The North Wales Weekly News

Polling Day. LABOUR CANDIDATE HEADS THE POLL. CONSERVATIVE GAINS. The municipal election took place in Conway on Monday, and it resulted in a gain of two seats by the Conservative party. The retiring Councillors were three Liberals and one Labour- Liberal, viz. Messrs. John Williams, Henry Jones, Hugh Jones, and Mr. Robert Jones. Mr. Hugh Jones retired for good, and decided not to re-contest the seat, with the result that Mr. Owen Hughes, Gyffin, was nominated by the Liberal party to fill the vacancy. After the stinging reverse twelve months ago the Conser- vatives made a determined effort to avenge themselves, and the following were nominated by the party:—Messrs. A. G. Rogers, James Stott, William Thomas, and George Field. Both parties worked hard, during the week preceding the day for polling, with the result that on Monday they were all confident of success. His VViorsihip the Mayor (Dr. M. J. Morgan) ated as returning officer, and in the Guildhall booth, Mr 1. Ll. Parry was the presiding officer with Mr. Ernest Parry as poll clerk, and on the other side of the river Mr. Hugh Parry was the presiding officer and Mr T. Idwal Hughes foll clerk. A fairly large number of votes were registered in the early morning but during the day it be- came slow, until, between six and eight in the evening, when there was a rush of voters. A most remarkable coiincideniGe occurred at this election. Twelve months ago the total poll amounted to 801 of the electorate, and again this year the same number exactly recorded their votes. The only difference was that there were six less at Conway this year and six more at Deganwy than last year. After the close of the poll the streets became quite lively with people anxious to hear the result. Fireworks were freely let off, and young children formed processions through the streets. By about 9.15 p.m. a large crowd had gathered around the Guildhall, where the counting was taking place, and they passed the time away by singing. It was close upon ten o'clock when the opening of the door of the hall was the signal for a loud outburst of cneering. The Mayor approached the rails, and after procuring peace read out the names as follows amidst considerable enthusiasm — Elected. Robert Jones (I,lab.-Lib.) 448 John Williams (Lib.) 422 A. G. Rogers (Con.) 412 James Stott (Con.) 401 Non-Elected. Henry Janes (Lib.) 372 Owen Hughes (Lib.). 316 William Thomas (Con.). 287 George Field (Con.) 257 As will be seen from the above figures, the poll was an exceedingly heavy one, and it is stated that it is many years ago since four can- didates were elected with over 400 votes each to their credit. The appearance of Mr. Robert Jones at the head of the poll was a most popu- lar one, and as soon as he emerged from the Guildhall he was carried shoulder hiah along Castle-street and High-street to Lancaster- square, where, perched on the fountain, and surrounded by a tremendous crowd, he delivered an address, in the course of which he thankeu his fellow townsmen for the great honour they had bestowed upon him by placing him at the head of the poll. He had done his best during the last three years that he had been on the Council, and he promised them that after their continued confidence in him he would do all he possibly could for the welfare of his native place. (Applause.) He also referred to the fact that he would again attempt to get the Corporation to hold their meetings in the even- ing, so that ratepayers could put in an appear- ance and see how the business. of the town was conducted. AT THE CONSERATIVE CLUB. The Conservatives were jubilant at the suc- cess of their two candidates, and a good crowd escorted them. to the Conservative Club, where they were well received. Mr. A. G. Rogers, who was given a hearty reception, thanked the workers for the enthusi- asm they put into the election. Everything had been splendidly organised throughout the cam- paign, and the res.lit would do something to re- trieve the misfOlrtunes: which befel them twelve months ago. As he had previously done, he would strive to do his utmost for the welfare of the ancient and historic borough of Conway, of which they were all so- proud. (Hear, hear.) Mr. James Stott, the other successful candi- date, was also accorded an enthusiastic recep- tion. He fully agreed with what Mr. Rogers had stated as to the organisation, and added that it was his intention to do all in his power for the future welfare of dear old Conway." He thanked one and all for the excellent way in which they had supported them, and he was glad that their efforts had been crowned, with such success as to wrest two seats from the other party (Loud applause.) All those present then joined in a spirited rendering of For they are jolly good fellows." After three hearty cheers had been given the defeated Conservative candidates, and the ladies who had helped the party so well in canvassing those present dispel sed in a very happy mood. The energetic agent (Mr R. O. Pritchard), to. whose hard work the success for the party was due, was also heartily thanked for his services.

