The North Wales Times

A TOPSYTURVEY RHYME. The following lines appeared in the Oswesiry Advertiser of December 22, 1875, and have been I re-printed in the Jubilee Supplement of that paper, issued last week. They will mostly explain themselves; but it may be stated that there had been litigation over a new reredos at Denbigh; that a statue of Dr. Pierce stands in that town that Disraeli had recently bought shares in the Suez Canal; and that most of the names mentioned are those of Welsh M.P.'s. Edith Agabeg will be better known as Edith Wynne, the singer, and Lewis Edwards as Principal of Bala College. Those who remem- ber the persons mentioned in the rhyme will enjoy the topsy-turvy description of, say, Mr. Davies, M.P. for Anglesea 1 We believe all the persons mentioned, except Father Ignatius and one other, are dead. A DREAM. The following line3 were thrown out of the window of a cab, driven at a great rate past our office on Monday last. We subsequently ascertained that the cab contained two persons, one of whom was wildly gesticulating, while the other vainly attempted to calm and restrain him I'm all in a flutter, I scarcely can utter The words to my tongue that come dancing- come dancing, I've had such a dream, that I'm sure it must seem To incredulous ears, like romancing- roman C- ing. It was due, I believe, to that stupid Khedive, Whose Canal shares now come to Disraeli- Disraeli Or else it was brought on by the cold that I caught on That night that I dined with Kenealy- Kenealy. I dreamt Osborne Morgan played on the box organ, And talked th3 best Welsh he was able—was able, While Holland, M.P., having drunk too much tea, Was dancing a jig on the table-the table. Then Gladstone of Ha'rden said he cared not a Farden For Manning, the Pope, or Ben Dizzy—Ben Dizzy, And he sang a short song. for he couldn't stay long, His engagements do keep him so busy-so busy. The Bishop was caperin' in lawn sleeves and apron, And brewing rum punch in his mitre—his mitre, While the Denbigh Committee, having quant. suffi of liti— Gation, got tight, and some tighter-some tighter. But the fumes of the liquor soon brought up the Vicar, Who administered gentle correction—correc- tion With a rod made of birch then he walked off to church, With his eyes in an eastern direction—direc- tion. Then it seemed as if Bala lake got so shallow, The townsfolk were all in a pickle-a pickle, Till the wise Local Board the whole district ex. plored, And found a small stream at Llanycil-Llan. ycil. So Tullock, R.E., came down, and said he, This supply you can't always rely on-rely on, But why such a clatter, 'bout such a small matter, When they keep such good stuff at the Lion— the Lion? I'm really perplexed to say what happened next, But if I remember George Whalley-George Whalley, Danced on a tight rope, drank the health of the Pope, And made atmself ever so jolly-so jolly. Sir Watlin, the gentle, sang a strain senti- mental, And learnedly spoke of the weather-the weather; But he got much annoyed because Morgan Lloyd Would keep tickling his nose with a feather-a feather. Another then rose, and begged to propose, They should drink to the health of the 1 dies— the ladies. But Father Ignatius, exclaiming Good gracious! Said he wished they were all gone to Hades- to Hades. In jjainful surprise I attempted to rise, To give them my views on this question-this question, Buc the st tue of Pierce, looking awfully fierce, Said that sitting was best for digestion- digestion. This being the case, I pulled a long face, And gave myself deeply to thinking-to think- ing, Till sweet Edith Agabeg in injured tones had to beg' Lewis Edwards not to keep winking-keep winking. Mr. Davies began to dance the can can, And astonished them all with his capers-his capers; But me he so shocked, that the doors I unlocked, And now send a report to the papers-the papers. Such then is the scheme I recall in my dream, And its features as now I descry them-descry them But I just wished to say, that I hold by the way, Turkish Bonds, sir, if you'd like to buy them to buy them.

WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION ACT. WHAT IS WILFUL MISCONDUCT UNDER THE ACT. On Wednesday, at the Wrexham County Court, his Honour Judge Sir Horatio Lloyd was engaged for several hours hearing an ac- tion under the Workmen's Compensation Act, involving an important point as to whether drunkenness was 'serious and wilful miscon- duct,' within the meaning of the Act. The action was brought by Mrs. Mary Jane Jones, Osborne Cottage, Lodge, Brymtio, against Mr. Charles Richardson Cowap, Coal Exchange, Chester, the proprietor of the Old Lester's Lime Works, Minera, near Wrexham, and the turn claimed was 9198 18s. Mr. J. Hopley Pierce appeared for the plain- tiff, and Mr. Bryn Boberts, M.P., barrister-at- law (instructed by Mr. R. W. Glascodine) was for the defendant. Mr. Bryn Roberts said it lay with him to prove his contention, and it was an important question as to whether drunkenness was, under the Act, 'serious and wilful misconduct.' A man named Jones was in charge of an engine at the defendant's works on September 27 last, and owing, as they said, to his drunken condi- tion, he was killed. Jones was not in the em- ploy of the owner of the mines, but was hired, along with an engine, to take waggons out of the works to the Great Western Railway. He was employed by Messrs. Cudworth and John- son, engineers, Wrexham, and arrived on the works on the morning of September 27, having evidently been imbibing. The foreman told him he was not fit to work, but he replied that he was all righc, and he would be responsible. He had nothing to do with the engine until two in the morning. During the morning he was fixing a gauge glass on the engine, and he broke several glasses. He worked the engine during the afternoon, and on the last journey he fell off the engine and was killed. The foreman told Jones he was not fit to work when he got on the engine in the afternoon, but he said he was all right. The foreman did not consider the man was entirely under his control, as he was employed by another firm. John Roberts, foreman of the works at the time of the accident, said he told Jones he was not fit to work, but he said he was all right and would be responsible. By Mr. Pierce: He said before the coroner that Jones worked the engine all right from two to six in the afternoon. It was a wet day, and the engine plate was slippery. The engine was a very old one, and it had been altered since the accident. Mr. Pierce handed a photo- graph of the engine to the witness, and witness said it was a very good one. Other evidence was to the effect that Jones was more drunk than sober,' and that his tea bottle contained spirits, and his tea-can beer. The brakesman, who usually assisted Jones* re- fused to go with him on the day of the accident, as he did not like the condition of the deceas- ed. Mr. Hopley Pierce contended that his friend had not made out that Jones had been guilty of gross and wilful misconduct. The foreman and one of the usual brakesmen had stated that Jones was drunk, but both of them rode on the engine with him on one of his journeys. The line was a ricketty affair, and the engine was such that it was quite easy for a sober man to fall off, owing to the position of the lever, while since the accident a rail had been placed on the engine to prevent a similar accident. His Honour said where it was proved a man who met with an accident was drunk, he would always hold that that was serious and wilful misconduct within the meaning of the Act. It was serious, because it affected his actions; and it was wilful, because it was his own act. It therefore came to a question of fact as to whether there was sufficient evidence to show that Jones was drunk. He was very sorry, but he could not come to any other conclusion than that the man was drunk, and therefore the case must fail. Mr. Bryn Roberts said they did not ask for costs.

Cyclists around Copenhagen are not per- mitted to ride their machines downhill,, no matter how slight the incline.

MOLD. "J-' THE STORM. At noon, on Thursday, a boisterous breeze, which had been blowing during the morning, developed into a heavy gale, which still con- tinued to increase in its severity in the after- noon. By four o'clock, a fearful hurricane was blowing, so much so that it was with extreme difficulty that pedestrians were able to get about. At about five o'clock, the spier of the English Congregational church was unable to withstand the pressure of the gale, and was wrenched out of its foundations and completely wrecked. The structure came down with great crash, and in its descent must have made a summersault, falling top downwards on to the ground, and piercing the earth to the depth of about three feet. There was soon a number of people on the spot, who gazed with no little curiosity at the remarkable position of the broken spier, it presenting the appearance of a huge rocket. The wind kept playing on to the spier, which must have been blown to pieces but for the prompt attention which was devoted in proping it up with timber. Portions of the spier, particularly the woodwork forming its foundation, and the stone work of the church, were completely broken, and proved the heavy force of the wind which must have prevailed. A flagstaff, at Mr. W. Wright's livery stables, also met a similar fate, whilst fallen slates and such like were quite numerous everywhere. Never within the memory of the oldest inhabi- tant has the equal to the storm on Thuesday been known, and its visit has left traces and such recollections behind it that it will be long before it is forgotten. DEATH OF MR. F. GILLERT. On Thursday last week, the death took place as briefly announced in these columns last week, of Mr. Fredrick John Gillert, who was for many years connected with the London and North Western Railway Company, and was well Known and highly respected by travellers on the Chester and Holyhead line, and also at Kenilworth, where he was for some years stationmasber. Mr. Gillert belonged to a family of railway men, his father and four brothers having