The Weekly News and Visitors' Chronicle for Colwyn Bay Colwyn Llandrillo Conway Deganwy and Neighbourhood

COLWYN BAY. COLWYN BAY AND ABERGELE PETTY SESSIONS. COLWYN BAY, SATURDAY. MARCH 14TH.- Before the Rev W. Venables-Williams (chairman); T. G. Osborn, Esq John Lewis, Esq and County-Alderman Thomas Parry. In the case in which Matilda Dossett applied, under the Matrimonial Clauses Act, 1895, for a separation from her husband, William Thomas Dossett, the Bench granted an order, with 6s per week maintenance, the defendant to pay all costs. The license of the Cambrian Hotel, Pensarn, Abergele, was tranferred from Mr F. Ashby to Mr Knight. Isaac Hughes, Caeau Farm, Colwyn Bay, was fined 10s and costs for furious driving. Daniel Davies, Bryn Llwyni, Colwyn Bay, was fined 20s and costs for not reporting swine fever. David Jones (Llangerniew) was fined 5s and costs for obstructing the highway at Colwyn Bay with a cart.—For a similar offence, Robert Griffiths, milk-dealer, was fined 10s and costs. FOOTPATH OR NO FOOTPATH, THAT WAS THE QUESTION ? W. H. Roberts, chemist, Colwyn Bay, was charged, by Inspector Robinson (of Abergele), with riding a bicycle on the footpath of the Aber- gele and Llanddulas Road.—Inspector Robinson proved the case.—The defendant said that he was under the impression that a footpath should be kerbed and channelled. Where he rode was not kerbed or channelled. He thought that it was only mud brushed on one side. [Laughter]. —Inspector Robinson said that it was a well- defined footpath.—The defendant said that the roads were very bad, and he thought he was within his rights. Of course, if it was a footpath, he was guilty.-The Chairman Guilty in quali- fication. [Laughter], You are guilty of being found out. [More laughter]. Excuse me, because the great crime of the present day is being tound out. [Renewed laughter). The defendant said that he did not agree with that, but he really did believe that he was quite within his rights in riding where he did, as it was not kerbed or channelled. —After some consultation with his colleagues, the Chairman said,-The Bench are sorry to say they find you, Mr Roberts, guilty of the technical offence of riding on the footpath. We must put a stop to that, and we fine you he large sum of sixpence without costs. [Laughter]. Of course, that is simply as a warning to other cyclists. A SCENE. William Roberts (Llysfaen), Edward Williams, Robert Jones, William Price, and Hugh Jones (all of Penrhynside), were summoned for being drunk at the Ship Hotel, Llandrillo, on March 5th, and the landlord, Robert Jones, was charged under five informations with permitting drunkenness.— Mr Alun Lloyd defended in all the cases.— Sergeant Jones deposed to seeing the men drunk at the Ship, and that the landlady admitted they were drunk, but said she did not notice it until they had been served.—The case against Roberts having been heard, the Justices retired to consult, and, after they had been absent about fifteen minutes, what sounded like an angry discussion was heard proceeding from the Justices' Room. Once or twice the Chairman partially opened the door, entered the Court, and looking back at his brother Justices, exclaimed "I have the courage of my convictions, and I won't Stand it. Justice must be done." The sound of voices from inside the retiring-room was heard inviting the Chairman to return, which he eventually did, with Mr O. George (the Clerk). Further deliberations took place, and after about ten minutes the Justices all returned to the Court.The Chairman announced that the case was dismissed, and he ventured to say that he had never been so insulted in his life as he had that day in the retiring-room. One of the Justices had told him to his face that he was inclined to favour public-houses, which was a most monstrous allegation to make.—Mr Alun Lloyd said that he had practised before the Chair- man for many years, and had the fullest con- fidence in his decisions. He could testify that the Chairman had no fads.—Mr Amphlett rose and concurred in what Mr Alun Lloyd had said.-The Chairman then withdrew.—Mr T. G. Osborn took the chair, whereupon Mr Lloyd said that he had been so much moved by the excitement that he felt that he could not properly defend the other clients that day. He respectfully suggested that the cases be adjourned.—Mr Osborn said that it was very much to be regretted that the Chairman had made public property of what was a private discussion. He quite agreed that the cases should be adjourned.—It was understood that they would be heard on April 4th. COLWYN BAY PETTY SESSIONS. Headed as above, the subjoined letter was sent to The Liverpool Mercury Sir,—I observe that in your report of a case heard before me and other magistrates on Saturday last, Mr T. G. Osborne, who took the chair after I had left the court, said it was very much to be regretted that the Chairman had made public property what was a private discussion." To this I emphatically demur. In the private room I told my brother Justices that, after what had been said, I would go into Court and openly make known the insult I had been subjected to. I was implored not to do so, as perhaps Mr Parry would withdraw what he had said. Mr Parry was silent. All this is confirmed by what I was overheard from the Court to say, I have the courage of my convictions and I won't stand it justice must be done." The facts are briefly these :—When we retired to consider our judg- ment in the case of William Roberts as to whether he was drunk on licensed premises or not, having ert the Junior Magistrate (Mr Parry) accord- ing to the usual custom For or against a con- viction," to which he at once replied For," I passed on to the others, when there was a divided Court, and in such cases I adopt the judgment of L. J. Coleridge and J. Manisty in Regina v. Ash- plant, that, when justices are divided in opinion, the proper course is to dismiss the summons. However I gave it firmly as my opinion that no conviction could be upheld in any Court of Appeal, on the evidence adduced before us that day, when the junior magistrate (Mr Parry) had the temerity (not to say want of propriety) to say You always hold that opinion where a public-house is concerned." I considered that an unwarrantable assertion. I went into Court and

jar R. E. JONES & BROS., 8, Station Road, Colwyn Bay, Rose Hill Street, Conway.

