The North Wales Weekly News

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD. THE PEOPLE of Colwyn Bay are wrestling with two mighty problems, one of them of purely local interest ,the other of national concern. To take the latter first, we refer, of course, to the site of the National Eisteddfod pavilions. This, for reasons too obvious to require detailed men- tion, is a matter of vital importance, and it fol- lows that the townspeople as a whole, no. less than the responsible committees, are expected -to give it their careful and earnest consideration. Some of them, have been thinking a little too furiously about it dluring the past couple of weeks, with the result that the facts have been somewhat di stored and the conclusions based upon those distorted facts have inevitably lacked proportion. It is also to be feared that for a time—a verv short time, we hope and believe— -personal interests have been allowed to obscure national interests and the interests of the com- munity. No surprise need therefore be experi- enced if a certain amount of "feeling" and sectional rivalry have been imported into the consideration of a subject which, of all subjects, should be raised high above such ignoble strife. Only a leadlock, such as may lead to ultimate disaster, can be the consequence if such a state of things is allowed to continue; and the only hope of an early and sa/tisf actor y solution of the difficulty lies in letting by-gones be by-eones and starting afresh on calmer and saner lines. 'There is no need for excitement or heated wrangling. These things only hinder a settle- ment. Much more good can be done by a, cool -and unbiassed consideration of the case, in which all, parties agree to leave personal inte- rests on one side and seek only the benefit of the Eisteddfod and of the town; as a whole. It is -only by adhering strictly to. these conditions that a satisfactory solution of the problem can be reached. We blame not one partv alone, but at least two parties, for the precipitancy with which they have rushed into print and indulged -in acrimonious criticism. A truce, we say, to all this wrangling, and let the various sections unite in an effort to arrive at the object which all are equally anxious to attain, but which 's impossible of attainment so long as they are thus dtivided. What is wanted is a spirit of sweet reasonableness, and we are confident that if this spirit is allOlwed to prevail the obstacles to agreement, now looming so large, will quickly shrink into insignificance. Four or five alternative sites have been sug- gested for the Eisteddfod pavilioni, and the sub- Committee, consisting of the Rev. Thomas Tarry, J.P., Mr J. Berth Jones, J.P., and County Councillor J. M. Porter, appointed to inspect those sites, after caireful consideration., came to 'the conclusion that the Pendorlan land was superior to the others. For some reason or other, they were not asked to view the large field to the west of Penrhos College ,and there- fore they did not report upon it. This possesses nearly all the advantages of Pendorlan and is free from the only disadvantage alleged against the latter, viz., the possible inconvenience aris- ing from railway noises. However, that piece of land, as we have said, has been barred for some reason or other which is not known to us, andl as we have no desire to enlarge the area of dispute we are content to let it drop out of consideration. The Rhiw-road plot is said to be too small for the purpose the field off Oak- dtrive is plainly unsuitable; the football field oil Llanerch-road, in addition to the objection that it is so far from the station, abuts upon the railway at a point where the trains make very considerable noise in negotiating a rather steep con,-a er gradient. The sub-Committee therefore found they must make their choice between what is now called the show field at Bryn Euryn, far away to the west of the station, and Pen- dorlan, close to the station on the eastern side, and, all things considered, it is not to be won.- edred at that Pendorlan made the most favour- able impression upon their minds. For con- venience and accessibility there is no land in the town to equal Pendorlan. The only objection to it is that the noise of the railway traffic may militate against the singing in the pavilion and prove an unfair handicap to the musical com- petitors. We do not say, neither do the sub- committee say, that Pendorlan is an ideal site; but the fact remains that there is not an ideal site in the whole disrict, and that therefore the promotets of the Eisteddfod must do the best they can under the circumstances. There is this to be remembered, that the Committee have to anticipate, not the most favourable climatic conditionJ, but wet and stormy weather; and should such ooillditionls prevail during Eisteddfod week the choice of the show field at Bryn Euryn would prove most unfortunate. Septem- ber weather is proverbially uncertain, and should it prove unfavourable during Eisteddfod week, the people attending from all partsl of the kingdom will have reason to be grateful if the pavilion is within easy access of the station, the preliminary test rooms, the art exhibition, and the business and apartment houses. But while this cannot be dienied, there remains the difficulty about the passing trains. Some people say that there would be no noise, or at any rate not enough noise to interfere with the Eistedd- fod others declare that the noise would be so great as to put a stop to the proceedings inside the pavilion. The probability is that neither set of disputants is correct. But who is'to de- cide? It is on this crucial point that we desire to, offer a suggestion. No harm can be done by postponing the final decision for a week' or so. In the meantime let the Committee invite a num- ber of musical experts from outside the town, men like Dr. Roland Rogers and others who are free from local prejudices, to. inspect all the alternative sites and make a report on the com- parative merits from their own point of view. If this suggestion is adiopted, it would be only right to supply the committee of experts with rough plans of the plots, showing exactly the position of the pavilion in relation to its sur- roundings. It is important that