The Tenby Observer Weekly List of Visitors and Directory

THE CHRISTMAS EVANS MEMORIAL FUND. At Swansea police-court on Wednesday (before the Mayor and other magistrates) Capltain Colqu- houn applied for a warrant against a man named John Taliesin Benjamin for false pretences. It was alleged that Benjamin had been going about representing himself as having been appointed to collect subscriptions towards the Christmas Evans Memorial Fund. For that purpose he had a col- lecting book, which contained the names of a large number of subscribers, including that of the Ven. Archdeacon of Llandaff. — Mr Joseph Hall was aworn, and said Benjamin had called upon him, and having represented himself as already stated, witness gave him 2s. 6d.—Mr J. Thomas said he was the secretary of the memorial fund. Benjamin had not been authorised to collect, nor had he handed over any of the money he had collected.- The warrant was issued.

EXTRAORDINARY ESCAPE OF THREE SEAMEN. Captain Thomasson, of the Norweigan barque Arna, which has arrived at West Hartlepool reports the miraculous escape from death of three of his crew, who were swept overboard by a huge wave when the vessel was in the North Sea. They were lost sight of for some time, bnt were ultimately found clinging to the rigging, having been carried back to the vessel by another sea. The whole of the deck cargo, consisting of timber, was swept away, as was also a large portion of the vessel's bulwarks.

A YOUTH WATCHING HIS FATHER'S GRAVE. A pathetic story is reported from Aberdeen. A young lad, about 17 years of age, recently lost his father by death, and the bereavement unhinged his mind. One night lately he managed to escape the vigilance of relatives, and after search was made for him he was found in one of the city burial grounds keeping watch over his father's grave. Armed with a pistol, a useless weapon, he had proceeded to the graveyard in the darkness of the night, and stood by his father's tomb, in order, as he imagined, to prevent the sexton disinterring the remains. The youth was persuaded to return home with his friends, but his condition again became so alarming that he had to be taken charge of by the parochial authorities.

FEARFUL COLLISION IN THE ENGLISH CHANNEL. The Comtesse de Flandre, which left Ostend at 10.15 on Friday morning with twenty passengers on her way to Dover, came into collision off Dun- kirk with the steam packet Princess Henrietta, which had left Dover that day for Ostend with fifteen passengers. The weather was thick at the time and almost directly after the vessels were sighted the collision occurred, the Princess Hen- rietta crashing into the Comtesse de Flandre, her bow cutting through the paddle-box and wheel and penetrating into the engine-room. The most ter- rible excitement followed. The Princess Henrietta hung against the Comtesse de Flandre only for a moment, and directly after she was free from the Comtesse de Flandre the water poured into the disabled ship like a mill-race. The fore part of the vessel broke right away and sank, the boilers exploding directly after the collision. The disaster was so terribly sudden that passengers and crew alike were struggling in the water before they had realised fully what had occurred. A more lament- able spectacle of a wreck has rarely been seen. The bridge, on which stood the captain and first mate, was blown clear away by the explosion. The fore part of the ship had disappeared, and the stern of the vessel had capsized, and those who were not killed by the explosion were struggling in the water. The Princess Henrietta, which had sustained comparatively little damage, took instant steps to save life. Boats were lowered, and several persons were picked up, many in a most exhausted condition, after a prolonged immersion. One man saved his life by clinging to a parcel post basket. Prince Jerome Bonaparte, who was on board the ill-fated vessel, was picked up by one of the Prin- cess Henrietta's boats, as was also his valet, but the latter was so exhausted by the exposure that he died soon after being rescued. The list of those missing comprises three passengers, the captain, the mate, five stokers, three engineers and one sailor. So far as is known, only one of the men below at the time of the disaster was saved. There only appears to have been two women on board- the stewardess and another lady, whose husband is supposed to have been drowned. Both of these women were saved.

TENBY COTTAGE HOSPITAL.—Number of beds, 7 patients discharged during past week, 2; patients admitted during past week, 0 total number in hospital, 5.-April 3, 1889.

