The North Wales Times

C-OLWYN BAY. PETTY SESSIONS. 1 Saturday.—Before Messrs. T. G. Osborn, | M.A. (in the chair), John Porter, W. T. Haugh- TODi James Wood, Joseph Jones, John Roberts, and Dr. Montague Williams. ALLEGED CRUELTY TO HORSES.. 'MECHANICAL LAMENESS,' BUT NO PAIN. Inspector Harberd, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, sum- moned Herbert Bliss Hill, of Rhos, for cruelty to a pony, by causing it to be worked in an unfit state; and Ellis Lloyd, Mr.. Hill's groom, summoned for working the pony in that 8»&te on the 17fch of February. Mr. S. R. Dew, Bangor, appeared for the Prosecution, and Mr. E. H, Thome, Wolver- hampton, for the defence. After stating his case, Mr. Dew put P.C -Uiomas in the box, and commenced to examine Wm with regard to the state of the pony, and *hat was said to the defendant Lloyd on the 10th of February, when Mr. Thome objected, saying that they were not,Bummoned in respect of the 10th of Feb- ruary, and if any evidence was admitted re prding that day, it would be wrongly admit- ted. That would be in his favour, for in the event of a conviction on such evidence, he ^ould appeal to the Queen's Bench, and the Conviction would go. Mr. Dew argued that he was perfectly en. "tied to call evidence with respect to the 10th February, to show the history of the case, was an ingredient in the case, and would guilty knowledge on the part of the de- fendants. Mr, Thorne retorted that it might as well be said that if a man committed murder on the '7th, they could say that he had committed it °» the 10th. Mr. Dew replied that there was no analogy all between this case and the supposition of M*' Thame. They did not murder the pony on Nw 10th. .The bench ruled that Mr. Dew must confine "ittself to the date of the summons. The prosecutor was then examined. Inspector Harberd said that on the 17th of February, he saw the defendant Lloyd driving r.§rey gelding in Prince's Drive, Colwyn Bay. JWas attached to a trap, and going very lame lhdeed. He spoke to Lloyd, and said the pony Etill lame. Defendant said 'I cannot help ly You saw the governor about it last week.' j*e then advised Lloyd to take the pony quietly Qme. He found that there was a bony enlarge- ment on the inside joint, attended with a lot of and was painfpl to the touch. On j*}a following day, he saw Mr. Hill, and told *)lBa he had stopped the pony on the previous hay. Defendant Hill said he knew the animal had been lame for years, but not in pain. Mr. f*1" said further that he had had the pony out morning, and was going again in the after- nOon. Mr. Hill said he did not care what Mr. .Booth had said, because he could bring plenty veterinary surgeons to prove that it was not pain. On the 21st of February, the pony ?as examined by Mr. Towers. Having regard to the general condition of the pony, he (the Anspeetor) was of opinion that it was cruel to Work the animal. In cross-examination, the Inspector said that j.e animal was suffering from an incurable jjlsease, and would practically be in the same from day to day. If he was told that it S4* not in pain on Friday, he could only say in his opinion, the pony was in pain on 617th of February. t ^fank Booth proved examining the pony, and it to be suffering from a bony deposit on inside knee joint. It was suffering from )j?rpitis, and an animal suffering from that disease could not be walked or trotted without Pain. John Towers, veteiinary surgeon, Llandudno, said he examined the pony on the 21st of Feb- ruary, and agreed with what Mr. Booth said about the condition of the animal. Mr. Thorne, for the defence, admitted that the pony was lame, but did not suffer pain. He Urged that when the bony deposit was forming, there would be inflamation and pain; but when the ossification was complete, the knee joints became cemented together, causing a stiffness and lameness, but the pain would have ceased entirely. Mr. Hill had all along worked the Pony on veterinary advice. The pony was a Pet one, and Mr. Hill was not likely to wilfully Cause it pain. v Mr. Hill stated that the pony in question had °een in his possession for seven years, and had ?een lame for two years or more. It was well- ^nownin Wolverhampton, and was quite as bad then as it was now. But the police officers the officers of the Royal Society did not say a word about the animal, though they saw almost daily. The pony had been under the treatment of a veterinary surgeon in Wolver- ?anjpton, and Mr. Kellet, Colwyn Bay, had °een called to see it. He saw the pony exa- ^'ned by the advocate on the previous night, ft o.