The North Wales Times

YEARS DAY EISTEDDYOD. day tha^ove Eiste^^v°d was held on Tues- p.Oj' first meeting taking place at 1.30 of gV -Ihe chair was occupied by the Dean conrt,' ,8apb (the Rev. Shadrach Pryce), the bmng Canon Griffith Jones the a» 0g.)» Moetyn. The following are CftiT^8 tl16 different competitions:— dri2jj;Vlng in oak, R. T. Jones, Ceryg y- StoreJ°nJ wall brackets, — Evans, City £ dith5 T^" -^•saPl1 5 pianoforte solo, Mi^s 'St A -byahire, Birkenhead; stanza, ClQJj^SaPb Eisteddvod,' Pryce Davies (Ap Qwytherin; children's solo, Flint. °^y Blooming,' Miss Ada Williams, liatQg3 ^air of stockings, Miss Sarah Wil :?he' rg^Koed, St. Asaph; recitation, Mosty TTm^ler'3 Wife,' Thomas Roberta, Llansannan crayon sketch, ^UidiV Hughes, Brynyblodau, Ceryg-y- S.J^00; s°I° baritone,'Till Death,'W. to Sunf8' ^0nway sopraoo solo, 'Farewell head • 1?eri' Miss Bessie Williams, Birken- P°ol .J Arthur Stretford, Liver- fartv ?ne«m' Day of Battle,'William the p.- ^terdd), Mostyn, to whom half Waa awarded; juvenile choral Doharni Bell8 Aberdyfi,' Ffyn- The e c.0ndiictor, Mr. Thomas Jones, by Dr p en'nS meeting was presided over ^able 'r'a8terby, St. Asapb, in the unavoi- pro 88Dce°f Mr. J. Herbert Lewis, M.P. derio„ were opened with the ren tw° juv -i^^6 °f Aberdyfi' by the ^fternoQ6 6 D^°irs wh° competed in the ttlcT' following adjudications petitj' rp C6 :—Recitation, A Quarry Acci- Xhe iQ; ^1'en Jones, Rhosesmor; verses %tQs B H s' R- Abbey Wil- Coed; pianoforte competi ■ r< Jor>pSS Darbyshire, Birkenhead. ^OQ Gr:„s' Bryndinas Hotel, gave a consola- P^rt jQ °f 5s. to a little girl who took *Poid S. competition; contralto solo, TUliaC8r?alm yQ Gilead,' Miss Davies- ^0 £ iway essay, The Influence nresQQt a °n,uP°n the Welsh nation in the ^r^th J?6' Prize divided between Robert j/yorio'v^ rsyltfa, St. Asaph, and — Roberts, Qot nlr°ew» crochet tie, Linda,' who latp8'Vur -° ^er nam0j f°r a stanza t nom ri 7eigant,' a competitor bearing «° ^8thfi Awenydd,' was declared (fec _es £ challenge solo for a silver on°Dfined to the male sex, W. E. ■Sway, who sang1 Why do the Nations;' descriptive poem to the Vale of Clwyd, William Parry (Glynfardd), Mostyn chatlenge solo for females, Miss Bessie Wil- liams, Birkenhead. Miss Annie Arthur, London, and Mr. Maengwyn Davies, sang during the meet- ings. The Adjudicators were :—Poetry, Llifon prose, Rev. Evan Jones (B.), St. Asaph music, Mr. Maengwyn Davies, Welsh reci- tations, Rev. Jonathan Jones and Rev. W. E. Williams; English recitations, Rev. Silas Evans, B.A., and Mr. T. R. Jones shorthand, Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons art Miss Mainwaring, Galltfaenan Miss Pryce, the Deanery, St. Asaph, and Mr. J. Mulli- gan. Mr. Bryan Warhurst acted as accom panist. The following were the officials President, Mr. D. Clwyd Griffiths; chair- man of the committee, Mr, Edward Barlow; treasurer, Mr. J. A. Tompkinson; secre taries, Messrs. Francis LI. Davies, and John Wynn, Bronwylfa square.

