The North Wales Times

+, 'i," J:o/. !j t t .R\ I/ IF I R E 0,u fj5M§gfc|i Insurance Office. 0* Sum Insured in 1898- \<IK £ 430,000,000. *OED N Fcr particulars, apply to the following Agents- Baia—Mr. R. L. Jones, Mount Pleasant. Bangor—Mr. Jame3 Smith. „ Mr. Richard Hah. Barmouth—Air. R. F. Anderson. Beauma-ris-,Mr. Frederick Geary Carnarvon—Mr. William Hugh Owen. ■Conway—Mr. C- Droyer, Deganwy, Llandudno Denbigh—Mr. J. H. Jones; Dolgelley—Mr. T. P. Jones Parry Holyhead—Mr. Owen Hughes. Holywell-Mr. Robert Thomas. Llandudno-Mr. Edgar W. Riches. Llanfyllin-Mr. Wiliiam A. Pughe. Llanidloes-Mr. Bennett Rowlands. Llangefni-Mr. William Thomas. Llangollen-Messrs. Minshull & Parry Jones. Llaurwst-Mr. E. Jones Owen. Mold—Messrs. Kelly, Keen & Co. Portmadog—Mr. J. Tobias, Solicitor. Rhos-on-Sea-Air. P. J. Kent. St. Asaph-Mr. Llewelyn Lloyd. "Welshpool—Mr. D. Wall. Wrexhhm-Nlr. G. Trevor Boscawen.

BIRTHS. ELLIS—January 16th, the wife of Mr. Henry Ellis, Soath Street, Caerwys, of a son. HUGHES January 15th, the wife of Mr. David Hughes, quarryman, Henilan Street, Denbigh, of a son. JONES—January 16th, the wife of Dr. J. Owen Jones, Bodowen, Holywell, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. EDWARDS- WILLIAMS-January 13th, at the Regis- trar's Office, Bala, Mr. Morris Edwards, Plae-yn- cynllwyd, Bala, to Miss Catherine M. Williams, Ty Mawr, Llanuwchllyn. EVANS JONES January 17th, at the Wesleyan chapel, Eglwys Bach, by the Rev. Phillip Williams, Llanrwat, assisted by the Revs. Rhys Jones, Eglwys Bach, and Francis Jones, Colwyn Bay, Mr. Enoch Evans, 8 B ckman Street, Fountain Road, Liverpool (late of Llandrillo), to Miss Maggie Jones, Bodnod Arms, Eglwys Each. JONES EDWARDS January 15th, at Glanyrafon chapel, Llangollen, by the Rsv. Huw Parri and Mr. James Clarke, registrar, Mr. Henry Jones, Fron- eyssylltau, to Miss Maria Edwards, Beatrice Street, Oswestry. DEATHS. BROWNE January 16th, aged 45 years, Jane, the beloved wife of Mr. George Browne, 67 Cranford Street, Smethwick, Birmingham (third daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, 5 Charnell's Well, of this town. EDWARDS January 14th, aged 89 years, Mrs. Elizabeth Edwards, Hafod yr Esgob Isaf, Bala. EVANS—January loth, aged 72 years, at the residence of his daughter—Mrs. Lloyd Hughes, Castle Hill, Denbigh- Mr. John Hughes (late of Ty'nybedw, Llanrhaiadr, near Denbigh), and was interred on the 20th (to-day) at Llanrhaiadr. JONES— At Plasgwyn. Llanasa, Sarah, the beloved wife of Mr. John Jone9, aged 81 years. Interred at Llanasa Churchyard, January 8th. JONES—January 16th, aged 55 years, Mary, the be- loved wife of Mr. Evan Jones, Pentre Du, Llan. nefydd. Interred at the Groes M. C. chapel Cemftery. JONES .Janua.ry 14th, abed 69 years, Mrs. Jones, Cross Keys, Corwon. LLOYD January 12th, aged 71 years, Mr. George Lloyd, Cross Cottage, Pontblyddyn, near Meld. RoBERTs-January 17th, aged 52 years, Mrs. Anne Robert", Lloyd's Terrace, Denbigh (late of Llan- dyrnog). Deceased was the widow of the late Mr. J. Roberts, Brynffo!t, Llandyrnog. She leaves a son and two daughters to mourn her loss. Interred at Nantglyn Churchyard to-day (Saturday). THOMAS—January 14th, 5 ged 89 years, Mrs. Anne Thomas, Llandderfel, widow of the late Mr. John Thomas, tailor, Rhos, Llanuwchllyn. WILLIAMS- January 15th, aged 58 years, Mrs. WH- liams, widow of the late Mr. John Williams, Tegid Street. Bala.

