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THE NEWS ROOM
1865
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: January 21st. 1865.
GEMS OF ART
We have had the pleasure of inspecting this week two most excellent life size photographs of our townsmen, Mr. Lewis Lewis and the Rev. William Davies, Wesleyan minister, executed by Mr. H. J. Hughes, photographic artist, at his studio, in Castle-square. Mr. Hughes has succeeded, through his gigantic camera in producing two most faithful portraits, and when those they represent shall have passed from this earthly stage, these life-like representations will still remain to preserve the features of their well-known originals in memory. Mr. H. J. Hughes, we hope, will reap the benefit of his large outlay by the extended patronage of our fellow-townsmen and the public generally. A visit to his studio will amply repay those who have a taste for the photographic art.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: February 4th. 1865.
A DISGRACEFUL SCENE
On Wednesday night last, about ten o'clock, one of the most disgusting secenes that was ever witnessed, occurred between Pwllygro publichouse and Pont Seiont turnpike gate. It appears that the friends of the late Captain Edward Thomas, of the sloop Marquis of Anglesey, which foundered near Pwllheli, were desirous of having the unfortunate young man decently interred in the family grave at Amlwch, and to that end two friends were sent to Pwllheli to claim the body. They ultimately made arrangements with Mr. John Williams, of the Star Inn, to have it conveyed by car as far as Carnarvon, but it seems Mr. Williams stopped too often on the road, and imbibed too freely of intoxicating drinks, so that by the time he reached the top of the hill near Pwllygro publichouse, he had no control whatever over the horse, and the consequence was that the horse went with tremendous speed down the hill, and came into contact with the wall a little before reaching the turnpike gate, smashing the car to atoms, throwing those in it with great force to the ground, and breaking the coffin, so that the body was presented to view. On Thursday last the driver was summoned by Thomas Jones, of Amlwch, one of the persons that was in the car at the time, before the mayor, Llewelyn Turner, Esq., at the Chief Constable's Office, when the prosecutor deposed that the defendant started from Pwllheli at six o'clock, with the body of the late Captain E. Thomas, for the purpose of taking it to Amlwch, and that he stopped at every publichouse on the road. The last place where he stopped was near where the accident took place. A woman came with him to the door, and taking hold of his arm, begged him to go on the phaeton. Afterwards the vehicle jolted very much. When coming down the hill towards Pont Seiont it was upset, throwing its occupants on to the road. The coffin broke, but the body did not roll out. I had my thumb sprained by the fall. The defendant was too drunk to manage the horse. I had to get another car to carry the body to town. His worship fined defendant 30s., 10s. for two witnesses, and 3s. 6d. costs.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: February 18th. 1865.
CARNARVON WATER WORKS
We are glad to learn that the bill for this undertaking was read a first time on Thursday; and that the second reading has been fixed for the 20th. inst., the earliest day allowed by the rules of the house.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: February 25th. 1865.
THE CARNARVON PLOUGHING MATCH
We have great pleasure in announcing to the promoters of the agricultural interest the arrival at Miss Slack's (late Mr. Thomas Windsor), the Agricultural Implement Depot, Vaynol Arms Inn, Carnarvon, of one of Messrs. J. and F. Howard's Newcastle Prize Ploughs, also their Champion Ploughman Brown, who has had the honour of ploughing in the presence of many of the crowned heads of Europe, and who will attend at the coming match on Tuesday next, to test the superior qualities of the ploughs manufactured by the above named eminent firm, but not to compete for any prize.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: March 4th. 1865.
ST. DAVID'S DAY
On Wednesday evening last, a number of the residents of the town and neighbourhood celebrated the anniversary of St. David's Day dining together at the Vaenol Arms, Palace-street, in this town. Mr. J. Lloyd the chairman of the company presided, and was assisted in the vice-chair by Mr. Roach. The dinner was served up in a liberal style, and the hostess Miss Slack did all in her power to promote the comfort of her guests. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed and reveived with enthusiasm. Songs, toasts, and sentiments, were the order of the evening which was spent in a most agreeable manner.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: March 11th. 1865.
CARNARVON LOCAL BOARD
The members of the local board met at the Guildhall, on Monday last, the Mayor, Llewelyn Turner, Esq., in the chair. There were also present Messrs. Thomas Turner, Watkin W. Roberts, James Rees, Simon Hobley, Richard Griffith, Owen Thomas, and Robert Griffith, druggist.
The accounts of the board for the last month were audited and compared with the vouchers, and found correct, the auditors being Mr. Robert Griffith, druggist, and Mr. Richard Griffith, draper. Also the surveyor's account was passed. Several bills were signed, and ordered to be paid.
