Rhyl Journal

RHYL POLICE COURT. SATURDAY.—Before Mr W Elwy Williams, (in the chair), Mr T Morgan Owen, and Mr J H Ellis. Serious Charge Against a Licensee. Henry Charlton, licensee of the Swan Inn, Russell-road, was brought up in custody charged with being drunk on licensed premises, and with insulting P.O. Tromans in the execu- tion of his duty. Mr R Bromley appeared for the prosecution, and Mr F J Gamlin for the defence. It was decided to first deal with the charge of drunkenness. In addressing the court, Mr Bromley said that no doubt it would be contended that a licensee could not be convicted of drunkenness on his own premises, but he maintained that in a case of this sort, that as the defendant was drunk during licensed hours, it was the duty of the Bench to convict. P.C. Tromans said that he resided at No 5 Russell-road, and while sitting at home at 4-45 the previous day he heard shouting and screaming. Defendant's daughter ran out of the Swan Inn screaming, and made a statement to him. Witness went to the Swan Inn and walked through to the back part of the premises. He found the defendant and his wife at the back part of the house. The place where he found the defendant was part of the licensed premises, and was enclosed, Defen- dant was very drunk he was mad drunk, and held his wife against the door frame, and struck her several times with his fist. Mrs Charlton was shouting and screaming, and seemed to be in a helpless condition. She looked sober, but exhausted. Defendant had his wife's hair twisted round his hand. Witness tried to persuade him to go into the house, and to leave his wife alone. He did all he oould to pacify the defendant, but the man replied by telling him to mind his own busi- ness. Defendant also used bad language. Wit- swore that the defendant was drunk. In cross-examination the witness said He kitew that there are several stages of drunken- nass. It was possible for a man to be slightly drunk or to be very drunk. He said that the defendant was more than slightly drunk, he was mad drunk he was very drunk. He had had to convey some men who were helplessly drunk to the station on a barrow or ambulance, but such men were always incapable. Defen- dant was not so bad as to be taken on a bar- row, he could walk to the police station with witness's aid. I handcuffed the defendant and held hold of his arm from the Swan Inn to the police station.. He was staggering about the street, but I could understand all he said. He was cursing and using bad language, and had not lost the use of his tongue. If he had done what I told him in the first place and had gone into the house I would not have locked him up, but I would have reported him to my superiors. I should have reported him for being drunk on licensed premises. I did not apprehend him because he was drunk, but because of another charge. By the Bench I did not take him to the police station on account of his drunken state. William Evans, carter, residing at Windsor Street, said that he was delivering flour to the bakehouse at Treforris on the previous day, when he saw the defendant and the constable struggling on the floor together. Defendant looked a bit boozed, he thought. He saw the defendant taken to the police station. He could not say whether the defendant was drunk or sober he was about 10 yards away from the defendant. Cross-examined by Mr Gamlin I have never had a struggle on the floor with a policeman, bdt no doubt if I had had one I should have looked a bit boozed. -(Laughter.) I could not say that the defendant was drunk. Mr Bromley observed that he had only been instructed in the case a few minutes before the court sat, and he had not had an opportunity of speaking with the witness before coming to court. Had he taken the witness's evidence: beforehand he would not have called him. P.S. Mac Walter said he saw the defendant brought to the police station by the constable. Defendant was drunk and said to witness" I ws well boozed during the afternoon." He also said that what the constable had stated was true. By the Bench P.C. Tromans made a state- ment to the following effect in the presence of the defendant I I I was in the house shortly before five o'clock when I heard shouting in the Swan Yard. The daughter of the Swan came running in and asked me to go to the Swan, as her father was beating her mother. I went there. and saw Charlton and his wife in the yard. He had his hand twisted in her hair, and was beating her with his tist. I tried to persuade him to stop and to go into the house. Defendant replied What the--have you got to do with it, clear out from here.' I said I had to do it with it, as he was beating his wife. With that defendant up with his fist and hit me on the side of the cheek, and I then defended myself against him. We went down, and defendant kicked me on the leg and arm. I had a terrible struggle with him." Defendant said he had had a tiff with his wife when he got there, and added I have been—■—well on the booze during the afternoon. I have not worked since two o'clock. I am sorry it happened. Mr Gamlin pointed out to the witness that he had altered his evidence in a material parti- cular. In the first place he had told the court that defendant had said that he was boozed during the afternoon, but at the close of his evi- dence he said that defendant had said that he had been on the booze during the afternoon. The witness replied that he would not swear to the exact words used by the defendant. Mr Gamlin A man can get on the booze without being boozed. Witness I think that is a matter of opinion, not of evidence. The Chairman It is a matter at degree not of opinion. In cross-examination, the witness said Defendant was brought to the police station at about a few minutes to 5 o'clock, but he was not charged at the police station that time. He was told by P.C. Tromans what he was brought there for, and he made a statement in the office before he was locked up. Mr Gamlin How long would it take a man in the condition you say he was to recover '} Witness If he had had a tussle he could get over it very soon, perhaps in an hour or an hour and a half. All the steam goes off after a tussle. Mr Gamlin You know what I am driving at. Witness Yes, quite well. Mr Gamlin Well, what is it ? Witness You are trying to make out that if he had been boozed he would not get over it so soon. Mr Gamlin You know very well that I saw him about 8 30. This closed the case for the prosecution, and Mr G amlin, in addressing the Bench, said he thought that he would be able to prove cleariy that the defendant was not drunk in the yard of his licensed premises. He desired in tlit- iii-st. place to point out what a charge of that sort meant to a man in the defendant's position as the licensee of premises It was not the case of an ordinary labourer who went about the town aud ut un thc booze, as the Pulice Sergeant called it. The defendant was a man who was entrusted with a licence from