The Colwyn Bay Sensation. FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS. ANOTHER CHARGE OF BIGAMY. THE BENCH AND THE NAME OF A WITNESS. A REMARKABLE INCIDENT. The hearing of the charges against David James Morgan, alias Captain Foster, was resumed yesterday at the Bangor Police Court before Messrs Charles Pierce, J. E. Roberts and W. Pugh. Mr S. R. Dew prosecuted on behalf of the police, Mr H. Rowland defended, and Mr James Porter watched the case on behalf of Miss Sadlier's guardians. There was a crowded attendance. Miss Sadlier was again in attend- ance, as was the prisoner's sister. The prisoner himself was not on this occasion allowed to sit with Miss Sadlier, and had to occupy the prisoners' dock, where he was accommodated with a seat. Mr Dew said that since the last remand the police had discovered that on the 18th of October, 1890, prisoner was married at the Registrar's Office, Dublin, to Mary Teresa Ashmore, of 10, Burling- ton-row, and there would, therefore, be against him a further charge of bigamy. There would also be a charge of felony against him under 24 and 25 Victoria, chap. 98, section 36. It was, in fact, forgery, and had reference to the proceed- ings of the prisoner in connexion with his marriage to Miss Sadlier at Bangor. There would be called a witness who did not wish her name to be men- tioned, who would give evidence of her connexion with prisoner. She would state that she met the prisoner in 1879, and the prosecution alleged that the prisoner married in 1878 a widow of the name of Marsh, who lived at West Gorton, Manchester. About a year after prisoner promised marriage to this young woman, and took her away to Burton for the purpose of marrying her. Mr Rowland objected, but Mr Dew held that he was entitled to produce the evidence with a view of proving that the prisoner knew that his first wife was living when the subsequent mar- riages were contracted. The Bench ruled the evidence admissible, and having outlined the remainder of the evidence, Mr Dew proposed to call his first witness, and get her to tell them how she came to be misled by the prisoner. Mr Rowland objected. The only thing this young lady could say which was relevant, was as to any statement made by Morgan with a view to inducing her to become his wife. Mr Dew This is relevant, that the prisoner did not marry her because he knew his first wife was still living, and lived too close to him to make a second marriage safe. Mr Dew then called the witness, and again expressed a wish that her name should not be mentioned. Mr Rowland objected, and pointed out that the name had already been published in connection with the previous hearing. Mr Dew Well, I only made the request at the wish of the witness. After consulting with the Clerk, the Chairman said, the Bench would like the name of the wit- ness written on a piece of paper and handed up to them, and if Mr Rowland wished confidentially he should know it. Mr Rowland Oh, I must have it. The only question is that I think the name should be pub- lished. The Chairman (emphatically) And we say no. Mr Rowland Very well, sir, I accept your ruling. Only that I think it is a little unfair to the prisoner. Mr Dew Oh, the prisoner knows her well enough. It is no unfairness to him. [Laughter.]. A good-looking woman was then called, and entered the box, where she was accommodated with a chair. In reply to Mr Dew, the witness said In 1879 I lived at Radcliffe, near Manches- ter, about nine miles from West Gorton. During the year I became acquainted with the prisoner while I was living at Gorton. I had a brother, who was married to his sister, and that was how I became acquainted with him. The prisoner in the course of that year proposed marriage to me. I became engaged to him, and went with him to Buxton for the purpose of being married to him. I did not know at the time that he was a married man. The Prisoner (excitedly) Oh, you perjurer. From the very hour she knew me, Your Worships, she knew. The Chairman You must be quiet. Don't get excited. Mr Dew I suppose he admits by that that he was married. Proceeding, the witness said that she was not married to the prisoner, because he told her that she must get all her money before he married her. The prisoner told her that his wife had died in a chair from drinking brandy. Mr Dew Were you entitled to money. The Witness; Of course. He has gone through a thousand pounds of mine. [Sensation.]. We remained at Buxton for a fortnight, and then spent a week at Blackpool, and then retuned to Radcliffe. About two years ago, the prisoner told me that he went to the Old Nelson public- house, Manchester, and he told me that it was kept by Robert Marsh, who was a son of his first wife. Subsequently I told the prisoner that I had heard that his first wife was living. He said that she was not. That was before she saw Marsh. I asked him why, if she was dead, we did not get married. He replied, You have not got all your money." I lived with the prisoner for about fifteen years. We had lived during that period at Radcliffe, Salford, Preston and Ireland (Bel- fast), and then returned to Liverpool, then to Oldham. I left him there after the conversation already reported. Cross-examined, the witness said, I first knew the prisoner in 1879, and thought that he was a widower. I found out afterwards that there was a doubt as to whether the first wife was alive or not. He said he would not marry me till I had got all my money. [Laughter]. You lived with him fifteen years, and it was only during the last two years you talked of his first wife ?