all held positions as stationmasters. He was born at Liddlington, in Bedfordshire, and at an early age became an official of the railway company. Before he reached the age of 20 years he received the post of stationmaster at Queen's Ferry, and afterwards at Llanfair, and Mostyn. On his removal to Mold, where he remained for a lengthened period, he married Miss Parry, second daughter of the late Doctor Parry, and a niece also of the late Mr. Peter Parry, the Flintshire County Coroner, and sister to Mrs. Rupert Prince, the Post Office, Mold. About 13 years ago Mr. Gillert was promoted to Newport, Shropshire, and afterwards to Kenilworth where he remained until 1897, but being overtaken by ill health, he relinquished his position, and came back to Mold seriously invalided. Locomotor ataxy supervened, and after a lingering and painful illness he passed away at his residence Bailey View, at the age of 48 years, leaving to mourn his loss a widow and five children, one boy and four girls. The funeral took place on Monday, at the Nerquis Church Yard, when the Rev. J. Fleming Jones, vicar of Nerquis, and the Rev. J. P. Poole Hughos, vicar of Mold, officiated. Amongst the mourners was the deceased's father who has reached the ripe age of 83 years and is one of the worthy pensioners of the company to which his son had been a faithful servant. SAVINGS BANK. The annual meeting of the trustees and man- agers of the Mold Savings Bank was held on Friday last, when there were present :-Messrs. H. G. Roberts, in the chair, W. P. Jones, W. B. Rowden, T. Lloyd Powell, A. B. Roberts, Major Lloyd, the Rev. T. Morgan, and Mr. J. E. Davies (Secretary). In moving the adoption of the accounts, the chairman said it was grati- fying to them to find an increased balance in the funds of the Bank, and a substantial growth in the number of depositors which shewed the usefulness, efficiency, and security of the Bank. The total number of depositors was 869 being an increase of 17 over the previous year, and also in the funds of the Bank, of L- 187. In speaking of the secretary, the chairman said he had been an official of the Bank for nearly 20 years, during which time he had given a deal of personal and kindly attention to all the customers of the Bank. The position of the Bank was a sound one, they were able to pay all their depositors, and still have a surplus of f.1,330 lis 10d. He still believed there was a large field for the Bank's usefulness in the town and neighbourhood, more especially as the amount allowed to be deposited in jne year had been increased to jE50, and that the sum of jE5 and under ire. p,id without notice. He was pleased to say the total funds in the Bank now amounted to 935,352 18s. 2d. The accounts and auditor's report were unanimously adopted, and the meeting termina- ted with a vote of thanks to the chairman, and the Hon. treasurer, Mi. W. H. R. M. Johnson, for their valuable and gratuitous services dur- ing the year. A LENIENT AND THOUGHTFUL BENCH. At the County Hall, on Tuesday last, before Messrs. Edward Wheldon, and W. P. Jones, Joseph Davies, junior, a boy 15 years of age residing with hi s parents at Conway street, was charged with stealing a number of articles from the shop of Robert Ancell, tobacconist, Wrexham street, where he had been employed. The prosecutor stated that the boy had been in his employ for about three weeks. He paid him off on the 23rd December. Whilst the boy was with him, and after he left, he missed two pipes, two packets of cigarettes, and a silver cigarette case, the last named being in his coat pocket which was hanging up in the shop. When he missed the case, witness told Davies about it, and he helped to look for it. Sup- sequently out of a fresh case of cigarettes, they missed two packets, and also two pipes. Wit- ness also missed two tins of cigarettes, and three plush pouches which he had received in completion of an order. He spoke to the boy about the pouches, and he replied 'If you think its me that's got them, you would better search me.' He gave information to the police on the previous Sunday, as the result of which he discovered the loss of two tins of cigarettes. Altogether he valued the articles at 91 Is. 4d. James Arthur Watts, 5 Victoria Terrace, an assistant in the employ of Mr. Sykes, Stationer, said he knew the prisoner. He met Davies in Chester street, about a month ago, when pri- soner asked witness if he wanted to buy a cigarette case. Eventually he gave the prisoner one penny on account in exchange for the case (produced). He afterwards gave the prisoner 3d. He had retained the case until the previous day, when he handed it to the police. Thomas Hughee, Bromfield Row, in the employ of Mr. J. D. Rowlands, grocer, said he lent the prisoner a shilling to hire a bicycle, and instead of returning the shilling, the pri- soner gave him the pipe (produced). Sub sequently Davies sold him the pouch produced for 3d. He gave the pipe and pouch to his brother who resides at Rhosddu. P.C. William Gabriel said he received information from the prosecutor as to the loss of a number of articles from his shop and after making enquiries, he went to Rhosddu and recovered the pipe and pouch (produced) from John Hughes, a brother of last witness. He also recovered the cigarette case from Watts. He arrested the prisoner who when charged made no reply. He had been unable to recover two pipes, two pouches and some cigarettes, ascertained to have been stolen by the pri- soner. The prisoner in reply to the usual questions, pleaded guilty, and said he had nothing to say. The Chairman addressing the boy, after con- sultation with his colleage, said the case was a very serious, and painful one. They did not desire to make a criminal of the boy, yet it I was clear that unless he gave up bad habits, and evil companions, he would at length find himself in prison. The prisoner would be bound over in £ 10 with his father as a surety n a similar amount, to come up for judgment ;f called upon, within a period of six months, and in the meantime to be of good behaviour.

