Constantinople. AUSTRIA AND RUSSIA. Austria having remonstrated at St. Petersburg against the continued occupation of Bulgaria, the independence of Servia and Montenegro, and the placing of the Danube under Russian control, the German Court is endeavouring to mediate between the two Eastern Powers. It should be understood however, that the German Government has not relinquished its right to take active part in the contemplated alteration of Paris treaty of peace. PROPOSED PEACE CONFERENCE. TARIS, Thursday. Telegrams from Vienna speak of the manifest intention of Austria to propose a Conference to settle a number of points in peace preliminaries which affect international interests. Russia, they add, does not seem opposed as principal to the convening of this Conference. THE PEACE NEGOTIATIONS. VIENNA. A telegram in the Portiliche Cori espondenz from Constantinople again repeats the statement that the Russian request for temporary occupation of Constantinople affords the main cause of delay in the negotiation, adding that the Porte still hoped the demand would be ultimately dropped. It looks like a confirmation of this when the Provin- cial Correspondent, which is a notoriously semi- official in Germany, says the delay in concluding the armistice seems to be mainly owing to the difficulties about the military conditions proposed. It was Russia's policy throughout to lay great stress on the armistice, knowing the Turks would give almost any force for it, the Czar determined to make it dependent on the acceptance of preli- minary cond tijns of peace, and now these have been submitted. No wonder the Russians desire to make the most of the military side of the question. The Gorrespondem asks what there is to prevent surrender of the Turkish fleet, being one of the conditions, and repeats rumour that among the concessions demanded is the right to occupy some point on the Asiatic side of the straits, with liberty to provide security for troops by throwing up fortifications. RUSSIAN ADVANCE ON CONSTAN- TINOPLE. CONSTANTINOPLE, Tuesday. All the ordinary lines of telegraph are inter- rupted and occupied. GALLIPOLI, Thursday. The Russians are advancing in three columns on Rodosto and Keshan. Transports are continually arriving. Some are going to Constantinople crammed with troops. Suleiman Pacha is here. THREATENED ATTACK ON GALLI- POLI. The Times Vienna correspondent says whether the Russians reallv intend to make a definitive peace before granting the armistice, or whether they merely aim at making the Turks more amen- able to their military terms, but certain it is that the movement of their troops has again begun in the direction of Constantinople, and according to the latest accounts they are likewise marching down towards Gallipoli; but this is not very material, for Tchorlus is about 20 English miles from Rodosto, on the sea of Marmora, and quite close to the latter are the defiles between the Kuren D igh and the Tekir Dagh, affording the enemy an excellent position for taking up an observant atti- tude close to Gallipoli, whence they mav descend on the place in a night's march if need be. It will be remembered the Agence Russe, while con- firming Gortschakoff's declaration to the British Cabinet that Gallipoli would not be taken into the range of the Russian operations unless Turkish regulars were concentrated there, and added that if Suleiman went thither he would face the Russian army to p:otect its flank. A portion of his forces has actually gone to Gallipoli, so that if the Rus- sians desire a plea for going there they have it. COUNT ANDRASSY. The entire press of Vienna and Pesth congratu- lates Count Andrassy on his resolute policy, and urges him to strengthen by every possible means an understanding with Great Britain. VIENNA, Thursday Night. Russians are strengthening the fortifications of Adrianople.
[No title]
EGYPT. ALEXANDRIA, Thursday. A difficulty has arisen as to the Daira scheme. The English Commissioner has threatened to resign. Neither his contract nor that of his French Col- leagues has been signed by the Khedive. RUSSIA AND RO'UMANIIA. PESTH, Thursday. Ignatieff has officially proposed to Roumania cession of part of Bessarabia and anexation of Dobrudscha. Roumania refuses.
I-:HOUSE OF LORDS.—THTJRSPAY.
HOUSE OF LORDS.—THTJRSPAY. Lord Derby in reply to a question, said that two hours before coming down to the House he had seen the Russian ambassador, who had received no informnt,ion of the signing of the armistice. Hit lordship had abo seen a confidential communica- tion addressed to the Ambassador bv the head of the Russian Foreign Office. who stated his inability to explain the delay that had taken place. Lord Derby positively contradicted the report that the Russian Government had proposed that diplomatic sanct ion should be given to Russian occupation of Constantinople, either alone or jointly with other European Powers. Subsequently a discussion, raised b; a question put by the Earl of Pembroke, took place on the treatment by the Porte of the subject races 'n Turkey.
