Rhyl Journal

St. Asaph Board of Guardians FORTNIGHTLY MEETING. THE MOST EXPENSIVE PAUPER IN THE UNION.'> —THE COFFIN CONTRACTS STRONG OBSER- VATIONS— THE ABERCELE DISTRICT MEDICAL OFFICER AND THE SMALLPOX CASES AT LLANDDULAS. FRIDAY.—Present Mr R LI Jones (chairman), Mrs Robert Jones, Miss Bennett, and Messrs J H Ellis, S Perks, J Roberts Jones, G F Gunner, J'Frimston, Robert Da vies (Prestatyn), Thomas Evans (Abergele), R C Thompson, E Morgan, John Pierce, J D Jones, T Howes- Roberts, George Williams, Robert Morris, John Jones (Waen), and others, together with the Clerk (Mr Chas. Grimsley). Master's Report: Inmates before the Board. The Master (Mr Robert Jones), in his report atated that two inmates desired to appear before the Board. The first was Patrick McManus (i2), who applied for out-door relief so that he might take his discharge from the house. The Master said that this appeared to be a case in which a father in his old age had been deserted by his sons. The Chairman said trom what he knew of the case the sons were better men than their father and all of them had large families to keep. The Master I am only giving you the man's version. Applicant (in answer to a question by the Chairman) You can't get much in Rhyl for 2s 6d a week (laughter). It was decided to allow the applicant 3s per week, and the Chairman, in informing him of this, said they might have granted him more if he had not indulged in something that was not good for him. Applicant thanked the Board and added that during the 30 years he had lived in Rhyl he had never once appeared before the magistrates. The Chairman Then you are on very friendly terms with the police ? (laughter). The other case was that of a St Asaph girl named George, who had been in domestic service, and since her last situation had availed herself of the shelter of the house. Mr T Howes Roberts thought this was a case which called for the Board's sympathy, and as the girl did not appear to be very well it was decided to allow her to remain in the house a little longer. The Master reported that the number of inmates was 127, the same as on the corresponding date of last year, and that during the fortnight 139 vagrants had been relieved, as against 97 for the corresponding period of last year. The Most Expensive Pauper in the Union. A patriarchal looking gentleman named Robert Jones, the brother of a Tremeirchion pauper, who since 1883 had been in receipt of out-door relief, appeared before the board to show cause why he should not give up some of his sister's belongings (she being now dead) and in that way refund a portion of the cost of her maintenance by the Board. It was stated that the deceased woman was at one time well-to-do and lived in her own house, the ownership of which was transferred to her brother in 1885 for £18. The brother claimed deceased's furniture on the ground that he had borne her funeral, expenses, but the Guardians considered they had a right to it or its value. Several members gave vent to feelings of indig- nation on the subject, and in the course of the various remarks which were made the Chairman said the brother made a very good bargain when he purchased deceased's house for £18, seeing that it was worth to him JE3 2s. 6d per annum. Mr Eilis Indeed he did. The Chairman also commented strongly upon the action of paupers handing their property over to relatives and then living entirelyon the rates ,as in this instance. Mr Morgan This woman has been the most expensive pauper in the Union. For several years she has cost the ratepayers 118 per week, and at one time she was in receipt of 14s. per week. I think in justice to the ratepayers we ought to ask this man to pay us at least the full value of the furniture. As the Chairman has pointed out, the man made a very good bargain when he bought his sister's house. It was suggested to the man that he should hand to the Guardians the key of the house con- taining the furniture left by deceased, but this he was unwilling to do, preferring apparently to have the house searched to his own satisfaction before anyone else entered it. Eventually it was decided to claim the furniture, the value of which was put down at £2. Tenders: Strong Comments on the Coffin Contracts: Tobacco a Luxury. On the recommendation of the Contracts Com- mittee the following tenders for the supply of groceries, provisions, &c, to the Workhouse and for Union purposes for the ensuing half-year were accepted:—Bread §d per Ib, flour 13-16d per lb, oatmeal 23s per sack of 2401bs, cheese 6d per Ib, sugar 15s 3d per cwt, rice 168 per cwt, double X pale soap £ 1 3s per cwt, and carbolic soap 17s per cwt, Messrs Jones and Son meat 61d per Ib, Mr T Davies (Denbigh) tea Is 5d per lb, Messrs Harrison Jones and Co (Denbigh) coffee Is 42d per Ib, and smoking tobacco 3s 4d per lb, Messrs