Alston Herald, and East Cumberland Advertiser. — 1880-01-17 (Alston, Cumbria, England)

PHILOLOGISE.)  The horrible murder at Relmount Farm is still causing much excitement. The police authorities have 'thoroughly investigated the case, but as yet nothing has been made public calculated to lead to the conviction of the prisoner. I have, however, heard it stated more than once that the police superintendent is in possession of some important and weighty evidence. The adjoiuned inquest will be held at Ramshaw next Wednesday. I have been favoured with the names of the gentlemen who constitute the jury. As everything connected with the tragedy is of some interest to the public, I herewith append their names :—Rev. Jones, M.A., Messrs W. Pears, J. Somd.eraon, W. Makepeace, J. Johnson," W. Waggot, J. W. Winter, E. Jameson, W. Rule, G. Jameson, T. Whitfield, W. Barron, and J. Elliott. As a mass of evidence into be submitted to the jury, it is just possible that a further adjournment may be necessary. , e.. Shilden retains its reputation for providing a good "tea," at least such is the opinion of a gentleman who attended the Primitive Methodist tea meeting on New Year's Day. Those Who read the report of the tea meeting in last week's Courant would observe that a person eould partake of the dainties provided for the small 'nun of sixpence. This was the only bad feature in connection with the tea. i have attended tea meetings at all the Derwent villages, and the charge has never been less than ninepence. Why the Shildon Primitives .should only ask sixpence I am quite at a loss to understand. The tea was certainly worth more, and from what I can learn the bulk of those who attended could afford to pay more. ff.e The public meeting, held at the close of the tea, was of an enthusiastic character. The Chairman (Mr Morpeth) spoke with much fluency, and displayed good taste and sound common sense. The'speechas of Messrs Parker and Bell contained important truths based on the leading doctrines of the Christian religion. The Rev. Mr Sparke spoke on the "New Year." I have heard this speech described as a "teller," "the best speech given at Shildon," tre., dcc. There can be no question about Mr Sparke's abilities. He treats his subjects in a scientific and thoughtful manner, and had he possessed a little more physical strength he would have figured as one of the most prominent ministers in the North of England.  At the outset of the meeting the hairman made an interesting statement. It appears some four or five years ago Mr Sparke had been offered a salary of £2OO per year if he would enter the ministry of the Church of England. This is about £7O per annum more than he receives from the Primitive Church. Mr Sparke supplemented this statement by saying that the same offer had 'been repeated to him during last mouth; but as the Primitives were the instruments in God's hands of his conversion, he would remain identified with the Church of his choice. Well done, Mr Sparks! There are scores of people who lack the back-hone and principle to stand firm in such a crisis. Some even sell their principle for half-a-crown or a mess of porridge. The Primitive Methodists ought to be proud that they have a gentlebian like Mr Sparke in their ministry.