The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

THE ST. ASAPH DIOCESAN CONFERENCE. MR WYNNE CORRIE'S HOSPITALITY. Mr and Mrs Wynne Coirie arc issuing invita- WCT.S to the cicrgy delegates appointed to attend St.. Asaph Diocesan Conference, to the Old rys of Oswest. y School who propose visiting Oswœt,ry on the occasion of t.he rchools quincen- tenary, f.nd to a number of local residents to an At Home" at llall on the afternoon of November 4th, to meet the Archbishop of Canter- bury, who has arranged to visit Oswestry for the two functions on tho 4t.h, 5th and 6th. } Mr Dennis1?, iho general manager of the Cam- bnen Railway Company, has undertaken to put a special train for the convenience of the sts, and Lord Harlech has kindly given per- mission for them, after detraining, to walk across U3 property to the Park Hall drive.

POd: "So you think I should put fire into verses?" Editor: "My dear sir, quit tho ^vei-fce." It is reported from Paris that a chemist has, y *;he recom position of sulphuret of carbon, ^•btained^ crystals very brilliant a.nd pure as bo onlY comparable to diamonds. Parlour-maid (correcting tjho pronunciation the page): "Don't eay 'ax,' you vulgar boy; .Y

THE SHREWSBURY RAIL- WAY DISASTER, BOARD OF TRADE INQUIRY RESUMED. THE SPEED OF THE TRAIN. THE RAILWAY COMPANY AND RESPON- SIBILITY- On Tuesday morning, Colonel Yorke, C.B., resumed his inquiry into tho cause of tho rail- way <i.ftuiitor at Shrewsbury a week ago. With him eat Mr Askwit.h, K.C., and Mr Kllis Cun- Jift'c, fcoiicitor to the Board of Trade. Mr 8. M. Morril3, Shrewsbury, represented the United Kingdom Postal Clerks' Associa- tion; Mr Waters, Jiu^ton, appeared tor tiie London and North-Western Railway Company; and Mr Thomas, the. Amalgamated Society ot Railway Servantu. John Badger, overseer, T.P.O., Shrewsbury, stated that at the time of the accident he as engaged at the porting office at Cast e Forgat-e, and heard the train approacmngr. He could not hear the whistle of the engine, bur, eeeuig a, malritude of sparks coming from tne engine, he thought the driver ha.d reversed Jt. He had travelled in this particular train, and had noticed the high speed at which it had tra- velled from Whitchuroh to Shrewsbury. F. P. Bailey, of the Past Oiiice Department, taid the Post Cilice van gnashed up in the acci- dent had been reported for excessive c-sciia- tion, but the railway company had put it right. Geoffrey Dove, who travelled in the Post Office van on tho ill-fated tram, eaid the train, in approaching Shiewebury, was uisua ly checked a.t iidricscott Crossing, but on this night it, was not, and he did nor notice that it was rad:cn- ing down. L nt.il about three seconds prior tc the accident he did not hear any whistling. Air Robinson, assistant (superintendent of tho Post Office, eaid he was at the eorting office near the scene of the accident when it occurred. Tho train was going very fast at the time, but the EJeam was fchut off. He saw sparks coming not oniy from the funnel but from tho wheels of the engine as well. W. Hobin, who was also working at the eort- ing office when the train left the line, eaid he it was at the time slackening down speed. RAILWAY EVIDENCE. Henry Herbert Hammond, shunter, London and North- It .tcrn Kaiiwav, said he was on duty at Crcwo Rank on the night of the acci- dent, and gaw the train pacB at a much gireater speed than usual. He heard no whistling. Usu- ally the speed at this point was twenty miles an hour or less, and he had not eeen a train go faster. George Groom, brakesman, Castle Fio!<Vi, who was with the laet, witne-t-e when the train ap- proached, said he made the remark to hiim, "My word, the Bristol is taking them in this morn- ing." He did not think at the time the speed was dangerous. J. W. Dyeon, district signal inspector, Castle Fields, Shrewsbury, gave evidence to the effect that the signals were in working order just after the accident. Tho lights were burning ali light. He had never had any occasion to jeport ihom. John Bet Hestone, Crewe Bank signal-box, said he was sure the lights on the di-a.nt signal were all right. It was ue-ual for drivers to whistle unless the home t-ignal was off. He explained the rules and regulations with regard to the opening of the distant signal. The driver did not whistle. He way surprised, as the train was going at such extraordinary speed. It would not be his duty to report drivers for not whist- ling. There was no direct rule that he should report drivers over-running the signal. There was a general rule covering that all irregulari- ties would be reported .by companies7 ser- vants. Guard Birch dated that he examined tho vacuum brake. It wat-, properly connected. Tho brake, v.as not used till Crewe Bank. lie went to the vaeuum brake, and found it on at zero. He only felt the brake on slightly, a.nd then he went to the hand brake. After he had applied the hand brake he left the blocks on the van. He had no explanation why the brakes, which according to tho indicator, should have been on full, did not act with full force. He explained that he was engaged