Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

SERIOUS CHARGE AT MACHYN- LLETH. POPULAR SYMPATHY. From eleven o'clock in the morning until eleven o'clock at night on Saturday, Mr TWBonsaH (chairman), Major Hugh Bonsall, Mr Ret Roes and Mr R Gillart, sat in the police court afc Machym let, h, to hear a charge of indecent assault on Jenny Humphreys Lumley, eight years of age, preferred by the police against a young man named John Parry, a by agent in the Wealeyan cause, residing near-Commins Coch. There was no prosecuting solicitor, D.C.C. Williams conducting the case. Tor the defence Mr Owen George, Carnarvon, appeared. The Court was crowded and as the day wore on the roadway in front of the police station became thronged with people. The police at the outset sought to amend the charge from an indecent assault to one of rape; but the Bench decided to hear the evidence first. t Jenny Humphreys Lumley, the complainant who seemed rather small even for a child of eight years, gave her evidence in a straightforward manner and withstood the examination and cross-examination for nearly three hours. According to her story on the afternoon before Christmas Day she passed the accused and a man named John Humphreys on the roadway near Tyoerrig. The men were talking together and she went on. Presently the accused overtook her and nodded his head as if inviting her to follow him. She did so and they went on in the direction of the Castell wood and sat down. Here the offence complained of took place but she made no remonstrance and both left this spot and proceeded to a quarry higher up. They however did not stop here for any length of time but pro- ceeded to the wood above her house. Accused carried her over the thorns but she objected to being carried and he put her down. When they reached the wood the offence complained of was repear,ea< tu»o fdtn:J wia aiet0r u.bo repeated the story to her brother and eventually it came to the ears of her parents. in the coui so of a long cross-examination the story of the child was not shaken and she was followed by Dr Purchas of Newtown. The doctor examined the child on Jan 24 and found evidences bearing out her story. He was followed by Dr Edwards of Cemmaes, who examined her on Jan 17 and held the same opinion as the previous wi.,ness. Mary Lumley, the mother, Robert Lumley, the father and one of the little girl's brothers were all called to tell how the story came to their years. Although they were acquainted with the facts they still allowed the accused to visit the house and accompany an elder sister at a competitive meeting. The arrest of the accused was proved by P.O. Ellis of Llanbrynmair, and when charged later on by P.S. Owen accused replied, I am perfectly innocent." In answer to the cross-examination the Sergeant said that P.C. Hamer, who was stationed at Cemmaes, had not reported the case to him and he had only heard it casually in the train. It was reported and a warrant was issued. This was the evidence for the prosecution, and upon the accused being formally charged he replied I farther assert that I am innocent of the charge." Mr George now proceeded to cail his witnesses for the defence, and the first to step into the box was Dr Williams. He had not examined the child, but after the evidence he was of opinion that if such an assault as described had been committed the results would have been of a more serious character. He was of opinion that no assault had been committed. Dr Davies followed. He was of the same opinion as Dr Williams, but he had not made an examina- tion of the child. It was drawing on foreight o'clock in theeven- ino- when the accused amid a buzz of excitement rose to give evidence. During the time the witnesses were giving their evidence he found time banging heavily on his hands and borrowing a copy of a popular magazine from one of the pressmen sought relief from ennui in its brightly-printed pages. A fellow lodger of his who had become engaged on the side of the prosecution occasionally irritated the accused by scribbling notes and push- ing them across to the police, and Parry at length bluntly asked him what be had to do with the case. Coming to the evidence the accused told the Court that he was not with the girl on the after- noon in question, and proceeded to show how he spent the afternoon preceding Christmas Day. After calling at the Post Office in the village he went off to the home of David Howell, junior. He reached this place at 2-45 and remained there until four o'clock. Afterwards he returned to Tycerrig, at which farm be lodged. At 4-25 he ordered tea. In the evening he attended a meeting in chapel and later conducted a Band of Hope meeting at which the Lam ley children were present, and that was all he saw of them that day. He visited the family after this and accompanied Mary Lumley to a competi tive meeting, and at the same meeting adjudicated o-i an item in which Jennie Lumley competed. The first he heard of the assault was when Davies (the schoolmaster) and three other men came to bis lodgings. Davies lodged with him at the farm, and he read a paper which embraced the accusation which he was called upon that day to confront. He d^ni'=d it to the men, and before sitting down he once again emptatically protested his innocence. Nellie Humphreys, a daughter of John Humph- reys of Tycerrig, said that the accused lived at their house On December 24th he was in between the hours of 12 and 1, and again between the hours of 4 and 5. Mary Jane Hughes, a clerk in the Post office at Commins Coch, said that Parry was in the office at three o'clock on the afternoon of December 24th.- By the Bench She could not say how she remem- bered this particular day. Harriett Evans of Aberh'aeth, Cemmes, said that she was in the post office on the day in question, and saw the accused there. He went out and up the road in the direction of D Howell's house.- By the Bench She bad seen the accused since then and he had asked her if she remembered December 24 th. Elizabeth Howell, a sister of David Howell, de osed that the accused was at her house on the afternoon of the 24th. D Howell said that he left home on December 24th, passed J Humphreys, R Lumley and Jennie Linnlev. On his way back about 3-45 he met the accused'coming from the direction of his (witness's) house. This was all the evidence, and the Bench after consultation dismissed the case. Though they felt it was a prima facie case they gave the accused the benefit of the doubt. The result was received in Court with loud applause. Outside a cheering crowd seizing hoid of Parrv bore him shoulder high to the White Horseliote). The streets were full of people who heartily joined in singing that notorious dirge At the hotel, Parry delivered a brief speech in which he thanked everyone for theii great sympathy.

