Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

.0 MACIIYNLLETH. FAIR.—The first fair of the year was held on Wednesday, when there was a fair attendance. Two-year-olds sold from Z5 toZ9, while some good specimens realised from £9 to kll. Cows with calves were selling at from £8 to Zll. The show of horses was not large, and only a few changed hands. LADY HELEN STEWART'S BRIDAL.—If she bad been a princess of the reigning house the marriage of Lady Helen Stewart could scarcely have attacted more popular attention, the presents that were showered upon her could scarcely have been hand- somer, the columns of print devoted to her gowns, her gifts, and her wedding ceremony could scarcely have been more numerous. What princess, indeed, has received bridal offerings valued at over "0,000 1 The only marriage within recent years that aroused the interest of the man and woman in the street to an equal degree was that of Lord Crewe to the younger daughter of Lord Rosebery. Lady Helen Stewart has been called the princess royal of the peerage." Several circumstances have combined to give her the position. She is the daughter of a millionaire peer who is still fairly young, handsome, a politician of parts, a great landlord, a good sportsman, and the most popular of hosts. She has, moreover, an imperially lovely mother, an accomplished leader of the most import- ant section in English Society, a woman whose influence and power are practically boundless. The bride herself, while not remarkable for great beauty, is charming in appearance, and has a sweet unselfishness, a knowledge of her world, and a fascination of manner rarely found in a woman under thirty. She has many friends and no enemies.—" M.A.P." MOCK TRIAL.—On Monday night one of the leading members of the Literary Society of the County School was tried by his honour Judge Lynch and twelve worthy jurymen from members of the Society. The accused was no less a person than Mr Fossilised Moorgrass, who was brought up in custody of Police-Sergeant J. Jinks, No 0000, on a charge of over athleticism." The counsel for the prosecution was Mr K. Bamfoozle, Q.E.D., while prisoner was represented by Mr F. Swindle- pipe, Q.E.F. A host of witnesses was called by these learnfed counsel, amongst those called by the prosecuting counsel were Dr Nostrum, Mr Caterwauling Kittens, and Mr Collie Nervosus. For the defence were called Mr H. O. Honeysuckle, Mr G. B. Goff, and Mr Hostess Jones. The jury, led by a loquacious foreman, Mr Hercules Doherty, found no difficulty in agreeing upon a verdict of Guilty against the prisoner. The duties of usher were performed by Mr Ventus, and Mr Faraday Herschel was clerk of arraigns. SALE OF WORK.—Sewing meetings, all night sittings of Committee had been the order of the day for many months in the history of the ladies interesting themselves in the preparations for the Craig Chapel sale of work. On Thursday the event itself came off and a great success it was. It was a real pleasure to watch a smile of content- ment that periodically crept over the faces of the members of the Committee as the Town Hall be- came one solid mass of human beings burning with desire to invest in some of the tempting articles laid out to catch the public eye and to empty heavy pockets. Promptly at two o'clock Mr Edmund Gillart with a few choice words declared the sale of work open for business. The after- noon proceedings were quiet but steady and some of the early birds that came bought and departed had, through the instrumentality of an abundance of the coin of the realm, secured for themselves some very choice articles. The various stalls were heavily laden with goods to be sold, and an these had to be disposed of in the course of a few hours. Any slackness on the part of the customers led to an outburst of violent raffling and the parties that caught one gave him no quarter until he bad named his number and had paid his money. The atmos- phere was fraught with good feeling and in addi- tion to its being a sale of work it also became the occasion of much light recreation. Whilst the stall holders were busily inducing the crowd to buy those in charge of tne various side-shows were none the less active in their operations in the money- making line. Ping-pong, wire-less messages from the telegraph office, under the charge of Mrs P. Ellis and Miss Pollie Thomas, bran tubs, weighing machines, all served to make an honest penny. A very pleasant half-an-hour could be spent at the Museum and Art Gallery, arranged by Mr T. R. Morgan, where curios from all times and all climes were to be seen and where many an exceedingly clever take off of such subjects as -1 The Missing Link," A Study in Heads," Departed Spirit," was exhibited. Those in charge of the Commis- sariat on the refreshment stall had not a moments rest from hungry mouths at supper time. Those who bad been connected with the movement from the beginning must have felt highly gratified at the successful issue the sale of work was brought to; it realised some k65 towards the heating apparatus fund. Too much praise cannot be given to Miss Annie Lumley, the secretary, and to Miss Petra Jones, treasurer, who did not spare themselves in their attempts to make the event a success. General stall, Mrs John Thomas, Mr T. R. Morgan, Mrs Ed. Breese, Mrs Jones (Union), Mr E. M. Jones, Mrs Jones (Dovey Villa), Mrs Tregoning, Mrs Smith. Faney stall, Mrs Bennett Davies, Mrs Baldwyn Davies, assisted by Misses Beatrice aud Gwladys Davies. Fancy stall, Miss Nellie Davies, assisted by Miss Evans. Grocery stall, Mr and Mrs John M. Breese, assisted by Misses Alice aud Maggie Breese. Refreshment stall, Mrs Edwards (Royal House), Miss Davies (Ffrid), Mrs Roberts (Leicester House). Mrs Mercer, Mrs Richard Jones, Miss Annie Lumley, Miss Petra Jones, Miss Alice Morgan, Miss Mary Lumley, Miss E. A. Williams, Miss Wood, Miss Tregoning, and other ladies. COUNTY SCHOOL GOVERNORS. The monthly meeting of the Governors of the County