The Tenby Observer Weekly List of Visitors and Directory

THE MATHRY POACHING CASE. To the Editor of the Tenby Observer SIR,—I am not surprised to read that great in- dignation has been caused by the atrocious sen- tences passed by the Matliry magistrates upon three poachers for destroying two or three rabbits on land in the Tregwynt district. In view of the fact that no record was put in against either of the defendants, it is to be hoped that the at- tention of the Secretary of State for the Home Department will be drawn to the sentences, with a view to their remission. I am, yours faithfully, November 29th, 1909. LAND REFOBMER.

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY COURT. L- A TENBY CASE. DISPUTED CORN BILL. At the last sitting of the Haverfordwest County Court, held before His Honour Judge Bishop, W. D. Griffiths, Fishguard, sued W. H. Thomas and Son, Tenby, for the price of corn supplied. Mr William Evans, solicitor, Fishguard, ap- peared for the plaintiff, and Mr W. G. Eaton Evans, solicitor, for the defendants. Defendant said he received the orders himself from Caleb and William Jenkins and O'Brien, the defendant's servants, and he saw the goods delivered. In cross-examination plaintiff admitted that he had one written order on Mr Thomas's behalf. Mr Eaton Evans produced a copy of the order, which the plaintiff admitted and which, he said, had been brought to him by David Jenkins. On one occasion, Mr Thomas came to plaintiff's shop and offered to pay him for two items, but plaintiff declined to accept payment for a portion of the corn unless he was paid for the whole. Subsequently the plaintiff was re-called by His Honour and produced his ledger in which he said he had entered Thomas's account as the goods were suppled. His Honour suggested that the entries had all been made at the same time. Mr William Evans remarked that the plaintiff was one of the most successful business men in Fishguard, and this was the first case he had ever had it1 the County Court. Ernest Thomas, son of the defendant, and Wil- liam Thomas, the defendant, gave evidence deny- ing liability. The latter said he believed that a mistake had been made by the plaintiff, who had charged him for corn supplied to someone else. His Honour said that if tradesmen supplied goods to unknown people without written orders they must take the risk. Verdict for jEl 7s. 6d., the amount admitted by the defendant.

FIRST IN PEMBROKESHIRE SAUNDERSFOOT EARLY CLOSING MOVEMENT. Saundersfoot is the first community in Pem- brokeshire to attempt to get an order for the compulsory closing of shops at specified hours, under the powers of the Shop Hours Act of 1904, and on Tuesday a sub-committee of the County Council, consisting of Dr. Griffith, chair- man of the Council, and Sir Charles Philipps, Bart., Picton Castle, held an inquiry at the Evelyn Coffee Tavern, Saundersfoot, with re- ference to the matter. A document signed by twelve tradesmen in the village, had been pre- sented by the committee. Those who signed expressed their willingness to close their shops every Wednesday throughout the year, except during the months of June, July, August, and September, at 2 p.m., and they prayed that an order might be made to enforce the working of the Shop Hours Act of 1904. Though the great majority of the tradesmen of the village had signed the document, one or two had not done so, but they did not put in an appearance at the inquiry to object to the application. Besides obtaining the Wednesday half-holiday, the petitioners, it appeared, also desired to get a closing order for other days of the week, many shops at present being kept open till a late hour. The committee desiring to obtain a definite ex- pression of opinion, it was unanimously agreed on the motion of Mr R. Griffiths, seconded by Mr Harry Thomas, that every Wednesday in the year, with the exception of the months of June, July, August, and September, should be a half holiday. In reference to evening closing it was unanimously decided that all shops (except those of butchers), should close on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays (in the summer) and Thursdays at eight o'clock, and on Fridays and Saturdays at ten o'clock. In the case of butchers it was agreed that they should remain "open on Thursday nights until ten o'clock alL the year round, the hours otherwise being the same as regards the other shops. The committee will report to the County Council.

HAVERFORDWEST LADY'S SUICIDE. JUMPS FROM A WINDOW IN LONDON. Miss Eva Marie Randle-Randle, the daughter of Mrs Randle, formerly of Hill Side, Goat Street, Haverfordwest, committed suicide in London last week by throwing herself from an upper window at No. 23, Nevern Square, Earl's Court, where she was staying. The news of Miss Randle's death cast quite a gloom in Haverfordwest, where the deceased was very well known. It was stated at the inquest that the deceased was suffering from neurasthenia, was 29 years of age, and was the daughter of Mr Howard Randle-Randle. She had been a law student, but had to give up her studies owing to her illness. A letter was found in her writing case dated a year ago, with instruc- tions as to the disposal of her property in the event of her death. She was writing a letter to a friend in India relating her experience of London life, and went upstairs to dress for dinner. Soon after stffe was found in the back area, dead. It was shown that the deceased after partly un- dressing, had gone from her bedroom to the top room, and, moving a dressing table from the window, had got out on the leads, and fallen a distance of fifty feet. The jury returned a verdict of Suicide during temporary insanity." The deceased lady was born in London, but at the age of four went with her parents to reside in New Zealand. Educated at the Dunedin Girls' High School, she afterwards proceeded to the Otago University College at the same city, where she graduated B.A. in 1901. In the following year, she was admitted to the degree of M.A. by examination, her subject being Mental Science (Philosophy, Logic, Psychology, and Ethics.) After completing her academical course Miss Randle was articled to Messrs. Solomon and Goscoigne, a firm of solicitors. Mr. Solomon is one of the leading barristers of New Zealand. Much sympathy is felt with her mother.