this condition should be observed, because without exact in- formation on that point the committee might aI" rive at a wrong conclusion. To. show what we mean, let us refer to the discussion which has taken, place in regard to Pendorlan. It having been stated by a member of the sub-Committee that there is a 36-feet road between the railway and the actual site of the patviiion, some people jumped to the conclusion that the pavilion would be only 36 feet distant from the railway. This is not the case, because in fact a consider- ably greater distance would separate the two, a fact which does something towards meeting the only objection raised. However, we are more anxious that a right decision should be arrived at than that any particular site should be favoured before the others, and we therefore hope that a number of disinterested experts should be called in to' pronounce an unbiassed opinion. These musicians would go into. the matter thoroughly and without prejudice, aiM we feel sure that the townspeople as a whole would welcome their guidance. So much for what we have described, as a problem of na- tional concern. The other matter is the ques- tion of providing a permanent building with baths, winter gardens, and other attractions which are believed to be essential to the future welfare of the town. On this point we are of opinion that the two questions cannot be treated together. They must be kept entirely disinct and separate. A permanent building large enough for the Eisteddfod is impracticable, and is not required for the purposes mentioned. We propose to deal more fully with this local ques- tion later on. In, the meantime let the towns- people do all in their power to settle the na- tional quesion, the most suitable site for the Eisteddfod pavilion, and this they will acoom- pish if they seek the expert advice we venture to suggest.

WEEK BY WEEK. During repair on an old building near New Quay recently the workmen came across a Bible which bore the,published date of 1753. Asked to name the three greatest men of the clay, a Rhonddla schoolboy placed them as fol- lows: Mr Freddie Welsh, Mr Raffles, and, perhaps, Mr Lloyd George." A number of Welsh, schoolmasters were relat- ing their experiences. Well," said one, the funniest reply to a: question that I ever received was at Rhosfach School. I asked Johnny what I cur,e of sous was, and the cherub's reply was a fishmonger Welsh," says a contemporary, proved that the English straight-from-the-shoulder blow is ¡by,> no means the last word in dleJence and at- tack." Whereupon the Bystander drily re- marks :—" Mr Lloyd George, you know, is very proud of being called Welsh." A sneezing official of the Treasury was ex- plaining to a journalist that he could not pos- sibly see Mr Lloyd George. The Chadsellor," he said, after another sneeze, is id his house id Dowdig-street. He has a code id his head and cad't be seed." And the journalist, who was a good deal likewise, remarked, I'b sorry. He has by sidisere sybpathy." A Welsh tradesman, who, besides being a linen and woollen draper, hatter and clothier, grocer and tea dealer," also vended boots, shoes, leather, &c., oils, paints, ropes, twines, &c. announced the terms upon which he does business to be as follows: -Sixpence in the pound for ready cash; one month credit, four- pence in the pound; two months' credit, two- pence in the pound; three months' credit, none; the fourth month credit, interest, two- pence in the pound, &c. And if not paid in twelve months I shall have nothing to dOl wrth receiving the money." A customer went the other night into a West Wales shop to do a little business. The trades- man, thinking to have a good return (as is the case on Saturday night), lost no time in going to wait upon this customer, and asked him, What will you please to have, Mr A pair of leather laces, please, was the answer. None to be had, says the shop- keeper sharply, only porpoise laces, and they are 4d. per pair." Too dear for me," said the customer. Oh, I'll give you six months to pay, and warrant the laces for twelve months," was the tradesman's reply. » One of the smartest police-oonstables in Wales has four feet. He answers to the name of Wal- lace, and people who did not know him better would mistake him for an ordinary dog. Wal- lace belongs to Police-Constable Albert Savage, of the Glamorgan Constabulary, who has trained him to police duty. He works the backs of houses while his master works the fronts, and vice versa," says the Police Re- view and Parade Gossip." He never misses a man if there is one about, and his warning bark soon makes known to his master the pre- sence of tramps loiteiring or sleeping in the farmyards. Welsh Rabbit is the theme of an interesting disquisition in Walsh's lately-published' "Handy Book of Literary Curiosities." We are there told that one of the most curious and cur;- ojisly successful feats of the amateur etymologist is that which has changed Welsh rabbit, which is right, into Welsh rarebit, which is wrong, and has forced the wrongful change upon the Eng- lish-speaking world. Welsh rabbit is a genuine slang term," as much so as Irish apri- cots or Munsfter plums for potatoes. "Yet in the face of all these analogies the amateur etymologist refuses to accept the common-sense explanation that the name Welsh rabbit is simply a humorous recognition of Taffy's fond- ness for toasted cheese." Apropos of the predominance of Welsh names at Oxford, a correspondent sends to the West- minster Gazette some calculations, taken from Foster's Alumni Oxomienses," bearing on the distribution of the name Jones. It appears that, between 17,15 and 1886, there were 716 Joneses at Oxford, and 299 of them were at Jesus Col- lege. This college has, in fact, educated rather less than one-half and rather more than one- third of the total number of Joneses available. Yet, by a curious irony, it happens that the most illustrious of the Oxford Joneses (Sir Wil- liam Jones) was not at Jesus, but at University, while the most memorable of the Jesus men have not been Joneses at all, but have been called Vaughan (the Silurist "), Nash (the Beau "), John, Richard Green and! Lewis Mor- ris. Only a single Jones out of the 299 has at- tained to the diginity of principal.