BALA. GIFTS TO THE POOR. Following her usual custom Mrs. Price, Rhiwlas, this year again distributed 600 yards of flannel, 25 gowns, 25 vests, blankets, &c., among the poor of Llanfor, Llanycil, Llangower and Llanuwcbllyn parishes. LITERARY. At the usual meeting of the Young People's Society at the Independent Chapel on Sunday evening, a well prepared paper was read by Mr. Wm. Williams, the subject matter of which was Why I am an Inde- pendent.' Several other members after wards addressed themselves to the subject. COFFEE SUPPER. On Thursday last week, the members of the Young People's Society in connection with the Independent chapel sat down to a sumptuous supper, kindly given by Dr. and Mrs. Williams, Tawelfan, There were over 70 seated at the tables. Subsequently an interesting miscellaneous programme was gone through. A cordial vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Dr, and Mrs.Williams for their kindness. RHIWLAS ESTATE. SUPPER TO EMPLOYEES. The annual supper given by Mr. and Mrs. Price, Rhiwlas, to the employees on the estate, took place at the Bull's Head Hotel, on Monday evening last. The feast was thoroughly enjoyed and great credit is due in this respect to Mr. and Mrs. Jones for their excellent catering. An enjoyable programme was afterwards gone through under the presidency of Mr. Watkins, the estate agent. The health of the Rhiwlas family was drunk right loyally, and amid vociferous cheering. The whole of the arrangments were in the capable hands of Mr. Watkins.

SPECIAL SESSIONS. The above were held at the County Hall, on Saturday last,when the following justices were present Messrs. E. G. Jones (in the chair), E. R. Jenkins, J. Parry, Roger Hushes, Evan Jones, R. W. Roberts and L. J. Davies. The Court was crowded, owing to the fact that there was under consideration an ap- plication for the transfer of the license of the Ship Inn, Bala, from W. F. Carney to Edward Roberts. Mr. Jordan, Bala, appeared to support the application, and Mr Wm. George appeared to oppose on behalf of Rev. J. Howell Hughes, W. T. Rowlands, Thomas Davies, J. 0. Jones, Thomas Ellis, and others. Mr. Jordan having proved the service of the notices on the overseers and the Super intendent of the Police and read testi- monials in favour of Edward Roberts' char- acter, formally applied for the transfer, and Mr. George opposed, and the following gave evidence against the transfer. J. J. Hughes, the Stores, said he lived next door to the Ship Inn. He remembered Carney, the late licensee, coming there. It was in February 1898. The business had in his opinion decreased greatly since J. W. Hughes, was there. He did not think any business was done with the stabling since Carney was there. He did not know of any persons staying there. No commercial travellers lodged there. There are eight licensed houses in Bala,and there are stables to six of them. There is also stabling at tached to the Red Lion, which used to be a public house. There were from 10 to 12 refreshment houses in Bala where food could be obtained. He did not think the house was required for the accommodation of the public. There is an entrance to the premises from the back leading from Berwyn street. He noticed that customers often used the back door. The witness was cross-examined at length by Mr. Jordan. Rev. J. Howell Hughes, C.M. minister, said he believed the Ship was not wanted for the convenience of the public. He thought it well to lessen the temptations to drink. He was present when Edward Roberts (the present tenant) applied for a temporary transfer. He gave notice then that he would oppose the transfer to-day. Wm. Thomas Rowlands, Tanycoed, farmer, said he was in the habit of attending Bala markets and doing business there. He did not think it would be any inconvenience to him and his neighbours if the Ship were closed. So far as he knew it had not been used by farmers fer putting up their horses. Thomas Davies, Teawlwyd, farmer, said he came to Bala to transact business. He had known the town for about 50 years. He knew almost all his neighbours who came to Bala for business. He did not think the Ship was required. Cross examined—He remembered many more public houses in Bala. He remembered 13 here. He was not in a position to object then most of them were stopped before he became a ratepayer. He should like to see the Ship clossd because it was only a pot house. He said that because there was no room to put up horses and traps. He remembered a few traps stopping there and being left in the street. There is or was recently no accommodation for horses there. He was speaking of 15 years ago. j He believed that even now it was only a pot shop. He had never seen the stables now said to be at the Ship. Re examined-He always considered accom. modation for farmers deficient. There was no room for cars and carts. Thomas Ellis, Cynlas, farmer, said he had attended Bala market for about 55 years. He knew practically all the farmers in Penllyn. So far as he knew, the Ship had not been used by farmers. If the license was stopped, no incon venience would be caused to the public or markets. Cross examined—If the Ship license was granted, he would not be as ready to say that the Goab could be done without. There were perhaps some of the other houses that might be done away with. He thought five or six of the best houses with good yards and stables would be sufficient. Re examined—He was giving evidence as to things as they are now. He thought that the Ship was only a drinking house. He had been at Cynlas 45 years, and had passed the Ship hundreds of times. He had never been asked to go to the Ship to receive or pay money. Robert Ev;tns, Llechwectd, Llandrillo, said he had been in the habit of attending Bala markets for about 40 years, and had been doing a lot of business, buying and selling. He had never U ied the Ship for business purposes. In his opinion, the house was not required. Cross-examined—His market towns were Bala and Corwen. He was nearer Corwen than Bala. At present, it would not be convenient to do away with all public houses. He had seen some carts before the Ship years ago. There were houses that can put up more than 6 horses. ,He.examined- The Ship had no yard that a trap could be taken to. Mr. Jordan said that in face of the slight nature of the opposition, he only proposed to call one witness, and he asked leave to do this before addressing the bench. Robert Lloyd Jones, architect, Bala, called by Mr. Jordan, said he prepared the plans of the Ship premises then produced. Mr. Jordan then addressed the court in sup- port of the application. After a cons ultation extending to nearly an hour, the justices returned into court, and the Chairman announced that the bench were not unanimous, but the application was refused by a majority. Mr. Jordan iut'mated that there would be an appeal, and we understand that notice of appeal has since been served.

