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^PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.]
^PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.] BY DECREE OF THE SEVEN. BY EDMUND MITCHELL, Author of "Th-e Temple of Death," "Towards tha Eternal Snows," "The Legacy of Jean Baptiste, Sec. [COPYRIGHT.] CHAPTER Xli. (Continued).—SPREADING THE NET. At Russell Square* the cab that carried the Get-ecuve and the doctor was dismissed, and the rest of the journey wa.s performed on foot. Regaining the house by means of the right-of-way and the back gate. Hamilton found Mrs. Brown still up and awaiting his return. Lawks, near one o'clock, Doctor, and me getting real anxious," exclaimed the worthy woman, with a sigh of evident relief at his safe arrival. vV ell, it's all right now, Mrs. Brown. Here is tho key of the gate." And you've brought your friend back with you, sir?" "Only for a minute or two. We have to get something from my room. But don't trouble further; I 11 let him out at the front door myself. No one has called for me, Mrs. Brown?" "No, sir." "Then, good-night," said Hamilton, showing the way for his companion upstairs. The gas was burning in the room, just as he -had left it four hours earlier. The detective, refusing all offers of hospitality, did not remain long. Hamilton accompanied nim to the front door, and, leaving the latter opened, even stepped on to the pavement with his departing guest, as if engaged in a. few words of final conversation. The roadway was silent and to all appearance quite deserted. Well, Mr. Cevanci," said the doctor, talking pretty loudly, good-bye for the present. I shall see you again on Monday evening." The person addressed murmured some reply, shook hands, and proceeded on his way. He had' advanced, however, only a dozen yards when Hamilton arrested his steps by shouting out: "Just another moment, Mr. Cevanci; there is one thing that I have forgotten." The departing visitor returned, exchanged a few more word3, and finally left. Hamilton lingered for a moment while closing the door, and with one ewift glance was enabled to catch gight of a man "who had emerged from the IIhadowl of the houses ,opposite, and was stealing after the disappearing figure of the supposed Cevanci. A red herring trail this time," laughed the doctor, as he regained his room. Somehow that night Hamilton slept more soundly ithan he had done for a week before. The secrets that obad been oppressing him seemed less burdensome, cow that they were shared by others; the sense oil possible iurking aanger less disquieting, now that he inew watchful eyes were arouad fcim to guard M -well as so spy on hie movement*; the -wivoia mys- tery less appalling, now its comply and final 801ution was so close at HatKl. His dreams were of Carlotta Garcia; but she eome to feisn in fancy now with joy in fee* eyee and a on her lips, and •was no longer associated in his Noughts with sad tales of crime or dsead schemes of vengeance. He •woke refreshed and happy, a»d mentally fit for the long and anxious day which he knew was be- fore him. The events of the succeeding twrelve bottrs til-ways remained to him as a. sort of oonfused phantasma- goria on the screen of memery. Tense excitement eeemed in his case to result in an ebullition of bois- terous spirits. He joked with tais landlady after breakfast, and when leaving the house soon after he fairly took the breath away from the little maid. of-all-work by jumping over the bucket she had just deposited prior to cleaning the doorstep. He did not trouble to look whether the woman with the cameo brooch was in sight, but he knew quite -well, as he sauntered along, that she was not fat behind. So it was almost in a. merry mood that ha ok her for a long walk on the sunny side of Oxford Street, then under the Marble Arch and among the greenery of Hyde Park, feeling all the fwhiie a sort of unseen companionship in his rambles, and laughing more than once at the quaint conceit 'that this involuntary constitutional might bring faint roses to those pale cheeks, and a glimpse of Nature, even in its wintry aspect, softened thoughts 'to that stony-hearted bosom. It was just a few minutes after ten o'clock that e presented himself at Mrs. Ravendale's door. A most unorthodox hour for anything but a profes- sional call, he reflected. But his coming was ex- pected, for he was promptly ushered into the lady's boudoir, where a bright fire was burning. What in all the world Î..5 the meaning of this (mystery, Dr. Hamilton?" she asked, immediately on ther coming to him. And yet I have been warned that I am positively to put no questions, bttt just Co behave as I'm told to, like any little girl in the hool-room. It's roo bad, I y. I'm all in flutter with curiosity, and my husband has actually delayed his departure this morning for the Foreign Office that he may have the pleasure of seeing you." Hamilton was in the act of making some falter- ing excuses for all the trouble he wae oausiag in the •household, when Ir. Ra/ezidale himself entered the room. They had not met before, although the doctor knew that the husband of Mrs. Ravendale occupied an important secretarial post in one of the Government departments. He waa a tall, refined- iooking man, some years the senior of his wife. No excuses, Dr. Hamilton, I beg of you," he •aid. cordially, extending his hand. "And no in- troduction is necessary, my dear," he added, with a smile towards his wife for you have been talk- ing Dr. Hamilton to me for a week past, and now that we meet at last he seemg quite like an old friend." r m sure you are very ood," stammered the young doctor, almost blushing at a reception so •kind and flattering. "I'm afraid thillt I am giving Mrs. Ravendale no end of trouble and annoyance. Don't say anything of the kind, my dear sir," replied lr. Ravendale. St. John of Scotland Yard has been with me for an hour this morning, and he assures me that your cleverness and pluck have resulted in a discovery of almost international importance, and may end in uprooting the most dangerous and unscrupulous organisation of Anar- chists that exists in Euro." "It all sounds so very dreadful," murmured the lady of the house. And for you, Doctor, whom I thought such a quiet and studious young man, to be associated with such desperate characters!" Hardly associated with them, Mrs. Ravendale," protested Hamilton with a smile. "However, I'm very glad that Mr. St. John has left instructions that no questions are to be asked. Frankly speak- ing, Mr. Ravendale, my brain is too muoh in a whirl for me to give any coherent narrative of events at the present time. More by good luok than by good management—I should rather say, in spite of very bad management—IJiave stumbled on an extraordinary, and undoubtedly graveJy serious, dis- covery. And all I have to do now, I believe, for another few hour, is to appear at my ease and un- concerned so as to allay suspicion, till the moment comes for effective action on the part of the police." That is so," replied Mr. Ravendale. Mr. St. John has put everything very clearly to me. The Signorina—whom, by the way, I must thank you for finding for us, Dootor-i to be present when this dealer in statuary arrives. But she is to 1"8- ceive no hint as to what things are happening or are likely to happen, lest her manner should betray the agitation Ae would undoubtedly feel. I my- self am to go as usual to my officalthõugh I shall have a mark agamet me for being late this morning." he