—Oh, no, I had frequently spoken about her. I kept asking him why we did not get mar- ried at Buxton. The prisoner said they could not get married then she must wait a bit, and he must get all her money first. Subsequently she told the prisoner that his first wife was then living at Gorton. She still, however, continued to live with the prisoner, not knowing what to believe. She had two children by the prisoner. Robert Marsh, licensee of the Old Nelson public-house, Chapel-street, Salford, identified the prisoner. He first knew him sixteen or seventeen years ago. Mr Dew Did he marry your mother ? Mr Rowland objected. Mr Dew said that they had a copy of the certifi- cate, which had been put in. MrDew (to the witness) Did this man, David James Morgan, live with your mother as her hus- band ?-He did, sir, I was not present at any marriage between them, I was not in England at the time, but when I returned I was told that David James Morgan was my father, and (emphati- cally) he was living under my mother's roof as her husband. [Applause in Court, at once suppressed.] The prisoner subsequently came to the witness's house and asked about the witness's mother, and asked whether she was still living in Gorton. The witness replied that she was, and that she was still in the same circumstances as she was when the prisoner left her. The prisoner pro- duced papers purporting to show that he had come into large property, and was now in a position and prepared to undo what he had done, and put the family right. He told the witness that he could have a place—an hotel,— under him (the prisoner) in London. The witness's mother was still living. Cross-examined, the witness said, I do not think my mother cared much about his whereabouts. She had had quite enough of him. [Laughter]. Mr Dew That is all the evidence I shall call to-day with respect to the charge of bigamy, and I shall ask you to remand the prisoner till the next ordinary Petty Sessions, when I shall pro- duce witnesses who will identify the prisoner as the person who married Sarah Ann Marsh. Pro- ceeding, Mr Dew said that he would now go on with the charge of false declaration. John Williams, employed by a Bangor coal- merchant, identified the prisoner as a man who had spoken to him some three months ago. The prisoner invited him and anothermantohavea drink with him at the Castle Hotel. The prisoner, after- wards, after asking him whether he was a married man or kept lodgers, asked the witness to do him a kindness,—namely, to sign a piece of paper that he (the prisoner) had lived with him (the witness) for five or six weeks. He refused, saying, Do you want to get me into trouble? Oh, no," said the prisoner, it's only a matter of form," and then laughed. The prisoner followed him, and again asked him to sign, but he again refused and ran away, and he never saw him again. [Laughter]. William Roberts gave corroborative evidence. Police-Superintendent Harris said that he attended on the 5th of March on the Rev. Mr Green, curate of St. Mark's Church, West Gorton. He went with the reverend gentleman to the Church, and saw him produce the marriage certificate book from the safe. The witness gave the Curate the dates of the certificates required, and the clergyman turned to the place and the witness saw the original of a marriage certificate now once more produced—(the document referred to was put in as a copy of a certificate of maraiage between Sarah Ann Marsh and the prisoner). Mr Robert Marsh was also called to give evi- dence in this case, and said that he was the son of Sarah Ann Marsh, who lived at 4, School-street, West Gorton. He knew t lie prisoner, who had lived with his mother as her husband some fifteen or sixteen years ago. His mother was still living. That was as far as Mr Dew proposed to carry this case, and he asked for a remand on the evi- dence. He then proceeded with the charge of felony. This charge was advanced under 24 and 25 Victoria, chap. 98, section 36. The Rev W. Edwards, senior vicar of Bangor, produced the register of marriages, which con- tained the entry of the prisoner's marriage with Miss Sadlier at the BangorCathedral on November 23, 1895, and repeated the evidence he had given at the first hearing, and read the certificate, in which the prisoner described himself as gentle- man," at which the crowded Court laughed. After asking for a remand in this case, Mr Dew proceeded to what he called a fourth charge against the prisoner, which, he added, WclS a charge of bigamy. [Sensation]. The Bench had jurisdiction, though the alleged bigamy was cOIn. mitted