MERIONETH QUARTER SESSIONS. A SUCCESSFUL LICEN SING APPEAL. These sessions were held on Tuesday at the County Hali, Dolgelley. Mr. W. R. Wynne (Lord Lieutenant) presided. The Chief Constable (Major Best) sub- mitted his quarterly report. He stated that there were no prisoners committed for trial at the sessions, but there were five persons charged with night poaching and assault on gamekeepers awaiting trial at the Assiz,ep. Thenumber of vagrants relieved at thecasual wards during the quarter was 554 as com- pared with 683 in the corresponding quarter of last year. Sixty-three persons had been proceeded against for drunkenness as compared with 64 last year. Three publicans have been convicted of breaches of the Licensing Acts, as against three last year. The Chairman, in addressing the Grand Jury; said that it gave him much pleasure to tell them that there were no prisoners to be tried. He was sorry that they should be brought there, but that was owing to the necessities of the law. They all ought to feel proud of the satisfactory state of the county. The chief constable's report was excellent. Mr. Carpenter (for whom Mr. J. E. Fox- Croydon appeared) appealed against the decision of the Peurbyn justices in refusing' the licence of the Bull Inn, Trawsfynydd. Mr. W. George (Messrs Lloyd George, and George, Criccieth) appeared for the respon- dent justices. The Bench, by a majority, allowed the appeal, each party to pay its own costs.

FLINTSHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS. A CENTURY'S PROGRESS IN CRIMINAL MATTERS. The Quarter Sessions for the county of Flint were held on Wednesday, at Mold. Mr. P. P. Pennant (St. Asaph) presided, and Mr. Eldon Bankts (Northop), vice-chairman, and many other magistrates were on the bench. In his address to the grand jury, the Chair- man wished them all a Happy New Year.' He thought he should be expressing the feelings of everyone present when he hoped that the coun try would during the coming century experience the same prosperity as it had done in the past century. They had seen advancement and im- provement in many matters during the past century, but ia n) respect had improvement been greater than in the administration of justice, and in making this observation he included prison management and the establish- ment of police. At the beginning of the last century, the population of the country was not one third of what it was at the present time and yet there were far more criminals then than there are to day. He thought this better state of things was due partly to the improve- ment in our criminal code. A hundred years ago the only idea that prevailed for the repres- sion of crime was the exercise of severity. Many other methods had since been adopted, signal amongst which was the improvement in prison management. He could remember the closing of the old jail at Flint, and he knew that in that building it was absolutely impos- sible to deal with criminals in a proper manner because they were huddled together in such a way that the old jail birds, as they were termed, contaminated those who were in pri- son for the first time and were new to crime As soon as the new jail was opened, there was a considerable decrease in the number of criminals in the county. The establishment of police throughout the country had also had an enormous effect. More had been done by this means for the prevention of crime than pro- bably any other circumstance. He believed it was in 1857 that a chief constable was first appointed in Flintshire. He was sorry to say the number of cases at those sessions was greater than usual, but there would always be fluctuation, and they must not judge from one single sessions the actual state of crime in the county. The previous evening he was looking over a map that had been issued by the Home Office, which indicated the amount of crime in the different counties. He was glad to say that Flintshire stood extremely high in com- parison with other counties, and even with the neighbouring county of Denbigh. There was a fairly large population in Flintshire, and there were also considerable industries. Taking into account the population and also the character of the occuplt-ions in which the people were engaged, he was happy to say that county held a very favourable position. There were live cases on the calendar, but he did not think any of them would present any great difficulty to the grand jury. CHESTER AND HOLYHEAD RAILWAY LINE. On behalf of the London and North western Railway Company, Mr. R. V. Bankes applied that permission be granted for the carrying out ot certain alterations in connection with the widening of the Chester and Holyhead line. These alterations consisted in the abolition of three level crossings between Rhyl and Ches- ter, and the substitution of bridges. The application was granted. NO TRUE BILLS- The grand jury ignored the bill in the case of Thomas Jones, collier, who had been charged with indecent assault at Buckley on the 24th November. The bill in the case of George Oscar Marsh, of Pontblyddyn, for alleged assault, was ignored. TRIAL OF PRISONERS. William Ellis, 51, labourer, was sentenced to two months' imprisonment for stealing two hens, the property of William Williams, at Northop, on the 4th December. There were previous convictions against the prisoner. Mr. Ellis J. Griffiths, M.P., was for the prosecu- tion, and prisoner was undefended. William Evan Williams, postman, 55 years of age, was sentenced to four months' hard | labour for indecently assaulting a girl named Gertrude Sybil Smith, at Mold, on the 12th Gertrude Sybil Smith, at Mold, on the 12th j September. Iz ) Elizabeth Morris, of Llynypandy, was charged with wounding Margaret Jones by throwing a stone at her on the 6th October. She was found guilty of common assault, and ordered to pay £ 2 costs and to appear for judgment when called upon.