added, with a laugh, as he glanced at his watoh. "If your man ie long in coming. Doctor, you may be able to put in an hour or two with music or the newspapers: so I shall leave you to the tender mercies of my wife." And of the Siynorina," added Mrs. Ravendale, -with a significant little nod, as she left the room to « find that young lady. This business has its fascinations," remarked Hamilton, when the two men were aKme. Do you see that fashionably-dressed person coming this way along the street. Mr. Ravendale? Have a look at her from behind the curtains, but don't let yourself be seen." "Yes. And what is specially fascinating about tho lady in question may I ask?" he replied with a j emile. "Well," answered the doctor, "from what I 1 have come to know I am prepared to say that that ] woman is one of tAe most dangerous individuals 1 Iiondon holds at the present day." An Anarchist, do you mean to tell me?" asked the other, with eagerHess and surprise. j ".Yes—a leader of the Anarchists, and the de- pository of their most terrible secrets. But to show you how those people, despite their truly marvellous precautions to escape detection, make mistakes in little things, just observe the brooch she is wear- ing." ( At the moment the woman passed, without rais- ing her eyes, within three feet of the window* ( behind which the two men were standing. An old cameo," said Mr. Ravendale. "Precisely, an old cameo," repeated the doctor 1 Her costume is entirely different from that whic.. I saw her in yesterday; her whole appearance is, changed; but she seems to persist in wearing that brooch. By it I recognise her to be what she really, is—an Aniarohisfc and a spv." Now I understand what you mean when yo. 4 say that this game is fascinating. Well, as you suggest, forgetfulness of one little detail has led rep some, of the greatest catastrophes the world harf seen. And brought a good few criminals to their final reckoning," added Hamilton. "Hush! Here are the ladies." interrupted Mr. Ravendale, changing the conversation. Carlotta, dressed in a simple morning frock, waa looking more charming than ever. By her side I was a dainty little girl some nine or ten years ot age, and from the way in which they held each other's hands it was clear that already affectionate rea-tions had been established between governess and pupil. Mrs. Ravendale beamed upon .both 1 with motherly affection. < "Now I'm off." said Mr. Ravendale, kissing his wife and daughter. You are to dine with us one night next week, Doctor, so I shall say only au revoir to you as well. The morning passed pleasantly. Mrs. Ravendale plaved on the piano, and after some persuasion Carlotta sang several Italian songs. She showed herself to be poa-seised of a rich contralto voice, which it was evident had received careful training; 1 bus the special charm, JlMftUtpa, thought, he* I nuigwg j ay III one tender teens g wmcn sne im- parted to every word and to every cadence. While he listened to tne music he had ears for other things as well. He heard a, cab draw up outside, the faint tinkle of the door bell and the sound of its being answered, the footsteps of the maid crossing the hall; and he leaned forward in expectancy of the knock that followed. Mr. Makeropolus, ma'am, with some packages," announced the servant. And Hamilton found him- self smiling at this mutilation of the Greek name, when, for the second time at a critical moment, h8 stood face to face with the dealer in statuary. CHAPTER XIII.—IN THE TOILS. The Greek was suave and smiling. He evinced no surprise at finding Hamilton in the house. He bowed politely, first to Mrs. Ravendale, then to lis3 Garcia. The latter by her manner showed that Macropolo was a perfect stranger to bar. "I took responsibilitiy for the packing," the deaier began, addressing Hamilton, so I have brought the goods myself—Mr. Ravendale." He pronounced the name with just a little hesitancy. Ah, my name is Hamilton—Dr. Hamilton. This is the Hon. Mrs. Ravendale." Macropolo bowed again to the lady of the house, but continued to address his words to the doctor. "A thousand pardons for my mistake; but Raven- dale was the only name you gave me." That is so. Mr. Macropolo; well, it is for Mrs. Ravendale that this piece of statuary is intended. Let us unpack it now. I hope, Mrs. Ravendale, that you will approve of my selection, and commend my taste and judgment." If Mr. Macropolo will have the cases brought into the hall, we shall unpack them there," said Mrs. Ravendale. "Certainly may I instruct the cabman to bring the boxes inside?" And all together they left the room for the entrance hall. The pedestal and the bust were quickly taken from their cases and their wrappings. Mrs. Raven- dale was quite enthusiastio in her admiration. "It is perfectly charming," she exclaimed in delight. "Is it not a sweetly pretty face?" she asked of the Signorina, forgetting for the moment that the latter did not understand- English. The question caused Hamilton to glance from the bust to Carlotta, and he then became conscious of some resemblance between the living face and the marble features. He looked again in some sur- prise; the resemblance was undoubted—the same lips, the same nose, precisely the same arrangement of the hair. He now recalled the vague impression that had come to him in Macropolo's gallery when first he looked upon the marble figure—the shadowy idea that the face was one which he had seen be- fore—when or where he could not tell. He was, however, dismissing the thought from his mind" with the reflection that one pretty Italian child was after all muoh like another, when the little girl by Carlotta's side cried out, clapping her hands with excitement— Look, mother dear, it is Miss Garcia; her own. very self, is it not?" Mrs. Ravendale, thus appealed to, glanced with laughing critical carefulness from the marble'figure to the countenance of the young Italian. "Cer- tainly," she said, "there is a likeness, a. decided likeness." Does the young lady happen to know the artist?" aeked Maoropolo, who had been observing the scene with quiet watchfulness. Carlotta., although she did not comprehend toe conversation, Wall quiok to see, from the ftuot of all eyes being directed upon her. tha.t she waa the subject of remark. She glanoed at Hamilton, bash- fully and appeaLingly. ■ "We all think, Signorina," be said in ItaliaJV that this marble face bears quite a remarkable resemblance to your own. Mr. Macropolo suggests that you may happen to know the sculptor." The young girl looked anxiously, almost timidly, j at the bust. Himilton could see that she even' turned slightly pale. "Who is the artist?" she asked, in < faherinjf tone of voioe. Caradini—Alphonso Caradini," replied the Greek, also speaking in Italian "a young artist of: very great promise. He does a good deal of work in this country now, and is often in London." When the name was spoken, Carlotta gave a little sigh of relief, and the colour returned to her cheeks. No one except Hamilton had noticed the extent of her momentary agitation, and he fanoied that even now a look of perplexity lingered in her face. It's a chanoe resemblance," h 9aid, partly to relieve the girl from embarrassment, and partly to put an end to a situation that might possibly re-; suit in complicating issues. Then. returning toj English, and addressing Mrs. Ravendale, he added—'■ Where do you wish the pedestal to stand? Just. here, where Mr. Macropolo has placed it 1" I think the position could not be