THE LIGHTING OF THE TOWN
The Mayor called the attention of the board to the inefficiency of lighting the town, and stated that he had asked the police to furnish him with a report of all gas lamps that were unlighted; and now he would furnish the board with that report of gas lamps not lighted from the 15th. of February last to the 4th. of March instant, viz.:- 44 lamps in 18 nights; one ditto in 16 nights, out of 18 not lighted at all, and that was the lamp at the bottom of Baptist-street, in Chapel-street. We are sure that this state of things is not the fault of the respected lessee, Mr. Crippin, as his orders are explicit upon the matter, and we hope from this out that everything will be carried out according to his expressed directions. It was ordered that the surveyor make a formal complaint to the proprietors of the gas works about this state of affairs.
MUD HEAPS BETWEEN BANGOR-STREET AND THE RAILWAY STATION
The Mayor drew the attention of the board to the mud heaps left on the turnpike road between Christ Church and the station; and which were a very great annoyance to strangers coming into the town by rail as well as to the inhabitants generally.
The Mayor proposed, and Mr. Watkin W. Roberts, seconded, that the surveyor draw out an estimate of the expenses of clearing and carrying away the same from the flagging in Bangor-street to the station; and also from Pool-street as far as Bryn Helen, with a view of coming to some understanding with Mr. Owen Jones, the clerk of the turnpike trust, for removing the same.
Mr. Robert Griffith called the attention of the board to the filthy state of Pool-street, and whether it would not be advisable to have a paved crossing near Mr. Peter Ellis's shop and another near Salem Chapel.
Many members of the board thought paved crossings dangerous to horses and carriages, and it was ordered that the same be laid down with good mettling.
The meeting then adjourned.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: March 18th. 1865.
GIRLS' NATIONAL SCHOOL
Miss E. Hawkridge, Bangor-street, was successful in obtaining a second class certificate at the last government examination at Hockerill Training College. Miss Hawkridge was formerly pupil teacher, at the above school, and this intelligence will doubtless be very gratifying to Miss Alexander, the schoolmistress. We may also state that only one candidate of the above college obtained a first class certificate this year.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: April 8th. 1865.
THE CARNARVONSHIRE RAILWAY
We sincerely hope the information which has reached us is true, that the authorities have arranged with the landed proprietors for all the land necessary to bring the railway to the suburbs of the town, and that the works will be in a very short time be commenced over the "Morfa." We are, however, anxious to learn how the rail is to pass through our old town, as much depends upon the way in which the connection of the railway system is carried out. We know that no reasonable concession will be withheld from the promoters by the public authorities, and we sincerely hope the directors of the three lines will join in making the passage as beneficial as it can be made.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: April 8th. 1865.
THE CARNARVON WATER WORKS
The bill for these works, we are glad to learn, passed the committee with scarcely an opposition, notwithstanding the flourish of trumpets sounded by Messrs. Holman and Allen of what they were going to do; as if a parliamentary committee would acknowledge the selfish claims of gentlemen whose only grievance was that not more than thrice the value of the land through which it would be necessary to lay the pipes was offered to them. We regret such dog-in-the-manger conduct. They could not turn the blessings of Providence to their own benefit, and were determined, if possible, to prevent the inhabitants of Carnarvon enjoying them also, unless they paid the price.
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From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: April 15th. 1865.
DISORDERLY
Margaret Beichot, Jane Evans, and Margaret Parry, three women of bad character, charged by P.C. No. 16 with being drunk and riotous in Bangor Street, near the Prince of Wales Inn, and with subsequently fighting near the Bull Tavern, were committed for fourteen days each.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: June 17th. 1865.
SIGNOR BOSCO AT THE GUILDHALL
The well known ventriloquist and conjurer Signor Bosco, gave one of his celebrated entertainments at the Guildhall on Tuesday evening last, under the patronage of the Mayor, Llewelyn Turner, Esq., to a large and enthusiastic audience. A series of tricks, illusions, &c., including the rope tying feat, were performed and evoked much applause. The performance concluded with the trick in firing a plate against the wall. And the audience after a seance of two hours were permitted to disperse like Oliver Twist with an appetite for more.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: June 17th. 1865.