Teckley, Sons and Leighton loaf sugar 18s 6d per cwt, sago 17s 9d per cwt, soda 3s Hd per cwt, and candles 4d per lb, Mr D J Price currants 2d per lb, Mr J Emrys Jones mustard Hd per 1h, split peas lis per cwt, paraffin oil 6d per gallon, pepper Is per lb, and twist tobacco 3s 5d per lb, Messrs E B Jones and Co coal 15s 6d per ton, Mr Hugh Jones, Lley Hall; milk 8d per gallon, Mr Owen Jones. Printing: Messrs Pearce and Jones, Journal Office, Rhyl. Coffins (for four districts and the Workhouse): Messrs Jones and Son 12s, Mr Edward Williams 15s, Mr Edward Ellis 15s, j Mr Joseph Evans 13s, and Mr Edward Parry ) Is (the latter being for the Work- house). For the supply of drill at 9d per! yard and grey calico at 2d per yard, the tender of Mr T J Williams was accepted 24 quilts at 7s 6d per pair, Messrs Roberts and Co. boots (boys' at 4s 6d, 5s 6d, and 5s lid, men's at 5s lid, women's at 3s ll^d, and girls' at 2s 62d and 3s 6d), Messrs Scales and Sons, Ltd.; hosiery at 2s 2d, Is lld, and Is 21(1, Mr W G Jones. The tenders were accepted not altogether with- out comment by some of the members. The first item in the list to which exception was taken was tobacco, which Mr Bennett Jones (Bylchau) thought they might dispense with, it being only a luxury." Mr R Griffith (Llanfairtalhaiarn) objected to the low price paid for the coffins delivered in the district which he represented. It was ridiculous to expect that a good coffin could be made and delivered in that outlandish part for 15s. Some of the coffins he had seen taken to Llanfair were a disgrace. He thought they ought to go in for something better. The Chairman hoped the Board would not be too fastidious in such matters. He did not think it mattered much what was the quality of the coffins so long as they served the purpose for which they were intended. Mr Griffith: Then we had better go in for coffins at about 5s each. Mr Joseph Jones (the member for Llanddulas) appealed to the Chairman as timber merchant to sa.y whether a good coffin could be made for 15s much leas lIs, which was the pi ice paid for the Workhouse coffins. The Chairman, however, did not venture an opinion, and the prices quoted were agreed to without further discussion. Serious Illness of Mr R J Williams. The Chairman referred feelingly to the regret- table absence through illness of Mr R J Williams, of Rhyd, Dyserth, whose case, though serious, was not hopeless. Although one of his medical advisers had not given a very encouraging report, the Chairman said he felt sure it was the earnest hope of the whole Board that Mr Williams would soon be able to be amongst them again (hear, hear). With those remarks he proposed a vote of sympathy with their stricken colleague and his family. This was seconded by Mr Morgan, and agreed to. "A Bill to Relieve the Rich at.the Expense of Others." The Clerk reported the receipt of several com- munications, including a circular letter from the Gateshead Town Council asking the Board to petition against the Rating of Machinery (i.e., Exemption of Machinery from Rating) Bill now before Parliament. Mr R Davies, who proposed that the Board petition against the bill, characterised it as a measure for the relief of the rich at the expense of the others. He had been informed that if it became law it would relieve the London and North Western Railway Company at Crewe alone of rates 4to the amount of £7,000. Mr Gunner seconded. Mr J D Jonea thought it would be a mis- take to oppose the bill. It would affect nobody on the Board except, perhaps, the Chairman. The Chairman What about the farmers and the proprietors of bottling stores ? Mr Ellis Oh we can do the bottling without machinery (laughter). Mr Davies' motion was defeated by 14 votes to nine, and no further action was taken in the matter, The Smallpox Cases at Llanddulas. J A letter was read from Dr H O Hughes, | medical officer for the Abergele district, as to his engagement of Dr Cornall to attend the smallpox cases at Llanddulas. The writer con- sidered it would be unreasonable for the Board to expect him to look after both smallpox cases and his own private paitients, and he looked to the Board to pay Dr Cornall for his services. Mr Thomas Evans, who with the other Abergele Guardians supported Dr Hughes' view of the matter, said that Dr Cornall had been known to him for a few years now. He was quite an authority on smallpox, and therefore the best man that could have been appointed to look atter the cases at Llanddulas. For twelve years continuously he was resident medical officer at the Highgate smallpox hospital, and held a similar post at Clare Hall smallpox hospital, Barnet. He had had three years' similar experience in South Africa. Mr Pierce agreed with Mr Evans that the over- seers had been very fortunate in securing Dr Cornall's services. Mr Joseph Jones said Dr