improved." Well that is all, I think, Mr. Macropolo. I! a.m much obliged to you for the care and trouble' you have taken." The dealer made a polite gesture acknowl the compliment, and prepared to depart. When*. I next see Signor Caradini," he said, bowing to Mrs. Ravendale, I shall have pleasure in informing. him that this trifle from his chisel ha.s found a home4 with !Uchan approoiative patron of art." When he had gone, Oarlotta was still examining* the marble figure. Hamilton approached er, and 1 M Mrs. Ravendale was g'ving instructions for the1 removal of the htter, the two young people foun<t themselves for the moment alone. "It is curious," murmured Carlotta. "Henri Poiteau once insisted on modelling my hand. It is certainly the same shape as this child's." She held- one hand against its marble presentment. "They closely resemble each other," he answered; But look at this also," she oontinued, raising her other hand, and directing Hamilton's attention to a. ring she was wearing. It was of old and very curious workmanship—recognisable among a. hun- dred similar trinkets, for tnthin an octagonal bezel, was set a sardonyx with a Maltese cross carved in relief upon the stone, the hoop of the ring being edged with an elaborate and symmetrical scroll. Delica.tely chiselled on th& corresponding finger of; the child's hand was a ring of identical pattern. Hamilton's eyes met those of Carlotta. He read her thoughts at a single glanoe. "It may be," he said, speaking soft and low, that Alphonso Cara- dini is Henri Poiteau. But do not, I beg of you, Signorina, think of such things just now. Hera comes Mrs. Ravendale." The man seems to haunt me," murmured Car- lotta, as she turned aside. Hamilton did not care to accept Mrs. Ravendale's pressing invitation to remain for lunch. His part in the house had been played and even now he was beginning to feel the reaction from the excitement that h'ad carried him successfully through the ordeal. He was elated, however, by the consciousness that dust had certainly been thrown in the eyes or Macropolo. The dealer must have gone away in the conviction that after all there was nothing mysterious in the purchase of this piece of statuary and its despatch to the very house where the daughter of Stephano Garcia had taken up her residence. He must have seen that the doctor had no wish to hide anything as to his acquaintance with the girl or as regards his own name and calling. Macropolo had come, as Hamilton knew from the conversation overheard from behind the balk of timber, deliberately to play the spy in this house; but he would have gone away with at least some 06 his suspicions lulled to rest. If the flight of Cevanei yet remained undiscovered, the chances of a uc- cessful issue to the night's adventure seemed assured. There was still, however, the afternoon to put in. After a chop in the grill room of one of the North- umberland Avenue Hotels, Hamilton resolved to take the detective chief's advice, and go to a matinee. He tried to sit out the play, a three act farce, with outward enjoyment, laughing when those around him laughed, and applauding when others ap- plauded. For he quite well knew that "the Angel's ( watchful eyes were almœt for oerta.in upon him, and, he recognised that only a. little more acting on his' part was required to complete the process of blind- ing her vigilance, and setting to rest her fears lest' some immediate surprise were in store for her and her confederates. At laat the weary farce was over, and through the fathering darkness of evening he set out for home. < There he ordered tea and toast, and while it waa being served he gently broke the news to the prised Mrs. Brown that again that night he would1: require the key of the back gate, that his gas wa.a1 to be left burning in his rooms as if he were there all-j the time, and that any caller was simply to be told"! that he was engaged and could not be disturbed.' He promptly smothered the landlady's really justi- fiable curiosity by the assurance that in a day or two he would be able to tell her fully the reasona of his strange procedure. The hours dragged towards eight o'clock. Hamil- ton was too nervous and excited to rew. He paced" his rooms with an eye almost continuously fixed on; the clock. At last it was time to take his departure,; ind with a feeling of relief that the period of forced! inaction was drawing to a close, he stole from the house by the back yard and the quiet, unlighted right-of-way. At the hotel which had been fixed for his waiting, mother long and anxious spell of uncertainty mpervened. He dallied over a glass of ale, toyed with a cigar, and fooled over the last edition of the !Tening paper; but he hardly knew what he drank, smoked, or read. At last, shortly before nine a'clock, the promised messenger put in an appear- ance. Everything is ready," said the detective, sitting 10wn at a little side-tiable. "But I wish to explain sne or two things to you here. You don't mind being ono of a rather crowded party in a furniture ran? What in all the world do you mean, Mr. Scott?" enquired Hamilton, thoroughly non-piussed by this extraordinary question. "Just this," replied the officer, with a smile. "Thirty constables are to drive from the police station in a furniture van. They will not go too near to the Soho courtyard until the signal is given that the men we are after are assembled, and then e shall have the place surrounded in a jiffy. Now come along. We haven't too much time to lose. That's right; button up your coat, and take no ihances of being recognised by anyone." It was amidst a good deal of mild chaff and banter that, in the police station yard, the huge pantechnicon was packed with its human freight. Sitting on the floor down each side of the wagon, [he thirty odd constables, some in uniform and athers in plain clothes, were packed pretty nearly is tightly as sardines in a tin. Hamilton had a. place at the far end, and when the doors were ■wung to, and darkness complete and silence abso- lute prevailed, a. strange, eerie feeling came over nim. He seemed to be in a. hearse with a. crowd of dead men although the bodies to right and to eft were warm and breathing. Then the jostling over the streets brought to his mind the great prison van, whose opaque panels his questioning jyes had many a time tried to pierce. Surely the borae now> by thi.^ ordinary-looking furnitura. wagon was just as weirct and curious as any that "Black Maria" had ever carried. Next came a halt, and then waiting in dead silence for a period of time which seemed to Hamilton like the eternity of the tomb. At last his quick and straining ears caught some hurried words spoken to the driver, and at a sharp trot the van rolled on. Round just one corner, and then there was the flash of lights; and the next minute Hamilton was scrambling to his feet amidst a crowd of helmeted figures. A quiet, tall man was in command, and each one seemed to have been allotted beforehand, and to know, his place. In a moment a surging crowd had swarmed from tenements and public;houses, but they were kept back by the stalwart, uniformed barricade. Within this Hamilton stood, and for the first time he caught sight of the detective chief, Mr. St. John. Come with me," said the latter, touching the doctor's shoulder. And together they entered the courtyard. Everything was still silent there, but the gleam of a single bull's-eye lantern showed a group of constables clustered around the doorway. Seven men passed in, just