The North Wales Times

THE SANITARY INSPECTOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. The following report was presented by Mr. William Windsor to the Council on Tuesday last:— Sanitary Inspector's Office, Denbigh, January, 16th, 1900. To the Chairman and Members of the Council, Borough of Denbigh. Gentlemen, I have the honour of submitting to you my second annual report. The decided improvements in sanitary mat ters which I have had the honour to place on record in my last year's report have been main- tained during the year 1899. The purchase of a steam roller has done much to improve the roads in the town. The best material is generally the cheapest, and it is only when the cost between good material and local limestone is very great that it is worth while to use inferior stone. Weak material results in constant scraping and expense, be- sides the cost of heavier traction, caused by soft and muddy or dusty surfaces which is readily displaced by atmospheric conditions, and being charged with animal and vegetable matter is a sourceof danger to public health and a serious inconvenience to shopkeepers and pedestrians. • i_S^Wer ln. Oram's Lane constructed of stone with dry walls neither air nor watertight, al lowing the contents to pass readily through their sides into the surrounding soil, has been abolished and a stoneware socketed pipe sewer substituted. The work has been carried out under the supervision of the Surveyor, and manholes constructed on each change of direc- ^ne sewer> which places the whole length under control and easy of access for clearing and other purposes. INSPECTION OF THE TOWN. The yards and courts of the town have been systematically inspected. Special attention has been given to courts and yards where closets are used in common by the tenants. In some cases the owners have provided keys, this pre- vents the closets being used by outsiders during the nighttime. ° The drainage of No. 1, Court, Vale Street, has been reconstructed, and the surface traps, ashpit and water closets improved. A certain amount of opposition has been offered, and the question asked why the Inspec- tor insists upon having cement joints in the laying of new drains it is necessary to guard against pollution of the soil with sewage, more especially in close proximity to foundations of houses, and since such a state of things means in all probability contamination of the air. The practice hitherto adopted in the town was to lay drains without any material in the joints, while in a few systems clay and lime mortar havelbeen used, and in several instances the drain pipes laid the wrong way. It is not an unfrequent thing to find bends in dtain made by fitting straight pipes together improperly so that the pipes lie at an angle to one another and not in a straight line. This is done by inserting the end of one pipe farther into the socket of one side of it than on the other, and is not unfrequently done to such an extent that one side of the pipe does not enter the socket at all. Contractors and workmen have been impressed of the necessity of using pipes of proper curvature which should always' be used where it is necessary to depart from the straight line of pipes. Clay is not at all a suitable material for join- ing stoneware pipe drains. The objections urged against such material are, that clay is apt to be washed out in time; rats scrape it away joints do not remain watertight; roots of trees grow into the joints and fill the pipes. With cement, on the other hand, watertight joints can be made, but they require to be made with considerable care, or pieces of the cement may project into the interior of the pipes. I need only briefly explain the advantages of manholes or chambers in order to remove any impression that they are not required and cause unnecessary expense. The disconnecting cham- ber is usually constructed on the line of the house drain at a point nearest to sewer and is provided with an approved intercepting trap with raking arm, which affords a ready access to clear any stoppage that may occur between such trap and the sewer, the water-seal of/the disconnecting trap is sufficient to prevent sfewer gas entering the house drains. The inspection chambers are constructed upon similar lines- minus the traps-which places the whole sys- tem of drainage under control and easy of access. It is admitted that there is very little doubt as to the usefulness of these chambers, and the great advantages" derived from their provision over any other means of inspection which may be provided. An indication of the appreciation by many of the large ratepayers and owners who have approached me with a view of carrying out the most improved methods of sanitation is evident by the fact that 41 dis. connecting and inspection chambers have been constructed during the year, thirty have been provided with iron airtight covers, and eleven Ragged over near the ground surface. A considerable amount of time has been taken up in the examination of large dwelling-houses, and advice sought