HOLYWELL. MONTHLY SESSIONS, Oa Tuesday, four young colliers, named respectively Williams, Rawlinson, and Davies (two), were summoned by Robert Griffiths, gamekeeper to Dr. Mould, Cornist Hall, for game tresspass on land belonging to Oaklands, Bagillt. Mr. F. Llewelyn Jones prosecuted, and Mr. J. B. Marston, Mold, defended. The prosecutor stated that he saw the de- fendants on the land, with three dogs, on December 11th, and cautioned them, but one of them afterwards followed into the cover with the dogs. Mr. Marston for the defence, said the de- fendants were out for a walk, with no in- tent oa of poaching. He called thA defen dants, who swore they had no idea of poaching, and were merely out for a walk: Mr. Jones questioned two of the defen- dants regarding previous convictions against them. Mr. Marston called attention to the fact thit Mr. Jones was in possession of the book which contained the police record of convictions. He strongly objected to this, and said Mr. Jones had no right to the book. Mr. Jones: This is a public document, and anybody can consult it. Mr. Marston said it was a most improper thing for the Court to supply Mr. Jones with this book, as it gave him an advan- tage. Mr. Jones You don't like it evidently. The Bench dismissed the case, allowing Mr. Marston his fee of a guinea. The same defendants were then charged with a similar off once-alleged to have been committed on the same day-by James Morley, gamekeeper to Mr. Isaac Taylor, Coleshill. Mr. Marston said that this case was even a more trumpery and absurd one than the last, and he hoped the bench would give him two guineas in this case (laughter). The Bench also dismissed this case, each side to pay their own costs. There was a third case against some other defendants, but Mr. Jones said he had de- cided to withdraw it.

ABERGELE. LORD DUNDONALD'S RECEPTION. A meeting of the committee which had charge of the arrangements for honouring Lord Dun. donald on his return to North Wales was held at the Town Hall, Abergele, on Friday evening, for the purpose of receiving; the report and balance sheet, Mr. Thomas Williams (chairman of the District Council) presided. Mr. E. A. Crabbe, the boa. secretary, placed the report before the meeting, and explained that the total subscriptions to the fund amounted to £ 318, notwithstanding the fact that neither Rhyl nor Colwyn Bay had contributed anything like what was expected. Abergele had responded to the appeal of the committee in a manner that was really astonishing, the poor having readily given their pence, while the rich gave pounds, The sum of E200 was paid for the sword of honour, and £80 was spent in decorations, and the other expenses were such that the balance in hand was about £6, The report and balance sheet were passed, and it was decided that a list of subscribers should be printed and circu- lated. It was arranged that the sword of honour should be exhibited at Abergele and Colwyn Bay in order that the subscribers might have an opportunity of seeing it.