Cornall had since been engaged by the Colwyn Bay Urban District Council to attend to the patients in their hospital. He thought Dr Hughes' claim ought to be met. Mr Frimston thought it opened up a very wide question. If they made a concession to Dr Hughes, it would naturally follow that other medical officers in the Union would expect to be assisted in the same way. The Clerk pointed out that since the Colwyn Bay Urban District Council had secured Dr Cornall'a»services in all probability the Colwyn Bay Council would send in a bill charging the Union so much per head for the Llanddulas cases treated in their hospital. He thought it desirable that the Board should wait to see whether that course was taken. Mr J D Jones expressed approval of Dr Hughes' action in securing Dr Cornall's services. He did not see how they could expect their Medical Officers to attend to both smallpox and other cases. Mr Ellis, who maintained that it was the duty of the medical officers to look.after all infectious cases, smallpox included, agreed with Mr Frimston that the question raised by Dr Hughes opened up a very wide door. His own opinion was that if a medical officer appointed a substitute he ought also to pay him. The Chairman also held this view. Mr Evans repeated that it was very desirable that in an emergency of this nature a man who thoroughly understood the disease should be engaged to look after the cases. Mr Pierce thought the question of expense ought not to enter into a matter of such gravity. Further consideration of Dr Hughes' letter was deferred until the Clerk had ascertained what would be the Colwyn Bay hospital charges and Dr Cornall's charges. Application for an Increase of Salary. A letter was received from Mrs Williams, the relieving officer for the Abergele district, who applied for an increase of-salary in order she said to meet her travelling expenses, which were very heavy. Mr Ellis questioned whether there was any reason for increasing her salary, and added That is the worst of having lady relieving officers. They have great influence with the men (laughter). The Chairman Is that your experience of ladies, Mr Ellis Mr Ellis Yes (laughter). Mr Joseph Jones' suggestion that the matter be referred to the Finance Committee was agreed to. The St. Asaph District Relieving Officer. The Finance Committee reported having had under consideration the duties of the Relieving Officer for St Asaph district (Mr J E. Davies), and had come to the conclusion that the reason Mr Davies was unable to get through his work properly was because the district was too much for him. Mr Davies felt that if he had assistance he could comply with the Local Government Board's requisition, and the Committee recommended that he be granted f20 advance of salary so that he might secure such assistance. The Chairman thought the time had arrived when they ought to consider whether it would not be better to divide the district and have an additional officer. Mr Ellis said there was another recommendation before the Committee, namely, that the Denbigh Relieving Officer's district should include Bodfari and Tremeirchion, which two places Mr Davies had at present to look after. The Chairman We have seen this morning that the Denbigh Relieving Officer has too much to do. Mr Ellis Oh, I thought he was underworked if anything (laughter). The matter was referred back to the Finance Committee. Parishes In Arrears. It was reported that the parishes of Llanfair- talhaiarn and Waen were in arrears with their calls, and the Clerk was requested to write to the overseers on the subject. The Estimates. The Clerk said the estimates of income and expenditure for the ensuing half-year had been submitted to the Finance Committee that morning and deferred. His own calculation was that they would require a county rate for the Flintshire district of 4 in the £ and for the Denbighshire district 3M in the f,, but he did not know what provision they might have to make for education purposes. The Chairman You may take it from Mr Morgan and myself that the education rate will not come into force for another twelve months. It was decided to await the Finance Com- mittee's report. The Clerkship to the Assessment Committee. The Assessment Committee reported that sub- ject to the approval of the Guardians they had fixed the Clerk's remuneration for his services to that Committee at JE70, which sum included JE20 for extra work. On the motion of Mr Morgan the report was adopted. The Representation of Prestatyn and other Parishes. Mr Robert Davies gave notice to move at the next meeting that application be made to each of the two County Councils to appoint a com- mittee to consider the question of increasing the representation of Prestatyn. At the suggestion of Mr Griffith he amended the motion so as to include other parishes.