on the alteration and recon- struction of drains, also reinspecting works in progress necessitating repeated visits and a considerable amount of over sight in order to see that the work was being done in a work- manlike and satisfactory manner. This, of course, occupies a certain amount of time, which cannot well be avoided, as it would be a mistake nqt to examine the work during the time it is in progress, and, indeed, most of the ratepayers and owners now rely upon the In- spector doing this. It is of the highest im- portance that the best principles should be ap- plied to all undertakings and improvements in connection with public health work, or the de- sired end would not be attained. Hence the need for strict over-sight and attention. More accurate and scientific methods of carrying out work have been adopted, and are, as a matter of fact, essential for the protection and pre- servation of health. I am pleased to acknowledge the assistance rendered me by the owners and others gener- ally, and their readiness to comply with my requests. November has brought about a change in the sanitary administration of the town. The late Chairman and the Sanitary Committee have been most untiring in their efforts to bring about an improvement in the sanitary condi- tion of the borough, and for their kind help and support I offer them my best thanks, hoping that the work now in progress will receive the undivided attention of the present Committee, go that the best interests of the town may be erved. NUISANCES PREJUDICIAL TO HEALTH. It is gratifying to record that some important systems of drainage have been carried out dur- ing the year. The following are a few of the principal places, viz. :-Denbighshire Infirmary, Plas yn Green, Grove House, Clergy .House, Plas Pigob, &c. TABULATED STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1899. No of complaints. I 44 Nuisances diseovered 322 JJ „ abated 282 u re-visits to premises 548 u preliminary notices served .47 legal „ 19 copies of reports to owners and ■ others DESCRIPTION OF NUISANCES. No. of defective house and yard drains 62 choked drains 1 5 defective w.c. drains. 6 11 sink waste pipes 4 foul pan-closets 2 JJ defective eave gutter and down- spouts 41 „ premises without sufficient drains 3 premises without proper water supply 2 defective iron I D' traps 77 pavements 30 accummulations of offensive matter 6 house unfit for human habita- tion 1 „ defective soil and ventilating pipes 20 foul privies 16 „ drmp-house walls 2 miscellaneous nuisances 45 PRIVY CESSPITS. No. of foul privies removed. 16 w.c.'s erected 20 REMOVAL OF HOUSE REFUSE. In my last annual report I called attention to the system adopted with respect to the col- lection and removal of house refuse, and fully explained the serious dangers attending the large accumulations allowed to collect; about dwellings. I had hoped that some system would have been adopted, and thereby relieve the occupiers of the duty now devolving upon them to effect the periodical removal which is done in an unsatisfactory way. Our respected Tcrtvn Clerk caused enquiries to be made from other towns as to the system adopted, and I believe a few of the replies stated that:—' We have adopted the system of collection and re- moval of house refuse, and find the town much healthier.' Surely is this not sufficient to call for some immediate action on the part of the Council who is responsible for the general health of the inhabitants. This would be a step in the right direction, and would meet with general approval. COMMON LODGING HOUSES. There are nine common lodging houses upon the register, and these are capable of accommo- dating 65 persons. One keeper, since my last report, has removed. One has been registered during the year 1899. The lodging houses have been regularly in- spected. It was found necessary to take proceedings against' two keepers in contravention of the byelaws. Two keepers were cautioned against over- crowding and receiving lodgers without having applied for registration. The byelaws require that in every case of in- fectious sickness in a lodging-house the keeper shall forthwith give notice thereof, in addition to the statutory provisions in that behalf, to the Inspector of Nuisances, that he may inspect the same. No case of infectious nature has been re- ported in any common lodging-houses. Fines and costs, 8s. 6d. PRIVATE SLAUGHTER-HOUSES. Thirteen private slaughter-houses are upon the register. The majority of the slaughter houses are un der careful management, while a few require more supervision with regard to cleanliness of premises and utensiIF4 and the improper mode of disposing of offensive material. The processes by which the meat is prepared for sale and consumption demands that such premises be for the most part on the best sani- tary principles. Local custom exercises a great influence, often adversely upon the general aspect of the business and its effects upon health, and to in- duce bhe keepers to depart from it is not an easy task. DAIRIES, COWSHEDS, AND