*t -id not show any signs of pain, nor did pinch. The pony, in his opinion, -was not in Pam. If he thought it wa3, it would not be forked. John Woodruffe Hill, veterinary surgeon, ^lnt Leonards on-sea, said he was a Fellow of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and been in practice for 30 years. He saw *jls brother's pony on the previous night, and r*ove Afterwards, he examined the pony, Jlfhich was affected with a bony deposit, but *«ere was no inflamatory matter present, and v^ere was no pain. (He explained the disease y a specimen knee joint). Crdss-examined, he said that Mr. Booth must vaVe made a mistake when he said there was when he examined the pony. The tolly was available then, and he defied Mr. rrOoth or Mr. Towers to prove, by examination 11 his presence, any inflamation. pMr. Edward Kellett, veterinary surgeon, ^olwyn Bay, said he had known the pony for Jbout 18 months, and he quite agreed with Mr. r^H's opinion. There was no trace of pain, and bad advised Mr. Hill to work the pony. The Ossification had cemented the knee joint, and hat caused the lameness. When the bony de- P°sit was in course of formation, there would inflamatory matter and pain but when the atural cure was complete, the ossification ^°uld cause a mechanical lameness, but there as no pain. v ^ne bench retired to see the pony with the eterinary surgeons; and after a long private °^versation, returned to court, when g Jjhe Chairman said that they were not satis- » but having regard to the conflict in the recessional evidence, they gave the defendant 416 benefit of the doubt. A DANGEROUS PRACTICE. Joseph Evans, Mostyn Street, Llandudno, as fined 5s. and costs for leaving a van on the l4tu to obstruction of the public, on the *h of February, in Colwyn Bay. THE DRUNKARDS' LIST. Isaac Lewis, Colwyn Bay, pleaded guilty to e^g drunk and disorderly in Colwyn Bay on February, and was fined 5s. and 7s. 6d. "William Williams, farm labourer, Llanelian, as summoned for being drunk at Llysfaen, on Qe 18th. of February, but did not appear. *n hi8 absence, a fine of 10s. and 8s. 6d. costs ^inflicted. ■L iUiam Jones, Hafodwryd, Llanddulas, for rhnDg ^rank in llysfaen, on the 18th of Feb- a^ry, was mulcted in a penalty of 5s. and 8s. ed. costs. Joseph Morris, Colwyn Bay, an old offender, an^ j?e<* 30s- and 9s. 6d. costs for being drunk jj^uaorderly in Station Road, on the 1st of MOTHER CAHRGE OF CRUELTY TO A HORSE DISMISSED. Batr°kert I*avies, Mount Pleasant, Colwyn c^y, Was Charged by Inspector Harberd with sta* y to a horse, by working it in an unfit to °? the 21st of February. Amphlett defended. Said hear5nS the evidence, the Chairman of H. Jy°nld give the defendant the benefit e doubt, and dismissed the charge. A DRIVER RELYING ON THE MOON. •njamin Morris, Grove Road, Colwyn Bay, was charged by Sergeant Tippet for driving a trap without lights after lighting up time on the 25th of February. Defendant pleaded guilty. In stating the case, the Sergeant said that when defendant was asked where his lamp was, he pointed to the moon and said 8 There it is.' LEAVING HIS EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT NOTICE. Hugh Williams, Colwyn Bay, was summoned by Thomas Hucchings, Bryn Eiryn, Rhos, for leaving his employment without notice, and f2 damages were claimed. Mr. Nunn prosecuted, and Mr. Amphlett de- fended. For the prosecution, it was submitted that defendant was employed at the Bryn Eiryn Milk Farm, to attend to the cows and take milk out. He was paid fortnightly at the rate of 19s. a week, and should have given a fortnight's notice before leaving. However, after some words with the stock-keeper on Sunday after noon, February 19th, he Went away, and another man had to be sent with the milk float. Without calling for the defence, the bench held that the prosecution had not proved con- tract of hiring or custom of the country, and the charge was dismissed.