To the Editor of the Tenby Observer. SIR,—Referring to the proposed sale of land by an alderman to the Tenby Town Council, I do not remember yet seeing it stated in print from what source the money is to come. Is it to be made the subject of a loan, an overdraft, or taken from one of the Corporation accounts now said to be in credit? As, no matter from what source the money may eventually be derived, it would belong to the ratepayers, I think in common fairness to them, that they should be told exactly the source from which it will come. About the absurdly in- flated price which has been set upon this bit of ground, it is hardly worth while making any com- ment, the whole thing is so obvious; but it is only another instance of the extraordinary way in which our marvellous Town Council conduct the affairs of the borough. I don't know exactly the area of the piece of land in question, but I should not think it exceeds a quarter of an acre your readers can work the sum out for themselves, and no doubt they will be surprised to find what an enormous sum the Corporation has been asked to pay for the ground. One more point before I close:—By whom was the ground valued? When- ever the Corporation is going to renew a lease of property, on payment of a fine, it engages an expert to value it, but was anything of the sort done in the present case ? Is this a fair way of dealing with the money of the ratepayers? Why some of the members of the Council-particularly the recent additions-do not make themselves worthy of the trust and confidence reposed in them by the ratepayers by opening their mouths in protest at this transaction beats me and many other ratepayers. Yours, etc., Tenby, November 29th, 1909. B. B. B. B.

THE PEMBROKE BOROUGHS AND SIR OWEN PHILIPPS, M.P. To the Editor of the Teriby Observer. SIR,—Liberals in the constituency are well aware that the charge is often made by theifTory friends against the sitting member (Sir Owen Philipps) that he has done little or nothing for the li-jyal Dock-yard at Pembroke, and that under a Unionist Government things would have been very much better locally than they are. With all due re- spect to my Tory friends, I take the liberty of not only doubting, but flatly contradicting this unfair and unfounded statement. What are the facts of the case ? Sir Owen Philipps has more than any other Parliamentary representative of either a past or present generation done more for the Welsh Dock- yard than has ever been done before. That briefiy is the case in a nutshell, and if the Tories can gainsay my statement and back up their denials with proof, they will certainly be cleverer than I give them credit for being. Since the Liberal Government came into office the Royal Dock-yard at Pembroke has year by year, with unfailing regularity, turned out a vessel, the work provided being sufficient to keep the whole staff fully employed. For this great boon a good deal of the credit must go to Sir Owen, who has worked early and late, in season and out of season, on behalf of the Yard and it is not only sheer nonsense, but sheer ingratitude on the part of any of his constituents—be they Tory or Radical-to attempt to deny that he has not given of his best in this direction. But for the energetic and unceasing efforts of Sir Owen Philipps the Pembroke Dock-yard would have fared badly indeed. When the last Tory Administration went out of power, it will be re- membered that the future of the Dock-yard was more than critical. There was wild talk about its total closure as far as the building of warships was concerned; at the best it would only be utilized as a repairing yard, and even this possi- bility was in a good deal of doubt. But what happened atter the Liberal Govern- ment, with its unprecedented majority, came into office? Sir (then plain Mr) Owen Philipps putting into action all the influence which his position in the shipping world gave him, combined with his standing in other high quarters, succeeded in helping to avert the disaster which threatened to oveltake the Royal Dock-yard at Pembroke. The threatened withdrawal of the building of big ships was quashed, and, instead, the Yard has been kept in full and constant employment ever since. This has proved a priceless boon to Pem- brokeshire, and the inhabitants owe many deep thanks to Sir Owen Philipps for the watchful care which he has all along exercised in the matter of the Dock-yard. I am sure I but re-echo the opinions of all fair- minded electors in the Boroughs, no matter what Party colours they affect, when I say that it would have been impossible for a non-resident member to have achieved anything like that which Sir Owen has with regard to the Dock-yard at Pem- broke he has made this matter his especial care, both in and outside the House of Commons; and if he is returned at the General Election 'next month, as I feel confident he will-that is if the electors have the smallest spark of gratitude in their natures-there is no doubt but what he will continue his same policy of watchfulness and care on behalf of the best interests of the Yard. Another charge which has been made with re- gard to Royal Dock-yards in general is that the present Liberal Government have been trying to be economical and cut down expenses by putting out shipbuilding work to private firms; but this statement is quickly disproved by that made by Sir Owen Philipps when speaking at Milford a few days ago. On that occasion he said that at the present time there were 5770 MORE men em. ployed in the Royal Dock-yards of this country than there were four years ago! Surely this is the strongest and most convincing refutation of a statement made without a doubt for election purposes. Instead of cutting down the staffs engaged at the Royal Dock-yards the Liberal Government have actually increased them, and by a most substantial number. As a member Sir Owen has been most assiduous to his trust; he has, as far as one can judge, re- deemed the pledges he made on the eve of his election, and even those who do not hold with his politics are bound to admire his genuine concern for the welfare and interest of his many con- stituents. There is nothing of the carpet-bagger about Sir Owen Philipps. He is a resident in the con- stituency he has a material stake in it; and what is more, he knows the needs and require- ments of the people. How is it possible, I would venture to ask, for a man who does not live in the constituency has only a five minutes' acquaintance with the people: and as soon as the election was over (even if he were returned at the head of the poll) would de- part, to come back perhaps once in a twelve; month just to keep the seat warm; how is it possible, I ask, for a member of this kind to do justice to his constituents? I know very well that there are constituencies scattered all over the country who have to put up with Parliamentary representatives of this calibre, but then perhaps they never were given an oppor- tunity of returning a LOCAL man. Here in the Pembroke Boroughs we have an essentially local man as a member, and if we are wise as electors we will make it our business to keep him.—Yours truly. OXE OF THE ELECTORATE. Pembroke-Dock, November 30th, 1909.