WELSH MARKETS. DENBIGH, January 17th.-The market was a com- paratively small one, and the supply was not large. What butter there was was bought up early. Potatoes were scarce and deaz and the prices of corn remain about the same as last week. Quotations :-Wheat 9s; barley, 8s to Sa 6d: oata, 5s to 5s 6d per hobbet. Fresh butter, Is 2d to Id 4d per !b; small tubs, Is lid to Is 3d per lb.; ne large tubs offered. Eggs, 12 to 13 for a Is. Fowls, 3s 6d to 4s 6d per couple; ducks, 5s to 5s 6d per couple. Potatoes, 7s Od to 8s per hobbet. Oatmeal, 2d per lb. Beef, 5id to 9d per lb; mutton, 7d to 8d. per lb. « LLANGEFNI, January 18th. Oats, 13s. 6d. to 14s. per quarter; potatoes, 3s. 6d. to 3s. 9d. per cwt.; fresh batter. la. 3d. per lb.; wool, 7d. to 8d. per lb.; fowls, from 2s. to 2s. 6d. per couple; ducks, 2a. 6d. to 3s. per couple. Eggs, 14 and 15 for a Is. Young pigs, lis. to 13s. each; and fat pigs, 3d. to Fio. per lib. RUTHIN, January 15th.-The prices were as follows —Wheat, from 9s to 9s 6d per hobbet; barley, 7s 6d to 9s 6d: oats, 5s 3d to 6s per hobbet. Fresh butter, from le 3d to Is 4d per lb; fowls, 3s Od to 4s Od per couple. Ducks, Os to Os Od per couple. Eggs, 11 to 12 for a Is.

CATTLE MARKETS, AND FAIRS. BIBKENHEAD.—Agricultural Produce. -January 16. —Hay, old, 22 10s to £3 per ton; ditto, clover, 23 5a to 21; straw, wheat, 2.1 5s to 21 15Fi; ditto, oat, £1 10a; turnips, 21 6s; and manure, 2s to 4s per ton. LONDON.—Agricultural Produce. -January 16th.— Very moderate supply, and trade steady at the follow. Ing prices:—Good to prime hay, 70s to 87s 6d; infer- ior to fair ditto, 55s to 65s; good to prime clover, 75s to 100s; Inferior, 60s to fair ditto, 60s to 70s; mixture and sainfoin, 60s to 85s 6d; and straw, 24s to 36s per load. LMRPGOT-- Wholesale Vegetable.—January 17th.— Potatoes: Lymn greys, from 3s 2d to 3s 6d main crops, 3s 8d to 4a 3d; Bruce, 3s 4d to 3s 10d'; and champions, 3s 4d to 3s 6d per cwt. Turnips, swedes, Is 4d to Is 6d per cwt; carrots, 3s 9d to 4s 6d per cwt. Onions, English, 58 6d to 6a 6d; ditto, foreign, 48 to 48 6d per owt. LIVERPOOL-uS,. John', Market.-January 17th.— Beef, 6d to 8d per lb; mutton, 6d to 8d; veal, 7d to 9d; fresh pork, 7d to 9d per lb; fresh butter, Is 2d to Is 4d per Th salt ditto. Is to Is 2d per lb; and eggs, 10s 4d per 120. WBEXHAM, January 15th.—The supply of stock of all descriptions at the rattle market was fairly good, the show of beef being very fine. The demand was a smart one, and the clearance most satisfactory, Dairy cows ranged up to 220 each, and £ barrena and stlrks from S3 to 213 each. QuotationsBeef, 6d t. 7d per lb; mutton, 7d te 8d; veal, 7d to 7!d per Ib; and pork, 7s 6d to 8. 3d per score lbs. SALVORD, January 16th.-The decrease on the sup- ply of last week was 74 beasts and 334 sheep, the fi- gures for Tuesday last being:—beasts, 2,843; sheep, 8,286; calves, 112; and pigs, 108. The prices obtained were as followsbeasts, 5d to 9id per lb; sheep, 6d to Bid; calves, 5d to d per lb. Fig", 7s 6d to 8s per more lbs. BIBMINGHAM, January lPth.-Supplies good, and trade quiet. Best Herefords. 7d per lb; shorthorns, 6id to t;fd; bulls and cows, 4fd to fid; wether sheep, 8id ewes aDd rams, 5 £ d to «%1 per lb. Bacon pigs, 7s 6d to 7s 8d per score lbs; porkets, 8s 6d to 9s 2d; and sows, 5s 9d to 6s per soore. LONDON, January 18th.—There was net much ani- mation in the trade on Thursday, and prices remain unaltered. 7^st to 8«t Down wethers, 5s 8d to 5s lOd per 8 lbs; 9t ditto, 5s4d to 5s 8d: lOst half-breds, 5s 2d to 5s 4d; 10st Down ewes, 3s lOd to 4s; list half-bred ditto, 3s 6d to 311 8d per 8 lbs. DUBLIN, January Igth.-Prtme heifer and ox beef, 58a to 60s per cwt; extra quality, 61s; secondary, 50s to 56s. Prime wether mutton, 6 £ d to 7id per lb; ewe, 5d to 6id per lb. Veal, choice, 7d to 8d per lb; in- ferior ditto, 4d to 6id. per lb.