BALA. BAPTIST CHAPEL. The annual preaching meetings in connection with the above were held on Wednesday and Thursday last. The Revs. E. Williams (Rhos), J. Lewis (Cefnmawr), and J. L. Jones (Glyn- ceiriog), were the officiating ministers. There were large congregations. TEMPERANCE. The weekly meeting of the Temperance Society was held at the Plasey Chapel on Satur- day last. The Rev. J. Howell Hughes occupied the chair. The programme consisted of a solo by Miss H. A. Roberts, duett by Miss Jane Hughes and Mr. R. Thomas (encored), reading by Mr. H. T. Jones, and addresses by Mr. James Jones, and others. BALA GIRLS' SCHOOL. At a meeting of managers, held on Wednes- day last, Sir H. B. Robertson presiding, nine tenders were received for the building of the proposed new school for girls. It was decided to accept the tender of Mr. R. W. Roberts, builder, Bala, as being the lowest sent in, sub- ject to the consent of the Charity Commission- ers. THE LATE TALIESYN FYCHAN. At a well attended meeting, held at the Vic- toria Hall on Friday night, presided over by Dr. Williams, it was reported that a movement was on foot to publish the writings of the late Mr. J. H. Roberts, Ty'nycoed, Bala (Taliesyn Fychan). This will be a fitting tribute to the memory of the deceased, who had brought him- self into popular favour as a litterateur. The editing of the work will be in the able hands of Gwrtheyrn. The meeting decided to give the movement its cordial support. BIBLE SOCIETY. The annual meeting in connection with the British and Foreign Bible Society was held at the Board School on Thursday last. Col. Evans Lloyd occupied the chair, but was obliged to leave soon after the commencement. Dr. Hughes presided for the remainder of meeting This year, the Rev. Canon Da vies, Pwllheli, represented the society, and delivered an able and much appreciated address. Addresses were also delivered by Messrs Evan Jones, Bodrenig; H. Evans Revs. T. T. Phillips, B.D.; E. O. Davies, B.Sc.; W. B. Stevenson, B.D.; Ellis Edwards, M.A.; and Hugh Williams, M.A. There was a large audience. FOOTBALL. On Thursday last an interesting match was witnessed between Bala Thursdays and the College. The game was very even during the first half, but in the second the forwards of the Thursdays lost ground, though their defence was highly creditable. The College had de- cidedly the best of the play in the second half. The result was a score of four goals for the College, and two for the Thursdays. Bala College v. Bala Press. This return match was played last Wednes- day on the College ground, in the presence of a considerable number of spectators. The College won the toss, and chose to play with the sun at their backs. In the opening stages the Press became very conspicuous, and had very hard lines in not scoring, but were time after time repulsed by the College defence. Just before half-time, from a centre by H. R. Davies, J. Evans rushed the ball through, and ends were changed, the Press leading one goal to nil. On restarting the College made several attempts to equalise, but were prevented from doing so by the fine defence of the Press. For the remainder of the game the Press had the best of the play, and within ten minutes from the end R. Evans sent in a splendid shot and scored. The final result was-Press 2 goals, College nil. It is worthy of note that the Press team, after playing about a dozen matches, have only been beaten once, and that by the College in the initial match. The Press team was as follows :-Goal, C. R. Jones; backs, J. W. Roberts and E. Morris; halves, Godfrey Jones, H. R. fDavies, and J. D. Leary; for. wards, T. Hughes, J. Evans, R. Evans (centre), D, Roberts, and J. H. Lloyd.