TENBY TOWN BAND. To the Editor of the Tenby Observer. SIR,-In reference to the Tenby Town Band, when the Volunteer Band of the sixties was raised it was done by hard and energetic working, and it was kept together by playing so many weeks at Christmas time and in the summer time. I was sorry when told in America about it being broken up. Mr George Bowen was a horn player in it; while Mr George Thomas, shoemaker, Lower Frog Street, was bass drummer. Strange, Mr Harry Thomas, who is mentioned in last week's issue of the Tenby Observer, lives in Frog Street. Mr John Harvey Williams was the bandmaster at the time of which I now speak. I suppose there are very few of the old members living now. I am sure that if Tenby can raise golf links and all the other amusements it ought to be able to raise a good band instead of engaging foreigners, which I think was done this summer. Mr George Bowen, I think, was born in March, 1845 I was born in July, 1845, so that will make us going on for 65 years. Many cf the names I see mentioned in your paper are very familiar to me. I suppose they are chips of the old block. I hope Mr George Bowen will excuse me mentioning his name s) often, but we were boys together. Yours faithfully, London, AN OLD TEXBYITE. November 29th, 1909.

A WELL-EARNED KNIGHTHOOD. The Earl of Meath contributes an eloquent article, What the Boy Scout Movement may do for Britain," to the lavishly illustrated Christmas double number of the Windsor Magazine. In the course of it he says :—" Our young people need more discipline. The Scout movement is popular, and brings with it just the discipline which our lads require, and which will make men of them. It arrives in the nick of time. It will save the weak lad from himself and from his parent's folly. It will turn him from an undisciplined slacker into a man capable of self-control, and fitted to face victoriously the temptations and the stern realities of life. In short, it is calculated to make of a lad a hardy, virile, truth-speaking, duty-loving Briton, worthy to bear the heavy but honourable burdens attached to citizenship of the mightiest Empire the world has ever known. Hence, from my heart I thank General Sir R. S. S. Baden-Powell for having devised means by which the British lad may, without soldiering and without being exposed to any of the moral dangers of a soldier's life, obtain all the undoubted moral and physical benefits to be derived from discipline. May every success attend his efforts, and may he receive the support and encourage- ment of every man and woman who wishes well to the British Empire."

"RECOLLECTIONS OF OLD TENBY" is an in- teresting collection of views of Tenby as it appeared in the latter part of the 18th century, with descriptive letterpress. Every visitor ought to obtain a copy. Price one shilling, from the local newsagents or the Obseiver Office,