sorting service letters. He heard no whistle whatever. He was certain that there was no one besides the driver and fireman on the foot-plate. A third was found under the tender, but there was no reason to suppose a third per- j".JÜ>fi was travelling on the footplate. Witness had' no one with him jn tho van. By Mr Andrews: He could tei] exactly when the brake was on by the feel. An. experienced dfrivetr would knowt tooJ whether the brakes were acting1 fully. It would have been the duty of t'Ho driver to have whistled for the hand- brake to be applied, but he did not whistle- He saw tihe needle in hia van on the indicator gtj to zero. lie applied the hand-brake. Witness was prcercd to say exactly whero tha train was when he saw the needle at zero. He said ho thou^'iit it must, have been be- tween tlvj fiicmio and d'jstan-t signals. By Mr Thomas: He could not say if the cifiec.Ls of tho brake being applied would be felt fi-nvi in the fport d the train or behind- He expected the train to be pulled up within the <i«fcaneo at the upeed at whidh the train wan travelling-. COMPANY'S RESPONSIBILITY. Mr Andrews, chief solicitor for tho London and North-Western Railway Company, said the matter off the company's liability ivafi very carefully considered at the meeting of the board on Friday, anid they camo to the conclusion, looking to tlieir duty to all concerned, and they had instructed him, to accept full re&poiitsibiiity for tihe aocki'enit, subject .of ooutrse, to v.rO')>er reservations with regard to any particular claims. J. Loekett, driver, nf Orewe. said he was on tho way to engiine at Crewe Station, and passed Martlim. who was a.t his engine ready to start- Two or three minutes before thoy left witnecig was talking to Martin, who e-remed all right- Tho foreman was there. Tlhere was >10 one elso on the engine but Martin and the fore- man, and thero was no one efc-e about nearer than tho passengers on the train- Martin was weill and cheerful. By Mr Apkwith: The fireman was not tlho driver a re^.iJar mate, but. the fiiernan had fired far him (witness). He had never he.a.rp any complaints as to the regulator or indicate- on the Experimenter type of engine. By M.r Thomas. (representing tho raihvav ser- vants) Ho had never 'heard anv complaints a" to tho fioorplates on that c'asfc of engine- Clip." were used sometimes em tiho regulator—more when it was a light tram. Ma- Thomas explained that the clip we is 1100<1 to assist tbo driver, fN) that be could see over tihe side and keep control- The regulator, had it gob jammed, might possibly caused d'c- lay an putting on tho brake. Mr Cooke explained that thov net autho- rrieo tho use cC a dip- It would he only used by a man who was on very light traffic to keep the regulator open. Engine Foreman Nash, of Crewe, described the rule at tho Holyhead lodging-ihouse for drivers and firemen, and eaid if a man was off duly he was not prohibited from going out- side, but he was not allowed to bring in beer. Drivers on the London and North-Western were questioned everj Mx months as to knowledge of different .section's of the line, and they had to sign a hook. The Inspector: Statements have been made in newspapers that the drivers are liable to be fined fo.r not keeping time. Arc they fined on the North-Western Railway? Witness: They have been when it has been proved to be a case of mismanagement on their part. Witness had never reported Martin. lie was not aware that any <1 the men on the train wore under reprimand or working under any ewain. Martin had worked train as olten as any man, and knew the road as well as he knew the way home- Of the nreman, he was quite capable in case of emergency to look af- ter tlhoo engine, and also understood tho signals- Benjasnin Thomas Maisi, employed at Shrew,Sr bury sortinig office, near the station, aiJ bo saw the train approaching tihe station at a great speed—fa :c.r than any train he had ever 6.0011 coining int., the station. He believed 1k. t steam was off. HOLYHEAD EVIDENCE- AHjPrt Prior, engine cleaner, at Holyhead, said that he cieaned the. tubes of the engine on Monday 14t.h, at Holyhead, and fdinid* no defect in the tubes or smoke-box. and 110 sign of any broa.ka.ge. Arthur Jones, bar-boy. at Iloivhead, corrobo- rated. David Owen, s<orc*n:an at Holyhead, said he booked on Martin and Fletcher a.t 7.35 p.m., at Holyhead, on the lIfth inst. They were both in their usual health, and in proper condi- tion. David Morris, night foreman at Holyhead, said that hei spoke to both men at 3 p.m., and they appeared all light. Benjamin lliggin. night man at the company's lodging-house at llolyhead. said that Martin and Fletcher cajne there on the Monday morning, had a wash and something to eat, and went, to bed. Before leaving at 7.25 in the overling, Mar- tin had some steak and potatoes and tea. He took a bottle of tea away with him. He said ho had had a good day in bed. Richard Devonnort, engine-driver, of Crewe, epoke to seeing Martin at Holyhead, on Mon- day night, and corroborated the prc\;o.it8 wit- ness, as to Martin taking a 110ttlc of tea with him. If the