WELSH FAIRS AND CATTLE MARKETS. January 22. Wrexham. 23. Llangollen. 24. Penrhiwpal. 25. Llanfyllin, and Trebedw. 26. Meifod. 27. Bethesda, and Llanidloes.

—— lUW The annual general meeting of the Na. tional Provincial Bank of England, Ltd., will be held on Thursday, January 25th, at 12 o'clock precisely, at the Bank premises, lIS, Bishopgate Street, London, E.C. )

OUR CITIZEN ARMY. WHATEVER may be the ultimate result of this most disastrous war in South Africa, I it has served to show unmistakably that the volunteer force of the country are a source of real strength to the country. For many years our citizens have been playing at soldiers,' with the result that many of them are, to all intents and purposes, as efficient as the regular soldier. In fact, as marksmen, they are considered better and more efficient than the regular army. An opportunity has now been given to the volunteers—and by this term we mean the several branches of our auxiliary forces-to show what they are capable of. We regret the necessity, but we cannot but congratu late the country upon the result of the in- vitation issued for assistance at a critical period in the country's bistcry. It should, however, be thoroughly understood that all those who now consent to serve in South Africa do so voluntarily. As volunteers, or as yeomen, none cf these men were bourd by their oaths to serve outside the British Isles, so that they are volunteers in more ways than one. We may mention that the yeomanry and volunteers of this country number 275,854, and on an occasion like the present, the fact that the country has such a vast army at its beck and call, is an object lesson which possibly could not be learnt by continental powers in any other way. Not within the memory of living men, and never perhaps in the course of our country's history, have such scenes been witnessed as those which attended the de- parture of the first half of the City of Lon- don Imperial Volunteers. To say that the volunteers had no reason to complain of enthusiasm would be to describe but feebly the patriotic ardour of the crowd which was of such an intense description that many of the men must have felt inclined to repeat the remark of Marshal Villars, 1 Defend me from my friends;' the City, the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's, the legal pro- fession, and the general populace, all united to do honour to the men who had been selected from various corps to form the regiment which will represent essentially the City of London. The latter fact was emphasised when the volunteers received the freedom of the City of London, the highest honour which the Corporation can bestow. As the Lord Mayor explained, the title is by no means an unmeaning one, for the City has at its disposal, funds which it would probably not be slow to devote to the assistance of necessitous widows and orphans of any of the latest freemen. Later on, the citizen srldiers attended an impressive service in St. Paul's Cathedral, after which they were entertained at supper by the Benchers of the Inner Temple. Thfs was probably the first occasion upon which distinguished members of the legal profes- sion had vied with each other in distributing provisions to a party assembled in one of their ancient halls. The gathering in such circumstances was a striking and heart- warming incident, but perhaps the chief feature of the whole proceedings was the speech of Mr. Justice Grantham. The learned judge had a high reputation as an orator before he was promoted to the bench, and the remarks in which he tendered a welcome to the guests, proved that he bad lost none of his old skill. Himself an old volunteer, he explained that the special reason for this gathering was to be found in the fact that many members of the Inns of Court Rifles-known to the general public as 'the Devil s Own '-bad joined the City Imperial Volunteers. He alluded briefly to the reverses which have been experienced by our troops, but pointed out that 'the British race of to-day has been formed not by victory over its enemies, but by over- coming dangers, difficulties, and defeats.' Mr. Justice Grantham rendered something of a national service by reminding us of this fact which some of us are apt to forget when bad news comes from South Africia. It is true that the operations of our troops have not always been successful, but the valour of the British soldier has been de- monstrated in a way that finds few paral- lels in our rough island story, rich as tbat story is in deeds of heroism. Very much to the inconvenience of the regiment, the admiration and patriotism of the metropoli- tan public, manifested themselves when the troops were leaving, and not only were the volunteers greatly hampered in their journey to the railway station, but many of them bore evidence in their khaki uniform and accoutrements, of the boisterous cord- iality of the crowds through which they had passed. At Southampton, whither the Lord Mayor and sheriffs had preceded them, they met a very hearty, but less tumultuous reception, and no lime was lost in getting