Flintshire Observer Mining Journal and General Advertiser for the Counties of Flint Denbigh

GREENFIELD. THE ATTEMPTED WIFE MURDER. WOOD BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES. At a Special Sessions held at Holywell to-day (Thursday), William Wood, butcher, was brought up on remand from Chester Castle, charged with having attempted to murder his wife Elizabeth Wood, by cutting her with a knife as she lay in bed on the night of the 28th of April last Wood was taken into custody immediately after the occurrence, and has been remanded from time to time, owing to his wife being in too weak a state to appear and give evidence. The case excited the greatest interest, and the court was filled during the hearing of the case. The clothes worn by Mrs. Wood on the night of the tragic occurrence were produced in court, and they appeared as if they had been completely drenched in blood. The prisoner presented a somewhat careworn appearance, and although apparently listening attentively to the evidence, he scarcely raised his head during the proceedings. Mr. R. J. Williams (of the firm of Messrs. P. Mwyndeg Evans and R. J. Williams) prosecuted, and Mr. G. E. Trevor-Roper (Mold), appeared for the prisoner. On the magistrates (the Rev. Walter Evans and John Henry, Esq.) taking their scats, the prisoner was placed in the dock, and buried his face in his hands. The evidence taken at the several remands was read by Mr. Cope (clerk to the justices), and Mr. R. J. Williams, in opening the case, said the charge was one of a most serious nature, as the prisoner was charged with wounding his wife with intent to murder her. It would be necessary for him to state the facts fully, which he proceeded to do, relating the prisoner's conduct on ithe Saturday previous to a-id on the Monday when the attempt was made, the main facts of which we published at the time. Mrs. Elizaboth Wood, who was accommodated with a scat whilst giving her evidence, said :—1 am the wife of William Wood, the prisoner. I was married to him on the 23rd of October, last year. At the time I was a widow with three children, and the prisoner was a widower with threechildren. In July of 1883, I was appointed postmistress at Greenfield, where I resided in a house and shop, which formed part of a long row of cottages fronting the highroad. The house adjoins the grounds of Greenfield Church, a narrow passage only separating them. Attached to it is the shop, and adjoining it is the cottage occu- pied by Edw. Jones. After my marriage I continued the office of postmistress, and my husband carried on the business of a butcher. I remember Saturday the 26th of April; he had been in and out of the house and had been drinking. He was very cross with me and violent in his language. He struck the tea table and said If I say I will do it, I will do it." He was cross later in the day and used violent language. He also seized me by the throat in the Post-office the same evening, and he held me by the throat while he uttered these words I could take Edward Vaughan by the throat and shake every drop of blood out of him." Mr. Vaughan is my brother-in-law. I got quite alarmed, and I sent my little child to ask Mrs. Vaughan to come down and assist me in the Post-office. She came down and stayed with me the whole of that night. She also slept with me, the prisoner sleeping in another room. On Sunday nothing occurred, and prisoner went to the English Congregational Chapel in the evening with my two children—aged respectivey 8t and 10 years. On Monday morning the 28th April, I vent to Holywell to apply for a warrant against my husband and I obtained a summons. I returned ho ne afterwards, and my husband asked me where I lad been. I answered him mildly and said I had been where he had been the week before. He asl-eci I I To your solicitors:- I said Yes, and to yo.irs." Nothing unpleasant transpired during the afternoon; he actually came and embraced me in the kitchen, and he also kissed me." After the postman left at half-past seven he showed me a letter he had had from Mrs. Vaughan, my sister, a us both to endeavour to clear the house the following day. She also added that she hoped that we both do it and part peaceably. That was all the letter contained as far as I can remember. I wa,1 not postmistress on the 28th April, having sent in my resignation same month or five weeks previous, but- I held the office until it was transferred on the 2S;.1 of April. My husband had not at all objected to my giving up the postmistresship. He did not object to anything in the letter, excepting to *my jiving up the house. He wanted me to retain the house for us to live together. I told him that he was the cause of my resigning the post office, and in consequence of that and his violent conduct towards me. I had made up my snind to give up the house and afterwards not to ive with him. 1 told him on many occasioias :hat I would not live with him. On the Monday light he asked me would I go to live with him in Tlint, and I replied I would not mind going to Flint," meaning that I did not want to go there. He further asked me where else I would like to go, ind I said I did not want to go out of Greenfield. He said Well you are doing a very terrible thing for yourself and for me. You know I am very fond )f you." About eight o'clock prisoner asked for a glass of beer, sayinS that he had not had anything 'ill that day. A half pint of beer was sent for, but bhe little boy in mistake brought a pint. My husband drank one glass and wished me to take the other I refused it at first, but afterwards said I would have it hot as I was going to bed as I had a sold. My husband has a pony, and during the n-ening he put it in the stable and he expressed a lesire that some one would remember to turn it out n the morning. My husband usually turned the pony out himself. I read the newspaper to my husband after putting the children to bed-from 9 to 9-30.