WAS IT A MISTAKE.—There are few choices in this world where all the reasons are on one side. Sometimes there may be fourteen reasons for doing a thing, and fifteen for not doing it and the reasons must not merely be counted, which is hard, but weighed, which is infinitely harder. It does not follow at all that you made a mistake in life when you took that course which has landed you in many anxieties and sorrows. Far more and greater might have found you, had you taken any other course which was in fact open to you.

SERIOUS THINKING.—The consciousness of having reflected serionsiy aud conclusively on important -questions, whether social or spiritual, augments dignity while it does not lessen humanity. In this sense, taking thought can and does add a cubit to £ ur stature. Opinions which we may not feel bound, or even permitted, to press on other people, ?!je n°t the less forces for being latent. They shape Jdeals, and it is ideals that inspire conduct.

On Monday last, the 1st April, the County Councils assumed their full powers of responsi- bility, and on the same day one institution for which reformers have clamored, and Rebecca and her daughtors rioted and fought early in the Forties, ceased to exist. Mr Ritchie on Monday demolished about 250 toll gates amidst perfect tranquillity, and the only matter about which there is not perfect agreement lies in the fact whether the rioters of 1843 did not retard rather than expedite the discontinuance of a system that occasioned much irritation amongst all classes of the community, but especially of agriculturists. Henceforth the public will be able to enjoy the healthful benefit of a drive without the imposition of a road tax and this the Welshman, unlike his brother over the border, has hitherto been unable to do. By the introduction of the Act another cherished institution-this entirely local—passes away. The Tenby Borough Police exists no longer as a sepa- rate force. The town is now under the guardian- ship of the Chief of the County Constabulary, Mr Thomas Bowen, and I only re-echo the words of others when I express the hope that the town will be as well and faithfully served under the new regime as the old. With the Police also goes the Watch Committee appointed by the Town Council, who exercised direct sway over the Police. Like the Rebeccaites (except in a more peaceful degree) there have been from time to time would-be reformers in the Town Council who sought to alter the Police arrangements by amalgamation with the County, and the subject has given rise to many stormy debates, which however always ended in a victory for the advo- cates of Home Rule <- The arrangements in force up to the 1st April dates back, I believe, to the year 1837, when the first regular Police Officer was appointed-Evan Howells. Up to this time the peace of the Borough had been entrusted to two Sergeants-at- Mace as principal constables, who bad power to act in any part of the Borough. Beside these, one constable was appointed by the Justices at Quarter Sessions for each of the twelve wards into which the Borough was divided. In those days Tenby had its own Court of Quarter Sessions. In the Report of the Commission held after the passing of the first Reform Act, in 1832, it was stated that these constables were chiefly masons, carpenters, and such like. There was no system of Police, and the constables acted entirely under the con- trol and direction of the Magistrates. The stipend of Howells was fixed at 12s. per week; not an excessive wage, but the duties were probably light. The population was under 2000; the total electo- rate 231. V Whether the Watch Committee in appointing Howells at 12s. a-week took into consideration the fact of his being a pensioner, I know not. But he was; having fought in most of the battles of the Peninsular War. They had, however, some hesitation in making the appointment. The office was new, and they had doubts as to the manner in which he would deport himself; so they attached to the conditions of his appointment the stipulation that in case of misbehaviour he should be dis- missed without warning, and his pay cease from the day of dismissal. I am not aware that the Committee found it necessary to take such drastic measures, as Howells continued in the pay of the Corporation until he was incapacitated from fol- lowing his duties, and then retired on a pension « Whilst these changes give rise to much specu- lation as to ulterior results, one circumstance admits of none. In Teuby the cost of the Police in future will be met by a direct tax upon the householder; hitherto it has been borne entirely out of the funds of the Corporation Estate. Last year the total cost of watching the Borough, including office charges, was £ 245; not an exorbi- tant sum. It is certain it will not be so small in future Centralization as a rule means increased taxation, and in the amalgamation ot the Borough Police with the County the taxpayers of Tenby will find no exception to this rule. There will be of course an addition to the existing strength of the force, probably by two men; but it has not yet been definitely decided what changes will follow on the new system. f I am sure the courteous and ever-obliging tradesmen carrying on business in High Street only require to have their attention drawn to the inconvenient length some of their window awnings are, to take immediate steps to remedy same. I am by no means a tall person, but when I tell them I knocked my best felt bat in three times in going up High Street last week, I feel sure of their unrestrained sympathy and instant remedial measures. A rumour comes from Portsmouth that H.M.S. Nile, which only recently left Hobb's Point after being engined, on being put into dock has a quantity of her protecting paint below her water line peeled off, with the result that a considerable amount of corrosion has taken place, both on the plates and the rivets and by which many of the latter was rendered quite unless. I have received half-a-dozen reminders this week of the desirability of the Corporation taking up, without delay, the construction of a landing stage from the Castle Point, so that boats may con- veniently land passengers at all states of the tide. My correspondents remark that the Mayor, at the meeting in the Town HaU, alluded to the same subject, and from the tone of his remarks, appear favourable to the scheme. I need hardly say that I have from time to time pressed this on the atten- tion of the 44 powers that be." Hitherto, it must be confessed without any ap- parent success Whether the agitation will ulti- mately prove of more effect remains to be seen; but of the desirability, I might say absolute neces- sity tor it, there cannot be two opinions. Whilst every watering-place. in the Channel has facilities for landing passengers from steamers at all states of the tide, and thus secures for itself the privilege of a regular steam service, Tenby alone stands in need of such facilities, and consequently without steam service. The loss to Tenby from this cause is without doubt very great. ♦ In reference to the progress of the restoration of the ancient mansion of Derwydd, now being carried on by Mr A. S. Stepney-Gulston, of Der- wydd, I am told that several coins and other curiosities have been met with, and the traces of an old altar and baptistry, which probably points out the spot whereon existed one of the three 14 ehapelleries of 44 Dyvan," spoken of in the days of King John; one other of whose chapels is still to be traced near the 44 Holy Well" of Llandyfan, of archaeological renown, and about five miles dis- tant from Derwydd. TATTLER.