TALKING ACROSS OCEANS. A FAMOUS RECORD FOR LONC DISTANCE SPEAKINC. One family in the Mother Country is rejoicing over hearing the voice of a long-separated son and brother who went out years ago to New Zealand after fame and fortune. He couldn't call them up on the telephone, but he spoke words of love and greeting into a graphophone cylinder and sent it on by post. When received here it was reproduced through a large horn find the entire family, assembled in the drawing room, heard perfectly everything contained in the unique message. Every little inflection and peculiarity of the voice was recognizable. As the mother said, it was just as if John were by her side talking to her. Another surprise in store was a record cylinder with messages from John's wife and little baby girl just learning to talk, whom the folks at home had never seen. It was a happy Christmas season when the messages were spoken into the cylinders to be sent to far-off Engiand, and it was a day of rich memories when the mother in the old home listened to her son's real voice, though he himself was in far away New Zealand. Talking machines serve a useful purpose as well as afford delightful entertainment. And one thing that makes the Graphophone so popular is that anyone can speak or sing into it and have the words or song instantly reproduced Not all talking machines can do this. The Graphophone also reproduces the famous extra-loud X P Columbia Records, nhich are supplied in such an infinite variety of selections. Graphophones and Columbia Records were awarded the only Grand Prix to talking machines at the Paris Exposition. Price Book 20" will be sent post free if this paper is mentioned by anyone who will write for lit to the Columbia Phonograph Company, Gen'l, 122 Oxford Street, London, W.

afeAIR's GOUT PI LLS The only remedy in the world for GOUT and RHEUMATISM that relieves and cures these complaints. Sure, safe, and effectual. The composition is purely vegetable. No restraint of diet during use. A8k for BLAIR'S GOUT and RHEUMATISM PILLS [ All Chemists and Stores at I I I I & 2/9 per box

The Prudential Assurance ¡ Company. I The annual balance sheet of the Prudential* \ssurance Company, Limited—which, as everybody knows, is one of the moBt flourishing concerns ever floated—has just been issued, and the figures indicate that enormous business has been done. For many years past the Prudential has occupied a towering position in the insurance world, having, not only as the pioneer of industrial assurance, but also by the enterprising manner in which it entered into ordinary life assurance transactions, won the confi. dence of the country at larg?. The figures alone speak volumes for the soundness of the concern, and call for no embellishing language, as will be seen from the following Dealing first with the ordinary branch, the report gives the following particulars The number of policies issued during the year was &,662, assuring EG,680,050, and. producing a new annual premium income of £ 364,068. The premiums were E3,651,458, being an increase of 9161,503 over the year 1901. The claims amounted to £ 1,296,693. The number of deaths was 6,895, and 3,952 endowment assurances matured. The number of policies in force at the end of the year was 680,631. In the industrial branch the year's opera- tions are thus described :—The premiums received during the year were f-5,690,907, being an increase of £ 161,446. The claims amounted to £ 2,140,645. The number of deaths was 212,701, and 3,369 endowment assurances matured. The number of free policies granted to those policyholders of five years' standing who desired to dis- continue their payments was 84,060, the number in force being 836,884. The number of free policies which became claims was 19,170. The total number of policies in force at the end of the year was 14,770,865 their average duration is ten years. A combination of the assets—ordinary and industrial—gives a total of 14-1,155,201, which is an increase of f-3,863,175 over the amount at the close of 1901. The results of the valuation made by Mr Schooling, the Company's actuary, of the assets and liabilities are as follows:—In the ordinary branch the surplus shown is P,1,018,335, including the sum of JEl38,151 brought forward from last year. Out of this surplus the Directors have added 2150,000 to the investments reserve fund, which now stands at £ 400,000. In the industrial branch the surplus shown is X865,326, including the sum of R351,401 brought forward from last year. Out of this surplus the Directors have added 9150,000 to the reserve fund, which now stands at £ 1,050,000. The total surplus of the two branches, as shewn by the valuation, is thus 91,883,661, which is disposed of as follows R150,000 has been added to the investments reserve fund of the ordinary branch, and R150,000 has been added to the reserve fund of the industrial branch; RI,132,890 is distributable among the participating policyholders and share- holders in accordance with the regulations of the Company under its special Act of Parliament, leaving R450,771 to be carried forward, namely, 9101,581 in the ordinary branch and £3-19,190 in the industrial branch.

0 1 4 %,F- -PP*ON low | To Thicken [ your Soups | I and Sauces I C 1US@ • • • y Brown&Polson!s | "PATENT"-Best Quality I I 1 Corn Flour | | It adds a fineness to I I the dish, and helps to | I bring out the particular f *7 flavour of each. It gives > | Soups and Sauces a j | foundation that makes £ them feeding, warming, I and nourishing. > Beware of "Just as. tit I Good." No Corn Flour I f but Brown & Poison's J l "Patent" will give you C ç} the best results. i Ó;I iP.?:oF.