them on board the vessels which bad been patriotically placed at the disposal of the Government. The same scenes have been enacted all over the country, and Welshmen have not been backward, in showing their apprecia- tion of the men, who have volunteered to serve in South Africa. We question, bow ever, if the welcome given to the men has cot, on many occasions, been wrongly di- rected. On nearly every occasion the men have been made more or less intoxicated by drinks, forced upon them by too zealous friends. Apart from the morality of the question, we feel sure that the men them- selves would prefer to have their last recol- lections of their country, and all their friends unaccompanied by sickness and headache. We do not blame the men. We simply protest against the mistaken kind- ness of those who give them a send off. Whilst thus admiring the courage and devotion of our fellow countrymen, and raising no question as to their efficiency on the field of battle, we hope by the time they arrive in South Africa thafe the war will be over, and that their services, after all, will not be required.

No matter how modestly a man is attired, if bit shoes squeak he's loudly dreaded.

SLINGS AND ARROWS. [BY A FEOMAN OF THE GUARD}. It is possible to I cut one's nose to spite one's face.' It seems to me that some of the visitors of the Lunatic Asylum at their last meeting, successfully advocated this policy. The circumstances were these. The Denbigh Town Counril had asked the Asylum authorities if they could supply water for the Castle district of the town- for a consideration, of course. This request came before the meeting of the visitors last Monday. Now I do not know, nor do I care, whether the Asylum committee could grant the Council's request, nor whether it was to their interest to do so. I know that they have every right to refuse the re- quest, and this they have done, and there is an end to this matter. I do not complain of that. But it seems to be the idea of some of the visitors-Mr. Jones-Morris in particular-that it was the duty of the committee to take a sort of revenge on the Denbigh Town Council, because, I presume, of the successful attempt made by the Council to do away with the obligation of ( roviding a sewer for the Asylum. Sup- ply anywhere but Denbigh was Mr. Jones- Morris' advice. This, to say the least of it, is childish. The committee decided not to grant the water, but I sincerely hope that they did not arrive at their decision in consequence of Mr. Jones-Morris' advice. « « « I hope somthing will be done and speedily to provide the Castle district of the town of Denbigh with water. There is no reason-except the want of water- why this part of the town should not be the healthiest in the district. It is on a slope, easily drained, with a good founda- tion of solid rock. There is yet a con- siderable quantity of land in this district whitii could be built upon, and no doubt the development of this part of the town would add considerably to its ratable value. The only thing needed is water. The Asylum committee won't supply it, and the water company cannot supply it from their present mains, without special provision being made. Therefore, some scheme must be devised, and that speedily. • i. It is quite evident that the Liberals of the Borough of Denbigh and the contribu- tory boroughs, are prepared to contest the representation of the borough "at the next election. There is no lack of candidates. Several prominent gentlemen have declared their willingness to fight the battle and to bear the cost. The next candidate, when selected, should be able to make a very good fight, and to turn the tables on the Tories. At the last election, the Tories, for certain reasons best known to them- selves, praised their candidate, and drew comparisons between him and their late member-the Hon. George Kenyon. At the next contest they must eat their own words, and comparisons will have to be made in favour of Mr. Kenyon and against Mr. Tudor Howell. The Tories will thus be placed in a very awkward predicament, and it will take some ingenuity on their part to wriggle out of it. a 0 O » Apropos of Mr. Kenyon, it seems to me that the fact of his being adopted a can didate, has caused quite a change in his public conduct. During the latter years of his parliamentary life, and during the years that have passed since be retired from the representation of the boroughs, Mr. Kenyon was a most useful supporter of Welsh Intermediate Education, and he co- operated heartily with Nonconformists and unprejudiced Churchmen, in assisting to put the Welsh Intermedi&te Education Act in force. Because of this public-spirited conduct, be was not a persona grata with the Church party that look upon the Bishop of St. Asaph as their guide. Now, however, if appearances go for anything, Mr. Kenyon is beginning to trim- his sails. I have not seen his name as being present at any meeting connected with the Welsh County Schools since be was elected a can- didate. Is his candidature conditional upon his being a follower of the Bishop of St. Asaph ?

