The Weekly News and Visitors' Chronicle for Colwyn Bay Colwyn Llandrillo Conway Deganwy and Neighbourhood

THE PURITY OF RIVER GYFFIN QUESTIONED. Robert Hughes (Bodlondeb, Llanfairfechan), William Jones (Bryngwenddar, Gyffin), Robert Griffith (Manager National Provincial Batik, Manchester), and Thomas Roberts (Felin Gwen- dder, Gyffin), brought an action against the Tre- castell Mining Company for £45 damages for the alleged pollution of a stream caused by the working of the Company's mine and the plain- tifts also sought for an injunction against the de- fendant Company.—Mr Huw Rowland, Bangor, appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr Preston, Liverpool (instructed by Mr James Porter, Con- way) for the Company.—Mr Rowland, in opening the case, said that the plaintiffs were reparian owners or tenants ot the Henryd stream, and the defendant Company had a mine on the course of the stream. Before the Company started operations, the water of the stream was particu- larly free from pollution, and fit for domestic pur- poses. But since the defendants had used the water for washing out and turning it again into the stream, there was not a fish below the Works, and the water was a source of danger to all the animals along the stream. He should prove that the water was injurious, not only to animals, hut that when the stream overflowed it deposited poison that was injurious to the land. Owing to the deaths and illnesses of so many animals close to the mine, he should ask the Court to assume that there was a necessary connexion between these things and the state of the stream, which had become dirty and muddy. The water had been analysed, and a substantial amount of lead in suspension was found. The Company, when written-to, treated the correspondence with con- tempt. If the facts were proved, he should ask the Court to give more than nominal damages, and also to grant an injunction against further pollution.—Miss Robeits (Gwendder Mill) was called, and stated that in 1894 she lost five pigs, and a cow was ill. It was attributed to the poisoned water.—John William Roberts (the last witness's son), and other witnesses, gave evi- dence as to the entire absence of fish in the stream at. the present time, whereas several years ago there was plenty of trout.—Mr Jones, veterinary surgeon, stated that the cow in question died of acute diarrhoea caused by drinking polluted water. -Mr Davies, an officer of the District Council, deposed to sending a sample of the water to Mr Lowe (Chester), for analysis.By the Judge The water below the mine is discoloured.The Rector of Gyffin deposed that the stream in ques- tion passed his house. The water was always polluted more or less, but was sometimes very black.—Mr Lowe, public analyst, was then called and gave in detail the results of his analysis. He found the water seriously polluted with mineral matter, including lead and zinc in solu tion. It would be dangerous for cattle to drink for any length of time. -In cross-examination by Mr preston, Mr Lowe said that the catchpits provided by the Company, prevented go per cent. of the lead from going into the stream. The works would be a greater nuisance years ago under the old system without catchpits, than as at present worked, although the operations were now on a much larger scale.—Mr Alfred Smetham, F.C.S., had analysed three samples of the water. They contained lead both in solution and in sus- pension, and the water was dangerous for drink- ing purposes, either for man or beast.-Mr Preston, for the defendants, submitted that the Works were a continuation of Works which had been carried on for over 40 years. It was a mine which had acquired a prescriptive right to send washings from their works into the stream. If they had not added to the burdens of the plaintiffs by making the water more injurious than hitherto, the Company had a perfect right to do what they had done. Assuming that there was no prescrip- tive right at all, in order to entitle the plaintiffs to damages or an injunction, they must show that the Company substantially polluted the stream. He should rely upon the analysis of Mr Lowe as showing that at the point at which the stream passed the plaintiffs' land the water was not injurious. Had the animals died of lead poison- ing, a claim would have been brought against the Company for damages. He further submitted that the Company took reasonable precautions, by the construction of catchpits, to carry on the works properly.