in Dublin. The charge was that the prisoner did feloniously marry, knowing his wife was alive, Mary Teresa Ashmore. It would appear that, during the interval of the time the prisoner was living with the witness who had been called that day, he resided during a part of the summer and autumn of 1890 with his sister, Mrs Griffiths, at Colwyn Bay, and it happened that there lodged at her house at that time a family who had with them, apparently as a lady's maid, a young woman named Mary Teresa Ashmore. The prisoner, notwithstanding that his wife was alive, courted this woman (Ashmore). He became engaged to her, and went over to Dublin, after she had left with the family, and was married to her on October 18th, 1890. For a time he lived with her, and then left her to her fate. What had become of her since, they were not able to sayC nor could they to-day produce her, but if they would remand the prisoner till the next ordinary Petty Sessions, he (Mr Dew) hoped to be able to produce Mary Teresa Ashmore in Court. [Sensa. tion]. Superintendent Harris then produced a copy of a certificate of marriage between David James Morgan, described 011 the document as publican and horse-dealer [Laughter], and Mary Teresa Ashmore. Sergeant John Breese, stationed at Bangor; was next called, and examined by Mr Dew. Did you to-day charge the prisoner with committing bigamy in marrying Mary Teresa Ashmore ? I did. You gave him dates and particulars ? I did. Did he say anything? He replied to the charge, When I married her I left her in about three hours. [Laughter]. I left her chaste. [Laughter]. I had my reason for leaving her." That was the whole of Mr Dew's case for thei day, and he asked for a remand on each of the cases till next Tuesday. Mr Huw Rowland said that he could not object, but he would express the hope that the prosecution would be ready to complete their case at the next hearing, as the matter was be- coming vety expensive for his client.

CONWAY. Parish Church (Sunday Services): 8.0 a.m. Celebration of the Holy Communion. 9.45 a.m. Welsh service. 11.15 a.m. English service. 6.0 p.m. Welsh service. 10.30 a.m. daily, Matins. St. Agnes: 6.0 p.m. English service. Wesleyan Methodist Chapel.-(English Services).— Next Sunday: Morning 11.0, evening 6.30, Mr J. Marshall. A GOOD PLACE FOR BOOTS.-For the best and cheapest of all classes of Boots and Shoes go to Joseph Jones, Berry Street, Conway. Best Shop for repairing. adv. IOq- EGLWYSRHOS PARISH.—Mr D. J. Davies, B.A. (St Catherine's College, Cambridge), of the Bangor Diocesan Divinity School, has been selec- ted to be the Second Curate of Eglwysrhos, and is a candidate for ordination next Trinity by the Bishop of St Asaph.—A more than ordinarily attractive parochial tea and sale-of-work is to be held at Deganwy on Easter-Thursday afternoon (April 9th), and will be succeeded by an ovation rendered by the three Church Choirs (Deganwy, Craigydon, and Llanrhos), amalgamated for the occasion. For further particulars see our adver- tising columns. MAJOR THOROLD (LATE ADJUTANT 2ND V. B. R., W.F.).-Those members of the 2nd V.B. Royal Welsh Fusiliers who can recall to mind not only the suave courtesy coupled with practical efficiency invariably displayed by their ex-Adjutant (Major Thorold) but also the regret sincerely expressed at an Officers' dinner at the Castle Hotel (Conway) on the occasion of Major Thorold's departure to rejoin his Ragiment, on which occasion it will be remembered a testimonial was presented to Mrs Thorold, will have been gratified upon hearing the pleasing intelligence contained in the following "Military Note" in The Globe: 11 Major C.C. Hayford Thorold, who gets the command of the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, is a Lincoln- shire man, son of the late Sir John Hayford Thorold, Bart. He was born 43 years ago, and before entering the 23rd Fusiliers had served in the South Lincoln and 5th Lancashire Militia. He has had twenty-four years' Army service, and has been Instructor of Musketry and Adjutant of the 23rd, and an Adjutant of Volunteers." SCIENCE AND ART.—At the recent drawing examination held at the Conway Boys' School, Miss Maude Kent, a pupil-teacher at the Girls' School, sat for examination in freehand, and was successful in obtaining a second class certificate (Second Grade). She was instructed by Miss Wheeler, the head mistress. CONWAY HORSE SHOW COMMITTEE.—At the Conway Horse Show General Committee's meet- ing, at the Guild Hall, on Friday afternoon, March 13th, the Vice-President (Mr W. F. Jones) in the chair, the proceedings of the Executive Committee were confirmed, and it was decided to leave to the Secretary (Councillor Tosdevine) the selection of the place for the judges' dinner. TRINITY COLLEGE EXAMINATION.