—their beds being in the furthest back room, which adjoins the front room I occupied that night. After having drank the warm beer, I left the kitchen to go to bed at ten minutes past ten, the prisoner being at the time by the kitchen fire. When I was on the top of the stairs, my husband asked me "Which room are you gohv- to sleep in to night j1" I said the furthest front°room. He said he preferred us sleeping in the room over the sitting room (and closest to Greenfield Church), but I proceeded to the furthest room. There is a thin partition wall between that room and the next house occupied by Edward Jones. The head of the bed was placed against the partition wall, and I got into the bed on the furthest side ,nearest to the window. I left the candle burning for my husband. As I lay in bed I was on my aright side, with my back to the window, and there Was just room for one person to pass between the bed 'and the window. I fell asleep and was awakened by my [husband entering tho room and asking me Are you g P" I opened my eyes, and justsaw him coming around the foot of the bed and then closed my eyes, my husband was fully dressed and had his hat on. He asked me again Are you sleeping ? I said No," and he drew the bed-clothes down a little with his left hand, leaning on me. I then felt the knife in my left cheek. I screamed murder," and worked away from him across to the other end of the bed. When I felt the knife I raised my hands to prevent him, and I again felt the knife this time lower down and nearer to the check bone. I put up mv hands to prevent him, and I had slight cuts on my left hand. The third cut was towards my neck, under my chin. All the cuts were on my left side, and they were all received whilst I was in bed ssreaming. After I had worked myself to the other side of the bed, I got on the floor, and my tusbund caiii around the foot of the bed and met lie. exclaiming There, I have done that for what yDU have d "Hj." The candle was still burning, aad I rushf.i out of tho bed-room, through two rhrk rooms, 1 1 downstairs, through the kitchen to Vie front 1'1 unbarred tho front door an I got hlt int,) the road. I gave oue knock on Edward Junes' doobut I saw other neighbours aud I ran t, them. J, iw. Jones opened his door and took me ijto his liou Up to that time I was conscious, but a Ittle time afterwards I fainted very heavily. I felt bood flowing profusely from the wounds. The nglit-dress, flannel singlet, jacket bodice and chemise Joduced were the ones I was wearing on the night •' („K.stiou. The two sheets produced were also on tie bed I slept ill that evening. (The production of tie clothes, smeared with blood, created quite a sensation.) I cannot swear to the knife produced, ltv husband previously threatened iiie.lifr. Roper objected to a question as to previous threats, hnt the objection not being persisted in, the evidence was continued. — Prosecutrix said A wtek previous the prisoner went on his knees on the middle of the bedroom floor and said, Elizabeth, most assuredly as you see me on my kmes to swear before heaven to God, and on my soul to the Lord Jesus Christ, that if you carry out your threats of this day I will carry out my inten- tions on you, for it is you I hold responsible for all this." He subsequently said I will never strike a woman; I will not hurt a hair of your head, and you know it, but if I do strike you, you will not be able to say good morning in the morning to either Edward Vaughan or Mrs. Vaughamoranyone else. Mr. Roper said that after the facts which had been deposed to, he confessed he saw no alternative but that the prisoner would be committed for trial. Under these circumstances, it would be simply a waste of time were he to cross-examine at that stage. Although such an occurrence was not to be justified, he wished to state that there was provocation, and he may say that the prisoner's health was such that sometimes his temper broke out in ungovernable fury. In answer to Mr. Roper, Mrs. Wood said her hus- band slept with her on the Sunday night previous. Annie Jones Vaughan, daughter of the present postmaster of Greenfield. said—Mrs. Wood is my aunt. I was in the habit of visiting her, and I know the prisoner well. In the early part of this year, I went to the Post Office, and Mrs. Wood was in the kitchen and her husband in the office. Some words were passing between them, and the prisoner A By Elizabeth, if I see you going into that Alpha Chapel any more to take the sacrament, I 11 cut your throat open." I left the house, and returned about ten o'clock at night. My aunt was getting out her things to go and sleep in a neigh- bour's house. She could not find the latch-key, so she asked me would I stay with her that night and I did. We did not go to bed all night, neither did the prisoner we sat in the kitchen by the fire. Cross-examined: William Wood sat with us. Alpha Chapel belongs to the English Congrega- tioualists. Edward J ones deposed I live next door to the Greenfield Post Offico. I remember the night of the 28th of April last; I went to bed that night about a quarter past ten. When in bed, I heard cries of "murder from the next house to the room in which I slept. I also heard a great rush as if someone was running across the floor, and I at once jumped out of bed and came down into the street. I saw Mrs. Wood outside, and seeing the mess she was in, her night clothes being coverd with blood, I took her into my house. The blood was flowing from wounds in her face and neck. Mrs. Wood be- gan crying out for her children, and as I was going into her house to look for them the prisoner came out by the passage door. The prisoner went and stood in the middle of the high-road. I went to him and asked him whether he knew what he had been doing. He said "I have done it." There were other persons about, and I asked Thomas Owens to take him in charge to Holywell. Dr. Kenrick Morton Lloyd said: Between eleven and twenty minutes past, on the night of the 28th April, I received a message to go to Greenfield to attend to Mrs. Wood. I found her sitting in an armed chair, in a very exhausted state, and perfectly blanched from loss of blood, arising, as I afterwards found, from three incised wounds on her cheek and neck. The wounds were then bandaged with a handkerchief, which I removed. The upper wound was on the left cheek, commencing about half an inch from the angle of the mouth and extending about an inch and a half towards the left ear. The second one was also on the left side, about two inches lower than the first, and on the edge of the lower jaw bone, about an inch and a half long, and extending towards the ear, forming a kind of triangular flap. That cut had penetrated to the bone.—By the Chairman My theory of this cut is that the point of the knife entered above the bone on a line with the angle of the mouth, and then the knife must have slipped over the edge of the bone, and appeared externally below the bone, on the inte- guments of the neck.—Examination continued The third wound was across the neck, about half an inch belowthe second wound, and measured from 2 to 2^ in. It was only skin deep.—The Chairman If it was a deep wound what would have been the result?—Dr. Lloyd It would have reached vital parts.—Mr. Henry In which direction were the cuts, towards or from him.—Dr. Lloyd The cuts were made to- wards him.—Examination continued: The first wound penetrated all the integuments excepting the lining membrane of the mouth. The third cut, which was only skin-deep, went across the course of the carrotid artery, and the jugular vein was also in close proximity.