LORD ST. DAVIDS AND THE BUDGET. I' I SPEECH IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS. Speaking on the Budget debate in the House of Lords last week, Lord St. Davids, in the course of a long and interesting speech, remarked that Lord Rosebery had been very unkind to their Lordships' House, for which he had suggested reforming, which sounded like spring cleaning. (Laughter.) What reason had the noble Lord given for his hostility to the Budget? He had had said it was crude and vindictive. He (Lord St. Davids) reminded the House that the Bill had been under discussion in the House of Commons for six months-a longer period than any other Bill that he could recollect-and he was for a great many years a member of the House of Commons. What evidence had the noble Earl given to illustrate its crudeness? He had said that the Chancellor of the Exchequer himself on the report stage brought in about 250 amendments. The noble Earl had never sat in the House of Commons, otherwise he would have known what that meant. When a bill was in Committee all sorts of people moved amendments. In many cases the Government accepted those amendments in principle though they were not well draped, and the Minister in charge during Committee proceedings undertook to incorporate them in his amendments and to bring them up on the report stage. A great many of the amendments which the noble Earl had complained of as crude were introduced to meet the views of the Opposition. He (Lord St. Davids) admitted that there were people in this country who were afraid of the Budget. But what had the noble Earl, who had held the highest office in the country, done to encourage confidence and credit ? He had told them that millions were going abroad. Poor deluded people in the country did not know that the noble Earl was jesting and amusing himself. What was play to the noble Earl was death to other people. (Ministerial cheers.) He wanted to say a few words on the subject of capital going abroad, be- cause that was a subject with which he (Lord St. Davids) had some practical acquaintance. The noble Earl had talked of unemployment. Why could he not give them some statistics ? Last September the amount of unemployment was reported by the Trades Unions to amount to 7-4. They all kuew that unemployment was always apt to increase in this country, but in October it had dropped from 7'4 to 7-1. If they compared the October before the Budget to the October in this year after the Budget they found that it was only 7.1 in the middle of October after the Budget, whereas in October last year before the Budget it was 9*5. He hoped that would be a little check to some noble lords who had no per- sonal experience of the facts. Lord St. Davids went on to deal with the speech of Lord Revel- stoke on capital leaving the country. The noble Lord (Lord Revelstoke) was a great specialist on foreign bonds, but did he know more than any- body else about investments ? The noble Lord in speaking of capital going abroad had carefully and properly distinguished between capital driven abroad and capital drawn abroad. It was quite possible that capital might in some cases have been driven abroad. That was quite possible when they heard, as they had just heard from the noble Earl, nonsense about bonds being shifted abroad at ballast. Let the Budget go through and they would find that the capital would be shifted back again as ballast. People talked as if it were a national disaster for capital to go abroad. In the journal of the Statistical Society a month or two ago there appeared the report of an inte- resting paper and the discussion on it, and these experts were all agreed on this, that every period of great export of capital had been followed by a period of good trade. It was shown that in the seven years from 1894 to 1900 British capital in- vested abroad was four hundred millions. That was followed by a period of good trade. Then in the following seven years, the period including the South African War, in which there was a great deal of national extravagance, the total capital invested abroad by this country was only one hundred millions. In the four and a half years since 1904 capital had been saved up again, and in that period we actually invested abroad four hundred millions, a great deal of which went abroad while a Conservative Government was in office. Had the loss of that capital injured this country in any way ? Was it to be a thing deplored or rejoiced ? What did it matter that capital was driven or drawn abroad so long as we had ample for our requirements in this country? Would any of the great financial experts in the House say that there was ever any scarcity of capital in this country for any sound and decently remunera- tive investment ? His own experience was quite the reverse. If he knew of any such investment with security, and able to yield a decent rate of interest, he was prepared to try in the City to find the money, and, incidentally, to make something on the transaction himself, and he did not know of any City financier who would be unable or un- willing to do the same. People outside talked sometimes as if it was lack of capital which pre- vented continual investment in this country. They forgot the difference between new and old countries. The fact was we bad got here practi- cally all the great things for which capital could be used with advantage—railways, tramways, electric light, gas-works, great industrial works- all these we had got to-day. The only outlets for fresh capital in this country to-day were the requirements following large increases of popula- tion, and when some new want was invented. In a recent speech Mr George Wyndham had in- cluded some figures which he oalled "statistics," though nobody was able to find where he got them from. He stated that in the last six months only 16 millions were invested in Great Britain and only two millions in industrial concerns. They might well be shy of accepting statistics of Mr George Wyndham. In their Lordships' House they had been bothered for weeks past with the Irish Land Bill. That was due to Mr George Wyndham not being able to do a sum. Every figure in his Act was wrong. His latest figures were absolutely absurd. It was impossible to say what had been subscribed for industrial concerns. When the increase of population was spread, as it was spread in this country, over wide fields, the capital required was likewise spread over a large field, too. It was absolutely impossible for any- body to take the last of the public issues that came out in newspapers week by week and arrive at any true conclusion. The other outlet for new capital was in financing new inventions. The ac- ceptance of motor investments proved that there was no lack of capital to meet the requirement. On the contrary, to the misfortune of many in- vestors, capital was sometimes too easily raised. To sum up the matter in a nutshell, British in- vestors through their agents might search the world over for sound investments, but they would fail to find anything better than they could secure in their own country. The money which went abroad went practically in two directions. It went into great industrial concerns or it went to meet Government or municipal loans. It would be intensely interesting to hear from Lord Roths- child whether money lent to foreign Governments and foreigh municipalities did or did not help British trade. He thought it would be shown that trade usually followed these loans. Pro- ceeding to confute the argument that capital was leaving the country to the detriment of the country, his Lordship said that the sum of JE12,000,000 on railways had been taken, and it amounted to this Thirty-three per cent. of it went abroad in the shape of material, rails, rolling stock, engines, every shilling's worth of which was the produce of British labour, and 4 per cent. of it went in foreign materials. He had not been able to check that, but if he had been able to do so he would probably have found that those goods were brought from abroad because at the time the English works were so full of work that a waggon or an engine could not have been bought under 18 months. Lord Lansdowne had said the other dav that he was in favour of a tariff on foreign articles. Cheapness was not everything. The noble Lord said a 5 per cent. or a 10 per cent. in- crease on goods was not much. What had hap- pened in the case he (the speaker) had mentioned ? What had sent out this immense amount of money in materials, and if we had had a tariff we should have had to buy a good deal of material abroad, and the Government of the country in which we worked would have been down upon us. The rest of the money directly and indirectly had gone abroad in cash. Would that do no good to the country ? The investors did not do badly. The foreign railways in South America, as a whole, bad been a good field for British invest- ments, but there were other advantages. They employed a staff of people here in the offices who were very fairly paid. Then in those countries nearly all the heads of departments on the rail- ways were Englishmen who were paid high salaries — in some cases as high as Cabinet Ministers. They were men who were always remitting money home, and wherever they lived they were practically unofficial agents for the re- commendation of British goods abroad. Then all these concerns abroad wanted renewing. Cer- tainly railways every year must buy materials, and where did they come for them ? They came to this country and they employed labour here. (Cheers.) That money which we were sending abroad, which the noble Lord treated as disas- trous," was what kept our miners busy in South Wales, the steel workers, the waggon builders- they were all kept employed mainly, if not entirely, by the capital sent abroad and therefore he thought that the Prime Minister was justified in saying that the sending of money abroad was not to be deplored. The Marquis of Salisbury, Lord St. Davids continued, had said the rejection of the Finance Bill was really a democratic pro- ceeding. It would be interesting, supposing there should be a Government majority returned at the next election, to hear the noble Marquis speaking on the result of that appeal by which he would abide. It was the considered opinion of the people by which the noble Marquis would abide. What was their considered opinion ? If the deci- sion was in favour of the House of Lords, it would be their considered opinion," and if it was not in favour of the House of Lords then it would not be a considered opinion," and the matter must be put back for another year.