year to year by the Bench. What really happened seemed to be that the defendant had had a quarrel with his wife. He need not remind their worships that women did aggravate men on some occasions. But whatever the defendant did to his wife had nothing to do with the Court that day. The constable took upon himself the very unwise course of locking the man up, and had taken him through the streets handcuffed. Mr Bromley said he hoped that Mr Gamlin would not prejudice the case. and it should be clearly stated that the constable did not take the defendant handcuffed through the street for being clruul-, but because he had assaulted him. Mr Gamlin replie that the constable wanted to justify his cond it by bringing forward a I charge of druilkeni ss on licensed premises. He considered tha', ,che constable was going too far when he sarfd that the defendant was very drunk, and that he was mad drunk. He submitted that a man could not be very drunk if he could walk to the police station and enter into conversation as detailed by P. S. M'Walter. It was strange that the only witness the police constable could call was the Police Sergeant, and that to support a case of drunkenness on licensed premises. It was P.S. Mac Walter who told the court that the defendant said that he was "on the booze." No doubt the Bench had heard a man use the expression that he had been on the booze," but it did not signify that he was drunk. The witness Evans had supported the case of the defendant, and if Mr Bromley had had the opportunity of seeing that witness before the court lie would never have been called. C ndoubtedly the defendant was excited, and that view was supported by Evans. The only evidence for the prosecution was that of the constable, who was supported by P. S. MacWalter. He contended that the latter had extracted information from the defendant after getting him into a corner in the police station. That was the place where the evidence was got at. He proposed to call the defendant, and he asked the Bench to receive it with as much care as they had the evidence of the constable, and to place as much credence on it as they did upon the officer's statement. Defendant was called, and said that he had held a licence for ten years. He had never before been charged, and he had never been drunk in his life. He Avas" employed in tha stores at Rhyl belonging to Messrs Greenall, Whitley & Co., and had held that position of trust for four years. He was working all the previous morning and went home to dinner at about 2 o'clock. He had his dinner, and after that his wife and he had a little quarrel. He was about to return to his work to unharness his horse for the night when P.C. Tromans appeared on the scene. It was not true that he was drunk, as he was as sober at the time as he was in court. He did not tell P.S. MacWalter that he was on the booze that afternoon, but he may have said that he had had some booze, because he had had some that morning. He had had several glasses of beer that day, but he was not drunk. Cross-examined He could not say how much would make him boozed, as he had never tried. He was a moderate drinker, or he would not be in the situation he held. It was impossible that the drop of beer he had had' would make him boozed. A man might be on the booze and a little jolly or in a temper, but no one very drunk or mad drunk could do what he did. He went to wcrk at 7 o'cleck that day and returned home at about a quarter to two o'clock for dinner. The last drink he had was at the Sun Inn, where he had taken a load of ale. He had not had a drop of drink since one o'clock on Friday, but he felt that he would like one then.—(Laughter.)—He did not have a drop of beer in his own house. He might have said that he had had some booze in the morning, as he had had about ohree glasses of beer and one glass of whisky. He used the word booze at the police station. The constable said that he was drunk, and he replied that hejwas not drunk. He said" I am not drunk, but I know I have had some booze." He was returning to the stables between 4 and 5 o'clock to see whether there were any more orders, and if there were none he would have unharnessed his horse. Mrs Annie Charlton, wife of the defendant, said that her husband returned home at about 2 o'clock, and they had a few words. He was not drunk, but excited, when the officer called. Cross-examined She saw P.S. MacWalter at night at 8-:W, but she did not say that her husband was in drink when he returned home. P.S. MacWalter asked her what the bother had been about, and she said they had had a few words, and her husband was in a temper. P.S MacWalter also asked her if she had sent for a policeman, but she replied that she had not done so, and that as lie was off duty he had no business to go into the house. Her husband was very cross and excited. She asked if he could leave the lock-up,but P.S. MacWalter replied that he could not, adding that it would do him good it served him right. He also said On several occasions he has spoken to me in the street when he was sober, and I should liked to have locked him up many a time. as he has not spoken nice to me. P.S. MacWalter That is not true. In further cross-examination the witness denied that she said that the defendant was drunk. She did not send for P.C. Tromans. Her husband had hold of her hair, and she shouted to him to give over. She certainly did not tell her daughter to run for the police, and did not know that she had been until after the bother. Defendant did not have a drop of beer in her house that day. It was not because of her refusing to give defendant beer that they quarrelled. The dispute arose over business matters. By Mr Gamlin P.S MacWalter has been to my house twice to-day, and once last night. He asked me if I was going to make a charge against my husband, and I said "certainly not." Mrs Hoberts, l.'j Treforris, said that the defendant was not drunk, but excited. Cross-examined I told P.S. MacWalter that I had seen the two men struggling on the floor. But I had seen defendant before that, and he was quite sober. I saw him at 2 o'clock and he was quite sober, as I always have seen him. Nellie Charlton, daughter of the defendant, said she went for the police because her father and mother were together. She had seen her father come home to dinner, and he was not drunk he was not staggering. He did not have any drink while she was in the house. Cross-examined I cannot say whether he had anything to drink after I left. I heard screams from my mother and went for the police, as I was afraid for my mother's safety. P.S. MacWalter was called to rebut the evi- dence given by Mrs Carlton. He said he saw her at about 5-O, and she then said her hus- band came home at about 2 o'clock, and she noticed that he was drunk. He had a sleep, awoke very cantankerous, and commenced to abuse her in the yard. She was afraid and frightened of him, and the girl went for a policeman. In