train had been travelling 60 miles an hour at the distance signal ho could have reduced the speed to 15 miles. He had driven this c'afs of engine since they came out, and had never had anj difficult; with them as re- gards regulation or otherwise. He had also driven the engine in question, and had had no difficulty with it. He had never driven a better type of engine. The inquiry W2.s at this point adjourned till later in the day. DRIVER'S AND FIREMAN'S RECORD. Mr C. J. Cooke, running department ca the Southern Division of the London* and North- Western Railway, said all the records of drivers wero kept at Mr Wha.e's office, at Crewe. Co10no. Yorke: What are the instructions to drivers, as to making up time:— There are 110 Ü18trucbon t.h3.t drivers should make un time. Drivers are expected to make running time with their trains. On the other hand there is no prohibition for men getting up time where it can safely and conveniently be done. As regards punishment for faults. Witnecis aid that he deait with cases on their merits. In certain CWies, which were very few and far between, and jjf obviious mismanage ment as regards tiring or neglect of proper duties, the men would likely be dealt with; but, on the other hand, a man working an exprtcg pas- senger train might drop a few minutes because of a heavy gale or some other reason, and wit- ness would that the man had done his beet, and nothing would be raid to him. There were no fines on the London and North- western Rai.way. The form of punishment was sutpeneion; in bad cases dismissal. Colonel Yorke: Aro there no records against Martin?—Yes, ceveral. He was suspended for one day for being absent without leave/ repri- manded for a srncke nuisance, and another turn for missing his train. There were two cam* of over-shoo ting aignais. Witness did not call it a bad record. I* let-chcr had an absolutely clean record. Colonel Yorke: Speaking in a general C1:((" is that record cf Martin's a fairjy tatkfactoiy one?—It ies not a bad rcc0:d. There are several cases of passing stations where he was timed to stop?—Yes, that was care:eesness 111 not looking carefully at his time- eheet, but in that case it would not be a case of passing signals at danger. What sort of punishment W;J8 awarded on each of thot-c occasions?—O11 the ast occasion he suspended for three days—that was for passing tie signals at Conway—he was suspended one day for over-shooting the signals, and for one day on another occasion. 1 suppose there wouid be a limit to thwo en- tries?— Yes, but there again we should consider the cases on their merits. There might 00 years between each one. If witness found a man habitually carelecn there would be a limit, and he would be severely dealt with. In reply to Mr Andrews, Witness said the fact that the indicator of the vacuum brake in the rear van pointed t-o zero wa. proof positive that I there iiiui't have been a clear air passage from the engine to the rear van, and when the vacuum was exhausted the brakes must have been on. Colonele Yorke: Ail that is assuming the vacuum had been created when the train started from Crewe. If the indicator showed zero at Crewe, then there would have been zero all through the jou rny ? Witness: Yes, but I was taking the assump- tion that wan set up by the evidence of the guard Birch that the branc was coupled Hp. By Mr Thomas: Has there been an unusual number of men on the London and North-Wes- tern Kail way .running by tile signals and pLat- torms on your system recently?—i\o. W nat you ca i a reasonable number? If we were to suggest, that you had suspenued August, would Mi a 1 oe an unusual number? Z6 me n lor TlIH]JiiJ,g pwst gignais iroin June to W nneee: it wouid ue aimcuic to answer hand, but taking trio avexago lor a numncr 01 years, 1 thiriK you will 1111a tliat there has been noming out oi tno way of men running past signais. Thomas: Have you had a number of com- plain auout the Diaxe-jxjwer on your .North wales section, etpecia^y tiom your engine men -1 nave never iicaiu Qol anyining. uxuon is not under me, but 1 tiimK i snould have heard li tneTe nad been, compiauits. You have no comp.anns 01 men you have eus- peacted tor over-running tignais attributing rneir iuiiure to stop to OJ uKo-power?—JNO, 11 tneie wan any failure it was inquired into. in reply to que^civjiis as to tho vacuum witness said thero was no sign of waste in the pipe. Mr F. B. Mayley remarked, on behalf of the men employed JD the travelling Post Office, that there was a feeling that six-wheeled car- riages were not sate when; they ran with eignt- whec.ed bogie carriages, as the osciiiation was extreme. The inspector said this had no bearing on tho accident. A BOARD OF TRADE OFFICER. Mr J. P, S. Main, assistant inspecting officer in the railway department 01 i-ne J>oard ot 'i'rado lor tne lat seven years, eaid at u:o re- quest ot Coionet iorKe he. maoe a Uioiougn inspection of the wrecked Ioooino'tive iwois at Crewo the previous day. He louiia the egtU- lator vaive, which is ot the mushroom type with a. do-ub.c seating, in working oroer. m roe leading from the