School was held on Fridry afternoon last. Mr. Richard Rees, J.P occu- pied the chair, and there were also present Dr A 0 Davies, (vice-chairman), Mr W M Jones, Rev D T Hughes, Mr Edward Rees, Mr T R Morgan, Mr H H Meyler (headmnster), and Mr Clayton (assistant clerk). The Clerk reported having received a letter from Mr Richard Gillart, stating that owing to his many engagements, both public and private, he found himself unable to give that attention he would desire to the interests of the school. He had therefore, with much regret resigned his position on the County Governing Body, to which they were good enough to appoint him some time ago. Me would still, however, take an interest in their local school. The Cierk said an intimation of Mr Gillart's resignation had also been received from Mr G D Harrison, clerk of the County Govern- ing Body. The resignation was accepted with regret, and the appointment of a successor was left to the next meeting. The Clerk reported having received from the County Governing Body a cheque for L125 on ac- count of current year's income. A letter was read from the County Governing Body enclosing draft of suggested uniform scheme for entrance scholarship examinations, and desir- ing to know whether this body favoured the prin- ciple of uniform examinations—The communication was referred to the Headmaster, who was asked to report thereon. A letter was received from the Central Welsh Board enclosing copy of communications addressed to the Headmaster relating to the recognition of Machynlleth County School under clauses 73 and 74 of the Board of Education's directory for science and art instruction. The Board, however, pointed out that additional apparatus was required for the teaching of physics and chemistry.—It was de- cided that the science master be asked to draw up a list of all articles required, so that the same could be purchased. A circular letter was read from the Central Welsh Board dealing with the question of the inspection of school. The Board expressed the opinion that it was educationally desirable that the Ischool should not be formally inspected so often as once a year, and that the Board of Educa- tion be approached with the view of ascertaining whether it would be possible under the Central Welsh Board's scheme to make a change in this direction.—The Headmaster said it was proposed to substitute a kind of inspection without notice, a system to which he—and he hoped the governors were—thoroughly opposed.—The Rev D T Hughes: The same system as in elementary schools.—The Headmaster: Yes, and a very pernicious system it is.—The Headmaster added- that there were two or three things implied in the circular, and be would report upon them, if the governors wished, at the next meeting, so that they could pass re- solutions if thought desirable.—Mr Meyler's sug- gestion was accepted, and the consideration of the matter was deferred to the next meeting. The report of the Finance Committee was presented and accepted. It recommended that the Clerk be directed to apply for all outstanding fees. A long discussion took place on the question of capitation fees. A letter bad been received from the County Governing Body stating that the prin- ciple of lowering the limit of the amount of capita- tion fees to headmasters and headmistresses, and making a corresponding increase in the amount of their fixed salaries had been discussed, and the County Governing Body desiied to ascertain from the local governing bodies whether they thought such alteration desirable.—The Chairman remarked that the present capitation fee of the Macynlleth School was P.1 10s per bead.-Rev D. T. linghes enquired what was the capitation fee in other schools.—The Headmaster replied that in some places it was iC2. At Welshpool, for instance, where the boys and girls were .in separate schools, the headmaster received ZZ and the headmistress received £ 2.—The Chairman: Where, then, do they get their funds to support the school?—The Headmaster They have more money in that dis- trict. They get 20 per cent. of the rate.—In the course of further discussion some of the members said they could not understand what had given rise to this question. No complaints had been received to their knowledge.—The Clerk said per- haps it was thought it would be fairer to the head- masters that they should not depend on the capita- tion fee, which was regulated by the number in school.—Mr Edward Rees did not see there was any reason for interfering with the present system. —The Chairman thought the capitation system would encourage headmasters to look out for new pupils, as they were paid 3 per cent. on each child. —The Headmaster said he disapproved of that system. It had meant among certain people touting for pupils, which was a bad thing, and un- professional. The governors ought to know what the man at the head of a school was deserving of.- In the course of a further discussion, Dr Davies said they should be careful that any step they took should not affect Mr Meyler's salary in the future. They paid him now the minimum capitation fee,and if the County Governing Body adopied a new basis they should be careful that it did not prove detri- mental to Mr Meyler. If there wag to be a shuffling of these things, he thought they should be in the shuffle. Dr Davies then proposed that they raise Mr Meyler's capitation fee to P,2, so that in the event of their deciding upon a fixed salary that the same be fixed on the basis of the increased capita- tion fee.—Mr W. M. Jones thought Dr Davies' argument a very fair one.—The Clerk suggested they should get further information on the subject. -Mr Meyler said he did not think headmasters had been notified of it, and it may be very vital to their interests.—Mr Edward Rees proposed that. the matter be deferred until the next meeting, so that the Clerk would obtain further information by corresponding with the managers of other schools. —Mr T. R. Morgan seconded, and this was agreed to.