cross-examination witness said that he had been twice to the premises that morning to warn the daughter to be present and also to see other people. Mrs Charlton followed him about. Mr Gamlin You wanted to make a good case out of it < Mr Bromley protested against such an observation. The Bench retired to consider the case, and on returning into court the Chairman said We have considered this case and there are several technicalities about it. I will not say anything further. We dismiss it without costs on either side. The defendant was then charged with as- saulting 1'. C. Tromans while in the execu- tion of his duty. Mr Bromley, in addressing the court, said that the police had the right to interfere between parties for the protection of fellow subjects. If the constable had not interfered in this case he would have been blamed for it. P.C. Tromans said he was about 30 yards away when he heard the screams and shouting for help. He could not say what were the exact words Mrs Charlton was using when he heard cries of distress. He told the defendant to let his wife alone, and to go into the house. Defendant told him to mind his own business, and squared up in a fighting attitude. Defen- dant struck him a blow on the shoulder. Mrs Charlton screamed and defendant again attemp- ted to strike her. Witness told him that if he did not stop lie would report him. After that he went out through the door, and defendant followed him, put up his fist and dealt w itiiess a blow un the side of the face. Witness told defendant that he could not stand that, and that he would have to take him to the police station. Defendant again showed fight, and they had a rough and tumble struggle, during which defendant kicked witness. He called to his wife to (five him the handcuffs, and he succeeded in securing the defendant. He did not have much difficulty in handcuffing defendant, as he gave way when he saw that it was of no use. At the police station defendant said We had a rough and tumble together, but the young one was the best." He went to the Swan Yard as a police constable. In cross-examination witness said that he went on duty on Friday at 10 o'clock, left for dinner at 12, returning at 1 o'clock, He re- mained on duty until 3 o'clock, and left to go home at that hour, having to return at 6 p.m. He was not in uniform when he went to the defendant's premises. Mrs Charlton did not tell witness to arrest her husband, and he did not arrest defendant until he assaulted witness. He did not push defendant out of the yard. Mrs Charlton did not ask him to eject defen- dant or to pull him away. He thought it was his duty to interfere. If he had not interfered with Charlton he would not have assaulted him (witness). By Mr Bromley I heard cries of distress, and I thought it my duty to help anyone in distress. The Magistrates' Clerk asked the constable to state definitely what duty he was doing when the defendant assaulted him, but the constable did not give a distinct answer, except to observe that a county constable was always on duty. While the magistrates were talking together over this point Mr Gamlin addressing P.S. MacWalter said: Now,MacWalter, stop that, you are coaching the constable. You have no right to interfere with a witness when he is in the hands of the court. It is a most improper thing to do, but it is the usnal way here. If you don't desist I shall ask the Bench to have you put out of court. P.S. MacWalter I was not coaching him. He asked me a question, and 1 was answering it. Mr Gamlin contended that the constable was not on duty at the time. The Chairman asked what was to be done in country places where there was only one constable if a person was in trouble and the policeman was not on duty. Mr Gamlin replied that it was the duty of the county authorities to provide sufficient police to allow someone being always on duty. P.S. MacWalter repeated his evidence as to the defendant making a statement when brought to the police station. Mr Gamlin contented that the defendant could not be convicted of assaulting the police in the execution of their duty. No responsible person had called the constable, and he had no right to enter the defendant's premises in the manner he had done. It was laid down that a constable was not bound to enter a house and eject a person at the request of the occupier, but if he did so he would be acting lawfully, although if assaulted he could not charge an offender with an assault on the police. It would be a common assault. Mr Bromley submitted that a policeman like P.C. Tromans was always on duty. It, would be monstrous to say that because a policeman had gone home to get something to cat or to rest that he was not a constable, and could not be called upon to assist persons in distress. The Bench said it was a peculiar point of law, and it was a question whether the officer was on duty or not. Under the circumstances they had decided to give judgment on Tuesday at the petty sessions. On Tuesday, at the opening of the Court, Mr W. Elwy Williams took the chair, and Mr T. Morgan Owen and Mr J. H. Eliis were also present. The Magistrates' Clerk (Mr Oliver George) said that it would be well to proceed at once with judgment in the case against Henry Charlton for an alleged assault on P.C. Tromans while that officer was in the execution of his duty. He had looked up the authorities, and had come to the conclusion that a person could not be convicted of a common assault when he had been charged with an assault on a police otticer in the execution of his duty. That, he believed, was admitted by all parties. Mr Bromley said he would submit that in such a case a fresh information could be laid. A case had been decided on that point. The Magistrates' Clerk said that that point having been decided, whatever was the evidence in the particular charge before the court, if it was found that the constable was not, in the execution of his duty at the time of the alleged assault the defendant could not be convicted, because it was a technical offence to assault a constable in the execution of his duty. He had referred to a case similar to the present dealt with in the "Justice of the Peace," which was usually correct, and the opinion was there given that a defendant could not be charged under the circumstances with assaulting the police in the execution of duty. In the present case it was said that Mrs Charlton was being assaulted by her husband and she screamed. It happened that a constable resided just over the way; he heard her screams, as any other neighbour might have done, and he went to her help. While helping the woman the constable was assaulted in a manner common to ordinary life. The officer was not executing anything at the time. He had no warrant, and was not interfering for the purpose of arresting a person. He was not serving a sum- mons nor was he on the premises for the purpose of obtaining evidence of a felony or other serious crime. He was there the same