The North Wales Times

RHYL. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Monday afternoon, under the pre, sidency of Mr. J. H. Ellis (chairman). There were also present Messrs. Robert Jones (vice-chairman), A. L. Clews, P. Mostyn Williams, David Griffith, E. P. Jones, Joseph Williams (Gas), J. Williams, Amos Maltby, Thos.Whitley, H. H. Tilby, J. S. Greenhalgh, Capt. Keating, Dr. Girdlestone, A. Row- lands (clerk), Robert Hughes (surveyor); L. G. Hall (gas and water manager), R. J. Hughes (sanitary inspector), and Dr. A. Eyton Lloyd (medical officer of health). THE NEW RAILWAY STATION. The minutes of the Road Committee held on the 31st January, contained a report by the clerk of an interview that he and Capt. Keatinge had had with Mr. Neale, the district superintendent of the London and North-Western Railway Company, with re- ference to the proposed new station. Mr. Neale promised to represent to the head- office the points mentioned by this commit- tee for consideration in carrying out the plans, namely, the provision of refreshment rooms, cover over bridge crossing the rails, cover over omnibus yard, lifts for gocds, telephone communications, inquiry office on the north side, approach to goods office, entrance from Vale Road bridge, footbridge from West Kinmel Street, improved plat- forms, &c. Mr. Neale also promised to mention the subiect of extending the limits of delivery of goods, and in answer to a question as to the exact situation of the new station, he said it will be on the site of the present one, but possibly there may be some change in the approaches. The plans were not in his hands, but he believed the work would be very shortly commenced. The report was confirmed. POLICE SUPERVISION. The Chairman of the Road Committee reported having had an interview with Major Webber, the chief constable with reference to increased police supervision in Rhyl. The chief constable said that he was not able with the means at his disposal to increase the number of police constables in the town. They were not satisfied with that reply, and it was proposed by that committee that a deputation be appointed to wait upon the Standing Joint Committee. This was agreed to. SAND DRIFT. The Town Surveyor reported that 3,386 loads of sand had been removed from the streets after the recent storms. SUPPORTING LOCAL INDUSTRIES. Mr. Hughes, the town surveyor, in his monthly report, stated that he had received tenders for ashphalting the parade roads. Mr. Greenhalgh asked if tenders had been asked for from local tradesmen for this work. The Surveyor replied that there was only o e firm in the town who did this sort of work—Messrs. Greenhalgh and Roberts; and since Mr. Greenhalgh was a member of the Council, he did not think it right to ask that firm for a tender. Mr. Greenhalgh said that Mr. Roberts stood alone in that business. They heard a great deal about supporting local industries, especially at St. David's dinner, and now they were seeking tenders from strangers for doing work that would have to be paid for by Rhyl ratepayers. If Mr. Roberts had been asked to tender, and secured the con- tract, local labour, and local material, with the exception of pitch, would be employed, but if a foreign firm got the contract, they wquld bring their own workmen from other places. He proposed, as an amendment, that local tenders be invited. The Chairman ruled the amendment out of order, inasmuch as the surveyor's report would have to be referred to committee. On the motion of Captain Keatinge, the report was referred to the several commit- tees to which it appertained. INSURANCE OF WORKMEN. Reference was made in the surveyor's re- port to the repudiation of a claim made in respect of injuries sustained by a labourer named North by the insurance company in which the workmen of the Council are insured. Mr. Joseph Williams (Gas) hoped the Road Committee wo lid take this matter up. If the insurance company was going to re- pudiate this first claim, the sooner the con- tract was terminated the better. Capt. Keatinge (chairman of the commit tee), said that this wiil the first he had heard of the matter. It had not yet been before the committee. When the report of the surveyor was submitted to his committee, the matter would be fuHy considered. OPPOSITION TO A TELEPHONE I COMPANY. The Road Committee recommended that inasmuch as the National Telephone Com- pany's Bill (No. 2), now before Parliament, proposed to give wide powers to interfere with streets and roads, the Council should join with other local authorities in opposing it. Capt. Keatinge