LLYSFAEN. THE PROPOSED URBAN POWERS FOR LLYSFAEN. LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD INQUIRY. On Wednesday, commencing at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, a protracted inquiry was held by Mr. M. K. North, Local Government Board inspector, iu respect of the application by the parish council of Llysfaen for urban powers. Mr. S. Moss, M.P., instructed by Mr. James Amphlett (Messrs. Porter and Amphlett), ap- peared to oppose the order made by the Car. narvonshire County Cuncil granting such powers, on behalf of the Colwyn Bay and Colwyn Urban District Council and the Con- way Rural District Council. Mr. E. Davies Jones (from the office of Messrs. Richard James and Humphreys, Llanrwst) appeared to support the application on behalf of the Llysfaen Parish Council. The inquiry took place at the Llys faen National School, situated in a truly rural' spot, on the top of the Penmaen head- long, not far from the ancient telegraph station. Considerable interest was taken in the proceedings, and there was a large attendance of parishioners and residents from Colwyn Bav. Replying to the Inspector, Mr. T. E Parry, clerk to the Conway Rural District Council, stated that the parish comprised 1,879 acres, had a population of 1,207 ten years ago, and was now estimated at 2,100. The loans outstanding amounted to £ 1,432. Mr. E. Davies Jones objected to the locus etandi of Colwyn Bay Urban Council, but the Inspector ruled that Mr. Moss should be heard. Mr. Moss, M.P., then addressed the inspector for the opposition. He said that to a certain extent the ground of his opposition to the order being sanctioned by the Local Government Board was the same on behalf of both the authorities he represented. If the inspector would stand at the top of Penmaen just below the school, and look down upon a portion of the parish of Llysfaen and the whole of Colwyn Bay, he would find that nature had presented a very substantial impediment to the applications of the parish council for urban powers. Nature evidently intended that the whole of the bay should be under one central authority, and it would be practically impossible for Llysfaen to be an urban district and to carry out urban duties side by side with Colwyn Bay Urban District, however amicable the authorities might be. The whole of the watershed drained into the Colwyn Bay District Council's area, and the drainage must, as a matter of fact did, flow into the drains of Colwyn Bay. There was a portion of the parish at the foot and on the slope of the headland on the westerly side, con- tiguous to Colwyn Bay, where there had been considerable building done, and this portion, some seven acres in extent, was now urban in character, but all the remainder of the parish was rural and agricultural, and in no way asso- ciated with the lower part, the seven-acre piece referred to. It was one of the strongest reasons why the rural district council objected to the proposed grant of urban powers to the agricul- tural part on the giound that the farmers would be taxed for improvements from which they could not benefit in the least, directly or in- directly The large landowners, quarry owners, and ratepayers outside the seven acre bit were practically unanimous in objecting to this wild scheme on the part of the few persons who were advocating urban powers, and who lived in the lower area. Evidence was then called by Mr. Moss. Mr. T. E. Parry, Mr. John Inglis (agent to the Countess of Duudonald), Mr. J. W. Raynes (of Raynes and Co., quarry proprietors), Mr. W. Lupton (of Kneeshaw, Lupton, and Co., qn-irry proprietors), the Rev. Robert Jones (rector), the Rev. Vaughan Jones (Congregational minis ter), and. Colonel Whitle were examined and cross-examined, and about a dozen farmers and other residents in the rural portion of the parish signified their dissent. Evidence for Colwyn Bay Council was after- wards taken, and the inquiry terminated.

France pays a bounty of 46s. a ton on iron' built vessels, and 16s. on wooden.