after ten o'clock," whispered Mr. St. John, all close upon each othpr's heels. We have every possible exit watched -back and front. There are some of our men even on the roof of the adjoining premises. They can- not escape us. I expect no resistance. These fellows never do fight when they see themselves hopelessly overpowered." What shall I do?" asked Hamilton. "Just you stick to me, and don't be flurried." Rat, tat. tat," resounded a sharp knock on the door, and Hamilton's heart almost Etood still. Xo answer; no one seemed to move within. "Rat, tat, tat," again. Again silence unbroken. "Open in the name of the Law," cried out a stentorian voice. There was no reply. "Bang it in," came the curt order from the same speaker, and with a thud from some log or other heavy implement used as a battering ram the timbers of the door were shivered and splintered. Two more blows, and the entire framework came down with a crash. Everything was dark inside, but the flare of bull's-eyes showed a clear entrance, and the constables rushed in. Lights were flashed all over the long gallery which, with the curtrv.nerl-off sections, compri-r1 the entire premises. The screens of tapestry were dragged aside, the scanty furnituro was pushed here and there, every possible hiding-place behind marble groups and pedestals was explored. Except for the police themselves there was not a living being in the place. Hamilton remained rooted to the spot where he had taken his stand. His mind was simply over- whelmed with dismay and shame-dismay at the complete failure -f his plans, shame at the fiasco of whioh he felt ho would for ever be remembered as the central figure. His feet tottered under him, and he reached out to the table for support. In doing so he touched the chimney of the lamp, whioh he had noticed on the occasion of his day- light visit to the premises. A cry escaped him- not of pain, but of joy. "Feel this glass, Mr. St. John!" he exclaimed. "It is burning hot. These men cannot have left I the place a couple of minutes." Ah! then they haven't escaped us yet," muttered the officer in grim reply. CHAPTER XIV.—WHAT THE MESHES HELD. It was absolutely certain that the conspirators, when their meeting was disturbed by the summons of the police, had blown out the light and de- camped. As Mr. St. John had explained to Hamil- ton, the entry of seven men into the courtyard just after ten o'clock had been noted by the de- tectives told off for this preliminary work of observation. These men had certainly not come out by ihe way they had gone in, for, without a minute's unnecessary deiay after the covey had been marked down, the van containing the load of constables had been brought up and the place surrounded. There was no means of exit by the back, a large three-storeyed warehouse effectively blocking escape in that direction. The courtyard itself had never ceased to be under the close watch of the police, and none of the fugitives had left the statuary gallery on this side. The adjoining premises on the other side were under careful sur- veillance, and would be opened and searched should the necessity arise. Meanwhile, the chances were that the dash for freedom had been made by way of the upper floor and the roof. The premises above, with which those below had no communication, were used as a store for second- hand furniture by a dealer who had a shop a little distance further along the street. The gathering crowd, and the general excitement oaused by the sudden appearance of a large force of police officers, 'had quickly drawn this man to the spot, and, im- mediately that a systematic search for the fugitives came to be instituted, he threw open the big upper room in his tenancy for the inspection of the officers. There was a good deal of miscellaneous lumber in the place, but only a few minutes were required to show that no one was in hiding on this flat. One of the first steps when the raid had been made was to keep the roof of the building, and indeed of all adjoining buildings, under close observation. Men had been detailed beforehand for this duty, and had started off at once to take up their posts. The report brought to St. John was that most certainly no one had escaped, or tried to escape, in that direction. All these avenues of e-xit being eliminated, it now became certain that there was some place of conceal- ment beneath the statuary gallery. But close in- spection failed to reveal any cellar door, or any trap door indicating the existence of a regularly constructed chamber there. However, the fugitives could not have vanished into space, and the flooring would have to be torn up if necessary. Two con- stables were despatched 40 procure the requisite tools, and the search for any concealed opening was continued. In a little time these efforts were rewarded, one of the detectives drawing attention to the fact that a heavy block of statuary stood partly on a separate square of flooring, the deal boards being sawn right across at a. distance of a few feet. Here might be a trap-door: but the ap- parently detachable portion of the floor seemed firm and unyielding. To raise the massive block of marble resting on the timbers would have re- quired the united efforts of several men. While examining the position, a thought occurred to Hamilton's mind. When Macropolo had been exhibiting the statuary, he had revolved several of the groups on their pedestals, and the young doctor had been struck by the fine workmanship which had so delicately poised these heavy weights that the touch of a child's hand almost could movo them into any desired position. This remembrance suggested an experiment. He stretched out both hands, rested them on the marble mass that cum- bered the supposed trap-door, and pushed firmly, There were signs of yielding, and he had only slightly to,alter the position of his hands and press a second time, for the huge block to swing right round and clear of the section of the flooring. The marble group, with the porphyry plinth supporting it, was pivoted on one of the joists just beyond the square, and revolved freely at a height of only a fraction of an inoh from the deal board* When the officers returned with half-a-dozen crowbars, these tools had not to be called into requisition for a small iron ring countersunk into the now fully exposed surface of the floor section ehowed it to be what the vigilant eyes of the de- tective had suspected—a skillfully contrived and carefully concealed trap door. To get the lid off this aperture was the work of an instant. A bull s-eye, flashed into the darkness below, ehowed not a cellar or chamber of any consider- »b.e Size but a vertical shaft about eight feet in depth. When he saw this, St. John, who had not concealed his elation over the discovery of the trap door, was again seriously disconcerted. He bit his underlip with vexation. Those fellows have had every provision made for a surprise, he whispered to Hamilton. "I'm afraid they ve got clear away after all." "How? Where?" This looks like a regularly constructed subter- ranean passage. Where it leads to, I don't know. But that's whalt I've got now to ascertain Saying these words, the officer dropped into the cavity. I'm clear," he called out after a minute. Come down some one else, and then lower a light." The doctor was next in the hole in the floor and without asking anyone's leave he slipped over the edge, and releasing his hold disappeared into the shaft. (To be continued.) '1
INFLUENZA INCREASING.