handle 011 tne footplate to the stand in the steam dome was quite ree, 111 lact, it could be opened and elose-u with ease when cold. The connections were ati intact, and he worked the regulator peieona.iy. he also worKeit a simiiai- xcguiatur an engine of t.ne saino design winch was in Kteaai at the time, and found that it closed, if anyining, more easi y than it opened. He also had the internal eteam pipe beyond the regulator valve. mnen out WJlh tho view oi seeing wnether there were any rents in the pipe, or whether any Jcinrs had out, in winch case steam eouia reach trie steam chest when the regulator was closed. Tnns pipe ho found in perieet condition, and the joints had every appearance of being thoroughly ugnt. in fact, tho regulator vaive and all connections concerned therewith, from the haiictie on the ioot-p.a:c to the regulator vaive in the boiler, were in sound woi-Kmg condmon, and quite iree to operate. Tho bra-Ke rigging 0:1 the engine was more or less in position, and the brake blocks only partially worn. were weii bedded to the wheels. The brake handle on the toot-p.ale, which operates ioom the vacuum brake 011 the tram ana. the steam brake on tJie engine, was, he understood, found in the fmi "011" position. That was, the brake was fuiiy applied. The hand-e was jammed over in that position. Till- There was no appearance of the brake having been in any way inoperative on the engine, lie found the reversing gear in aimost lull back gear; there being only one other thread of the screw to spare. The operation of reversing the engine could be done in two or three seouiicts when steam was shut off. A question had, he believed been raked with re gat d to sand. The sand boxrs, of which there were six, one to each of the fi-x coupled wlieeisc, were, with the ex- cejTtion of the r.ght-riand leading one, a part cd which had been earned away, still three pa-rts filled with sand. The connecting rod to the fading left-hand box, although considereabiy bent, might stili be partially worked. It would not, therefore, appear that sand had been ap- plied to any great extent. The tender was bat- tered about to such an extent, the under gear having all. been carried away, that it was now impcs»:.ib!o to say whether the brake on it was in working order or not. Tho conclusion he had come to after a very careful examination oi the engine, in which he received every aa.istanee from the officers of the locomotive department, and, so- far as he was now able to judge, was that the mechanism of the engine was in per- fect working order. By Mr Thomas: There was no indication of burst tubes in the engine. Going at. 60 miles an hour at this place, he should think it pos- sible to aeduce the speed to fifteen miles an hour within a thousand yards. Peter Adpms, an engine driver, who was on the scone shortly after the accident, he found the regulator handle closed. The rever- sing mechanism was at back gear and the brake handle was in the on position. A bcilcr scraper from Crewe said the boiler was tested on the 20th inst., and there were 110 signs of leakage. William Ridgway, foreman porter, Crewe, spoke to seeing the brake tested by the guaro Birch before the train left Crcwe. Further evidence having been given as to character, and also that of three signalmen to the effect that when the train paused their signal boxes on the morning of the accident it appeared all right. The inquiry was further adjourned until the following day.

CORONER'S INQUEST RESUMED. STARTLING EVIDENCE. WHO TRAVELLED ON THE ENGINE? THE CHIEF CONSTABLE'S INFERENCE. MEDICAL EVIDENCE AS TO THE DRIVER'S PHYSIQUE. At the Guild Hall, Shrewsbury; yesterday inorning, the Coroner. Mr It fj- Clarke, re- sumed the inquiry the cai .se of the death oi the eighteen victims of Lh, railway ddea^ie-r on TuesiiUy morning, the 15th inst- names and addires^e8 of the victims are as follows: — Joseph Davie*, jockey, Mountain Ash, South Walcii- Stephen Crabtreo Hodgson., Post Office scrtirvj clerk. Underdale-wad, Shrewsbury. Leonard Denham Bxaiiey, Post office sorting clerk, of Shrewebuiry- Ilenry Morris, Post Office sorting clerk, ol Shrewsbury. Samuel Martin, of Crowe, driver of the train. Frederick Owen Fletcher, of fireman of the tain. 1 Lewis Snolg.rove, of Bristol, grard 0: the train. WilSiaiu Thomap Pugh. railway uard. Here I fCtrd. Cecil Tudor Kelly, 2, Kipling Avenue, Wells- rca-d, Bat'h, icrmealy cif Flint. He was the fifth son c: the late Mr T. T- KoMy, Clerk of ttho Peace for Flintshire, and a nop!i/&w to Mr Chaff. A. Jones, d Carnarvon. Mrs Elizabeth Jones?. Roger-street, Oaerealeni; Swanssa. Mrs David orris, Caerpalem, Swansea. F- Dimelo-w, 22, Moy-road., TalTawcll, Cardiff- Henry Woooliand, Priory Grove. EveIltoa, -Liverpool. M.rs W.ccd'kind, wife of above. Colonbotti Antonio, an Italian, formerly at Wrexham with Mcs°,rs Pceny Bros-, ice cream and chip potato vere'eys. Mary Williams Eddie, 38a, Walker-road, Terry, A'corc'Pen. H. Taylor, ea.ilor on beard H.M.S. Common- we>akih." R- II. Bennett, of Conseinion, Swansea. Among thcee presented at. the inquiry were Sir Frederick Harrison (general manager cot the ly>ndco an(} North-Westorn Railway), Mr An- dn-ews (solicitor cl the company), Mr J. Wilhatns. (renree editing tho Londom arsd North-Wee-torn and threat Western Railway joint lines). Mr F- K Adams (General Pest OiKcc), and Mr J. H. Thomas (Amaigamated Society oi Railway Servants). Mr Percy Marsh, ol Rioh- andr?on, Marsh, and Co., Kolic-itorfl, Liverpool, repreeentcKl tho relatives of Liverpool victims- yiliie Chief Cons-table cf Shrew&bu.ry was 'the fi.rst witncHj. Ile rcihvay siation at 3.10 on the Tuft-day room- ing oiid s-uw on the Crewe line', near Cn.