CONWAY. DEATH OF MISS HARRIET JONES. We chronicle with deep regret the death of Miss Harriet Jones, second daughter of the late Mr. William Jones (printer and publisher, Conway), the sad event taking place at the residence of the decefcsed's mother, 2, Victoria Terrace, Conway. The deceased young lady, who was in her 33rd year, had for a number of years been in charge of Messrs R. E. Jones & Bros.' Colway Bay establishment (the Central Library, Station Road), and by her bright, cheery manner and her ever-ready courtesy and willingness to oblige, had made a wide circle of friends in olwyn Bay and neighbourhood, who, throughout her illness, which has been of some months' duration, have been unremitting in their inquiries as to how she was progressing In Conway, too, Miss Harriet Jones was a universal favourite, her helpful sympathy with every good movement being well known, and here also a host of friends will long regret the loss of one who never spared herself in doing I what she could.' THE FUNERAL. The funeral took place on Wednesday after. noon, the interment being in the family-grave in Conway Cemetery. A short service was conducted at the house by the Revs. D. Charles Evans and T. Gwynedd Roberts, the last-named, together with the Rev. T. D. Jones, officiating at the graveside, the hymns sung at the two services being Mor ddedwydd yw y rhai trwy ffydd' and Am graig i adeiladu' respectively. The chief mourners were Messrs. W. Aneurin Jones and Arthur Jones, brothers Miss Annie Jones, Mrs. Jennie Davies, and Mrs. Myfi Harris, sisters Messrs. E. Davies and W. J. Harris, brothers-in law Mr. and Mrs. Owen Jones, Anneddle. Lianrwst; Mrs. M. Jones, Llanrwst; Mrs. D. 0 Jones, Llanrwst; Mr. J. 0. Jones, Llanrwst; Mr. David O. Jones, Llan- rwst; Mrs. N. J. Williams, Regent House, Llanrwst; Mr. Owen Jones, Blaenau Festiniog, Mrs Williams, Penmaenmawr; Mr. and Mrs. D. Roberts, Penmaenmawr; Messrs. Ben and J. H. Jones, Aberconwy Temperance Hotel, Conway Mr. Benjam n Jones, Llanrwst; Mr. Owen Owens, Llanrwst Mrs Jones, Vale View, Llanrwst; Mr, Elias Jones, J.P., Llan- dudno; Mr, J. Hooeon, Conway. There were also present a very hrge and representative assemblage of mourners, incl uding the Mayor of Conway (Alderman Husih Hughes, J P.), the Ex-Mayor (Councillor Dr. M. J. Morgan), Alderman William Hughes, Councillors Thomas Foulkes, J. E Conway Jones, J. P. Griffiths, and Edward Roberts, the Town Clerk (Mr. T. E. Parry), Dr. J. Lloyd Owen (Colwyn Bay), the Revs W. Edwards and Dr. R. Llugwy Owen, Mrs. R. Roberts (Liverpool), Mr. Hugh Jones, Miss Edie Jones and Mr. J. L. Jones (Liverpool), Messrs Joaef E Jones, A. J. Kaye, W. F. Jones (Bodidda), Thomas Abram, J. Roger Dawson, William Jones (Engedi Chapel House, Colwyn Bay), etc. Twenty four floral tributes were deposited on the grave. The coffin was of polished oak, with panelled lid, and massive broad furniture and name- plate bearing the engraved inscription :— HARRIET JONES, Died December 29th, 1900, Aged 33 Years. Messrs. M. and J. Williams, High St., were the undertakers.