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. An adjourned meeting of the Council was held on Friday last, when there were present: —Mr. R. Ll. Jones (Chairman), Mr. R. W. Roberts (Vice chairman), Messrs J.W. Roberts, D. Jones (Birmingham House), Evan Jones, D. W. Jones, D. Jones (joiner), M. J. Jones, H. Ll. Davies, W. T. Jones, H. Evans, and T. R. Dakin (Deputy Clerk). ESTIMATE. The Clerk submitted an estimate of the re- ceipts and expenditure for the ensuing year, from which it appeared that a general district rate of Is. 6d. in the jEon £4,235 assessable value would produce E317 12s., and a water rate of Is. in the £ would realise 9303 4s., add. ing to ftheformer J635 12s. a.s receipts from rents of property, the total ret ints on that account were estimated at £ 3 £ .;> H, which would, after deduction of £ 305 fru. "he esti- mated expenditure, leave a balance OJ C48 4s., deducting from the water rate E223 i r ex penses, a balance of £ 80 4s. would still lr nain to the good. The combined balances w. nld amount to £ 128 8s. To arrive at the 'state of the finances on the 31st of March, 1900, tlu> above sum of £ 128 8s. was deducted from the estimated overdraft 31st of March, 1899 (£402 6s. 4d.), and the result was an estimated over- draft at the end of the ensuing year of E273 18s. 4d. The estimated expenditure on main roads and repayment by County Council is ex- cluded from the estimate, and as is already known a claim for over JE700 is now sub judice. STREET COMMITTEE'S REPORT. The following report and recommendations submitted by the Street Committee were dis- cussed piece meal and adopted. V-That the Council have the work of lopping the three trees near Pendre, on the Ivy House side, completed, and that Mr. Jones be asked to give instructions to the men as to the modus operandi. 2.-That the Council repair the side walks and roadway near Tremynfa and Tegid House. the parapet in front of the former to be four feet wide, and in the case of the latter six feet in width. 3.—That the Surveyor prepare an estimate of the cost of repairing the parapet near Druid House and Bradford House, the repairs to be executed at once. 4.-That an estimate be also prepared of the cost of making a narrow parapet on one side of Mount Street from the Inde- pendent chapel to Mount Lane. 5.—That the Surveyor be instructed to have the Mount put in order, and that Messrs. Edward Jones and M. J. Jones be asked to make enquiries as to a suitable person to take charge of the key. 6.-That the Surveyor ascertain the prices of iron-covered urinals. 7.-That the attention of Mr. R. J. Ll. Price, Rhiwlas, and Mrs. Passingham, be called to the damage wrought by the recent flood to the wall in Cae Mawr and Rowen, as it is dangerous to leave them in their present condition should the town be again visited by a similar flood. With regard to the second, third, and fourth sections of the above report, the Surveyor estimated the expenditure at f,5 18s., 910 3s. 6d., and JE15 6s. respectively, and it was decided that the work should be carried out as soon as practicable. THE MOUNT. Mr. Morris J. Jones reported that Mr. Evan Lewis was prepared to take charge of the key of the Mount, and would instruct R. Edwards to admit visitors there on Bank Holidays. Mr. David Jones (joiner) enquired whether any income could be expected from the Mount now, as a considerable sum had been incurred in repairs. The Street Committee thought it better to follow last year's arrangements rather than have the Mount closed. THE CLEANING OF THE WATER MAINS. It was resolved, upon the motion of Mr. D. Jones (joiner), seconded by Mr. D. W. Jones, that the question of cleaning the water mains be deferred until after the arbitration. STREET WATERING. The question of a water cart evoked con- siderable discussion. Mr. W. T. Jones estimated the cost at £ 26, and the Committee recommended the purchase of a water cart, and the hire of a horse for the first year. Mr. Evan Jones enquired whether a cart could not be made in town, as he did not be lieve in ordering one elsewhere if it could be obtained here. Mr. W. T. Jones said he knew a cart like this could not be done so well locally as by men used to the business, and that they would be only experimenting at the expense of the Coun- cil. He (Mr. Jones) had seen one in Corwen, and from all appearances he thought a similar one would answer their purpose. It would be well if a Committee were to be appointed to see the Corwen water cart. After deciding to adopt the Committee's re- commendation, it was further resolved that the Chairmen of the Street and Water Committees be appointed a Committee to inspect the water cart referred to, and to submit a report to the next meeting. WATER FOR BUILDING PURPOSES. It was resolved, upon the motion of Mr. J. W. Roberts, seconded by Mr. H. Evans, that the Street and Water Committee's recommenda- tion be adopted, viz., that the charge for the use of water for the above purpose be fixed at Is. 8d. per cent. of contract sum. If this can- not be ascertained, then on the valuation of the premises when completed, such valuation to be made by the Surveyor, no charge to be made where the contract does not exceed 9100. SANITATION. The Inspector repcrted several matters which had been submitted on previous occasions, and stated the requirements of the Council had not been complied with. The consideration of the report was deferred to the next meeting. The Surveyor complained that dirty water was being thrown down a grid in Mount Street. There was no drain provided to take the water away It was resolved that notices be sent to the occupier and owner to provide a proper drain.