LLANBADARN. PETTY SESSIONS. The monthly Petty Sessions were held on Thurs- day last, before Mr G. H, Bonsall (in the chair), and Major J. J. Bonsall. &ttled.-Daniel Jones. coachman, Quebec-road, was charged by John Hughes Williams, builder, Quebec-road, with having maliciously damaged a door and with having used threatening language toward complainant on the 30th December.—A letter was handed to the Bench from the defendant stating the case had been settled out of court. Sheep Scab.—JohnJ Williams, farmer, Bryn- chwyth, Ponterwyd, appeared to answer a charge of having neglected to notify the police that five of his sheep were affected with scab on January 16tb.-P.C. Evans, Devil's Bridge, who detected two of defendant's sheep suffering from scab, said upon going to defendant, he admitted that he bad five sheep affected in tho same manner, but they had all been dipped.—Defendant said he was in ignorance of the law as to notifying the police. He was not acquainted with the new regulations. —P.C. Evans said he had posted the regulations in several places in the neighbourhood of Pont- erwyd.—The Clerk remarked that these notices were seldom read by the country people.—The Bench took a lenient view of the case, and imposed a fine of 2s. 6d. A Heartless Husband.—Evan Lewis, farm labourer, Fronfraithfach, again appeared before the Court, this time charged with having dis- obeyed a magistrates' order by refusing to pay P.2 arrears due for the maintenance of his wife and children. Complainant, who lives at Penrhyncoch, said defendant had been ordered to contribute 5s. weekly, but he had not yet paid anything.—De- fendant said he was working at Fronfraithfach, and only received 5s. weekly, which he could not afford to give to his wife.—Complainant said de- fendant had been working at Gogerddan, when he earned 16s a week, and he ought to have remained there.—Defendant made statements regarding his father-in-law, whom he seemed to hold responsible for all the trouble.—Asked by the Bench why he accepted a situation at 5s. a week, defendant said he was turned from home, and had to go some- where.—The Bench, after a short deliberation, committed defendant to prison for one month with hard labour. Explosives.—A license to store explosives in a magazine at the Rheidol Mine was granted Mr De Bal, the manager. Trawfer.-A transfer of the license of theRbyd- lydan Arms, Ponterwyd, was granted Wm. Morgan from Wm. Jenkins, the present licensee. SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION. The triennial election of School Board for the Llanbadarn united school district took place on Saturday last. The result was as follows:— Elected: Mr Hugh Hughes, solicitor, 390; Mr Wm Richards, farmer, 289; Mr Richard Edwards, car- penter, 286; Mr John Roberts, farmer, 273; Mr Edward Evans Jones, tailor, 243; Mr Morgan D. Williams, labourer, 257; Mr Richard Roberts, Padarn House, 127. Non-elected: Mr Hqpry Griffiths, dairyman, 38.

LLANILAR. VILLAGE TRIADS. Three things we badly want: Village library, village lights; and—a village Hampden. EGLWYS CARMEL.—Fel darllenydd cyson, carwn i a llawer arall wybod betb yw y rheswm, os oes yna reswm hefyd, na etholir neb i lanw swydd diacon yn yr eglwys hon. Hynod fod eglwys fawr fel Carmel yn ddigon difraw neu ddiymadferth i ymfoddloni heb yr un cyhyd, tra y mae y cyfryw swyddi yn cael eu llanw mewn eglwysi llai yn y cylch. Tybed fod yr oruchwyliaeth ddiaconaidd wedi dod i ben ? Pwy fedratteb.—M.C. STRANGE DEATH OF A DOG. — Sir,—I was seen in my grandmother's copy book that there is many ways of killing a dog besides hanging him; but as the boys from the country sing—" was you ever see such a thing before as they way a poor dog came to his end here. Well this dog as was dead was very near been the end of lot of us school girls too and some was say be was like Sampson wanted to kill lot of others when he was killed hisself. This dog was drowned hisself in the W.C. of the School, and there was an awful smell as would knock you down in a fit for days. Us was hoping an inquest was held with a lot of juries to put the fault-not on the poor dog as was dead, but on those as was let him rot in our play- ground and stink the whole place for a long time. Please, Sir, do not put my name in the-paper as I will get awful row for sending to tell. But all us do hope is if a poor dog commit suicide here again that he will be buried much sooner.— JESSICA JONES. P AHISH COUNCIL.—A meeting of the Parish Council was held at the Schoolroom on Wednesday evening in last week, when there were present Mr J G W Parry, Llidiarde, the ctairman, presiding, Messrs Daniel Morris, Ffospompren; Wm James, Penlan; John Daniels, Abernant; John Phillips, Trefaes; John Parry, Felin Dyffryn; Jones, Tyny- coed (assistant overseer), Roberts, Blaengader; Williams, Pengarreg; and MT Jones (secretary). The principal matter under consideration was the lighting of the village of Llanilar It was suggested that one good lamp should be placed in the middle of the village but the final decision of the matter was deferred for consideration at the annual meet- ing in March next. The only other question that came on was the proposal to have a foot bridge across the river Ystwyth by Felin Dyffryn. It was stated that the Parish Council of Llanfihangel-y- creuddyn were prepared to contribute £ 2 towards the cost of erecting one on condition that the Parish Council of Llanilar would give the same sum. This matter was also put off until the annual meeting.