—We are glad to find the name of Miss Sarah E. Edwards (Stanley House. Conway), in the list of candidates successful in passing in the Pianoforte Theory (Junior Division) Examination of Trinity College, London. We may note that Miss S. E. Edwards is well-known locally on the concert platform, and has gained several medals and prizes at Eistedd- fodau. She is a pupil of Mr S. M. Jones, of Pen- maenmawr. DRINKING FOUNTAINS. -The followingappeared among the Special Welsh Notes" of The Liver- pool Mercury, dated March 13th, 1896: There is in existence a Prince Llewelyn memorial, and it has been erected at Conway through the liberality of Mr Albert Wood, at one time Mayor of that ancient borough. It is supposed to be a drinking fountain for man, woman, and beast, but as yet the water has not been turned on. The Borough Engineer, who is also in charge of the Cowlyd water scheme, one of the biggest yet seen in North Wales—blames the architects for the delay. However, there is a promise that the water shall be turned on before the close of this week. Public memorials of this character suffer somewhat in the Conway and Llandudno district. In Mostyn-street at Llandudno may be seen an obelisk, evidently a costly one, designed for a double purpose-lo serve as a drinking-fountain and to be the memorial to a lady who had pro- longed her life by residing at Llandudno. The Town Commissioners declined to be at the expense of connecting the water supply. The relatives of the deceased lady disavowed any responsibility, and the Mostyn-street fountain continues dry, a warning that good intents should not be writ in water never to be supplied." CONWAY LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY. —A number of the Society's memhers and other influential townspeople congregated at the Guild Hall, Conway, on Tuesday evening, March 10th, to hear the Vicar (Rev J. P. Lewis, M.A.) give his Chit-chat Reminiscenes of Travel in Switzer- land," illustrated by limelight views ably displayed by Mr Charles Farrington. The Vicar was briefly introduced by Vice-President J. Roger Dawson, who occupied the chair pending the termination of the unavoidable temporary absence (through an unforeseen business engagement) of the President (Mr T. B. Farrington, C.E.). The Vicar explained that the trip was taken last September, under arrangements made with the Grindelwald Reunion Tourist Agency, the route being via Cologne, and the objective point Grindelwald, many of the localities of scenic or historic interest being visited ell route, including the lovely town and lake of Lucerne, the Castle of Chillon (on Lake Geneva), Lake Thurn, Berne, Zermatt, and Interlaken. Quaint village scenes, rushing torrents on the hillside, and beautiful scenery of all descriptions were portrayed by slides shown through the magic-lantern. Around Grindelwald itself, the mountain scenery became magnificently wild, and views of glaciers sur- rounding the Jungfrau, the Wetterliorn, and the Matterhorn, were projected on to the screen, as well as a scene of thrilling interest and imminent danger on the Foulhorn. Other notable peaks were to be observed in the distance in several of the pictures, and throughout the display the Vicar was recounting -in pleasant and characteristic style his experiences during a too-brief season of travel full of variety and incident.—The President expressed the thanks of the audience to the Vicar. who briefly responded. Afterwards, most of the members present remained, at the invitation of the President, who put plainly before them the very critical state of affairs caused by sparse attendances at the ordinary meetings of the Society, and expressed a personal desire that as many members as possible would attend at the Guild Hall, at eight o'clock on Friday evening, March 20th, when, precedent to a debate (on "Should Cyclists be Taxed ?"), the causes con- tributing to the increasing laxness in attendance would be discussed, with a view to either remedy- ing the same, or declaring the Society's work to have been accomplished (and the Society at an end). At that meeting, he hoped that all the members would speak openly their individual opinions.-The Society unanimously resolved to cordially adopt the observations made by the President, on the motion of Vice-President J. Roger Dawson, seconded by Vice-President J. P. Griffiths. CONWAY BOARD OF GUARDIANS. At the Conway Board of Guardians' meeting on Friday, March 6th, the Chairman (Rev W. Venables-Williams) presided, and there were also present the Vice-Chairman (Mr John Davies), Alderman Hugh Hughes, the Rev David Davies, County Councillors John Roberts, and Hugh Owen, and Messrs J. Allanson Picton, Hugh Caraher, J. E. Fincham, Edward Williams, Richard Jones, Henry Williams, G. O. Jones, W. F. Jones, Robert Evans, Thomas Roberts, and Owen Williams, and the Clerk (Mr T. E. Parry). THE HOUSE. The Master reported 107 inmates as against 117 in the corresponding period last year; 30 vagrants had been relieved during the month. Mrs Goode and other ladies had visited the house, with Captain Griffith, of the Church Army, the latter delivering an address. Mrs Goode had given each of the officers a handsome book.