SAYINGS OF THE TVEEK. MR. ROBERT DENNISON. Human labour is the cheapest commodity in the world.—At Sheffield. MR. W. RUNCIMAN, M.P. Married life is the noblest of all professions- and the most inteTesting.-At Manchester. REV. T. RiHONDDA WILLIAMS. Theologians are spending their time splitting hairs over dogmas, and allowing humanity to die.—At Brighton. « HON. WHITELAW REID. I hope that more scientific and practical edu- cation will so enlarge the menital horizon of the people that they may realise how infinitely more there is in life than getting a living.-At Cam- bridge.

Llandudno Sea Anglers' Association. SMOKING CONCERT AT THE ROYAL HOTEL. The Llandudno Sea Anglers' Association is a very flourishing institution. It was inaugu- rated about six years ago, and its membership is yearly on the increase. Mr Howel Jones, Mostyn-street, is the whole-hearted secretary, and to his untiring efforts is due the present- good position of the Society. A hot-pot supper, followed by a smoking con- cert, were greatly enjoyed by the members and friends at the Royal Hotel on Friday evening, when there was a crowded ,arttendia,nce, and a most enjoyable evening was: spent. The coffee room had been tastefully arranged by Mr ana e." Mrs Hulls, and their catering was of the high- est class. Mr T. B. Farrington, C.E., occu- pied the chair, and the Rector (the Rev. Ll. R. Hughes) occupied the vice-chair. Amongst those present were Mr Arthur Con oily, chairman of the Association; Mr J. Adey Wells, J.P., Messrs J. E. Hallmark, J. 1- Marks, G. H. Harding, Professor Walter Beaumont, Harry Crockatt, Arthur Hewitt, J. H. Roberts, A. J. Peacock, G. H. Harding, G. Berkeley, J. A. Moses, J. W. Gardener, H. M. Brigg, W. D. Henderson, Dr. Kenrick Davies, J. Rees, Gros- venor Jones, C. F. Farrington, H. Morton, G. B. Roberts, Tyloott, W. Williams, R. H. Thoma.s, H. Bone, E. Boot, R. Hammond, G. Petrie, T. W. Jones, E. P. Morris, J. Williams, P. Elliott, R. Jones, Walter Wood, J. Wood, Sam Hughes (jun.), R. T. Owen, W. Owen, F. Tomes, G. Underwood, Driffield, J. Hutchinson, J. J. Lindsay, E. Kenyon, J. Hughes, E. Powell, R. Summer, Pier Master (Captain John Roberts), John Roberts (jun.); H. Barker, R. JonesG. Ro- berts, and Edwin Turner. After the loyal toasts had been given with musical honours, Mi C. H. Elliott sang "Echo," in acceptable manner. 'The Rector, who was cordially greeted gave the toast of Success to the Association," in a capital speech, with much humour. He was glad to be present and to have become a mem- ber of the Association. He proposed the health of the members of the Llandudno Sea Anglers' Association, and wished, it all good, prosperity, and success. He noticed that they had caught no fish for that suppeT-(Iaughter),-and he was told that members caught everything in the shape of fish between a whale and a herring. (Laughter.) It was said that the true fishermen never ate fish but that told nothing against him.. The members liked to encourage the art, and to show people what a deserving place Llandud- no was. He always loved every place he had lived in; but he had never been, in a place he loved so much as Lilandudtoo. (Applause.) Outside people thought they were dull in Llan- dudino in the winter. Let them come to the-r assembles, and they would think differently. I Fishing was one of the oldest arts. He was a fisherman himself, a fisher of men." He had much pleasure in proposing the toast of the Llandudno Sea Anglers' Association," coup- ling with it the name of Mr Conolly. (Ap- plause.) The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. Mr G. H. Harding created much mirth with the singing of the song, Put me on an Is- land." Mr Conolly said he felt grateful for the hon- our in being asked to respond to the toast so nicely proposed by the Rector. He (the speak- er) took an active part in the formation of the Association six years ago. The first meeting was held in his office, and the object of the Association was to foster the art of sea angling and the sport generally in that capacity in the town, and also to. advertise Llandudno, and to benefit the ratepayers and town.. The Secretary had received thirty or forty letters each year, generally from sea anglers in the town, enquir- ing as to the fish to be obtained in the district, and during the season from, two to three hun- dred people also called on the Secretary and made enquiries respecting the same. The As- sociation was not formed for selfish motives. Last year they offered £ ia in prizes. (Hear, hear.) In the first and second year they spent £3 I5S- respectively, and the third and fourth year £5 5s. respectively; and last year they had spent £5 5s. in ordinary prizes and £ ij 10s. in special prizes. (Applause.) The Association was considering whether they could not have a fishing festival in Llandudno; but for that they