MILKSHOPS. Twenty cowkeepers and purveyors of milk are upon the register. Three have been regis- tered during the year 1899, under the dairies, cowsheds, and milkshops order. Accommodation is provided for 417 cows. Two applications are standing over pending the necessary alterations and improvements. Thepremisesjand utensils have been examined, and under proper supervision. I find a marked improvement in the condition of the cowsheds and surroundings. The condition of the dairies and utensils with regard to their cleanliness are satisfactory. A large quantity of the milk from the most important dairies within the borough is sent by rail to various towns along the north coast. No case of an infectious nature has occurred in any of the'dairies or milkshops. There are no byelaws in force to regulate premises of this description. OFFENSIVE TRADES. Complaints have keen made as to the manner in which such businesses have been conducted, and to enquire into such complaints, the Medical Officer of Health and myself have visited such premises. Nuisances were found to exist, and these were duly reported to the Sanitary Au- thority. FACTORY AND WORKSHOPS ACT, 1891-95. I had hoped to have prepared a list of the workshops within the borough, T)f which there are a fair number, but other duties have occu pied my time. From observation, it is essential that premises of this description, especially dressmakers' workshops, require adequate super- vision. INSANITARY PROPERTY. No action has been taken with,respect to pro- perty of this description. INFECTIOUS DISEASES. The following cases of infectious diseases have been reported to the Medical Officer of Health during the past year:- 1 case of chickenpox in 1 house I diptheria in I 5 « typhoidfeverin 5 7 scarlet fever in 6 JJ 14 cases. 13 houses. In connection with eight of these houses the drains were found defective; one house, no proper drains or water supply; one house, de- fective sanitary appliances, and three houses weie found, upon examination, to be free from any nuisance at time of visit. Instructions were, as usual, given as to the proper isolation of the patients, and such other preventive measures as were necessary to meet the cases. When possible, the premises were disinfected after recovery, and disinfectants for use during the period of infection freely supplied. MARKETS, PUBLIC PLACES, &C. No articles have been seized as unfit for food during the year. MARKET TOLLS. Amount of tolls collected during the year 1899, f,223 6s. 2d. NJB. This does not include the Smithfield Market tolls. FOOD AND DRUGS ACT. The following table has been kindly supplied by Mr. Police Superintendent Jones, Denbigh. shire Constabulary Samples. Adulterated. Mfk 11 Nil. I am, Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, WILLIAM WINDSOR, Assoc. San. Inst., Sanitary Inspector.

More than half a million lives are daily de. pendent upon the efficacy of iron and steel r0?ffah ffivesits/convicted murderers the choice of how fhey will be executed. The latest one Ch?t has bee? discovered that the bark of the acacia-tree, which will grow in almost any soil, is an excellent tanning material. The viper is the only poisonous snake known in Europe, and it is found in every part of the Continent as well as in England.

DENBIGH GRAMMAR SCHOOL OLD BOARDERS ASSOCIATION. i THIRD ANNUAL DINNER. The third annual dinner of the members of the above association took place on Fri- day evening, January 12th, at the Crown Hotel, Manchester. Mr. S. Edwards, M.A., president of the association presided over a good and representative gathering of old boarders, including the following Messrs. Ivie Mellor, H. W. Stuart, J. Wrigley, S. Jones, Harold Hyde, H. S. Rigby (Liver- pool), G. E. Seville, E. A. Uttley, A. Uttley, T. M. Clarke, A. Kendall, J. W. Williamson (Skipton), J. E. Boulton (Much Wenlock), A. A. Crabtree, W. A. Young, H. C. Taylor, W. G. Rhodes, M.Sc*, and Dr. F. W. Ailkin. Telegrams and letters of regret at being unable to be present were received from Messrs. F. C. H. Hampson (Romiley), T. Lloyd Jones (Deubigh), J. Harrison Jones (Mold), E. H. Parry (Prestatyn), C. R. and L. V. Lurring (Dublin), J. B. Wild (Oldham), H. Marlor (Blackburn), A. Broome (Old- ham), and H. W, Williamson (Bristol). At seven o'clock the company Bat down to an excellent dinner. After the usual loyal toast to the Queen and Royal Family had been drunk with musical honours, the president proposed The army and navy, and success to Her Majesty's forces in South Africa.' In speaking to this toast, the presi- dent said that notwithstanding the unex- pected and somewhat severe reverses that we had experienced, he had not the slight- est doubt of the ultimate triumph of the British arms. He firmly believed that before many weeks had passed, the Union- jack would be floating over Bloemfontein and Pretoria—such was his confidence in the courage, determination, and tenacity of purpose of the British soldier (cheers). The old boarders of the Denbigh Grammar School would be proud to know that in this