DYSERTH. SHOCKING FATALITY. EXTRAORDINARY GUN ACCIDENT. On Saturday morning, a strange and shock- ing accident befel a farm labourer, named Roger Williams, who lived with his widowed mother at Ochryfoel, Dyserth. It appears that he left the house shortly after nine on the morning in question, evidently on a shooting expedition. In his possession was an old fashioned single barrel muzzle loading fowling piece. For concealment, presumably, he car- ried the gun in his pockets, the loaded barrel in the left pocket inside his coat, aud the stock in the right inside pocket. He went in the direction of Ffordd Dywyll, a bye-road, lead- ing fromjOchryfoel,to Bryniau. That thorough- fare being in a very dirty state, he went for some distance across a field, and as he was crossing a fence to get into the lane, the gun barrel fell forward, the cappea nipple striking some object, causing its detonation, and the discharge of the barrel, the charge being im- bedded in the poor fellow's left High. A game- keeper in the employ of Mr. Ralli, hearing the report hurried to the spot, and found Roger Williams, leaning againt the fence, with his clothing in flames. The gamekeeper extingu- ished the fire, and with the assistance of Mr. David Jones, Trecastell farm, removed Wil- liams to his home. Dr. Thomas, Rhyl, was sent for, who after dressing the patient's wound, ordered his removal to the Royal Alex- andra Hospital, Rhyl, where he expired on Sunday night. THE INQUEST. An inquest was held on the body at the Town Hall, Rhyl, on Tuesday morning, before Mr. Bromley, coroner, and the following jury :— Messrs. A. A. Goodall, (foreman), E. W. Evans, High street Henry Jones, Bedford street William Lewis Foster, Bedford street Edward Shepherd Foster, Bee Hotel William Roberts, William Thomas Condon, Frederick Williams, James Nelson, Joseph Taylor Williams, Edward Jones, Queen street; Ernest Williams, William Robert McEwen, Warren Austin Taylor, Edwin Graves, and John Myerscough. The coroaer briefly outlined the circum- stances under which the death accurred, and then called evidence as follows :— Evan Williams, Llansannan, identified the body lying at the Alexandra Hospital as that of his brother, Roger Williams, who was 37 years of age. The deceased was a farm lab- ourer, and a single man. He first heard of his brother's death on Monday. John Roberts, gamekeepar, Marian Mills, CWOl, sa:d that he knew the deceased Wit- ness went on to siy that on Saturday, Decem- bar 27th, he heird a shot about half past nine in the morning. He went in the direction where the shot had been fired, in Ffordd Dywyll, near Dyserth When ha got there, he found the deceased shot, and his clothing on I fire, a large hole being burnt in his trousers between the left thigh and knee (the garment was produced). Deceased was then leaning against a fence, and he (witness) put out the fire by smothering ib with his cap. He staved I near the deceased until Mr. David Jones, Tre- caetell, came up, which he did in about three minutes. Deceased said in reply to witness that he had shot himself, but did not say how. Deceased must have been in great pain. When Mr. Joaes came up, they took the man home, and put him in bed, and he (witness) then lefo. Near the spot where the deceased stood he saw the barrel produced, a single bore muzzle load- er, and the gun stock was ia the inside coat pocket on the right side. 10 his opinion the man must have had the barrel in the left side pocket, muzzle downwards, with a cap on the nipple, and the cap must have been struck by something, and ignited, firing the charge in the gun. David Jones, Trecastell, said that he asked the deceased what he was doing and where he had been. Deceased replied that, he had only just come from home. At this time both parts of the gun were on the ground. Deceased further said that he was getting over a fence, when the gun went off, and in his (witness's) opinion the percussion cap must have been struck by the stock and exploded. Witness thought the deceased was used to carrying a gun, and he carried the gua in his pocket for concealment. By a juror-He believed the deceased was in the hahit of poaching. Dr. William Thomas said that he was called to see the deceased on Saturday, and found a diagonal wound about an inch in diam- eter, on the lower part of the left thigh. He i caused the deceased to be removed to the Alex- [ andra Hospital, Rhyl, and there attendei him I until he died, at eight o'clock on Sunday night. Deatii resulted from the wound, wh ch was no doubt a gun shoe wound. A considerable area of flesh had beea burnt, and the bone was shattere to several pieces. Deceased told him that he was crossing a fence, and the gun I barrel fell from his pocket, the nipple on which there was a cap, struck a stone, and the shot explode The jury at oace returned a verdict ef accideii ,at' death.'

CERYG-Y-DRUIDION. CHRISTMAS GIFT. Mr Alex Cross, who is at present residing at the White Lion Hotel, has been so kind as to give orders to Air. Robert Jones and Mr. John Jones, butchers, to supply the poor of the parish—about a hundred in number—with from six to seven pounds of excellent meat, for their Christmas dinner, and all the recipients feel extremely obliged to Mr. Cross for his generous gift. Also, on New Year's Eve, Mr Cross had a fine display of fire works; and assisting hun in the work of letting them off were the following gentlemen :-Mr. T J. Freme, Gianeeirw; Mr. S. B Fieme, Gwyddelwern Mr Hughes, Llangollen Mr. Robert Nurse, and Mr. Arthur Nurse; and a large number of ladies and gentle- men from the immediate neighbourbooct wit- nessed the grand display. Mr. Cross is highly esteemed at Ceryg All the villagers throughout enjoy el the treat. The Cervg B ass Band was in attendance, under the leadership of Mr. D Morris, and they played with a very good taste. So we left the old century and welcomed the new in fine style, thanks to Mr. Cross and we wish Mr. Cross a long life and happiness to live with us, amongst the hills and mountains of Wales -Ii.