—Two women inmates had quarrelled. It ended in a "free fight," during which one of the women was much disfigured. "-Tliev were "carpeted" and cross-examined by the Chairman, who severely reprimanded them, and cautioned them, should anything of the kind occur soon again, they would be prosecuted. THE HOME TEACHING SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND. This Society's annual report was read from Miss Young (Bangor), who applied for the annual subscription from the Board. On the motion of Mr. Picton, seconded by Mr R. Evans, the subscription was voted. THE CENTRAL POOR-LAW CONFERENCE. Mr Picton gave an account of his visit as a delegate to the recent Poor-Law Conference, and said that Sir John Hibbert (who presided) had directed attention to what he considered the prevailing laxity in the administration of outdoor relief, and instituted a comparison between the different Unions, showing the relation of outdoor to indoor relief. He (Mr Picton) had a table which showed that nineteen Unions in North Wales gave more relief than any other Union in the country. In the North Wales Unions, it appeared the outdoor paupers were ten times as many as the indoor paupers. Councillor John Roberts said that this was an old tale, and the English people did not under- stand the way paupers were dealt with in Wales, where they did not force their people into the Workhouse. As a result, they very seldom saw a Welsh tramp. The Chairman That never occurcd to me. Is it a fact that Welsh tramps are very few ? Councillor J. Roberts Yes. Councillor Hugh Owen I have known it all my life. The Board agreed that a copy of the Con- ference's report should be obtained for each member. ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE. The Clerk submitted the estimated expenditure for the year ending Lady Day 1897. The estimate for all purposes, including £ 4000 county rate, was jQ12,023 which would require a rate of gd in the L. The rateable value was ^,188,038, a £600 increase in the twelve months. On Councillor J. Roberts's motion, this rate was made. A PROFESSIONAL VALUER. The Assessment Committee applied for the assistance of a professional valuer. Councillor John Roberts mcoved that the applica- tion be granted. He argued that, in view of the recent appeal proceedings at Colwyn Bay, the Assessment Committee uught to have the assistance of a valuer. Mr Caraher seconded, and it was carried. THE DINING-HALL. Three tenders were received for making altera- tion in the hall. That of Mr J. Jones (Conway), Lg as, was accepted. A FATAL ACCIDENT AT TALYCAFN FERRY. On Monday afternoon, March 16th, a very serious accident happened at Talycafn Ferry, on the River Conway. The ferry is the site of an old Roman station, and it is claimed to have been constantly used during a period of 2000 years. There is considerable traffic over the ferry between the counties of Denbigh and Carnarvon. and just now a Company is engaged in the con- struction of a stone bridge over the river to take the place of the boat-ferry. On Monday after- noon, about Kalf-past two, a party of six men were in the small ferry-boat crossing the river. The river was in full flood from the recent heavy rains. The wind was blowing a gale straight down the river, and the tide was running out like a mill-race. As a result, the boat drifted swiftly down the stream, and, in order to stay its progress, some of the occupants clutched at a rope that was close by, with the intention of pulling the boat back into the course, but the movement was fatal, for in a moment the little boat was gunwale under, and the next moment its occupants were struggling in the flood. Mr Charles Farrington, son of the Engineer of the Cowlyd Water Scheme, clung to a pile stuck in the river. Others clung to the rope, and all were ultimately saved with the exception of a man of about sixty years of age, known as Davydd Eglwysbach or Dafydd lalen Fedw," an itinerant vendor of birchrods, who got entangled in the boat gear, and was held under water till he was drowned. The ferryman himself was in an unconscious state when rescued, and remained for two hours, but persistent attention by Dr. Williams, of Conway, medical assistance having been summon- ed by telegraph, at last brought him round, and he is now as well as can be expected. The Liverpool Mercury reports that Dr. Caithness on Wednesday held an inquest on the body of David Jones, a hawker, who was drowned by the upsetting of the ferry-boat at Talycafn on Monday afternoon. A verdict of "Accidentally drowned" was returned. Conway Town Council. At the Conway Town Council's monthly meeting called for 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday, March nth, at the Guild Hall, Conway, the Mayor (Councillor Humphrey Lewis) presided. The Council is constituted as follows, those present being indicated by an asterisk, the time of arrival being shown within brackets following each asterisked name :— THE MAYOR: [Councillor Humphrey Lewis.] ALDERMEN (4): *Hugh Hughes (2.31). Hugh Jones. #William Hughes (2.35). *H. Lloyd-Mostyn (2.29). COUNCILLORS (12): *R. A. Prichard (2.34). *A. W. Jones (2.2;)). *J. W. Tosdevine (2 29). *Uwen Jones (2.37). C. J. Wallace. *Jolin Hughes (2 29). *Hugh Jones (2 41). *M. J. Morgan (2.35). *John Williams (2 