-tle j Foreg-ate, the wreckage cf the train, ami 110 aosio^ed to goS the bodies out- AA (he je.jtie^t of the coroner, v/itnesc men- ti->f"d the order in whicih (lie bodies were e- covered. The lost, he aaidr, was Hodgson a- FINDING OF FELLY'S BODY. Wilne** described! tho position of the drawee and nwmau. In regard to Kcity, the bank clerk, he g;ud tie was lyraig under iliv front part d ttvj lender, I ciowiv by a projecting portion of it. near tne icotpilate and (ihc engine. lino Coronetr I am fir-rr,iy of opinion that ue could rot liavo dropped trie re by thrown out of The- carriage- A J iryinun; Can you tell ue whe-ther ho ooclý. oi Kelly wa/s found in men a pceitLon as to fu:g.r.t tlhat tire engme. had j a}lel! over him or wiho&hcgr he was projecting under the tender after tire engine had fallen. Witness: He may have fallen before the ten- der fell (}\-)à' him, becanfe he was underneath the te-uder, and had to be removed by the aid oi a jack. An.(jther Jury-man 16 it a fact (hat there was 40 feet between that spot and the coach where Kolly v-ae to be in? ltncfB: I can-no-i say- It was emashed up to such an extent. The Firgt Juror: What i» meant. I (hink, w this—was not tiheix^ a brake van between the coach and the engine- Witiio £ <s: I do not know. Mr Bowdler (representing the relatives of Martin, Dimelow, Morris and Bradley] asked whether Kelly wa» found actually on th tender oir QIn the j>rojectin,g portion which was at the top the tender. Witiiees answered lihat he wap- found on the projecting jwrtion- He adkled tha.t he found no sand about the engine. The position in which ho fo-undi t.he driver and fireman indicated that tihey had died at their posit, and were not ee- caping to tiho rear of the train- Kelly, the driver, and the fireman were aU lying clcse to- gether. NO TICKET FOUND: BEGRIMED HANDS. Mr Cunliffe (representing the Board of Trade): Was there any ticket found upon Kelly?-No. Is thero any record of wnat carriage Kelly was seen to gob I"to ?-Net at all. Did you notice the state of his clothing at all?- Yes; it was very much covered witn coal. Was there any coal on the top of him?—No. His hands were very dirty. He must have been amongst the coal dust. The coal was in his clothing. Were his hands grimed?—Yes; dirty with coal and grease. He had a pair of kid gloves in his pocket. Were the palms of his hands covered with coal? —They were dirty with grease and coal. From the position of tho bodies there was no evidence of a struggle, I suppose? Witness: No, I cannoa say there was any. Nor in the way their hands were. Their hand", were they not clenched?—No, it appeared as if they had been knocked down. Did you notice the driver's tool box, basket, or stone jug lying about?—No, it was very dark. Mr Andrews: Your inference is that Kelly must have been on the footplate of the engine?—Yes, that is my impression from the position in which the body was found. You know the train did not stop between Crewe and Shrewsbury?—That's what I am told. Were there any bodies found iu advance of the derailed engine and tender?—No, the nearest was poor Mrs Eddy, who was pinned against the tender and the front coach. Examined by Mr Thomas, witness said that tho body of Kelly was lying under the projection of the tender for about an hour and a half before he was released. Witness did not think that that accounted for the coal and grease on Kelly's hands. If Kelly had been thrown out of the Great Western coach, which was piled on top of the wreckage, witness thought that he would have been thrown towards the Castlei Foregate, and not under the tender. There was no coal on the top of Kelly-at any rate, net within view. Mr Thomas: If he was on the footplate would not the coal, which was higher than he, have got on the top of him and under him?