Deganwy Property Sale. KEEN BIDDING. On Thursday, the 28th October, Mr. Matthew Ryan, on behalf of Mr. R. Arthur Jones, the Estate Office, Conway, agent for the properties, put up for competition, at the Castle Hotel, Deganwy, two well-known freehold residences on this side of the river, known as Drummond Lodge, standing in its own grounds of about an acre at the top of Albert Drive, and Gwynfryn, occupying a charming site and overlooking the river on Glamymor-road. Gwynfryn was first put up, but was withdrawn at ^745. The bidd- ing for Drummond Lodge, however, was very brisk, and, commencing at £800. went up in ^50 bids to ^1,000, and afterwards in smaller amounts to 1,025, at which price it was knocked down to Mr A. G. Rogers, Crab Cottage, Albert-drive, Deganwy. The solicitors acting for Mr. Birrell re Gwynfryn were Messrs. Hen, derson and Hallmark, Llandudno, and re Drum- mond Lodge, which was sold, Messrs. Porter, Amphlett, and Co., Conway, Colwyn Bay, and Llanrwst.

The Duke of Westminster, at Mour-melon le Grand, on Friday, made an ascent as a passen- ger in Mr Farman's aeroplane. The Duke said afterwards It is the best thing I have ever attempted. I have done automobile racing, motor-boat racing, and, in fact, have gone in for every kind of sport, but this beats everything I have ever tried. We flew about five miles, at an average height of 50ft. At the first turn- ing Mr Farman showed me how responsive the lifting plane was to the slightest touch. He moved the lever '•vi.th his forefinger alone, and the aeroplane immediately answered. Once we rose to about 70ft., and it was the most exhilar- ating sensation I have ever experienced."

The Llangystenin Fire. CONWAY SADDLER CHARGED. A YOUNG FARM HAND'S GALLANTRY. A sequel to the disastrous farm fire which occurred at Ty'nycelyn Farm, Llangystenin., last week was heard at the Conway Police Court on Monday, when John Harvey, a working t saddler at Conway, was charged on remand with unLawfully and maliciously setting fire to the buildings on the morning of the 25th October. Mr. James Marks appeared to prosecute, and the prisoner was defended by Mil. E. W. John- son. For the prosecution Mr. Marks stated that on the 25th October a young farm hand named William Davies, in. the employ of Mr Thomas Owen Jones, the tenant, returned from LlaJn dudno about 10 a.m. in a float and put the mare in the stable. He got some chaff from the barn and shut the door, afterwards feeding the horses. At this time he saw the prisoner sitting down in. the -ranary, where he was supposed to be at work repairing harness, but as a matter of fact he was doing no work at that moment, nor did he appear to have done any that morning. Davies spoke to the prisoner, and from his man- ner the witness thought he had had- some darink. The whole of the farm buildings were under the same roof, the shippon, barn, and the stables being on the ground floor, and there were steps leading to the granary, wihidh was. on a higher level. Davies left the buildings with a sickle to cut some ferns about thirty yards aw?" from the buildings, and whilst at this work saw the prisoner going through the shippon aoar in- to. the barn. Defendant had no. business what- ever in these buildings. Davies, after cutting the ferns and placing them in a loft by the house, took a basket to gather apples, and when on top of a tree he saw smoke issuing out of the roof of the barn. There was no other per- son about but the defendant from the time Davies came from Llandudno to the time he saw the smoke. The lad went and told the ti- mer's wife, and afterwards went to the granary door and shouted to Harvey to come out, as the place was on fire. The inside of the barn was in flames, and dense smoke was coming out through the shippon. The lad had sense enough to let the horses out'of the stable at once, and seeing a boy in the road he sent him on horse- back for Llandudno Fire Brigade. The farmer's wife was throwing buckets of water on the fire, and Harvey was standing outside the granary with his tools and bag, as if ready to go away. He made no attempt whatever to. help to put. the fire out. The farmer's wife asked him to assist, and he seemed quite stupid, and asked what he was to do. He then put on his overcoiav, and stood looking on. Mrs. Jones would say that she had not seen Harvey previously that morrnÜig, and he wished the magistrates to take note of that, in view -of the statement of the prisoner to the police. Richard Jones, a