in moving the adoption of the recommendation, said that the bill was a most arbitrary one, and the committee asked for power to act in the matter of opposing it. The recommendation was confirmed. PROMENADE EXTENSIONS. At a meeting of the Sub-Road Committee held on the 30th January, the town surveyor submitted a statement of account as rela- ting to the agreement between the Council and Mr. Robert Jones, the manager of the Promenade extension works. Captain Keatinge said that the work at both ends of the Promenade was well done under the supervision of the surveyor and the manager. No better itribute could be piid to it than to say that it had withstood the fury of the recent gales. The Vice chairman expressed pleasure at hearing that the sea defences at the East and West end of the town had been carried out so well. But there was another matter which they ought to consider. When they undertook to carry out the works at the East end, Capt. Keatinge had undertaken to carry out simultaneously further protec- tive works to the East of the district boun- dary. Some work had been done, but had been washe i away by the late storm, and that proved that it was only of a temporary nature. He thought they ought to call upon Capt. Keatinge to proceed with the work he had promised to do, for the safety of the work already carried out by the Council. Capt. Keatinge said that since the vice- chairman had called attention specifically to these works, the better plan would be for the clerk to address him (Capt. Keatinge) in writing. The report of the committee was then adopted. A MYSTERIOUS COMMITTEE. Mr. Mostyn Williams called attention to an item in the minutes of the sanitary com- mittee in which it was stated that the question of providing a refuse destructor was mentioned, and the chairman of the Electric Light Committee promised to bring it before his committee next week (laugh- ter). Mr. Williams said he did not know of the existence of such a committee (laugh- ter). The Chairman referring to the refuse destructor, said he bad arranged to visit Llandudno, on the 23rd inst., to see the machine at work there, and invited the Council and officials to accompany him. MILK SUPPLIES. The Sanitary Committee recommended that in view of the recent agitation con- cerning the cause and prevention of con- sumption, a respectful inquiry be made to the County Council as to whether they proposed to take any (and what) special action for the purpose of preventing the supply of milk from unhealthy cows within the area of their jurisdiction. Mr. Mostyn Williams said this was a matter that called for serious consideration, and ought to be resolutely taken up. The Chairman said the clerk would com- municate with the clerk to the County Council as soon as this recommendation was adopted. The minutes were then confirmed. MAIN ROADS. It was reported that a deputation at tended a meeting of the Main Roads Com- mittee of the County Council, held at Holywell on Wednesday, to support the application of this Council for the maining of certain roads leading to and passing through Rhyl. Application had been made for the deputation to attend before the County Council again, before a final decis- ion was arrived at. NO ORATORY REQUIRED. The Clerk now read a letter from the clerk to the County Council, assenting to the request of this Council, that a deputa- tion should appear before the Joint Police Committee, witn regard to extra police for Rhyl, but suggesting that the deputation should fix upon one spokesman. Mr. Tilby: Is that to be taken as a com- pliment ? (laughter). Captain Keatinge: I am a member of the deputation, and am quite prepared to withdraw. The Clerk: It is not suggested that any member should withdraw. hey only want you to fix upon one spokesman. Captain Keatinge: But what is the use of going there to sit like dummies ? The Clerk: You can whisper to one another, and give your points to the spokes- man. It was resolved that the deputation should attend at Mold. SUMMER BAND; On the recommendation of the General Purposes Committee, it was resolved to accept the offer of Herr De Mersy, of South- port, to supply a summer band for next season, to commence on the 13th of May Herr De Mersy was in attendance, and said he would provide a band of 16 performers throughout the season, and was prepared to engage vocalists early in the season if the committee thought it was necessary. He further added that he would do everything he could to promote the welfare of the town so far as the band was concerned, for his own sake, as well as for that of the