To the Editor of the Tenby Observer. SIR,—Dr Reid asks to see a reply to the Pro- test. How can such a thing be ? A reply to an address made to an individual may receive a reply from that individual; but a reply to a general pro- test! What is the Dr. thinking of ? Three replies to the address have, it appears, been sent. Of these how meagre are those from Lord Hartington and Mr Chamberlain. May we not infer that these gentlemen are ashamed at being regarded as brothers-in-arms with the Conservatives ? The idea of Tenby Tories glorying in Joseph Chamberlain In speaking of Liberal magistrates I spoke of the living, only living men could sign a protest. Dr Reid gives the names of three honoured men now dead. For two of these, more especialty, all parties have reverent and grateful regard their names and their influence live, and will long live, in Tenby; but they have left no successors as earnest, hearty Liberals among the magistracy. Dr. Reid must know that in Pembrokeshire, and in all Wales- the Radical principality-the numbers of the Tory J. P.'s are extravagantly out of all proportion to those of the Liberals. The signatures to the ad- dress, as stated by Dr. Reid, confirm this—17 to the address, none to the protest. All who signed the address must be Tories, for the essence of Liberalism is love of justice, mercy, freedom; while the address applauded injustice, coercion, wrong. I wish all who signed the address halloing on Salisbury and Balfour in their most wicked and stupid Irish policy, would read the article m the Contemporary for March, by Canon Wilberforce. If they have eyes to see and hearts to feel they would, I hope, after reading this article, be inclined to treat their hands that signed the address as Cranmer treated his recanting hand. Dr Reid appears to have a low opinion of the character of the Clergy of the Church of England. He says that many of them were Liberals, but are so no longer, because "no doubt" of the Dis- establishment and Disendowment articles in the Liberal Creed. This means that the Clergy, in the Doctor's estimation, prefer the flesh pots of Egypt to self-denial for conscience sake, and do not intend to follow those fanatics who" snffered the loss of all things that they might do their duty faithfully. As to the Pigott, The Times, and the Tory Government conspiracy, Dr Reid cannot surely intend to imply that he still has any doubt as to the forgery of the Parnell letters, and the infamy of the whole business. Had he been in the House when Mr Parnell challenged all his adversaries, and the Tory hosts were dumb, conscience-stricken would the Doctor have dared, by word or gesture, to hint a suspicion of the Irish Chief ? Lord Salisbury, sorely smarting in his shame, may try to hide his disgrace by covertly hinting in a mysterious way, at some possible evil issue, yet, perhaps and peradventure, to be divulged but the more honest Tories of Tenby will not, I trust, in this, think his Lordship worthy of imitation. To save their own honour and the honour of their country, will not the gentlemen who signed the late address now sign a protest against the abomi- nations brought to light by the Special Commission, and an address to Her Majesty that the Attorney General be impeached.—Yours &c., HENRY GOWARD. Greenhill, Tenby, April 2, 1889.