would want a certain amount of funds. The subscriptions were not enough, and they would have to make a special call. And he thought if that was done the members would not be lacking in support. (Applause.) Mr. Harry Crockett delighted the comnany with his isinging of Mary," the chorus of which was taken up in a vigorous manner. Mr. J. E. Hallmark proposed the toast of The Chairman and Vice-Ch airman. He congratulated the Society upon having such a Chairman and Vice-Chairman that evening. Mr. Farrington was a man who had attained an eminence in his profes- sion, and his name was a household word amongst them. They were all sony that their Chairman had been in indifferent health, and they hoped he would soon recover. But notwith- standing that, he had found an odd hour or so to guide them in their business affairs of the Association, and it was a great pleasure to have his agreeable society that evening, and he was sure he had the interest of the Association at heart. (Applause.) As regards the Rector, they all knew him better than he did, and it was singularly appropriate to have him connected with the Anglers' Association. He also congra- tulated the company that they had a minister of the Gospel amongst them, which proved that he entered into their sport and enjoyed with them a little harmless amusement. (Applause.) He asked them to drink heartily to the toast. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm, the company lustily .singing" For they are jolly good fellows," with three ringing cheers. Much amusement was created by Professor Beaumont's singing of My old Dutch." The Chairman, responding to the toast, said that whatever he could do to further any As- sociation which had for its object the benefit of LIandudno, he would be glad to. do so. He had sung the praises of the beautiful place they lived in, and he did not know whether it was the beautiful place and the genial company that he was in that made people like Llandudno but he knew it was so in his case. He hoped! his health would permit him to help on the Sea Anglers' Association, which promoted the wel- fare of Llandudno. He thanked them all for the kind manner in which they had received the toast. (Applause.) The Rector said he also, felt very .grateful for the kind manner in which he had been referred to. What Mr. Farrington had said was very true. He would do, no more than a namesake of the great Edward Burke did when he followed the great orator in, a speech and said ditto- to all the great statesman had said. He (the Rec- tor) would also say ditto to what Mr. Farrington had said. (Applause.) Mr. Wood sang in humorous manner Com- ing through the Dye." Mr. J. J. Marks, M.A., in a short, and' happy speech proposed the toast of The Visitors," coupling with it the name of their great friend, Mr. J. Adey Wells, J.P., and he hoped that he and other visitors present would become mem- bers of the Association. They were greatly honoured by the company of Mr. Adey Wells, who had lived so long amongst them. (Ap- plause.) The toast was drunk with enthusiasm, and the singing of For he's a jolly good fellow." .Mr. John Roberts (jun.), Ash Grove, sang very nicely "Anchored." Mr. Adey Wells, in responding, was heartily received, and stated that the song they had just heard reminded him of an incident that occurred when he first came to Llandudno, in 1874. He had a fishing excursion up the River Conway for codlings. He had to steer the boat, and was a novice at that. At Conway they took on board Dr Prichard, and the boat wiggle-waggled. He (the speaker) landed the company on a bank. Mr. J. J. Marks: Very appropriate. (Loud laughter.) Continuing, Mr. Wells thanked them all for the kind manner in which they had received his name, and he wished the Association every suc- cess. (Applause.) DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES. The Chairman then presented the prizes as follows —Mr. F. L. Reading, challenge cup and memento, by Russell's; heaviest conge-rcel (igj^lbs.), and also heaviest scate (ISIlbs.), Mr. Richard Dunphy; heaviest whiting (IYzlbs.), Mr. E. Boot; heaviest cod (i7lbs.), Mr. L. Reading heaviest specimen, Mr. R. Dunphy. The Chairman announced that several of the prizes offered had not been won, and would .again be offered this season, and he hoped all the visitors present that night would join. Professor Beaumont sang in inimitable style The Little Liar," a parody upon The Little Hero." Several other songs were sung by Messrs. Brown and Axtell and Dr. Davies, and the evening was one of the merriest in the history of the Association. ]l1li8