inhabitants. ILLUMINATING POWER OF GAS. In the monthly report of the gas manager, it was stated that the average illuminating power of the gas delivered during January, was equal to 18 53 sperm candles. Mr. Mostyn Williams said that he heard frequent complaints of the quality of the gas, and asked if Mr. Hall could reconcile his report with those complaints. Mr. Hall replied that the mains east of High Street, were to some extent defective. As to the power of the gas, there was no doubt about it. He, himself, on several oc- casions, checked the testing, and found the quality uniform during the month. The ttings in some places were defective, and people instead of being satisfied with burn- ers that had been in use for nine or ten years, ought to have them overhauled at least once a year. Captain Keatinge asked to what extent the illuminating power of the gas would be affected by defective mains. Mr. Hall replied that it would be affected to more than about a quarter cindie power. PROPOSED SCHOOL ATTENDANCE COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL The General Purposes Committee re- ported having as desired by the Council, re considered this question, and begged to recommend—That application be made by the Council to the Education Department to authorise them under Sec. 33 of the Education Act, 1876, to appoint a school attendance committee for the urban district of Rhyl, which district is co extensive with the parish of Rhyl, is not within the juris- diction of a School Board, and according to the last published census, contains a popu- lation of over 5,000 (viz., 6,527). The com- mittee are convinced that although the direct cost to the parish may be somewhat above that under the present system (about £ 55 a year), the change would better pro- mote the objects of the Act, and result beneficially to the general body of rate- payers, by increasing the attendances at schools, and so securing for them increased government grants, and, thereby stave off the necessity for a School Board rate. For these and other reasons, as set forth by the petition of the local committee (acting under the St. Asaph Board of Guardians), the committee have arrived at the foregoing recommendation. The confirmation of the recommendation having been proposed and seconded, Mr. H. Tilby as ah amendment, moved the omission of all the words after 'increas- ing the attendances at school, in the resolu- tion. He was in perfect sympathy with the object of the Council, but did not think they ought to go to the Education Depart- ment with a request based on such a very low ground as tnose given in the words to which he objected. The Local School At- tendance Committee had petitioned the Council to take over the work of supervi- sing the school attendance more in order for it to be done effectually, than in order to save a few pounds (applause). Personally, he had never been enamoured of the taking over of the question by that Council, and wished it were in the power of the Conncil to delegate its authority to the managers of the public schools, His experience of public bodies dealing with education ques- tions was, that they left them until the last quarter of an ur, and then rushed through them in the mast perfunctory manner (hear, hear). He hoped this Council were going into the matter with their eyes open, and were going to do the work thoroughly well (applause). He was not going to say a. word derogatory to the existing school at- tendance committee who had done their best, but the Council would have the same difficulty to cootend with as the old com- mittee had-the bench of magistrates (hear, hear, and laughter). He wanted to empha- sise most strongly that it would be necessary for the Council to send cases to the magis- trates time after time, and to pass resolu- tions demanding that the justices should carry out the law on this particular ques tion. As a matter of fact, there was no country on earth where the attendance laws were in such a wretched state, or so badly administered as in this country. England, Turkey, and Spain made an excel lent tripple alliance in this matter (laugh- ter). These three countries were about on a level in the matter of enforcing the edu- cational laws. Switzerland, if a child was absent- from school without satisfactory reason for two half days, a fine was inflicted for the first offence, and imprisonment for the second, and for a third offence a fine of 20 cents was imposed for every hour's ab- sence. In the Berlin schools the names of the absentee? were written on a black-board and afterwards