—Mr. Henry: Can you form any idea of the quantity of blood she lost to cause that saturation ?—Dr. Lloyd No, I cannot, but she lost a great quantity of blood and she was almost pulseless. The knife produced would cause such wounds as the prosecutrix bore. I do not con- sider the wound could have been self inflicted. Mrs. Wood did at one time show slight symptoms of erysipelas, after she had been wounded.—The Chairman Was her condition on the night in ques- tion such that if she had not been promptly attended to, her life would have been in peril r-Dr. Lloyd No doubt of it. Thomas Owens, Victoria Stores, said I was in Greenfield on the night of the 28th April and on my way home, after passing the post office about fifty yards, I heard screams. I returned to Edward Jones' house and saw Mrs. Wood bleeding profusely and her clothes smeared with blood. I came out of the house and saw Wood in charge of Edward Jones and three other men. Edward Jones asked me, in the prisoner's presence and hearing, to take him up to Holywell and hand him over to the police. I told him to come up with me quietly, and he said I will come." I said to him Do you know what you have done ?" He said I have done it and am ready to hung' for her." By the Copper Works I left him in charge of John Parry, Moses Edwards and Robert Jones, and I went to summon the doctor. Martha Ann Williams, wife of Captain Humphrey Williams, deposed I was returning home from Holywell about half-past ten on the night of the 28th of April and I saw the prosecutrix Mrs. Wood in the house of Edward Jones. She was very bad, fainting, and her nightclothes were covered with blood. I remained with her until Dr. Lloyd came and dressed her wounds. Sergeant Matthews and Edward Jones carried her back into her own house, and she was put to bed in the room over the sitting-room. I undressed her and put clean clothes upon her. The clothes produced I took off her, and handed them to Sergt. Matthews. Sergeant Matthews said I received the prisoner Wood into custody at the Police Station from the witness Thomas Owens. The latter said he had brought him up from Greenfield to give him into the custody of the police, for stabbing his wife. The prisoner was present and heard what Owens said. I asked prisoner whether he understood the nature of the charge. He replied It's all right; I did do it." The prisoner appeared to be perfectly sober. I told him that I would have to detain him until I made further inquiries. I searched him and found on him a purse with X5 10s. Od. in gold, and 16s. 6d. in silver, a pocket knife, a check book, a pocket book, and sundry keys. I locked him up. Finding first that Dr. Lloyd had started to Greenfield, I followed him, and s'tw Mrs. Wood in the witness Edward Jones' house. Dr. Lloyd was engaged in stitching up the wounds, which were then bleeding. Immediately afterwards I searched the prisoner's house, including the bedroom over the shop. In that bedroom I found the bedclothes very much disarranged, and on the side of the bed next to the window I found the sheets stained with fresh blood. At the foot of the bed, close to a chest of drawers, I found tho knife lv >w produced, wet with blood. There were several tt :ius ot biood on the floor, and there were also blood stains across the room, down the stairs, and along the passage to the front door. After Dr. Lloyd had completed dressing the wounds, I assisted the witness Edward Jones to carry Mrs. Wood into her own house. I directed Mrs. Williams to undress her, and to hand me the clothing which I now pro- duce. Ou the following Tuesday morning I saw the prisoner in the cell. As I opened the door he said, Ilow ismywifeto-day F' I replied 4 She is as well as can be expected under the present circumstances." I then said to prisoner, "I am now going to charge you with a very serious offence, and be cautious as to anything you say, for whatever statement you make I may have to repeat it again. I charge you low with cutting and wounding your wife Elizabeth Wood, with intent to murder her, last night, between ten and eleven o'clock." Ho replied I told you last night that I did if, that is all I can say, but! have been go v] I ¡" it." He then said "Have you foil-, k i;. j It is not the one you took from mr 1 t i 'hat 1 j did it with. It was one Geor— I lobm no some months ago; you wui find '>ci<' im l the house." I said I prisoner rejoined, J t.Jio.t^hr yon wotno. — o^- examined: The pris''«j. ii'a-i- no a-tn-iiipi io escape or get away. Mr. R. J. Williams intimated that he purposed to call evidence to fix more clearly the ownership of the knife, but he was unable to do so that day. He would be able to call the additional evidence at the assizes, and he would give Mr. Roper a copy of the additional testimony. That being the whole of the evidence he purposed calling, he should ask that the prisoner should be committed on the graver charge of feloniously wounding with intent to murder. Mr. Roper said he could not resist the application, although at the proper time he would be able to show that there were extenuating circumstances in the case. He had to ask whether the court would accept bail for the prisoner's appearance. No as- sizes had as yet been fixed, and probably they would not be held until August. As the prisoner had some property about, it would be well if he was liberated on substantial bail. The Chairman said the magistrates could not accede to the application. The circumstances sur rounding the case were such that they were bound to refuse bail. The usual caution having been given the prisoner replied I have nothing to say." The Chairman: The prisoner stands committed to take his trial on the charge of attempted murder at the next assizes. Mr. Williams I apply that the prosecutrix and all the witnesses should be bound over. Mr. Cope That is the usual thing. The pro- secutrix and the witnesses were bound over to appear and give evidence at the assizes, Mrs. Wood in the sum of X50, and the other witnesses in zC25 each "BOND" IN BONDAGE.-This afternoon (Thurs- day) Thomas Bond, a rough-looking fellow was charged at Holywell Police Court with being drunk at Holywell, on the 15th and also on the 22nd of January. He was further charged with assaulting Police-constable Jones when arresting him on Wed- nesday night. Prisoner said that he wanted to see Whitsuntide over before he was locked up, and that was why he did not go quietly. Failing to pay a fine of 10s. with 13s. costs, for each case of drunken- ness, lie was committed to prison for a fortnight for each offence, and for the assault on the officer, a month's imprisonment,—making together two months' imprisonment with hard labor.