31). *Humphrey Lewis (2.33). *Edward Roberts (2 29). *A. Netherwood (2 29). OFFICIALS Town Clerk: *Mr T. E. Parry (2.29). Borough Surveyor,$c.: *Mr T. B. Farrington, C.E. (2.33). Collector: *Mr T. M. Jones. THE HARBOUR MASTER'S REPORT. The Harbour Master reported that, during January, he had collected £ 1 I is. 8d. Perch Dues. and £ 3 8s. 8d. Quay Dues. THE MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. The Medical Officer's report was presented in the Sanitary Committee's minutes, and its recom- mendations were ordered to be carried out. PROPOSED ADDITIONAL LAMPS. A special Sub-Committee having reported sundry recommendations as to additional lamps, the report was referred to the Sanitary Committee, on the motion of Councillor Dr M. J. Morgan, seconded by Councillor Tosdevine. THE GAS AND WATER CONTRACT. Councillor Roberts called attention to the financial matters of the above-named contract having been paid otherwise than through the Finance Committee's recommendations, and asked the Borough Surveyor a series of questions directed to elucidating this point, but was eventu- ally ruled out of order. Thereupon, Councillor Roberts gave notice of motion to have presented to the Council a special report showing dates, methods, amounts, etc., of all payments under this contract, and in this he received the support of Alderman Hugh Hughes. FINANCE STATISTICS. The Finance Committee's minutes of February 25th, stated that the Rate-Collector had collected L'058 13s. iod., leaving L1624 17s. id., and that, by the Treasurer's book. it appeared that there was balance due to him of L4295 6s. iod. The Finance Committee recommended for pay- ment sundry accounts totalling 6408 2s. A BREEZE. A scene arose upon a recommendation, by the Finance Committee, that legal proceedings be taken to recover the Z 13 9s. i i d. arrears on the Ty Mawr Road account, it appearing that the only person who had not yet paid being Councillor Williams. Alderman Hugh Hughes moved, and Councillor Dr Morgan seconded, that the legal proceedings be stayed until the Town Clerk had furnished a detailed statement of cost, the seconder animadverting on the petty jealousies" displayed by some memhers of the Council. This caused discussion, in the course of which atten- tion was called to councillor Dr Morgan's observation. Alderman Hugh Hughes, rising, was called to order as having already exhausted his right to speak, but disregarded the ruling of the Mayor, who threatened to leave the chair. A wordy warfare thereupon ensued between Alder- man H. Hughes and the Mayor, acrimonious observations being made amid cries of Order, Order." Upon Alderman Hugh Hughes mo- mentarily resuming his seat, it was moved and seconded that Councillor Dr Morgan be asked to withdraw his remark. This he did, and Councillor Dr Pnchard afterwards expressed a hope that Councillor Williams would pay the amount due from him, and he (Councillor Dr Prichard) would support him in getting a refund should he prove to have been overcharged. Eventually, after further discussion, Councillor Williams consented to Councillor Prichard's suggestion, upon the Town Clerk adding that he would gladly furnish to each member of the Council the detailed statement desired. SAND FROM THE MORFA. The Council confirmed the Finance Committee's unanimous recommendation that no person be allowed to take any sand from off the Morfa. TY MAWR. The Council also confirmed the Finance Com- mittee's report upon the Ty Mawr building estate. The Committee resolve-I unanimously not to entertain the claim of Mr William Williams, r (of Jubilee Street, Llandudno) to a part of Ty Mawr, inasmuch as the claim should have been made and substantiated in Court, when the action for the recovery of the possession of the property was instituted by the Corporation. A letter was read from the Local Government Board, com- plying with the Town's application for sanction to the sale of Ty Mawr freeholds. THE MORFA BUILDING FACILITIES. Councillor Roberts gave notice of motion to request a town's-meeting upon questions con- nected with facilities for building upon the Morfa. THE RAILWAY ALTERATIONS AT THE JUNCTION. The Council's deputation (The Mayor. Town Clerk, and Borough Surveyor) reported upon their conference with the L. & N. W. Company's officials relative to the Company's proposed alterations at Llandudno Junction. The deputaj tion reported very favorably, and were now thanked by the Council for their very successful efforts, on the motion of Councillor Dr Morgan. From amended plans now approved by the Council, and from the deputation's report, it appeared that the Company now propose modify- ing the diversion of highroad so as to join the existing Colwyn Bay road in front of the first house to the eastward after passing the Old Ferry, instead of joining the existing road at Penybont and that the Station entrance is to be not farther than about 470 lineal yards eastward from the present entrance. The modification of the diversion of highway, will render unnecessary the purchase of the houses to the eastward of the Old Ferry.