Gin is only a halfpenny a glass in Belgium. Honey was in some measure used instead of sugar till 1790. Out of fifty years of life, a man spends 6,000 days actually asleep. Bells in churches were first placed there to drive off evil spirits. A good cocoanut tree produces forty gallons of milk in a season. The human voice can in a few cases utter 296 words a minute. The moon's motions are accelerated eleven seconds in 100 years.

BUY THIS MONTH, WHY? Write for full particulars. PUra Hymns, Popular Airs, Quadrilles. ■njujUV Wsltaai, Honrorpea, Sm, A mere child RoAHKM can play it. Caah or «uy payments. Ion of tmWt and full particulars frefc WM DRAPER,

ELECTION OF PARISH COUNCILS. The following additional results have come to hand:— CLOCAENOG. Messrs. E. Meredith Griffith, The Rectory; David Hughes, Brynfedwen; John Jones, Paradwys; John Jones, Plas; Thomas Owen Jones, Pen-y-parc; Hugh Jones, Bron Banog; John Morris, Hendre glan-alwen; William Roberts, Maestyddvn-Isa; Edwin Roberts, Maestyddyn-Canol; Robert Roberts, Hendre; Isaac Roberts, Old Post Office. LLANGYNHAFAL. Messrs. John Davies, Ty.isa; John Davies, Pentre; Gabriel Hughes, TynypistyH; Wil- liam Jones, Plas-yn-rhos; John Jones, Plas-yn. llan; Edward H. Jones, Plas-coch, William Jones, Ty-coch Thomas Roberts, Ty-newydd; John Roberts, Brynbedw. LLANDEGLA. Messrs. John Evans, Pen-y-stryt; John Hughes, Pen-y-stryt Farm; Meredith Jones, Waen-cas-gau Farm Ellis Jones, Pen y-stryt John Jones, Village; D. Roberts, Pen-y- stryt. LLANBEDR. Messrs. William Davies, Brynrhedyn; G. H. Denton, Llanbedr Hall; Thomas Evans, Vron Ganol; Edward Jones, Wern; John Roberts, Plastowerbridge; William Taylor, Plas-isaf; John Williams, Caeglas. LLANFAIR (RURAL). Messrs. Isaac Davies, Caregllwyd; John Garner, Scubor, Isa; Basil Morgan Jones; Llanfair Vicarage; Edward Jones, Village; Ishmael Roberts, Graig; John S. Scales, Oak- lands, Edward Williams, Ty Coch Ucha. DERWEN. Messrs. Thomas Davies, Park Bach; Hugh Davies, Bryn Meibion; J. Morris Edwards, Tyddyn Isat; I Robert Ellis, Garw Fynydd; John Griffiths, Ty Isaf; Robert Jones, Llwyn Bresych Hugh Roberts, Pant yr-yne. LLANYNYS (RURAL). Messrs. John Foulkes, Pantglas Isa; Edward Jones, Ty Mawr; Robert Roberts Lloyd, Bychymbyd John Roberts, Tynycoed Hugh Platt, Telpyn; David Vaughan, Tomenyr- adwy John Williams, Ferm. LLANELIDAN. Messrs. G. Richard Edwards, Garthneuadd; J. J. Griffith, Penfforda-ddu; David Edwards Jones, Pwlldu, William Jones, Hendre Bach; John Morris, The Rectory; David Roberts, Siamberwen Gomer Roberts, Cefn; J. Her- bert Williams, Caerddinen; Richard Wynne, Rhewlfelin. LLANARMON-YN-YALE. Messrs. Thomas Evans, Lot Joseph Davies, Brynmowion; Thomas Jones Hughes, Erw Fawr; Robert Ingman, Waen; Enoch Jones, Brynyffynnon; Hugh Jones, Graig; David Jones, Tynewydd; Simon Jones, Tynyftynnon R. Rogers Jones, Cyfnant; Llewelyn Littler, Voel Las; William Parry, Highgate; John Pickering, Maesypwll; William Richards, School House Thomas Roberts, Pant-y- gwlanod; David Roberts, Tanyrogof. GYFFYLLIOG. Messrs John Jones,. Hendre; Hugh Davies, Fachlwyd Farm; John Thomas Lloyd, Plas Meredith Edward Lloyd, Penllwyn William Jones, Cae'rhafod, Thomas Morris, Hafod-y- wen; Robert Williams, Tynpwll; Evan Edwards, Tybrith; John Roberts, Chapel House. LLANFERRES. Messrs. John Davies, Tynycae; Robert Edwards, Village Peter Edwards, Tyfynain John George, Coedyfedw; John Parry, Upper Rhos; George Archer, Tippett, Bryn Saeson; William Williams, Saw Mill Cottage.