-+- ELECTION OF PENSIONERS. LOCAL APPOINTMENTS. At the sixty-ninth election for candidates to the out pension of the Royal Alfred Aged Merchant Seamen's Institution, held on January 29, John Richards, of Borth (blind), aged 74, and who has been at sea, for 40 years, was elected to an out pension. On account of age Roger Lewis (86), having seen 48 years service at sea, and now residing at Aberdovey, was also elected.

THE WOMAN OF MULL. INTERVENTION OF AUTHORITIES. The woman, now believed to belong to the Island of Mull, who has for the past seven months been so mysterious in her behaviour and given rise to so much speculation throughout Argyllshire, remained in the open till Friday without any shelter what- ever save that afforded by a bed quilt spread over her tent fashion. This would-be tent she meant not as a shelter from the weather, but to ward off the gaze of the more prying of visitors to her retreat. When the snowstorm broke out the sani- tary authorities felt that steps would have to be taken if her life was to be saved. Dr Gillies, medical officer of the parish, visited her and found her health seriously impaired. He ordered her itn- mediate removal, "xva rwi- iMpootor pro- ceeded to the place and, after much expostulation, she consented to go into an empty house near her usual camping ground. Here she will receive medical treatment.

♦ CARDIFF AND THE WELSH UNIVERSITY. The Parliamentary Committee of the Cardiff Council on Mondav decided that the members of the Cardiff deputation, which is to wait upon the University Court at Shrewsbury on the 15th inst., should be asked to be prepared to speak in favour of the installation of the Prince of Wales as Chan- cellor of the University of Wales taking place in Cardiff. It was resolved, subject to the approval of Ld0 Jouncil, that in the event of Cardiff being selected as the place of installation the honorary freedom of the borough should be offered to the new Chancellor.