.0 POINT-OF-AIR. A WRECK.—A little after noon on Wednesday, a moderate sized vessel was observed in No 140, per. chart. The vessel was on her beam ends, and appeared to be a wreek. She was driven towards the mainland by a heavy sea which was blowing. The vessel was found to be the St. Olaf, bound from Norway to Connah's Quay. The crew of the vessel were saved, but in all probability the vessel will be driven ashore.

I NORTHOP. ARCHDEACON SMART. — The Ven. Archdeacon Smart left Northop on Thursday, to take up his residence for three months as Canon in residence at St. Asaph. All communications to him therefore will be required to be sent to the Canonry, St. Asaph.

MOSTYN. The ss "Devon" (Lobb) of Cardiff, which left Mostyn on Tuesday morning last week, has had the quickest discharge yet afforded to vessels in Mostyn Quay, being discharged by the stevedores, under the superintendence of Mr. P. Roberts, in 28 hours of a cargo of 1250 tons of iron ore, which she had brought from Carthagena.

BAGILLT. ST. MART'S GUILD.-The weekly prayer meeting in connection with this institution was held at the National School-room, on Tuesday evening last, a fair number of members being present. Prayers were offered, and the remainder of the evening was spent in discussing various interesting topics. CRICKET CLUB.—A meeting of the above club was held at the Wellington Inn, on Monday evening last, when there were a number of members present. We understand that the members purpose adding to their number a professional gentleman, and judging by the reputation he has earned in the cricketing world, he will by his tuition, considerably strengthen the ranks of the knights of the willow," and will therefore encourage the further- ance of the favorite pastime in our locality. THE COCOA-ROOSTS.—A meeting of shareholders of the above institution was held in the Assembly- room on ^Monday evening last,^nder the presidency of Mr. L nsworth (stationmaswhen routine and other business relating to the Workmen's Club and Cocoa Rooms was transacted. The advisability of closing the place, owing to the slackness of business was considered. It was evident that with the present state of trade and other affairs, the Institu- tion could not be made to pay well enough to meet the expcnces incurred in carrying on the business and it was manifest that if th) rooms were kept open any longer for the public, who did not tender the institution sufficient patronage, the liabilities would only be increased.—After a lengthy discussion during which the question was carefully considered it was decided that the whole concern would be wound up after Saturday next.

♦ Cricket. PENBEDW V. RONTBLYDDYN.—On Saturday last in charming weather, this match was played on an excellent wicket in Penbedw Park, the home team winning thq toss chose the defence and continued at the wickets until 5 o'clock. The chief features of the game was the vigorous hitting of Tant, the patient defence of Astbury, and the effective bowling of Williams. The following is the score at the call of time. FEXBEDW. W S Williirn- c Hampson, b Roberts. 2 J Roberts, b Lea 4 J Williams, run out 3 H Davies, lbw, b Griffiths 1 E Astbury, b Evans 18! G 13 Tant, not out :n -k 'rravir,, b Ua E Price, c Johnson, b Roberts n "W Hughes, b Griffiths 9 AY Farrow, run out 8 J JSarlow, b Evans 13 Extras 9 j Total 120 PONTBLYDDYN. E Hampson, b Williams.. 0 H Foster, run out 4 G Lea, b Williams 1 8 Owens. run out o r Griffiths, b Williams 3 E Johnson, not out 0 W Evans, to bat. 0 (i Roberts, do 0 F Wilkinson, do 0 T Roberts, do 0 W Jones, do. 0 Extras 1 Total.8

« Births. 6th inst., at Axton, Llanasa, the wife of Mr. 1 iw. Billance, of a daughter. 7th inst., at oj. Princess-street, Rhyl, the wife of Mr. John 0 wens, uf a daughter. 11th inst., at 14, Bank Place, Holywell, the wife of Mr. Edwin Hughes, of a daughter. t, Marriages. 1st inst., at the Evcrton-brow Presbyterian Church, Shaw-street, Liverpool, by the Rev. John Fculkes. Charles Edward, son of the late John Burnard Holt, of Mostyn, to Elizabeth, daughter of the late Rev. John Davies, of Liverpool. ,jt,b inst., at the Baptist Chapel, St. Asaph. by the Rev. Thomas Jones, Mr. W. Jones, attendant, North Wales Asylum, to Miss Annie Jones, daughter of Mr. Jones, Beacon's Hill, Denbigh. 10th inst., at the Parish Church, Llanasa, by the Rev. J. Parry Morgan, B.A., vicar, Edward, son of Mr. Joseph Jones, Ty'nymorfa Lodge, to Annie, eldest daughter of Mr. John Davies, Penrhiew, Gwespyr. 14th inst., at the Independent Chapel. ( u d- street, Holywell, by the Rev. David yc Rev. Samuel Thomas, Newmarkcl, ••'iv, youngest daughter of the late Mr .1 formerly of Centre Vale, Llandudno. Deaths. March loth, n! <■' M'V, I y.-ars. Elizabeth, wffc <•; Mr. an t 'laughter of Mr. Job". a-». 1"7 "iiii h.-T Tijth vcar, A •», w.i .\v < 1 1!;1 'P' .w Kv! ■ ('i •! 1 Pembroke hire. v. K iuf. r Mr. 1 i11.].,iI VVr.'xham ■' •at>:icr !le, h- ;;d nia-;t.:r of the British ^'i'" a ■■! 71 1;;t! ht-4.. aged ,i V:MI; Mr. Joseph Foulkes, timber merchant, Water-street, Rhvl. 141.;[ iii -t at ii, Greenfield Terrace, Holywell, W illiam Marsdev. > +hc 69th year of his age.