INFLUENZA INCREASING. The Influenza Epidemic is again spreading over the Country. The visitation jis of a very pros- trating nature, and the disease is certainly on the increase. The origin of the disease or rather the circumstances which bring it about is as much a mystery as ever. You cannot trifle with Influenza. It undermines the Nervous System to a greater extent than almost any other disease, and it is Pneumonia that kills, and Pneumonia strikes the man who imagines he haa only a mild form of In- fluenza, and go about the street just as usual. It can hardly be doubted that the prevalence of Chest and Lung Complaints must be ascribed to the baneful influence of Influenza, whose after- effects so frequently take this form. It was a bad day for this Country when this malignant scourge first visited our shore. Year after "year it has never since failed to revive at its due time and to extort its tribute of human life. Having observed its savages and its dreadful effects upon the constitution on the occasions of its former visits, we cannot but regard its recurrence with much fear as a great many have not yet if they ever will, regain their former health. As a Pre- ventative, we know of nothing equal to Gwilym Evans Quinine Bitters. A few strong doses taken in time have often proved effectual in warding off attacks of this Malady, and always succeed in mitigating their severity when a patient is under their iufluence. Do you softer from Chills, altern- ating with Sudden Flushes, Severe Head.ache. accompanied by difficulty of breathing, and symptoms of Catarrh, Pains in the Chest, under, and between, the shoulders and a stiffness and soreness of the Muscles, Loss of Appetite and Nervousness. If yon suffer from any of these symptoms, know that they are the forerunners lIf Influenza, and it behoves you to resort at once to r a course of Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters. By common consent Patients everywhere admit that they feel more depressed and miserable after an attack of Influenza than while under its influence and more than they feel after an attack of any other illness The best way to banish these miserable feelings is to take Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters, The Vegetable Tonic We can strongly and Confidently recommend this Preparation, as it has treated severe cases of Influenza, Heavy Colds, Extreme Weakness' and Langour, with greater success than any other known Remedy. We may also add that as a Remedy for Indiges- tion, Sleeplessness, Low Spirit, Nervousness, and Loss of Appetite, Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters stands unequalled. It is sold in bottles 2s. fid. and 4s. 6d. by all Chemists, and Patent Medicines Vendors, or sent direct, carriage free, for the above prices, by the Sole Proprietors Quinine Bittere Manufacturing Company, Limited, Llanelly, South Wales. Avoid Imitations. See the name Gwilym Evans' on Label, Stam and Bottle,
THE COMING DISTRICT COUNCIL…
THE COMING DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION. THE HOUSING OF THE WORKINC CLASSES. DETERMINED OPPOSITION. TO THE EDITOR OF THE RIIYL JOURXAL. SIR,-I am told that there will be great op- position to the above at the enquiry to be held shortly. I have been convinced for some time that some members of the District Council were strongly opposed, and would do all in their power to prevent the houses being erected. They have no arguments against them, they cannot deny the pressing need, but they hope that by constant delay the scheme will eventually be abandoned. I think the present is a favourable time for once more bringing the matter forward. The rate- payers can and ought to make it the question for the candidates at the coming election on April 2nd. The last return showed that there were about 90 houses in Rhyl with one sleeping room, where everything must take place, births, deaths, illnesses, &c., and where in some cases there were 5, 6, 7, and even 8 men, women and children living. There are over 60 houses with no back doors. I would appeal to all CHRISTIAN CHURCHES ought these things to be ? We have lately had terrible revelations of the drunkenness and im- morality prevailing in the town. Is it not your special duty to promote sobriety and pure living. lhe chnrches ought to be in the front in all social questions, in anything that will uplift and benefit the masses. It is a disgrace to the churches and the inhabitants of Rhyl that this matter has not been attended to long ago. The DISTRICT COUNCIL is very much divided on the question, but as I said before, not that they dispute the need, but some prefer th^t other matters should have the preference. They are all in earnest for the Electric Light, which is desirable enough if we as a town were in a better financial position, or any other great outlay which will improve their neighbour- hoods or surroundings, but only some of them are in favour and in earnest in providing comfortable dwellings for the Working Classes. If the builders in the town do not choose to build suitable dwel- lings, they cannot complain if it is done by the Council, and it is their bounden duty to do it, especially after the passing of the Working Classes Act. It is sometimes said decent working men should take better houses and take lodgers to make up the rents. But it is often better they should live in smaller places without taking lodgers. At any rate they should have their choice. I understand that the site was objected to why do not the councillors who object to the site suggest some other land ? There is plenty of it in all directions and some of it at very reasonable prices. A word to the WORKING CLASSES "Heaven helps those who help themselves." I think it would be well if by Public Meeting, or Memorial, or Deputation you should respectfully remind the Council that you are a part of the community they represent, and ask why your welfare and interests should not be considered as well as others'. At the coming election vote only for those who will support this, and other measures for your good. It is objected to by some that new houses would soon be as disreputable as some of the slums are at present. While there are some who would make any place dirty and miserable, there are many, very many who would keep their homes respectable. The Council for a long time would re able to choose their tenants. Then it would be objected that the lowest, who needed most, were not reached. If the better tenants removed to new houses, it would leave more room for the best. I hope that the erection of good comfort- able houses would stimulate some to save money and mend their ways and try to get into better and happier surroundings. I have several times been asked this question If you are so sure that these dwellings will pay why do you not erect them ? I will answer this. I have no available money to spare. I do not care to have mortgaged property. 1 should have to pay li per cent more than the town. It is their duty, and it is not mine. As regards the injury to the letting of existing small houses, I do not think it would make much difference for many years. Such places made clean and sanitary could be let to very small families only. At this coming election I hope such men will be elected who will have consideration for those who in the past have not had their share of attention,—Yours truly, Beechwood Road. EDWARD JONES.
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THE PRESS.
THE PRESS. The Cefn Coed M.S.S. Two M.S.S. of Welsh Poetry, written principally during the Seven- teenth Century. Edited by Rev. J. Fisher, B.D., Liverpool: Published by 1. Foulkes, MDCCCXCIX. Some fifty years agoj a couple of Welsh manu- script, came into the possession of the late Mr. William Lloyd of Cefn Coch, Ruthin. Where they came from nobody now seems to know, but at their new quarters they fell into good hands for Mr Lloyd was a gentleman who took a patriotic interest in Welsh literature, a virtue a double portion of which his son, the present owner of Cefn Coch, has inherited. The MSS are almost entirely collections of poetry, and for the most part by North Wales writers. They treat of a variety of subjects, but elegies and eulogies, as usual, predominate. With characteristic courtesy, Mr. Lloyd has now allow- ed them to be examined and published, and the Rev. J. Fisher, a perfectly competent man, was requested to undertake the task. In his brief, but well-written, preface Mr. Fisher states that, apart from all poetical merit, the collections contain much valuable matter of an historical character which, in the hands of the painstaking student, could be made to throw very considerable light upon Welsh family histories, and the social life of Wales generally from, at least, the seventeenth century." Mr Fisher's aim has been to re-produce the text as it actually stands, and he has made no attempt to correct obvious mistakes or to make the slighest alteration in any part. He deemed it advisable, however, to omit certain matter of a questionable character, but his use of asterisks is very sparing and, no doubt, judicious. In trans- scribing englynion" Mr. Fisher deviated a little in regard to the long slanting stroke"—the horizontal bar—which introduces the gair Cyrch." This is represented in the printed text by a short space, a much more sensible plan, especially from a typographical point of view. In a certain awdl published in 1884 one noticed that both the bar and the space were omitted. However, one is perfectly satisfied with an englyn written as is the following by an old Bishop of St. David's (Richard Davies, possibly) Rhowch odart aehwart y chwi a chap a chwppan 0 goffi a phib wenn wedi llenwi ar fy medd yn arfau i mi. The dialect used by the several writers is almost invariably the Gwyneddic, and Mr Fisher points outs such peculiarities as calyn for canlyn," cc heiddiw for heddyw," « gwrthiau" for gwyrthiau chwrnu for '« chwyrnu and so on. Mr Fisher points out that he has met with such pronominal forms as <k ei," « eich and en" but rarely those used being i,» «< ych!"and "yn," which Welsh scholars nowadays consider the cor- rect forms. The chief interest of the collection lies in the fact that it contains a good number of poems by Captain Thomos Prys, nearly all of which are published for the first time Captain Prys was the eldest son of the celebrated Dr. Elli-t