E. --a 11 'A 11 'A 11 r -4 's t R. I 5TH VOLUNTEER BATTALION THE SOUTH WALES BORDERERS. REGIMENTAL ORDERS By LIEUTENANT-COLONEL E. PRYCE-JONES, M.P., Commanding. Headquarters, Newtown, l'1t February, 1902 ENROLMENTS.—The undermentioned having been enrolled are taken on the strength of the Battalion, allotted Regimental numbers and posted to Com- panies, as stated against their names :-B Co 1101 George C Wiilmott. E Co: 1102 J Davies, and 1103 W Bodenham. PROMOTION.—The Commanding Officer has been pleased to approve the following :—No. 1010 L-Cpl Morris H Owen, A Co. (Llanidloes), to be Corporal. CYULIST.-869 Pte John Bellis, B Co., will join the Newtown Sub-Section. STRUCK OFF.—The undermentioued are struck off the strength of the Battalion:—A Co: 701 Cyclist D J Evans. B Co (Montgomery) 548 Pte R Smith. C Co (Llanfair) 125 Cyclist It White and 370 Cpl D Jones. E Co 878 Pte V S Ellis. SUPERNUMERARIES.—129 Cpl P Baines, C Co, and 930 Pte J Williams, B Co, having accepted service in the Imperial Yeomanry for South Africa will be borne as supernumeraries from this date and 31 Sergt W T Lowe, A. Co, and 874 Pte H F Morgan, B Co, having returned from South Africa are taken on the strength of the Battalion. BATTALION RJFLE MBTCTTNO.—Programmes having now been issued may be had at all Armouries. JUDGING DISTANCE PRACTICE.-This will in future be carried out in combination with other exercises in accordance with instructions laid down in the new regulations issued to all Officers and Sergeants on the 18th January. No record of the practice will be kept. TRANSFER.—963 Pte F Scott is transferred from F to D Co (Machynlleth). By Order, C WALKER, Captain, Adjutant 5th Y.B. South Wales Borderers. ♦ The shareholders in Guest, Keen, and Co. and in Nettlefolds, Limited, met separately in Birming- ham, on Monday, and agreed to the scheme put for- ward by the dilators for the amalgamation of the two companies. qnHE CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS COMPANY i_ issue FIRST CLASS 1,000 and 500 MILE TICKETS, the Coupons of which enable the pm. chasers to travel between stations on the Cambrian Railways during the period for which the tickets are available, until (l;9 Coupons are exhausted. The price of each ticket is P,5 5s 1,000 miles, and X2 17s 6d 500 miles, being about lZd per mile. 4 Application for the 1,000 or 500 mile tickets must be made in writing, giving the full name and address of the purchaser, and accompanied by a remittance, to Mr W. H. Gough, Traffic Superintendent, Cambrian Railways, Oswestry (cheques to bo made pay- able to the Cambrian Co. or order) from whom also books containing 100 certificates for authorising the use of the tickets by pur chaser's family, guests, or employes can be obtained price 6d each book, remittance to accompany order. C. S. D.EN.NISS, General Manager