THE GRAMMAR AND COLLEGIATE SCHOOL, CARNARVON
On Wednesday the 14th. inst., the half-yearly distribution of prizes took place in the above school, when the following pupils were presented with handsome and appropriate medals. Senior Class: Geo. Thomas, gained five medals for grammar, geography, history, Latin, and mathematics, Alfred Thomas, two medals, for writing and Greek, Morris Davies, two medals, for French, Thomas Lloyd, two medals, for arithmetic and French, Owen Roberts, two medals, for drawing and good conduct, Ll. Hayden, one medal, for reading, H. Welbourne, one medal, for general improvement. Junior Class: John Marr, two medals, for general improvement and good conduct, Walter Jones, two medals, for writing and drawing, Charles Owen, two medals, for arithmetic and French, John Williams, two medals, for Latin and French, E. J. Vincent, one medal, for Latin, Frank Wise, one medal, for geography, Thomas Jones, one medal, for history, Charles Dixon, one medal, for reading.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 8th. 1865.
A POTTERS' ROW
Thomas Davies and Samuel Davies, two earthenware dealers, were charged by P.C. J. Roberts, with being drunk and disorderly in Castle Ditch, on Monday week, about seven o'clock in the morning. Thomas Davies had absconded, but P.C. Edward Jones proved the serving of the summons; the defendant Samuel Davies pleaded not guilty to the charge.
P.C. John Roberts deposed that defendant was drunk and disorderly in Castle Ditch, on the evening of Monday week and fighting with Thomas Davies. That he went to them to separate them. He found two fingers of Thomas Davies in Samuel Davies's mouth.
Sergeant Protheroe corroborated last witness' statement, and said that he was drunk when taken to the station house.
Defendant called several witnesses to rebut the evidence.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 8th. 1865.
ASSAULT
Out of the above row arose another case. Catherine Davies, the wife of Samuel Davies, charged Mary Davies, the wife of William Davies, and Mary Davies, the wife of Thomas Davies, with having committed an assault on her. Several witnesses on both sides were called, but the evidence appeared so conflicting that their worships adjourned both cases to Monday next.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 15th. 1865.
THE POTTERS' ROW
Samuel Davies and William Davies were brought up on remand from last court.
Their worships fined them 5s. each and 7s. costs, or in default seven days' imprisonment.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 15th. 1865.
POTTERS' ROW
The two women, both named Mary Davies, charged by Catherine Davies with assaulting her, were discharged with a caution.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 15th. 1865.
CARNARVON EARLY CLOSING MOVEMENT
We are informed that the drapers of this town have with one accord agreed to close their shops, on and after the 12th. August, at seven o'clock, so to let their employees have time for physical and mental recreation.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: August 12th. 1865.
A BOY DROWNED
About noon on Friday (yesterday) whilst a lad named John Thomas, fourteen years of age, was in the act of sculling a boat down the harbour, the oar slipped out of the scullage and he fell overboard. He never rose, and a considerable time elapsed before the body was found with the grappling.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 9th. 1865.
CHAMP ELYSEES GREAT CIRCUS AND HIPPODROME
The above company visited our town on Tuesday last, and about one o'clock a grand procession was formed of the whole company in glittering costumes, the trappings of the horses was very gay, and the cortege displayed the usual variety of fairy ponies, and ornamental carriages, closing with the Car of all Nations. At two o'clock the large tent was well filled with a most attentive audience; and at the evening performance the place was crowded to suffocation. The performances on the whole were very creditable, and were thoroughly applauded by the audience.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 23rd. 1865.
THE VOLUNTEERS
We learn that the Carnarvonshire Rifle Volunteers are, next week, to be inspected by Col. Manners. For some time past the members of this corps have not been so regular at drill as they used to be, but we hope the old members will attend the few drills which will intervene before the inspection so as to enable them to maintain the high character which has hitherto been accorded to them. On Wednesday the inspection will take place in Carnarvon, when, we hope, the third company will muster strongly and show the gallant Colonel that they are determined to maintain their character as volunteers. We are also glad to learn that a fund is about to be formed for the purpose of offering quarterly prizes for the best shots so as to give a present object to the members to keep up their efficiency.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 30th. 1865.
THE NEW BURIAL GROUND AT LLANBEBLIG
A vestry meeting was to have been held on Thursday in the Guild Hall, Carnarvon, for the purpose of making arrangements with respect to the new portion of the burial ground at Llanbeblig parish church, but owing to the paucity of the attendance, the meeting was adjourned pro forma until noon on Monday next by the chairman, the Rev. J. C. Vincent. It is to be hoped that a subject of such importance and one in which the parishioners ought to take a deep interest, will bring together a good assemblage on the day appointed for holding the adjourned meeting.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: October 14th. 1865.