stirring war they would have at least two representatives. One of these, Captain G. Granville Loch (Naas) of the Scots Greys was already witbl his regiment at Modder River, and the other, who was perhaps better known to most of those present, being a member of the association and an attendor at the former dinners-would be on his way to Capetown in the course of another fortnight. He referred to Mr John Brierley Wild, a member cf the Oldham Company of the Duke of Lancaster's Yeo- manry, who had been selected to join the new body of Imperial Yeomanry, and who had bad to proceed at once to Blackpool for a fortnight's preparatory drill before setting sail. The chairman here read a letter which Mr. Wild bad sent to the secretary, explain- ing the cause of his absence, and expressing his heartiest wishes for the continuance and prosperity of the Association. The reading of this letter was received with much cheer ing. The chairman continuing his remarks spoke in warm terms cf the willing and eager way in which the volunteers all over the country had come forward and offered for foreign service, and he was pleased to learn that they had present that night a worthy representative of that branch of the forces in the person of Lieut. Harold C. Taylor, of the 5th B.V. Manchester Regi- ment (Ardwick, Artillery Section), and he had great pleasure in coupling the name of Lieut. Taylor with the toast now proposed. Lieut. H. C. Taylor in responding, thank- ed the president for his complimentary re- marks about the patriotism and efficiency of the volunteers, and said that it might well have happened that a third name (his own) would have been added to the two already mentioned as going out to the war, for he had entered his name on the roll of those willing to go, but had not been accep- ted simply because the dental examiner was not quite satisfied with his teeth (laughter). He expressed his disappointment with our achievements in South Africa so far, and thought the War Office was to be blamed for our want of preparedness, especially in the matter of the inferiority of our big guns. He said, however, that we ought not to be too pevere in our criticism of the generals, as it was not easy for us, sitting at home, to understand and appreciate the difficulties they had to overcome. Mr. A. Kendall in proposing The Old Boarders Association,' said he heartily ap- proved of the formation of the Association, and wished it every success. He had been a member from the beginning-had attend- ed all the annual meetings and dinners, and intended to do so as long as the Association existed. Mr. H. W. Stuart (Altringham), in sup- porting, said he endorsed the sentiments of the proposer, and further added that he and all the members of the managing commit- tee were determined to spare no effort to keep the Association alive. Mr. J. E. Boulton (Much Wenlock), whom the president humorously called this year's long distance champion (seeing that he had come a distance of over 70 miles) gave his hearty support to the toast, and said that the pleasure he had in meeting and conver- sing with some of his old Denbigh school mates, amply repaid him for the little trouble and expense he had been put to in travelling so far. This was his first ap- pearance at the annual dinner, but he did not intend it to be his last. Mr. W. A. Young, the hon. treasurer, in responding to this toast, gave figures show- ing that the association was in a somewhat better position, both as regards members and funds than at the corresponding time last year, although not so good as in the first year of its existence (1896-7). They had lost some members by removals, but be was glad to say that they had not to record this year any loss through death, as was the case last year. He would like to see more join the association from the younger-end boarders, that is, from among those who were at the school during the last 3 or 4 years of its existence as a boarding school. It was to these they would have to look for their recruits, as the older ones dropped off. He was pleased to see a better attendance at the dinner that night; it meant an im- provement in the finances of the association and was encouraging to the committee. Mr. J.W.Williamsonproposed The absent members.' In an interesting and humo- rous speech, he spoke of the pleasure he bad in being present at the dinner this year, and said he could speak sympathe- tically for the absentees, as he remembered how keenly disappointed he was when un- willingly and unavoidably absent last year. In the course of his remarks, Mr.Williamson threw out suggestions for increasing the usefulness, and adding to the functions of the association. One of these recommen- dations was the preparation of a school register or record, giving the names and whereabouts-so far as ascertainable—of all the old pupils of the school. Mr. J., Wrigley proposed.1 Tbe iDenbigh Press,' and said how greatly indebted the association was to the editors of The Free Press and the NORTH WALES TIMES for their uniform courtesy in