Comerponbence; [In no case are we responsible for the opinions expressed in this column. J To the Editor oJ" The Weekly News." CONWAY AND LLANDUDNO COUNTY COURT. A DEBTOR FROM COLWYN BAY. SIR,-Re the report of above case in your issue of the 13th, it having come to my knowledge that my name has been confused with that of George Ross (the defendant in the case mentioned), I desire with your permission to say that I, H. H. Ross, of Pilling and Ross, Abergele Road, and Woodside, Rhiw Road, am in no way related to or connected with the said George Ross. As this rumour is calculated to do me serious harm in my business, unless it is contradicted, I trust vou will kindly find room for this letter in your next issue.—Yours truly, H. H. Ross. Woodside, March 15/96.

ru;i1Ci:.a.c.J P* 1- JIKUTiVb. pvifltgf it xnLm. -.>■ uy_.j jj r.ir-ery c •1 "■ p.v/x ti. oou -> •- :•> ..j rU'.XitTale pr,:o. .Qäi& R. E. JONES & BROS., ,L '¡:" [8, Station Road, Colwyn Bay, Rose Hill Street, Conway. Printed and Published by R. E. Jones & Brothers, at their Printing Works, 3, Rose Hill Street, Conway, and Published at the Central Library, Colwyn Bay.

stated openly what had taken place, repudiating and resenting with indignation the foul charge. Having had some 30 years experience as a magistrate in two Counties, and not having had a single decision I ever gave during those years appealed against, I feel I have a record to main- tain. I can quite understand that with mere birds of passage-here to-day and gone to- morrow-it is immaterial whether the laws of evidence are observed or not, when prejudice warps the judgment without any reference to the probability of the conviction being quashed, there being no magisterial reputation either retro- spective or prospective.—Yours faithfully, W. VENABLES WILLIAMS, The Vicarage, Colwyn Bay, March 17 th, 1896. COLWYN BAY AND COLWYN DISTRICT COUNCIL NOMINATIONS. COLWYN WARD (one seat): *Hugh Davies, elected unopposed. COLWYN BAY WARD (three seats): John Berth-Jones, builder. *John Blud, fruiterer. *William Davies, builder. *Hugh Hughes, retired grocer. Charles Jeffries, genleman. Thomas Jones, builder. Alfred Osten Walker, gentleman. James Wood, schoolmaster. *Signifies a retiring member seeking re-election. The polling takes place on Monday March 30th. Down to 1.30 p.m. yesterday (Thursday) after- noon no candidate had lodged a withdrawal, the last day for which is to-day (Friday).

Mr Dew said that the police were doing their best to complete their evidence, and hope to do so next Tuesday. Mr Rowland then said that he should ask the Bench to reconsider its decision on the question of bail and whether they would now allow bail and, if so, how much. The Chairman (gravely): Oh. no, we can't. A pause then ensued, during which the prisoner was seen beckoning to one of his little boys, a bright little fellow about ten years of age, whom his mother, the witness whose name was not divulged, had brought with her. The boy went slowly up to the prisoner, who, with tears in his eyes, put his arms round the child's neck and folded him in a close embrace, which did not re- lax for a considerable time. A portion of the crowd was considerably affected by this scene, while others laughed. The witnesses were then sworn to appear at the next hearing, and the prisoner was remanded till next Tuesday, bail being refused.