—I don't think there was any coal under him. Ho was lying on the ballast of the permanent way. Witness added that both the driver and the fireman were scalped, but Kelly was not. In reply to certain solicitors appearing for rela- tives of rome of tho deceased, Mr Andrews repeated the statement lie had made tho previous day—that the company ac- cepted full responsibility for the unhappy occur- rence, reserving, of course, such points as the foundation of particular claims and the amounts. Dr. Buckle, houso surgeon Salop Infirmary, gave evidence as to the reception at the institu- tion of the dead and injured. THE DRIVER'S PHYSIQUE. Dr. Bolstrode, police surgeon of Shrewsbury, restilicd to having made a post-mortem examina- tion of the body of Martin, the engine-driver. He found extensive scalds over the whole of tho man's face and neck, and superficial burns and scalds on the forearm and hands and legs, also a cut on the left side of the skull 0110 and a half inches* in length. Martin was a fatty man in- ternally, his heart was not very muscular, but healthy throughout. The lungs were healthy, the kidneys were somewhat congested, and the brain was healthy. The contents of the stomach did not smell of alcohol. The Coroner: Is it your opinion that he was a man capable of doing the work for which he was employed ? Witness: Yes. The Coroner: From the condition of his liver would you say whether he had been a temperate man or a driztkorl Witness: Not intemperate, and net a teeto- taller. By Mr Cunliffo (for the Board of Trade): Witness examined the man's teeth, and saw no evidence of his having suffered from any acute tooth trouble. Witness: The heart was not quite as muscular as he wojild have expected for a mar: of his build, but it was quite healthy, and might have done its work quite well. Mr Cunliffe: From what you saw did you think there was any possibility of his being attacked by a lit of any kind? Witness: No There was no indication of his bemg subject to epilepsy or any other sickness. The doctor further stated, in reply to Mr Cun- liffe, that/ he discovered some small blisters on the arteries. These would be caused by an ex- cess of working, eating, and drinking. He would say that Mart.11 was used to taking drink—pro- bably beer. In view of his fatty condition all the symptoms combined would not-, taken as a whole, suggest a possible attack of giddiness temporary forgctfulness, or drowsiness. Mr Bowdler: Did you say that the man must have been sober that night? Witness: There was no other indication, what- ever. Dr. Jackson, surgeon, practising in Shrewsbury who was present at the post-mortem examination' corroborated the evidence of the last witness Answering Mr Cunliffe, the witness said ihe oondition of the arteries referred to by the previous witness was a common condition in per- sons advancing in years. ANOTHER GUARD'S STORY. Henry Btrch, in the employ of the London and North-Western Railway Company, was the next witness. He said he lived at Bristol. On Tues- day morning, the 15th inst., he had charge of the ill-fated train from the time it left Crewc- TVim-o were three passenger guards and a fish guard on the train.. Tho train was composed of fifteen cairiages, including three post- office vans. Wit- ness, being in charge, was in the last van. There were two trucks behind him. The train was due to leave Crewe at 1.20 a.m., but they did not leave until 1.28. Before leaving Crewe station witness walked along beside the train as far as the engine, and life spoke to the driver. He simply told him bow many coaches were on the train, and the driver then handed him his state- ment. He saw that the couplings were all right, and that the vacuin brake was properly working. Tho driver and fireman both seemed all right, and there were 110 signs of drink cn either. He calculated that there were between sixty and seventy passengers on the train. The first three coaches were pretty full. Questioned by the Coroner as to what hap- pened after the train had left Crewe, witness said they kept their time until they loft Whit- church. They expected (o run express from Crewe to Shrewsbury. At crossing the driver generally shut. off steam. When they had passed this point he noticed they were travelling very fa.st, and between Ilarlescott and the next signal-box at Crewe Bank they tra- velled faster than usual. Witness, continuing, said that about half-way between the distance signal and the Crewe Bank.

TIMBER. TIMBER. TIMBER. RICHARD WILLIAMS & SONS, X SAW MILLS AND WAGGON WORKS, Specialities:- BUYERS X SA.W MILLS AND WAGGON WORKS, X' Specialities:- BUYERS Colliery Timber CONNAH'S QUAY. wheelwright'S EVERY DESCRIPTION TiMBtR. Head offices—39, Oldhall St., LIVERPOOL. of ESTATE & RAILWAY I CONNAH'S QUAY 29 || EnfiH^h & Wpish TIMRFR TELEPHONE 4 A WEIBN LIVERPOOL 829 English Oak and Elm TELEGRAMS "OLDHALL LIYERPOOL." TREES. Planking.

"GAZETTE" NEWS. KKCl.rVINC; ORDERS. KKCl.rVINC; ORDERS. S'ara'i Davie? and Mary Jane Davies, St. Si'iws, Tpprr rromenmle, Oiiwyn Eav, lodging-house koept-is. Albert EJward Humphreys, 82, Higu treet, Tort- I miuloc, Ahm Ji nes, Stay little, Truwsfynydd, stationer and This. Clialoner, residing at I-Ianwond. Sulop. and carrying <111 Iminep there, also at 2, Brook Street, Welshpool builder find gx,eer. FIRST MEETINGS ANR PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS. Wm. Hughes, Black Lion Hotel. Pt.nt-rln'dfendvjacd, !if( n^ed victualler, November loth, p.m. Town H-:ll. Aborvptwytli. John Williams, 1, Vrondiron Terrace, Banger, monu- mental ma-son, Oct-her 28l.h, iiocr. Crypt Chambers, Chester November 7th. 12.33 p.m., Magistrates' ltjom, Bangor. NOTICE OP INTENDED DIVIDEND. Bangor. NOTICE OF INTENDED DIVIDEND. David Roberts, Biyn(ir!en. Llanrwt't, lJU:dwr, Nv- l vember 6tu; tiustee, Official Receiver, Chester.