inserting the re: ports forwarded to them. Mr. W. G. Rhodes, M.Sc., in proposing The President, Mrs. Edwards and family,' referred in eulogistic terms to Mr. Edwards' ability and success as a schoolmaster, to the unsparing help he was always ready to give to those who were willing to work, and to the kind consideration and care for their health and comfort, bestowed upon all the boarders by Mrs. Edwards. Some of the I happiest days of his life, said the speaker, j were spent at the Denbigh Grammar School, II In saying this, he believed he was also expressing the sentiments of all Pi-esent t, (hear, hear). The toast was drunk with great heartiness, r 11 joining in singing For he's a jolly good fellow.' The President in reply said be thanked them all very sincerely for the very hearty, he might say, enthusiastic way in which the toast had been received. He felt that the proposer had been a little too laudatory in his remarks, at least as regards himself. He would convey their kind wishes to his family where he knew they would meet with full appreciation. He could assure them that every member of his family was deeply mterested in the doings and prosperity of the association, and he knew they were already looking forward with pleasurable anticipation to the next 'social evening,' or Ladies' night' (cheers). The programme of songs and recitations given in the intervals between the speeches included: Songs, The Soldiers of the Queen,' by I vie Mellor; 'The deathless army,' Tommy Atkins,' and 'Anchored,' by J. W. Williamson; 'My sweetheart when a boy,' by W. A. Young, and Goreionzola C hese,' by E. A. Ultley. Recitations:— Til man Jo,' by Harcld Hyde, and 'The absent minded beggar,' by G. E. Seville. At the conclusion of the latter recitation, a collection was made in aid of the War Fund, and realised a sum of 30s, It was agreed unanimously that the amount con- tributed should be forwarded to The Den- bigh Free Press I Shilling War Relief Fund. A strong patriotic and military spirit char- acterised the songs, recitations, and the whole of the evening's proceediegs. Mr. J. E. Birch accompanied the songs on the pianoforte. The singing of 'Old Lang Syne and the national anthem, brought a very pleasant and successful gathering to a close.

THOMAS ATKINS AND HIS DEPENDENTS. Mr. Robert Jones presented a balance sheet of the collections made on behalf of the suffe/ers by the war. It was shewn that EI39 lis. had been received, including £37 Is. 4d. realised by the patriotic entertainment recently held in the city. The colli ctions in the places of worship produced E17 15s. 6d., the Cathedral congrega- tion contributing E12 4s. 6d. of that sum. The sum of 99 8a. 4d. had already been sent to Lon- don as the result of the collection made during the recital of The absent minded beggar,' and £ 27 13s. had been paid to Mrs. Heaton, Bryn Arthur, on behalf of the Soldiers and Sailors' Families Association, and there was a sum of £102 Is. in band. Mr. Jones explained that in the collecting books were two columns, so that subscribers could give to separate funds. He proposed that the Council forward £100 to the Mansion House Fund to be divided between the widows and orphans and the Refugee Fund, in the proportion contributed by the subscribers. This was seconded by Mr. H. A. Cleaver, and carried. On the motion of Mr. Cleaver, seconded by Mr. C. Jones, a vote of thanks was passed to the Misses Heaton for the services they had rendered in connection with the patriotic en- tertainment.

COLWYN BAY. POLICE COURT. THE JUSTICES AND APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSES. THE RHOS ABBEY HOTEL CASE. On Saturday, the petty sessions for the dis- trict of Colwyn Bay were held, the Rev. W. Venables Williams presiding, supported by Mr. T. G. Osborne, Mr. Joseph Jones, Mr. W. Jones, Mr. James Wood, Mr. W. D. Houghton, Mr. C. F. Woodall, and Mr. George Bevan. The Chairman said that, at the request of his brother justices, he begged to propose that the following resolution be recorded on the minutes: —' In all applications for new licenses or trans- fers, careful inquiries shall be made by the police, and the result of their inquiries accom- panied by the testimonials shall be handed over to a committee of three, consisting of the chair: man and two senior justices of this bench, for consideration and further investigation if deemed necessary, six days' notice to be given to the committee.' Mr. T. G. Osborn I have pleasure in second- ing that. It was understood that the proposition was approved by the justices, and the Chairman requested the Clerk to make a record of it. Mr. Amphlett (Messrs. Porter and Amphlett) applied for a full transfer of the license of the Rhos Abbey Hotel from William Dudley Dance to Philip Joynson Kent. At the last transfer sessions, the license was temporarily tranferred to Mr. Kent, whose testimonials had in the meantime been in the hands of the police superintendent, and he (Mr. Amphlett) had taken every care that it was possible for a solicitor to take, as, in law, it