DENBIGH. Other Denbigh News on Page 6. The late Mr. Gee.-A gentleman who does not desire to have his name divulged, has established a 'Thomas Gee Scholarship,"at the Trevecca. Calvinistic Methodist College. This unknown gentleman will contribute Sio annually for this purpose as long as he lives. Called to the Bar.-Amongst those who have recently received a call to the bar, we find the name of Mr. J. D. Williams, Town Clerk of Soutbport, who, some years ago was engaged at the office of Mr. Parry Jones, Town Clerk, of this town. We heartily wish Mr. Williams every success in his new Mr. Williams every success in his new sphere. Capel Mawr Literary Society, At the weekly meeting of this society on Thursday evening, the Rev. Evan Jones in the chair, the Rev. Robert Griffiths read a paper on The Originality of Christ.' Mr. Griffiths was heartily thanked for a most excellent paper on the motion of Mr. D. Owen, seconded by Mr. Thomas Jones (Railway station). A runaway horse.-On Thursday morning, a horse attached to a trap belonging to Mr. R. Ellis, butcher, bolted in Beacon's Hill. The frightened animal rushed down the street at a furious pace, and as it was the time when the children were going to Fron Goch Schools, it was next door to a miracle that no one was hurt. The horse was cap- tured before much damage was done. Promotion. We understand that Mr. John Parry, son of Mr. Henry Parry, Ty Crwn, Henllan, and for the last ten or twelve years clerk with Messrs. Parry Jones and Francis, has received an appointment at the offices of Mr. Fielding, Clerk of the Peace, and Town Clerk, Canterbury. Mr. Parry, we understand, will begin on his new duties next Monday. As a proof of Mr. Parry's genial character, and the very high opinion entertained of him, we might men- tion that a testimonial has been got up in Henllan, which is willingly contributed to by all classes, to be presented to him, on the eve of his departure. We feel eure that Mr. Parry will be a credit to both Denbigh and Henllan in the chief town of Kent, I the garden of England.' A house on wheels.-Consid erable interest was manifested on Thursday in the new living vabi made by Mr. William Davies, coachbuilder, to the order of the Denbigh Town Council, and which was on view,' although not quite completed, that day. The van is intended for the men in charge of the Steam Roller, who can live in it when working at a distance from their homes. It is a substantial and convenient 'house,' and reflects credit on its builder and de- signer. Death of Mr. Aljred Ashford.-We regret to announce the death of Mr. Alfred Ash- ford, of the firm of Messrs. A. and T. Ash- ford, High Street, which took place early on Thursday morning, after a long illness. Mr. Ashford, whose long residence in the town had made him well-known and re- spected, was 53 years of age. For some years be was a Guardian of the Poor for the parish of Denbigh, and attended to his duties with a thoroughness and faithfulness that was very commendable. He was a Nonconformist, and used to attend the Presbyterian Chapel, Vale Street. His funeral will take place next Tuesday, at Whitchurch, and will be of a strictly private character. We voice the feeling of the town when we express our sympathy with Miss Ashford and Mr. T. Ashford. St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Denbigh.- In accordance with the wish of the Cardinal Archbishop, last Sunday was observed as a day of special prayer, to beg Almighty God's blessing on our Army that they may be victorious over their enemies and also, to beseech His mercy for the souls of the many who have fallgn. A special sermon was preached at the morning service by the Rev. Father Baldwin, S J.; and the evening ser- vice commenced with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by the prayers prescribed by the Archbishop, which con- sisted of the Rosary, the penetential Psalms, two of which, the Miserere and De Pro- fundis, where sung, the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus, and the prayer' Jesus Christ the King of Glory.' On January 7th, in common with all the churches and chapels of It he land, and by the wish of Her Majesty, a special collection was made in aid of the War Fund, and the amount, £1 3s. 5d., has been handed to the Mayor's local fund.— COR.