sent to the director of police. He did not think these things were necessary in a free country like this, if the magistrates would only do their duty (hear, hear). There was a representative of the bench present, and of course, present com- pany was excepted (laughter). He heard that gentleman say that he fined every time, but be bad heard another magistrate say that he would never impose a fine (laughter). The Chairman ihe fines are too low. Mr. Tilby (proceeding) said the fines were not collected, and as a matter of fact the whole thing became a ridiculous farce. He hoped the Council intended to do the work thoroughly. It was not so much a matter of pounds, shillings, and pence, as it was to get into the schools children who were at the present ti .e qualifying for young Hooligans. The people who filled the jails were those who had escaped the beneficent training of the schools. A prison chaplain bad recently said that it was seldom a res- pectable artisan was found in jail, but that the occupants of prisons came from the un- skilled, illiterate class. Over and over again that statement was being made, arid yet forsooth the magistrates hesitated to inflict the small penalties they had power to enforce. He hoped that the Council would see that the magistrates attended to its demands, even if they bad to do it by public meeting. Dr Girdlestone in seconding the amend- ment, defended the magistrates against the sweeping charge made against them. His experience was that the bench always fined when there ought to be a conviction. But the outside penalty was five shillings, and tbeylhad no power to do anything else. Mr. Tilby: The Act says 5s. can be en- forced for every infringement of the law. Yet when you have a case of a child a 100 times absent, out of a 103, you say 6d. and costs (laughter). Dr. Girdlestone: You do not bring the parents up a hundred times. Mr. Mostyn Williams supported the amendment, and said that if a school at- tendance officer devoted the whole of his time to Rhyl, they would be able to dispense with the intervention of the magistrates (hear, hear). The resolution was agreed to as amended PROPOSED REFORM IN STREET REPAIRS. In accordance with notice given, Mr. J. S. Greenhalgh moved That the Council take immediate action in making our main streets more sanitary, and improve the sys- tem of road, street, aud footway repairs, as the present system is neither sanitary nor economical.' After some discussion, Mr. Greenhalagh consented to refer the matter to the Road Committee. THE TOWN CRIER AND CLASS PRIVILEGE. A communication was read from the Local Government Board respecting the ap- plication of this Council for a provisional order amending the local improvement Acts, and stating that the second part of the application was too late to be dealt with this year, inasmuch as it had not been made be:ore the 30th of November. The first portion of the application with re ference to the control of sands was in cime. Mr. Clews Does that cover the bone of contention-the control of meetings on the sand 1 The Clerk: Yes. The letter from the Local Government further stated that with regard to the pro posal of the Urban District Council relative to the payment of a town crier, the board were not aware of any.eason why the Coun- cil could not under their existing powers make any appointment necessary to the carrying out of their affairs, but the board would not be prepared to grant powers which would create a class privilege (laugh- ter). With regard to the bye-laws effecting the control of sands, the board would order a public inquiry to be held. a

PETTY SESSOINS. Tuesday.—Before Messrs. S. Perks, W. Elwy Williams, T. Morgan Owen, R. M. Hugh Jones, and J. H. Ellis. A ROWDY PAIR. William Henry Fitzpatrick, Vale Road, and William Jones, Emlyn Grove, Rhyl, were charged by P.C. J. E. Hughes with being drunk and disorderly in Kinmel Street, on Monday night. The officer proved seeing both the prisoners in Kinmel Street very drunk and disorderly. They refused to go home when re- quested, and he had to take Fitzpatrick to the lock-up, and Jones followed to the police sta- tion, and both were locked up. Sergeant McWalters stated that he was in the police station when the prisoners were brought in, and they were drunk and shouting in a dis- orderly manner. Fitzpatrick denied being drunk or disorderly. He had had some drink, and was standing talk- ing to Jones, when the policeman came up and commenced to push him about, and in conse- quence of that, he refused to go home. Jones admitted the offence. Fitzpatrick was fined 