was not a solici- tor's business to verify testimonials. It was always his practice to send the testimonials to the superintendent of police for the district, to give him every opportunity of inquiring into them. The Chairman We are responsible, not you. We are responsible to the public. The usual rule has been this. The police make inquiries, and the bench generally ask the superinten- dent of police, if he is present, or Inspector Roberts, 'Are you satisfied with the testimo- nials of so-and-so, which you have received.' The officer generally says, Yes, we are per- fectly satisfied-, Then the court wishes to protect itself by going a step further, and ask- ing the police to submit these applications and testimonials to a committee of three of the bench, for them to consider as to whether they are satisfactory or not, and if they are not satisfied, they make further inquiries. We want to protect ourselves, and also we want to pro- tect the public. t herefore, in a sense, we wish to make it more difficult for either new licenses to be granted or existing ones to be transferred without the most strict and careful inquiry as to the antecedents of the applicant. Mr. Amphlett said he quite appreciated the purpose of the bench. In this case, the superintendent had known bhe applicant for ten years. Superintendent H. Jones (Denbigh) That is so. The Chairman observed that in the case of this applicant, six days' notice must be given to the committee. Mr. Amphlett: That resolution cannot pos- sibly affect me to-day. The Justices' Clerk (Mr. Oliver George) ex- plained that the law in this matter was set forth in section 40 subsection 2 of the Licensing Act, stipulating that the applicant should give fourteen days' notice to the overseer of the parish and to the superintendent of police set- ting forth the name of the person to whom it was proposed that the license should be trans- ferred, together with his place of abode and his J trade or calling during the six months preced- I ing. He took it that it was the duty of the I police, during those fourteen days, to make every inquiry, and if result of such inquiry was unsatisfactory, it would be quite sufficient for the justices to accept the report of the superintendent If not satisfied with the report, the court could adjourn the application to another transfer sessions. The whole object of that section was to enable the police to do their duty, and if they did not do it, they were the persons to be censured. The Chairman said it was for the bench to do their du,y. The Clerk—Certainly, in this court. If this matter is to be referred to a committee, I do not see how the applicant can be represented unless he appears before the committee, and that will mean two attendances, one before the committee and the other before the full court. The Chairman—He will have to refer to the full court. Mr. George-I refer to the committee. I do not say it is legally wrong to pass this resolu- tion, but it is most desirable that all the licenses shall be dealt with openly by the whole of the justices, as far as possible. The Chairinan-W.tli the clerk at their back ? Mr. George—You may have no clerk if you think proper, but as long as I have the honour of acting as your clerk, I have a duty to do, and I shall do it most conscientiously, and, as far as I can, justly and perfectly. The Clerk went on to refer to the hour of meeting of the court, saying that it would be more convenient to some of the magistrates, to the police officers and constables, to advocates living in Rhyl, Chester, and other places, and to himself, if the business began at eleven o'clock, instead of a quarter to that hour. He had spoken to some of the justices, who kindly and generously fell in with his view, and he asked the magistrates present to assent to the change. Mr. Joseph Jones proposed a resolution to that effect, but the Chairman moved that the matter be referred to the next meeting, due notice not having been given of it. Mr. Osborn seconded this, considering it un- wise to act hastily. He had no personal opinion in the matter, and only desired to consulb the convenience of the public generally. The amendment was carried. Mr. Dance, licensee of the Rhos Abbey Hotel, then entered the witness box, and stated that he applied for the transfer to Mr. Kent. He stated, in reply to Mr. Wood and Mr. Osborn, that he was not aware it was necessary for him to be present when the transfer was applied for before. He had then signed the notice of application. Mr. Kent stated that he had resided at the hotel since the temporary transfer, and would continue to do so. The application was then granted. On the application,of Mr. Amphlett, the courfe granted a license to Mrs. Margaret Porter, widow of the late Mr. John Porter, in respect of the Pwllycrochan Hotel, Colwyn Bay. Mr. Amphlett said he had an application to make to the bench in regard to the new rule adopted as to the licensing business. The Chairman-You have nothing to do with it. Mr. Amphlc-tt-I should like to have notice when I