BOROUGH POLICE COURT. In addition to the cases given last week, and to the case of unlawful wounding, the following cases were dealt with by the Mayor (presiding), Mr. W. Mellard, and (in one or two cases) Mr. T. A. Wynne Edwards. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY: William Jones, New Road, Castle, was sum. moned by P.C. Howel Jones, for being drunk and disorderly on the 19th of December, in Tower Hill. Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 2s. 6d. and costs, or in default 7 days. Edward Jones, labourer, was summoned by P.C. Pierce for being drunk and disorderly on the 3ri of January in Crown Square. Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 2s. 6d. and costs. Robert William Ellis, Henllan Street, was summoned by P.S. Farrell for being drunk and disorderly on the 2nd inst, in High Street. Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 2s. 6d. and costs. William Jones, Post Office Lane, was sum- moned for being drunk and disorderly on the 3rd nst, in Crown Square. Fined 2a. 6d. and costs. John Roberts, Gogor, Llausannan, was sum. moned for being drunk and disorderly by P.C, Pierce. Defendant didllJot appear; and a warrant was issued for his arrest. THE LIGHTING BYE-LAWS. William Thomas, Panton Hall, was summoned by P.O. Howel Jones, for not having lights on a lurry he was driving on the 5th inst. Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 2s. 6d. and costs. TROUBLE BETWEEN MILKMAIDS. Hannah Davies, summoned Jane Jones, both milkmaids at Ystrad, for assault and battery. Mr. A. O. Evans appeared for tha com- plainant, and Mr. Moseley (of the office of Mr. A. Foulkes-Roberts), for the defendant. When the case was but partially heard, the two advocates came to terms, and there being a cross summons, the complainant and defen- dant were bound over in the sum of 910 to keep the peace for six months. EJECTMENT ORDER. Mr. John Hughes, Ruthin Road, made an ap- plication for the ejectment of Mr. William Henry Davies, 78 Park Street. Mr. A. O. Evans appeared for the applicant, and Mr. Moseley (of,the office of Mr. A. Foulkes Roberts) defended. John Hughes said that William Henry Davies was his tenant. The house was let to, him weekly at first. Cross-examined by Mr. Moseley: He had re- ceived rent from the defendant on account, al- though the rent was due half yearly. Re-examined: Defendant had been to his house that week, and wanted him to take 5s. on account, and that he would settle the rest on Monday. Mr. Moseley contended that the tenancy was a yearly one. His tenant was entitled to six months notice. The bench refused the application. Mr. Evans: I want the case adjourned. The Mayor: We decline. DRUNK. Evan Roberts, Penucha, Llansannan, was summoned for being drunk on the 14th of November, by P.S. Farrell. Defendant pleaded guilty, and he was fined 5s. and 7s. 6d. costs.

DENBIGH MEN WITH LORD METHUEN, Private J. Dryden, son of Mr. Dryden, fore- man at the Asylum Extension Works, who is a member of the Grenadier Guards, has sent the following letter to a friend (Mr. S. Davies): Modder River, Orange Free State, December 22nd, 1899. Dear old Simon, Just a few lines to show I'm still alive. I am quite well at present, though I've been in some unhealthy places lately. Belmont was the first place, how I got through it alive is a mystery. A bullet went through my helmet, and another cut my water bottle strap in two. I had the satisfaction of putting four Boers to rest with my bayonet, and I fired over 100 rounds, and I knew they did not all miss, but, of course, the papers gave the news better than I can. Gras- pan was the next place, but they didn't stop long there. Then came Modder River. We were 14 hours under fire before we drove them from the trenches. There are some awful sights here. I counted over 70 Boers dead in one trench here. We were two days burying their dead. I have a lot to say, but can't write it all here. I must close, hoping you are well, I re- main your affectionate pal, Jim.' In a letter to his mother (Mrs. Dryden), dared from Magersfontein, Orange Free State, 15th December, Private Dryden writes as follows:— I am all right at present. I am alive, but I have had some narrow, very narrow escapes. At Belmont, a bullet went through my helmet, and another cut my water strap clean off. Mardall was leading an ammunition mule when the reins were shot out of his hands. We have been in four battles, and at this last one a lot of Boers were killed. We have been helping them to bury their dead for three days now. There are some awful sights, and I wish it was all over.' Private F. Mardall, another member of the 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards, writes to Mr. Williams, Eagles Inn, from Modder River. He Bays:—' I am still alive, bnt we have had an awful rough time cf it lately. No doubt you have seen in the papers about the Guards taking the heights of Belmont. That was our first engagement. We took the position with the bayonet, it was an awful slaughter. We killed about 400 of the Boers but I am sorry to say that we 'ost 35 killed, and about 70 wounded. It was a sight I shall never forget. We have had three more engagements since. In our third engagement we were fighting for 12 hours without anything to eat or drink under the burning sun, and in our fourth engagement we had to retire, the Boers being too strong, but we will attack them again just before Christmas. I hope we shall be successful the next time. The heat is awful here, and Christ- mas day is midsummer day here. The water is very scarce, and what drop of it there is the Boers have poisoned.' 11