as anyone else might have been to help the woman. It would not, under the circumstances, be safe to convict the defendant. Mr Bromley rose to further argue the case, but Mr H Percival Williams said he understood from his partner (Mr Gamlin), who had defended in the case, that the arguments were closed on Saturday. The Magistrates' Clerk replied that that was so. The Chairman said that he did not think that any further argument would alter the minds of the magistrates. Their minds were made up on the point of law, no matter what they might think otherwise. They had decided that an assault had been committed that was admit- ted, but the question before them was a point of law, and they were advised that the constable had no proper locus standi in the case on that charge, and that he was not in the execution of his duty. Mr Bromley I can point out a case which is totally different to the case quoted by the clerk. The Magistrates' Clerk If there is anything wrong in the case,your right course is to appeal. After judgment is delivered in the High Court it is not usual to argue upon it. We might be here for hours over every case if we argue the decision. The Chairman It has been hinted to you that you can proceed in another wy. Mr Bromley said he desired to ask their worships to state the technical point- upon which they had decided the other charge of being druuk on licensed premises. He was entitled to ask for that. A The Magistrates' Clerk Nq). Mr Bromley added that tho Bench had dis- missed the case on a technical point. He had to point out that the defence did not raise a technicality, and if the Magistrates' "Clerk had noticed a technical point it was his duty have called attention to it, in order that the prosecution could deal with any paint raised. The magistrates had retired to co nsider the case, and on returning to Court they said that owing to a technical point, which was never raised by the defence, they gave the defendant the benefit of the doubt. He asketfc that their worships would let him know wlsat was the technical point upon which the case w as decided, so that it could be put down on the minutes. The Magistrates' Clerk had sug gested an appeal, but lie (Mr Bromley) wantef 1 to have things in proper form. The Chairman You are not going to appeal on that case it is settled? Mr Bromley I am entitled to k-,uow frow you decided it. The Magistrates' Clerk: I say most em- ) phatically that everything done on Saturday j was done in a most regular manner.—Mr George further explained that on the Bench retiring to consider the case they had recognised that two respectable persons on one side swore one way, and three equally respectable persons swore another thing. The Bench could not say which side was in the right, and they did the just thing, viz., to give the defendant the benefit z;1 of the doubt. Mr Bromley I say that your decision was I given owing to a technical point. The Chairman I did not say that we dis- missed it owing to a technical point. I said it was owing to little technicalities. Mr Bromley I want to know what it was. I suggest that it was a point of law. The Chairman said that the Bench were not always bound to believe three witnesses on one side as against two on the other. Mr Bromley said he Avas bound to apply to the Court to ascertain the technical point upon which the case had been decided. The Magistrates' Clerk There was no technical point. The Chairman We are advised by our clerk on points of law. Of course an assault has been admitted. The assault was committed, but he was not on duty as a constable. Mr Bromley I say that a clearer case was never before any court. The case cited by Mr George was an entirely different one to this. That was the case of an occupier ejecting a person. The Chairman We rely on our Clerk for our law. Mr Bromley I sympathise with you, as you are bound by that. You are liable to a certain amount of risk. The Chairman We have decided to dismiss the case. It is a lucky thing for the defendant. Mr Bromley I see that you are bound by your Clerk's ruling. The Chairman On a point of law. Mr Bromley Which I submit is utterly wrong. The Magistrates' Clerk That is not the way professional gentlemen should address the court after a decision has been given. If the decision is wrong, appeal against it. That is the way professional gentlemen should do.

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ST ASAPH (Denbigh) RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. THE SANITARY CONDITION OF LLANDDULAS. The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Friday at St Asaph, after the meeting of the Board of Guardians. Mr Joseph Jones, J.P., presided, and Mr William Jones occupied the vice-chair. The Drainage of Llansannan. It was decided to issue a precept on the over- seers of Llansannan for £ 108, being the estimated cost of draining of that village, the aniouut to be collected in one rate. North Wales University College. The Chairman was unanimously elected to re- present the Council on the governing body of the North Wales University College, Bangor. A Complaint as to the Roads at Cofn. A letter was read from Colonel Howard, Wigfair, complaining of the narrowness of the road in fron t of his houses at Cefn, and also ealliag the attention of the Council to the fact that the roads in the parish were bad and not efficiently looked after. The Road Surveyor (Mr John Williams) stated that the road referred to was certainly very narrow, but it could easily be widened Avithont the Council being required to buy any land. With respect to the other complaint, he had experienced much trouble in getting men at Cefn. It was almost im- possible to get road labourers there. Not only was labour scarce, but he was often compelled to change his men. The Council decided that a small committee should visit the spot and report to the next meeting. The Repairing of Main Roads. The Clerk reported that he had made an applica- tion, as usual, to the County Council, for a contri- bution at the rate of £ 10 per mile towards the maintenance of the main roads in the Llansannan and Towyn district, but in reply he had received a letter from the Clerk to the County Council informing him that the grant would be discon- tinued. He had to point out to the Council that when the grant was first made by the County Council it was understood that it would be a permanent contribution, and the District Council had expended a great deal of money on the Towyn road on the supposition that the grant would be continued year by year. The Council considered that the grant should be continued, and it was decided, on the proposition of Mr Foulkes, seconded by Mr Kvans, to make another application to the County Council, point- ing out that the traffic along the road in question was very heavy. Proposed New Bridge at Melin y-Person. A letter was also received from the County Council asking the District Council to submit to that body, plans, estimates, and