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The ordinary meeting of this Council was held on Friday last, when there were present: —Mr. R.V.LI. Jones (Chairman), Messrs. D. W. Jones, J. W. Roberts, Evan Jones, Edward Jones, M. J. Jones, D. Jones (joiner), W. T. Jones, H. Ll. Davies, D. Jones (Birmingham House), and T. R. Dakin (Deputy Clerk). FINANCE. It was reported that there was a balance of E463 4s. Id. due that day to the Treasurer. This added to the cheques signed at the meet- ing, increased the Council's liabilities to 9502 19s. 2d. PLANS. Plans were submitted of alterations proposed to be made by Mr. H. W. Lloyd in High Street with the view of converting the present pre- mises into a pharmacy. It was resolved, upon the motion of Mr. D. W. Jones, seconded by Mr. Evan Jones, that the plans be approved of. APPROACH TO BALA STATION. A letter was read from the Great Western Railway Company stating that they could not see their way clear to provide more than a footpath on the top side of the road. It was resolved that an amended estimate for a parapet on one side of the road only be sent to the Railway Company. CLAIM FOR IMPROVING HIGH T-REET. —PROTRACTED ENQUIRY. A letter was read from Col. Slacke stating that he would arrange for an enquiry as soon as possible after receiving notification of the result of the conference of the two authorities if it should still be found necessary to hold one. INSPECTOR'S REPORT. The Inspector reported that the yard in the occupation of Mr. Robert Roberts, in Plasey Street, was still unfenced the landers required to be put up by Mr. David Roberts had not been fixed, neither had the road in front of Ty- tundomen been put in order. The work re- quired at John Edwards' in Tegid Street had been completed. With regard to the first matter, it was re- ported that the work was in progress. The Chairman promised to see Mr. D. Roberts to urge him to have the landers put up at once. APPLICATION FOR INCREASE OF SALARY. An application was made by the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. Williams) for an increase of salary, adducing the following as his reasons for so doing :— a.-That the work has been, during the last few years, such that the present salary (95) was quite inadequate to cope with i b. b.-That H.M. Inspector (Dr. Bruce Lowe) in his report stated he was surprised at the annual stipend the Medical Officer re- ceived. c.—That there is no Council in Wales that pays its officer such a paltry sum. It was resolved that the application be taken into consideration at the next meeting. SERVICE PIPES AGAIN UNDER DISCUSSION. The following report of the Street and Water Committees, viz, That the Council do away with all work connected with service pipes, except that imposed by the Act of 1847, and that no assistant manager of waterworks be appointed, was again sub judice. Mr. H. Evans proposed the adoption of the report, on the ground that those requiring pipes could obtain them from other tradesmen in town. Mr. D. Jones (joiner) seconded. Mr. D. Jones (Birmingham House) proposed, as an amendment, that the consideration of the report be further deferred, pending the ap- pointment of a Surveyor. He thought there was now a material change in the condition of affairs to what it was when the report was sub- mitted. It would, certainly, be an advantage to defer it pending the appointment of a new Surveyor. Mr. D. W. Jones seconded. The result of the voting was distinctly in favour of Mr. Evans' motion, the report being adopted. VARIOUS. Mr. Evan Williams, coachbuilder, applied for permission to take along the street a wooden building from the front of the Goat Inn to a field adjoining his premises. He thought no damage would be caused to the street in its transport. If, however, he found that the building was very heavy, he would have it put on wheels. The application was granted. An orcter was received from the Local Govern- ment Board fixing f,2 2s. as the cost of the re- cent enquiry into the Council's application for a loan of £ 400. It was resolved to make an application to the Rector of Bala to hand over the parish map and apportionment to the Assistant Overseer.