ABERDOVEY. THE LATE LIBUT. J. A. ROWLADS.- Ia acknowledg ment of the numerous letters and votes of condolence received by Mr E. L. Rowlands and his widowed mother, on the death of Lieutenant J. A. Rowlands, they wish to avail themselves of this opportunity of thanking one and all for their kind expressions of sympathy. THB MISER AND THB DKUNKAUD were the two types of character discussed at the last meeting of the Debating Society. The forrryr found an advocate in Mr D. Roberts, and the merits of the latter species of broken down humanity were championed by Mr John (1; Hughes. There was an interesting debate, and we may expect that Mr Roberts will one of these days get a fine windfall from some old miser. Several took part in the discussion. A vote of condolence was passed with Mr E. L. Rowlands on the death of his brother in India. DBATH AND FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR DD. DAVIES, ABERGYNOLWYN.—Mr David Davies, whe was a native of Abaidovey, met with an acci- dent at Bryneglwys Quarry on Monday morning week, which proved fatal on Wed- esday in last week. The de;ea>ed was 52 years of age. His genial temperament and kind disposK tion made him liked and respected by all. His- funeral on Saturday last was one of the largest ever seen in Towyn. Crowds gathered from Corris. Abergynolwyn, Towyu, Aberdovey, and many other places to pay their last tribute of respect to the V, departed. The Oddfellows in regalia formed parfc'ij f( of the procession, and Mr Edward Jones, Aberdovt. in an effective manner read tbe burial service at the- y graveside. A service was held at the Wesleyan j Chapel, Abergynolwyn, when addresses were de- liveied by the Revs Peter Jones and R Jones. whe also officiated at the grave in the Towyn Cemetery. RBCHABITE SUPPER.—The annual supper of the Rechabite Club took place at the Board School on Wednesday evening in last week. when about 80 adult and juvenile members partook of an excellent repast prepared by a number of ladies who had re- latives in the club. There were eight tables for the adults, all tastefully decorated, and laden with good things, and presided over by the following Mrs L Jones, Fronheulog; Mrs J P Lewis, Plas Dyfi; Mrs W Jones, Llwynonn; Mrs L Hughes; Mrs L Edwards; Mrs J Evans, Meirion House; Mrs Williams, Otago; and Mrs E Jones, Gwyndj, Penhelig. The following presided over the juvenile tables ;—Mrs 0 Williams, Mrs W J Morris, and Mrs Lewis Evans, Terrace, while Mrs D Hughes, Mrs W J Hughes, and Miss C Lewis supeiintended generally, and all were assisted by a host of lady r waiters. Messrs E. Williams and T Jenkins acted r as carvers. The catering and the attendance gave entire satisfaction, and everything passed off most successfully. The usual meeting was held at the close, when Mr C R J Lumley presided. The balance sheet was read by the secretary, Mr R Griffith, showing the financial position of the club to be most satisfactory. At the close of 1900, the sum in hand and at the bank was iE76 11s 9id, while at the end of last year the amouut bad in- creased to E100 4s 6d. The amount paid out in funeral money to the district, to sick members, medical aid, &c., was £35 13s lid, and the amount received to funeral and sick funds was £43 2s 2-td, ana other monies received amounted to iEl4 lls3id. The number of adult members was 58, and juvenile v 37. Votes of thanks were passed wit b acclamation to the officers, to Dr Jackson, to the managers of the school, and to all the ladies who had arranged and assisted at the supper. At the close of the meeting, and on the motion of Mr W J Hughes, seconded by Mr David Hughes, a vote of sympathy was passed with Bio E L Rowlands on the death of his brother, Lieutenant Rowlands; and with Bre G Davies on the death of his brother, Mr D Davies, Abergynolwyn, who had died on that day, the re- suit of an accident which he had met with on Monday. BOARD SCHOOL CONCERT.—On Friday evening last the eighth annual concert of the Board School was held at the schoolroom. The chair was taken by the Rev J. D. Jones, C.M. minister, and the pro- ceedings commenced punctually at 6-45. Crowds gathered round the dOll/r long before opening time, and in a few minutes the place was literally packed with the children's parents and their friends. The following programme was gone through:—Piano- forte duett, Impudence," Blodwen Hughes and Maggie Williams; prologue, Rhydderch Charles Davies; song, "Tyrolean Air," school children; recitation, Tea little servants," infants song and chorus, My new dolly," Elizabeth Francis; recita- tion, "The doctor's fee," Maggie Foulkes; song, S The shopman," lorwerth Rowlands and infants; drill, Sleigh Bell Drill," 1st class boys; song, The little sportsmen," infaqts; dialogue, A visit to old Betty," Eliza J. Rowlands and Mary Francis; song and cherus, "So shy," Blodwen Hughes and scholars; song, "Sleigh bells," in- fants; anthem. Remember now thv Creator." L school children; recitation, The cat's tea party," ) infants song," Have you seen my doll," Sarah A. r Rowlands; scena, The surprise visit," Lizzie A. Walters, Morris Rowlands, John O Evans, &c.; song, I won't ask you to my party," Jane Laura Davies; song, Nursery rhymes," Cyril Morris, Idris Lumley, and infants; character song, When Granny comes home from the fair." Blodwen Jones and children. All the items were very well ren- dered and very well received by the audience, and I the concert this year again proved the greabest f attraction of the year to the Aberdovey people. During the interval a stirring address was given by the chairman on the value of education, contrasting the present with the old regime. He condemned in the strongest terms those parents who keep their children away from school from the most trivial causes. Prizes to the value of £6 were given to j the best pupils for attending, and silver medals I were given to the following nine children for full attendance for the year:—Katie Hughes, Morris Rowlands, Evan Rowlands, Richard L. WilliamSw t Thomas Owen Williams, Lizzie Thomas. Peris f Jones, Buddug Thomas, and Mary Frances Jones, -f The Committee of Managers also presented Peris Jone1 with a valuable box of mathematical ins"- t ments for attending school for eight years withou missing once. Mr William Jones, C.C., propose* a vote of thanks to Mr R. Ffestin Williams, tJ headmaster, and his staff for providing such an e cellent programme. This was seconded by Rev W. J. Jones (W), and the proceedings ? brought to an end by the singing of God the King." Printed and Published by the Proprietor, G REES, at the "WELSH GAZETTE" Priujne Bridge-street, Aberystwyth, in the Oor ? Cardigan. Thursday. February 6th, 1902.

