The Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder. — 1886-01-02 (Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales)

CHRISTMAS TRAGEDY.  A &hocking murder occurred; at Barrow on Christmaa Day. It appeani that a man named Joseph Baines and his wife, who resided at 54, Fenton Street, had been quarrelling all Chriqtmas Eva, the husband having been drinking heavily. They created considerable disturbance, and annoyed the neighbours to such an extent that the attention af a passing policeman was called to them. About two o'clock in the morning he went in, but did not interfere, only vautioning Baines to be quiet. This caution does not appear to have had much effect, for the row continued more or lama all night. Hrs. Baines had been in the market selling fish, and it is believed that Baines was angry because she refused to give him any more I money. Forsometimepastshe hadbeenthemainstay of the family, having had to keep the husband, herself, and seven children on what she could make by selling Bah. About eleven o'clock on Christmas morning Hrs. Baines went into the house next door, occupied by a man named John Evans, for the purpose of ascertaining what time it was, and about two minutes after' wards she was followed by Barnes, who by that time was perfectly sober. He had no sooner got in than he aaid to Evans, "Johnnie, hear what  a chatterer she is. " Mrs. Baines immediately cried out, "Oh, see, he has get • knife," and began to walk backwards to the other side of the kitcheni in order to get away from him. He noticed her movements, and slowly followed her. His right hand was hidden in his waistcoat. As Mrs. Baines walked backwards she stumbled against • chair, and sank into it. Baines, who had reached her, immediately drew out of his waistcoat • butcher's knife, and stabbed her four times in the breast and abdomen, indicting four horrible gashes, either of which would have caused death, two of them being about sin. desp. The poor woman at once fell back, and cried out, "Oh, dear." Evans, who along with his wife had being witnesses of the dreadful tragedy, at once closed with the murderer and knocked him down, when the knife fell otu of his hand. Mrs. Baines was carried into her own house, but died ix about fifteen minutes without speaking again. The police were communicated with, and Baines, who was in a very excited state, was given into custody. On his arrival at the police station he said to the constable, •t Is she dead yet?" and on being answered in the negative he replied, "If she is not she ought lobe." A close watch ie kept on I3ainee in the cell, as he is very excited and threatens what he will do. At one time Baines was in a very thriving way of business, and had he kept steady would have done well, but about four years ago he had about £5OO left him, and since then he has practically gone to the bad. He has been repeatedly before the magistrates for being drunk and abusing his wife, and imprisoned on two or three occasions. He has bees heard to say that he would take his wife's life some day. Bainee will be brought before the magistrates to-day and remanded till after the coroner's inquiry.  Pnwaniszut DI3APPWIANCII! ! Very Remarks , able Disappearance of all Dir from evarytluag ty us nu Hodaon's Dttract of Soap. Regarding , mints, Health, Perfect Sstisfaction. by ita regular dady-use. N.B.—lt is a pure Dry Soap and no powder, and lathers freely in hoCur;ookt water