neigh- bouring farmer, came on the scene, and he asked Harvey to give a helping hand, and his reply was Go to h—— Sergeant Williams would say that he arrested the prisoner in Con- way on the following morning, and when charged he repied It is without foundation." He was conveyed to Llandudno, and in :1Ís pockets were found a plipe, tobacco and matches, and before he was placed in, the cell ]1:e made the following statement to Inspector Owen and signed it:—" I arrived at Tylniycelyn farm be- tween 8.15 and 8.30 a.m. on Monday, uctober 25th. I saw William Davies, the servant, in the farm yard, and I said good morning to him. I went to the kitchen, and Mrs Jones gave me breakfast. Then I went to work in the loft. I saw smoke passing the window, and I went out- side and went in the direction of the haystack and saw it burning. I did not notice any fire in the buildings. I never was near the stack Qe. fore in my life, and never was in, any of the buildings except the stable. I worked ..her e a week mending harness. What I have told you now is the truth." The total damage to the farmer was. between ;6z50 and £ 2160, and that was only partially covered by insurance. William Davies said he was 17 years of age, and worked at Ty'nycelyn farm. He corrobor- ated the solicitor's statement, adding that he saw the smoke about half an hour after seeing Harvey in the granary. He ran to the stables to let out the horses, and also took out the whole of the harness. He had no matches with him in his pocket that morning. He did not smoke. The hay stack did not take fire until about half an hour after the buildings were burning. Cross-examined, the boy said he had always got on well with Harvey. Mr. Johnson Do you seriously think that Harvey committed this crime ?No, I do not. That is your definite opinion ?—Yes. Re-examined, he said he saw no one else about the buildings except Harvey until after the fire started. The Chairman (to the witness) You have given your evidence very well, and we feel we ought to commend you for taking immediate steps to take out the horses and the harness. We think that a young fellow of your age is de- serving of the greatest credit. Elizabeth Jane Jones, the wife of the tenant of the farm, said that the young lad called her from the house about ir a.m., stating that the barn was on fire. She saw Harvey in the gran- ary, and she said to him, The buildings are on fire. Cioime and help them." He came down the steps and said, What must I do? and she replied, Throw a little water on it or some- thing." She had: not seen him before that morn- ing, and she denied giving him breakfast that day, although he had received it every other morning that he had been there. Cross-examined, she said she could not say whether Harvey was sober, but he appeared to be very funny. Have you any reason to suggest or think that Harvey committed this terrible crime?—I could not say. I have no reason to think so and I do not know of any cause why he should do it. Do you really think he did it?—No, I should not like to say so. Richard Jones, Gilfach Farm, said he visited the scene of the fire, and when he arrived the buildings were in flames, but the haystack bad not caught then. Prisoner was asked by Mr. Roberts, the schoolmaster, to assist in removing a cart, and he (witness) understood him to re- ply, Go to h Cross-examined: The prisoner was under the influence of drink, but was not drunk. Sergeant Williams proved the arrest of the prisoner in Conway, and Inspector Owen also gave evidence of the voluntary' statement made to him. Thomas Owen Jones, the tenant of the farm, said he left home about nine on the morning in question for Borth fair. A sum of Z500 would not cover the whole of the damage, and his own loss was estimated between /250 and £300. His insurance amounted to ^150 only. Cross-examined, he said he did not think the fire could have been caused otherwise than by a human being. Mr. Johnson addressed the Bench for the pri- soner, and afterwards the Bench retired and an- nounced that they had come to the conclusion that there was a prima facie case. The prisoner was then charged, and in reply said "I wish to clearly state that I know no- thing at all about the charge. I am quite in- nocent." Prisoner elected to give evidence, and in ic- plliy to Mr. Johnson said that he had been in the saddlery business for about 22 years, and during his four years' stay at Conway he had visited nearly all the farms in the neighbour- hood repairing