The Tammany Drum. Oft we hear the bugle calling In alleys dark and slum, And the rabble flock together When they hear the drum. Down with the Church of England, Is the battle cry, But with His help we conquer, And the foe defy. If the blowing loud of trumpets In far Canaan's land Caused the downfall of a city, It was God's coramand; Powerful the frailest weapon Craft to overthrow Onward Help from Him is sure, Strength He will bestow. Strong and mighty are thy bulwarks, Temple of our King, From Thy presence by the altar Priests Thy message bring Founded on the Rock of Ages, It will stand the gale, And the gates of hell shall never Against His Church prevail. Let us rally round the banner, Banner of the Cross, Bravely fighting in the battle, Counting not the loss Let us never halt or falter Till the battle's won, Till we see the foes so bitter Falling one by one. Kinmel Street, Bhyl. Al. JONES.

SYMINGTON'S COFFEE g ESSENCE ill j iS iqjj ferihiViiri MK-T. bffiai Pur* CofT«* r D«nd#Jion £ offM 4 Chlcorr A STIMULANT I ° 4% RESTORATIVE I *-A CORRECTIVE. qr

Smallpox in the St. Asaph ¡ Union. MORE CASES AT LLANDDULAS. At the monthly meeting last Friday of the St Asaph (Denbigh) Rural District Council, Mr J D Jones presiding, the Medical Olfuer (Dc Lloyd Roberts) reported that, following a report he made at a special meeting of that authority a fortnight previous of the three cises of small- pox at No 6 Tai Dulas, Llanddulas, hs had to report two more cases fron the same parish, each, however, at a different centre. The first was that of Thomas Davies, of whom he was advised on Sunday, the 8th inst, and who was immediately removed to an isolation hospital. He was a lodger in a one-bedroomed house in the "Square," and had taken the place of Owen Roberts, of Tai Dulas, at Mr Raynes' kiln. The second case was that of John Jones, who was- reported to him on Wednesday, the 11th inst, and who WIloS also removed immediately to the hospital. He was working as a labourer about Mr Raynes' kiln. Thin the total number of cases that had occurred in Llanddulas up to date was five in three separate houses; and Owen Roberta, of Tai Dulas, appeared to have been the first of all. In the management of the cases the district was extremely fortunate in that the Urban District Council of Colwyn Bay had provided themselves with a smallpox hospital, for which so far they had had no use as far as their own district was concerned, and which they had on request allowed to be made use of for the Llanddulas cases. The hospital was situated some distance outside the urban district, and the Colwyn Bay Council had appointed a medical gentleman who was not in private practice to attend to the patients there. The rural district, having received so large a measure of protection by isolation from Colwyn Bay (for which place also most excellent provision had been made in the case of any outbreak occurring there), owed a great debt of thanks to the Colwyn Bay Council for the hospitality they had extended to Llanddulas in this emergency. In dealing with the infected houses an unfortunate delay occurred in starting the work, but that delay had now been satisfactorily overcome by the appointment of an inspector specially to superintend the work in Llanddulas, since when things had gone on well and uninterruptedly. The men in two of the infected houses had been retained to clear their own houses rather than that infected persons shoull be introduced to do the work. The Council would do well to deal liberally with all who suffered by it, otherwise concealments were certain to be practised, making it all the more impossible to prevent the spread of the disease. As they (the Rural District Council) could not indefinitely rely upon the Colwyn Bay hospital, the Medical Officer went on to suggest that they see about pro- viding a hospital for their own district or combine with adjoining districts to provide one. As the Rhyl Council would not receive any smallpox infected articles for disinfection in their steam apparatus, he suggested also that the Rural District Council would do well to purchase a portable steam disinfector, which would ba always useful. He further impressed upon them the importance of going thoroughly into the question of the sanitary condition of Llanddulas in the matter of overcrowding. A fatal case of peurperal fever at Towyn and an outbreak of measles at Bettws were reported. In the course of a discussion as to the best means of meeting the various suggestions of the Medical Officer, the Clerk (Mr Charles Grimsley) reported the receipt of a letter from the Denbigh- shire County Council with reference to the recent petition of the Abergele and Pensarn Urban District