FLINTSHIRE COUNTY RIFLE ASSOCIATION. The Duke of Westminster presided at the Queen's Hotel, Chester, on Saturday, over the annual meeting of the Flint County Rifle As- sociation, the attendance also including Colonel Davies-Cooke, Colonel J. Sheriff Roberts, Major Wilford Lloyd (private secretary to the Duke of Westminster), Majors Gibson, Spar- row, Hurlbutt, and Wyld; Captains Milling- ton, Bate, Willes, Keene, and Sparrow; Lieu- tenants R. C. Davies, Hall, Foote, and Leete. The Council's report was as follows: In sub- mitting the accounts for the past year, your council wish to point out the deficit which oc- curs on the year's Vorking. This amounts to f23 19s., and brings up the balance owing to the bank to JE55. This is attributable to various causes, the principal being the cost of construc- tion of mantlet, previously erected and taken over by the association, and alterations in the marking system; the heavier working expen- ses entailed by the greater use of range by the militia and volunteer regiments, and the inew item of rent for use of range by the association. Against this must be set the rent received from the militia, but this only covers the bare cost of the mantlet. The working and all other ex- penses have been kept as low as possible, but, notwithstanding this, the expenditure has con- siderably exceeded the receipts. The great question of the association to consider is how the support of the county may best be enlisted, as hitherto it has not by any means been so freely accorded as was expected, and, it may be added, merited. With these exceptions, the work of the association for the past year has been eminently satisfactory. The yeomanry and engineers have joined the association, and in consequence the annual prize competition had to be held on two days, viz., the 2nd and 3rd of September, and was in every way a suc- cess. The tenancy of the range is now, after considerable difficulty, placed on a satisfactory footing, the tenant having signed an agree- ment which gives the association paramont shooting rights on the range, with power to sub-let. Application has been made for hire of the range for two militia regiments this year. The question of enlargement of the range ac- commodation is fully dealt with in the scheme to be submitted to the meeting.' Colonel Sheriff Roberts, in moving the adop- tion of the report and accounts, expressed a hope that 25 to 30 gentlemen might be found in the countYlwilling to become vice-presidents, at an annual subscription of three guineas each. Majtfr Gibson seconded the adoption of the report and accounts, which was agreed to. Captain Keene submitted a scheme for ex tending the range accommodation at Rhyl by the substitution for the present of old targets of the Rolston targets, which were used at Bisley. Consideration of the matter was deferred, Colonel Sheriff Roberts remarking that to in. cur the expense now would be ruinous. On the motion of Colonel Davies-Cooke, seconded by Captain Bate, the Duke of West minster was re elected president, and his Grace, in again accepting the post, said he would be glad to increase his subscription to 920 a, year (applause). Captain Keene was re-appointed secretary, and Major Wilford Lloyd was elected on the committee in the place of Captain Dew.