specifications of the proposed new pridge at Melin-y-Person, Bettws, as in the event of the County Council deciding that a bridge was desirable at the place a contribution to the cost would be made. A committee was appointed to visit the place and report. The Llansannan Parish Council asked for a new bridge or strong planks to be placed over the river Ddoi at Llansannan, the old bridge being danger- ous and inconvenient. It was explained that there was a probability of two landowners contri- buting to the cost of the bridge, and it was re- solved to communicate with them on the matter. Alleged Damage by a Traction Engine. Mr Wm Jones reported that he had received a complaint that a traction engine belonging to Mr Wynne Edwards, Denbigh, had caused damage to a Bridge at Llansannan to the extent of about JE3. The Road Surveyor for LIannefydd District (Mr John Davies) was questioned on the subject, and said that jlthis was not the first time that the engine had caused damage. In one instanoe damage to the extent of ilo had been caused by the engine. The Clerk explained that Mr Wynne Edwards contended that he was not liable, being compelled to pay 910 per annum for a locomotive licence. The Council directed the Road Surveyor to submit a report on the subject to the next meeting, and for the Clerk to consider whether the Council had any claim in the matter. The Condition of Trefnant. The Sanitary Inspector (Mr Geo Bell) reported that the pressure of water had been maintained at Trefnant during the past month. Mr Thomas Lloyd considered that the Council should insist upon having the work completed which they had already ordered. The Sanitary Inspector replied that the person doing the work was laid up, but he had written c the previous day to him to the effect that the work would have to be proceedel with at once. The Water Supply and Drainage of Uanfair. Mr R (Iritiith stated that the parish was opposed to the District, Council getting the supply of water from Ty Cclyn, the place suggested at previous meetings. He thought that if the Council deferred the matter for a mouth he might be able to induce Mr Wynn to allow the Council to have a supply from another source. The Clerk said it was very aAvkAvard for the Parish Council to change its mind in the way it had, as tiie District Council had already acceptfd terms for a supply from Ty Cclvu, subject to the Local (lovernment Board agreeing to the same. The Sanitary Inspector questioned if the Witter from the new source as suggested by Mr Griffith was what it should be. The last analysis did not prove that it was all right. Mr Griffith replied that the parish wotil(I (er- tainly object if the District Council jrjased the matter forward now. He saw no reason why the Council should not defer it for a month, and in the meantime the water could be analysed and the well thoroughly cleaned out. Tt was agreed to defer the question of finally deciding as to the water supply for a month, but the Sanitary Inspector was directed to proceed with the preparation of the plans. Floods at Llanddulas. The Road Surveyor reported that a private individual had made a footpath alongside the public road to the Station, but the material put down wa,, almost useless, as the river when in flood washed away soft material. I The Chairman added that the Surveyor had said j that it was childish to put down on the side of the road material of that sort. The question arose as to whether a private individual had the right to make up a public road. It was decided to appoint a small committee to go over the place and report to the next meeting. The committee were also authorised to make enquiries respecting an alleged encroachment at Llanddulas. The Water Supply at Bettws. The Medical Of-beer of Health reported that he had examined the two wells at Bettws. The Smithy well was covered over, but lie found that there was about an inch of mud at the bottom. The water was drawn off by a pump which was placed over the well, but no land was fenced in. The roadway near to the well was dirty with fallen leaves, &c. Bryn y Groes well had been deepened and had a capacity of about 332 gallons. A pump was fixed on top, and the tube went to within 10 inches of the bottom. No portion of the land above had been closed in. The Rev. Vaughan Jones had complained of the smell of the water. A letter was read from the Parish Council to the effect that that body had put the wells in proper order, and knowing that the wells were never dry they considered that there would always be an ample supply at all times. Steps had also been taken to secure the well from pollution, and the Parish Council felt that what had been done would satisfy the requirements of the Council and the Local Government Board. The Medical Officer of Health suggested that the Council should defer the final consideration of the matter for a month. He was not satisfied with what, had been done, and some of the water in the Avells was very dirty. It was decided to adopt the Medical Officer's suggestion and to defer the matter for a month. The Sanitary Condition of Llanddulas. The Medical Officer of Health presented a special report on the sanitary condition of Llanddulas, in the course of which he stated that there were houses in Mill street which had been excluded from light and air by the construction of the roadway. Privy accommodation was far removed from the houses, and was not restricted to individ- ual houses. Some houses were small and dark, and could not be called proper dwellings. In the Square there were houses which were extremely small and overcrowded, and it was impossible for anything like cleanliness to be observed in the houses with only one room. The condition of some houses in the village he con- sidered Avere prejudicial to health. The conditions under which the people lived were not due to poverty, as the husbands and fathers earned good wages, but they could not get better houses, and if nothing was done by the landlords the Council should put into operation the Acts of Parliament! which enabled the Council to close the houses and to erect new dwellings for the working classes. Out of 50 deaths in the village during the past few year, 13 occurred in the village of Llanddulas, and 9 at least could be said to be due to local causes such as were now complained of. It was agreed that the Councillors should be each supplied with a copy of the report in English and Welsh before the next meeting, when the subject will be again considered. The Road Surveyor's Bond. The Road Surveyor (Mr Jno Williams) informed the Council that when he took office years ago he gave the old Abergele Highway Board a bond. He considered that it still held good, and he desired to know what had become of it. The Clerk said he had never seen the bond, and it was not handed over to the Council. The Road Surveyor then named a guarantee society as his surety, and the same was accepted. The Council then rose.