Llanrwst Petty Sessions, BILLPOSTERS AT VARIANCE. MISCHIEVIOUS BOYS. Colonel Sandbach and other Justices sat at the Llanrwst Petty Sessions on Monday. Hannah Roberts Lomax-terrace was charged with being drunk and disorderly on the 13th instant. P. C. John Jones and P.C. Owen proved the case, and a fine of 5s. and costs was imposed. CHARGE OF DAMAGING A POSTER. William Williams, bill-poster, residing at 18, Scotland-street, charged Evan Prichard Hughes another bill-poster, with unlawfully and malicious- ly committing, damage to the personal property of the complainant, certain printed bills placed on a hoarding. Mr. E. Davies Jones appeared for the defendant. William Williams, the complainant, stated that at 3-30 p.m., on the 15th instant he posted a bill on one of his private boards by the Old Turnpike, on the Bettwsycoed road on the Denbighshire side. He had occasion to go around to the same place about 6-30 p.m., and found to his surprise that the bill which he had posted was torn to pieces. He went to David Roberts, the owner of the premises, and told him what had happened. The following morning he was told that defendant had done it, and two men went with him to de- fendant's house, and he (complainant) asked him in the presence of these men if he had torn the bill down, and defendant replied, Yes, I did, and I'll do it again." Complainant said to him that he would hear more about it, adding that he had previously cautioned him for the same thing, know- ing it was his private station. Defendant took no notice of that, but laughed and seemed to enjoy it. By Mr. E. Davies-Jones: He paid rates for hoardings in Station-road, Llanrwst, and had paid for the place in question last August, for which a. receipt was produced. He knew that Morris Hughes, the defendant's father-in-law was bill- poster before he (complainant) ever started. He produced a bill similar to the one torn, which created much laughter in Court, the poster repre- senting a monkey riding a bicycle with a tally on his tail setting forth the good qualities of the machine. Defendant admitted candidly having torn the bill. Witness was not on speaking terms with the defendants' firm, as he had reason not to be, because so much perjury had been going on. He was not a fighting man, but loved peace. He had offered to do some work for the other firm ,or., tis when they were bereaved, but his offer was refused. Joseph Jones, Scotland-road, said he went with complainant to defendant's house and he heard defendant admitting having torn the bill down. Mr. E. Davies-Jones, for the defence, quoted the case of R. V. Whiteman, and asked for the ruling of the bench on that point before proceeding further It was decided to adjourn the case for a fort- night, in order that the report of the case quoted may be produced in full. SUNDAY NIGHTS AT MELIN-Y-COED. Three youths named Owen Evans (Tuhwnt-i'r- Afon, Llangernyw), Humphrey Williams (Orsedd Grucyn, Llanrwst), and Hugh Jones (Ty Mawr, Llanrwst), were charged with unlawfully doing damage to windows, doors, and office desks at the mill, Melin-y-Coed, belonging to Mrs. Roberts, Hendre Wen, Llanrwst. P.C. Jones stated that owing to complaints received he visited Melin-y-Coed on Sunday even- ing, the 14th instant. He was in plain clothes. <\t 7-45 he saw the defendants and another boy coming from the direction of Coed Llydan Mawr, and they ran towards the mill. When they got by the mill they stood for a little time talking to- gether. Then followed a shower of stones on the office window, which was partly broken previously, but which was now completely wrecked, and the glass in the door was also broken. He then saw defendants Evans and Jones making a rush for the inside door of the office, and it gave way. They went inside, and then Williams got to the door and closed it on them. While they were inside he heard a crash, as if something like a door was being smashed. He then came out of his hiding, and one shouted Police and ran away. Jones and Williams met him at the door, and Williams stood close by. He asked them why they damaged the property, and Jones replied, We did not throw the stones it was somebody else." Witness said, I saw you do it, and you can't deny it." Jones then begged forgiveness. He afterwards examined the premises, and found the vestibule door of the office had been smashed. When he served Jones with the summons he read it over to him in Welsh. He replied, "There are three lies in it. The window had been partly broken before, but it was us that finished it. It was done by some other boys." There were many complaints from Melin-y-Coed of some very dirty tricks. Mrs. Roberts gave evidence. The Chairman said the Bench had considered the case carefully, and they, some of them, felt like inflicting a heavy penalty, but took into account the age and the first appearance before them, and he hoped they should never hear of them again. They must come up for judgment when called upon, and they must also pay for the damage done and the costs of the Court. They must feel thankful they were not sentenced to imprisonment.