J SALE OF WORK AT COLWYN BAY. UQUEDATING THE CHURCH ROOM DEBT. LIST OF STALLHOLDERS- A sale of work, promoted for the purpose of liquidating a debt of £ 200 at present remaining on the Criurch Room, Colwyn Bay, was held yesterday afternocn. At the hour announced for the opening cere- mony, the Cnurch Room, in which the proceed- ings wero held, was literally packed to tiie cloor, tne assembly including pracucaUy all toe best known resieients of Colwyn Bay and district. The somewhat sombre room had been trans- formed into a delightful and picturesque ren- dezvous, and those responsible for the decora- tions had good reason to be prcud. of their work. There were eight stalls laden with tempt- ing displays of articles of use and beauty, THE OPENING CEREMONY. At three o'clock Mr Wm. Jcnes, of the N. P. Bank, cliairman of committoe, took the chair. lie was accompanied on the platform by Mrs W M. Venables illiams, Mrs Brock, Messrs Brock, Charles Reynolds, Waller W nitehead, W. B. Lucas, Dr. W. M. Venables NN illiatrs, Rev. Canon Roberts (vicar), Rev. J. H. Hope, Mr W. R. Hands, and Mr E. Allen. Mr Wm. Jones said that as chairman of the commit tee it was his duty that afternoon to in- troduce Mrs Yenibles Williams, who had kindly consented to cpeii the bazaar. Mrs dliams was poiitblv better known to them than he was, and would therefore not require an introduction. Continuing, the speaker stated that the Cnurch Rcom had been erected in 1896 at a cost of about jESOO. In various ways, and ht different times, the- had reduced the debt very materially. In the early part of 1903 it was reduced to £400, and later in the year to a little under £100. At that time Dr. Brooks was superintendent, and on the initiative of Dr. Brooks and Canon Ro- berts, various alterations and additions were made to the rcom, at a cost of jB275, which raised the total expense on the building to £ 1200. By means of sales of works, etc., the debt was still further reduced to a little over £ 3)0. He felt certain that by the time that day came to an end this amount would be completely wiped out. The men's committee were supposed to be re- sponsible for the sale of work, but the most excellent. thing they had done was to apjDcrtnt a ladies' committee, and then do nothing them- selves (laughter). The ladies' committee had worked splenùidly, and the men had shown great restraint in not meddling with them (renewed laughter). To Mrs Brock, the president, and the other ladies, they were very much indebted. (hear, hear). He expected that when this debt was cleared off they would want to incur further expenditure, but he hoped they would take care to have the money in hand (hear, hear). Master Ronald Harding, 'midst applause, then stepped forward, and presented Mrs Venables Williams with a bouquet. Mrs Venables Wiliiajais said she did not think there was very much left for her to say. There was only fif short time in which to make the money wanted, so that they would have to start at once. All the stalls were very tempting, es- pecially the sweet stall (laughter). She hoped that before the evening closed they would find that that useful room stood free of debt. It afforded her very great, pleasure to declare the sale open, and sho hoped it would prove a great sucoesa. VOTES OF THANKS. Mr W. Whitehead said he felt pleased to have the gTeat privilege of proposing a hearty voie of thanlcs to Mrs Williams for the gracious manner in which sho had opened the sale of work. They all knew that Mrs Williams had a kind heart and sweet disposition. If it were not for such women what would become of churchwardens and or- ganists (laughter). It appeared from what, he had heard that day that churchwardens embarked in au^-itious .schemes for church extension and imprc cinent, and then innocently delegated their commercial obligations to their wives and daugh- ters (laughter). If people in a less exhalted position than churchwardens did these things he thought they would be sent—well, to the seaside for the beuefit. of their health and ethics (loud laughter). They must all be impressed by the business capacity displayed by the ladies, who were responsible for this sale of work and indus- try. They obtained their goods net even on credit—made a charge to enter their shops, and t,hen sold their wares at irresistible prices (laugh- ter). When Mrs Brock asked him to take an interest in that afternoon's work, he did not hesitate for a moment. He did not care whether it was to build a church or pull down a work, house. He knew that it was for a good cause, and if it were only for the privilege of seconding a vote of thanks to Mrs Williams, he was more than satisfied (applause). Mr J. B vx-k, in the v>ropo«iiion, said he oould assure them that it gave him gifeat pleasure to second the vote of thanks to Mrs. Williams. He was exceedingly glad to think that the debt, was going- to bo cie a red that day. They had como for that purpose, and he paw frc:n the faces m the ladies that they had c.