THE ALLEGED WOUNDING IN HENLLAN STREET. THE QUARREL BETWEEN BROTHERS. PRISONER COMMITTED TO THE ASSIZES. At the fortnighly sitting of the Borough Magistrates' Court on Friday, before the Mayor and Mr. W. Mellard, Wm. Dodd was brought up in custody, on a charge of unlawfully and maliciously wounding his brother, on Wednesday, the 10th inst. Mr. A. O. Evans appeared to prosecute on behalf of the police, and the prisoner was undefended. In his opening remarks, Mr. Evans stated that the case was a very serious one, and should the magistrates find a prima facie case against the prisoner, it was a matter that should go before the Assizes. Hugh Dodd, who appeared in court with a bandaged face, was then sworn, and stated that he was a labourer living in Henllan Street. He was with his brother in Hen llan Street on the Wednesday night in question. They were in the house together, and there was no one else there as far as he knew. He thought it was an accident, as he was sure his brother did not try to do it. They had a word or two together, while they were at tea. He could not say whether his brother had a knife or any in- strument in his hand. He had seen the knife and fork produced many a time be fore. He did not see the knife that night, and he was quite sober. They bad been quar- relling with one another, and he remember ed falling to the floor during the quarrel. He never saw his brother on top of him. Mr. A. O. Evans: Are you prepared to swear that your brother was not on top of you ? Dodd: He was not on top of me, as I know. Mr. Evans: How did you receive that wound ? Witness said it was by falling down. It was on the floor of the kitchen that he fell down. He must have fallen against some- thing to receive the wound. It was a stone floor, and the flags were broken up. Mr. Evans: Did your brother put a knife into you ? Dodd: I never saw him. Mr. Evans: Did he put the fork ? Dodd I never saw him. Continuing, Dodd said he remembered seeing the doctor at the surgery. Mr. Evans: What did you tell the doctor as to how it took place 1 Dodd: I don't remember what I said to him. Witness said he did not speak to the ser- geant of police that night. Dr. J. R. Hughes said he remembered last Wednesday night. Hugh Dodd was brought to his surgery about 8 p.m. He saw the blood streaming down the side of his cheek. He was brought in by a man named John Jones, who said that Dodd had been stabbed. Witness then asked Dodd how he came by that wound, and he replied that he had been stabbed by his brother with a knife which had gone in his cheek. Wit- ness further examined him, and found on the left side of his face a clean wound, which had penetrated to the angle of the jaw, and within about a quarter of an inch of the main artery. He was quite certain I that Dodd mentioned the knife. If the knife produced was the instrument with which the wound was done, it must have been used with great force. The wound could not have been caused by a fork, or with a stone. Hugh Dodd was quite sober. John Jones, labourer, Castle, was next called, and stated that on Wednesday night last, he went to Henllan Street to see his father who was ill. About 6.30 p.m. he saw William and Hugh Dodd on the floor strug- gling with each other. When he went in r, the house, William Dodd was on top of- > Hugh. He could not say what William was doing, but Hugh had hold of him fast. He saw blood on Hugh Dodd's cheek and shirt. He was bleeding very much. He (witness) saw the knife on the table, but did not examine it, to see whether it was blood-stained. Hugh Dodd then said,, William has rushed the knife into me,' but William was not there at the time. Wit- nessVibrother, Robert, was in the house at the time. He took Hugh to the doctor, and? was with him the whole time. He said to the doctor exactly the same as what the doctor had stated to the magistrates. Robert Jones, labourer, Henllan Street,, said that on the night in question, he was in the back yard with his wife, when she- called his attention to a fight which was going on in the house of William and Hugh Dodd. He proceeded there, and found both men on the floor at the bottom of the stairs. He understood that blood bad been shed, but could not say from which of the two. He saw a knife and fork lying on the table, and they were very similar to those pro- duced. He did not see any blood on the knife. Hugh Dodd gaid 'thit William had stabbed him with a fork.' Witness did not- go to the doctor with him. Elizabeth Foulkes, Henllan Street said Wm. Dodd lived with her, and his brother, Hugh came to see him very often. She re- membered Wednesday night when Hugh was m the house from 6.30 to 7 p.m. Wm. Dodd was sitting on a chair, and