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC ART
We beg to draw attention of our readers to an announcement in our advertising columns, intimating the opening of a new photographic studio by Mr. W. F. Roberts. The professional experience of this gentleman which extends over the lengthened period of fifteen years having been partly acquired in this country, has been very considerably matured in Australia, in which colony Mr. Roberts had, we learn, an extensive and varied practice in the departments of his profession. His studio is covered with numerous specimens of the photographic art, the latest improvements in which he has successfully adopted. Some bird's eye views of Carnarvon and its vicinity have already been taken. We wish him every success, and trust that the practice of his business in Carnarvon may be a lucrative one.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: October 14th. 1865.
DISCREDITABLE DOINGS IN THE SLUMS
This week information has reached us of some matters that are highly disgraceful to this town, and which we are requested to bring before the public. The inhabitants of Bridge Street, and one side of Turf square have, it appears for some time past, been annoyed by the disorderly conduct of the newly imported Irish population of that part of Tan y bont, immediately adjoining the back of their houses. On Sunday night last the disturbance reached an unprecedented height; blows, yells, and imprecations resounding throughout the locality and that grievous bodily injuries were sustained by some of those engaged in the melee cannot be doubted. That such disreputable and immoral scenes should take place in our town is much to be regretted, but that the disorderly persons are not natives is a source of consolation, and we trust that strenuous exertions will be made by the police and the respectable inhabitants of the district to repress all infractions of peace and good order for the future. We learn that a complaint, signed by many of the parties who are annoyed and scandalized by the doings of Sunday last, has been presented to Mr. Hugh Owen of Henwalia, the owner of some houses in Tan y bont; but we think the most effectual mode of remedying the evil would be to find out the offending persons in every outbreak, such as the one in question, and summons them before the magistrates.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: October 21st. 1865.
THE WEATHER
Since our last publication the weather has changed from summer to winter. This long fine weather nearly dried up our rivers, and the country began to feel the want of water. In the course of the week several genial showers fell, but on Thursday morning there was a heavy fall of hail amidst the mountains, which now present, all along the Snowdon range, their usual winter appearance.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: November 4th. 1865.
NARROW ESCAPE FROM FIRE
On Tuesday night last, shortly before the close of business a fire was discovered in one of the upper warehouses at the establishment of Mr. Lewis Lewis, in Bridge-street, in this town. It would appear from the examination of the premises, that one of the young men had lighted the gas with a taper, which must have been left alight, or in the act of putting it out, a spark must have fallen among some cotton goods, for on another of the young men going upstairs to look for a coat, he found a pile of prints on fire. He immediately gave the alarm, and a supply of water having been got, the fire was soon extinguished, not, however, before the edge of the pile of cotton goods had been burnt through, and the stand on which they were placed and a beam above considerably charred. We are glad to learn that Mr. Lewis in insured.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: November 11th. 1865.
DONKEY NUISANCE
William Thomas James, John Patrick, and Henry Fellowes, were charged with letting their donkeys stray on the road.
Robert Williams said he saw four donkeys straying on the road, and was told they belonged to the defendants. The identity of the animals being only grounded on hearsay, the case was dismissed for want of proof.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: November 11th. 1865.
ASSAULT
Henry Thomas, a little boy, was charged with assaulting Joseph Ogden. Complainant stated that the child was on a wall behind his house and threw a stone at him, which he avoided by stooping. It went through a pain of glass in his window, and fell into a dish. His sister corroborated his evidence. For the defence two witnesses swore the child did not throw the stone. Case dismissed, the court not knowing which side to believe.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: November 11th. 1865.
SHOCKING ACCIDENT
On Saturday last, as the 10.30 a.m. goods train was leaving our station a shocking accident occurred to a young man of the name of Edward Jones, a native of Bangor, who serves in the capacity of stoker. When the train was in full motion, near Plas Brereton, he happened to be doing something in the tender, and it is supposed that the coal gave way under his feet so that he slipped and fell between the rails. The engine was immediately stopped, and the poor fellow was brought back to the Carnarvon station, and was promptly attended by four medical gentlemen. After some consultation it was thought advisable to have his arm amputated, an operation which was performed by W. W. Roberts, Esq., at the porter's room. We understand that the patient is doing as well as can be expected.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: November 11th. 1865.
ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE FROM GAOL
On Tuesday morning last, Spencer, the burglar, who was recently committed on various charges of housebreaking and an attempt to murder, made a desperate attempt to extricate himself from the hands of justice. It appears that he was confined in the hospital tower, on the town wall, within the precints of the prison, which fronts the quay. Between two and three o'clock in the morning of the above day, when P.C. J. Davies was going round his beat, his attention was drawn when opposite the Angelsey Inn, by some noise, which sounded to him as if someone were attempting to commit a burglary. On looking round, to his astonishment, he saw a ghost-like figure suspended from the wall. Fortunately, our "bobby" made his way towards the suspended object, and nothing daunted challenged it by asking "What are you doing there? if you dare to stir from your airy position, I shall try what virtue there is in stones!" At the same time he blew his whistle, and was immediately reinforced by P.C. William Jones, 29, and H. Roberts, a cabinet maker, who happened to be out at the time on the quay. The blowing of the whistle also had the effect of brigning to the rescue of the officer his indefatigable Superintendent, and a few minutes later Warder Norris made his appearance. The question now was how they were to cage the bird? it appears that the daring fellow had torn his bedclothes and ripped them up for the purpose of making a rope to effect his escape, but happily that rope was not long enough by about ten feet to land him on terra firma. The Superintendent immediately gave orders for the scaling ladders from the fire brigade station, and he was at once secured and nestled again in his old quarters, shaking and shivering after his nocturnal airing, having nothing on at the time but a pair of drawers and his shirt. We hope that the authorities will now put it out of Mr. Spencer's power to give them any more trouble, and that from this out he may be nicely "cabined, cribbed, confined," and well looked after. We understand that Spencer's clothes were taken from him every night, as the governor strongly suspected that he would attempt to escape, and had told the magistrates so the previous Saturday after he had been committed on two other charges of burglary at Bethesda.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: November 25th. 1865.
JUVENILE OFFENDERS
Owen Ellis and David Lloyd, two youngsters between the ages of ten and eleven, were charged with stealing some beads from the shop of Mr. Joseph Blackburn, Pool-street, on Thursday evening last.
Elizabeth Blackburn, wife of complainant, deposed, - On Thursday evening last I was sitting in my own shop between seven and eight o'clock in the evening. There was nobody in at the time but myself and the child that was in my arms. We had a pain of glass broken in our window a short time ago, and hearing a noise at the window, I put the baby down and went through the passage, and caught the boy Owen Ellis, in the act of putting his hand through the broken pain of glass; the beads produced were in his hands. The father of David Lloyd, the other child came to our shop and said that his son had been enticed to commit the theft by the other boy who also abstracted some pens and an ink bottle from the shop.
Mr. Thomas Turner justly observed, that if a pain of glass was broken, it was the duty of the prosecutor to have had it mended at once; so that children might not be tempted to commit such an offence as the defendants were charged with at present.
The Mayor said that he hoped the respective parents would chastise the delinquents for their depravity, and endeavour to make them behave better for the future. His worship then dismissed the boys with a caution.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: December 9th. 1865.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO TWO CHILDREN
Shortly after noon, on Tuesday, two young children, the son and daughter of Mr. Glyn Williams, of Chapel-street, were playing in the public street, near the bottom of South Penrallt, and venturing too near the boarding placed in front of the new building opposite the George Inn, they met with a serious accident. The boarding, it seems, yielded to some pressure from within, and falling outwards, threw both children in the middle of the road. The little girl, in the fall, sustained a fracture of two ribs, and the little boy was hurt, but not dangerously, near the knee joint of one of the legs.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: December 30th. 1865.
CHRISTMAS SHOW OF MEAT
Our recent Christmas market presented an excellent appearance, the show of good and substantial fare being abundant and the quality of unimpeachable excellence. Beef, mutton, veal, fowls and pork were in abundance. Mr. John Abbott exhibited some splendid oxen fed in the rich pastures of Anglesey, besides several Shropshire downs and Leicester sheep, the meat of which was first-class. A prime heifer fed on the lands of T. Platt, Esq., M.P., of Bryneuadd, and another first-class animal of a similar breed purchased from Mr. Moreton, of the Royal Sportsman Hotel, were shown by Mr. Thomas Abel, who also killed some prime wethers, which he had from W. W. Williams, Esq., Plasgwyn, Pentraeth. Mr. Wm. Davies showed a noble young ox, fed at the Penrhyn estate, which was admired by all who saw it, as one of the finest animals ever led to the slaughter house. Messrs. Benjamin Owen, Thomas Roberts, John Hughes, Richard Jones, David Davies, David Jones, Hugh Williams, and Richard Jones also exhibited beasts that reflected every credit on their breeders and feeders. Altogether the show was a very good one.
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C.D.H. 7th. October, 1865. © K. Morris |