Printed 22 June 1891.
Great excitement was caused in the upper part of the Rhondda late on Saturday night by the report that a murder had been committed. The report proved to be an exaggeration, as only an attempt at murder had been made.
It appears that a man named David Davies, alias Dai Cwmprest, living at No. 7. Stone Houses, Blaencwm, and another named Eli Baker, No. 9, in the same row, had been drinking together at a public house, and on leaving took away a jar of beer. They went to the house of Davies, and a quarrel arose about the jar of beer. Words ran high, and Davies ordered Baker out of the house. With that order he refused to comply, and the quarrel continued. At length Davies said that if Baker did not go he would shoot him. As Baker still remained, Davies seized all old rifle he had in the house, and when at a very short distance from Baker fired.
The contents of the rifle caught Baker at the right side of his mouth, cutting open his cheek and the side of his neck. Hearing the report of the rifle, neighbours rushed in and took the weapon from Davies.
Baker was found lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Police constable Poyntz, who lives close by, was on the spot at once and sent for medical assistance. Dr. Owen, assistant to Dr Warburton, on his arrival, put nine stitches in the wound.
Happily, no vital part was injured, and the man is going on favourably, but will not be able for some time to attend the police court.
Davies, who is in custody at Treherbert, will be brought up at Ystrad Police court today (Monday), but in the absence of the prosecutor a remand will be asked for.
Inspector Ruller has made diligent search for the bullet, but has not succeeded in finding it.