Hugh was on the settle., They were both going to have their tea together. On the table was one knife and fork, and a spoon and fork. Witness- was in the house, and she heard quarrelling. Hugh Dodd knocked William on the side of his head first with his fist., Wiliam went to Hugh and said he would stand it no longer, as be was always very nasty to him. When William went to Hugh she did not see anything in his hand,, but she ran out and shouted 'murder.' The reason she shouted murder was, be- cause both of them were fast on the floor. tvobert Jones was the firsc to go into the house, and John Jones followed. When they were let loose, William Dodd went to the yard where witness was, and she took him to the. street. William Dodd did not say anything to her, and there was no men- tion of a knife. Sergeant Farrell said that on the night in question he was sent to Henllan Street by Superintendent Jones in search of the prisoner, about 8 p.m. He found the pri- soner in Hilditch Yard. Witness did not charge him that night, because he was in drink. The next morning witness charged him with unlawfully wounding his brother Hugh. Prisoner replied,' What I did do was in self defence. We were having our dinner together when Hugh struck me in the face with his fist. He then made a second rush at me, but I put up my hand ta prevent him, when I felt the fork going into his face. I did not think I had the fork in my hand, when I held it up.' Wit- ness searched the house, but failed to find any instrument with blood-stains. The prisoner saw the knife and fork in the police station, and he said that that was the one. The Mayor: Had he a pocket knife ? Witness: Yes, but there were no blood- stains on it. By Mr. A. O. Evans: The knife had been removed the next morning from the table to the window. He saw a spot of blood on the wall where the struggle took plaoe. There were also about half a dozen ■mall stones on the table, which was about two yards away from the foot of the st ars. Prisoner was then formally charged, and elected to be dealt with summarily. He said that on the day in question, he was sitting with his brother in the house, when they had a word or two together. There was no clock in the house, and he could not tell the time exactly, it was between five and iiix o'clock. He said to Hugh What ie the matter with you quarrelling all the time.' He then -got up his fist and hit the prisoner on the side of the face. He rushed again the seconditime, but prisoner got clear and held his hand up. Prisoner then fell on his knees, and Hugh said Get up.' He lifted his foot up to kick him, but he (pri- soner) caught hold of both of his legs. He caught hold of his (prisoner's) back with his teeth, and he could feel his teeth going through his coat and waistcoat. He did not mean to do anything with the fork, but it must have slipped when he rushed at the prisoner. Prisoner was committed to take his trial at the next Assizes. He asked for bail, but the magistrates refused.

WAYSIDE JOTTINGS. [BY WAYFARER]. Certain of my readers appear to have come to the conclusion that I am some sort of Inspector General of Roads and Foot- ways. May I be permitted at once to explain, Mr. Editor, that I really am nothing of the sort. Of course, when a bad piece of road comes under my observation, and es- pecially when that bad portion interferes with my personal comforts, I avail myself of the birthright of all Britishers, and do a, grumble. Attention has been called more than once, in these columns, to the disgraceful condi- tion of some of the footways in the neigh- bourhood of Bagillt and Greenfield. I am asked by several heavy ratepayers to refer again to the matter, in the hope that con- tinual prodding may even move a highway committee to action. It would have been a treat to see some daintily shod county councillor picking his way, say on Monday or Tuesday this Week, from Bagillt to, Greenfield, nay from either of these places to their own railway stations. We should have heard something more than a grumble, I think. Again, my attention has been called to the bad, yea, even dangerous state of the footpaths in the town of Flint. In some places the footways are notoriously bad, and the main street of the town is no exceptionlto the rule. Economy would be better served by a little attention to these matters, than by an action for damages* should an unfortunate pedestrian come to grief in consequence of the defective state of the pavements. • ■ Rhetorical boomerangs are still being hurled in Flint church; but clerical invec- tive seems to have lest its influence on the townspeople. No one seems to mind it. Whether it be directed against depar- ted statesmen, or troublesome living mem- bers of Parliament; or even against those who, for reasons of their own, cannot see their way clear to submit tamely to the fines imposed by the magistrates, and pay tbem without demur. Perhaps it is deemed in some quarters that to join issue with the magistrates is a clerical prerogative. At any rate, it is not long since the judg- ment of the local bench was traversed in the same quarter that seems now to provide a fostering shelter for it.