Council that the County Council provide a smallpox hospital for the district. The letter stated that although the petition had been under consideration no proposal was made, but if desired they would deal with it again at their next meeting. Alderman Joseph Jones, referring to the letter written by the Clerk to the Abergele Council, felt sure that if the matter was properly laid before the County Council they would give it very considera- tion. He thought Mr Crabbe had been too strong on the County Council. According to that letter the County Council had ignored the petition, but he could assure those present that it was not ignored. The matter came on at the end of a long meeting, and by that time he believed there was not a quorum remaining to transact any further business. The Medical Officer said the question of the provision of a smallpox hospital for the district was a most urgent one, having regard to the probability of a big outbreak between Llanddulas and Llysfaen. Approval was expressed of all that had been done to deal with the Llanddulas cases, and a sum of jE5 was voted to the person superintending the locality in order that he might meet various expenses. On the motion of Mr R Griffith (Llan- fairtalhaiarn), seconded by Mr William Owen (Abergele), it was decided to petition the Denbigh- shire County Council at a special meeting at Wrexham on :Monday to provide a hospital. A deputation was also appointed to meet the Aber- gele and Pensarn Urban District Council on Monday evening. At a special meeting of the Denbighshire County Council at Wrexham on Monday, Mrlscoed Jones, of Llanrwst, presiding, a petition was read from the St Asaph (Denbigh) Rural District Council asking the County Council to provide an isolation hospital for the districts of Colwyn Bay, Abergele and Llanddulas. A communication on the same subject from the Abergele and Pensarn Urban District Council was considered at the same time. It was stated by the representatives of Colwyn Bay that the matter was a very urgent one for the district, as unless the disease was etamped out it would be the ruin of the places as health resorts. There were 16 cases, and that day four fresh cases had been reported. Four patients had been removed to Carnarvonshire, but they had now been stopped, and could not send anyone. It was pointed out that Colwyn Bay had provided an isolation hospital, but it was now full. It was stated that there were no cases in Colwyn Bay, but they came from the surrounding districts. The matter was referred to the Public Health Act Committee of the County Council. The decision of the County Council was imme- diately communicated to the Abergele and Pensarn Urban District .Council, who at their monthly meeting on Monday night conferred with the Rural District Council representatives of Abergele and the Llanddulas representative as to the best course to be pursued in the face of the emergency with which they are now confronted. Mr Thomas Evans presided over a large attendance, and after a discussion (with closed doors) lasting close upon three hours it was agreed to at once go in for a joint isolation hospital for smallpox cases. The question of a site was also discussed in conjunction with the agents of the Kinmel and Gwrych estates, and settlement of the matter was left over until the following day (Tuesday). MORE CASES IN THE OLD COLWYH DISTRICT. Five more cases of what are supposed to be smalipox were reported on Monday to the Llysfaen Sanitary Inspector as having occurred there and in the adjoining districts of Old Colwyn. These cases, together with one reported on Saturday, make up the total number of cases discovered in the district within the last month or so to sixteen. The local authorities are now bestirring them- selves to provide at least a temporary hospital so as to avoid having to send such cases thirty miles away to the isolation hospital of the Gwyrfai District Council at Carnarvon.

IMPORTANT TO ALL. Every person's future is, to a certain extent, in his own hand. Many a future which might have beeD brilliant has been darkened by lack of the spirit of self-help. Many a home, which might have been gladdened by life and health, and comfort, has been saddened by poverty, illness, and death, in many cases wholly preventible. The spring and summer months are, from a sanitary point of view, among the JDOlot important of the year, Dae care may now mean a healthy and happy summer and autumn, and robust consti- tution to meet the trials of next winter. Neglect may now mean a joyless summer, a trying autumn, and a broken constitution to succumb nnder the attacks of any exceptional trial. There are, indeed, few that do not feel the system needs recruiting after the trying winter they have passed through. With some it is "only a little cough," with others a tendency to bronchitis," with others not quite up to the mark," c, a sort of all-over sinking feeling," too weak to do any- thing about the house," "these recurring head- aches," no appetite for my food," etc. These j and a dozen otheis are common expressions, which ] all point to the urgent need of some good tonic. 