am to send testimonials. The Chairman-The police will make their proper inquiries and will report to the commit- tee. Mr. Amphlett-So it does nob concern the advocate. Very good, sir. A NEGLIGENT CONTRACTOR. Thomas Brown, contractor, of Chester, was summoned by Sergeant Tippitt for having, on December 5th, left a trench in the roadway, which had been opened for sewering operations in connection with the new Roman Catholic Church, Colwyn Bay, without proper fencing and lights during the night. Mr. Edward Bell, foreman for Mr. Brown, appeared to answer the charge and pleaded guilty. Orders were given, he said, to barricade the trench, but they were neglected by the workmen. The person who fell in had beea arranged with. A fine of 20s. and costs was imposed. MUDDY STREETS. The Chairman referred to the muddy condi- tion of the street leading from Station Road to the Police Office, and said it was high time the Urban District Council saw that it was properly paved. Mr. Bevan denied that the Council had any- thing to do with the road in question, it not being repairable by the public. The Chairman said the Surveyor told him it was to be brought before the Council. Mr. Wood said the road was almost impas- sable. He endeavoured to walk along it with a lady, and had to abandon the attempt. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. Elias Jones Hughes, farmer, of Tygwyn, Llandrillo, was summoned by Inspector Fred Toyne, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, on a charge of cruelty to a sheep on December 27th. The Inspector said that he found a Welsh ram with a leather strap fastened to its left foreleg and its neck, so that it had to limp along on three legs. A sup- purating wound had formed on the leg beneath the strap. When the defendant, at the witness's suggestion, removed the strap, the animal could not put the limb to theground. The defendant told witness that the strap was put on to pre- vent the ram from straying. A fine of 50s. and costs was inflicted, the severity of the penalty being partially in con- sequence of the defendant's non-appearance to answer the charge. The Chairman referred to the non-appear- ance, and said the court would not submit to be treated disrespectfully in this way. THE QUARRIES ACT. Daniel Vaughan and Peter Poole, quarrymen, of Llysfaen, were summoned by Mr. John Philip Faichney, manager of the Llysfaen and Pentre- gwyddel Quarries, for a breach of the quarry I regulations by blasting at an unauthorised hour. The defendants pleaded guilty. Mr. Faichney said the regulation was inten- ded for the protection of the quarrymen, and also of the public passing along the neighbour- ing highway. All blasting should be done at half past nine o'clock in the forenoon, and the defendants fired charges at 8.47 a.m. It was, however, explained that the blasting was inten- ded to dislodge a boulder left after a previous discharge, and was therefore of a less violent character than that of the ordinary explosions. The defendants were ordered to pay a penalty of 5s. each and costs.

.J It costs 92,000 to give Buckingham Palace frontage a new coat of paint. Great Britain buys more than 20,000 horsea in the United States every year. India now has 140 colleges and 17,000 students. No flags but Turkish are to been at Con., stantinople. The shipyards of Great Britain, all working together, could turn out a big steamship every day of the year. -0- The meeting of Parliament on January 30th, a 1ew days earlier than usual, will be awaited this year with exceptional interest. No doubt there will be a good deal of talk about the war, and a great many questions to be answered, but it is scarcely likely that the responsible leaders of the Opposition will at this stage seek to censure in any formal way the things which have as yet not gone satisfactorily in the con- duct of the war. —o— The returns from Ladysmith show that, in the engagement of January 6th, the officers of onr troops again suffered very severely, no fewer than 13 having been killed, and 28 woun- ded. The loss, which is out of proportion to that among non-commissioned officers and men, tends to show either that the officers must have exposed themselves more to the enemy, or that the Boers were able to distinguish them from the ;c,her soldiers. Among the deaths recorded is I taat of a very fine soldier, Lieutenant Colonel Dick Cunyngham, V.C., commanding the 2nd Gordon Highlanders, whose listof war setvizes extends from 1878.

ST. ASAPH. PROMOTION OF AN OLD ST. ASAPHITE. We are glad to notice that Colonel John Rogers, C.B., who is one of the British Army Officers lent to the Egyptian Army, has re- cently been promoted to the dignity of a Pasha by His Highness the Khedive. This promotion carries with it the rank of Major General in the Egyptian Army. Colonel Rogers has for a long time past occupied the position of Director of Supplies in the Egyptian Army. He obtained his C.B. in the Dongola Expedition, and the brevet rank of Colonel in the last expedition to Khartoum, under General Kitchener.