—Mr Owen Evans, Manager of the Mine, described its working, and said that he had not received any complaints from the plain- tiff-, as to the water being poisonous.—Mr Mat- thew Francis, Mining Engineer, said that he considered that the Company took every precau- tion to prevent pollution.—Mr T. B. Farrington, C.E., also gave evidence.—His Honour said that he should look into the analyses, and possibly see the place, before giving his decision. Marriage of Miss Gwen Parry, Llys- Aled, and Mr. D. E. Berth-Jones, Cartrefle. Wednesday, March 4th, opened with rather a dull morning, but by noon the sun shone forth in its splendour, as though to give hallow to the interesting event which was to take place on that auspicious day, for it was on this day that Miss Gwen Parry, youngest daughter of the Rev Thos Parry, J.P., A.C.C., of Llysaled, and Mr D. E. Berth-Jones, eldest son of Mr Berth-Jones, of Cartrefle, were united in the bonds of matri- mony. Long before the wedding party arrived at Engedi Chapel, a number of friends who had assembled there, were impatiently waiting to have a glimpse ot the bride and bridegroom. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore cream crepon trimmed with lace, with hat to match, and carried a white bouquet, the gift of the bridegroom. The bride was attended by three bridesmaids,—Miss Maggie Griffith, Miss Berth-Jones, and Miss C. Berth-Jones,—each of whom wore a gold bangle, the gift of the bride- groom. The best man was Mr W. D. Williams (Carnarvon), the groomsmen being Messrs W. Hughes (Llanrwst) and D. C. Parry (Llysaled). The Rev John Williams (Colwyn Bay) officiated, assisted by the Rev Dr Cynhafal Jones. After the ceremony, the wedding party drove to Llysaled, where the wedding breakfast had been prepared. After the breakfast, the happy pair were driven to Llandudno Junction, whence they departed for Shrewsbury and Malvern, where the honeymoon will be spent. A large company of friends remained at Llysaled. At 7 o'clock, Mr Berth-Jones entertained abont 45 of his employés to a substantial supper at Mr Eaton's Restaurant. After the tables were cleared, Mr W. Jones (Surveyor) was voted to the chair, and, after an able speech by the presi- dent, Mr W. LI. Evans favoured those present with'a song. Mr Hugh Hughes was the next speaker, and spoke in eulogistic terms of both Miss Parry and Mr Berth-Jones junr. Mr J. Pritchard sang" Gwlad y delyn." Mr Roberts (Wrexham) was the next speaker. Song," Ta, Ta," Mr Hugh Owen. Mr James Griffiths then addressed the assembly, as did also Mr Thomas Roberts (Peri House) and Mr Robert Davies, Mr Hugh Owen singing I bias Gogerddan." Before leaving, the Rev Thomas Parry proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Berth-Jones, for his kindness in bringing his workmen together on this occa- sion, and he also thanked the workmen for their handsome present (marble timepiece and en- graved plate). This vote, seconded by Mr W. LI. Evans, having been carried, the proceedings wound up with the Welsh National Anthem. The presents ought to be put down in list as they are numerous and costly. They have been receiv- ed from the following friends and relations-but before placing the list to our readers, let us just draw their attention to one of the most conspicious in the lot, and that one is a besom sent by an old friend, a card is attached at each end, and on one end is the legend This end to be used for outside work in fine weather," and on the other, This end to be used only by the weaker side in case of storms indoors." THE LIST OF PRESENTS. Rev T. Parry, Llys Aled, cheque Mrs Parry, Llys Aled, gold watch, silver sugar-tongs, and tea-spoons, and a set of large and small knives and forks Mrs Owen, Llys