10s. and 6s. 6d. c03ts. In default of payment he was removed in cus- tody to undergo seven days' imprisonment. Jones was fined 2s. 6d. and 5s. lOd. costs, and was allowed two days to pay. CRUELTY TO A PONY. Owen Thomas, milk cart driver, Pwllcorsog, was charged with cruelly ill-treating a pony by working it in an unfit state on the 30th of January. Robert Jones, Pwllcorsog, farmer, the owner of the animal, was also charged with causing it to be so worked. Inspector Harberd, who laid the information, stated that about half past eight in the morning of the day in question, he saw the defendant Thomas in charge of a grey mare pony attached to a milk cart. Noticing that the animal walked lame, he stopped and examined it, and found that it was suffering from sprained ten- dons. He afterwards saw the defendant Jones, who admitted the ownership of the pony, and that he had caused it to be worked, because he had no other one to send out with the milk cart that particular morning. The pony had not been worked since, and everything was done for its welfare by blistering, and so on. Jones explained that he had no other horse to put in the cart on that day, but he had not worked it since that day. The pony had hurt itself by rearing and dropping its foot on the kerb in consequence of being startled by the steam roller in Grange Road. The Chairman said that the bench took th9 circumstances into consideration, and as this was the first offence, the defendants would be leniently dealt with. Jones would be fined 2s. 6d. and 7s. costs, and Thomas Is. and 7s. costs. THREATENING A MOTHER. William Henry Fitzpatrick was summoned by his mother for threatening that he 'would do for her,' and would swing for her.' The mcther now desired to withdraw the summons if her son kept away from her. He had not cftended her since the date of the com- plaint contained in the summons (the 27th of January). On promising to behave himself, and on being cautioned by the Chairman, Fitzpatrick was allowed to go. A DRUNKEN MOTHER. Ellen Ellis, 60, Victoria Road, Rhyl, pleaded guilty to a charge preferred against her of be- ing drunk in Gronant Street on the 8th inst. She said that she had only come out of the Union' on that day, and a sister had given her three or four glasses of beer, and some whisky, and she, being in a weak state, it had got into her head. The Chairman remarked that she ought not to have taken the drink. Inspector Pearson said that defendant had served three months for robbery from a per. son, and two months for cruelty to her child- ren, and it was chiefly because she had a baby in her arms that she had been locked up on this occasion till she got sober. A fine of 2s. 6d. and 7s. costs was inflicted.

BALA. ENTERTAINMENT. On Friday last, at the Victoria Hall, a humorous entertainment was given to a well filled house, by Lee's Mexican Minstrels. ECCLESIASTICAL. On Sunday next, the pulpit at the Independ- ent chapel will be filled by the venerable Archdruid Hwfa Mon. His popularity will no doubt be the means of attracting large con- gregations. TEMPERANCE. The weekly meeting of the temperance soc- iety was held at the Plasey chapel, on Satur- day last, when the chair was taken by the Rev. J. T. Alun Jones, Bala. Songs were contributed by Miss Alice J. Jones, the College, and Mr. J. Rowlands, Bala, and addresses were delivered by Dr. Hughes, Bala, and Mr. Jones, Tany- grisiau. JUMBLE SALE. A very successful jumble sale was held at the National School, on Friday last, under the management of an energetic committee of ladies. The secretarial duties were confided to Miss Ellis and Miss Lloyd, who performed their work admirably. The proceeds which we understand exceeded f,27, were more than sufficient to clear the debt on the heating apparatus of Christ Church. COUNTY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS. At a meeting of the managers held on Thurs- day last, Sir H. B. Robertson presiding, it was reported that the plans of the proposed.new girls school had been received from the Charity Commissioners, approved. It was resolved, as the next step, to Invite tenders for erecting the buildings. A meeting was fixed for Thursday the 16th March to con- sider the tenders received. SACRED CONCERT. On Wednesday last, at the Tegid chapel, a grand organ recital and a sacred concert of a high order was held, when the duty of organist devolved upon Dr. Roland Rogers, and the other part of the programme was sustained by Madame John Thomas, Llanelly, and Mr. W. Trevor Evans, Swansea. The following was the programme gone through. Congregational