To the Editor of the Tenby Observer. SIR,-I was amused to see the extreme humanity evinced by "Tattler" for iron pigeons sent up out of a machine for the purpose, and find that the Inspector of the Cruelty to Animals Prevention Society has taken my name among others for shooting at such. Whoever informed' him must have a very deficient vision, to mistake pieces of iron for sea-birds, or that even if such was the case we would stand in the same spot and fire some thirty or forty shots; he must have thought we took the proverbial salt to put on their tails. I certainly was accosted by some irate old person while shooting at the said artificial pigeons, who apparently was not convinced by his own eyesight. I need not at present say more on the subject, which seems to me perfectly ridiculous. Yours, &c., SPOTSWOOD GRAVES. 29, Victoria Street, Tenby, April 1, 1889. -+-

To the Editor of the Tenby Observer. SIR,—My attention has been called to a para- graph by "Tattler" in your issue of the 28th ultimo, having reference to the heedless maiming and slaughter of sea-gulls and other birds by some wretched would-be sportsmen (?) or boys residing on the south side of the town." The names of holders of gun licenses are regis- tered at the Post Office, and I believe the number of persons on that register, residing on the south side of the town, might be reckoned on the fingers of one hand therefore, if any infringement of the "Protection of Wild Birds" Act by any of the persons to whom the description applies has been witnessed by "Tattler's" informant, he could have no difficulty in "spotting" the delinquents. I challenge "Tattler's" informant to give the names, or one name, and one instance witnessed by him of the contravention of the above-mentioned Act. If there is any truth in his allegation he can of course do so without fear of ulterior conse- quences to himself. I assert that "Tattler" has been imposed upon by a reckless and utterly truth- less statement. I enclose my card, and am, yours faithfully, Tenby, April 2, 1889. IISOUTH SIDE."