Colwyn Bay Footpaths. To THE EDITOR OF THE Weekly News. ,Sar,-Befo,r,e lieaiving your beautiful and health-giving town, may I draw the attention of your District Council to the dangerous foot- path on the left of Conway-road, a little way beyond Tan ybryw-road ? Anyone (especially children) coming down this steep incline are naturally tempted to make a run for the road. Should a lightning motorist or cyclist be passing at the time the conse- quences would be disastrous.- To obviate acci- dents of this kind I would suggest fencing off the foot of the hill at this point and erecting 6 gate or fairly easy stile. A handrail on the hedge side of the incline would also be an ac- quisition. There is a stile a little beyond that requires almost an acrobat to negotiate, and which must deny to many visitors the pleasures of this charming route from Upner Colwyn; Bay. I trust your Council will ever bear in mind the preservation and up-keep of their public footpaths, for therein lies the glorious attrac- tions to a goodly portion of their visitors.— Yours, &c., GEORGE WALMSLEY. Tcranimore, Wynnstay-road, Colwyn Bay, November 19th, 1009.

Alleged Extraordinary Traffic at Colwyn Bay. On Thursday, at Llandudno County Court, the Colwyn Bay Urban District Council were the I plaintiffs in an action brought against Joseph Gray, heavy haulage contractor, Neston, claim- ing altogether a sum of ^29 17s. 2d. as damages for alleged extraordinary traffic, and damage to ¡' railings on the road leading across the top of Colwyn Bay to Llanrwst. I Mr James Amphlett (clerlc and solicitor of the Council) appeared for the plaintiffs, and the defendant was represented by Mr Greaves Lord, barrister. For the plaintiffs it was stated that a contract. was let to, the defendant by the Telegraph De- partment of the G.P.O. for the haulage of tele- graph poles to construct a new line of tele- graphs which was to run between certain parts of North Wales and London. The contract wa,. entered into on the isth October, 1908, and from the agreement, Mr Amphlett took it that the contractor was responsible for any damage done during the carrying out of the contract. The work was done during last winter, and was finished in January this year. To carry out the work, the contractor had a heavy traction en- gine and trailer. The point he would have to show was that the damage was caused-by this traffic, and the Surveyor would also certify that the work had been necessary. The road was a country one, and was constructed mainly for such traffic as the farming fraternity would re- quire, and was never intended for heavy traffic. The telegraph poles were dragged up by this heavy engine, and when descending a steep hill, the brakes were put on, and the road was ab- solutely ploughed up, and the Surveyor was compelled to keep a man on the road daily to fill up the ruts, to make the road safe to travel along. The road was narrow, and when the en- gine was on it, it was impossible for another vehicle to pass. He (Mr Amnhlett) had the un- pleasant experience of being in a motor car, and they had to keep behind this traction engine the whole way. The Judge asked Mr Greaves Lord whether he challenged the excessive weight? In reply, Mr Lord said his main point was that he was not liable, because he was not the person contemplated as being liable by the Act. Mr Amphlett then read letters which had passed between the Surveyor and the Contrac- tor, and the latter, in one, stated that it was his brother, Thomas Gray, who was doing the work, and that Mr Amphlett had better see him. He further added :—" If your roads are not capable to carry six tons on a twelve inch wide wheel, and the water mains not put deep enough to carry this, it is nearly time they were made to do so." The advocate went on to say that there were numerous letters of complaint received from well-known residents in the district. He communicated with the Post Office Authorities, and ascertained that the contractor was Joseph and not Thomas Gray, as alleged. Mr Lord said the point was raised in this way. Joseph Gray was the contractor, and it was quite true he entered into the contract. It was also true that the man who carried it out was Thomas Gray. THE SURVEYOR'S EVIDENCE. William Jones road-surveyor of the Council, gave evidence, and said that he found the poles were being hauled from Old Colwyn and Col- wyn Bay stations by a traction of a very strong type, and a heavy trailer. The poles varied in length fro-n 35 feet to 70 feet. He estimated the weight of the engine to be from ten to twelve tons, and the trailer about two, tons. There would also be from eleven to fourteen poles on the load. Owing to the damage, he had to keep a man specially on the road to fill up the ruts. Cross-examined A fair weight on this road would be one to two tons, and he believed that anything above that was excessive. The weight ot the telegraph poles would average about twelve cwts. The road was constructed of or. dina.ry macadam secured from the locality. It was a country road mostly used for agricultural purposes. William Jones, road foreman, considered that the weights were too heavy, and he called the attention of the driver to it. There were deep ruts in the road, caused by the engine ploughing its way through when the brakes were put on. The engine crushed all the stone in the road. Cross-examined, he denied that Thomas Gray asked witness to send a bill to him for the dam- age to the railings and he would pay. Thomas Wynne, a roadman employed by the Council, said that no cart weighing more than a ton ever made use