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The ordinary meeting was held at the Board Room on Saturday last. There was present Mr. Evan Jones (Chairman), Miss Parry (Vice), Mrs. Price, Mrs. Morris, Messrs. J. Ll. Jones, William Richards, Robert Jones, John Jones, John Roberts, R. Hughes, E. M. Roberts, L. Davies, Daniel Roberts, J. J. Edwards, J. R. Jones (Clerk), and T. R. Dakin (Assistant Clerk). The balance in the Treasurer's hands was re- ported to be £ 640 17s. 7d., and in the Relieving Officer's hands 99 9s. 7d. During the last three weeks £ 52 12s. 6d. had been expended in the relief of 158 out-door paupers as against 9-50 19s. 6d. to 152 paupers last year. Cheques were signed for £188 3s. THE HOUSE. The Master reported that there were 28 in- mates in the Workhouse last week. Forty- seven vagrants had been relieved during the last three weeks as compared with 54 for the corresponding week last year. CHRISTMAS TREATS. The Master reported that the inmates greatly enjoyed their Christmas dinner, and passed a vote of thanks to the Guardians for their kind- ness-Miss Parry, Chairman, Clerk, and Mr. Daniel Roberts being present. The inmates were presented by Mrs. Burton with cakes, tea, sugar, tobacco, oranges, and bon-bons; by the Chairman with oranges and sweets; by the Clerk with oranges and tobacco. On 31st of December, Mrs, Price gave them a treat, viz., a tea party, a woollen shawl to the women, and tobacco to each of the men, a scarf and a pair of woollen gloves to each of the boys, and a pinafore and scarf to the the infants. On the 2nd of January, 1899, Miss Jones, Fron, sent three dozen buns and three dozen oranges, Mr. E. G. Jones sent some tobacco for the men, Messrs. J Parry and Co. sent some tobacco, oranges, tea, and sugar. On the 4th of January, Miss Parry brought some tobacco, oranges, and Scripture texts. Miss Parry also sends the North Wales Times' and Baner every week for the use of the inmates. Dr.Williams presented the men with two'ounces of tobacco each. Mr. William Richards proposed a cordial vote of thanks to the donors, Mr. Robert Jones se- corded, and the motion was passed unani- mously. Messrs. R. Thomas and J. Ll. Jones reported that they had visited the House that day, and found all properly cared for. ASSISTANT RELIEVING OFFICER. It was resolved, upon the motion of Mr. R. Jones, seconded by Mr. R. Thomas, that In- spector Morgan be appointed Assistant Reliev- ing Officer for relieving vagrants, on the same terms as his predecessor. VACCINATION. It was resolved that the letter from a meet- ing of Public Vaccinators in North Wales, re- lative to the above, be left on the table. Letters from the Honiton and Wells Unions, were read the former urging the petitioning of both Houses of Parliament to repeal the Vac- cination Act, as it was not only vexations, but distinctly retrograde in character, and so op- posed to sanitary experience, as to be little less than a national calamity. The latter was in favour of petitioning for increased grants from the Imperial Exchequer in respect of the re- muneration paid to Public Vaccinators and Vaccination Officers. Mr. L. J. Davies thought that since they had fixed upon the minimum as the fees to be paid to their officers, they had no cause to complain. He knew of an Union, not far off, where double the minimum was refused; as for soliciting a repeal of the Act, he did not think it right for them to support this view at present. Mr. R. Thomas was of opinion that the Act was a most vexatious one, and that no one would complain if it was repealed. Mrs. Price remarked that it was rather ridi- culous for them to express an opinion on an Act that had only come into operation on the 1st of January. It was premature for them to do, until they had had some experience of it. After further discussion, it was resolved that both letters be laid on the table. INFIRMARIES; It was resolved, upon the motion of Mr. L. J. Davies, seconded by Miss Parry, that £ 2 2s. be again subscribed this year to Chester, and El Is. to Denbigh Infirmaries. JVARIOUS. The Medical Officer's report on the condition of pxuper lunatics within the Union was favour- able, as also was his report on the.condition of the children boarded out. The Clerk reported having received separate bonds from the Poor Law Officers Guarantee Society in respect of Bala and Llanycil Par- ishes' Poor Rate Collector.