H.M.S. "BLANCHE." LAUNCH AT PEMBROKE-DOCK. SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. The unarmoured cruiser Blanche was success- fully launched irom Pembroke Dock-yard by Lady Philipps, wife of Sir Owen Philipps, K.C.M.G., the popular M.P. for the Pembroke and Haver- fordwest Boroughs, on Thursday afternoon, in the presence of between four and five thousand people. The ceremony took place in a covered enclosure, which had been erected across the bows at the ground level, for the accommodation of the principal visitors, and which was gaily draped with flags. Other ticket-holding visitors were ac- commodated in booths at the sides, and the general public thronged the adjacent roadways. Amongst those invited, and the majority of whom were present, in addition to Lady Philipps, were Sir Owen Philipps, Colonel Ivor Philipps, M.P., and Mrs Philipps, Sir George Armstrong and Lady Armstrong, Sir Charles Philipps, Bart., and Lady Philipps (Picton Castle), Sir Owen Scourfield, Bart., and Lady Scourfield (Williamston), Baron de Rutzen, Lord and Lady Kensington, the Dowa- ger Lady Kensington, Mr H. Seymour Allen (Cresselly), Mr and Mrs W. de Winton (Orielton), Colonel H. H. Goodeve and Mrs Goodeve (Ivy Tower), Colonel W. B. Mirehouse, Mrs and Miss Mirehouse (Angle), Captain-Superintendent God- frey Mundy and Mrs Mundy, Mr Sackville Owen, the Misses Mathias, Commander Henderson, R.N., and Mrs Henderson, Lieut.-Colonel and Mrs Lloyd Philipps, Lieut.-Colonel Schofield (commanding 1st battalion Welsh Regiment) and Mrs Schofield, Lieut.-Colonel Baddeley, Canon Kelly (lloman Catholic parish priest at Pembroke-Dock), the Rev. D. L. Prosser (vicar of Pembroke-Dock), Captain Nicholson and Lieut. Vaughan (Welsh Regiment), Councillor Rees Phillips (Mayor of Pembroke) aad Mrs Phillips, Mr N. A. Hay (Naval store officer) and Mrs Hay, Mr H. A. Cardwell (cashier and captain-superintendent's secretary) and Mrs Cardwell, Fleet-Surgeon John Andrews and Mrs Andrews, Mr J. B. Scannell (assistant expense accounts office), and numerous other local ladies and gentlemen. The public were admitted to the Dock-yard at 2.30 p.m., and speedily thronged the vicinity of the slipway from which the launch took place. Miss Stella Mundy, daughter of the Captain- superintendent, presented Lady Philipps with a choice bouquet of flowers, and shortly afterwards the religious service appointed for launches was commenced. This was conducted by the Rev. R. D. Lewis, M.A., dock-yard chaplain, the choral part being sweetly rendered by the dock-yard chapel choir, led by Mr T. G. Hancock.