Aled, brass lamp Mr D. C. Parry, Llys Aled, half-dozen silver dessert forks; Miss L. Owen, Llys Aled, bronzed candlestick Mr and Mrs Hughes, Bryn Tirion, silver ladle, half-dozen tea-spoons, half-dozen egg-spoons, sugar-tongs, and salt- spoons; Mr J. Parry-Hughes, silver mustard- spoons Mr and Mrs Roberts, Peri House, half-dozen silver table-spoons; Miss M. Roberts, Peri House, pair of flower-vases; Mr and Mrs Roberts, Wrexham, lady's-companion Miss L. Ro- berts, Wrexham, inkstand Mr Berth-Jones, cheque; Miss Berth-Jones, toilet-table requisite; Miss C. Berth-Jones, cushion (handworked) Miss N. Berth- Jones, set of brass fire-irons, and stand Miss M. Berth-Jones, half-dozen silver dessert-spoons Miss M. Griffiths (bridesmaid), Cairo Villa, flower-stand; Mr W. D. Williams (best-man), Carnarvon, set of car- vers Mrs Williams, Carnarvon, tea-tray Mr Grif- fiths, Cairo Villa, breakfast cruet-stand; Mrs I Griffiths, Cairo Villa, silver toast-rack; Miss Griffiths, Cairo Villa, two cut-glass decanters; Misa Parry, Cairo Villa, fancy wicker chair; Mr and Mrs Williams, and family, Tandderwen, brass curb Mr and Mrs Williams, Castell (Llandudno), damask table-cloth, half-dozen serviettes; Mr and Mrs Williams, Bryn Siriol, silver tea-pot Mr and Mrs Williams, Fern Dale (lihos), china tea-set; Mr and Mrs Griffiths, Hazlewood, silver preserve-dish and spoon Mr and Mrs Pugh. Llanerchymedd, damask table-cloth Mrs Burgess, Flint, damask table-cloth; Mrs Griffiths, Flint, timepiece Miss Williams, Carnarvon, painted photo-frame Mrs Roberts, Bethesda, chenille table- cover Mrs Hughes, Bethesda, toilet-table lace cover Mr and Mrs T. Jones, Conway, damask table- cloth and half-dozen serviettess Mr D. Ll Williams, Rhyl, pickle fork, jam-spoon, and butter-knife in case; Mrs Hammond, Liverpool, butter-cooler and knife; Mrs Maxwell, Liverpool, fancy tea-pot The Misses Jones and Lloyd, Rhos, plush-framed view of Colwyn Bay Mr and Mrs Roberts (drapers), footstool, set of pilloweascis, handkerchiefs and gloves, and handker- chief box Miss Davies, Ffraid Villa, set of table vases; Mr and Mrs Jones, Bryngwyn (Surveyor), dinner service Mr Victor Albert, preserve dish; Mrs Hughes, Fern Dale, out-glass fruit-dish, cream-jug, and sugar basin Miss Williams, Talhaiarn House, pair of fancy slippers; Mrs Allen, Station Road, flower-vase Mrs Roberts, Fern Bank, coal-scuttle Mr R. Parry-Jones, twelve silver tea-spoons, sugar- tongs, and jam-spoons; Mrs Buckley, Stalybridge, breakfast cruet-stand Mr and Mrs Owen, Bodwrog, sardine-dish and gong; Miss Owen, Bodwrog, two lustre-painted bracket Borders Miss M. Owen, Bod- wrog, sofa-blanket; Mrs Williams, Bryn Goleu, breakfast cruet-stand Miss Pugh, Bryn Goleu, but- ter-cooler and knife; Messrs J. and R. Roberts (brick- layers), gong; Mr W. Hughes, Llanrwst, double jam-stand Mr and Mrs Humphreys, The Farm, one dozen linen towels; Messrs Salisbury and Pritchard, marble slab for washing-stand Mr and Mrs Wil- liams, Bodfryn, copper-kettle; Mr and Mrs Roberts, Maenan House, pair of fancy ornaments Mr and Mrs Evans, Maenan House, crumb-tray and brush Miss Jones, Hope Bank, pair of fancy brass candle- sticks Mr and Mrs Jones, Bryn Tirion, oak biscuit- box Mr J. R Jones, (saddler), album Mr and Mrs Evans, Clinton House, newspaper-rack; Mr and Mrs Davies, Preswyifa, brass-kettle, spirit-lamp, and stand Mr and Mrs Hughes, Eirias Bank, pair of or- naments Mr and Mrs E. Hughes, Bryn-y-Mor, set of dessert-plates, and stand; Mr and Mrs Roberts, Danesbury, inkstand, and paper-knife Mr and Mrs Jackson, Oakville, pair of drnwingroom lamps Mr and Mrs Dingad Davies, Rhyl, jam-spoon Miss Lewis, Bradford House, jam-dish; Mr P. Currie, fish-carvers; Mr and Mrs Davies, Hope Bank, earthen bread-pan; Mr and Mrs Jones, Bryn Hyfryd, table-cover; Mr and Mrs Owen, Ty-newydd (Pen- rhynside), table-cover; The Misses Pierce, Bodithel, damask table-cloth and half-dozen serviettes W. S. and S. Williams (drapers), white counterpane Miss Roberts, Talsarnau, butter-cooler and knife; Mrs Hugh Thomas, Mochdre, towels; Mr W. Ll. Evans, silver sardine-server Mrs Jones. Shrewsbury, pin-tray (of