FLINT. DEATH OF MRS. HUGHES, MOUNT VILLA. We regret to record the death of Mrs. Hughes, the beloved wife of Mr. Joseph Hughes, deacon with the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists. Mrs. Hughes was a faithful and diligent member of the Caersalem Church. The funeral took place on Wednesday, and was very largely attended, the ministers who officiated being the Revs. H. Meirion Davies, J. D. Williams, and David Edwards. Much sympathy is manifested towards the bereaved family. NON CONFORMIST MISSION SERVICES. For the first time, we believe, since the es- tablishment of Nonconformity in the town of Flint, united mission services are held each night this week. The services are held each night in the Welsh Wesleyan Chapel. On Monday night, the Rev. E. Humphreys (W.), Liverpool, preached; Tuesday night, the Rev. Joseph Davies, Buckiey (English Congrega- tionalist); Wednesday, the Rev. Robert Ro. berts, Rhos (C.); Thursday, the Rev. Thomas Jones (C.M.), Rhostyllen Friday, the Rev. H. Barrow Williams, Llandudno and on Satur- day, the Rev. W. B. Charles, Didsbnry College. will preach. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather the services have been well at- tended throughout, and it is evident that they have been blessed with a large measure of the divine unction. We hope these meetings will mark an epoch in the history of Nonconformity in Flint.

It ifc stated that eighty persons die yearly in London from hunger, without counting persons who commit suicide in extreme want. About 210,000 is expended evary year in sprinkling the streets of London with sand to prevent the horses from slipping. Ii. Ii

THE COLLEGE FARM FIRE TREFNANT. To the Editor of THE NORTH WALES TIMES. SIR, Referring to the letter of eye-witness in your last week's issue, kindly allow me through the medium of your columns to furnish your cor- respondent with a few facts which evidently escaped his eye.' There is no intention on my part to deprive 'P.C. Lewis and the willing helpers of Trefnant' (which, I presume, includes eye-witness') of any honour which they are entitled to, but such an unfounded charge as that contained in the words if Mr.' Clift had had to depend upon that body (Den- bigh Fire Brigade), the whole of the farm buildings would have been burnt to the ground, cannot be allowed to appear in the press with- out being contradicted. My statements will bear the fullest investigation, and I am quite prepared to prove the following facts trom which your readers will conclude that the Denbigh Fire Brigade is composed of men who will be found able, capable, and willing to obey the duty call at whatever hour the alarm is given, and prove themselves quite worthy of the confidence of one and all of the inhabitants of Denbigh and District. Mr. Clift's messenger arrived at the police station, at 12 45 a.m., and the fire alarm was immediately given, the Brigade consisting of 3 officers, and 7 men arrived upon the scene of action (fully three miles distant) in twenty minutes, viz. at 1 5 a.m. Within the space of three minutes, two jets were working upon the fire, and kept working incessantly for over 5 hours; this shews that' P.C. Lewis and Co.' did not have the fire 'completely under their con- trol before the arrival of the brigade In my opinion, had more promptness been shown in advising the brigade of the outbreak, quite 50 per cent of what was destroyed might have been saved. I am, Yours truly, FAIR PLAY. P.S.—I shonld hardly have thought it necessary for an eye-witness' to state that what he wrote was not from hearsay.—F.P. To the Editor of THE NORTH WALES TIMES. SIR, I observe in your issue of the 7th inst., a letter written by a person signing himself 'an eye witness' who tries to minimise the work done by the Denbigh Fire Brigade, and in his attempt to do so, he makes assertions which are evidently intended to reflect upon the smartness of the Brigade in turning out, and were it not that such a construction could be placed upon his letter, I should not have troubled to notice it, I therefore beg that you will allow me to give through your paper, a few facts which will, I am sure, put the Brigade in a fair light before the public. 'An eye-witness' states that if 'Mr. Clift had to depend upon that body (the Denbigh Fire Brigade), the whole of his farm would have been burned to the ground,' he then goes on to state that the praise is due to P.C. Lewis, and the willing helpers of the village of Trefnant, who had been labouring at the fire for one and a quarter hours, and had it completely under control before the arrival of the Brigade.' Now, if Mr. Clift could do without the ser- vices of the Brigade, why were they sent for, particularly if the Police Constable and his willing helpers had the fire completely under control? An Eye-witness' insinuates that the Brigade did not turn up at the fire for an hour and a quarter after the alarm had been given. The facts are that the alarm was not given until 12 45 a.m., and the fire engine, with ten men, arrived at the scene of the fire at 17 a.m.. When it is considered that College Farm is three miles distant from the fire station, that most of the Brigade were in bed at the time, and that the horses had to be harnessed, I feel confident that no unbiassed person would say otherwise than that the Brigade had done a very smart bit ot work, all in the space of 22 minutes. 'An Eye-witness may not, but the Brigade know well why the alarm was not given for an hour and a quarter after the fire. was discovered. In the next place, it certainly does seem strange that if the fire was com- pletely under control it should have been necessary for the Brigade to be continuously at work with two jets playing upon the fire for hours! I do not wish to say a word deroga- tory to the work done by the P.C. and his helpers, but I must maintain that had the Brigade been summoned earlier, the damage would not have been so great as resulted from the futile united efforts of the P.C. and his willing helpers.' I am sir, Your obedient servant, R. W. LLOYD. Captain Denbigh Fire Brigade. Denbigh, Jan. 12th 1899.