Prys (y Doctor:Coch), of Plaa lolyn, Den- bighshire. He was a man who saw a great deal of the world, a brave and adventurous soldier, and an excellent poet. Being possessed of large proper- ty, and of a roving disposition, he fitted out a privateer against the Spaniards, and the bold re- sistance he experienced in one engagement he recounts in a very amusing poem, wherein he in- troduces a number of English sea-terms, of which the following are examples trum the ship chwip yn ddichwith bryssia yna brus anwr bring in the bowling yw bwr beare hard up i gael bwrw haint beare a loof pei bwria hi lyffaint. The orthography of the English words enable us to learn how they were pronounced some three hun- dred years ago In 1588, when Queen Elizabeth reviewed her army at Tilbury, Captain Prys was an officer in the land service. Mr. Fisher has a high opinion of his poetical ability—" His poems abound with wit, humour, and satire." There are in the collection poems by a great number of authors, some of them of exceptional merit, while others as literary compositions are scarcely entitled to a place in a printed volume. Among the prose contents may be mentioned a copy of the procla- mation of the Caerwys Eisteddfod held in the time of Henry VIII., a list of the commissioners empowered to hold an eisteddfod at Caerwys in the time of Elizabeth, and also a list of bards and musicians on whom degrees were conferred, and a fragment of MS, containining a number of medical lecipes, some of which are very quaint. The fol- lowing was the method in vogue two or three hundred years apo of curing the yellow iandiese, which is desperate and almost past cure." Take sheepes dung newe made and putt it into a cupp of beere or ale and close the cup fast and let it stand soe all night and in the morning take a draught of the clearest of the dringke and (give) it the sicke party. If one remembers well, a similiar recipe was acted upon not many years ago in Carmarthenshire. Mr. Fisher has performed his task with all the painstaking care and attention to detail which ren- der his literary performances so valuable to the student and the scholar. Besides giving usa faith- ful transcript of the MSS. and a preface which reflects as much credited npon his modesty as up- on his learning, he has compiled a most copious index which must have cost him much time and labour. This is followed by a table of authors and principal contents. There are also a number of valuable notes at the end of the volume, which are mainly palasographical. The volume is one of the most handsome which Mr. Foulkes has turned out as yet. From a typographical point of view the publisher left nothing to be desired.
----__-----RHYL and HOLYWELL…
RHYL and HOLYWELL TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION. PROPOSED TEACHERS' CONFERENCE AT RHYL A special meeting of the above Association was held on Friday evening at the National Schools Rhyl. In the absence of the President, Mr H. Bedford, Abergele, was voted to the chair. The Admission of Scholars to the Intermediate Schools. It was reported that the Secretary had received a letter from the Denbighshire County Governing Body with reference to the non-observance of the proviso for the Intermediate Schools of that county which provided that children should not be admitted to schools unless they had passed the Fifth Standard or a qualifying admission examination. The County Governing Body wrote to the effect that they had no reason for supposing that the scheme was not being carried out at present. Mr Tilby stated that the Flintshire County Governing Body had favourably considered the letter of the As- sociation, and a special committee had b«en appointed to draw up a scheme by means of which the clause regulating the admission of children into secondary schools would be put in operation If it was true that tne children entering the County Schools were ill prepared for the receiving of a secondurT education it was entirely the fault of the County Governing Body, as they had the power ia their bands of insisting upoc a qualifying entrance examination or the passing oi standard V. He believed that so far as Flintshire was concerned there would be beneficial results. It wat with regret that he beard that the DenblRhahirt teachers were so ill-informed upon the subject that thel Whre unable to satisfy the Denbighshire County Governing Body on the question (laughter). He wat certain that tbo elementary teachers possessed know. ledge of that which the County Governing Bod- pleaded ignorance. The Chairman said it was gratifying to find that the Flintshire County Governing Body were taking th. matter up. but he felt that the Denbighshire County Governing Body bad been guilty of very high handed proceedings. He did not ttiick that the elementar] school teacher* had helped that Association all t»'fj could, as some bad not even taken the troubls to replj to the questions sent >hem. The Attendance Question. During the consideiation of the agenda for tht conference t.) he held at York in Easier wrek, it "II decided to urge upon the Education Department the necessity of taking immtdiate steps, including the appointment of attendance inspectors for carrying out more effectively the compulsory clauses of the Education Acts. Mr Tilby said it would be a good thing to have the Education Department looking after the Attendance Officers. Mr Jones (Newmarket)—Who will look after lhe magistrates? (laugh er,. Extraneous Tasks. The Astociition considered and decided to support the following resolution at the conference — That no teacher be required as a condition of his or her engage- ment, to undertake or to ab-taia from the performance of extraneous and non-scholastic tasks. The War Fund. The meeting then considered a proposal that the National Union of Teachers should make a substan- tial contribution to the war relief fond. The Chairman said he did not know how the con- ference would take a resolution of that character, seeing that so much had been said respecting the grant in connection with the Ponrhya Quarrv Strike. Mr Tilby moved that the Association support the proposed grant and observed that the grant referred to by the Chairman was connected in a certain degree with a trades union movement, but the question they were asked to consider that day was more in the nature of a national movement. No doubt the majority of the teachers had already subscribed to the fund as indivi- duals, but they had not as a body identified themselves with the fund for the relief of the sufferers by the war. Miss Gittens seconded, and it Was unanimously carried. The Aid Crant to Voluntary Softools. Mr H A Tilby proposed in support of a resolution passed by the Carlisle and other Associations, "That the Rhyl and Holywell Association protests :most strongly against the division by the Department of the Special Aid Grant, by which 5s 9d will be paid in respect of each scholar in town schools and 3s 3d in respect of each scholar in county schools, and relies on the Executive of the National Union of Teachers to use every effort to obtain a division fairer to rural schools." He said that it was a question which seriously affected them in North Wales. He recently worked out the difference in the grant as it affected the St. Asaph Diocesan Schools Association, and found out that they would receive about 91100 less than tbej would have received had a grant of 5s per head all round bsen paid, simply because it was largely a rural district. He felt that they were adopting the right course in view of the position of rural schools. He felt that they would all realise that Y,1100 would go a very long way with the schools in the Diocese of St. Asaph. He hoped that they would do all that was possible to bring about a fairer distribution of the grant in aid. Mr Thomas (Dyserth) seconded, and it waa unani- mously carried. Unqualified Teachers. On the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Tilby, the following resolution was passed—"That in view of the strenuous and continued effect of our commercial competitors in foreign countries to extend and improve the education and training of the future workers, this Conference desires to direct public atten- tion to the injury done to the children of the working men by the employment of 14,000 unqualified persons us teachers in schools supported mainly or wholly by public money." The Superannuation of Teachers. It was also decided to support a resolution in favour of fixing the age limit for the optional retire- ment of teachers at 60 for men and 55 for women. Delegates to the Conferenoe. Miss Gittens (Abergele) and Mr Thomas (Dyserth) were appointed as delegates to the York Conference. Proposed Conference at Rhyl, 1901. Mr Tilby said he was pleased to be able to report that the prospects of the conference being held in KhU at Es»*er> good. A representative of the Union had visited the town and was very pleased with the accommodation afforded. The claims of Rhvl h.l vv8? T6' he "tron8lr supported bv other North Yv ales Associations, aud he believed ther could make the conference a success. North Wales certainly had a chim on the conference as it had never met in the northern part of the Principality. One of the grave questions before the Conference would be tbat of the position of the rural schools, and Rhyl could certainly claim to be in the heart of a rural district. The question of an Agricultural Committee had also to be considered, and in the Rhyl district there were op- portunities for demonstrations at conference time! North Wales would also have a strong claim on the conferenee from the attendance point of view. Wales »s they were well aware, was a bad third, and North' Wales was the most wretched in the kingdom. Public opinion had to oe created on the attendance and other important questions, and he believed that if the con- ference of the National Union of Teachers was held at Rhyl that the whole of North Wales woold benefit from an educational point of view. They in Wales prided themselves on their educational system, but they seemed to leave out of the question all idea of the educator. It was decided to draw up a circular for distribution among the Associations connected with the National Union of Teachers in favour of the holding of the 1901 conference at Rhyl. ^his concluded the business, and the meeting then
,FOOTBALL NOTES.
