The Tenby Observer Weekly List of Visitors and Directory

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL. MR. PREECE JAMES' "B" PLANS PASSED. BY NINE VOTES TO TWO. PROPOSED EXPENDITURE OF £ 3250. At a special meeting of the Tenby Town Council, held in the Council Chamber at three o'clock last Friday afternoon, the extension of the Culvert on the South Sands was advanced another gtage-a final stage as far as the Cor- poration is concerned, and it now rests with the Local Government Board to give the necessary sanction for the carrying out of this important and already too-long delayed work. There were twelve members present at Friday's special meeting, and by a majority of nine to two (the Mayor, who presided, refraining from voting) it was decided to pass and accept the B plans submitted by Mr J. Preece James, sanitary engineer, Frogmore, Tenby, who competed with two other engineers (Messrs. Chase and Broome, of Liverpool, and Mr J. T. Moss-Flower, of Bristol), and sent in his plans under the nom de plume of "Civitas." At a meeting of the Sani- tary Committee, held on Monday, October 3rd, this question of the extension of the Culvert was considered at some length, and ultimately it was decided to recommend the Town Council to adopt Mr James' "B" scheme plans, the resolution to this effect being carried by the narrow majority of one—six votes to five. A section of the Council, it appeared, were in favour of one or other of the two competitive schemes, and at last Friday's special Council meeting it was thought probable that an attempt wonld be made to throw over the Sanitary Com- mittee's recommendation regarding Mr James' scheme, the cost of which he estimates at JS5250, which is £ 100 less than than the scheme of Messrs. Chase and Broome, and something like £ 7000 cheaper than that of Mr Moss-Flower's. Fortunately for the pockets of the ratepayers the larger and more expensive project was not brought forward, for though undoubtedly a skilfully worked out scheme, it was altogether too elaborate for a town the size of Tenby, while the cost (JB11,000 roughly) made its adoption prohibitive from a financial point of view. The acceptance of a local engineer's scheme is a gratifying feature, and the Town Council as a body are to be congratulated upon the wisdom of the decision they have arrived at. It is by this time common knowledge that Mr Preece James has for years past made a special and exhaustive study of the South Sands Culvert, and we do not hesitate to say that no man is more qualified to undertake the important work of its re-construction and extension. It is a piece of work which has long demanded atten- tion the present outfall has for years been a danger and a menace to the town, not to men- tion the matter of its being a decided blot on the picturesque fairness of our South Beach. Now that the matter has been so satisfactorily advanced, we hope the Town Council will lose no more time in pushing it forward to finality, so that ere another summer season comes round the work may be completed, and a great boon conferred upon the town.

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING. His Worship the Mayor (Mr Councillor T. Tucker) presided over the special meeting of the Tenby Town Council held last Friday afternoon, when there were present the Deputy Mayor (Mr Councillor Charles Farley), Aldermen Griffiths and Leach, Councillors Stokes, W. H. Thomas, Palmer, Truscott, Lord, G. Thomas, Tuck, and Sandercock together with the Town Clerk (Mr G. Lort Stokes), the Borough Surveyor (Mr Bertie Morley), and the Borough Accountant (Mr T. M. Eastlake). The Mayor, after the signing of a cheque for jE51 6s. 3d. in favour of Dr. D. A. Reid (Medi- cal Officer of Health), said the next business was the confirming of Committee reports, the first being those of the Sanitary Committee dated September 19th and October 3rd, the latter containing the recommendation re Mr Preece James' "B" plans, which was to the following effect Councillor W. H. Thomas proposed, Councillor George Thomas seconded, that the Council be recommended to adopt 'Civitas'' scheme 'B,' and that same be for- warded Local Government Board for approval." Carried. Mr Truscott moved the confirmation of both these Committee reports. Mr Lord seconded. Mr Farley, rising before the resolution to confirm was put to the meeting, said the Com- mittee meeting of October 3rd was the one at which it was decided to recommend the Council to adopt Mr Preece James' scheme for the ex- tension of the Culvert, and forward same to the Local Government Board for approval. He (the speaker) did not know whether they were going to pass that that day. Several members, he continued, voted for it at that Committee meeting who voted for the employing of the late Mr Chatterton to advise the Council with regard to the various schemes sent in, and ho (Mr Chatterton) advised them not to accept Mr Preece James' scheme, whilst their own Sur- veyor was against it. It struck him (Mr Farley) that this was like having a case with which they were not satisfied, and so took counsel's opinion on it, but after getting a legal opinion imme- diately turned round and said Never mind that, we will pay you for it, but we don't be- lieve it." He (the speaker) did not know whether the Council were that day going to vote for the adoption of Mr James' scheme; he could not vote for it. He, personally, had nothing to say against Mr James' scheme, but he wanted done that which was best for the town. He then referred to the scheme of "Ritec," which was only a hundred pounds more than Mr James', but this price was an inclusive one, and it was said would not be exceeded. He (Mr Farley) had seen many things come before that Council from surveyors and others which looked very well on paper, but when the bills came in the cost was found to be more than doubled in some cases. Mr Preece James' scheme was estimated by him to cost JS3250, and that of Messrs. Chase and Broome £3350. With re- gard to Messrs. Chase and Broome's scheme, Mr Mason had told him (the speaker) that if he would propose its acceptance he (Mr Mason) would second him. He did so at the Sanitary Committee on October 3rd, but Mr Mason broke his word at once he did not second him, but voted for Mr Preece James' scheme. Messrs. Chase and Broome's scheme was only jBlOO more in cost than Mr James', but it was inclusive. He could not vote that day for the adoption of these minutes. Mr Palmer said he thought they did not adopt the other scheme because it was more expensive. Mr Farley said that their own Surveyor had told them that Mr Preece James' scheme would be more than doubled- Mr W. H. Thomas—No, sir, he told us nothing of the sort He did say we should have to add very considerably to the scheme, and then the cost would be raised. Mr Farley--I only repeat what was stated in this Council. Mr George Thomas remarked that it was per- fectly useless for committees to do their best, if their work was to be upset by the Council. With regard to Mr Farley's remarks against Mr Preece James, he (Mr Farley) could not sub- stantiate them. Mr Farley did not know any- thing about engineering. Mr Farley retorted that it was saying nothing against Mr James he was only talking about his scheme. Mr George Thomas—Mr James is nothing to me I go in for the best scheme. Mr Truscott said he supported Mr James' scheme because if the plans were sent to the Local Government Board and they approved of them then the town would get a cheap job. With regard to the payment to Mr Chatterton he thought the money had been thrown away. The Mayor asked Mr Farley if he moved an amendment. Mr Farley-No, I will vote against it. The Council then went to a division when the voting was as follows :-For the confirmation of the Sanitary Committee's report: Alderman Griffiths, Councillors Truscott, Lord, Stokes, George Thomas, Sandercock, Tuck, Palmer, W. H. Thomas—9. Against Alderman Leach and Councillor Farley-2. The resolution was declared carried. The Mayor did not vote. A question arose as the forwarding of a particular scheme to the Local Government Board. Mr W. H. Thomas remarked that it had been repeatedly stated that the Local Government would not look at any prrticular scheme. A further discussion seemed eminent, when Mr George Thomas asked the Mayor that he should proceed with the business of the meeting. Mr W. H. Thomas said he would like to move as a resolution that the Council apply to the Local Government Board for permission to bor- row £ 3500 for the purpose of carrying out Mr James' scheme. The Town Clerk-I don't think such a resolu- tion would be in order at the present moment. Mr Farley said that was already increasing the cost of the scheme £250. Ritic's scheme was £3350, and lie thought if they referred back to the report they would find that this sum was to include everything it was not to exceed £3350. The Mayor (to Mr W. H. Thomas)—I don't think we can take it to-day. Mr W. H. Thomas-I think I ought to be allowed to reply to Mr Farley. The Mayor-You may do so. Mr W. H. Thomas—Mr Farley|[has said the amount to be borrowed is raised B250. I want to give my reason why it has been done. The Mayor—I take it the thing is over. Mr W. H. Thomas—I don't. The meeting then terminated, the Council resolving itself into committee.

VISIT OF THE OPEN CHAMPION. BRAID DEFEATS LOCAL OPPONENT. GAME PLAYED IN A GALE. The committee of the Tenby Golf Club, with a view to meeting the requirements of a first- class course, have been for some time con- sidering the advisability of making certain alterations, but before actually putting the work in hand it was decided to seek expert opinion on the proposed changes. The assist- ance of James Braid, the open champion, was called in, and it is understood that as a result of this consultation several of the proposed changes will be made without delay. These will give greater variety to the play, so that both the lusty hitter and the scientific player will find ample provision. Braid has formed a very high opinion indeed of the possibilities of the course, and the committee feel that when they have carried out the alterations in prosjject they will have done their utmost to make the game of golf over the Tenby Links as pleasant and interesting as it is possible for them to do. In addition to advising the committee as to the improvements, Braid was able last Thursday afternoon to give an exhibition of his ability to a large crowd of spectators, for a match had been arranged, in which he played the best ball of Mr F. E. L. Mathias Thomas—a well-known performer at the Welsh championships—and William Coombes, the local professional. The result of the match was that the open champion defeated the local players, the professional by 5 and 4. The weather conditions adversely affected play as half a gale was blowing. Braid played a fair steady game. He drove very well, but his putting was not so good. The chief point of his play was a fine three at the tenth hole. Mr Thomas did some good driving. Coombes did a brilliant pull at the ninth and again at the sixteenth hole.

NO MUNICIPAL CANDIDATES THIS YEAR. At a meeting of the newly-formed Tenby Ratepayers' Association, held last Friday night, the question of running candidates in the forth- coming Municipal Election was discussed at some length, but eventually the Association decided not to bring out any nominees this year, the idea, which was practically unani- mous, being that the Association should first establish itself on a strong and firm basis before fighting an election.

TENBY MUNICIPAL ELECTION. This year's four retiring members of the Tenby Town Cooncil are Messrs. Charles Farley, Wilfred Rees, George Thomas, and Richard H. Tuck, all of whom, we understand, are offering themselves for re-election. In addition Mr R. L. C. Morrison (Editor of the Tenby Observer) will be a candidate, and is standing entirely independent of Party. The election will take place on Tuesday, November 1st. at the Town Hall, between the hours of eight a.m. and eight p.m.

THE GALE AT FISHGUARD. AI" The wildest and most destructive storm this year raged throughout Wednesday and Thursday nights of last week along the Pembrokeshire coast. At Fishguard a pilot boat and schooner were blown on the Goodwick Sands, and the Great Western vessel, The Great Southern, on the way from Waterford suffered severely, cattle being killed and maimed by the buffeting. The Fishguard motor lifeboat the Charterhouse was called out at eleven o'clock on Thursday morning to aid the St. David's lifeboat, which had gone on the rocks at Ramsay Sound, in the teeth of the gale. The Charterhouse went seventeen miles. The bravery of the Fishguard lifeboat men, all with one exception, Great Western Railway employees, in going to the assistance of the St. David's men is exemplified in the fact that the wind was blowing at the rate of 60 miles an hour. In face of this the Fishguard lifeboat put out of the harbour with the following crew:- Coxswain, John Howells second coxswain, William Creese; bowman, Mark Sutton; boat- men, William Brunt, Thomas Quint, John James, George Innis, George Purser, Pat Duggan, David Evans, and Pilot James Thomas.

COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT'S HALF-YEARLY MEETING. THE FINANCIAL POSITION. ALTERATION OF RULES. A half-yearly meeting of the Committee of Management of the Tenby Cottage Hospital was held in the Charity Trustees' Rooms St. George Street, at noon ou Saturday last, when there were present Mrs C. F. Egerton Allen, Mrs Voyle (The Norton), Miss Evans (St. Mary's House), Colonel F. E. Trower, the Rev. George Woodcock (Wesleyan), the Rev. Thomas Griffiths, B.A. (Bethesda), Mr C. F. Egerton Allen, J.P., Mr Benjamin Harries, J.P., Mr J. F. C. Burgess, and Mr G. E. Mainland (Hon. Secretary and Treasurer). Colonel Trower proposed, Mr Burgess seconded, and it was carried unanimously, that Mr Harries take the chair. Letters regretting inability to attend the meeting were read from Mr Edward Laws, Miss Edwards, and Mr Robert Lock. The minutes of the last half-yearly meeting, held on April 16th, were read by the Secretary and signed. It was reported by Mr Mainland that this year's auction sale held on behalf of the Hospital by Mr F. B. Mason, realized the sum of £ 18; and that Mr Mason was suitably thanked at the time. The Secretary further reported that the sum of 99 7s. 6d. had been received from a performance given by the Pem- broke Philharmonic Society 011 April 28th, and they had also been suitably thanked at the time. The next business on the agenda was to receive the report respecting the re-arrangement of the wards, and rain drainage. Mr Mainland, with regard to this matter, re- ported that after a consultation with the Ladies' Committee, a re-arrangement of the wards had been decided upon, whilst the rain-water drain- age was attended to under the supervision of Mr Preece James. The Sister's bedroom had now been transferred to an upper ward, and the day ward converted into a sleeping ward, for it was felt that if the patients were well enough to sit up they were well enough to go home. Owing to the condition of dry rot in which the floor of the Sister's bedroom was found it was decided to have same re-floored, but the work had not yet been carried out for the reason that it would make too much noise, and there were certain cases in the Hospital which could not stand such noise. They were consequently waiting until the Hospital was free before putting this work in hand. With regard to the drainage, that had been very satisfactorily com- pleted. The Chairman said that the drainage referred to was most urgent, and had been very satisfac- torily carried out, the House Committee paying special attention to the work at different times. He understood that the work would very soon be finished. Mr Mainland said that the drainage was finished, but the flooring yet remained to be done. The Chairman presumed that the cost of the latter would not be very heavy. Mr Mainland said he thought £20 would cover it. The Chairman—I think it very good work done it was very necessary. Mr Mainland then submitted the financial statement for the half-year ending September 30th, from which it appeared that the receipts amounted to B195 3s. 3d., as against B224 17s. 41d. for the corresponding period, a de- crease of B29 14s. Igd. The expenditure had 2 been Y,177 9s. 11-gd., as against B198 12s. 2-Lcl. 2 2 for the corresponding period, a decrease of B21 2s. 3d. On September 30th there was a credit balance of B44 13s. 8d. With regard to subscribers, it was stated that on January 1st there were 141 on the register, contributing E123 17s. 6d. During the year there had been C, 1 eignt new subscribers, contributing J510 18s. 6d., whilst one subscription had been increased a guinea. Four subscribers had died, or left the town, thus reducing the total by 94 8s., and leaving the nett number at 145, contributing £ 131 9s. Up to September 30th 106 subscri- bers had paid 999 8s. 6d., leaving 39 to con- tribute j352 Os. 6d. In reply to a remark of the Chairman's, Mr Mainland said that 920 had been reserved for the cost of the flooring. The Chairman said that the balance would have been JE64 but for this very urgent work. With regard to the subscribers, did he under- stand that they had fallen off? Mr Mainland—No, a little increase. The Chairman — That is satisfactory. I thought it was the other way. Ho considered it very important that the subscribers should be kept up. He then invited any questions from the meeting, or would be glad to receive any suggestions. He might state that the work at the Hospital had been carried on very regu- larly, and good work done for the town there. Mr Mainland then submitted the return of patients, from which it appeared that in the Hospital on April 1st there were six, whilst 21 had been admitted since 22 had been dis- charged, leaving 5. The total number of days of patients in the Hospital were 560 for 22 paying, and 192 for 5 free, a total of 752 days for 27 patients, as compared during the corre- sponding period with 966 days for 37 patients. In presenting these figures, Mr Mainland said they had had fewer patients in the Hospital than had been the case for some time past in fact, the town had been ex- ceedingly healthy. There was a period of ten days in July when the Hospital was empty, there being no patients at all. The Chairman, referring to the next business on the agenda, the suggested amendment of Rule 20, said this was a matter which concerned the leaving of the Hospital by patients, who were not supposed to go out at all times, as there must be a little discipline. The rule (which read ''No patient shall go or remain within the precincts of the Hospital for any purpose whatever after five o'clock p.m., without the special permission of the doctor in attendance") would need very little change, just the leaving out of the words "after five o'clock p.m." The House Committee had thought that this would be desirable in fact, such an alteration had been found necessary. It was a little matter, but at the same time he thought it rather an important one. Mr Mainland remarked that what was sug- gested was at the request of the Medical Staff. Mrs Egerton Allen enquired what patients were allowed to do before. The Chairman replied that they were allowed to go out at all hours. Mr Mainland—As the rule stands they can go out at any time before five o'clock. The Chairman—It is simply a mattter of discipline. Mr Egerton Allen-What is the meaning of the doctor in attendance ? Mr Mainland—The doctor in charge of that particular case. Mr Allen-Do the doctors go there every day? Mr Mainland—Every doctor who has got a case. Mr Allen asked what would happen if the doctor did not appear. Mr Mainland—He would leave instructions with the matron. He added, with regard to the proposed alteration of Rule 20, that the doctors had found that those patients who had got friends in the town were rather injudicious, and the going out sometimes did more harm than good. The Committee, therefore, wanted to give the doctors discrimination in the matter. The Chairman—It is simply the leaving out of three words. Mr Mainland—It will have to be altered at the annual meeting, but we want to say that it has been recommended Mr Allen-Would you leave out the word special as well ? The Chairman—That seems rather an un- necessary word. Mr Allen-It gives a prison feeling, which we want to get rid of. Mr Burgess thought the word "permission" would be quite sufficient. Colonel Trower proposed as a formal resolu- tion that the words mentioned be deleted from Rule 20. Mrs Allen seconded, and the same was carried unanimously. The Chairman moved that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded Mr Mainland for his valuable services to the Cottage Hospital. They really did not know what they would do without him. Mr Burgess seconded, and the vote was carried by acclamation. Mr Mainland, acknowledging the vote, said he could only say that he loved to carry on the work, and would continue to do so as long as he was spared. (Applause.) The Chairman said that the staff at the Hospital gave particular satisfaction, Sister Lloyd being a great help in every way. She had always been most useful in fact, she was now quite a part of the institution. He pro- posed that a vote of thanks be tendered Sister Lloyd for her faithful services at all times. Mr Burgess seconded, and the resolution was unanimously adopted. The proceedings then closed.

4 FREE Ar Hf LOCAL t, NOTES. ( 88

On Friday last the Town Council officially decided to invite Captain Hughes Morgan to be Mayor of Tenby for the coming year, and the selection of this popular gentleman will give pleasure to everybody. The Coronation of King George V. takes place in June next, if all is well, and it is good to know Tenby will be worthily repre- sented at all functions to which provin- cial mayors may be invited. The In- vestiture of the Prince of Wales at Carnarvon will be one of the most important, no doubt. I believe all readers of these notes will join me in wishing Tenby's Mayor elect a very pleasant year of office. On Saturday I appeared in Court No. 2 at the Central Criminal Court, London, better known as the Old Bailey (only as a witness, kind readers). The case was that of a fringe and but- ton manufacturer, named Patterson, who was accused of affixing the signa- tures of many house furnishers, includ- ing my own, to bills representing a very large sum in the aggregate, which were discounted by a London bank. The trial began at 10.30 a.m., and it was 1.30 when I tried to enter the building. An aggresive constable, of the City Police, barred the way with hand upraised, and a shout of Yes I am a witness in the Patterson case," I said. Well I where have you been until now," said he, that case has been on all day." What business have you to ask where I have been," I retorted, I am a witness and that should be enough for you." "Well! show your subpoena," he replied. I have not brought it with me," I answered, but Inspector Collinson will satisfy you that I am wanted if you like to ask him." Detective-Sergeant John Smith, late of Tenby, who had been an amused spectator of the argument, then chipped in with an assurance that I really was a witness, so I was allowed to enter the sacred portal to the grunting accompa- niment of Well 1 I'll pass him on your responsibility." No doubt the police officers are getting ready for the mob who will try to gain admission whilst the sensational Crippen case is being tried. Inspector Collinson very courteously arranged that I should give my very brief statement almost immediately, and the only joke perpetrated whilst I was in the box was made by the Judge, who said to counsel for the defence, Now then, Mr Elliott, don't keep the witness waiting, he has come all the way from Wales, and I expect is in a hurry to get back." To which counsel replied, "I shouldn't like to keep him long from Wales, and one or two minutes will be all the delay I shall require." He was as good as his word, and I was able to leave the court after a stay of less than ten minutes. I lunched at the pub, opposite the court, in the company of an uniformed police officer-quite a stranger to me—but whose candid opinions of the abilities of various judges and magistrates officiat- ing in London was well worth listening to. I am sure he would be horrified if he knew I scribbled notes, for even a small provincial paper, so I won't give him away, more particularly as he warmly praised Sir Albert de Rutzen, who is so highly respected in Pembroke- shire as well as London. + Having a couple of hours to spare I went off from Waterloo Station to Surbiton where Jackie Davies, the little Tenby boy, is being educated and cared for at St. Martin's Home. This is the lad who was shot in the leg, and had it amputated at the Cottage Hos- pital, some four years ago. A terrible misfortune for the boy, as his remaining leg was diseased at the hip joint, and he remains unable to walk. Many readers of these notes who most kindly sent donations to the fund promoted by Mr Mainland and myself on behalf of this poor boy will be glad to hear he is very well in health, except for the hip joint, which is better, though not quite cured; he has twenty other boys to keep him company, all cripples, sad to say. The matron and nurses struck me as most courteous as well as capable guardians. Jackie was promptly carried in to the plea- sant room into which I had been in- vited, and left alone to tell me all his news. He had no idea who I was, and, Except his mother and Sister Lloyd, he seems to have forgotten Tenby people, and even the name of the house in which he lived, though he remem- bered it was number three of some- where. During the two years he has been in the home, he has only been punished once for being naughty, which I told him I thought a good record. I took him a cake and some sweets, but as two ladies had provided a lot of good things for tea that afternoon, Jackie agreed with the Sister that my gift had better be kept for Sunday. I saw the twenty-one little cripples enjoy the feast, the ladies watching them with apparent pleasure, and I departed feeling that I should be able to assure all contributors to Jackie's Fund that their donations had achieved good results in the careful training of this very unfortunate Tenby boy. St. Martin's. Home. Cadogan Road, Sur- biton, surely deserves the steady sup- port of all charitable people. # In spite of the keenest competition, the Palace Theatre of Varieties,(London, is crowded nightly owing to the con- tinued excellence of its programme. Visitors from the country can rely on a delightful evening, no matter on what day of the week they may find it most convenient to go to the Palace. Miss Margaret Cooper has new songs and a very charming young artiste, No. 2, in last week's programme, possesses a lovely voice, and is a rising star." Then the pictures exhibit most realis- tically the latest important happen- ings, and are far above the made- up things seen in the cinematograph theatres now dotted all over London. At the Alhambra, the home of the ballet, is now being given the truly magnificent" Fermina," probably the last word in spectacular divertisse- ment. I could not do it justice if I tried to. describe its splendours, so will content myself with advising all readers who love a good ballet not to miss seeing it, and the other clever turns which made up the programme at the world-renowned Alhambra. The Australian Cyclists brought the house down wtih their glove fight to a finish whilst riding on single bicycle wheels, and the Spanish Queen of Song Car- men Turia" was delightful, particu- larly in Tosti's Good-bye." She was recalled so often that I began to think the audience would not let the pro- gramme finish until this beautiful Spaniard sang to us again. On Monday afternoon I went to the Daily Mail Garage, at Wormwood Scrubs, to see the Clement-Bayard Air- ship which arrived on-Monday from Paris, after an excellent passage. I was disappointed at the size of it, though I was only permitted to view from a distance. Mr W. Du Cros was in charge of the garage and airship, and he was very busy interviewing generals and colonels who arrived in motors and carriages for inspection purposes. The dirigible struck me as a magnificent toy, and I can only hope the British taxpayer is not to be mulcted in many thousands of pounds by the purchase of such a flimsy affair, which could be very easily duplicated in England if need arose. The en- velope of a new airship was stretched out on the ground in the garage, and an old sailor, who was at work on it, told me it was intended to be used for a flight from London to Paris in a couple of months' time. Very few people were about, and general inte- rest in the airship seems quite small in London. F. B. M. THE TATLER."

THREE MEN DROWNED. A NIGHT ON THE ROCKS. HEROISM OF RESCUERS. During the severe gale experience last week Pembrokeshire did not escape, and we have to record a sad and tragic event, in which three brave men lost their lives, as a sequel to the wild and stormy weather which prevailed. It appears that between ten and eleven o'clock on Wednes- day night the St. David's lifeboat was notified with regard to a vessel in distress, and shortly after the summons had been received she put out in a very heavy sea on her mission of mercy. The vessel, when reached, was found to be the Democrat, of Barnstaple, whose crew, in spite of the terrible seas which were running at the time, the lifeboat succeeded in transfering aboard. Then it was discovered that owing to the heavy seas and the tide being against them the lifeboat was unable to get back to St. David's. It was tossed about helplessly, and eventually ran upon the Bitches Rock near Ramsay Island. Some of the crew were dashed against the rock and were badly bruised, and there were some miraculous escapes. The night was inky black, and the diffi- culty of clambering up the rock may be imagined. On reaching the top the poor fellows huddled together for warmth and also because the space was limited. The peril of their situation will be realised when it is stated that the sea continued to wash over them. Soon from the cold and the strain of their terrible experience they became very much exhausted. Only when daylight came did they know that they had lost three of their comrades — John Stephens (coxswain), Henry Rowlands, and James Price. Whether the three unfortunate men were unable to clamber up the rock like their companions and lost their lives when the lifeboat stranded, or whether they were washed off the rock in the darkness by the heavy seas, is not known. As soon as it was daylight those imprisoned on the rock made a blaze with their oilskins to attract attention. Their signals were seen on shore, where a large crowd quickly collected. An effort was made to direct the atten- tion of a passing vessel to the predicament of the men upon the rock, but those on the vessel did not comprehend what was intended. Eventually a boat with three brave men in it—Mr S. Mortimer and two coastguard smen named Guppy and Husk-put out upon the heavy sea from St. David's and made for the rock. After receiving a great deal of buffeting they reached their objective, but were unable for many hours to carry out their intention of taking off the prisoners." They, however, persisted pluckily and eventually succeeded. The condition of the men taken from the rock was one of extreme ex- haustion. They themselves were surprised that they had been able to hold on so long under such terrible conditions.

ALL NIGHT ON THE ROCKS. THRILLING EXPERIENCES NEAR ST. DAVID'S. The incidents witnessed off the Pembrokeshire coast are described in the following manner by a Press correspondent:—" At eleven o'clock on Wednesday evening signals of distress were observed from a vessel at Ramsay Sound, St. David's. The life-saving apparatus and lifeboat crew were at once summoned, the lifeboat leaving St. Justinian's about twelve o'clock under the command of Coxswain Stevens. The dis- tressed vessel, on being reached, proved to be the sailing ship Democrat, of Barnstaple, which was on a voyage to Porthgain with a cargo of coals. The crew were safely taken off and the lifeboat tried to make her way back, but by this time the mountainous seas and strong tide made it im- possible, with the result that she drifted on to the Bitches Rock in the Sound. As soon as she struck frantic efforts were made to climb the rock. The task was made difficult as the night was so dark and the sea so rough. The lifeboat drifted away, and the men huddled together on the rock till daylight, when it was found that three of the lifeboat crew were drowned, viz., the coxswain, John Stephens, Henry Rowlands, and James Price. People from the mainland who had gone to find the whereabouts of the lifeboat heard their screams, which were pitiful, and saw lights burning, and were able to see the lifeboat bumping against the rocks. The chief coast- guard then summoned the Goodwick lifeboat, which left at 11.20. By this time hundreds of people lined the cliff and spent an anxious time awaiting the boat. A boat from St. David's then went out, manned by Sidney Mortimer and two coastguards. They were soon near the ship- wrecked men, but could not approach them owing to the strong tide and sea. They, however, re- mained there all day and made several efforts to take the crew off. Presently a three-masteed steamer named Yorkshire passed through the Sound, and the people shouted themselves hoarse to try and attract the steamer's attention, but evidently they did not know what they wanted. About five o'clock the St. David's boat made another effort to take the crew off. They were now in a state of great exhaustion, and after several attempts they were taken off. Another boat had by this time arrived and assisted in the rescue. Fifteen were landed off the rocks, tome of whom were lauded at Porthclais and the others at St. Justinian's. The Goodwick motor lifeboat had now arrived and towed one of the boats to safety when they arrived. They said three of their crew had been drowned. Pitiful scenes were witnessed. Some of the rescued crew collapsed, being in a terribly exhausted state, having been on the rock for 14 hours. The skipper of the Democrat was loud in his praise of the gallant efforts of the lifeboat crew, and deeply regretted the distressful occurrence of the loss of three lives. In their efforts to save their lives the crew of the Democrat lost all their belongings, and the mate received nasty bruises on the hands in his efforts to climb the rock. Michael Moriarty, one of the lifeboat crew, interviewed, said that they went to the vessel and took off the crew, but when they prepared to make the return journey they found the wind and tide too strong for them, with the result that their boat drifted on the rocks. They got out the best way they could, and scrambled up the rock, which they had great difficulty in doing. After they got safe footing they huddled together, as the rock was a small one, and the waves were dashing over them. They were in peril of slipping off at any moment. They never dreamt that they could hold out the hours they did, as the sea was running mountains high, and blowing a strong gale. Some of the crew clung to the side of the boat, and David Lewis had a miraculous escape from drowning, as he was unconscious, and had to be shifted to a place of safety. He and another man named Banner bad nasty bruises on their face and legs through being dashed against the rocks. When it became daylight they burned their oilskins in order to attract attention from the mainland, which they succeeded in doing. Then they found that three of their number were missing, including their popular coxswain. They were terribly cut up, and were surrounded by the sea, being about 20 yards from Ramsay Island. When they saw a boat coming out they grew calmer, and the plucky effort made to get them off by young Mortimer and his crew ought to be recognised. The lifeboat will become a total wreck. The Goodwick boat bad great difficulty in coming round, having experienced terrible weather off Strumble Head. The bodies have not been re- covered. A St. David's correspondent's account of the adventure is as follows :—The boat left its station, St. Justinian's, in answer to signals of distress on Ramsav Sound. They took off three of the crew of the ketch Democrat, of Barnstaple. On returning the gale blew them on to the reef and the boat capsized, throwing them all into the water. Than three screams were heard. They endeavoured to scramble on to rocks called The Bitches," a small projection usually covered at high water spring tide. Mr Sidney Mortimer called for volunteers to go from Porthclais to the rescue. He then appealed to the chief coast- guard, and two of his men—Guppy and Husk— volunteered.

TENBY RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION. To the Editor of the Tenby Observer. SIP.,—Being present at the ratepayers' meeting, held at the Public Hall on September 29th, I was greatly pleased to hear that politics were to be debarred from the proposed Association. If success is to be assured, politics must not be allowed, as I fail to see what politics have to do with the economic working of the town. It is the duty of all Conservatives and Liberals to stand shoulder to shoulder, and see that all public money is expended in a proper manner. I also see by reading the papers, that the speakers were criticised for bringing up the past. If there was no past to bring up, there would have been no need to form an Association for the protection of the ratepayers. We have to judge all men by their past actions. What has been done by our Council in the past to relieve the burden of the ratepayers of Tenby ? When a workman is applying for a situation the employer wants references of the man's past; it is impossible to get them of the future. I was also present at the Association meeting on Friday, October 7th, and hearing the proposed rules read I was pleased to hear that a clause was inserted to the effect, that any member bringing forward politics was to be fined. I think it the duty of all broad-minded men to support the Association and make it a success, for it will be a great lever for doing away with extravagant expenditure of public money. Yours trulv, Tenby, October 18th, 1910.. ONLOOKER.

TENBY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.— A COMPLAINT. To the Editor of the Tenby Observer. SIR,—I shall feel obliged if you will kindly let me make a complaint through your paper. On entering the Roman Catholic Church on Sun- day last, I was confronted by a man with a plate demanding a 2d. fee for admission. I refused to pay this so-called fee, and was instantly told that it was not a. Free Church" also that he was acting under instructions. I have visited a large number of Roman Catholic Churches in Wales, and have not witnessed such behaviour before. Is the Rev. Father aware of this practise ? Yours, etc., Tenby, October 17th, 1910. SURPRISED.

TENBY POSTAL MATTERS. To the Editor of the Tenby Observer. SIR,—As a many years reader of your interesting paper, I hope some improvement will shortly be made in the matter of the first morning delivery, such as your correspondent advocated last week. It is simply ridiculous that we should get our mails so late to business men who have to leave the town by an early train it is a serious matter, and often means their remaining for a later train. Now that the question has been ventilated, let us hope it will be stuck to until remedied. Yours truly, Tenby, ANOTHER MALE. October 18th, 1910.

To the Editor of the Tenby Observer. SIR,—If the young ladies employed behind the counter of the Tenby Post Office would only take to heart the recent remarks of the Postmaster- General on the subject of politeness and civility to the public what a boon they would confer! Or, if they do not care to go so far afield for such inspi- ration, let them turn in all humility to the gentle- manly male clerks in the same office and learn the lesson from them. Yours, etc., Tenby, CIVILITY COSTS NOTHING. October 17th, 1910. [Whether it is a case of the members of the public rubbing the counter young ladies the wrong way, or vice versa, we don't know, but we have— and we make the statement regretfully—during the last few days received complaints as to the alleged lack of civility and attention on the part of the female staff at the Tenby Post Office. Speaking for our own part, after an almost daily experience extending over many years, we must say, in fairness to the young ladies behind the counter of the Tenby Post Office, that their civility, politeness, and attention have been every- thing that could be desired, such a state of things, as far as our personal experience goes, existing long before the famous "minute" issued by the Postmaster-General. We have no doubt but that some members of the general public are inclined to be trying at times, and as post office clerks are only human beings after all, a little deviation from the rigid line of "polite society" manners is surely excusable under such circumstances.—ED. T.O.]

The Saundersfoot Parish Council last Saturday evening publicly presented Tudor Howell Thomas, a lad of fifteen years of age, son of Mr and Mrs Thomas, Hean Castle Hotel, Saundersfoot, with the parchment certificate of the Royal Humane Society, in recognition of life-saving heroism on July 30th last. Young Thomas was dressing him- self on the harbour wall, Saundersfoot. after bathing, when he saw Cyril Richards, a youth of seventeen years of age, in difficulties in the water; he was sinking for the third time when Tudor Thomas, without divesting himself of his clothing, plunged into the tide to the rescue. After en- countering difficulties-— he was already tired after his first swim—he brought his friend Richards safely to land.