CHRISTENING CEREMONY. Upon its conclusion Lady Philipps broke a bottle of Australian wine across the bows of the ship, and said—"I name this ship Blanche, and wish success to her and to all who sail in her." A little later, at the direction of Mr Henry Pledge, chief constructor, who controlled the arrange- ments, she cut a cord with a mallet and chisel, by which heavy weights were suspended over the dogshores, thus releasing the weights and striking ijhe shores out of position. This freed the ship, which, after a pause of a few seconds, commenced to move down the slip, and amid the cheers of the spectators took the water of Milford Haven, thus adding another smart cruiser to the British Fleet. Immediately she had cleared the slip she was taken in tow by the Admiralty tugs Alligator, Grappler, and Industrious, and brought to a mooring near the opposite shore of the Haven, where she will remain until the launching cradle has been removed from under her, after which she will be berthed at the Carr Jetty to receive her boilers and machinery. The elegantly carved oak box, containing the mallet and chisel used in launching the ship, was presented to Lady Philipps as a memento of the occasion. After the launch Captain Godfrey Mundy and Mrs Mundy held an At Home at the Mould Loft, which was attended by all the principal visitors. The Blanche was built under the supervision of Mr A. Nicholls, assistant constructor, who will continue to have charge of her while she is being completed.

HINTS TO GOLFERS. All golfers should now carry rattles or whistles and when stymied call for a policeman. Advice shall be asked of no one beneath the rank of a super. —— "Copper" clubs are now all the rage as wooden heads are too soft to "play the game." A capital play for Amateur Clubs to act is not Brown with an e but with a BobbE," or "The Land Crab," a new screaming farce about being published. If you ever get near being rubbed on or in the Green call for a bigger policeman for all you are worth. —— Th&Addressing of a ball must not be confused with the addressing of a person. This mistake makes heads more wooden. It is a custom, as ancient as honourable, among men, that no "Honour" has ever yet been lost by a suitable apology. THE GREEN DONKEY. Tenby, December 1st, 1909.

BASE FOR TORPEDO BOATS. PEMBROKE-DOCK PROSPECTS. ARRIVAL OF A FLOTILLA. It has been reported in the London Daily Press that the Admiralty has decided to establish a base for torpedo boats at Pembroke-Dock. Twice previously during the past twelve months a similar report was circulated, but no action was taken by the Admiralty to show that they had really arrived at such a decision. On the present occasion, however, the report seems to have some justification, as a large flotilla of torpedo boats is expected to arrive at Pembroke-Dock during the present week, and it is understood that with the exception- of six, which will proceed to Queens- town after being victualled, they will remain at the port for some time, if not permanently. The flotilla will, It is said, be strengthened periodically by the addition of destroyers despatched from other fleets as they are replaced by newer types of boats. The present idea as to the base is to make it in the Pembroke estuary of Milford Haven, from which the mud will be dredged. This is an ideal place for adaptation to such a purpose. It was at one time proposed by the Admiralty to convert it into a base for submarines.

ist WELSH REGIMENT. VALEDICTORY GATHERING AT PEMBROKE-DOCK. The warrant officers, staff sergeants, and sergeants of the 1st Welsh Regiment, now stationed at Pembroke-Dock, on Friday evening held a farewell smoking concert prior to their departure to Alexandria. Lieutenant-Colonel Schofield and the officers of the regiment attended, and Sergeant-Major Hill presided over a company which included representatives of all the other corps in the garrison, the depot at Cardiff, and the Territorials, whilst a large nnmber of old comrades from all parts of the country had responded to the invitation to attend. Colonel Schofield referred to the memorial which had just been erected by the battalion at Llandaff Cathedral to commemorate those who died in South Africa. He should have liked to have had a larger tablet, but although he tried his best he was informed by the Dean and Chapter that he could not have a larger space. Referring to the regiment's departure for Egypt, he said that it was a little over 20 years since the 41st were last stationed there. The regiment was then very popular there, and he hoped it would keep that good reputation. The toast of Old Comrades was proposed by Colour-Sergeant W hitcner, and responded to by ex-Sergeant Smith, Colour Sergeant-Instructor Warren, and Sergeant- Major Thomas (West Indian Regiment). The toast of "The Visitors" was responded to by Sergeant Howells (Llanelly Territorials), Ser- geant-Major Sydney, A.O.C., Master Gunner Kerrison, R.G.A., C.S.M. Ledingham, R.E., and various civilian guests.

ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL AT MILFORD. I COUNTY COMMITTEE'S DIVIDED VIEWS. PEMBROKESHIRE ATTENDANCE. THE LOWEST IN WALES. At last week's meeting of the Pembrokeshire Education Committee, held at the Shire Hall, Haverfordwest, the Rev. R. Burke wrote enclosing a notice which he intends to advertise of a new Roman Catholic school for Milford Haven, to accommodate 130 children. The Director of Education (Mr H. E. H. James) said that if the committee intended to raise objection it should be in the hands of the Board of Education within three months. Mr W. T. Davies remarked that a similar appli- cation at Pembroke-Dock was objected to and the school was not allowed by the Board of Education. In this case they might again object on the ground that a new provided school was to be erected to accommodate all the scholars. This would be strong grounds for objection. The Chairman-The objection would be con- sidered by a commissioner. Mr W. T. Davies urged the committee to hurry up the new buildings. The Chairman said he be- lieved that if the committee could show that there was sufficient accommodation it would settle the question. Each new school established wo :ld undoubtedly increase the rates. Mr W. Lawrence said the Buildings Committee should deal with the matter as expeditiously as possible as soon as the plans of the new provided school were returned from the Board of Education. They would then be able to show the Board of Education that there was sufficient accommoda- tion for all the children. The Chairman—That will be an argument that will kill everything else. Mr J. Whicher asked what was the objection to the Roman Catholic school. Roman Catholics were ratepayers like others, and they believed that their children should be educated in their own faith. So long as this prevailed with regard to other people they should not deny it to Catholics. Mr H. Seymour Allen-They want a school, I suppose, quite as much as any other denomina- tion. The Chairman said the point did not arise just at present, lie did not even suggest that they should lodge an objection he merely called atten- tion to the increased school accommodation they were now providing at Milford. Dr. Griffith, on behalf of the Buildings Com- mittee, promised to bring up a report on the matter at a latter date. LOWEST ATTENDANCE IN WALES. Mr W. T. Davies, in moving the adoption of the Attendance Committee's report, regretted that Pembrokeshire again occupied the position of having the lowest school attendance of any county in Wales. The committee had done everything in their power to increase the attendance, and they were now asking the attendance officers to meet them to see if some plan could not be devised whereby the attendance could be im- proved. Medals and books had been awarded to those children who were regular in attendance, but the county still stood lowest on the list for Wales. Mr W. Lawrence pointed out that when that authority came into existence they were 10 or 12 per cent. below the average for Wales. Now, however, they were only 2 per cent. below. INCREASED GRANT. The Board of Education wrote welcoming the authority's assurance that the county was in a position to comply with the regulations of the new code, and that the provisions of Article 31 would be applied to all the schools in the area. The Chairman remarked that it was satisfactory to find that the Pembrokeshire schools were so well staffed, that without incurring any additional expense they were able to secure the extra grant. This year this would only amount to JE170, but next year it would be about £ 300.

THE PEMBROKESHIRE CLIMATE. "NEVER TOO HOT, NEVER TOO COLD." A TRIBUTE FROM HAVERFORDWEST. Speech Day was observed at the Haverford- west Grammar School last Thursday, when the prizes were distributed by Mr W. S. de Winton, who said he would always look back with plea- sure to the days he spent at Haverfordwest. Pembrokeshire, he believed, had an unrivalled climate—it was never too hot, never too cold, and never too dry. (Laughter.) He met Pem- brokeshire men all the world over, and in re- mote places they would find men familiar with Haverfordwest who knew little of Cardiff or Swansea. (Laughter.) Referring to the inter- mediate schools he said he did not condemn the system, but only those children should be sent to them who could profit by the instruction given. He knew of foolish parents whose vanity was tickled at the thought of their children learning Latin, geometry, and physics. They were not content with an efficient grounding in the three R's. The headmaster, Rev. J. J. Henson, M.A., reported that there were now 112 boys in the schools as compared with 100 during the corresponding period of last year. Since last speech day F. Spriggs Thomas, a pupil, who had been offered an exhibition of B50 at Corpus, Oxford, was subsequently elected to an open mathematical scholarship of j380 for four years at Worcester College, Oxford. In addition, Thomas, as the result of the Central Welsh Board examination, was elected to the first for the County exhibition of the annual value of jS20, and as he also held one of the school's Milward exhibitions, he was now as- sured of an income of JS150 a year, which was sufficient to support an undergraduate comfort- ably through his university career.

II. Will all those who keep pasture lands or are fond of gardening pardon me for again calling their attention to the fact that the Tenby Town Council are allowing sixpence for every load of black sand or mud removed from the local harbour, which mud is a particu- larly valuable fertilizer; and at the present moment quantities of seaweed have been washed in, well worth the attention of everyone who has an asparagus bed. Carters have not too much work on hand just now, and for one shilling over a ton of valuable fer- tilizer can be delivered to any garden or field in the immediate outskirts of Tenby. I have just had twenty loads sent to one meadow on the North Cliff, so practice what I preach. When about five hundred loads have been removed the supply will be exhausted, but the appearance and condition of Tenby Harbour although sluggards will have lost a chance of a valuable manure—will be vastly improved. The former untidy refuse heap at Saltern is now growing a fine crop of sweet grass under the careful tilling of Mr Isaac Parsell, who has taken over the superintendence of this very useful, but formerly very untidy corner of the town. The Town Council have, by resolution passed and confirmed, autho- rized the payment of ten shillings reward to anyone giving information which will lead to the conviction of any person—young or old—throwing rubbish of any kind into the Ritce Stream; and in the interests of the town generally I am anxious that this resolution shall be made known as widely as possible, because the fouling of that pretty little stream is not only a shame but a crime against the welfare of the community at large. The refuse carts visit the houses at Lower Saltern as well as other parts of the town, and there is no excuse whatever for the tenants not keeping their places as nice as say Quarry Cottages, which, in my opinion, are kept in the most creditable condition. Several industrious men have made quite nice patches of garden for them- selves in the triangular piece of waste land enclosed by the two lines of rail- way near Quarry Cottages. Some stagnant pools still remain, and their reclamation would be a very great im- provement from several points of view, and I very much wish that something might be done towards carrying this out. Will any go-a-head occupant of Quarry Cottages make a suggestion for consideration by the "powers that be?" A London reader has very kindly sent me a copy of the latest satirical book Farthest from the Truth, which which makes most amusing reading- even the advertisements being "dressed up" in such a way as to make the perusal of them irresistible. There -are thirteen chapters, or perhaps more correctly speaking, Dashes," as the second title of the woik is A Series of Da.shes, and all of them are brimful of caustic wit. tfif.1f In "The Dash for Brevity," the authors, who by the way were respon- sible for that successful book Wisdom While You Wait, have a good many sly hits at the Daily Mail and all its works. Two of the most prominent men on the staff of the Amalgamated Press, the great Harmsworth newspaper combi- nation, are Messrs. Haimnerton and Mee, and the "roasting" to which these unfortunate scribes are subjected is inclined to be somewhat severe, though it never oversteps the limits of good humour. For instance, take the fol- lowing, which, of course, refers to the latest enterprise of the Harmsworth's, the "Thousand Best Books Library" :— ON THE TELEPHONE. Lord Northcliffe-Are you there ? Who is it ? Amalgamated Editor—It's Mee. His Lordship—Who is "me?" It is not even grammar. A. E.—I'm Mee. H. L.—What do you mean, "I'm me?" Do you mean I am I ? A. E.-No, I'm Mee Arthur Mee. H. L.-O, Arthur Mee. Aren't you one of my editors ? A. E.-I hope so. lI. L.—Listen then. I've got another good idea. Something really novel. A. E.-That's exactly what we want. Some of the old things don't seem to be going at all. I'm all attention. H. L. What do you say to a new periodical in which we give brief, concentrated ver- sions of the 1000 best books ? There are 1000, aren't there'? A. E.-Of course. I'll get Hammerton to make a list of them. H. L.—Who's Hammerton ? A. E.—He's in the office, too. R. L.-Dear me, is he ? I really must keep a "Where is it?" Well, you boil them down and bring the thing out in periodical parts, and there you are. A. E.-Splendid. But will the public like it ? H. L.They will if we tell them often enough that full length is a bore, and that they can get a reputation for cultura on our tab- loids. I'll see to that you get on with the boiling. A. E.-Brevity is the soul of wit and that sort of thing. H. L.My dear fellow, you'll ruin everything. For heaven's sake don't mention wit. If the public ever get the least suspicion that anything on the Mail was witty they'd throw it over in a minute. No-brevity the soul of intellect, brevity the soul of culture, brevity the soul of success, if you will but never breathe the word wit again. -4. E.—I'm sorry. H. L.—It's all right. Now go ahead with— what's his name ? A. E.-Hammerton. H. L.—Yes, of course, and your name ? I've forgotten that now. A. E.-Mee. H. Z.—Me ? A. E.-I mean my name's Mee. R. L. YeR, of course. I forgot. Mee, and a very good name, too. Sounds like "The Egoist as abbreviated for the million. A. E.—(heartily)—Ha! Ha! Very good. P. B. M. THE TATLER."

CORRESPONDENCE. TENBY CORPORATION AND THE PURCHASE OF LAND. To the Editor of the Tenby Observer. SIR,— A.s the Tenby Corporation by sheer weight of numbers have carried the resolution to pay one of their members, Alderman James Griffiths, the sum of E250 for an old coalyard, which has been let at L5 rent per annum, it may be pointed out for the benefit of the ratepayers that this price represents no less a sum than tiro thousand pounds per acrc: After this one may talk about "un- earned increment" without restriction. Here is a concrete example of one of the provisions of Mr Lloyd George's Budget, the part against which every landlord kicks so strongly. And no wonder One can quite comprehend how- anxious owners of land are that the old state of things should remain; it is a profitable system for them, but, as case after case has proved, a ruinous one for the pri- vate individual and the ratepaying citizen. How the Tenby Corporation can have the temerity to spend the public funds in this glaringly extrava- gant manner is beyond the comprehension of Yours truly, Tenby, MAN IS THE STREET. November 27th, 1909.