PRIME MUTTON IN HOLYWELL MARKET. Mr. Humphrey Jones, butcher, displayed a capital stock of mutton on his stall in Holywell Market-hall on Friday last. Some of the sheep were particularly fine, and especially a Shropshire down ewe, fed by Mr. William Stephenson, Mostyn Arms Hotel, Whitford, the "kell" or fat taken from which brought down the scale at the unusual weight of 12 ilbs. 4 PETITIONS.—Three petitions from Rhyl and two from Mold, in favor of Sunday Closing were pre- sented in the House of Commons on Monday, by Mr. John Roberts, M.P.. The right hon. gentleman also presented petitions from ladies at Rhyl and St. Asaph for a clause in the representation of the people bill conferring the franchise on women householders and from Abergele in favor of the disestablishment of the Church in Wales. GOVERNORSHIP OF PRESTON GAOL.—The Home Office has appointed Mr. Haverfield, governor of Carlisle Gaol, to succeed Mr. J. C. King (super- annuated) as governor of her Majesty's Prison at Preston. Mr. Haverfield has had about thirty years' experience in prison management. He was appointed governor of Kuutsford Gaol in 1854 in 1863 was the successful candidate for the governor- ship of the Flintshire County Prison, at Mold, and was transferred thence to Carlisle when the prisons were taken over by the Government in 1878. CHEAP LITERATURE.—One of the marvels of the present age is the surprisingly cheap price at which standard works are being published, so as to bring them within the reach of the masses. For the price of half an ounce of tobacco—three halfpence- Dickens' work" Sketches by Boz can be secured from Messrs. Goodall, Backhouse and Co. of Leeds. The book is printed in clear type in octavo, and is a marvel of cheapness in an age when such extraordiary ventures are not uncommon. The first issue consists of 2,50,000 copies. THE ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH BAZAAR. -We are pleased to state that His Grace the Duke of Westminster, K.G., has generously given a donation of £ 50 towards the fund which is being raised for the purchase of the freehold of the above church, and for the renovation of the building. The munificent donation will form the nucleus of the fund, which, with the proceeds of the bazaar to be held on the 10th, 11th and 12th proximo, it is hoped will reach over JE400, and thus enable the promoters to carry out satisfactorily and completely their laudable undertaking. The bazaar promises to be a decided success, and to reward the diligence of those who labor so energetically to secure that end. AN ANGLESEY MYSTERY. John Jones, a small firmer living at Vronhoulog, Llangoed, near Beaumaris, and Elizabeth Hughes, a woman who cohabited with him, are in custody, the first being charged with the wilful murder of a child, and the woman with concealment of birth. An inquest was held at Beaumaris on Saturday, upon a body of a child supposed to bo about three weeks old, at the conclusion of which the mother was apprehended on the charge mentioned. Whilst in custody she told a police-constable's wife that Jones had killed the child and buried it in his garden. He was appre- hended on Sunday night, brought before the Magistrates on Monday, and remanded. THE CYCLISTS.—Several members of the Holywell Cycling Club journeyed to Denbigh on Saturday afternoon last, the weather being fine beyond their anticipations, the only drawback to their pleasure being the thick coating of dust which covered the roads. The wheelmen overtook a contingent ot the Mold cyclists, who were going in t e same direction, and thev proceeded to Denbigh toge ei. After partaking of tea, to which they i u justice, after their journey through the bracing air, which had considerably sharpened their appetites, the enthusiastic votaries of the wheel. made their return journey, and arrived home in good time, after having thoroughly enjoyed them- selves. There will be a club run on Saturday next, starting from head-quarters (King s Head Hotel, C.T.C.) at 3 p.m. prompt, for Mold. FUNERAL OF THE OLDEST SCHOOLMASTER IN THE COUNTRY.—Mr. Alexander Fyfe, aged 71, for 30 years headmaster of the Wrexham British Schools, and believed to be the oldest schoolmaster under the Education Department at the time of his death, Was interred in the new cemetery, Ruabon-road, Wrexham, on Saturday, in the presence of about 1,000 persons. Among those present were Mr. Morgan Owen, her Majesty's inspector of schools for North Wales, the Vicar of Wrexham (the Rev. D. Howell), and representatives from all the English and Welsh Nonconformist bodies in the borough. Many of the business establishments in the town were partially closed, and the blinds drawn at private houses out of respect to the de- ceased. The coffin was covered with wreaths and crosses, about a hundred of these floral tokens of affection having been brought or sent by mourners and friends. THE GOVERNMENT OF LONDON.—By Mr. W. M. Torrens, M.P. London Kegan Paul, Trench & Co., 1, Paternoster Square. Price 6d. This is an able •ontributionto the solution of the problem pertaining to the government of our great metropolis. Mr. Torrens gives copious extracts from the official reports of the Royal Commissioners, and endorses their view that, as a matter of expediency, it is not desirable to place the whole of the metropolis under a single corporation, without adverting to more general questions of public policy. After all that as happened in the experimental history of Metropolitan institutions, he is of opinion that we Should have no more transitional expedients in local rule, but that the foundations should be laid whereon we may build permanently and securely, Hot only for the wants of to-day, but for the time to come. It is no secret that Parliament begins to think central authority has quite enough to do, and quite enough of power to do it. What is really wanted, according to the view of Mr. Torrens, is a similar local authority in each of our ten metropo- litan towns to that which exists in each of the other great cities of the kingdom. ENGLISH CONGREGATIONALISM.