Coalport China); employes of Mr Berth- Jones, marble timepiece with engraved-plate. The Colwyn Bay Romance. GRAVE DEVELOPMENTS. At the Bangor Petty Sessions, on Tuesday, March 10th, before Mr Pierce and other magis- trates, David James Morgan, Colwyn Bay, was charged on remand with knowingly and wilfully making a certain false declaration and signing a false notice or certificate-to wit, an affidavit required by the Marriage Acts for the purpose of I -la procuring a marriage between himself and Pauline Annie Sadlier-to the effect that he had resided at the Liverpool Exchange Vaults, Holyhead-road, Upper Bangor, for the space of fifteen days prior to the 21st November, 1895, which was untrue. There was a further charge against the prisoner of bigamy. Mr S. R. Dew prosecuted, Mr James Porter appeared for Mrs Richev, the trustee of Miss Sadlier, Mr HuW Rowland representing the prisoner. Mr S. R. Dew, in continuing the case for the prosecution, said that the prisoner, who was living at Colwyn Bay with his sister, Mrs Griffiths, had there become acquainted with Miss Sadlier, who was living with Mrs Richey, her guardian. He represented to the latter that his name was Captain Foster, that he had .e.?n active service, and had earned the Victoria Cross. He also represented that he was about to come into possession of an estate at Richmond, Surrey, which would bring him in an annual income of £4000, and was only awaiting certain legal lormalities before entering upon possession of the property. As a result of such representations, Mrs Richey consented to his being affianced to Miss Sadlier. Mr Huw Rowland objected to these statements, which had no bearing upon the charge, and were only calculated to import prejudice to the case, and possibly give certain spice to the gallery. He pointed out that the charge was one of making a false declaration of marriage. The Chairman Mr Dew goes on to prove that there has been perjury. Mr Rowland There has been no injury arising from the false declaration. The Chairman We shall take a note of your objection, but we fail to see how that can stop the case. Mr Dew then proceeded to say that all the representations made by the prisoner were false, and associated with the perjury which he had committed were the means by which he procured the marriage and the object which he had in view. In giving her consent, Mrs Richey stipulated that the marriage should not take place until after Christmas, and stated that, in the meantime, Miss Sadlier would be entitled to a dowry of.,Cioo as an old pupil of Howell School, Denbigh. As soon as the prisoner heard of this money, lie wished to hurry the marriage, which, in fact, took place on the 23rd November, upon an affidavit he made that he had resided at Bangor for fifteen days preceding. A witness named Ogden would be called to prove that the prisoner had passed under various aliases, including "Alexander B. Walker," Major Ireland," A. Hampson," and Captain Foster." It would also be proved that the prisoner was married in 1878 to a widow of the name of Marsh, at Gorton, Manchester. The prisoner also got acquainted with the witness Ogden's sister, who had £1000. He lived with Miss Ogden, whose family were under the im- pression that she was regularly married to him, and deprived her of every penny of her money. He subsequently left her destitute with two children in a Workhouse, from which her friends had to rescue her. [Sensation]. The prisoner had undergone several terms of imprisonment, one of which was twelve months, at Walton Goal, Liverpool, tor a long-firm fraud, and his whole career, from beginning to end, had, it would be shown, been one of fraud. Mr Dew also stated that there would be a further charge of bigamy brought against the prisoner. The Magistrate's Clerk read the evidence given by witnesses at the first hearing of the case, and reported at the time in our columns. Eliza Walker, the daughter of the landlady of ,e the Liverpool Exchange Vaults, supported the evidence of her mother, given on the remand, as to the three visits of the prisoner to the Vaults and to his never having