,HOPSF. OF COMMONS.—THURSDAY.
HOPSF. OF COMMONS.—THURSDAY. T-T 0 T TC; The Chancellor of the Exchequer gave an an- swer with respect to the armistice negotiations similar to that of Lord Derby in the Upper House. The right hon. gentleman expressed his readiness to produce the papers relating to the correspon- dence between Mr Gladstone and M. N pg-ropontis. On the adjourned debate on the motion for a vote of credit of six millions, Mr Forster proposed the amendment of which he had given notice. The righf, h,,)n, gentleman condemned the vote as i n- preeedented in its character, and complained that the enly information they had regarding it was that the ciovernment^wanted to flourish it in the faces of the forthcoming conference on the Eastern crisis. He strongly denied that there was anything in the 'Russian conditions to justify a suspicious a-titude on the part, of this country; and, referring to the question of confidence, he expressed his s'lrnnse, after what had happened during the last f w hivs, that Ministers ventnred to ask a vote of confidence even from their own supporters. Mr Cross repudiated the imputation which he alleged was conveyed in Mr Forster's speech that there was a war party in the Cabinet, who wanted the six millions for warlike purposes; and he pr- eceded in vigorous language to denounce the rn_ -<r< speeches which had been delivered against the Government outside the House, and which he de- clared were characterised bv "a lviug spirit." Mr Cross, when challenged by Air Foivter, declined to specify what speeches he referr. d to. Amid derisive shouts and cries of "Witndriw," the Home Secretary taunted the Opposition with being- friends of Russia and maintained that, under afi the circumstances, andcccirg that the Russians were still advancing, the Government were bound to persevere in the proposal which they had put before the House. The debate was continued by Sir Wilfrid Lawson, Mr Hardcastle, "dr S. Laing, Sir John Hay, Mr Bright, and Lord S uidou.
EXPL0SI0^1)YNAMITv AT A WELSH…
EXPL0SI0^1)YNAMITv AT A WELSH OUARRY. LOSS OF TWO LIVEP. Mr John H. Roberts, district coroner, held an inquest at the Market Hall, Llanbcris, on Friday last, on the bodies of Evan Williams, aged fourteen years, Llanrug, near Carnarvon, and" GiiS&th 0- Ellis, aged twenty-three, of Coedyddol, Llanberis, both of whom worked at the Cacrmeinciau quarry, situated at Cefndu Mountain, between Waenfawr and Llanberis. It appears that. on the previous morning the' youth Williams was boiling some water for the workmen in the machine-house. Ellis subsequently came there with several dyna- mite balls in his possession, and as hu was in the act of "tempering" the balls by ru- jmg them between his hands one fell to the ground, a loud explosion immediately following. The boy Williams was killed instantaneously, and the hands of Ellis were literally blown away, his legs being also frightfully shattered, and he died in a few hours. A quarryman named Owen Jones, who was standing at the door of the machine-house at the time miraculously escaped with but slight injuries. The roof of the buiiuiag was ii uff, and the interior considerably damag xl. After a formal inquiry, the inquest was adjourned till to- day (Friday), in order to communicate -.villi her Majesty's district inspector of mines.
A WElSH CLERGYMAN'S FILIAL…
A WElSH CLERGYMAN'S FILIAL GRATITUDE. At a meeting of the Aberystwyth Board of Guardians, John James, aged eighty-one, and his wife, aged seventv-one, applied ior the flrst time for out-relief. The old man was at one time a relieving-officer for the Llanfihangel district, and his son is the rector of a Welsh parish. The old man stated that he had spent C309 in educating his son for the ministry, and that he had repeatedly written to him for help, but had re- ceived no reply.—The Relieving-officer said he had written several times to his son, who had asked him for his father's address, which he gave him, but he had heard nothing more from him. The value of the living held by him was £ 230 per annum.—The board resolved to call upon. the son to pay ten shillings weekly towards the support of z' his parents, and in default to summon him at once before the magistrates.
ANGLESEY COUNTY SCHOLARSHIP.