—The annual meet- "Jgs of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, held this week in London, were attended y upwards of 1,000 delegates from all parts of the country. On Monday, at the business meeting, e annual report was read, in which among many other matters, reference was made to those ministers who had died during the last two years Among them the Rev. Aaron Francis, of Rhyl, was re- ierred to as "a man of rich sympathetic nature whose life and ministry presented a remarkable com- bination of strength and gentleness." Whilst the v. Dr. Wm. Rees was spoken of as a man of g" and versatile genius, eminent as a preacher, a bard, a journalist, and greatly beloved because of his spotless and saintly character." It was reported that the Jubilee Fund, of which the Rev. D. • j- °ke is secretary, had reached £ 305,746, inc uding £ 18,370 the second years contributions ^elsh churches of Wales. This brings return from Wales to nearly £ 50,000 IB two years, and it is hoped that another £ 50,000 will be raised before the fund closes for the removal of the burdens once debts on the Congregational Churches of Wales. Subsequently the Rev. Thos. Rees, D.D., of Swansea, was almost unanimously elected chairman of the Union for the ensuing year. THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF NORTH WALES-A meeting of the, Staff Committee of the University College of North Wales was held on Wednesday h the House of Commons. There were present the Right Hon. G. Osborne Morgan, M.P. (IN the chair^ Sir R. A. Cunliffe, M.P., Mr. W. Rathbone M P Mr. Richard Davies, M.P., Mr. John Roberts' M P Col. the Hon. W. E. Sackville West, M.A., proI fessor Rhys, M.A., Mr. A. C. Humphreys-Owen M.A., Mr. W. A. Darbishire, B.A., Mr. Marchant Williams, B.A., Mr. R. A. Jones, B.A., and Mr. Cadwaladr Davies, secretary. We understand that Mr H J Ellis-Nairnev, Gwyntryn, Criccieth, has given a donation of £ 500 towards the foundation of a scholarship i n conneetion wi th the College. Thi oiigh the efforts of Mr. W. J- nucleus of a library has been obtained. himself is the donor of 540 volumes M%^h^my Chester, has contributed a large number of ancient Welsh manuscripts; and other va able donations have been received from Mi. o Owen, Inspector of Schools, Rev. Hei >' J 1 Carnarvon, Mr. H. Taylor, Town Clerk of Hint, and others. The General Purposes Committee Iia\t formally entered into possession of the Penrhyn Arms ptel, Bangor, which has been leased from Lord XvQ?hVn for the temporary purposes of the Noith vvales College. vvales College. NATIONAL PROVINCIAL BANK OF ENGLAND. The general meeting of the proprietors was held jjr ^ursday at the head office, Bishopsgate-streefc, Pu'- °hard Blaney Wade, in the chair. The airman expressed the satisfaction with which he met the shareholders, and said it was doubly agree- able to do so when they were able to present a report which must be gratifying to all who were concerned in the prosperity and progress of the Bank. They proposed in the month of July to pay a bonus of 7 percent., upon the total paid up capital of the bank. That amount would, of course, be accompanied by the usual half-yearly dividend of 4 per cent., making an amount of 11 per cent., to be paid yearly in July (applause). They had also placed £ 15,000 out of the profits of the year to the credit of their reserve fund, which now amounts to tl,381,2,50 (cheers). They may depend upon it that nothing gave greater security to shareholders and customers alike than to find in an institution of that description, that in addition to the reputation for prudence in the management they find that the paid-up capital and reserve fund amount to a large sum, and he was happy to think that their paid-up capital and reserve fund now amount to £ 3,541,250 (cheers).—The report was unanimously adopted. The retiring directors, the Hon. Eliot Thomas Yorke, Mr. Robert Wigram and Mr. Charles Barclay were re-elected. The auditors were also re-appointed. Votes of thanks were accorded the directors, and also to the general managers, branch managers, and other officers of the bank. THE RESTORATION OF THE PARISH CIIUItClt.-It is expected that the restoration and enlargement of the Parish Church will be commenced next week, the contract for the greater portion of work having been signed with the Midland Joinery Company, Birmingham. At a meeting of the Restoration Committee held on Tuesday morning, the Vicar of Holywell presiding, Mr. T. W. Sibeon, builder and contractor, Holywell, was appointed clerk m: the works. There were several applicants for the office, and Mr. Sibeon was unanimously elected. The work of restoration it is anticipated will occupy about six months, the undertaking being one of some magnitude. The Local Board have generously given permission to the Church Congregation to use the upper portion of the Market Ilall now designated the new Assembly-hall," for services on Sundays, and arrangements are being made to adapt the building to the purpose as far as possible. The week-day servicos will be held at St. Winefred's Chapel, in Welsh on Tuesday, and in English on Wednesday evenings. The funds for the carrying out the work are being continually augmented by fresh subscriptions, and there is little doubt but that the total sum required—about £ 2,000—will be forthcoming by the required time. A considerable sum will be realized by the Fancy Fair," to be held during the last week of August next, to secure the success of which many willing hands have been long at work. A Fancy Fair" is a novelty to Holywell, and will prove an undoubted attraction. LOCAL BOARD MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Local Board was held on Monday; morning, when the members were present—Messrs. John Jones (chairman), James Williams, David Williams (Cross-street), Robert Lloyd, John Carman, David Williams (High-street) Evan Bryan, Joseph Garner, James Hughes and J. Lloyd Price. Clerk-Mr. Wm Davies; Deputy- clerk—Mr. P. H. Roberts; Inspector-Mr. E. M. Evans; Surveyor-Mr. Joseph Jones. DECLARATION OF MEMBERS. Messrs. John Jones, John Carman, James Williams, and David Williams (High-street), made the necessary declarations on their re-election. A HITCH. It was reported that a meeting of the Sanitary Committee was held on Saturday last, and that three members attended, but two of the number not having made the necessary declarations, a legal quorum could not be obtained. THE NEW CHAIRMAN. On taking