BATTLE IN ARABIA. GREAT SLAUGHTER. THE TURKS VICTORIOUS. INSURGENTS STILL ACTIVE. Constantinople, Wednesday -private advice r, received from Hodeida state that a great battle was fought between the Turkish forces and the Yemen insurgents in the district of Shanel on 30th November last. The Imperial troops, although they were victorious and captured the rebel position at Shanel, lost 2,000 killed and wounded. Abdullah Pasha, the Turkish commander, has received orders, to capture Saada, the head- quarters of an important insurgent leader. The Yemen insurrection is far from quelled. -Reuter.

There are over two million acres of cork forests in Algeria. The green ants of Australia build nests from leaves which they unite with a kind of natural glue. A French savant assures us that in two thou- sand years' time all the world will be deal and dumb. A good test for tea is to burn a little on a metal plate. The better the tea, the less ash will remain.

BALA. -r- PARC SCHOOL. At the last meeting of the Llanycil and Bala Undenominational School Board, Mr. John Davis, Llandecwyn School, near Harlech, was appointed master of Pare School, to succeed Mr. Arthur Evans. WEEK OF PRAYER. Last week was observed by all denomina- tions here as a week of prayer. On Wednes- day afternoon the members of the Women's Temperance Association held a special prayer meeting at the Independent Chapel. MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Calvinistic Meth- odist connexion for east Merioneth was held at Bala this week. Monday evening and part of Tuesday was devoted to the transaction of business pertaining to different churches in the district from which delegates attended. On Tuesday evening, and on Wednesday, eloquent sermons were delivered by the Rev. S. T. Jones, Rhyl., and Rev. Griffith Ellis, Bootle, to large congregations. CONCERT. A grand concert was held at the Victoria Hall, on Monday night, at which the artistes were Miss M. Jones (soprano), Corwen; Mr. Arthur Davies (bass), Cefnmawr; Mr. O. Ro- berts, R.A.M., Berwyn The instrumentalists were: Solo harp, Mr. H. G. Glaysher solo violin, Mr. H. Condon Finncane; solo euphon- ium, Mr. T. W. Taylor; solo cornet, Mr. T. J. Hillier. Prof. Warhurst acted as accompanist. Although the attendance was not large (which is generally the case here with concerts of a high order)), those present were amply repaid by the musical treat afforded them.

COLWYN BAY. "r' DISTRICT COUNCIL, i The monthly meeting was held on Wed- nesday, Mr. John Roberts (chairman) pre- siding. With reference to the old promenade, the surveyor read a letter from Mr. Stafford Howard, of the Woods and Forests Depart- ment, asking if the council desired to ex- clude from the purchase the shore-ground (now below high-water mark) in front of the sea wall. The Clerk said such an arrange- ment would be advantageous to the council, and he was instructed to accept the offer. At a meeting of the sanitary committee the Medical Officer's report was under con- sideration, drawing attention to the serious need for a public slaughter-house in the dis- trict. The surveyor was directed to report on suitable sites for the purpose. The surveyor produced a plan for convert- ing the old boardroom into a fire engine station. He was directed to prepare plans and obtain tenders, application to be made to the Local Government Board for permission to borrow the necessary money. The Surveyor, in his report, stated that the district was quite free from infectious disease. The number of deaths during the month was 10, representing a death-rate of 16'8 per 1,000 of the population. The num- ber of births was 12. The death rate for 1898 was 12 3 per 1,000 of the population. some members of the council had had an interview, regarding the electric light scheme, with Mr. Clivehngh, on the 15th ult., as a result of which Mr. Ulivehugh was instructed to prepare"a report and estimate of the work. The council formally adopted the report. On the motion of Mr. Bevan it was agreed that the council apply to the Local Govern- ment Board for sanction to borrow 2100, for the purpose of constructing a footbridge over the railway.