harness. He had not previously visited Ty'nycelyn farm. On the day in ques- tion he started from Conway shortly after 7 a.m. and called at the Junction Hotel and had two glasses of beer. That was all he had, be- cause there were no other places that he could call at on the way. He arrived at Ty'nycelyn about 8.30 a.m., and commenced repairing the harness which he had left on the previous Satur- day. He could not remember whether he had breakfast or not-in any case, he did not miss it. He never smoked in the oay time, and he usually carried his smoking utensils in his over- coat pocket. He had never in his life visited the barn of Ty'nycelyn Farm. Can you tell us whether the two glasses of beer had any effect upon you r—I should say certainly not. It would take a lot more than that, unfortunately, to take effect Contirniing, he said ihat after seeing the smoke and going to the vard he seemed quite bewildered, aml S) was the farm lad. He asked those present what he could do to assist them. As a matter of fact, it did not seem feasible that he should commit such an act, because he would be throwing himself out of employment. Each time he got back to Conway he was telling his master how well he was treated by the Ty'ny- celyui people. Upon his' oath, he did not do, it. Cios-i-examin^d, he >dhJ he was quite sober. The only explanation of his statement to the In- spector that he had breakfast from Mrs. Jones was that it was customary for him to have breakfast, and he supposed that he was under the assumption that he had had it. He denied telling the Gilfach farmer to go; to ii-. There was nothing he could do to put the fire out. He did not know why the witnesses suggested he was stupid. Mr. Johnson again, addressed the magistrates, who, after a slhort deliberation, decided that there was still a prima facie case, and the pri- soner would be comniitted to the next Carnar- vonshire Assizes. An application for bail was granted, the prisoner himself in £ 20 and one surety of £ 10. -.c

Llanfairfechan Cruelty Charges. PROSECUTIONS AT BANGOR. At Bangor on Tuesday, before Mr J. E. Ro- berts and other magistrates, Mr S. R. Dew, on behalf of the R.S.P.C.C., preferred a charge of neglecting their children against Robert Parry and Jane Parry, of Nantyfelin, Llanfairfechan. Inspector Roberts, the officer of the Society, said that with the exception of one who was occasionally clean, the children were always ragged and dirty, and their hoes in a worn condition. The home was invariably dirty. The children, in spite of the fact that the witness, had frequently warned the mother, were often left alone in the house with an unprotected fire. The witness believed the children got enough to eat, but were not cleanly kept. Dr R. Jones, Bangor, and E. LI. Roberts, school attendance officer, gave corroborative evidence. The defendants both explained that they had been ill and unable to look after the children properly, but would do better in future. The Bench adjourned the case for a month to see if there was any improvement, the de- cision being received with some applause. A similar charge was preferred by Mr. Dew against Robert Roberts, of Tanybont-terrace, Llanfairfechan, who, Mr. Dew said, although he earned good wages practically spent not a penny on his children. Mr. Dew put in a statement from the defendant's employers showing that the average combined weekly earnings of the defend- ant and his son were £ I 7s. 5d. Inspector Roberts, in his evidence, said the children's beds were more like horse middens than anything else. He had never in all his ex- perience seen children so badly flea-bitten- their skins were blackened like the pages of a newspaper. Dr. R. Jones gave a terrible description of the condition of the children and their beds. Mr. Edwards, replying to the Rev. W. Morgan said the children attended school regularly. The defendant said his son's health was not good His son, a youth about 22 years of age, said his father gave the children every fair play in fact, they were better treated now than when he was at home 18 months ago. He could not help his father as he had a wife of his own. Another son who lived at home said what had been said was true, but it was not his father's fault, but his sister's. The Chairman, addressing the defendent after the evidence, said the other case was a bad one, but this was much worse. However, it would be adjourned for a month to see if there was any improvement. If there was not he would be sent to goal.