1 What change of air can do for yon in a few months'time—if you are no worse than you are now—a course of some good tonic mixture, a reliable medicine of established repntation and ot proved virtu- will now do. There are several tonic mixtures to be had, but none which have been so uniformly successful *3 Gwilym Evans' J Quinine Bitters, The Vegetable Tonic. It has never been known to fail; send for a pampklet of

PRUDENTIAL ASSURANCE COMPANY, LIMITED. CHIEF OFFICE: HOLBORN BARS, LONDON. INVESTED FUNDS, 147,000,000. iVimmary of the Report presented at the Fifty-fourth Annual Meeting, held on 5th March, 1903. OR'Il RARY BRANCH.—The number of Policies issued during the year was 69,662, assuring the .am of £6,6:\0,050, and producing a New Annual Premium Income of £ 364,068. The Premiums received during the year were E3,651,458, being an increase of £ 161,503 over tl;e ^The1 Claims of the year amounted to £ 1,296,693. The number of Deaths was 6,895 and 3,952 Vndc iment Assurances matured. The number of Policies in force at the end of the year was 680,631. INDUSTRIAL BRANCH.—The Premiums received during the year were 95,690,907, being an Werease of £ 161,446. „ The Claims of the year amounted to £ 2,140,645. The number of Deaths was 212,701, and 3,369 ihdowment Assurances matured. # i The number of Free Policies granted during the year to those Policyholders of five years standing no desired to discontinue their payments was 84,060, the number in force being 83f 834. The number A Free Policies which became Claims during the year was 19,170. The total number of Policies in force at the end of the year was 14,770,865 their average duration t6The Assets of the Company, in both branches, as shown in the Balance Sheet, are £ 47,155,201, being an increase of 93,863,175 over those of 1901. The Staff Provident Fund, which was founded in 1898 for the benefit of the outdoor staff, shows a satisfactory increase for the year, the total amount standing to the credit of the Fund being £ 115,608. GENERAL BALACE SHEET OF THE PRUDENTIAL ASSURANCE COMPANY, LIMITKD, ON THE! 31ST DECEMBER, 1902. LIABILITIES. ASSETS. £ a. d. (1. Shareholders' capital 1,000,000 0 0 British Government securities. 3,556,324 1 9 Ordinary Branch funds 24,977,480 8 8 Indian and Colonial government Industrial Branch fund 19,615,877 10 9 securities 4,/08,;O9 14 Reserve fund 1,050,000 0 0 Railway and other debentures Investments reserve fund 400,000 0 0 and debenture stocks 3,007,834: 4 9 Claims under life policies Loans on County Council, admitted — 111,843 7 3 Municipal and other rates LO^O^L ) 19 0 Freehold ground rents and Scotch feu duties 3,421 7SG 15 8 Freehold and leasehold property 2,561, l 9 9 Mortgages on property within the United Kingdom 6 026 >49 18 8 Railway, Gas, and Water stocks 6,306 Is-S 6 7 Suez Canal shares 167, ((i.1 15 6 Telegraph and other shares 88.9 15 3 Metropolitan Consolidated stock, and City of London bonds 270,1 OS 11 11 Bank of England stock 200,559 18 6 Colonial and Foreign corporation stocks. 7S4 c)(t3 7 II Foreign government securities 1,245,762 9 4 Reversions and Life Interests 1,011741 15 0 Loans on the Company's policies 1,377,487 4 8 Rent charges 247,909 4 2 v Outstanding premiums and agents' balances 469 (1r)9 11 0 Outstandirg interest, and rents 381.344 13 1 Cash—In liands of superintendents 3G 1SI 3 3 Do.—On current accounts, and in hand 173,651 6 4 £ 47.155.201 6 8 £ 47,155,201 6 8 FREDERICK SCHOOLING, Actuary. D. W. 8TAT?LE Secretary. Tuns f: DEWEY r „ 7 u EDUAR HORNK. Chairman. WILLIAM HUGHES,}'™' GML HENRY 11 ARISEN, | J. W. feIMkO.ND.?, J We have examined the Cash transactions (receipts and payments) affecting the accounts of the Assets and Investments for the year ended December 3l*t, 1902, and we find tiit3 same in CI(\J order and properly vouched. We have also examined the Daeda and Securities, Certificates, & repre. sonting the Assets and Investments set out in thu above account, and we certify that they wore in possession and safe custody as on December 31st, 1902. DELOITTE, DEVER, GPJFFTTTTS & CO, lSlh February, 1903. Chartered Accountants. Reports, Prospectuses, etc., may be had on application. Superintendent: MAURICE ROBERTS, Clivedale, Colwyn Bay. Assistant Stiperin tendents R. JONES, W. R. DAVIES, Holborn Villa, Rhyl. Newborough House, Conway. Land and Property TO BE LET or SOLD BY MESSRS. GREENHALGH & GEARY, Auctioneers and Estate Agents, RHYL. IN WESTBOURNE PARK. LAKE TOWER, Seabank Road; GRASMERE VILLA, Westbourne Avenue; VICTORIA LODGE, Victoria Avenue. Two Entertaining and Five Bed Rooms, Bex and Bath Rooms, highly finished, with every convenience, perfect sanitation; South aspect sun all day; uninterrupted view of the Vale of Clwyd two minutes' walk from the Marine Lake, five minutes from the Promenade, and eight minutes from Station and Town. Rent from £25 to .