of the damaged road, because there was a better one to be traversed. The road was quite good enough to bear twice the weight the engines bore, but the brakes caused the damage. He had counted fourteen poles carried on one load on the trailer in November. George Duckers, Furse Mount, Colwyn Bay, said he knew the road very well, and he never understood it was to be for traffic of the nature that the defendants carried on. William Slingo, Superintendent Engineer of the Post Office Department for North Wales, produced the agreement between the G.P.O. and the defendant. Replying to Mr Greaves Lord, the witness agreed that the approximate weight of a forty foot pole was twelve cwts., and a forty-five foot pol-e fourteen cwts. -two* quarters. Of the poles carried under this contract, there was one sixty- five feet long carted from Llandudno Junction. He believed that the longest pole carted along the roads in question was forty-five feet. The largest number of poles carted at once was twelve, but there were several such loads. Four- teen were taken from Llandudno Junction, but it was very easy to make a mistake in counting them on the trailer. The loads averaged some- where about seven tons. Thomas Gray did the work, but Joseph Gray signed the contract, and was paid for the work. Re-examined, the witness said it would have paid the contractors undoubtedly if they could have placed an extra pole on the waggon. THE DEFENCE. For the defence, Mr Greaves Lord stated that the weight of the engine was nine tons, and the width of the wheel rim was sixteen inches, and the diameter seven feet, so that it was well within the provision of the Act of Parliament. His main contention was that upon the Act of Parliament, with regard to the person who was to be made liable, the contract had nothing to do with the action, because it was a private mat- ter between the G.P.O. and the contractor. Under the circumstances, the person liable, and the person whom it was intended to make liable, was the person who had originally caused the traffic to go along this particular road, and the only way in which that person could escape liability was by proving that he took no part whatever in the business himself, and that his servants took no part in it, but here was the Post Office, who were the persons who caused

CAKES AND PUDDINGS. The Madeira Cake made from this recipe is inexpensive and easily prepared and baked. It is excellent eating and most digestible. MADEIRA CAKE. MADEIRA CAKE. 1 packet of Cakeoma. I 4 ozs. Butter or Butter and Lard mixed. j 2 Eggs. A third to half a glass of Milk. (This requires a 2 lb. Cake Tin.) I METHOD. Empty the contents of the packet into a mixing bowl, rub the butter (softened by warmth if necessary, but not melted) into the Cakeoma until it is as fine as bread-crumbs. Beat the eggs and add them to the previous ingredients, and mix well but lightly for five minutes and bake in a moderately warm oven. Golden Pudding recipe next week. Cakeoma is sold only in 31-d. packets by Grocers and Stores everywhere. the contract, and who were present at the load- ing and unloading of the poles. The Judge: But the G.P.O. did not say that he was to carry eleven or more poles. Mr Lord The fact is that the Post Office men put them on the trailer and superintended the loading. The Post Office are undoubtedly pri- marily liable. His Honour reserved judgment, which he will deliver at the next Court.

The Late Dr. T. E. Jones, J.P., of Llanrwst. SYMPATHY OF MAGISTERIAL BENCH. Col Sandbach presided at the Llanrwst Petty Sessions on Monday, the other justices present being Messrs O. Isgoed Jones, H. J. W. Watling, E. Jones Owen, L. W. Jelf Petit, W. B. Haihed. John Blackwall, W. J. Williams, Edward Mills, W. Hughes, and L. O. R. Ashley. Col. Sandbach said that before proceeding with the business of the Court, he thought it was a fitting time, and it was also the desire of his brother magistrates, that he should refer to the loss sustained by that Bench by the death of the late Dr Jones. They all knew him. He had served on that bench faithfully for twenty years, and during that period had proved himself a straightforward and just magistrate, doing his duty without fear or favour, and never allowing either to interfere with his decisions. His justice was always tempered with mercy. He was never hard with the business brought before him. As a physician he was still longer connected with Llanrwst, and the sick and poor had lost in him a very clever physician, and one whose purse was always open to assist those in need. Indeed, hardly ever was there an instance of an appeal made in vain. The town recognised him as a pillar and ornament, and he (the speaker) did not believe he had a single enemy, and he felt certain that the recording angels had long since recorded their Well done, thou faithful servant." Mr O. Isgoed Jones, as next in seniority, desired to say that he always found Dr Jones a good, sincere fr 'end, and one who always gave each case due judgment. He would be greatly miss amongst them. He was quiet and unostentatious, and those qualities were getting more scarce each day in this country, and it behoved them to try and follow in his footsteps. He desired to join in the remarks made by the Chairman. Mr H. J. W. Watling and Mr E. Jones Owen desired to be associated with those remarks, as did also the Clerk (Mr C. T. Ailard), Mr E. Davies- Jones, on behalf of the solicitors practising at that Court, and Supt. Beresford, on behalf of the police force. The Clerk was instructed, to send a letter of condolence to the family. .a.