Eglwys Seisnig Llandudno Junction. Y SALE OF WORK. Ysgrifenwyd gair i'r Weekly News dro yn ol aim bazaar," a dywedid ei fod i gaeil ei gynal Medi 22ain- diweddaf. Yn anfiodus, cod- odd rhwysrtraJUJ ar y ffordd iddo gael ei gynnal ar y dyddiad hwnnw yn Llandudno. Yna,. gan fod dosbarthia-dau Llanrwst, Conwy, Colwyn Bay, a Llandudno, ar gais Cyfarfod Misol Dyffryn Canwy, yn garedig wedi ymuno a'u gilydd i weithio, trefnwyd i gael sale of work ymhob dosbartb. Y mae Llanrwst eisoes wedi cynnal y sale," ac wedi gwneud yn bur dda. Y mae dosbarth COUiWy wedi trefnu i gynnal yr eiddynt hwy ddydd Mercher nesaf, yn Neuadd Drefol Conwy, ac y mae sel a brwdfrydedd maJWr i'w-, canfod gyda'.r paratoadau. Mae rhyw bwyllgor iUeu gilydd yn cael ei gynnstl bob dydd ymron, draw ac yma yn y dosbarth, ac yn eniwediig yn y Junction a Chonwy; a'r PwyllgoT Cyffredinol, gyda Dr. M. J. Morgan, Conwy, yn Gadeirydd, a'r Mri. Hugh Parry, Tanrhiw, Conwy, ac O. W. Roberts, Bodauron, Llandudno, yn Ysgrif- enyddion, a Mr. J. Lewis, Ingledene, Deganwy, yn Drysorydd, wedi gweithio yn rhagorol. Y mae y paratoi ar gyfer sale of work Conwy yr wythnos nesaf yn addaw yn gampus. Y mae un cwmni yn paratoi- at djdyddori y cynulliadau, a chanddynt ddraima i'w hactio, a chymeriad ad- nabyddus iawn, niaein ymddangos, i gael ex drin yn drwyadl ac yn dost. Ar y stalls y mae pob sicrwydd y bydd yr olygfa yn ar- dderchog. Y mae llawer iawn o ddefnyddiau amrywiol, prydferth, a gwerthadwy i'w gosod i fyny am brisiau rhesymol, a phrisiau isel. Y mae llawer iawn o ffyddlondeb heblaw llawer iawin o ddyddordeb wedi dod i'r golwg. Ar ",st.all y dilladau, y mae Mrs. Jones, Banc, Conwy, yn llywyddes; Mrs S. T. Jones, Dol- awien, yn drysoryddes; a Miss Parry, Holin- wood, yn vsgrifenyddes. Ar y fancy stall," y mae Mrs. Lewis, Ingledene, Deganwy, yn lly- wyddes; Mrs. J. 0. Jones, Gyffin, yn drysor- yddies; a Miss Jtones, Banc, yn vsgrifenyddes. Ar y refreshment stall," y mae Mrs. Hughes, Stanley Stores, Junction, yn llywyddes; Mrs. Superintendent Rees yn drysoryddes; a Miss Hughes, Gilglasen, Glan Conwy, yn yegrifen- yddes. Ac ar y general stall," y stall sydd ar gyfer cynyrohion maes a gardd, &c., y mae Miss Jeanotte Tones, Bodidda, yn lly- wyddes; Miss Hughes, Pantyfiridd, Glan Conwy, yn drysoryddes; a Miss Evans, Cliyn- nog, Tanybwlch, yn ysgrifenyddes. Ac y mae nifer luosog o foneddigesau eraill yn. ymuno i'w cynorthwyo. Deued y bobloedd i Gonwy ddydd Mercher, i weled, i fwynhau eu hunain, i brynu nwyddau defmyddiol rhadlawn. Niiis grwyddom oind am un: cybydd ddaw yno. Fe ddaw un, a bydd yn werth dyfod i'r Neuadd Drefol i'w welJed ac i'w glywed. Y mae peth sicrwydd na ddaw hwnw yno ychwaith heb adael arian lawer ar ei ol. Y mae yr amcan yn rhagorol,— helpu eglwys wan sydd yn methu dwyn ei baich. -CYFAILL.

It is said that Mr. Hemmerdie, K.C., a Welsh member, is the author of "A Maid of Honour, the little one-act play.