PRESTATYN. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Wednesday night, when there were present Messrs. W. H. Coward (chairman), Thomas Williams (vice-chairman), John Jones, J. B. Linnell, Thomas Hughes, Robert Davies, Ellis Roberts, John Pritcha.rd, J. E. L. Jones, Dr. Griffith, Messrs. J. Hughes, (clerk), and W. C. Bell, surveyor. THE ADOPTION OF ROADS. It was recommended by the General Purposes Committee that Cement Road, Victoria Avenue, Sandy Lane, and Chapel Street, when sewered, levelled paved metalled, flagged, channelled, and made good to the satisfaction of the Urban Authority of Prestatyn, be adopted and dec- lared highways repairable by the inhabitants at large. Mr. John Jones urged that the Council would have to adopt the roads before the bye-laws were passed, or they would not be able to do so at all. If the roads named were adopted by the Council after the byelaws were passed, the Councillors voting for their adoption would render themselves liable to heavy penalties. The Clerk explained that the Council in General Committee had decided to recommend the deferring of the adopting of the byelaws. After some discussion, Dr. Griffith proposed, and Mr. Hughes seconded, that the Committee's recommendation be confirmed. This was carried, as was another motion pro- posed by Mr. Linnell, seconded by Mr. Ellis Roberts, to defer the adoption of the byelaws. Dr. Griffith then moved, and Mr. John Jones seconded, that application be made to the Local Government Board to amend the application of the Council so as to substitute Sandy Lane, Victoria Avenue, and Cement Road for Aber Road, Plas Avenue, and Clwyd Avenue from excemption clauses. This was passed. RATE COLLECTION. It was reported by the clerk that the total collection of the General District Rate amoun- ted to £836. Mr. John Jones congratulated the collector on the excellent way in which the, rates had been collected. There were he believed only about 920 outstanding, and that was very creditable to the clerk and the district. ELECTION OF OVERSEERS. Messrs. Ellis Roberts, Goronwy Jones, and T. T. Scott, were appointed overseers for the ensuing year, and a vote of thanks was passed to the old overseers for their services. TAXATION OF GROUND RENTS. A circular sent on the subject was read, and on the motion of Dr. Griffith, seconded by Mr. John Jones, it was decided to petition Parlia- ment in favour of the taxation of ground values. SUNDAY TRAINS. Mr. Robert Davies moved that a petition be sent to the Local Government Board, asking ttiem to restrict the service of trains on Sun- day, on the proposed light railway between Rhyl and Prestatyn. Mr. J. E. L. Jones seconded the motion, which was carried. A POLICE STATION ASKED FOR. Dr. Griffith gave notice that he would at the next meeting move that application be made to the County Council for a police station at Prestatyn.

There are nearly 2,700 crossing-sweepers in London. Whales cannot swim faster than ten or twelve miles an hour. Alexandria possesses the largest artificial harbour in the world. Muffs were worn by gentlemen in England till late in the last century, The human hand can be dipped in lead boil- ing at white heat without danger. .In the sixteenth century Europe was com- posed of 2,000 distinct sovereignties. Mustard used to be eaten whole instead of in the form of a paste made from mustard flour.

The Niagra Falls are 1,968 feet wide. Turtles have been caught weighing fifteen hundredweight. A male child when born weighs one-sixth more than a female. At the Queen's dinner table there are separate servants for each person.

LLANDYRNOG PARISH COUNCIL. To the Editor of THE NORTH WALES TIMES. SIR, In describing the new members of the Llan- dyrnog Parish Council in your last issue, you describe them as Conservatives and Liberals, giving the Conservatives a majority of three. As the election was not fought on political grounds, most of the new members, and their supporters are much annoyed that anyone should have misinformed you, and try and put a political complexion on it. It also made it appear to your readers that Llandyrnog is a stronghold of Toryism j it may be made to appear anything on paper. I may say that the election was fought on the Water question, and I am glad to say that five of the seven new members are in favour of having a:scherne for supplying the inhabitants of the Parish with pure water, so if these five will be true to their opinions, and stand to- gether, we shall not much longer have to drink polluted ditch water which has been so often condemned by the Sanitary Inspector, as un- fit for domestic use. Yours truly, 'No POLITICS.' Llandyrnog, March, 15th 1899.