HOCKEY NOTES. On Saturday the Rhyl Club journeyed to Llan- dudno. Unfortunately they were unable to take their full team, H Hughes and C Pountnev being absentees. The following was the complete team Goal, B Jonesj; backs, F W Nelson, R Newing half-back! L J Foster, NV (runner. J Williams forwards, H Connah, F Connah, H L Williams, E Bevington, n Moss. From the btilly-oir Rhyl pressed and it looked like scoring, but found the Llandudno backs very safe. After 25 minutes' play the home team had a corner wrongly given them. The Rhyl defender? worked the ball away, but it was quickly returned, and from a cross shot Llandudno scored their first goal. There was no further scoring during this half. On crossing over Rhyl at once took up the attack but could not get a good shot in. Mid-field play followed for some time afterwards. At lastMoss made a splendid run, and passed to Bevington, who had no diffi- culty in beating the home custodian. From now to the end play was very fast, but the defence on both sides was grand and no addition was made to the score,the final result being a draw of 1 goal each. Hughes being away rather upset, the forward line, although the left, wing pair were very good. The defence was stronger than it had been for some time past. The Llandudno team are now very strong. If they can only keep the same team to- gether they Avill not lose many matches. Un- fortunately" the Rhyl Club Avere unable to take their Umpire, and the Llandudno man had to take the whole of the field. This seemed rather too much for him. In the first half Rhyl scored a very fine goal, this lie gave as over the line, notwithstanding the fact that he was at the other end of the ground. This was extremely hard lines for Rhyl. I understand that Mr H Hughes has sent in his resignation. It is to be hoped that he will recon- sider this, as lie is certainly the best centre forward in North Wales, and it is a great loss for the club to lose such tine forwards as K H Parry and H Hughes in one seasou. On Saturday next the first County Match, Flintshire v Denbighshire, is played j at Colwyn Bay, at the time of writing the teams have not been selected, but I expect to see several Rhyl players chosen for Flintshire. BULLY OFF.

IBS HAS STOOD THE TEST of MANY YEARS. Modern Scientific methods have not discovered any remedy so generally efficacious. The New Treatment of Consumption by Open-Air, Rest, and Overfeeding, whilst useful in many cases, does not alone meet the condition of the majoritv of patients. Medicine is Required to check the spread of tubercular bacilli, to relieve distressing symptoms, and to aid the healing processes in the lungs. EOMCREVE S BALSAMIC ELIXIR has been abundantly proved to produce these effects when regularly and perseveringly taken, ASTHMA, in several varieties: BRONCHITIS, especially in the chronic form: COUGHS, and common COLDS, r; CONGREVES ELIXIR, Sold by all Chemists & Patent Medicine Vendors. WO'fJi. The numerous components of this medicine have never been discovered by chemical analysis. Do not be misled by certain false analyses of the Klixir that have been pnblishcd by critics. MR. CONGREVE S BOOK on CONSUMPTION and Chest Diseases may be had post free for One Shilling. « r Smaller Edition, 6d., from Coombe Lodge, Peckham, Loadoa, S.E.

RHYL PETTY SESSIONS. TUESDAY.—Before Mr S Perks (in the chair), Mr John Foulkes, Mr T Morgan Owen, Mr J H Ellis, and Mr A L Clews. The Birch for Young Offenders. James Ellis, aged 10 years, Victoria road, and George Deed, aged 13 years, Morfa Bach, were each charged with stealing two boxes of chocolate, valued 3s 6d, from the shop of Mr Howard, Confectioner, Queen Street, on Nov- ember 4th. Francis Howard, confectioner, 15 Queen Street, said that on the 4th he missed two boxes of chocolate from the window of his shop. The boxes were valued at 3s Gd. He gave in- formation to P.C.Gomer Jones, and now identi- fied the boxes produced as his property. P.C. Gomer Jones said that he received in- formation from the last witness as to the loss of the chocolate. He arrested the defendant Ellis and took him to the police station, where he asked him about the chocolate. He searched the boy and found a piece of chocolate in his pocket. He asked him where the boxes were, and the boy said he would show him the place. Ellis took witness to the sandhills and dug up one box in a hole a yard deep, after which he said that that was the only box he had taken from the shop. He said that other boys had pursuaded him to take off his shoes and to go into the shop to steal the chocolate. Witness further questioned Ellis as to where the other box was, and the boy said that Deed knew all about it, but he did not. At the police station Ellis was charged with stealing the chocolate, and he admitted having stolen one box. Wit- ness afterwards went in search of Deed, and on finding him, asked what about the chocolate he had taken. Deed replied that he had not taken the chocolate, but afterwards offered to point out where he had hidden the box. Deed took him to the shore and showed him the box under a bathing machine, saying "Here is the box, but we have eaten the chocolate." At the police station he charged the boy with stealing the box of chocolate, and he admitted the charge. The mothers of the defendants were in Court and they were asked whether they had anything to say. Each at once started reviling the other. Mrs Ellis alleged that it was the fault of Mrs Deed in not keeping her son under proper control, while the latter said that if Mrs Ellis had stopped at home and not let her boy do just as he liked nothing would have happened. The Chairman said the Bench could not allow women to quarrel in Court. He warned the defendants that if they ever came there again they would be sent to jail. Deed was ordered to receive nine strokes with the birch rod, and Ellis to receive six strokes. Alleged Cruelty to a Pony.