FREE TO YOUNG MEN. A pamphlet on Hygiene, or how to protect your health, benefit posterity and worth tons of cure. Address Hygienic Appliance | Co., 44, Bath. Lane-terrace, Newcastle-on-Tyae 1255

Conway Fire Brigade. DINNER AND PRESENTATIONS. Last night (Wednesday), the members of the ,Conway Fire Brigade and members of the Fire Brigade Committee were entertained to an ex- cellent repast by the Chairman of the Corpora- tion Fire jurigade Commitee (Mr. Owen Row- land, J.P.) in the Girls' School. The chair was occupied by Mr. Owen Rowland, J-P-j and he was supported at the head of the table by His Worship the Mayor (Dr. M. J. Morgtafn), Alder- man Dr. R. Arthur-Prichard, J.P., Councillor J. E. Conway-Jones, Councillor James Porter, Councillor A. G. Rogers, Messrs. H. Eastwood, Herbert Jones and J. Johnson. After the company had done justice to an ex- cellent repast prepared by Mr. Fred Jones, Orosvenor Restaurant, the Chairman submitted the loyal toasts, which were duly honoured, and the company indulged in sinokesi provided by the genial Chairman'. A splendid rendering of "Queen of the Earth" having been given by Mr. H. Eiastwood, Mr. Herbert Jones submitted the toast of "The Mayor and Corporation of Conway," and in do- ing so said that the name of Dr. Morgan was very closely associated with the ratepayers of the borough, and he was known to have ren- dered excellent services in a most impartial manner. The speaker also referred to tne ex- cellent work the Corporation had done during the past twelve months. He was sure they all appreciated the presence of Dr. Prichard, wht was now the Chairman of the Carnarvonshire County Council. This was a great honour to the borough, because the rulinlg power was by the Liberal vote. His public services had also been appreciated by the inhabitants of the borough and others. Continuing, he said, We all know the old doctor. He is a good old party. (Laughter.) Hale and well-met is our doctor. He is Dr. Prichard. He's a good old party. (Loud laughter.) The speaker also re- ferred toi the election of Mr. A. G. Rogers as a member of the Corporation, adding that during the time he was a sitting member he did excel- lent work for the ratepayers, and he could as- sure them that he had always voted in his judg- ment in the interest and welfare of the borough. Referring to the Chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee, the speaker said he was only sorry that a rule of the Corporation would not allow Mr. Rowland to be Chairman of the Committee for another year. He had great pleasure in sufb- mitting the toast. This was honoured enthusiastically by the company, three hearty cheers being given for the Mayor and Mayoress and Dr. Prichard. The Chairman next treated the company to a song. The Mayor, in response to the toast, said that anybody would be proud to have such a number of sturdy men as servants of the Corporation, and he was sorry to hear the remarks of the proposer that Mr. Owen. Rowland would not be again chairman. He was under the impression that he was a perpetual Chairman. As Mayor of the borough, he felt that they had had a very happy year at the Corporationt meetings, and he could assure them that every one of the members hlad the interest of the ratepayers at heart. (Applause.) A soing was given by Chief Officer F. A. Delamotte. The ceremony of presenting long-service medals of the National Fire Brigade Union then took place, His Worship the Mayor presenting the following members of the Brigade :-Ex. Captain E. Loyd Jones (20 years' service), Lieu- tenant Owen Williams (10 years), Fireman ,,#. H. Jones (10 years), Fireman Robert Williams (io years), Engineer Hugh Williams (10 years), and Fireman Robert Jones (ro years). In presenting the medals, the Mayor said that many people were full of vigour with any new movement, but it was another thing to work diligently and faithfully for a number of years, as these men had done, with the Fire Brigade corps. He considered it was a great credit to ,those members, andhe sincerely hoped it would be an incentive to all the members of the Brir gade to do their utmost and take an interest in ,their work. Mr. Herbert Jones entertained the company with a sonng. Another presentation followed, when Dr. R. Arthur-Prichard presented the following mem- bers of the Brigade: with ambulance bars for passing four examinations a ambulance work Firetmaia W. H. Jones (with extra distinction), .Engineer Hugh Williams (with extra distinc- tion), and Firemen John Jones and W. Ralphs. In making the presentation Dr. Priohard con- gratulated the men upon their achievement, and especially the two first named, who passed the examination with extra distinction. As an 1 r old soldier, he had had the honour 01 being appointed head, of the ambulance and nursing corps of the Territorial Army in the