THE PRUDENTIAL ASSURANCE COMPANY, LIMITED. We have been favoured with a copy of the Fiftieth Annual Report of the above com- pany, and it is a document worthy of peru- sal, not only by those who are interested in the company as share or policy holders, and their name is legion-but by all who can appreciate how a, gigantic enterprise of this kind is carried on, and carried on success- fully. In referring to the accounts of this so- ciety, one must accustom oneself to think in millions, with an occasional lapse, in mere details, into thousands. But there is a more wonderful side to the question than even its magnitude. It is an object lesson in the multiplication tables, showing how those who care for the pennies become the possessors of pounds. We shall attempt to give a few figures as to this wonderful company in the form that they can best be appreciated. There are thirteen and-a-half millions of people policy holders in the Prudential. This means that one out of every three men, women, and children in the United Kingdom are insured in this institution. The 'Prudential 'has interests in every part of the world. Not an accident happens, not a war takes place, but the Prudential is concerned in it. Missionaries in China, soldiers at Omdurman, spectators at the launching of a new war vessel, who are precipitated into the water, railway passen- gers in smashes,' boat disasters, and all the evils that man is heir of,' causes-not a commotion, that is unknown here-but a little extra labour at Holborn Bars, the palatial head offices of the Prudential. There has been much talk-and nothing else-about, Old Age Pensions. But the Prudential has just issued its Pension scheme, and it is now in active and actual operation. Policy-holders in the Industrial Branch, and who have paid for 25 years, need not keep up their payments after ar- riving at the age of 75. We cannot furnish our readers with details, although these are very interesting, but we will give a few totals in round num- bers-and very round they are. There were Sixty-four Thousand policies issued during 1898, assuring Six Millions. The Premiums received during the year, amounted to nearly Three Millions. Four Millions were received as premiums in the Industrial Branch during the year. The following are the principal items in the Assets of the company British government securities, over Three Millions. Indian and Colonial government securi- ties, over Three Millions. Railway Debenture Stock and other De- benture Stock, over Two Millions. Freehold ground rents, &c., nearly Three Millions. Mortgages, over Four Millions. Railway, Gas, and Water Stock, over Five and a half Mi'lions. The other Assets are made up of smaller sums, but well up in hundreds of thousands. The grand total is Thirty-three and a half Millions (233,599,708 6s.)! We think we have stated enough to show the magnitude, the stability, and the advantages of this great Assurance Com- pany.

BANKRUPTCY OF A WELSH MINISTER. At Shrewfebury Bankruptcy Court, on Tues- day, the Rev. John Griffiths, Calvinistic Metho- dist minister, Shrewsbury, and formerly of Arddleen, Montgomeryshire, came up for his public examination. His gross liabilities were jE264 5s. 6d., the assets £86, leaving a deficiency of E103 5s. 6d. The alleged causes of failure were losses, sickness in family, and insuffi- cient income from the ministry to meet ex- penses.5 Examined by the official receiver (Mr. F. Cariss), debtor said he was a minister of the Calvinistic Methodist Church, and, previously to coming to Shrewsbnry in 1897, he was minis- ter of the church at Arddleen, where his stipend was £100 a year, and before that he was at Southport. His salary, however, was totally inadequate. Most of his debts were for money lent by members of his church. Latterly when at Arddleen he held an insurance agency for North Wales, for which he received £60 a year and commission. In October, 1897, he resigned his pastorate at ArddleeA, and came to Shrews- bury, having obtained an appointment as dis- trict agent for a New York insurance office, at a salary of;CI50 a year that, however, ceased last March, since which he had been dependent on occasional fees for Sunday duty. Owing to pressure of creditors he bad hadlto resort to money lenders. He had invested ;E5W in a stationery business at Carnarvon as a sleeping partner, but ultimately lost the whole sum. That money belonged to his wife. He had taken share certificates in various companies in South Africa, South America, and South Australia, but had not received a half-penny in return (laughter). The Assistant Official Receiver I have often wondered what class of people took such shares now I see (laughter). After further evidence, the examination was closed.

The longest canal in the world is in China. London eats nearly half a million tons of fish every year. Friday is the day usually chosen in Germany for weddings. A child is born in London every five minutes, and a person dies every eight minutes. There is a tree in Amarahoor-a (Burmah), 2,187 years old, being planted in the year B.C. 288. Jerusalem is still supplied with water from Solomon's Pools through an aqueduct built by fche Crusaders. Out of. amateur novel-writers only about hree in every i 100 find their way into print, a xcept at their own expense.