Tune Overture William Tell' Rossini Vocal solo How vain is man'. Handel Mr. W. Trevor Evans (encored). Pastorate and postlude Sogers Vocal solo (Hear ye Israel' Mendelssohn Madame John Thomas (encored). Overture in I G' Wely Vocal solo Geiriau olaf Livingstone' Phillip Mr. W. Trevor Evans. (a) Minuet Paderewski (b) Bell Rondo Morandi Vocal solo O Divine Redeemer 'Gounod Madame John Thomas (encored). Storm Fantasia Lemmens Vocal solo 'Hen gadair freichiauardderchog Owen Mr. W. Trevor Evans (encored). Fantasia on Sicilian Mariner's Hymn Lux Vocal solo I will extol thee Costa Madame John Thomas. Grand march 'Reine de Saba' Gounod The spacious edifice was well filled, and there was every prospect of a successful financial result. The duties of secretary were ably borne by Mr. D. E. Jones. THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE. The fourth annual Theological Colleges'week of prayer was observed last week. Addresses were delivered at the different meetings by the Revs. H. E. Griffith, M.A.; Ellis Edwards, M.A.; Hugh Williams, M.A.; W. B. Stevenson, M.A. B D.; and T. T. Phillips, B.D, On Sun. day, the last of the series of meetings, and the occasion of the second Annual Universal day of prayer under the auspices of the world's students Christion Federation a prayer meet- ing was held at the college at 5 p.m. This as well as all the previous meetings was well attended. The present religious movement that permeates the student life of the world, augurs well for the fulfilment of the ideal aimed at i.e. the evangelization of the world in the present generation. On Friday last at the week- ly meeting of the College Debating Society* the subject matter under discussion was Tolstoi's teaching practicable.' The de bateln the affirmative side was opened by Mr. J. C. Ro« £ lands, and on the negative by Mr. Williams, B.A. Messrs E. L. Hughes, E. A- Davies, Howell Williams, and W. J. RobertaRI80 took part in the discussion. The subsequent voting was declared to be in favour of the negative side, the voting being 17 for the negative and 7 for the affirmative. On Monday last, at the usual meeting of the students' Missionary Union, an excellent paper was read on 'the late Rev. Henry Rees' by Mr. Edward Parry, Prestatyn. Several others took part. FOOTBALL MATCH. On Saturday last, in fiue weather, and in the presence of a considerable number of spectators, a very interesting match was played on the Thursday's ground, between the Bala Press; and the Dolgelley Reserves. The latter won the toss, and elected to play with the wind The game at once became brisk although the Press had to contend with a strong wind, they" made several gallant attempts on the visitors citadel. The defence opposed to them waS strong and unrelenting, and the draper waS time after time averted. The visitors' forwards played a feeble game, and especially was this noticeable in front of the home goal, when several good chances of scaring were offered to them. Half time was reached with the team* on an equal footing, no score on either side. On resumption of hostilities, the Press at once became formidable, their forwards better combination, and well studied tactics; from a shot by J. D. Leary the first goal waS scored. The success which followed this team so far was soon supplemented by another good shot from Richard Evans. The latent energies of the visitors' forwards were now routed, ana strenuous efforts were made by them to equalize. Unfortunately, their attempt, although corn mendable, proved abortive, the home defencci being firm and obdurate. H. R. Davies and Godfrey Jones, on the half back line, and Mof' ris and Roberts as backs played in splendid form. Within 10 minutes to time, two 0Lher goals were added to the Press score. The final result was Press 4; Dolgelley nil. Reviewing the game generally, the Press forwards lacked the combination which was their strong feature in other matches witnessed. Richard Evans the centre forward was certainly a redeeming feature, and played a brilliant game, but he was not supported in the way he should have I been. The half back and back lines were strong and stubborn, and the custodian, aS usual played a clinking game. The Dolgelley forwards were feeble, buG their halfbacks and backs rendered admirable service, and the goalkeeper displayed con- siderable skill in the discharge of his duties. The winning team were --Goal C R. Joneop Backs, Ted Morris and J. W. Roberts, Half' backs, R. H. Williams, H. R. Davies ard God. frey Jones. Forwards J. D. Leary, D. R. berts, R. Evans, Tom Hughes, and J. Jones.

