The Cotton Factory Times. — 1892-10-28 (Manchester, Greater Manchester, England)

MELLOR BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES. SENSATIONAL STATEMENT.  On Thursday morning at the Oldham Borough Police Court, bfore Mr. J. Wild and a full bench of justices, Joseph Mellor was charged on remand with the wilful murder of his wife, Mary Jane, at their home, 412, Hotlin's-road, some time between August 26th and the 10th inst. Hours before the time of the opening of the court, the building was surrounded by thousands of people, only a tithe of whom could hope to gain admission to the court. The police arrangements were execrable, and those having &Aiwa business connected with the proceedings had the utmost difficulty in gaining admission. Many of the witnesses both male and female had to be pushed through the windows, it being impossible to gain entrance by the orthodox way. The scene inside the judical chamber was prior to the commencement of the hearing of the case animated in the extreme, and every inch of sitting and standing room had been taken up, the majority of the sightseers being women. . .  There waa a buzz of eateiternent when theprisoner NVIIS ordered to be placed in the dock. Although appearing rather careworn he presented the same unconcerned manner that he has shown on psevions occasions. The only alteration noticeable was in Ilfenor's attire, which was far more dressy than hitherto.  Mr. Fripp prosecrited on behalf of the Treasury, and the accused wits defended by Mr. Six-smith. The prosecuting solicitor reviesved the evidence at considerable length, in the course of which several rather sensational statements were made. One was that on September 6th the prisoner got a woman to pledge a flat iron for him. This iron had been submitted to Mr. Elsteonrts the well-known analyst, for examination, with the result that it was found to be blood-stained. Such a weapon, Mr. Fripp pointed out, would have been very likely to cause the fractured skull sustained by the deceased woman. Five or six letters had also been found to have been pushed under the front door of the prisoner's house, which have been declared by an expert to be in the prisoner's handwriting. The object of these letters to himself was, said Mr. Fripp, to endeavour to throw off suspicion from himself. It would also be shown that although the accused had been so careful not to admit anyone inside his house on the 26th of September, when the dead body of his wife mast have then lain concealed on the premises, he actually took a woman in with him and she remained there some time. In conclusion Mr. Pripp said the crime in question cook' only have been committed by some person who had sole access to the house occupied by the Meriors. No one who was not perfectly free from observation could have made such elaborate preparations for the concealment of encli a crime. The grave which was found dug in the kitchen must have taken a long time to dig with the means the murderer had in his possession. The intention was, judging by the quicklime found near the grave, to put the body in and then cement it down with the lime. The murderer, whoever hi was, had not only been guilty of killing the woman, but that slaying was deliberately carried out in the most ferocious and relentless manner. He asked that the prisoner should 13.. committed on the capital  charge. ' Evidence was then caned.  A HAPPY IiARRISGE is earnestly desired by e.ll wha enter the wedded state. To ensure good lack at the outset, Lancashire brides and bridegrooms show their good sense by purchasing for the marriage ceremony one of H. White's Famous Leekly Wedding Rings. which always bring good luck, heppiness, and prosperity to all the couples whose nuptials are celebrated with one of them. Beantifnily firiietual, massive, bsppy looking things they are, made from the blunt =cis gold (Government °tamped). H. Whne'e Lucky Wedding Rings are far cheaper than those of any other firm. In addition, H. White presents every purchaser with a beetutifal solid gold keeoor (Government stamped), or an elegant set of silver silt cellars Private room for wed:hug-Ting monomers. Size card sent post free on application, mentioning this paper. H. White particularly requests intending callers V.: note the harne.and adaress, so that parabasers may hi. sure of reaching the right shop and procuring tile genuine WIITTZ, 1(4, Markeireneeet, corms of Fonntain-street (next to Lewis's), Manchester mew*, note, a large corner shop. Yesterday a near-sighted husband Raw a large brinch of flowers on the chair, and, wishing to preserve them from fading, placed them in a hasui f humw":ll.ftoWrurtrndithitelingaieve"olthpieereinbmigb7/138/11t hatfanand fainted on the gpOL Her defective-visticiard husband had mistaken is new bonnet for a freshlyboaque4.