THE ABlSRGYNOLWYN FATALITY. INQUEST AND VERDICT. A TRIBUTE TO AMBULANCE WORK. An inquest concerning the death of David Davies Gwernol House (who met with serious injury on Monday week) was held at the Board School, Aber- gynolwyc, on Friday, by Mr R Jones, deputy-coro- ner, Festiniog. There were also present, Mr J G Williams, inspector of mines, Banker Mr Meyrick Roberts, manager of the quarry Dr Lloyd, P.S. Morris, Towyn P.C. Barnard, Abergynolwyn, and others. The following were sworn on the jury: Rev R R Jones, Messrs J It Thomas, Board Schools; John Davies, Water street; John Roberts, Tany- bryn street; John Pughe, Railway Hotel; Owen Edwards, Cwrt; John Edwards, Water street; Evan Jones, Bwlchcyfyng; Evan Evans, Tynyfach Rd Morgans, Water street; Hugh Evans, Maesyllan; and Owen Owens, Hondre. The latter, who was appointed foreman is, it is interesting to observe, close upon 90 years of age. D H Griffiths, Llanegryn street, identified the body as that of the deceased, who was 52 years of age. He was a quarry man employed at Bryn- eglwys, and was at his employment when the accident occurred. He worked at No. 10 chamber underground. Witness did not see the accident, but was there immediately afterwards, and found deceased lying on his back. There was also with him Henry Williams. He spoke to deceased, who said that he thought he had broken his leg. Henry Williams, quarryman, said he was work- ing with the deceased at the time of the accident, which happened about 10-45 a.m. He was en- gaged in splitting a piece of rock with a crowbar, when it slipped out and he fell backwards. Deceased spoke to him and said he thought he had broken his leg. Witness went out for assistance and deceased was conveyed to the open air. Dr Lloyd was sent for, and pending his arrival some of the members or dH' Ilmnu1a.uv:, Of" "G,.¿¡o,'or] first aid There was no wound to be seen. He did not re- member such an accident having occurred before. Deceased, who lived until Wednesday evening, was an old employe, and knew his work thoroughly.- By Mr G J Williams: There was a crack in the stone and deceased was endeavouring to lift one piece to fix it on the chain, so that it could be hauled up. Witness was of opinion that bis foot was caught in a crevice which tripped him up and so caused the fracture. There was no distance whatever for him to fall. At the time he certainly did not think the accident was so serious. Dr E Lewys Lloyd stated that he was called to see the deceased on Monday week and found that he had been conveyed to the village. He examined him and found that he was suffering from fracture. The bone had been broken in several places. Witness here paid a high compliment to the manner in which first aid had been rendered by members cf the ambulance class. He added that he dressed the fracture and, although it was undoubtedly a bad case, did not expect any very serious development. There was, of course, the risk which was usnal in such cases. A consultation was held in the afternoon with Dr H P Rowlands, Towyn.—Asked why he thought a consultation necessary, witness said it was a grave case and to set the limb properly required more than one medical man. Continuing, Dr Lloyd said that after this the case progressed favourably until Wednesday evening, when de- ceased grew rapidly worse and death supervened. The Deputy Coroner summed up, remarking that it was plain from the evidence that the deceased was at the time of the accident, following his usual employment, and that there was nothing out of place in any shape or form. It; was evidently a pure accident and he did not think it necessary to call any m •••« witnesses, as they would only corro- borate w, "iL had already been said. Th" .J lilT concurred and a verdict of accidental dt aih" was returned. Mr G J Williams said he was very gratified when he understood from the evidence that the members of the ambulance class bad rendered such a good account of themselves. He had heard and knew of some cases in other places where lives had bean lo-b through ignorance of first aid, but it was evi- dent that at Abergynolwyn such was not the case. The Deputy Coroner agreed and hoped the young men of the village would appreciate the value of these classes and attend them regularly. There was no doubt that they were of the greatest value in quarries and other places where accidents were more or lees frequent. Mr Meyrick Roberts said that, in his official capacity, bo would lilto to etoto fchivt aAl in tl, quarries were very sorry to hear that the accident had had such a sorrowful ending. He proposed a vote of deep sympathy with the widow and family of the deceased in their time of sorrow. This having been seconded by the Rev R R Jones, and supported by all present, the inquest termin- ated. THE FUNERAL. The funeral took place on Saturday, the body being conveyed from Abergynolwyn by special train to Towyn, and carried from there to the cemetery. There was a very large attendance, and the chief mourner was Mrs Davies, the widow. Other relatives were present. A deputation of the Oddfellows attended, the deceased having been a member of that society, and a large number of the workers from the quarries also walked. At the graveside the usual service was conducted and the hymn "Ynydyfroedd mawr ar tonau" was feelingly snng.

PERSONAL. The King has been pleased to give and graL t unto Brevet Major the Hon Algernon Henry Charles Hanbury-Tracy, Royal Horse Guards, his Majesty's Royal Licence and Authority to accept and wear the Star of Ethiopia of the Second Class, which decorauion has been conferred upon him by the Ern pemr Menelek, in recognition of his services while attached to the Head-quarters of the Abys- sinian Force which co-operated with the British Force in recent operations in Somaliland. The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and Countess Cadogan are entertaining a large party at Dublin Castle this week including the Marquess of London- derry, the Ear! and Countess of Pembroke and the Ladies Beatrix aud Muriel Herbert. Sir John Monckton, town clerk of the City of London, dieu on Monday night at his residence, Cranley Gardens, at the age of 70.