—Case Dismissed. Owen Williams, Gwybr Farm, was charged by Inspector Toyne, R.S.P.C.A., with cruelty to a pony by causing it to be worked whilst in a lame condition. Mr J. Pierce Lewis appeared for the defendant. Inspector Toyne said that on Nov. 15th he saw a lad in the employ of the defendant driving a pony attached to a dog cart. Noticing that the animal went lame, he stopped it, and found that it was suffering from a sprain of the articular ligament of the hock joint of the near hind leg. There was heat at the place, and the animal could not stand pressure on it. In consequence of what the lad said, witness saw the defendant, who admitted that the animal was lame, and said that as he had plenty of other horses he would keep the pony locked up. Witness held that it was an act of cruelty to work the pony. In cross-examination, the witness said he had seen the pony working in a slightly lame condition two weeks previously, but had not warned the defendant. He did not advise the defendant to keep it in. It was possible that a stone had got into the hoof of the lame leg, but he failed to find anything of that character when he examined the animal. Mr Pierce-Lewis said he was sure that had Inspector Toyne known the defendant a little better he would not have charged him with cruelty to a horse, as it was generally admitted that if there was anyone in that district who was kind to horses it was the defendant. The defendant was called and said that he made it a special point to deal in horses and to see that all animals on his farm were well cared for. When he sent out the pony on the day in question there was certainly nothing the matter with it, except that it was getting old. The pony was not attached to a dog cart, but to a governess car. CiwB-examined by Inspector Toyne There was nothing the matter with the pony, only it is old like myself. I said I would turn it out if you said that there was anything wrong, as 1 am not dependent on one pony. Mr Rees Davies, Pontygwtter, said he rode in the governess car to Rhyl on the day in question and did not see anything wrong with the pony he would certainly have seen it had it been lame. Mr R S Rowlands, Veterinary Surgeon, Ty Slates, Towyn, said he examined the pony on the 25th inst and found that it was all right. He did not consider that it was an act of cruelty to work the pony, as there was nothing the matter with it, except:ithat it was a bit stiff matter with it, except ,itl-lat it was a bit stiff from age. Mr Pierce-Lewis said that he had Mr Morris, Hendre, as a witness if it was necesrary. The Chairman said the Bench had decided to dismiss the case, and he thought that the Inspector should have warned the defendant that the pony was lame, as he had had a good opportunity of doing two weeks previously. Mr Pierce-Lewis said he was pleased to hear that remark from the Bench, as it was the aim of the Society to prevent cruelty. The Chairman said he did not want to dis- courage the Inspector in executing his duty. The magistrates always tried to deal with each case in a proper way on the evidence brought before them. In this instance the Inspector of the Society had had the opportunity of warning the defendant, and had not done so. Clearing the Streets. Ellen Ellis, Victoria road, was sent to jail for seven days for soliciting in the streets on Nov. 15th. P.C. Wm Roberts proved the charge. Woman Charged with Drunkenness. -Case Dismissed. Lucy Williams, a single woman residing at 46 Kinmel Street, was charged with being drunk and disorderely on Nov. 14th in Kinmel Street. Mr Joseph Lloyd appeared for the defence. P.C. Tale said that at midnight on the 14th of November he was in High Street in com- pany with P.C. Gomer Jones, when he heard a disturbance in Kinmel Street. On proceeding in the direction from which the sound came he found the defendant drunk and fightiug on the parapet with a man named Parry. They were on the ground together. He asked the defendant to go home, and P.C. Gomer Jones took Parry away and locked him ùP, as he would not be quiet. He (witness) after a great deal of trouble got the defendant into the house. Defendant used very bad language, and her landlady, Mrs Roberts, had to drag her into the house. Cross-examined There was a great deal of bother and I would have locked her up had she not gone into the house. I did all I could to putsuade her to go into the house. The man who was on the ground with the defendant was using bad language, and both were drunk. People residing in the street were at their windows in consequence of the noise. I was not insolent to the defendant. I said" Mis Williams, go in. I have cautioned you before." Mr Joseph Lloyd Did you caution her at the time you ran after her to her bedroom ? Witness When was that ? Did you not see her when she was barmaid at the Britannia ?-No. I shall have to retaliate if you show her up. -1 am not showing her up. 0 You had better not, or I shall show you up. —Don't show me up then. You cannot show me up (laughter). P.C. Gomer Jones gave corroborative evidence, and said that he left P.C. Tale with defendant, while he locked up the man, who was fined the next day. Cross-examined Defendant was sober enough. P.C. Tale did nothing but try and persuade her to go into the house. He did not know what the parties were quarrelling about, but it was nothing good, judging by the language used. If defendant was not drunk that night she had never been drunk, nor never would be (laughter). Mr Joseph Lloyd, in addressing the Court, said that if the Bench fined defendant that day they would close every avenue of respectability against her. No suggestion had ever been made against the defendant before. Defendant was then called and said that she was not drunk, but excited. Mr Parry, who was her sweetheart, had called at her lodgings that night in a drunken condition, and as he said that he was going to a certain place where she did not want him to go she, did all she could to persuade him to go home. They had a struggle on the parapet and fell down together. It was after she had gone into the house and was standing at the door that the police came on the scene. P.C. Tale told her that if she did not go in from the door he would put her in. Mrs Roberts, 46 Kinmel Street, said that defendant lodged at her house, and was not drunk on the night in question. The case was dismissed, the Chairman observing that it seemed to be a difficult thing to distinguish whether the defendant was drunk or not, as she was in an excited state and a struggle was going on. Non-Attendance at School. Thomas Williams, 5 Alma Terrace, was fined 4s for not sending his child to school. The attendances were 21 out of a possible 98. Robert Hughes, 28 Morfa Bach, was fined 5s for a like offence, the attendances being 26 out of possible 68. Robert Roberts, 46 Kinmel Street, was also fined 3s, his child having attended only 5 times out of a possible 60. Alleged Threats. Isaac Jones, 155 Vale-road, was bound over to keep the peace for six months for using threatening language towards Mr John Thomas, residing at 216 Vale-road. Licensing Business. On the application of Mr Bromley, the following licenses were transferred :—Aquarium Vaults, from Mr Powell to Mr Midwinter the Britannia Inn, from Mr D. Dunkerley to Mr Wilfred Hall.