Serious Charge against a Wesleyan Lay Agent. A LONG SITTING. ACCUSED ACQUITTED. John Parry, 19, a Wesleyan lay preacher, and until recently in charge of the Comminscoch Church, surrendered to his bail on Saturday and was charged at the Machynlleth Police Station before Messrs T. W. Bonsall (in the chair), Major Hugh Bonsall, Richard Rees, and Richard Gillart, with having on the 24th December last indecently assaulted Jennie Humphreys Lumley, aged nine. at Comminscoch. The accused was represented by Mr William George (Messrs Lloyd-George and George), and Deputy Chief Constable Williams watched the case on behalf of the police. The accused seemed to realize his position more keenly than he did on the previous Tuesday, and through- out tne aay snowed a keen interest in the proceedings, occasionally passing a note to his solicitor. Deputy Chief-constable Williams made applica- tion that the nature of the charge be changed from one of indecent assault to one of rape. The Clerk (Mr David Evans) said their Worships could define the charge after bearing the evidence. Jennie Humphreys Lumley, the complainant, was first called. She said she would be nine years old in May next. She lived at Meinigwynion, Comminscoch, and was the daughter of Robert and Mary Lumley, and attended Comminscoch school. She remembered the 24 of December last. She did not go to school on that date, but went to the Quarries with the accused (John Parry), on the afternoon of that day. The quarry was near Oastell Farm House, but she did not know how far it was from her own home. It was after dinner that she went to the quarry. She saw the accused for the firsq time that day near Tycerrig Farm, which was near her own home. He was near the barn of Tycerrig, and Mr John Humphreys, the tenant, was talking with him. She was going home to Meinigwynion. She went past the barn, and as she passed the accused and Mr Humphreys were talking together. She intended going home, but did not go. The accused stopped her. He followed her, but did not overtake her on the road- He was going in the direction of Castell. He nodded his head to her, which action, she under- stood, meant that he wished herto accompany him. He did not call her. When he nodded, she tarned back and accompanied him towards Castell. They went up the road together until they reached the quarry. They first entered the wood which belonged to Castell. When they entered the wood the accused said, We are now out of sight," and sat down on the ground in the wood. She sat down by his side, although the accused did not ask her to do so. Complainant then went on to say that it was then the assault took place, after which they went out of the wood to the quarry. There was a hole in the ground at that place where stones had been excavated. They might have been seen from the house of Cefncoch, which was above us. Castell Farm House was nearer, but we could not be seen from there. The accused threw stones into the hole, and she did likewise. They did not speak at all until they reached the quarry. This was not the first time she bad been for a walk with the accused. She told him there was a small quarry above, and told him the way. After reaching it, Parry went down the quarry first and she followed. There was a hole in the quarry where stones bad been excavated. He said, after he had gone down that it was over his head, and she also said the same before she went down. Nothing took place between them in that quarry. They left that place and went to the wood near her parents' house, where complainant said another assault took place. She then told him she was going home, and by the time she arrived home it was dusk. She went down througn the wood when she left him, but did not see in which direction the accused went. She saw him that night in the Chapel House, where there were three or four persons, including her uncle, Mr William Howells. Her sister and brother and herself went to the Band of Hope at the Chapel, the meeting being conducted by the ac- cused. He told her nothing of what took place that afternoon. When she returned home after the meeting her mother was at home, but she told her nothing. It was on the Thursday night that she told her brother John of the accused's behaviour. She also told her other brother and sister. One of her brothers told her mother, and she (complainant) told her mother all. Dr Edwards examined her on a certain day which she could not recollect. She was also examined by Dr Parchess. Cross examined by Mr Wm George Her father returned about three o'clock on the 24th December, when they bad dinner. It was after dinner she saw the accused, when she went to the chapel house. From there she weqt to Tycerrig, where the accused lodged. She saw the accused before she reached the road leading to the Wesleyan Chapel. After nodding his head, the accused walked on, and she overtook him. When walking along, they did not speak to each other. She did not ask him where he was going until a short time afterwards. She asked him if he was going to the quarry, and he answered in the affirmative. When the accused assaulted her, she did not attempt to get away from him, nor did she scream or cry. They did not meet anyone when they were together. If she had screamed she would not have been heard from her house which was nearest to them. She ran home, and was in time for tea. There was a meeting on the Saturday night, and she had made the statement to her mother previous to the meet- ing. The accused was adjudicator, but she did not get a prize. Her sister Mary, who was older than she, got a prize. The accused and Mary had been rehearsing a piece in her house after she had made the statement to Mary. The accused was the minister in charge of the chapel at Tycerrig. Dr Frank Utten Parchess. M.D. (Edin.), practis- ing at Newtown, said that, acting on instructions from the police, he