resided there. He asked whether the house was to let, and inquired as to the takings. He promised to take the house, which he inspected but did not call after his third visit. Mrs Sarah Letitia Richey, the aunt and trustee of Miss Sadlier, 10, Bay Avenue, Dublin, who at one time resided at Avoca, Colwyn Bay, said that she became acquainted with the prisoner, through Miss Sadlier, in November last. He introduced himself as Captain Foster, a widower, and asked to be allowed to pay his addresses to her niece, remarking that he had a large estate of j £ 45°°> at Ivy Hall, Richmond, Surrey, producing letters from his solicitors in proof of such assertion. He had also 620,000 to his credit at Tattersall's in the name of A. B. Walker, was possessed of the Victoria Cross, and was a widower. Upon the strength of these representations, the witness allowed him to visit her niece, upon whom he said he would settle L2ooo, and added that he wanted no money with her. In the conrse of the witness's acquaintance with him, and prior to the marriage, he told her that the Ivy Hall property was left between him and a Miss Woods, whom his uncle wished he should ma. ry. He had been engaged to Miss Woods. The marriage with Miss Sadlier took place on the 23rd of November, much earlier than had been stipulated, it being the prisoner's explanation that he wanted to be in London with regard to the probate of the Ivy Hall estate, and that, if he went there before he married, his solicitors might make him marry Miss Woods. [Laughter]. When her niece received Lioo from the Howell School, she was living with Morgan I at Colwyn Bay. Her niece was eighteen years of age last August, and the prisoner had said that he was thirty-nine. [Laughter].—Cross-examined by Mr Huw Rowland, the witness said that she was present at the marriage, to which her con- sent had been given. She had only known the prisoner a little over a fortnight before the mar- riage. The prisoner was always a well-conducted, gentlemanly man, and she had nothing to say against him. William Henry Ogden, Sion Street, Ratciiffe, Manchester, said that he had known the prisoner since about 1879, his sister-in-law being his sister. He believed him then to be a single man. The prisoner became acquainted with his sister, Margaret Ann Ogden. in 1881, and they after- wards passed off as man and wife together. Previous to that, the witness had ascertained that the prisoner, who resided with him, was married, and, as he admitted the fact, he was turned out of the house, and took the witness's sister with him. The letters now produced were addressed, to the witness and his brothers, by the prisoner, who, in one of them, addressed from Walton Gaol, December, 1892, said that he had a wife and two children, and they must be kept." The witness had known the prisoner as Major Ireland and Elias Walker, and he also knew that he had been to gaol. -Cross-examined, the witness said that his sister was never married to the prisoner. Police-Superintendent Harris, Bangor, pro- dnced the certificate of a marriage solemnised in December, 1878, at St. Mark's Parish Church, West Gorton, Manchester, between the prisoner and Sarah Ann Marsh. The witness was at West Gorton last week, and saw Sarah Ann IC, Marsh, who resided at 4, School Street. It was she who gave him the date oi the marriage. She lived under the name of Marsh, and not Morgan, as she had no desire to have her name associated in any way with the prisoner. At this stage of the proceedings, Mr Dew asked for a remand, which was granted to Wednesday. the 18th inst. Mr Dew also asked for a remand on the charge of bigamy, and this was granted. An application for bail being refused, the prisoner was removed in custody. Miss Sadlier, who is a young lady of prepossessing appearance, had met him at the railway-station, and sat at his side in the crowded Court-room, where she seemed very devoted to him. FURTHER CHARGES PENDING. One other bigamy charge, at any rate, will be brought against Captain Foster, against whom the Anglesea police have for some years had in readiness warrants on charges of fraud.: