The Tenby Observer Weekly List of Visitors and Directory

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. MARKET ROOF SMASHED. HEAVY SEA IN THE HARBOUR. MARSHES FLOODED. TRAWLER'S TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. SAUNDERSFOOT VESSEL IN DISTRESS. ROCKET BRIQADE SUMMONED. Undoubtedly the severest gale experienced in Tenby for the last quarter-of-a-century swept over the town and neighbourhood last Friday, leaving in its wake a record of casualties more or less serious. Commencing during the morning, the gale, which blew from the south-west, in- creased in fury and violence as the day wore on, reaching its climax between three and five o'clock, when it was, to use a nautical, though strongly expressive phrase, BLOWING "GREAT GUNS." The velocity of the wind about this time was estimated at practically seventy miles an hour, and was throughout the afternoon accompanied by showers of driving, drenching rain. The storm seems to have extended over half the Principality, and left a strewn track. From St. David's Head to Monmouthshire it en- veloped an AREA OF SEVEN COUNTIES, which throughout the day it held in its grip, flooding thousands of acres of fertile lands, washing away railway embankments, dismant- ling buildings, and ruthlessly devastating towns and villages. In thickly populated urban dis- tricts the main thoroughfares were flooded to such an extent that the water in many cases was level with THE LINTEL OF THE DOORS. In fact, practically the whole of South Wales was laid under toll to the gale, which towards evening showed signs of abatement, and by nine o'clock all trace of it had disappeared as far as the elements were concerned, though the strewn streets and ravaged coast bore silent testimony to the havoc which it had caused in its raging, tearing strength. Right along the wild and rugged Pembrokeshire coast, from ST. DAVID'S HEAD TO PENDINE, a terrific sea was running, presenting, as the mountainous waves hurled themselves against the beetling cliffs and exploding, as it were, to the accompaniment of clouds of spume, a mag- nificent if awe-inspiring sight. During the day there were several rumours current as to ship- ping casualties around the immediate coast, and towards seven o'clock in the evening the ROCKET LIFE-SAVING BRIGADE, in response to a telephonic message, proceeded to Saundersfoot, but upon arrival found there was no need for its services. About two o'clock a message reached the town that a vessel had foundered off Flimston, but as by this time the telegraph WIRES WERE DOWN EVERYWHERE, it was impossible to open up communication with a view of ascertaining details, and as nothing further was heard of the matter no action was taken locally. Another rumour which gained a wide currency was to the effect that a vessel with all hands had gone down off Linney Head. Between six and seven o'clock it was freely reported in the town, though, for- tunately, the statement was PROVED TO BE UNFOUNDED, that five men had been drowned just outside Saundersfoot Harbour, and their vessel, a small coasting craft, driven out to sea. The reaj facts of this case seem to be that the vessel found its moorings insecure and in danger of parting; indeed, the hawsers had given way, and the boat was only held by a single chain. Seeing the danger to which the craw were ex- posed, THE SAUNDERSFOOT PEOPLE, being unable themselves to render any practical assistance to the vessel in the harbour, tele- phoned to Tenby for the Board of Trade Rocket Apparatus, which, after some delay, got away from its headquarters on the South Beach soon after seven o'clock. Upon arrival at Saunders- foot, however, in charge of Chief Officer Martin, it was found that the crew, who had in the meantime succeeded IN LEAVING THEIR VESSEL, were then on board again and had made her fast and comfortable for the night. This being the case the services of the Rocket Brigade were not required, and they returned to Tenby the same night. Whilst the gale was at its. height, about four o'clock, a disastrous accident occurred in connection with Mr William Carew's house, No. 5, Bellevue. The wind caught ONE OF THE CHIMNEY STACKS and hurled it on to the roof, which was almost completely smashed, a large portion of it buck, ling up and projecting over the pavement be. neath. As it remained in this perilous position it was deemed advisable to close this portion of the thoroughfare to traffic, and the Borough Surveyor accordingly enclosed it at each end; The damage done in this case is estimated at between jB50 and JB40. Another smash occurred to the GLASS ROOF OF THE MARKET, a chimney-stack from Mr T. P. Hughes' drapery establishment crashing through it and demol- ishing several panes of glass. A large window in the front second storey room of No. 10, Esplanade was blown clean in, and the entire frame had to be completely boarded up. Ex- posed to the full fury of the gale, as they were, the Esplanade houses escaped with COMPARATIVELY LITTLE DAMAGE, the only other casuality being in connection with No. 3, Somerset Houses, from the roof of which about seventy slates were re- moved. In Victoria Street the wind blew with terrific force, this thoroughfare, which leads from the Esplanade, acting as a sort of funnel to the gale. In Lower Frog Street, Deer Park, St. George Street, and other parts of the town chimney-stacks and slates were hurled to the roadway, a young man being injured in the latter thoroughfare by A FALLING SLATE, which struck him on the head, inflicting a wound. He was removed to the Police Station, where he received attention from Dr. E. M. Knowling and Sergeant Thomas. Damage to trees was somewhat extensive, many being almost stripped of their branches. In South Parade the large trees there experienced the full force of the wind, and were, in one or two cases SWAYED TO SUCH AN EXTENT that the ground at the roots was fissured, while in one instance, opposite Mr W. H. Smith's, the kerbing and channelling were forced up. Out- side in the Bay a mountainous sea was raging, and as there was a spring tide at the time this added to the height attained. The Paragon, a portion of the under cliff of which was swept away, was, when the tide had REACHED HIGH WATER MARK, practically impassable owing to the masses of spray which broke over the roadway. In the Harbour the run of the tide was the worst known for twenty-five years, the Old Pier being at one time under water, whilst the lower portions of the neighbouring houses were flooded out, causing A GOOD DEAL OF DISCOMFORT and inconvenience to the tenants. A portion of the low wall between the old stores and the new goods shed was washed down by the dashing waves, whilst craft of all sizes were violently awash. At the well-known cave close to the Iron Bar the sea ran with such power that it FORCED UP A PORTION of the sewer man-hole which is laid beneath the steps giving access to the sands, and caused a large aperture, against which it was necessary to protect the public. Accordingly boarding was fixed across the top of the steps by the Borough Surveyor, who during the afternoon and even- ing certainly had his hands full. Along THE GILTAR SANDS the sea when at its height covered up everything as far as the sand dunes which fringe the Burrows, several feet of which, representing hundreds, if not thousands, of tons of material, were swept clean away. When .the tide receded it left a clean-cut mark along the edge of the Burrows from the Culvert air-shaft to the shingle-beach towards Giltar. It presented all the appearance of having been neatly cut away BY SOME GIGANTIC KNIFE, and quite altered the formation of this part of the beach. A transformation scene was also effected on the sands between the Jubilee and St. Catherine's, the tide having washed away the surface sand and left exposed a wide range of rocks, more than the oldest inhabitants can ever remember seeing before. Early on Satur- day morning a number of men, provided with knives and sticks, could be seen scrambling about these newly exposed rocks, PRODDING AND PROBING for coins, though their harvest does not appear to have been a particularly golden one. As was to be expected after so continuous and heavy a downpour of rain, the Marshes were well under water, and although the Culvert was running freely and in great volume it seemed to make very little impression on the vast area of water which had accumulated here. During Friday afternoon the Trinity steamer Syren had rather a bad time of it in Caldey Roadstead, but managed to keep her anchorage. On the island itself the force of the gale was felt with great severity, and a considerable amount of damage was done. AT AMROTH AND SAUNDERSFOOT so high was the sea that people living on the front had to take refuge elsewhere, their houses being flooded out. In addition to the call to Saundersfoot it should be mentioned that the Tenby Rocket Brigade also received a summons to proceed to St. Govan's Head. The trawler, Diamond Cross, belonging to Milford, had what can only be described as a terrible experience, being out in the Channel during the full force of the gale and it was not until Saturday morning that she succeeded in making Tenby Roads, where she ARRIVED MINUS HER BOAT, boom, and various sails, the crew being in a completely exhausted condition after the trying time they had gone through. Owing to the force of the waves tons of rock were displaced on the seaward side of St. Catherine's.

| ANNUAL PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. Notwithstanding the gale, which was practi- cally at its height at the time, there was a large gathering of the parents and friends of the pupils of the Tenby County School last Friday afternoon, the occasion being the annual distri- bution of prizes. The interesting event took place in the School Gymnasium, with Mr C. W. R. Stokes, a member of the Governing Body, in the chair, supported by the Rev. T. Lodwig Evans and Mr W. G. Parcell (Governors), and Mr J. W. B. Adams, M.A. (Headmaster.) The prizes were to have been distributed by Miss Milward, but owing to the inclemency of the weather she was prevented from attending, and her place was kindly taken at short notice by Miss Rees Stokes. The Chairman, opening the proceedings, read a number of letters of apology for absence, and afterwards dealt at some length with the recent report of the Welsh Department of the Board of Education, in which the County Schools' system was satirized, the scholars being referred to as "wooden an unintelligible." Mr Stokes read an extract from the remarks of Mr Edgar Jones on the subject, who had very strongly repelled the aspersions of the Welsh Depart- ment. Mr Adams then presented his annual report for 1910, and stated that the school had had a most satisfactory year, the scholars having been exceptionally successful in the winning of ex- hibitions and other educational honours. Miss Rees Stokes afterwards presented the prizes and certificates to successful scholars. A vote of thanks to the Headmaster and Staff of the School, proposed by the Rev. T. Lodwig Evans, and seconded by Mr W. G. Parcell, was carried by acclamation the pro- ceedings closing with votes of thanks (proposed by Mr W. G. Parcell and seconded by Mr Lewis Thomas) to Miss Stokes and the Chairman. Those present were afterwards provided with tea by Mrs Adams, a gymnastic display fol- lowing. Prizes and certificates were presented as follows :— Va. Higher Certificate.—Trevor Lloyd Williams. Senior Certificate.—Lottie Llewellyn, Alice Maud Davies, Phoebe Lord, Olive Davies, George Wey- mouth, Muriel Oldfield, Connie Yarrow, Angus Thomas. (William Richards.) Vb. Senior Certificate.—Grace Kingdom, Eva Ben- nett, Evelyn Thomas. IV. Junior Certificate.—R. Gunter, Ed. Richards, William Thomas, Edith Batten. (Ed. Nicholls.) III. Leslie Cooper, Ivie Keepin. II. Morris Williams, Agnes Brown.

TENBY GOLF WEEK ENTERTAINMENT. The entertainment which is arranged for next Tuesday evening promises to be a very success- ful venture. Many seats have already been booked, and everything points towards a bumper house. As already stated in these columns, this entertainment has been organised with a view to raising the necessary funds for promoting the Tenby Golf Week in August next year, and therefore deserves the support of all those who wish to see the prosperity of Tenby on the increase. Messrs. A. J. Newton and A. R. T. Williams, who are responsible for the programme, may congratulate themselves on securing the services of so many able helpers and also on being the first amateurs to obtain the rights of Austin Strong's most interesting play The Drums of Onde. In addition to those already announced, Mr G. G. Bond, one of the best known banjo soloists of the present day, has kindly promised to help. We are asked to announce that the first three rows of the second and back gallery seats will be reserved for ticket holders up to 7.45 p.m., after which all the remaining seats will be unreserved.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS. COAL TIPPING ON PAVEMENTS. The Deputy-Mayor presided over the usual weekly meetings of the Tenby Corporation committees, held in the Council Chamber on Monday afternoon. SANITARY. Attention was drawn to the state of the pave- ment near the Victoria Pavilion in South Cliff Street, and the Surveyor was instructed to attend to same. With regard to the question of tipping coal on the pavements, discussed at the last meeting, The Town Clerk said he had looked the mat- ter up, and reported that the Council could, of course, take action under the Town. Police Act for throwing down on the pavement any coal, stones, etc., and get a penalty against the offenders. That would be more a question of obstruction than damage. On the other hand, if damage was done to the pavement by the tipping of coal they could proceed to recover same. In reply to a question, The Town Clerk said the Corporation could get an injunction stopping the tipping of coal on the pavements, but of course that would be explained. It was agreed to leave the matter in the hands of the Surveyor to serve notice on carters to desist from the practice, and to report to the Council any further offence. The report of the sub-committee re drainage of Park Place was read, and the same endorsed by report of the Surveyor. The committee recommended that the existing drain be taken up and re-laid, and that the owners of houses in Park Place be called upon to re-construct their drains to same. The Borough Surveyor reported that he esti- mated the cost of this work at £51. It was agreed that the report be adopted and the work carried out it being stated that the cost would go into next year's estimates. A letter was read from Mr John Jenkins, Seaforth," with regard to the passing of plans of his proposed new house opposite Belvedere, Serpentine Road, and which had been referred back on a question of drainage, Mr Jenkins proposing to construct a cesspool, as the main sewer was too far away for him to connect. The Surveyor reported that to lay a sewer to connect this house would cost £190 or £70 if a line of 6iu. drain pipes were laid, but the latter, it was stated, would not be of much use for any future developments in building in this neighbourhood. After considerable discussion, it was pro- posed, seconded, and carried that Mr Jenkins's plans be returned, and that he be written to to the effect that this was done because the system of sewerage did not meet with the approval of the Council, the cost of bringing the sewer closer being prohibitive, but if a dry earth system were put in the Council would be pre- pared to re-consider the plans. Mrs Hughes, Clifton Rock, Tenby, wrote complaining of the serious state of the Marshes, the water on which was up to Alma Cottages, thus causing inconvenience and discomfort to the tenants, for whom it was impossible to do anything until the water was drawn off. In the course of discussion it was stated by the Surveyor that there was nothing the matter with the Culvert. It was agreed to write Mrs Hughes regretting that the Council could not help the over-flood- ing of the Marshes, which was caused by ex- traordinary weather, and for which the Council were not in any way responsible. The disgraceful state of the entrance to the Golf Links, which is the Great Western Rail- way Company's property, was again referred to, and the suggestion made that the Medical Officer or Inspector of Nuisances should insti- tute proceedings against the railway company. It was, a member said, a "downright scandal" that such a condition of things should be allowed to continue. It was agreed that the Great Western Railway Company be again written on the subject. The Surveyor reported that there was unspent on footpaths from the last estimates the sum of £115. A list of damages caused by the recent gale was furnished by the Surveyor, who was in- structed to make same good. A report of the discussion re Borough Trea- surer will be found in another column.

SCHOLARS' ENTERTAINMENT. At the Public Hall, Tenby, on Tuesday afternoon, the scholars attending St. Margaret's Convent, The Norton, gave their annual enter- tainment, the programme of which consisted of a miscellaneous selection of items, concluding with the two-act operetta La Fille du sonneur de cloches. In spite of the wretched weather there was a fairly large audience present, who re- ceived the efforts of the youthful performers with every sign of appreciation. The children were trained by Sister Atanase, who with the Mother Superior, is to be congratulated on the successful way in which the entire programme was carried through. The operetta was in French, which language the performers spoke with considerable fluency and with due regard to pronunciation. Between the acts tea was served by the children in costume. The programme was as follows:- 1 SONO-" Les Petits Pierrots," The Misses Millie, Olive and Marjorie Thomas, Edith and Kath- leen Pearce, Gwenfra Mason, May Graham, Gladys Morrison, Lorna Cursall, Thelma Farley, Valerie Morris, and Masters Gerald Morris, Douglas Davies and Douglas Jerrold Morrison. 2 SHORT PLAY—" The Seasons," Ditto. 3 SONO—" Killarney," Ditto, with the addition of Mile. Marietta Thierry. 4 DRILL. 5 RItCITUION-" His Mother's Portrait," Mile. Marietta Thierry. 6 SONO AND DANcE-Mlle. Marietta Thierry and Company. 7 RECITATION—" We Three," Masters Gerald Morris, Douglas Davies and Douglas Jerrold Morrison. 8 SONO-" Haymaking," The Misses Gwenfra Mason, May Graham, Valerie Morris, Marjorie Thomas and Kathleen Pearce. 9 PIANOFORTE SOLO-" Valse Bleue," Miss Laura Davies. 10 Operetta—La Fille du Sonneur de cloches, the scholars, with the assistance of Mile. Genevieve Licléguerec and Miss Doris Morri- son. 11. PIANOFORTE INTERLUDE-" Blumenlied," Mile. Marietta Thierry.

FOR PEMBROKE AND DISTRICT. A Committee meeting of the above, at which Mr Walter Williams, of the Agricultural Organi- zation Society, attended, was held at the King's Arms, Pembroke, on Saturday, November 26th, for the purpose of registering the Society, signing rules, and otherwise putting the Society in working order. It was decided that shares should be of the nominal value of 5s., and small holders under 50 acres to take at least one share to qualify as members. Holders of 50 acres and upwards to take at least 4 shares to qualify as members. A further meeting of the Committee was held on Saturday, December 17th, when it was deoided to take the large and commodious stores of the late Mr Thomas Griffiths, of Barnard House, Pembroke, at a reasonable rental. Persons who have not already joined the Society and would like to become members can receive any required information from the following who form the Committee:—Messrs. B. G. Roberts, Lyserry; Richards, Trenorgan; Dan Davies, Alleston; Morris, Brownslade; H. Hitchings, Iveston; G. Mathias, Campshill; Evans, New Inn; P. Lambton, Browslade; Davies, West Pennar Roberts, Goldborough; T. Williams, St. Florence; G. Phelps, Cresselly; J. Evans, Trefloyne, and the Rev. D. Lloyd, Castleton or from the Honorary Secretary, Mr G. O. Thomas, of Dairy Hayes, Curew.

Once again it is my privilege to wish all readers of these notes a very jolly Christmas. I do this most sincerely, as although the year just drawing to a close has not been either a very bright or prosperous one, we still have much to be grateful for, and the outlook locally seems to promise better things. Municipal affairs show satisfactory signs of improvement, but the great thing wanted in Tenby, as in many other places, is WORK. Work for everyone; good, honest work. No work, no pay, of course; but fair re- muneration for fair services. No man, or woman for that matter, should be compelled to beg for work. No loafer or artful schemer should be excused payment of taxes, or be able to live on charity doles. Tenby suffers from this kind of evil. Men in authority are prone to be liberal with public funds unwisely. This applies particularly to a few who are well known for their thrift and economy in expending their own. The result is bad for the com- munity; private capital is not exploited locally as it might well be; conse- quently work is scarce; there is not enough to go round, though a few favourites get more than their share of employment on public works. Still I feel that the future may be faced calmly and with hope. Once the small capitalist realizes that public aflairs are to be carefully managed, that local rates will be reduced rather than increased, confidence will be re- established, building and improving will again become general, visitors will be attracted in greater numbers, and every man I hope will be able to see the good roast beef of Old England on his table every Sunday, and not only on Christmas Day, as at present hap- pens with so many. So once more, kind reader, let me say A very merry Christmas to you." Hope springs eternal in the human breast;" so hope en, hope ever. Hunt and Race Weeks are to be amalgamated this winter, and it is to be hoped the committees of both will have a successful time of it. Our wor- thy Mayor (Captain Hughes Morgan) gives the whole of the stake (£40) for one race, and Messrs. Clement Williams and David Harrison give JE25 each to the funds, so that Tenby Races are getting a good start anyhow. The theatricals also promise well. The plans of the room were only displayed at Mr Cowtan's music shop last Fri- day morning, and over 200 seats were -booked by luncheon time for the Mon- day and Thursday entertainments. Not half bad: What: Another competition for the best home-made bread was included in the successful sale of work promoted by the Presbyterian Church, and held in the Public Hall on Wednesday of last week. The excellent loaf which secured second prize for Mrs Delandre, Lower Frog Street, was greatly enjoyed by my family and self, as the exhibitor very kindly brought it to my house directly the show was over. Wasn't it nice of her ? But she knows I have a weakness for home-made bread, and got none from the Flower Show. V Last Friday evening just about seven o'clock, I left the Council Chamber, where a meeting of the Finance Com- mittee of the Tenby Corporation takes place at half-past six every Friday night, when I heard the rocket ex- ploded which means that the life-boat crew and Rocket Apparatus Brigade should assemble. Hurrying down St. Julian Street I heard that a telephonic message had come for the rocket appa- ratus to be sent to St. Govan's, also to Saundersfoot, vessels being ashore at both places. My informant was on his way to call out the horses and upon proceeding to the rocket apparatus shed I found a crowd of people, but the doors were not opened, neither coast- guard nor life-saving brigade men having arrived. Within a minute or so the latter appeared, expressing in strong language their disgust at the delay in giving orders to proceed. Tenby Life-saving Apparatus never get a chance of distinguishing themselves," one declared, but by this time the coastguardmen were on the scene the doors were thrown open, and matches to light the lamps of the waggon were borrowed. There were no means of lighting up the shed itself; shafts had to be bolted on to the waggon, and everybody was in everybody else's way. The Sergeant of Police very tactfully made the crowd give the apparatus men room to carry out their duties, and they did their very best to do so in spite of the jeers of the onlookers and the supplication of the Chief Officer To be as quick as you can, men." if I have often written that the men of Tenby Quay are unsurpassed for their willingness and pluck when both quali- ties are required for the saving of lives on our dangerous coast; but these same men are most difficult to control. They seem to have no idea of discipline, and they push, scramble, swear, and even fight in their eagerness to be first in doing something necessary. On Friday night the call to Saundersfoot proved to be an unnecessary one, consequently the starting of the Life-saving Brigade from Tenby becomes a ludicrous memory. Had seamen been really in danger of their lives the same scene would have remained with me as a frightful exhibition pf inefficiency and dilatoriness, particularly when at last the waggon made its way up St. Julian Street, drawn by fouv horses, and en- cumbered with the weight of fourteen or sixteen men in addition to its already heavy load of anchors, warps, etc. 1" I know how easy it is to find fault, still I should like to give my idea in brief outline of how the rocket ap- paratus in Tenby might be handled with a view to the prompt saving OJ lives from stranded ships. Let me try. Immediately a message is received that a vessel is stranded, or is in danger of being so, the assembly rocket should be fired. One coastguardman would open the waggon shed, and as the men ar- rived see everything in readiness. Messengers should be despatched for horses for the waggon and one or two char-a-bancs to carry the crew, part of whom should, if possible, be sent away in advance immediately the order to proceed is given to the waggon, so as to find the readiest means of access to the vessel in danger, and be ready to help the apparatus as it arrived on the scene. In practice drills men should have certain duties apportioned to them, so that each would know his place. The all-important waggon should be taken out of its shed into the clear road, and not be fumbled with in the dark; Jihe lighting arrangements should be improved; and the shafts of the waggon always kept in position, and not at the side or back of the house. During the winter time arrangements might be made to keep the waggon in the old life-boat house ready for im- mediate use; telephone arrangements might be made so as to warn owners of horses to harness and stand by for the final word. Boatmen should have leaders amongst themselves whose or- ders they would obey, as the coast- guardmen are frequently strangers to them, and are not used to their pecu- liarities. F. B. M. TUB" TATLBR."

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING. THE APPOINTMENT OF A SUCCESSOR. LONDON AND PROVINCIAL BANK'S TERMS. THE QUESTION OF OVERDRAFT. PROPOSED HALF-YEARLY RATES. PAYABLE ON DEMAND. At a meeting of the Finance Committee of the Tenby Corporation, held in the Council Chamber on Monday afternoon, the Deputy Mayor in the chair, the question of the Borough Treasurership was discussed at some length. Mr E. T. Boyce, who held the position, ten- dered his resignation three weeks or so ago, and with a view to the appointment of a suc- cessor the Town Clerk was instructed at a special meeting of the Finance Committee, held on December 5th, to see the local managers of the London and Provincial and National Pro- vincial Banks (Mr Richard Davies and Mr C, C. G. Cooke respectively). These gentlemen were accordingly seen and asked to send in in writing the terms upon which they would take over the Corporation account aud act as' Borough Treasurer. Previous to reading their letters the Town Clerk stated he had received a communication from Mr Boyce, in which he expressed his willingness to carry on the duties of the ollice pending the appointment of a successor. The letters from the local bank managers were then read. Mr Cooke, of the National Provincial Bank, wrote to the effect that his directors could not allow him to quote any terms unless the post of Borough Treasurer were directly offered him. Mr Davies, of the London and Provincial Bank, wrote his bank would be willing to take over the Corporation account on the following terms :—They would allew two per cent. on cash credit balances and he (Mr Davies) would require £50 a year salary as Borough Treasurer. It was remarked by more than one member that nothing was said in the letter about over- draft, whilst in reply to this it was stated that no charge could be made for overdrafts, as pay- ment of interest on same had been declared illegal by the Courts. In the course of the discussion which fol- lowed it was thought by members that JS50 a year salary was quite enough. A resolution was proposed to the effect that the terms of the London and Provincial Bank be accepted, subject to a small committee seeing the manager as to details. The Town Clerk pointed out that a question which would have to be decided was as to whether the two per cent. would be allowed on credit balances monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly. The point was then raised as to overdrafts. The Town Clerk said that from the way in which the Corporation at present kept their accounts there were periods when in the ordi- nary way they would find themselves over- drawn, and they must provide for such a contingency. It was remarked by a member that they would not get the bank to put in black and white what it was illegal for them to do. The Town Clerk said he would suggest that the matter had better stand over for the Council to consider generally as to how they would make their rates in future. If they were to avoid the contingency of overdrafts they must trade with a credit balance, otherwise they would be liable at any time to have a cheque returned. It would be just as well to have a definite understanding with the bank. It would not be illegal fur them to cash a cheque and create an overdraft, but it would be illegal for the Corporation to pay them money as inte- rest if anyone liked to object. A member suggested whether the Corporation could not put itself in the position of a private individual and ask the bank how much over- draft they could have. The 6ame member added that this was a matter which the Town Council and not a committee must settle. In the course of further discussion, The Town Clerk said it would be necessary to put the question to the bank as to whether they would or would not honour the Corpora- tion's cheques. They (the Council) must not put themselves in anybody's handa without this being perfectly understood. The point was next raised as to whether the jS50 salary did not cover any possible over- draft, it being remarked that once the Corpora- tion got a credit balance this amount would have to come down. It was stated that in order to trade with a credit balance it would be necessary to make the rates half-yearly and payable on demand. It was further remarked that it was well- known to members of that Council that very few ratepayers paid their rates until summonses were threatened and if the rates were made half-yearly and payable on demand the Corpo- ration would be able to trade with a credit balance. Eventually it was unanimously agreed that the Town Clerk should write Mr Davies, of the London and Provincial Bank, to the effect that the Finance Committee approved of the terms offered and were prepared to recommend the Town Council to appoint him Borough Treas- surer, but before doing so would like to know that in the event of the account being over- drawn cheques would be duly honoured. A resolution was also carried to the effect that a special meeting of the Finance Committee be called to go into the finances with a view of ascertaining whether it would be better to make and collect the rates half-yearly,' the Borough Accountant and Treasurer to be present.

Captain C. Masterson, of the Milford steam trawler Emerald, reports that on Friday after- noon when the gale was at its height he went to the assistance of the Brixham smack Vigilance, which was then near St. Govan's Head. The sea was in such a turmoil that he was unable to attach his vessel to the Vigilance, which was suddenly enveloped by a huge sea and dis- appeared from sight. He fears that the crew must have perished.

LORD ST. DAVIDS AND CEMENT. r The Board of the Associated Portland Cement Company has been acting energetically to im- prove the rather woeful position of the company, amongst other things appointing Lord St. Davids chairman. Established ten years ago, and comprising an amalgamation of a couple of dozen cement businesses mainly situated in Kent and Essex, the company has not yet suc- ceeded, in spite of its ten managing directors, in earning sufficient profit to pay any dividend on its ordinary capital, which amounts to nearly two millions sterling. Recently, however, the ten-pound ordinary shares have been rising in connection with rumours as to financial alliances and a new chairman. The official circular now issued, after its effect has been felt on the market, says nothing about financial alliances, but the new chairman, Lord St. Davids, is of course a power in the business world. He is chairman or director of such finance companies as the Omnium Investment, the Metropolitan Trust, the International Financial Trust, the Governments Stock and Other Securities In- vestment Company, and the Consolidated Trust. He is also a member of the council of the Corporation of Foreign Bondholders. Perhaps, however, he is better known in connection with his direction of Argentine and other ruivmyn. He is chairman of the Argentine Great Wes- tern, the Buenos Ayres and Pacitic, the Bahia Blanca, the Villa Maria, and the Costa Rica, and a director of the Alcoy and Gandia, and he is also a director of the King Line.

SUNDAY TRADING AT TENBY. "r At the Tenby Police Court on Monday morning before Messrs. J. Leach (in the chair), F. N. Railton, R. H. Tuck and T. Tucker, three sum- monses were returnable against Gaetano Rapacioli, manager of Messrs. Rabaiotti Brothers' ice cream shop in St. Julian Street, Tenby, for Sunday trading on November 27th, and December 4th and 11th. Defendant pleaded guilty to the charge relating to November 27th, but not guilty to that of December 4th. Police Constable James Rees (65) giving evidence, said that on Sunday, Deoember 4th, he visited Messrs. Rabaiotti Brothers' shop, and on the premises saw five young men, one of whom was supplied with a glass of ginger wine. Another produced a picture postcard in his (witness's) presence, whilst the other three admitted in the presence of the defendant, with having been supplied with chocolate, which they exhibited in their hands. Witness again visited the shop at 7.50 in the evening, and on the premises saw six young fellows, all of whom admitted, in the presence of the defendant, having been supplied with chocolate, toffee, ice-cream, and sweets. Witness asked defendant why he kept his shop open on Sunday and he replied The same as the other shops." By Sergeant Thomas—All the young men were local, not travellers. The shop was kept con- tinuously open the whole day. By the Bench—There were no arrangements for the serving of tea. By Sergeant Thomas—This shop was not laid out in similar style to other places in the town for the serving of refreshments, it was simply a shop. Defendant said there were other shops besides his in the town, and he asked why they were not visited the same as his. The Bench inflicted the usual fine of 5s. and costs (6s. 6d.) Defendant then pleaded guilty to the other charges and was fined 5s. and costs (5s. 6d.) in each case.

PROPOSING SIR OWEN PHILIPPS' HEALTH. A At the Poplar Hospital Festival Dinner, held at the Holborn Restaurant on Wednesday of jast week, Sir Owen Philipps, K.C.M.G. (Chairman of the Port of London Authority), presided, and Mr Sydney Holland, in proposing "The Chairman," said that no hospital in London had made such progress as the Poplar Hospital. Since its inception it had multiplied its beds by three, its reserve fund by four, and its income by five. (Cheers.) He conld assure Sir Owen Philipps that it was a great privilege to be chairman at the festival dinner. It was a stepping-stone to advancement in life— (laughter)—as was proved by the case of previous chairmen. For instance, Mr Sydney Buxton was the only Cabinet Minister who had thrown his trousers out of a railway carriage window and not lost his character. (Loud laughter and cries of "Tell us the story.") "Here it is then," went on the speaker, acquiescing :— Sydney Buxton is my cousin he got to a railway station fire minutes before the train arrived, and he sat down on a bank to wait. When he got into a compartment he found his coat and waistcoat were full of ants, so he took them off and shook them. Shortly afterwards he felt the ants inside his trousers—(laughter) —so he took them off, and was shaking them out of the window, when a train passing took the trousers out of his hand. (Loud laughter.) This was very awkward he was going to a Cabinet Council, and he had on a frock coat but no trousers. (Laughter.) At the next stopping place he called to a porter. I have had the misfortune to throw my trousers out of the window.' That won't do,' said the porter, and he shouted to the guard, 4 Here's a bloke in the first-class without any bags on.' (Roars of laughter.) The guard came up, and seeing how things were, telegraphed to King's Cross, There is a Cabinet Minister in the train who has thrown his trousers out of the window get another pair for him.' (Renewed laughter.) When Sydney Buxton got to London, he was provided with a pair of green trousers such as porters have, and in them he went to the Cabinet meeting." (Loud laughter.) To the last person who told that story, Mr Buxton wrote: —"If you ever tell that story again I will put the matter in the hands of my soli- citors, Messrs. Lloyd George, of Dowuing Street aud Limehouse." (Laughter.)

ARMED MAN ARRESTED. SMART CAPTURE BY LOCAL POLICE. On Wednesday afternoon of last week, the police effected at Tenby the capture, of an armed man, who was subsequently charged with burglariously entering Great Wedlock House, near Tenby, the residence of Mr Thomas Williams, milk vendor, and stealing money and other articles therefrom. The arrest, which took place at The Flats, where the accused man had been lodging, was very smartly made by Superintendant William Thomas (Pembroke-Dock), Sergeant Alfred Thomas (Tenby), Sergeant James and other officers. The accused man, whose name is John Prince, and who is believed to be a native of Yorkshire, had been staying in the town for about a fortnight prior to his arrest, and when taken into custody some articles the property of Mr Thomas Williams were found upon him. It was also discovered that he had in his posses- sion a six-chamber revolver, and live cart- ridges also a complete set of burglars' tools, gloves, mask and an electric lamp. After arrest he was locked up at Tenby Police Station, and on the following day (Thursday) conveyed to Narberth and brought before the magistrates there. Only formal evidence of arrest was given, and the accused was remanded in custody until to-day (Thursday) in order to enable the police to make further enquiries. When Prince is brought up to-day we under- stand a second charge (that of a burglary at Pembroke) will be preferred against him.

Ancient and modern (says the Western Mail) jostle each other in Narberth, a little town in East Pembrokeshire. The inhabitants get their water by pump from old-fashioned wells in the back-yard, but the streets in front are lit by electricity