The Making of the Earth. When He who formed the glittering stars Which beam on earth through azure bars, Desired another orb to plan, He formed it of the bones of Man, Made it of bones, Of the white bones, Of the bleached bones of Man. He formed the sea of women's tears, Tears which had fall'n a myriad years, Salt, salt, salt tears like brine, As mists of the morning fine, He made the sea of tears, Of lonely women's tears, Desolate women's tears. So ever we tread on the bones of the dead And the rain from the heavens overhead Falls softly like women's tears As we sleep through the passing years.. Sleep with the mouldering bones, Sleep with our comrades' bones, Sleep with our dear ones' bones. We lay our bones with the bones of the slain, We give cur bonee to make earth again, When we sleep in the dust, as sleep we must Till we wake where there's neither moth nor rust, Waiting the trumpet's blast, Waiting to rise at last, Waiting till Death be past. This is the legend, the legend old, Writ in a volume in letters of gold, 'Tis the tale of a madman— so folks say- We shall know the truth at the Judgment Day, When the dead shall answer the trumpets' call, And the tears of women no longer fall, But eternal Peace shall reign over all. MARIANNE LESTER.

THE PRESS. "THE QUEEN, THE LADY'S NEWSPAPER. It has always been the effort, appreciated by regular subscribers as well as those who read the special issue only, to make the Christmas Number a really seasonable as well as interesting produc- tion. In this respect" The Queen" differs from most other publications, and reference to its pages will show that in combined literary and artistic merit, as well as the seasonable character of its contents, the present issue fully maintains its reputation. In addition to three coloured presenta- tion plates and other beautiful drawings by cele- brated artists, the literary contributions include A Review of the Century," An Account of the London Needlework Guild," written by desire of H. R. H. The Duchess of York, and revised by her Articles by the Duchess of Somerset, Countess of Warwick, Countess Aberdeen, Susan, Countess of Malmesbury, Lady Macfarren, and Mrs Beerbohm Tree, and a drawing The Spirit of the Century," by the Marchioness of Granby. WTOOD-CARVIN<; FOR BEGINNERS is the second number issued in "The usefal arts and handicrafts series" by Messrs Dawbarn and Ward. It is written in a style easily understood by tyros in the art, while some of the suggestions are of value to advanced carvers

TOWYN. TRANSVAAL WAR FUND. -Collections were made in St Mary's Church, Towyn, on Sunday last in aid of the above fund. They were added to the fund contributed by the parish, and the sum of ten pounds has been transmitted to the Secretary, Mr Crabbe, Abergele.

ST. ASAPH. SOLICITORS' INTERMEDIATE EXAMINATION—Mr Henry Howes Roberts, eldest son of Mr T. Howes Roberts, of Bodhaulog, St Asaph, was successful in passing the above examination which was held on the 8th instant. Mr H. Howes Roberts is articled to Mr A. Foulkes Roberts, of Denbigh.

Women's Greatest Charm. If you would win laurels as a bright conversa- tionalist. first impress your mind with the idea that it is not flow of words that you need, but ability to direct conversation. You must practise the ait of starting a thought, keeping the talk general or making the guest of honour the appar- ent leader; you must draw out the timid, avoid dangerous channels, and make every man and woman about you appear at his or her best, while your own efforts are confined to an occasional word thrown in to fill a gap or change th& current of the talk. When you are trying to make company a conver- sational success, always avoid rattling liveliness on your own part. Don't imagine that to be a. clever woman you must be a wit If yon are naturally,witty it is well enough, and it will crop out occasionally, but if year wit is forced it de- generates into mere affectation, and affectation is fatal. Your main object should be to make yourself interesting without being obtrusive; to keep you^. self in the background while yon inxnage the gf n. eral conversation. It is a wonderfully interest',ng accomplishment. You learn to note the slightest change in facial expression. The quiver of an eyelid or the 'move- ment of a lip tells you a story. You see pl vasure, anger, interest, dislike where another detfjeta no thought. -1 lour own minci acts more quickly as you appreciate the unspoken tboughts of others. You have the pleasure of feeling that your requirement is not wholly selfish, for it gives you thA power to understand the reserved, and to put the shy ones at their ease. Every woman should do her best to become a clever talker, whether she aims to be a social queen or not. It is eminently a woman's accomplish- ment, for there is not a man in the world unselfish enough to practise it successfully.

Spratt's. The Head Offices of Spratt's Patent, Limited, are removed to Fenchurch Street, City. The manufacture of their goods will be carried on at Poplar and Bermondsey as before, but all com- munications should be addressed to Fenchurch St.