the chair at the commenc ement of the business, the Chairman said he bes-ged to return his sincere thanks for the honor they had conferred upon him in appointing him to the chairmanship of the Board. He could assure them that he should endeavour to do the best he could, and with the support of the able gentlemen who were members of the Board, he hoped that they should be able to transact the business of the Board to the satisfaction of the ratepayers and also to their own satisfaction. The cordial support which had always been given by the members to the chairman of the Board, was a great encouragement to him on taking the chair, and he hoped and trusted that the same good feel- ings would be continued in the future. NUISANCES. The Inspector reported several nuisances in various parts of the town, and in a variety of instances the cases complained of had been abated. With respect to the drainage of a house in Halkyn-street, the Inspector stated that owing to the dilatoriness of the owner in carrying out the work, he had issued a summons against him. The work had afterwards been done in a satisfactory manner, and the owner had paid the cost of the summons. -A singular dis- pute between neighbours was reported with respect to the cleansing of a cesspool at the Boar's Head Yard, of whih three tradesmen were part owners. A private arrangement had been made between the parties to empty the cesspool in turns, and the dispute arose as to whose turn it was now to do the work. The cesspool was a great nuisance, and ought to be at once abated.—The In- spector was instructed to issue notices to the parties interested calling upon them jointly and severally to abate the nuisance, and failing their so doing to issue summonses against them.—Complaint was made as to a defective drain at the back of Leeds House, High-street, and the immediate attention of the owner was directed to be called to the matter. A NEW nOUSE. A plan was submitted of a house proposed to be erected in Brynford-street by Mr. W. T. Sibeon, and it being in accordance with the requirements of the by-laws of the Board, the plan was accepted. THE RAILWAY CUTTING SEWER. The Inspector stated that it was proposed, in accordance with a suggestion made by the Medical Officer of Health, to extend the main sewer in the railway cutting by sixty yards. An estimate of the cost had been obtained, amounting to L9 15s., and that sum had been included in the Surveyor's estimate for the current year. It had been recommended that the extension of the sewer should be done in sections year by year until it was brought up to the end of the cutting. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee, to whom the estimate will be first submitted. THE TOLLS AT IIOLYWELL FAIR. The Surveyor reported that the first great fair at Holywell took place.on the 2nd inst., and was according to general opinion a grand success. Mr. E. M. Evans kindly lent a field near the Halkyn- street Board Schools for the sheep market, and Mr. John Holmes profided hurdles and carried them to and from the field gratuitously, but no sheep were brought for sale. The amount of tolls received was, for horses and cattle, 10s. 5d., and for pigs, 35s. 4d. The only drawback to the fair was the levying of tolls, and the Surveyor suggested that it would be short-sighted policy to insist upon the tolls now that the fair was being established.—Mr. Carman said he thought the Board could congratu- late themselves upon the success of the fair. He believed that the quantity and quality of the stock sold at the fair was very satisfactory, the only hitch, and one which those attending the fair with stock complained of, was the levying of tolls on tho animals brought into the town. He considered that it would be best for the welfare of the town to discontinue taking tolls for cattle and horses until the turnpike gates were abolished in November next, for it was an undoubted tax upon sellers to have to pay toll at the gates on approaching the town and also another toll in the fair. He would continue the toll upon pigs, and propose that the toll on cattle and horses should not be again demanded until after the turnpike gates are abolished. -The Chairman asked what would be done with respect to the toll on sheep. They were always charged for at every fair.—Mr. Bryan said he would support Mr. Carman s propsition if he would alter e wording of it so as to omit any reference to the turnpikes, which bound them down to a definite time when the tolls should again be charged for. He would prefer not claiming the tolls until the fairs were established. Mr. Carman presumed that the fact of their not demanding the tolls for a time did not take away their right of imposing the charge when they thought proper to do so ? ^The Deputy-clerk re- plied that it did not, but the Board having once abolished the tolls they would find it a rather diffi- cult thin0" to bring them into force again.—In re- DIV to Mr David Williams (High-street), the Clerk Jaid that the exp-n: of advertizing the fair was m 10s and there was a further charge to be entered far a person who was engaged to assist in collecting the tolls.—Mr. Garner considered that the money had been very well and judiciously laid out.—Mr. James Williams remarked that that was so if the fairs succeeded, otherwise it was not.- Mr. Carman having amended his motion by omitting the reference to the abolition of the turnpike gates, the proposition was seconded by Mr. Bryan, and carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr. Bryan, seconded by Mr. David Williams, the thanks of the Board were accorded Mr. E. M. Evans and Mr. Holmes for the use of the field and the hurdles for the sheop market. Some conversation took place as to the steps to be taken to announce the next monthly fair on the 16th of June) and ultimately it was agreed to advertise the facts, and also that the tolls on cattle and horses had been suspended, in the local papers, and to have it duly proclaimed at Holywell market and in the fairs at Caerwys and Mold. THE ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH BAZAAR. Mr. T. H. Waterhouse appeared before the Board in support of an application made by letter for the use of the new Assembly-hall during a week in the month of June, for the holding of a bazaar to take place on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of June next, in aid of a fund for purchasing the freehold and renovating the English Congregational Church. Mr. Waterhouse expressed a hope that the Board would grant them the use of the room at the lowest possible figure. Although the room was now called an Assembly-hall" it still remained as yet nothing more than the upper portion of the Market Hall, and they would be put to some expense in fitting the room up so as to make it suitable for the purpose of a bazaar-The Chairman coarncaled the application to the attention of the members as one very worthy of their consideration.