The Sun. — 1858-10-12 (London, England)

TVEYIIILL GREAT FAIR.  Yesf  erday (.11')nday) this celebrated fair commenced. It is one of the largest in this country, and to which the highest importance is attached by hop growers and factors, dairy and cheese farmers, agriculturists and stock breeders, and many other classes whose interests are involved in this great mart; immense droves of stock and sheep are brought here for sale, and the largest bulk of hops that can be brought together are invariably pitched under canvass for competition, besides which a large business in cheese and bacon is also transacted. The fair lasts eight days; the first day is for the sale of sheep, the two following are appropriated for stock and horses, and afterwards the great hop and cheese fair commences. The attendance yesterday was large, but chiefly restricted to sheep dealers and flock masters. The hill side was covered with sheep and the pens extended over a large scope of land. There were upwards of 200,000 head of sheep folded. Dorsetshire contributed very larp;ely. S riv2r-et,ltire, and Hants produced a good supply. There were some pens of choice sheep from Leicestershire ; Sussex brought down some wellbred South-down ewes, and many other sheep counties contributed. The condition of the sheep was in general healthy and free from foot-rot; there was not a brisk sale. The short turnip crops tend to retard any very active competition for sheep, but , the late exceedingly favourable weather has conduced very largely to the growth of rape and coleseed, which form a good substitute for turnips and a provision for autumn sheep keep, consequently there was a fair demand at prices hereunder quoted :---Ewes, Dorsets, 445. to 48s. a head ; ditto couples (ewe and lamb of this autumn), 50s. to 555.; west country Downs, 365. to 38s. a head ; half-breds, 335. to 365. ; Leicesters, 455. to 495. ; Southdowns, 335. to 375., and aged ewes, 265. to 30s. a head ; vethers, prime bred sheep, fat, 50s. to 60s. a head ; useful wethers for folding, 425. to 445. ; tegs, 30s. ; well bred wether lambs, 18s. to 235. • ditto ewe lambs, 17s. to 225. ; and pens of choice lambs 225. to 295. a head; long-wool stcck sheep sold lower than at last fair. There was a good show of rams for sale and letting for the next season, and those from eminent sheep breeders went off at high figures. Dorset tups made sto 8 guineas ; Leicester ditto 6 to 10 guineas ; Southdown ditto, 4 to 9 guineas; shearlings varied in price from 3to 6 guineas ; some rains of celebrated breeds made as high as 15 to 20 guineas; the sheep pens were nearly sold out. The stock fair will commence to-day (Tuesday).  SEDUCTION AND SUICIDE IN THE  CI TI  Last evening, at seven o'clock, Mr. W. Payne, he Coroner, held an inquest at the White Hart Tavern, Giltspur-street, City, concerning the death of Maria Drew, aged 28, who committed suicide undr the following circumstances : Eliza Drew said that she lived in the service of Mr. Jeffreys, dentist, of the same street. Deceased also lived in the same house as cook, and was her sister. She was .to have been married to a man named Biggs, an assistant to a packing-case maker, but he had deceived her. She tod her that he had taken improper advantage of her. He was to have called to see her on. Thursday as they were to have been married the next day. She was some months enciente by him. On the Friday night she made attempts twice to throw herself out of window, but she prevented her by pulling her back. At six o'clock in the morning she went into the kitchen and found that she had drowned herself in the water cistern. She was got out, and everything done to restore life, but she was past recovery. Biggs gave her steel filings on three occasions for an improper purpose, which used to make her ill and sick. She believed the man had gone to work at Woolwich, but she did not know in what part. Mr. Jeffreys said that he had heard that the man had got a woman and two children living in the country. He used to lodge in the same house as that in which the inquest was held, and he had since heard was accepted as deceased's suitor. David Williams said that he resided in New eut, and was on intimate terms with the deceased and her sister, and the deceased had told him that she had been seduced by the man, who had procured steel filings for her and had given her one dose. She also told him that whilst she was standing at the window on the second floor he suddenly seized her round the waist and effected her ruin. John Brown, the potman, said that the man Biggs used to lodge in that house, but he had not seen him since Thursday last. He used to work in the city, and he believed in Watling-street. He had seen the deceased and the man walk out together. Mr. Jeffreys said if he had known that deceased was keeping company with Biggs he should have prevented it until he had time to inquire into his respectability. The learned Coroner havinc, summed up, the jury decided upon adjourning the case.