FOOTBALL NOTES. Saturday last was a "day off" for the football enthusiasts, and taking advantage of the absence of play at Rhyl the supporters of the game patronised the cheap excursion train to Llandudno, where the international match between Wales and Ireland was decided. The attendance at that fixture was large, and the game of an exciting character. It is gratifying to know that Wales was able to beat Ireland by 2 goals to nil. The ball was actually placed in the net three times, but one goal was disallowed through being declared "off-side." The excitement at the result was naturally very great, aud the news of the victory of the Welsh team was hailed with delight at Rhyl, a telegram reaching here at about 5-30. In consequence of Birkenhead having a cup tie on March 10th, it was decided to play the Combination match on Saturday last. Rhyl sent a good team awa,. and they gave a splendid account of themselves, the game ending iu a draw, neither side scoring. The match was capitally contested, and the Rhyl goalkeeper again did well. The Birkenhead team were rather surprised that Rhyl should (have given them a drawn game on their own ground. The team seems to have a great liking for drawn games this season, and their record stands better than last year. Taking advantage of the in ternational match at Llandudno on Saturday, the Executive Committee of the North Wales Coast Football Association held a meeting in that town, Mr C W Berrie presiding. Bangor and Llandudno were ordered to replay their undecided semi- final tie in the Senior Cup Competition on Saturday next, Carnarvon being again selected as the neutral ground kick-off at 3-30. The final tie for the Junior Cup between Flint and Carnarvon was ordered to be played at Llan- rwst on March 24th, Mr Hersee, of Llandudno, to be referee. It was also resolved that the semi-final between Flint and Buckley in the Senior Co mpetition should be played not later than March 17th, either at Shotton or Con- nah's Quay, Mr Cope, of Crewe, being ap- pointed referee. A meeting of the committee of the Coast League was also held at Llandudno on Satur- day afternoon, Mr C W Berrie in the chair. Denbigh having written expressing their desire to withdraw from the League, it was resolved to accept the resignation subject to their ful- filling their engagements with Colwyn Bay and Holywell. Carnarvon having played ineli- gible men in their match at Llanrwst, two points were deducted from their score in the League table. On Saturday next at Belle Vue Athletic grounds, Llanrwst will meet Ruabon Albion in the semi-final of the Welsh Junior Cup.
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RHYL CYCLING CLUB.
RHYL CYCLING CLUB. TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL DINNER. The twenty-second annual dinner in connection with the Rhyl Cycling Club was held at the Head- quarters, Grosvenor Hotel, on Monday evening, and proved to be one of the most succe&sful yet held in connection with the Club. The President, Mr F L Rawlins,' occupied the chair, and the attendance included the following :-Lieut. W Hatherley Jones (Vice-president), Mr S P Reed (Captain), Mr J Pierce Lewis (Hon Treasurer), Messrs W H Johnson, Thos Davies, R J Hughes, Thos Jones, R Bromley, E W Parry, J Beech, F Beech, E A Waddy, A Maltby, J W Jones, C W Berrie, G Moss, H T Roberts, J Evans, G Lyne, H Hughes, G Brookes, Wills Jones, W Roberts, H Sandoe, W Roberts, P J Ashfield. D R Jones, L J Foster, W Trythall, C H Smith, J Williams, E Dean, G Newman, W Midwinter, J Fitzpatrick, C D Snowden, J Williams, R Sutcliffe, R Newing, C Pountney, A W Freeston, F Lyne, A Young, W Miller, and J D Polkinghorne (secretary). Mr and Mrs Snowden placed an ezcellent and well served repast on the tables which were very tastefully set out and decorated with flowers, ferns, plants, &c. The 20-mile challenge cup of the club occupied a central position on the able. The President gave the toast of the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family, paying a marked tribute to the exemplary life of Her Majesty. The toast was received with much enthusiasm and the singing of the National Anthem. The Secretary then read several letters of apology for non-attendance, and explained that many more would have been with the Club on that occasion had circumstances and health per- mitted. Mr Ashfield in proposing the toast of the Forces said he felt that on an occasion of that sort not only should gthe Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces be included in the toast, but they should not forget the ladies who were so heroically serving the country in South Africa (applause). The forces were doing noble work for the Empire, and side by side with them, sharing the dangers and trials of the war, were a band of British women of whom the nation had cause to be proud. (applause). iThe forces had to fight against odds that no Army had ever before been called upon to face, but the tro,-)pa did their duty, while the Navy had done an enormous amount of good with their big puns, especially in the defence of Ladysmith (applause). The Auxiliary Forces of the nation had also shown that they were ready to do duty when called, upon and already the Tolunteers were at the front responding to the call of the empire (applause). Mr H T Roberta responded and said that they could not but feel proud of the work done by the forces and the volunteers. It used to be said that the volunteers were featherbed soldiers, but the response :they had :made to the call of duty showed that they could fight as well as the regular troops. He felt that the empire should be proud of its sons (applause.) The Secretary in proposing the toast of the Magistrates, County and Urban District Coun- cil, said that cyclists had more to do with those gentlemen than many persons imagined, but he was pleased to say that the justices in Rhyl and other parts of Flintshire in the neighbourhood treated the wheelmen very well, and were con- siderate to those brought before them. In the Abergele districts, however, cyclists had not the same opinion of the magistrates. The Rhyl Cyc- ling Club felt that they owed a great deal to the County Councillors, and also to the Urban District Councillors. Not only had the County Councillors done much in the direction of keeping up good roads, but they had also fought hard against out- side influence in compelling all vehicles to carry lights after dark. The Rhyl Urban District Coun- cil had also shown every consideration to the cyclists, and had insisted upon drivers holding the Council's licences respecting the rights of cyclists on the road (applause). Mr A Maltby was the first to respond, and said that they had cause to feel proud of the cyclists ot Rhyl, and be assured those present that the Dis- trict Councillors would see that those ladies and gentlemen who cycled had fair play when out riding. Some of the drivers had resented the interference of the Council at the time the Club brought the matter forward, but the late Mr Abel Jones, who was in the chair at the time, gave the men clearly to understand that the Council would at all times insist upon resident as well as visitor cyclists having perfect freedom on the roads. At the next Licensing Meeting no doubt the Council ] would remind the drivers of their obligations to cyclists (applause). Mr J W Jones said he was certain that the Urban Council would do all that was possible to encourage cyclists, as the Councillors had the utmost sympathy with them. The works now in progress would make cycling a source of pleasure. M r C W Berrie hoped that the Rhyl Cycling Club would do all that was possible to encourage cyclists to hold camps at Rhyl. Mr W H Johnson, in giving the toast of The Town and Trade of Rhyl, said he realised that it was a very nice place for visitors, especially for children, and while there were facilities for golfing, oycling, and boating, he felt that lawn tennis was neglected. He suggested that the Council should endeavour to provide about four or five tennis courts (applause). Mr Thos. Davies responded, and said that there were signs that Rhyl were going ahead. Buildings were being erected on all sides, and if Rhyl was not improving commercially it was not likely that the Railway Company would have built the finest station on the coast, (applause). Mr Trythall submitted the toast of the Rhyl Cycling Club and its officers, observing that the Club had cause to feel thankful that it had a local authority that were prepared to safeguard the cyclists' interests. Although a new comer to Rhyl, and one who had only recently joined the Club, he had heard that the President had taken the lead in a right down royal:manner. (applause). He congratulated the Club on its officers, and hoped to have many pleasant runs with them. (Hear, hear). I The President, in responding,said he was pleased to be associated with the Club, although he could not'take a very activepat't in its proceedings. He felt that Clubs ,• of that character ;should be en- couraged, as they gave young men something to do in their spare time, and cycles enabled those shut up in offices all day to get awayi into the country in the evenings or at week ends. He hoped that the Club would continue to prosper. Mr S P Reed thanked those present for coup- ling his name with the toast, and said that he hoped that the members would.rally round him in the club runs. ? M r J Pierce-Lewis said he had had the honour of being connected with the club for many years, and he was pleased to say that its prospects were never brighter than at the present time. He had attended many social gatherings in connection with the club, but at none had he seen so much enthusiasm and good feeling. He was pleased to see Mr Rawlins in the chair, as he was a gentleman who took a deep interest in the club. The Secretary also responded to the toast, and said that the club had made a capital start this year, and he hoped that the "Absent Minded Beggars" would not forget the club runs. He referred to the financial position of the club as being satisfactory, and said that the season of 1900 would4be one of special interest to the club. The ladies had promised to help at the pic-nic in April, and an Easter tour was being arranged. He regretted the absence through illness of such old friends as Mr Snowden, Mr C Connah, and Mr W L Foster, but was sure that their hearts were in the club (applause). Mr F Beech^in [giving the toast of the Hockey, Football, Yaoht, and other clubs in Rhyl, made an appeal to the cyclists to lend a helping hand to the football club. Mr R J Hughes responded, and said that had the Rhyl people taken as deep an interest in the football club as the Llandudno residents did in their club there was no doubt that the International match of Saturday last would have been played at Rhyl. He hoped that the people of this town would remember that the United Club was doing good work. Mr L J Foster responded on behalf of the Hockey Clubhand Mr H T Roberts on behalf of the Yacht Club. Mr S P Reed proposed the health of the Presi- dent and Vice-Presidents and the toast was received with musical honours. Lieut W Hatherley Jones responded, and specially referred to the active interest taken in the Club by the Treasurer and Secretary. He be- lieved that the R.C.C. would now have a splendid run of success. Mr J Evans snbmltted the toast of the Host and Hostess, and referred with regret to the absence of Mr C Snowden. He complimented Mrs Snow- den on the excellent repast she had served, which had helped to make the gathering a thorough success. Mr G Snowden respondad on behalf of his brother and Mrs Snowden, and said that Mr 0 Snowden hoped very soon to be with the Club again. During the evening the following contributed to a splendid musical programme :—Mr R Suttcliffe. 9 Mr Fitzpatrirk, Mr L J Foster, Mr Wills Jones, Mr W Roberts, Mr H T Roberts, Mr H Sandoe, and Mr J Evans. The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem.
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List of Visitors.
List of Visitors. At The Grosvenor, 12 East Parade.-G Bakewell, Esq., Mrs Bakewell, Masters Victor and Alfred Bakewell, Longton, Staffs Miss Parkes, West Bromwich Misses Bakewell (3), Stoke on Trent Mills Ashwell do, Miss Booth, London R W Owen, Esq, Liverpool Mrs Rowlands, Rhylt
Improvements at the Railway…
Improvements at the Railway Station. On Sunday, workmen were engaged the whole of the day in erecting the new bridge, which is to connect the two platforms at the rail- way station. The new structure is massive in character, and will provide accommodation for luggage as well as passenger traffic. The roofing of the newly erected portions of the station has been commenced, and the filling up of the plat. forms is being proceeded with. Favoured with fine weather the contractors will be well advanced with the new station by the opening of the season The new bridge from the two platforms, and the additional entrances should greatly facilitiate the dealing with the traffic this year. The Eleotrio Light and Refuse Destructor, The committee having charge of the above have held meetings for the purpose of considering questions to bring matters to an issue before the Local Government Board Inquiry is held. There should be DO delay in getting the dust destructor part of the scheme completed as the district has at present no satisfactory method of disposing of refuse. Mr Warwick Webb and the Engineer of the Rhyl and Prestatyn Light Railway have had an interview with the Committee of the Council for the purpose ot arranging the terms upon which the Council will supply electric current for the working of the line. What the result has been has not yet been made known. Property Sale. On Monday afternoon at the Alexandra Hotel, Mr C W Berrie (Messrs Berrie and Wiiliams) offered for sale by public auction the dwelling house and premises situate, and being 144 Wellington-road. The conditions of sale were read by Mr Lowe, from the office of Mr F Nunn, Solicitor, Colwyn Bay, and the auctioneer in describing the property referred to the great im- provement that was taking place in the West Eud of Rhyl, adding that the opening of John Street to Wellington-road would greatly improve the thoroughfare from a residential point of view. The extensive additions to the Rhyl Railway Station would also mean an improvement of the value of property in town. Bidding started at jE300, and the property was withdrawn at £iS10.
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