MACHYNLLETH RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. Mr Edmund Gillart presiding. A CASE OF SMALL POX. Mr Richard Pees inquired of the medical officer whether he could recommend anything with regard to the reported outbreak of small pox in the district. Dr Davies said that he could only advise the course which was being carried out throughout the country, namely that as many as possible should undergo re-vaccination. He would like to point out that there was no charge whatever for doing so, so that those who desired it would not be put to any expense. Personally he would like to make a proposal that everyone should be re-vaccinated, as it had been proved beyond a doubt that vaccina- tion was a very safe preventative to the spread of the disease. Mr Rees remarked that he thought the recommendation of Dr Davies should receive every consideration and personally he felt that it should be adopted.—The Clerk read a communica- tion which asked the Council to adopt a resolution adopting a movement to repeal the clause of the Vaccination Act, which allowed a conscientious objector to have his child unvaccinated. It was proposed to forward the resolution to the Local Government Board.—Dr Davies drew attention to the clause which gave those who appeared before a Bench of Magistrates a chance of making a con- scientious objection, which if approved of by the Bench, allowed the child to remain un-vaccinated. —The letter received wished this clause to be repealed.—Continuing, Dr Davies remarked that everyone acknowledged that vaccination was now essential for protection against the disease. No couscientious objectors had appeared in this district. -The Chairman remarked that they were probably more intelligent in this district.—Mr H Lewis said he thought it would be advisable not to make the medical officer's suggestion known as it might create some alarm in the town. He did not think it was practicable for them to be re-vaccinated.— Mr Rd. tVinmiht, that v 'ie circnmstanct I it would be advisable not to pass a 'i«.. the matter.—The Chairman asked the Press uo state that there was no case of small pox in the urban district of Machynlleth.— Mr Rees Nor in the couuty either.-The matter then dropped. THE UNIVERSITY OFFICES. The Clerk stated that the committee which had been appointed to place the claims of the town before the authorities as a desirable site for the University offices had not as yet met, but they would do so at once if required. THE SEWERAGE. A letter was received from the Local Government Board inquiring for further particulars with regard to the proposed scheme.—The Clerk informed the Council that the letter had been forwarded to the engineers, but they had not so far replied. The Clerk was directed to write and explain to the Local Government Board and state how the matter stood. THE STEAM ROLLER. A letter was received from the County Surveyors which stated that the roller would be there about the end of March, but if required before then special application should be made.—It was decided to ask the County Surveyor to allow the roller to visit the town about the middle of March. DOVEY FISHERY. With reference to the deputation appointed with regard to this, the Clerk stated that this had met, and he had been directed to prepare certain points which appeared to the committee important enough to lay before the association, and also to express their desire to co-operate with the association as far as possible in order to secure the benefits of the fishery to the town. SANITARY COMMITTEE'S REPORT. The report of the Streets and Sanitary Commit- tee stated that the medical officer's and surveyor's reports were considered. It was decided to recom- mend that a ventilating shaft should be put up at the end of the sewer near the Barracks.—It was agreed that all persons requiring water connections should observe the following regulations :-(l) That no connection be allowed unless put in by men in the employ of the Council. (2) That they should all be done on a certain day in the week. (3) That before any work should be commenced proper notice be given to the Council's men. (4) That the inhabitants were to be informed when the water would be turned off.—The surveyor was directed to have the reservoir cleaned out at the first opportunity, the inhabitants to be notified when the work is to be carried out.- With refer- ence to the gas main to Graigfach, the committee reported that ciiey uuuienod with thQ Gaa Oo., who were prepared to do what they could and had sent a letter and plan to lay before the Council to explain their proposals.-With reference to the proposed alterations and plans to the Wynnstay Hotel, they were referred to the surveyor and medical oincer.—The two last mentioned stated that they were quite satisfied with the plans of the new school buildings.

COMMERCIAL PRINTING Executed on the Shortest Notice, AT THE COUNTY TIMES PRINTING WORKS, WELSHPOOL. Printed and Published by David Rowlands, alí 21, Berriew Street, Welshpool, in the County of Montgomery, and at Towyn, in the County of Merioneth.—Thursday, February 6, 19C2.