county. Each district would provide a certain number of ladies and men who would devote their services in time of invasion,, if there ever would be such a time. Ha felt certain, that he would not have to go far to find his quota in Conway. (Applause.) A song having been rendered by Councillor A. G. Rogers, Councillor James Porter submitted the toast of the National Fire Brigades Union and the Conway Corporation Fire Brigade, during which he spoke in. eulogistic terms of the Union, and, referring to the local Brigade, said that they in Conway always liked to have everything, of the best, and they would not be satisfied until they knew it would be a credit to the town they lived in. He felt that everybody in the town, not only the Fire Brigade, should have one rrtotto, and that was 'he good of the old borough of Conway." He hoped the members- especially the young members of the Brigade- would not grudge the time for drills, and that they would leave no stone unturned to qualify themselves as efficient members of the Fire Brigade, (Applause.) The toast was heartily drunk, and a selection on the bones was given by Fireman W. Ralpns, who was loudly encored. 'Chief Officer Delamotte briefly responded, and said that the National Fire Brigades Union had one excellent institution, and that was the widow and orphans fund, and he should like to point out that Conway last year were the biggest subscribers in Nortih Wales. (Applause.) On behalf of the Brigade, he appreciated the vari- ous kindnesses of the Committee, and also thanked the Chairman of the Committee for his hospitality that evening. Ex-Captain E. Loyd Jones, who was given a hearty reception, also responded, and referred to his long connection with the Brigade, and also to the strides that the Brigade had made during his connection with it. He, however, hoped the time was not far distant when all the hindrances and difficulties in the way of provid- ing a new fire station would be got over. He wished the officers and men of the Brigade suc- cess, and said that he would always "have a warm place in his heart for the Conway Fire Brigade, iTIhe toast of the Chairman was proposed in felicitous terms by the Mayor, who1 said that Mr. Rowland was the most keenly interested member of the Fire Brigade Committee. The toast was duly honoured, and Mr. Owen Rowland, in reply, referred to the brigade hav- ing acquitted themselves in a very creditable manner. He very much doubted whether there was any other member of a brigade in Noortfh Wales who could claim a service of 20 years, as ex-Captain Loyd Jones had done. The toast of the entertainers was proposed by Councillor J. E. Conway-Jones and re- sponded to by Mr. J. Johnson, and a hearty vote of thanks to the caterer (Mr. Fred J. Jones) was carried, on the proposition of Councillor A. G. Rogers. A very enjoyable evening terminated with the singing of the National Anthem. Mr. J. John- son acted as accompanist throughout.

Llanfairfechan Urban District Council. A SURPRISED VISITOR. Mr T. J. Owen presided on Tuesday night. Others present included Messrs. W. G. Roberts (Carna'rnaint), H. Jorss, R. C. Evans, L. D. Jones, Robt. Hughes, Peter Williams, J. R. Wil- liams, W. G. Roberts (chemist), J. Harrison, T. G. Morgan, Owen Griffith, and Evan Jones, with the Clerk (Mr W. H. Ellis), the Surveyor (Mr Thos. Hughes), and the Rate Collector. A letter was read from Mr. C. W. May-Massey thanking the Council for their approval of tHe proposed alterations to Newry Footpath, and stating that he was now arranging to carry out the alterations. THE BATHING QUESTION AGAIN. Mr H. Booth, of Stockport, wrote as follows I was surprised to learn from the Manchester papers that the bathing van proprietors in your district had been called into question. As a visitor of over twelve years, I have just returned from another visit, and therefore I can most emphatically say I have never seen anything that would shock the most narrow-minded. The visitors are the best mannered people I have seen along the coast, and anything of a coarse nature would not be countenanced. I am look- ing forward to next year's visit." ADVERTISING NORTH WALES. The circular letter of Mr A. J. Oldman with respect to the Conference of the North Wales Advertising Board was considered, and he wrote a further letter stating that the delegates to the Board would be granted a free privilege pass to the meetings by the District Superintendent of the L. and N.