examined the complainant on the 24th January at her parents' house, and found externally no marks of violence whatever, but there were internal marks. He wished to observe that a month exactly had elapsed between the date of the alleged assault and the date of examination, and if there were any external marks they might have healed. Cross-examined, the Doctor said it was always difficult to judge a month after the event, and other causes might have produced the marks. The Court now adjourned for half-an-hour. Dr Edwards, Cemmes, said he examined Jennie Lumley on the 17th January at her home. He found no external marks, and he did not think there would be any, considering the time that had elapsed since the date of the alleged assault. He corroborated in the main the evidence of the previous witness, btlt there were a few minor peints of disagreement. Mr George then applied that the complainant be examined by Drs Davies and Williams, but it transpired that the parents were averse to such a course. Mary Lumley, wife of Robert Lumley, and mother of the complainant, was next called. She was at home on the 24th December last. Her husband, who works at Ralltgoed, came home on the morn- ing of that day. She could not recollect whether he came by train or walked. It was about nine or ten. Her daughter was at home all day. After witness' husband came heme, he went to rest for a few hours. At dusk, when she had left the house to empty a bucket, her daughter came down from the direction of the wood, and spoke to her. Witness asked her where she had been, as nothing had been seen of her since dinner. She appeared shy and guilty, and said twice that she would not say where she had been. They had tea all to- gether between five and six. There was also a female friend of witness' present. The children then made preparation to go to the Band of Hope. Mr George here interposed and objected to the statements on the ground that they were irrelevent and were not evidence. Continuing, witness said her daughter appeared unwilling to go, but eventually she went, and all the children returned about seven. Her daughter usually slept. with her. Her husband went oaCK to work on the inursday and returned on Saturday, and it was not until then that she was told anything about her daughter. When finishing dinner on that day Jennie said she would never like Mr Parry again, and said that she (witness) would not like him if she knew what he had done. Witness asked her if he had kissed her or whether he had scolded. She answered that he had done neither of the two, but something a great deal worse. That was all she was told at dinner time. Two hours afterwards she was in the wash- house, when her son Richard came to her, and make a statement to her about Jennie. Jennie then came in and witness asked her if it was true what Mr Parry had done to her. She answered that it was quite true. That night witness told her husband, but she did not say a word to her daughter again that night. Cross-examined Dinner on December 24th was over a little before three, and she did not see her daughter again until between four and five. No- thing occurred to her mind that there was anything wrong with her daughter until dinner on Satur- day. The accused was at her house on Friday evening, practising a song which her daughter Mary was to sing on Saturday evening. When Jennie said that the accused had done something worse than kiss or scold her, she asked her what it was, but she refused to say. Witness could tell by their behaviour that John and Mary knew more than she did, but they would not tell her. It was five o'clock when Richard told her in the wash- house. She asked Jennie when and where it took place, and she said it was on Tuesday up about the quarry. She then remembered seeing her come down from the quarry on Tuesday. On Saturday night there was a meeting in the chapel, when they all went there. She believed the story about her daughter. The accused came to her house before the meetin^he thought it might be before five. It. was before the conversation between Richard, Jennie, and herself. She was very indig- nant wnen she heard the story, and thought it very important, but they all went t.) the mteting. Mary sang the solo, and the accused accompanied her on the haimoinum. Jennie also gave a recitation, and she thought the accused and" Mr Roberts, Corris, were the adjudicators. She did not endeavour to get an opportunity to speak with the accused. There was a meeting in the chapel on the following Thursday night, and witness saw the accused there, but she did not speak to him. Her husband had told her that he had seen accused on the Monday, but as far as she knew he did not mention this matter to him. The first mention of the matter was at a meeting of the church officers on Friday, 3rd January. She was not present. John Edward Lumley, 14, son of the previous I witness, corroborated the evidence previously given of what had taken place on the 23rd December, and said that Jennie bad told him all what the accused had done to her. Cross-examined—He kept all he heard to him- nelf. Nobody asked him if be knew anything. He heard Jennie tell Mary exactly what she had told him. The accused came to the house on the Friday, but he did not tell him anything, neither did be like to mention the matter to his parents. His mother did not ask him anything about the accused. The accused was at the house on Saturday after tea, he did not speak at all to Mr Davies, the school- master, on the matter. Jennie, at dinner, on Saturday, said she wat4 offended with Mr Parry. The Chairman asked who Mr Davies was, and Mr George said he was "a gentleman in the back- ground." Robert Lumley, father of the little girl Jennie, was next called. He knew nothing of the matter, he said, when he left home for Cemmes on Thurs- day morning. He arrived home again on the