ANGLESEY COUNTY SCHOLARSHIP. Professor Rhys and Mr John Price, of the Bangor Training College, have just announced the result of the examination for the above scholarship, which was held at Llangefni on the 15th ultimo They award the scholarship to William. Griffith, of the Llanerchymedd British School. There wer.) thirteen competitors in all, and papers v> t re set on English Grammar, Geography,. Fnglish History, English Literature, Euclid, A1 bra, Latin, Animal Plivsiology, and Physical Geography. The report of the examiners will forthwith he published, and will doubtless contain suggestions of considerable interest and value. The following is the list of the competitors arranged in the order of merit:- 1, William Griffith; 2, John Parr; and Thomas X. Williams 3, Thomas Hughes 4, Wm. Williams; 5, William H. Williams; 6, Peter O. Roberts; 7, 'i James Roberts 8, Thomas J. Jones: o. Charles E. Williams; 10, George Stibbs; 11, Joan Jones; 12, Owen Owens.
PENMON.
PENMON. BRAVERY OF THE PILOTS.—At the meeting of the town council at Beaumaris, on Tuesday, the mayor (Alderman Wynne Jones) presidio if, was unanimously resolved, on the motion of Mr Sep- timus Baker, seconded by Mr Laurie. that the town clerk should be instructed to write to the secretary of the Royal Humane SocL calling his attention to the gallant conduct of three of the Penmon pilots in saving the lives of nine of the crew of the steamer Pioneer, which was wrecked on Puffin Island during the gale of Friday last, and suggesting the propriety of pr renting them with the society's medal and certificate.
MOLD.
MOLD. THE DEBATING SOCIETY met on Tue-day last, when there was a good attendance. Mr F. L- Lambert, excise officer, read a paper on Sugar— chemically and scientifically," for which he wan warmly thanked. THE CHORAL SOCIETY, which was formed for the purpose of competing at the Grand N tional Eis- teddfod to be held at Birkenhead 11 -t August, continues to prosper under the able leadership of Mr S. Allen Jones. It meets for pi ac:,ice every Wednesday evening, and the committee have arranged to hold another concert about tiio end of March, at which Mr J. Scott Bankes wi], preside. Persons who are desirous of becoming members are requested to so inform the conductor, or the hon. see., Mr Lloyd, Meadow Place, on or before February 13th. THE BOARD SCHOOI.S.—On Monday last the oo and girls department of the above schools were, examined by Mr T. Morgan Owen, her Maje^t- s Inspector, and his assistant, Mr Thomas Jo.ii s. In the boys' school there were upwards of 200 p?"- sent, and the girls numbered 130. Thel nspec'er began about half-past ten, and continued tid about six. On Tuesday the pupil teachers of the girls' school gave lessons in the presence of the Inspector in grammar, domestic economy, and cutting out. The infants' department was examined on Tuesday, when there were upwards of 12;) oresent. The children all appeared clean and in good order, and were a credit to their master and mist êf" Mr and Mrs David Jones. The Rev. Roger Edwards (chairman), and Messrs. George Bellis md Oliver Jones, members of the board, were present at the examination. LONDON LIFE.-On Friday, last week, Mr Charles Hill, of London, delivered another lecture on this subject in the Welsh Oalvinistic Methodi-t School- room, in connection with the Pioneer" Lodge of Good Templars. Mr T. Williams, Wo .dlands, occupied the chair, and expressed his pleasure at meeting the audience that evening to hear Mr Hill, as he (the chairman) was always rendy to do what he could to aid a good cause. After the sinzingof Hold the fort" by the congregation, Al Hill de- livered his address, which was characterized with much practical advice, and was also yr: Tia-iiorous. In it he fully depicted the vario s :ne'hods the publicans used in London to "trap" -d' working men and all otbe s who frequented their establish- ments, which, mo o nit ',were verv n meioi j(in L ndon. and all did a large trade. He J.o quoted several items from et<»ti>f-ai returna to w what an enormous sum was spent every ve for this demon evil. At the close of his lecture he dwelt on the advantages of joining the Goo,; Templar organization, and made use of several iPnsJrltions to prove his statements. Although the woaf or was very unfavourahie, there was a moderate '.t- tendance and at the close of the 1 ■ ■:•! r, h 'rty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr 1'Fd on the motion of the chairman and after a similar vote of thanks was passed to the chairm ;n on the motion of Mr Edward Wheld 'u the meeting closed with the singing of the be.. di )11.- Lwt Friday night Mr Hill delivered ar rtner lecture entitled "Why," of which a rep art w II appear j neo week.