-W. Railway Co. It was stated that the quota of Llanfair- fechan according to the proposed scheme amounted to £[7. After a discussion, it was decided, on the motion of Mr W. G. Roberts (Camarnaint), that the Chairman be appointed the delegate for Llan- fairfechan on the Board, and this was agreed to. DISTURBED LAND. A letter was read trom the Office of Woods and Forests, stating that the land at Penyclip, upon which it was proposed to erect a retaining wall, was part of the waste of the Crown hundred of Uchaf, and they were not aware under what title Sir Richard Bulkeley conveyed to the railway company. The railway line originally formed part of the same waste, and was sold to the com- pany by the Crown in the year 1856. A. letter was read also from the Clerk to the Carnarvonshire County Council stating that whilst in London he called at the Office of Woods and Forests and had reason to believe that his visit would be of some Service to the Council in the matter. Mr W. G. Roberts (Camarnaint) explained that the land on which the Council intended erecting the retaining wall was claimed by the London and North-Western Railway Company, who in- formed the Council that they bought it from the Baron Hill Estate. The Office of Woods now stated that they were not aware under what title the Baron Hill Estate conveyed the land to the railway company. At the Surveyors' Committee of the County Council the deputation from the Llanfairfechan Council were informed that it did not much matter who owned the land. Mr Jorss remarked that he took it that the dispute would rest between the Department and the railway company. Mr. Robert Hughes contended that it was a matter entirely for the County Council, and there was no reason for their Council to trouble about it. The County Council asked them to build a retaining wall, for which they would pay. Let the Clerk to the Council discover whose land It was. The Chairman hoped that steps would be take" to erect the wall without delay, to give work to the unemployed. Mr. Morgan said it was difficult to believe that the Railway Company would say they bought the land from the Baron Hill estate wliell it was not so. It was decided to write to the County Council to the effect that the District Council were pre- pared to carry out the work on receipt ot instructions. THE COLLECTIONS. The Collector reported that during the month ended October 28th he collected -C204 13s. 3d. 2

Dr. Prichard and the Elective Auditor. To THE EDITOR OF THE Weekly News. Dear Sir,—In the report of the Conway Town Council's proceedings published in the Weekly News and other newspapers of last week, Alderman Dr Prichard is reported to have attacked one of the Elective Auditors of the Borough for having made use of private information obtained from the books of the Corporation at a public meeting. He thought it very unprofessional. Whatever party the auditor belonged to, he would object to it, and if he had a chance he would vote against his re-election next year." On reading the report I immediately wrote to Alderman Prichard, explaining that he must have been misinformed, as what I stated at that public meeting referred to was based on the general policy of the Council, and upon the Abstract of Accounts published annually by the Council for the ratepayers' perusal. However, I shonld like to remind Alderman Prichard, that, being one of the Elective Auditors of the Ratepayers, and not a professional auditor appointed by the Council, I am responsible to the ratepayers and not to the Council. Dr Prichard seems to imply that some "information which,, can be obtained in the books of the Corporation should be kept private. He has a perfect right o his opinion on the point, but he must certainl allow others to differ. The apparent object Of Elective Auditors under the Municipal Act is tq tprovide the ratepayers with "private inform^' tion which the Council itself may feel dispose" to conceal from the public, and therefore the Auditors elected by the ratepayers satisfy them- selves on behalf of the public, that the accoullts are correct and above board. As one of the Elective Auditors I have done this cot-iscier" tiously each year since first elected, and have published my full report to the ratepayers througfj these columns, on more than one occasion, With the object of opening the eyes of the public to a keener interest in the finance of the Borough-- Yours, &c., B. MENAI FRANCIS. Brook Villa, Conway, Nov. 3rd, 1909.

Abergele County School. Half-term begins at Abergele County School this week.

Golf. CONWAY v. RHOS. MIXED FOURSOMES. At Conway on Saturday. Scores — MISS BROOKE'S TEAM. MISS SHAW'S TEAM, Miss Brooke and Mr. Miss Shaw and Mr. 0 Royden I Holmes Mrs Heaven and Mr. Miss Mortherton and ( Healey • o Mr. Edgar Miss L. Peers and Capt. Mrs Shaw and Mf- 0 E. P. Brooke I Woodward Miss Hannaford and Mr. Miss Gamble and Mr. 0 Meyer I Reynolds 'id Mrs Wood and Dr. Miss Crosifeld and Mr. 1. Hamilton. t Ashby Miss Arnold and Mr. Miss Edgar and Mr. I Hadley o Jones "7 32 Conway i, tip,

Thiel platform at Denbigh railway station now been raised to the standard height of Londo,n & 'North-Western station platfor level with the footboard of the coaches.