-éf To the Editor of the Tenby Observer. SIR,-I think the ratepayers of Tenby should feel grateful to the Mayor for the very clear and lucid- statement he put before them at the meeting in th*- Town Hall on Friday week last, called for the pur- pose of considering a scheme for the extension d#* the existing Esplanade to the Railway Statioat- After all had been said by the promoters on behalf of their plan-(I could not help observing how they fought shy of the money aspect of the scheme)—* the kernel of the question lies in one fact-Arc the ratepayers desirous of adding 2d. in the £ to tha existing rates of the Borough ? and this too for a period of thirty year without any compensating return within a reasonable period, if within the life-time of those who are now wildly clamor- ing forlits realization. I name thirty years, as this is the longest period for which money could be borrowed to carry out the work. The rates of the Borough are now 5s. in the £ a sum the Mayor imagines quite high enough without being op- pressive. In this idea he will have the unanimous concurrence of the majority of ratepayers. But His Worship does not hold out the hope that, leaving out altogether the question of constructing this road, they will remain at 5s. indeed he estimates that for 1889-90 they will be 5s. 5d. in the £ Therefore, if this undertaking be car- ried out, then there is bound to be a further addi- tion-at the very lowest estimate Id.; probably 2d. With regard to this extension, I look upon it as foolish, nay worse than foolish, to imagine that for an insignificant sum of E600 a road similar to the existing Esplanade—kerbed, channelled, railed, metalled—can be built. No person, except he possesses the most shadowy ideas of road building, would for a single instant harbour the idea. X grant that for a limited outlay-(say Y,600 as a basis of argument)—a road of a given description could be made simply by levelling existing ob- structions, and filling in holes, so as to make it possible for a cart to get from the Station to the Esplanade. That could be-done no doubt. But what would this mean to the Corporation afterwards ? A continual and ev^rrksving source of expenditure; a drain upon the exchequer. It would be a cheap job; and, like all cheap jobs, outrageously dear in the end. I have had oppor- tunities of watching the doings of the Tenby Corporation for a period extending over thirty years. They have executed some cheap jobs during that time, and with what result ? They are now obliged to do in regard to the water what they ought to have effected twenty years ago. The earlier portiou of the drainage of the town haa nearly all had to be done over again. Why ? Be- cause it was cheaply done at first! It would be interesting to know how much it has cost the rate- payers in the way of repairs to street mains through the contract in the first instance being placed in the hands of a cheap and irresponsible contractor I And so it will be in respect to this road. If it is the desire of the ratepayers that the Esplanade should be continued from its present terminal to the Railway Station, let it be well done. It will only require once doing, and the one expense attached thereto ascertained. In the words of the Mayor I ask the ratepayers to well consider the question, and not be led away by fantastic notions of ter- races of houses springing up like mushrooms, and villa residences scattered here, there and every- where along the roate. In practice these expecta- tions are seldom realized. It is some years since the South CJiff Estate was parcelled out in building sites; there are a considerable number of edifices yet ta be erected before the aspirations of the owners of that property will be realized. Futhermore. What will the ratepayers gain in the end ? The imaginary terraces and picturesque villa residences will not be on Corporation property, but on that of other owners.-Yonrs, &c., Tenby, April 2, 1889. RATEPAYER.

To the Editor of the Tenby Observer. SIR,—Will you allow me to make a few remarks upon the meeting at the Town Hall, held to advo- cate the extension of the Esplanade Road. First, I think the thanks of all ratepayers are due to the Mayor for the clear way in which he explained the amount now required to meet the rates; and also I cordially approve of the remark that there are two small sets of people who would not object to the increase in the rates. I feel quite sure that if money is to be borrowed for improving the town, it is an extension of the Pier that would increase its prosperity. There is no doubt that if Tenby had a good supply of steamers (which will never be until there is a proper landing-place for all tides), then her position among watering-places would rapidly improve, and she would be able to hold her own with other well-known sea-side resorts. Yours, &c., Tenby, April 2, 1889. H. R.

EXTRAORDINARY SCENE BETWEEN FOOTBALL TEAMS. An exciting scene took place at Middlewick Station, Cheshire, after the match between Norths wich and Crewe for the Cheshire Final. Bothr1 parties assembled on the opposite platforms wait £ ing for the trains. They commenced operation^ by alternately hooting and cheering, and then one man challenged an aggressive antagonist to fight. Both leaped on the metals and fought desperately till separated by the officials. Then a great number of the North wich men ran across the line, storming the platform occupied by the Crewe men. Unin- terested passengers bolted right and left, while a fight proceeded which the station officials were powerless to prevent. The police were sent fo/» and Sergeant Wynne and nine policemen arrived, but by that time Northwich had practically gained possession of the platform, the Crewe men being out-numbered. The Crewe special then came in, and the police guarded the men to the train, many carrying away marks of the contest.

A MAN'S WORDS -Learn the value of a man'a words and expressions, and you know him. Each man has a measure of his own for everything. This he offers you, inadvertently, in his words. He who has a superlative for everything wants a measure for the great and small,

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS MARRIED. On the 28th ult., at the Baptist Church, Deer Park, by the Rev. T. Evans, pastor, Miss Emily Evans, eldest daughter of Mr J, Evans, Tndor Square, Tenby, to Mr Herbert Moores of Newport Mon.