COLWYN BAY. -ff"< GAS SUPPLY. PROPOSED PURCHASE BY THE COUNCIL A special meeting of the Colwyn Bay and Colwyn Urban District Council was held on Friday aiternoon, to consider the proposed purchase of the gas works. Mr. G. Bevan, the chairman, presided, and called upon Mr. R. S. Chamberlain, solicitor to the Council in this matter, to explain the pro- ceedings which it would be necessary to take to promote a bill in Parliament with the object of acquiring the undertaking. Mr. Chamberlain said the first thing to be done wan to give notice to the Gas Company that the Council intended to purchase under the clause of the Companies Act of 1896, as soon as the necessary Act could be obtained, and that the ConncíI were applying to Parliament for the necessary powers for the purpose in the season of 1901. Mr. W. Davies asked whether it was proper for these steps to be taken until the ratepayers had been consulted. Mr. Chamberlain replied that a ratepayers' meeting was being calied. As a matter of fact, it was, un ier the Act of Parliament, for the Couacil to decide whether the purchase should be carried out or not That the Council had already done, and they had agreed to present a bill. The bill having been presented, the law provided ihat no more expense should be in. curred until the ratepayers hid hid an oppor- tunity of sal in, whether it was a bill the Coun- cil should support. Up to the point he had indicated, the Council were left to exercise their undoubted authority. Mr. W. Davies, having learnt from Mr. Chamberlain by a farther question that there was no difference between an urban district council and a corporation in regard to the law on the matter, said his experience was that in the case of corporations it was not usual for such steps as the purchase of a gas works to be taken without first consulting the ratepayers. Mr. Chamberlain remarked that he had known some councillors who had not the fear- lessness to carry out their duty. As to whether the public meeting was held first or not was a mere matter of courtesy. Mr. W. Davies—1 am satisfied with that information. The Chairman moved, aad Mr. H. Hughes seconde d, a resolution, in the terms recommen- ded by Mr. Chamberlain, giving notice to the Gas Company. Mr. W. Davies moved, as an amendment, that the common seal be not affixed to such notice. Mr. Robert Evans seconded. Messrs D "vies and Evans voted for the amendment, and the resolut-Lon was voted for by the Chairman, Messrs. Hughes, Thomas Parry, T. Byrne, and Thomas Roberts. The resolution was declared carried. It was announced that the Local Government Inquiry in reference to the proposed urban powers for the parish of Llysfaen would take place on Wednesday. Ihe Chairman announced that Mr. S. Moss, M P., bad been provisionally retained on behalf of the Council to appear at the inquiry. On the motion of Mr. Thomas Roberts, seconded by Mr. H. Hughes, the retaining of Mr. Moss was confirmed, aud it was also deci- ded that several members of the Council should be requested to give evidence in support of the Council's claim to a readjustment of boundaries between the parish of Liysfaen and the urban district. Mr. W. Davies pointed out that the Llysfaen children so filled the Colwyn school that the School Board were required to build a new school for their accommodation. But the Llysfaen people could not be compelled to guarantee to continue sending their children there, and, therefore, they might escape their share of the payment for the building. This matter ought to be brought before the inspector who conducted theinquily.

GLAN CONWAY. DEATH AND FUNERAL OF MR. 1-11 JOHN DAVIES. We regret to have to announce the death of Mr. John Divies, Bryn MYhen, which occurred suddenly on Sunday night the 23rd ult. The deceased gentleman had been in ch-pel twice that Sunday, but tie expired very suddenly in the evening at the age of 76. On Thursday the 27th ult, his reinaies were interred in the churchyard of Llansantffraid- There was a very large gathering, and the funeral procession comprised thirty carriages. Mr. D .vies was the son of Mr. D. Davies, farmer, of Penrhiwisa, sad he held the post of agent to his father's landlord, Arch- deacon Janes, of Bryn Eisteddfod, for over forty years. H:s only son, Mr. D. R. Davies, has succeeded him in that office. Mr- Davies was a deacon at the Calvinistic Methodist Church, and was widely known and respected. For twenty years he sat at the Board of Guardians, being for a long period the Vice- chairman to the late Rev, W. Venables Wil. liams, of Llandrilio-yn-Rhos. He occupied the chair for some years of the Conway Rural Dis- trict Council. It is noteworthy that within a year have died the Rector of Landrilio, and all the men who acted as vice-chairmen to him at the Board of Guardians—Messrs, J. Porter, D. Phillips, and John Davies. Mr. Davies was for one term a county councillor for Denbighshire. His survives him. The Rev. J. D. Owen officia-ced at the funeral service held at the house, and the Vicar of L'aisantff aid, the Rev. W. Morgan (' Penfro'), at the church. Among tivse attending the funeral were the Chairman of t ie Board of Guardians (Mr. John Roberts), C Iwyn Bay, and a number of the members and officials of that authority, including Mr. T. E. Parry, the clerk also the Mayor of Conway (Alderman H. Hughes). We might mention that Mr. Davies was a brother to the late Mr. William Davies, Erriviatt Bach, Denbigh.

— j The Caspian Sea has only lllb. of salt to the the of water the English Channel has 72, and t nodead Sea IS7.