—Mr. Lloyd Price said that the cause for which the application was made being a good one, and several members of that particular church being large subscribers to the fund for altering the building^so as to adapt it for an Assembly-hall, lie had much pleasure in proposing that the use of the hall should be given free of cost, exclusive of the price of gas, and the cost of clean- ing,—Mr. David Williams and Mr. J. Williams, both seconded the motion which was carried unanimously, and Mr. Waterhouse returned thauks on behalf of the promoters of. the bazaar. CHURCH RESTORATION.—ANOTHER APPLICATION. A letter was read from Messrs. Joseph Garner and John Carman, churchwardens of Holywell, applying for the use of the Assembly-hall for the holding of divine service on Sundays during the time occupied in the restoration of the parish church, the work in connection with which was about to be commenced.—Mr. Carman said the hall would be required only for Sunday services.— Mr. Lloyd Price enquired for what length of time the hall would be required, and Mr. Garner replied that the work of restoration would occupy about six months.—Mr. Lloyd Price said that the com- mittee for altering the hall had instructed an architect to prepare a plan for the purpose of carrying out the work, but if the hall was occupied by the church congregation the work would have to be postponed for another vear. -The Clerk remarked that they could not hold servicos in the hall whilst the alterations were going on, for they could not expect the congregation to meet when there were shavings all about the building. It was for the Board to mako up its mind what course it would adopt, for they could not expect that the congrega- tion could assemble in the building and have the work going on at the same time. The Chairman thought it very clear that the committee could not commence work on the building until the church had first been restored.—The Clerk added that it was for the Board to make up its mind upon the matter, and either tell the Church people that they could have the use of the hall, and the committee must wait before commencing the alterations until the Church had been restored or they may say that the congregation may meet at the hall until such time as it was wanted by the committee for the alterations, and of which due notice would be given them.—Mr. Bryan said he should have been glad to rise to propose that the Church should have the use of the hall on the same terms as the English Congregational Church had the application only referred to a few Sundays. They had driven the Flannel Company out of the building on the plea that time was valuable, and that they were anxious to begin the work of converting the room into an Assembly-hall. The subscription list amounted, he believed to L250, but if they granted this application the six months would not expire until November, so that it would be good-bye to their having an Assembly-hall next winter. He did not think they would be consistent with themselvcs: were they to grant the use of the hall for six months, but they may be able to say that the Church congregation could meet there until the work of altering the building was ready to be commenced.—Mr. James Williams asked when the committee were likely to be ready to go on with the work ?—Mr. Lloyd Price replied thart the architect had been instructed to prepare the plans. -Mr. Bryan proposed that the application be granted free of charge, the congrega- tion paying for gas and cleaning, until such time as the building was required, of which due notice would be given-Mr. David Williams (Cross-street) seconded the motion, which was agreed to. THE "FANCY FAIR." A letter was read from the Vicar of Holywell applying for the use of the Assembly Hall for the holding of a fancy-fair in aid of the Church Restoration Fund, during the last week in August next. The application was granted free of cost as in the previous cases, provided that the room was not at the time undergoing alteration. THE RECENT BALL. It was agreed, after an application to that effect had been read, to reduce the charge for the use of the Assembly hall for the Volunteer Band ball on Easter-Monday last, from two guineas to one guinea. THE TURNPIKE ROADS, The Clerk read letters he had received from the Local Government Board with respect to the termination of the Flint, Holywell and Mostyn Turnpike Trust, and stating that they had been informed that the Trustees had no intention to apply for a continuance of their powers beyond the 1st of November next. RE-APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS. I A letter from the Local Government Board was I read confirming the appointments for one year of Mr. K. M. Lloyd as medical officer of health, and I of Mr. E. M. Evans as inspector of nuisances.' THE NEW RATE-A GLOOMY OUTLOOK. í The Clerk stated that the estimate of the rate for the current year was ready, and would be submitted to the Finance Committee. —Mr. Lloyd Price suggested that the whole Board should meet as a 11 Committee to consider the estimate, for they would find that they would have considerable difficulty in keeping within a 3s. rate.—Mr. Bryan recommended that the estimate should be first submitted to the Finance Committee and afterwards to an adjourned meeting of the Board, so that no time should be lost.—Mr. Lloyd Price observed that their financial position was such that they would require some time and talent to investigate the matter.—The estimate was referred to the Finance Committee. Cheques were signed before the Board separated.