LOCAL LETTERS FROM THE SEAT OF WAR. Through the kindness of our local newsagent, we have received copies of the following let- ters, which were received on Wednesday after- noon, the 17th inst.:— From Mr. Evan Davies (Driver in the 77th Battery Royal Horse Artillery), son of Mr. Daniel Davies, Esgobty Farm Kerstrom Camp, 3rd Infantry Division, South Africa Field Force, South Africa, December 15th, 1899. Dear Mother and Father and Brother and Sister, Thank God I have been spared to write you another letter after our great battle of Storm. berg, which we fought on the 10th of December, hoping to find you all well as it leaves me at present. I shall never forget that morning of the 10th. It was on a Sunday morning. We had marched for two days, we started from a place called Potter's Kraal on a Friday morn- ing, we marched all the night and Saturday all day in the hot sun, and all Saturday night. It was just day-break, we were under a big hill, when all of a sudden a volley of bullets came to the middle of us, we were taken by surprise. Then the General gave us the order to prepare for action. I shall never forget the first quar- ter of an hour we were on that field. I was a bit nervous when I saw the poor Infantry falling, but I soon got over it, and when we did start, we soon put a stop to their big guns, which they had on the top of the hills. We fought for nine hours, we lost one killed and twelve wounded out of our lob, including the Major. We were within fifty yards of them when we knew they were there. We lost alto- gether 26 killed and 62 wounded, and when the Infantry was very near the top of the hill, the General gave the order to retire, which was a great mistake on his part. We would have taken the place allrighc, he gave the order too late, we had 606 prisoners taken, there were about 8,000 of the Boers there, we had only 2,000 troops altogether, and we were proper done up after marching for two days with only a few biscuits and some corned beef and some water for our meals. It) was the hardest time I ever had, but they won't catch us in a trap next time, we are anxious to.get another smack at them, we want our revenge on the d--s, and we will get it too before you get this letter, or we will die in the attempt. After the fight, it started to rain and thunder. We all got wet through, and we stopped in that rain all night, we had no tents to shelter ourselves. Well, I haven't much more to tell you, we have had a very good rest, and we are ready for them again. We have got to do our own washing now, while we are out here. We are at a standing camp at present, and I dare say we will wait till after Christmas before we will start again. Hoping you have enjoyed your Christmas and your New Year. There is plenty of fruit and jam here, it is on that I live. We are about 600 miles from Capetown, and about 50 miles from any town. There is plenty of Niggers here, if you give them tobacco they will do anything for you there is one of them washing my shirt now, and they can wash as good as any laundry maid you ever saw, with only cold water, they have got no soap to wash with. It is just on 4 o'clock in the morn- ing when i am writing this letter, and it is nice and cool now. Well, I haven't much more to say at present, hoping to here from you soon, remember me to all in the Palace. Excuse the black lead, as there is no ink nowhere here The Captain has got to see this letter to see where it is going to, a Nigger is taking it to a El ace called Queenstown, about 50 miles from ere.

The following letter is from a brother to Mrs. John Jones, butcher, High Street, who is in active service:— 21st December, 1899, Chiveley Camp. Dear Sister, I am getting the opportunity of writing a few lines to you, hoping you are all well. I suppose you have had the news of the battle at Colenso, we made an attack on the Boers on the 15th, and we had eight hours fighting in the burning sun, and lost 1,149 men killed and wounded, and I came away without a scratch. The worse of it is, we had to turn our backs on them, andwe have to go through the same thing again when we get some more guns, we lost ten guns in the last fight. Davies, the policeman, formerly stationed at St. Asaph, is well. Re. member me to all.

PARISH COUNCIL. On Monday, the monthly meeting of this Council was held under the presidency of Dr. Easterby, there being also present. Messrs. Robert Jones, J. P. Jones, H. A. Cleaver, Chas. Jones, and T. F. Roberts (clerk).

TRIENNIAL ELECTIONS.. The order of the Local IGovernmeDt Bo&rd, with reference to the period fot which pariBh W.,IC parish councillors are elected, was submitted by the Clerk. It was explained that under the new Act of Parliament, the present Parish Council- lors would remain in office until April, 1901, therefore, there will be no election this year. After 1901. the elections will be held triennially, but it will be necessary to elect a chairman every year.

come. He also begged to suggest thai; a num- ber of the Council should meet the School Board on the spot, to see whether it was not possible to have some definite scheme to discuss. At the same time he wished to press the first point which he raised, viz.: that the School Board be asked not to build on the new site. A division was thenftaken, when 8 voted for the amendment, and the matter was therefore deferred to a committee of the whole Council. On the motion of Mr. R. Henry Roberts, seconded by Mr. Boaz Jones, it was decided also that the Sanitary Committee should meet in the meantime at Henllan, and submit their report to a committee of the whole Council. This was all the business.