Saturday. The first be heard of the matter was on the Saturday night, when his wife told him after is the meeting. She said there was a very offensive story about Jennie and Mr Parry. He inquired what it was, and was told that Jennie had been induced by Mr Parry to go up with him to the quarry, and not only that, they had gone for a walk together, but that he had acted improperly with her. He asked when it took place, and was told it was Tuesday. Witness asked his wife if she was certain about it, and she answered it was quite true, that Jennie bad told her. This was before the meeting, she said, and she felt very uncomfortable in the meeting.p He told her to say nothing about it, but he would make enquiries the following day. He went to chapel on the Sunday, but Mr Parry was not there. He went to his work on the Monday and returned on the following Friday night, at about six or seven, hav-, ing walked the entire distance. He had considered during the week what course to adopt when he should arrive home. He asked his wife whether she bad told Mr John Humphreys, a deacon at the chapel, and she replied that she had. He (witness) went to TycerrigFarm to speak with MrHumphreys. He asked Mr Humphreys, Mr Davies, the school- master, Mr Roberts, Richmond (who was preaching that same day) to discuss the matter. In the presence of the accused a statement was read (written by Mr Davies). Asked if the statement was available that day the witness said it was not, as it was in the pos- session of Mr Jones, the minister. Continuing, witness said that the accused denied all that was alleged in the statement. Mr George objected to all these statements being made. Mr R Rees, said it was better to have all the evidence they could. Cross-examined, the witness said he was at home on the Tuesday and finished dinner before three. He was at home for dinner on Saturday, but Jennie made no mention of the accused to him. He was in the meeting on Saturday night, when Mr Berwyn Roberts and the accused adjudicated. He asked Jennie on the Sunday what accused had done to her. The little girl told him the story. After hearing the statement, be went to Tycerrig on the Monday morning with the intention of seeing the accused. He saw him, and Mr Parry asked him how he was. He did not remember whether he answered or not. The accused went straight into the house and into the parlour with a guilty appearance. Mrs Davies was present at Tycerrig that morning. Asked whether a police officer had been making enquires into the matter with him. witness denied any knowledge that any such enquiries were made. Asked whether be had any objection to his little girl being examined by Drs Davies and Williams, he said he had, unless the law compelled him to give his consent. P.C. John Ellis, stationed at Llanbrynmair, said that on instructions he went to Commins Coch on 23rd January and apprehended the accused. He charged him with the offence and brought him to the Machynlleth Police Station. Cross-examined, he said that P.C. Hamer had charge of Commins Coch district until recently. He did not know whether Hamer had made any re- port on this matter. He had heard a rumour of this matter in the neighbourhood for a few weeks. He knew that accused's home was at Penmaenmawr. He had heard that he had returned to Commins Coch after the rumour had been circulated. P.C. Hamer had nothing to do with the warrant produced. P.S. Owen, stationed at Machynlleth, said the ac- cused was brougnt to Machynlleth in charge of the previous witness on the 24th January. He charged the prisoner, who said lie was entirely in- nocent. He was not aware that Hamer made any report on the case, but be was in charge of Com- mins Coch district until Monday last. The first he heard of the case was in a railway carriage on the 14th January, when be overheard a conversation on the matter. This ended the case for the prosecution. The accused, on being charged, pleaded not guilty, and called a number of witnesses. Dr Williams and Dr Davies, Machynlleth, both said they were of opinion that it was impossible that an assault of the nature described by the child could have been committed. Neither of them bad examined the child, because the father refused his consent. John Parry, the accused, said he wished to re- peat on oath that he was innocent of the charge made against him. He did not assault her on December 24th nor on any other day. He was not in her company at all on the 24th. He had dinner about 1-30, and after dinner wrote some letters until about 2-15. He then went out with the in- tention of seeing Mr Dd. Howell, junior. On his way there he called at the Post Office for some envelopes. Miss Hughes served him Miss Harriet Evans was also present. After addressing some envelopes he went to Howell's house, reaching there about 2-30 or 2-35, having lef tthe Post Office about 2-30. He stayed at Howell's house until about four. He there saw Miss Howell", the daughter. On the way home he met David Howell near the railway bridge. He spoke to him for five or ten minutes, and then went home reaching there about 4-15. He went to the kitchen and ordered his tea. This would be about 4-25. He ordered the tea of Miss Humphreys. He saw Mr Lumley outside in the yard using the grindstone. He went out and spoke to him and then returned to the parlour and bad tea. He stayed in until about 6-15, when he went to the Chapel House and to the Band of Hope at 6-30. At the Chapel House he saw Mr Howell, senior, Miss Howell, and Richie, Mary, and Jennie Lumley, He then went to kthe Band of Hope, which he conducted as usual. The Lumleys were present. That was all he saw of them that day. He did not see them on Christmas day nor did he remember seeing them on Thursday. He was at the service in the chape on the Thurs- day night sitting in the big pew. None of the Lumleys spoke to him that night. On the Tuesday he