Deganwy Improvement Association. At a large and representative meeting of the inhabitants of Deganwy, held recently, it was unanimously agreed to form an Improvement Asso- ciation, to promote the interests of the district in municipal matters, and bring before the public notice the desirability of Deganwy as a summer and winter resort. Dr Griffiths was voted to the chair, and in his opening address explained that the idea originated from Mr Hartle, chemist, on the occasion of the recent first annual outing of the Deganwy tradesmen and friends, by whom it was cordially supported. The meeting was further addressed by Mr Hartle, Mr H. Jones (the secretary of the former Ratepayers' Association), and some good advice was tendered by Mr Oldman (secretary of the successful Llandudno Improvement Associa- tion). On the motion of Mr Swetnam, the Asso- ciation was formed, the following officers being appointed :—President and treasurer, Dr Griffiths chairman, Mr. Henry Jones vice-chairman, Mr. T. T. Smith; secretary, Mr. A. Mclntyre together with an influential committee of twentv local gentlemen. At a committee meeting held later a sub-committee was appointed to call on the inhabitants to lay the merits of the association before them and canvas for members. The results so far are very promising. By the courtesy and kindness of the Vicar (the Rev. J. F. Reece), arrangements were also made for the use of the Church Schoolroom for meetings of the committea, which are held monthly. At a further meeting of the committee Mr. H. Jones, the chairman, was appointed to attend a meeting of the proposed North Wales Advertising Board, to be held in Llandudno. Great hopes are held of the benefit to be derived from the association by the district generally, if the inhabitants give to it their loyal support. -_a_-

Judge Moss on Old Debts. At the Llandudno County Court, on Thurs- day, the whole of the contested cases, with the exception of one which occupied five minutes, were from the neighbourhood of Colwyn. His Honour Judge Moss sat from 10.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. listening to cases. PracticaMy the whole of the afternoon, how- ever, was devoted to judgment summonses, no less than 120 appearing on the list. In one of these cases a plaintiff's representative was being questioned by the Judge, and he admitted that the debt had been contracted some years ago. The Judge I must protest against the prac- tice, which seems more characteristic of this Court than any of the other Courts over which I have jurisdiction, to allow debts to be un- settled 'or unnecessary long periods. I am afraid it is is due to two causes—the first,the gross neglect of creditors to allow debts to run on without taking the ordinary course of en- forcing them. I have had about twenty cases to-day in which the debts are from eleven to thirteen vears old. In the second place I think it is due to debtors thinking they will be more leniently dealt with by me than the Registrar. If this is the case, I shall not assist them, and will make the debtor realise that he will not get off more lightly by coming to me, by doubling the order of the Registrar in future. Once it comes to my knowledge, the debtor will find he is making a very serious mistake. This debt is eleven, years bid, and it is not fair to the debtor, and shows a lack of prudence on the part of the creditor to get in his money. I shall take good carokin future that he will have to wait a long time for his money. The Registrar: If you give me instructions, after looking into the matter, and you tell me to make larger orders generally, I will do so. The Judge: I do not want to, because I am satisfied that you have acted to the best of your ability under the circumstances. There are no less than 120 summonses, which have taken up the whole of the afternoon. I hope debtors will remember this.

Local Inventions. The concise descriptions that we give below of recent applications for patents are specially con- tributed by Messrs Howard & Co., patent Agents, 57 and 57, Chancery Lane, W.C., who will assist readers in all patent matters:— Bertram Poynton, 4, Uxbridge Square, Carnar- von, improvement in pump or inflator connections. John Elias Williams Hughes, 13. North Penrallt. Carnarvon, improved cycle extension front wheel mud guard. Thomas Owen Owen, Augusta House, Llandud- no Improvements in devices for stoppering bottles, jars, and the like. Robert Coulter, 13, Llanerch-road, Colwyn Bay: Improvements in solid rubber tyres for motors, cycles, carriage and perambulator wheels. John Alfred Hope and Arthur Hallam McDiar- mid, Mona House, Holyhead Improvements in and relating to the funnels of steamships and the flues and chimneys attacked to all kinds of furnaces.