TERRIBLE RAILWAY ACCIDENT NEAR PENMAENMAWR. DRIVER AND STOKER KILLED. THE RAILWAY WASHED AWAY. By telephone to-day (Friday), we learn of a terrible accident, which took place about two o'clock this morning, near Penmaenmawr. It appears that a goods train was travelling in the direction of Holyhead, having passed through Rhyl station, at ten o'clock last night. The terrible storm of yesterday had been felt in its utmost fury on the Welsh coast, and near Penmaenmawr, a portion of the railway was washed away. The engine of the goods train fell over the embankment, and both driver and stoker were killed. The guard escaped unhurt, and suc- ceeded in stopping the express from Holyhead in time to prevent another terrible catastrophe. The engine could not be found for some time. The driver and stoker belonged to Holybead- the former leaving a family of eleven.

was held at the County Hall), under the auspices of the Nonconformist Temperance Union, which, some years ago, was formed in the town, and since its inception, has done an im. mense amount of good. The arrangements were carried out very successfully by a Com- mittee, comprising representatives of all the Nonconformists denominations, over which the Rev. Evan Jones presided, the other officials being:- Mr. Fred. W. Roberts (treasurer), and Messrs. George Williams and T. Gwilym Jones (joint secretaries). Mr. Moses Lloyd acted as conductor of the singing throughout the meetings, and Miss M. Parry Williams as accompanist. The first meeting was held on Monday even. ing, when the room was almost crowded. Mr. J. Harrison Jones, J.P., presided. The pro- ceedings were opened with the singing of a tem- perance song, the Rev. Robert Griffith reading a portion of the Scripture and offering up a prayer. The Chairman then delivered a very interesting address upon temperance and tem- perance work. He then called upon the Rev. Evan Jones, Carnarvon, to address the meet ing. Mr. Jones, who was enthusiastically re- ceived, delivered a powerful address, in which he dealt with the drink traffic in almost all its different aspects. The next speaker was the Rev. O. L. Roberts, Liverpool, who also dealt with his subject in a masterful and convincing manner. During the meeting, which was one of the most successful the mission has ever had since it has commenced, a collection was made towards the expenses of the mission. TUESDAY. The meeting on Tuesday night was held at the County Hall, and the spacious room was filled with a large and appreciative audience. The chair was occupied by the Rev. Joseph Evans, who, in the course of his opening re- marks, said he was very pleased to see so many present th^t night, and especially the boys and girls, which was a good omen for the cause of temperance in future. Those boys and girls had only to keep their eyes o)en to see the terrible misery about them, caused by drink, and he hoped they would determine never to touch it. The object of that meeting was to rescue the perishing, and he trusted that those series of meetings would be successful in that worthy abject (hear, hear). Mr. Evans then went on to refer to the great loss which the temperance cause in the town had sustained, owing to the death of Mr. Edwin Roberts, Mr. Robert Parry, Mr. Thomas Gee, and Mr. E. T. Jones, who so recently left them. The meeting was then addressed by Mr. D. Jones, Ruthin, and Mr. C. Wilkes, Liverpool. WEDNESDAY. The meeting on Wednesday Jnight, was held at the Drill Hall, and was very well attended. Indeed it was the most numerous gathering of the week so far. The Rev. Richard Griffiths presided. Devotional exercise was conducted by Mr. Richard Jones, Brookhouse Mill, after which the chairman gave a short address full of encouraging thoughts to those who work in and for the temperance cause. The speakers of the evening were the Revs. T. Shankland (B) Rhyl, and H. Barron Williams (C. M), Llandudno. Both gentlemen gave excellent addresses, which were, apparently, much appreciated. THURSDAY. At four o'clock on Thursday afternoon, a children's meeting was held in the Drill Hall, which was very well attended. The Rev. James Charles presided, and addresses were given by Mr. James Green and the Rev. D. Gwynfryn Jones. On Thursday evening, a meeting was held in the Drill Hall under the presidency of Mr. T. Bellis. The Rev. Evan Jones, C.M. minister, opened the meeting by reading a portion of the Scripture and prayer. There was a large and appreciative audience. The Chairman, in his opening address, said he was very proud of being in that position that evening. He was an abstainer, and was going to be one all his life. He hoped the young people present would never touch strong drink. The total abstainers must not touch it, smell it, or move it from one place to the other. He was a man who loved everybody, and he was grieved to find so many young men and women slaves to this awful drink. Mrs. Ray (Wrexham) then addressed the meeting, her speech being principally directed towards young women. The Rev. D. Gwyn- fryn Jones, Llangefni, also spoke. «———