was asked by Mr Lumley, when he saw him at Tycerrig, to play an accompaniment for Mary Lumley. He went there on Friday evening and saw all the family. Nothing unpleasant was said to him, nor did he think there was any unpleasant- ness. On Saturday evening be went to Mr Lumley's house before going to the competitive meeting, and had a rehearsal with Mary Lumley. All the mem- bers of the family were there. At the meeting he accompanied M. Lumley's singing. He also acted as adjudicator on the recitations. Jennie Lumley competed, but was unsuccessful. On Sunday he was away officiating but returned home in the evening. On Monday morning he saw Mr Lumley at Tycerrig, and had a conversation with him about the competitive meeting mostly. Mr Lumley conversed freely with him. He had no idea that Mr Lumley had any unpleasantness in his thoughts toward him. He firt heard of the charge at Tycerrig farm on January 4th. A state- ment had been prepared and signed before witnesses. He beard about the charge about forty minutes before certain people called upon him. Mr Edwin Davies read the statement to him. Mr Davies lodged at the same house as he did, but he never said anything to him about the charge. He denied the truth of the statement, and had done so ever since. He went to Penmaenmawr on the .7th, and returned the following Tuesday, and re- mained in the district until the following Monday, when he went to Penmaenmawr. He returned on the 21st to see his solicitor, and the following day he went to Commins Coch.—By the Court: He bad dinner about 1-30. He fixed the 24th by the fact that on the 25th he was at Pennal, and the previous Tuesday he was preparing for the meeting on Christmas Day. He did not see Jennie Humphreys Lumley on the 24tb, and it was incorrect to say that he was seen corning from the wood on that day. The evidence of Jennie Humphreys Lumley was totally untrue. Nellie Humphreys, Tycerrig, said accused lodged at their house. On December 24th, he was at home, and she saw him after dinner chopping wood. He afterwards went out and returned for tea between 4 and 5. She remembered the day because it was the day before Christmas. She could not say the hour the acccused had his meals ————-———————————J_ on any other (lay. -(;ross-exainined Her father was one of the men who came with the statement to Mr Ilarry.-Py Mr George The police had also' been to her mother for information. Mary Jane Hughes, clerk at the Post Office, said she saw accused at the Post Office on the afternooa of the 24th, and she saw him go in the direction of David Howell's house. Harriet Evans was also iik the Post Office at the time.-By the Court; Mr Parry came to the Post Office pretty often. She could not say when he was there before nor after the 24th.—By Mr George She heard the rumour about tho accused, and remembered that he was in the office on that afternoon. Harriet Evans was also there. She did not see him there often. Harriet Evans corroborated the previous witness as to seeing accused at the Post Office on the 24th. She went to post a Christmas card to her sister, and to get some grocery. She remembered accused coming in and asking Miss Hughes for a pen and ink and writing something. It was about 3 p.m« She saw him go under the railway bridge.—By th« oourt: one was asked by Mr Parry on lhursoay I last to give evidence. He asked her if she recol- lected seeing him at Commins Coch, and she re- plied, Yes, it was Tuesday before Christmas." I E. R. Howells said she remembered the 24th. Her brother had been at home to dinner, and went out in the afternoon. She could not say what tima v he went. After he had gone Mr Parry came there, and stayed some time, expecting her brother back.- v After he left her brother returned, and they both bad tea.—By the Court: She was certain it was the day before Christmas, as her brother had beex unwell and unable to go out for some days before. Dd Howell said he met Mr Parry about four p.m. on the day before Christmas. He (witness) had gone out after dinner to Tycapel. On ^returning be met John Humphreys, RoberfcrfLumley, and Jennie Lumley. The latter was playing about. This would be about a quarter or ten minutes t8 four. He spoke to the men in passing. Near the railway bridge he met Mr Parry coming from the direction of his (witness's) house. He asked him where he bad been and he told him. He (witness) I asked Mr Parry where he bad been, and he said, To ask you to come to tea with me." By the Court: He bad been ill. and unable to go out for some days previous to the 24th. It was rather fine on that day, and he went out. The case for the defence was concluded at 10.10 p.m. The magistrates retired, and were absent from court about thirty minutes, during which time those in the court house amused themselves with singing. On the magistrates returning, Mr Bonsall said they were unanimously agreed that a prima facie case had been made out, but there existed in their minds some doubt upon certain points. Under these fcircumstances they gave the accused the benefit of those doubts, and dis- missed the case. The decision was received with tremendoas cheering, which was taken up by the large crowd which had for hours been anxiously waiting out- side in the bitter cold. On leaving the Court, Mr Parry was carried shoulder high through the streets to the White Horse, where he and his father were staying, fol- lowed by a crowd numbering some hundreds. The 1 streets rang with cheers, which alternated with the singing of For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and the hymn tune Aberystwyth." On reaching the hotel, Mr Parry was called upon for a speech, and he thanked them all for their kind expression of sympathy with him. The day had been a very dark one in his short career, but he had the comfort of knowing there was One who watched over him, and would see that the truth prevailed.