£35 per annum. Also, To be Let, in Westbourne Park, VALUABLE FREEHOLD LAND' on the Banks of the Rhyl Marine Lake, Westbourne Avenue and Victoria Avenue sand and gravel sub-soil best roads and drainfall in Rhyl un- surpassed view of the whole of the Vale of Clwyd, Bodelwyddan Marble Church, St. Asaph Cathedral, and Rhuddlan Church Great and Little Orme's Head plainly to be seen; the hills, dales, and the mountains of four counties. In winter the sun rises over Dyserth, and sets opposite Seabank Road and the Lake, so that the houses get about eight hours' sun. In summer the houses have the sun all day. Adjoining the Building Land, the finest JOINER'S SHOP in Wales. To Builders rent nominal. C, rpO BE LET.—No. 3 TUDOR BUILDINGS, Wellington Road, Commodious 1 SHOP, WORKSHOP, Dining Room, Two Entertaining Rooms, Six ZD Bedrooms, Kitchens, &c. TO BE LET—No. 1 QUEEN STREET (facing the Market Square), Commodious SHOP, Entertaining Room, Six Bedrooms, Kitchens, &c. Apply GREENHALGH and GEARY, Market Street, Rhyl or J. S. GREENHALGH, Rydal Villa, Seabank Road, Westbourne Park. 359

Abergele. Ik Pedlar's Plight. At a special police court held at Abergele on Saturday, before Mr W T Mason, a Denbigh pedlar named David Jones was charged under the < new Act with having been drunk anJ incapable iD New Street on Friday night. P.C. Evans proved the case, and defendant in default of a fine of 10s md costs had to go to prison for 14 days with I lard labour. rhe Thief and the Alleged 11 Black Lister." At Abergele on Monday, before Messrs J Duncan Miller and W T Mason, a soldier who itated that he belonged to the West Yorkshire Regiment, and who answered to the name of William John Roberts, was charged with having stolen a telescope of the value of 10s, the pro- perty of T C Holmes, of Kinmel Lodge, Abergele. From the evidence of Mrs Holtres it appears that defendant was on tramp. On Friday afternoon last, when going to the front door, she was startled to find him in the porch. He told her he was only seeking shelter from the rain, and she left him there. On her return from opening the park gates to allow a carriage to pass she saw defendant, walking in the direction of Abergele. She then went indoors and ascertained that the telescope- was missing from the front room; in conse- quence ilaformation was given to the police.-P.C. Pendlebury stated that from enquiries he made on Saturday he learnt that defendant had offered the telescope to a man working on the road. De- fendant was traced to Old Colwyn, and when arrested at that place he pleaded gitilty to the charge of having stolen the telescope. Defendant also made a statement by which the police were able to recover the telescope, and which was to the effect that, as a guarantee of good faith he handed it to an Abergele gentle- man who gave him 3s 6d to obtain a bottle of whiskey, which he told defendant he could not get himself as he was on the black list." De- fendant, it need hardly be said, did not return with either the whiskey or the money.—Defendant, who stated that he belonged to Llanddulas and joined the Army in 1892, since when he had been on service in India, was sentenced to 21 days' hard labour.—Abergele does not yet boast an official" black lister," but from the above story it would appear that there are amongst the inhabitants some who live in dread of it. I

testimonials, and read the voluntary testimony therein contained. Then get Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters, which will prove to be your best self-help. We have no sympathy with those people who always ccmplaiu of being ill and miserable and out of sorts, when a course of Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters would soon set them right. Sold in bottles, 2s. 9d. and 4s 6d. each, by all chemists and patent medicine vendors, or direct from the proprietofs The Quinine Bitters Manufacturing Company, Limited, Llan- elly, South Wales, carriage free by parcel post. Beware of imitations. See the name of Gwilym Evans on label, stamp, and bottle and refuse any preparation offered as a substitute for GWILYM EVANS' QUININE BITTERS.