PETTY SESSIONS. On Saturday last before Messrs E. R. Jenkin8 (presiding chairman), John Williams, Evan Jones,R Ll. Jones, and L. J. Davies. MALICIOUSLY REMOVING A SIGNAL LAMP ON THE BALA AND FESTINIOG RAILWAY. Evan Owen, of Blaenyddol Bala, and Morris Jones, Gwerndyfrgi, near Bala, both under 16 years of age, were Hinged at the instance of j the Great Western Railway Company witb i having on the 13th December, 1898, maliciously removed a signal lamp on the Bala and Feo- tiniog line. Mr. Arthur E. Lewis, WrexhaØJ, appeared to prosecute on behalf of the company, and defendants were undefended. The parents of the young offenders showed an utter disre- gard of the proceedings by keeping aloof from court, a very culpable act on their part. In opening the case, Mr. Lewis referred to the gravity of the offence, and the consequences that might be attendant thereon, after which the following evidence was given. William J. Rowlands, a lamp porter, in the employ of the company stationed at Bala, stated it was his duty to light the signal lamps. At about 2 30 p.m. on the day in question, he lit the signal lamp near the Tryweryn Factory crossing. At 6 45 p.m. in consequence of information he had received, he went to the signal post, and found the signal lamp taken out of the case and placed at the top of the signal. The light was out, and the wick had been removed; the wick produced by Inspector Roberts was the kind of wick used in the lamp- He then re-lit the lamp, and reported the mat- ter. No one had a right to interfere with the lamp beside him. William Speake a signalman in the employ of the same company at Bala, stated that the signal near the Frydan Factory was provided with an electric repeater, by which he could ascertain whether the light was in or out. On the day in question he tried the switch about 4 p.m., and the lamp was then alight, h tried it afterwards at 6 15 p.m. for the goods train, and the lamp was out. The lamp was re-lit about 7 p.m. If it had not been discovered, a train coming from Festiniog might over run the station, and the consequences might be ser- ious. It was a rule that if a driver does not see the signal light, it is his duty to regard it as being at danger. The signal was absolutely necessary for the safety of the public. Ellis Edward Roberts stated he had been to school at Bala, on the 13th December, and started home to Frongoch about 3 30 p m. He passed the Factory Crossing, and saw the two defendants on the Frydan Factory bridge. That was the only time he saw them. They shouted after him, and he ran alter them along the river side, and nex, saw them crossing the line just where the railway crosses the °road. He did not see defendants nearer the signal than the Frydan Factory Bridge, which was about 9 or 10 yards off. They threw stones at him and his companion Llewelyn G. Owen. He did not see them on the line at all, with the exception of the occasion on which he saw them cross it. Llewelyn G. Owen Cwrntirmynach, corro- borated the evidence of last witness. David Edwards, carrier, Bala, said that at, about 4 45 p.m., on the 13th December, he had occasion to cross the railway near the Factory, with a horse and lurry. Morris Jones one of the defendants, on his request, opened the gate for him, and the other defendant Evan Owen, opened the gat^s at each side of the railway to enable him to pass through. John Seymour Allen, station-master at Bala,, stated that the signal lamp in question was the first signal for a driver approaching Bala front; Festiniog. It was absolutely necessary for the safety of the public. An engine driver might possibly forget where he was if there were no signal. Robert Roberts, Inspector of the Merioneth- shire Police, stated that in consequence of information received on the 14th December, he went to the signal p"st alrrady referred to, and searched the ground near, when he found the piece of lamp wick produced, He afterwards saw the defendant Evan Owen, and after adminis- tering the usual caution, defendant Owen made the following statement. We did not touch the lamp we were both on the bridge and lying close to the signal.' Witness paw the other defendant 'n the same day. and the statement made by him was We did rot touch the lamp, but we both pulled at the signal wire.' On the 23rd December, he again saw defendant Evan Owen, in company with Detective Plumb. After being cautioned defendant made a statement, in Welsh; this- was translated by witness, and taken down by Detective Plumb, and was signed by the def- endant, witness previously explaining it to him- The substance of the statement was, that on the 13th December, both dsfendants were on the line near the Factory Crossing, About 4 p.m- They endeavoured to pull < ff the signal by pulling the signal wire but failed do so. Morris Jones went up the ladder to the top of the- signal, and he, Evan Owen, followed him- They here took out the lamp which was then alight. Jones tried to blow it out, he (Owen*