-)Iiiie and determined to clear the stalls and pay off the debt (hear, hear). Tihe bclOt. way to show their thanks to Mrs Williams was to clear the el alls as quickly as po-cihilo (applause)- Mr Jcz I "i put the maficm to (Sic moetiog, and it was carried with acclamation. Dr. Yenables Williams, who resopntled for has wife, faid the past few weeks had been a very anxious time far him., for be had bad speecVs at break'^st, speeches at lunch, al.1J spsecheii at ^'innor—(laughter),—and what with speeeh-os. Li'me-riok^, and "diabdo" he had had .A very nics time (laughter)- Mr Chas. Reynolds proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs Brock, the president of the sale, and said he was certain that everyone was in sym- pathy with the proposal lie had to submit. Not only wac) Mrs Brock ready to come forward and' hr-Lp in ibe work of tJje Church, but sho was eveir ready to help in anything good (hear, bear). The sale was alirmost certain to be a suc- cces, while Mrs Brock was at the head of affairs (hoar, htear). 1;14,000 COLLECTED IN FOURTEEN YEARS Canon Roberts seconded, and eaid most of the work had devolved upon Mrs Brock- The oilier ladies worked hard, but en- joyed ii a 1.; the more in having Mrs Brock at their head. Tills year they bad not opened a (subscription list as in past, yeans, but this had not deterred people from tending money (iher..r, hear). He would mot glH." any names because I" gitffi continued t.,D, conss in, and it wdiilti be uuiasff to faid in recognising the gene.csay oi fie. thank; J t.ie stallhokle;|S for uiei-r work, and naturally hoped it would be crowned with, success (applause). Within the jast 14 ye.aris £14,000 had been "c_ ted and paid for Chtaroh buakings ami sites in Colwyn nay (ap- plause). Thy expenditure on the Bryrrymac-n Chorch, -vdhieM was formerly in the Colwyn Hay parish, had been a big item, tu, <A they tjad been ieved through tho -iiKlnr- of the la to Mr Chas- Frost (Jhear, beasr). Tn-c sum of money m-entkwied was only about one-third ol what had been t-pent in the district- Some of the willing ones who had lielped in that w-L-rk in years gone by, helped to-tikly, and Mrs Brock had been the jiie and soul oi the opeora-Uons (hoar, lj?a.r). Tho nic:ion was carried unanimously. Mrs Brock, in reply, said S:J- thanked the speakeifi who had opoken guch nice things about ber. But it would have becin iinpci?e.ible to do work cf that kind if every hel.) had not been given to h:ir. T-a Eiallboldera had' most plea- santly and kindly tendered their as-nstauoe, and it now behaved them to make hJste and get rid of their goodb as. quickly as ocesjfce (bear, hear). During dho day a progirarnme of mu&ic was svotrvjned by Mrs Plews, Mies v rosfielu', Miss Mohiey, Mies GNveii Rev. J. H- Horne, and the younig ladie3 from Coed Pella, Plae Isa, and Brvn n. LIST OF STALLHOLDERS. The stailholdc-s were: — Fancy Stall: Mn; Roberts, Vicarage; Mrs Iloi/E, MTB Earp, Mrs Bouine, \.ÍI Jamio^on, .C I Mrs E. H. Davic" Misw Johoo, Mies Rowley, Miss II rrKon, Mieis Gird'cr, Miss Entwistle. Groceries. etc-, Stall: Mrs Broek. M.rs Crump. Mrs IA),rd, lfJS Seweli, Misa Preeoe, M ;Bg L- Kvorett, Mifcfl WadswcJth, Misses Whitehouse. Produce Stall: Mrs Huglnes, Mns Lloyd Jones, Miss Hughes. Miss E. M. IIugh. Variety Stall: Mns Reynolds Mrs Gamble, Mrs Brig-g-, Mias Wilxxn, Mim 'l'^orripaoin, Miss Whibchou»s. M:s« Gamble, Miss Brockbank- Sweet S,ali Mrs Venabves W'biams, Mrs J. M- Porter. Mrs Hard'.rig, Miss Helen Barlow- Apron and Piia^one Stall: hlieseg Everett, Mrs Watts.

LLYSFAEN PARISH CHURCH. ENGLISH SERVICES. MORNING, 11-15 (a:s Free 1?42H Crockery Stall Mr-js Edward Alien. Mrs Stanclilte. Aluse HcA'and, iviiss Parry jffias, Miss Jjaura Briggs, iViias iiryutail. Misscg Alien. Refrcisnments: ivirs Harold Siniui, Airs Ro- bertson (JJonacine), Mrs iSuiin, Drumm, Misses Clint, Miss Margaret Morris, Miss E. whams, Miee Moulton, iuisses Roberts, Yicarage.

Births, Marriages, and Deaths. BIRTHS. ASHBT —Oct iber J8th, at Oaktree House, Colwvn ray,, to Mr and Mrs Harold F. Asliby, a son. MARRIAGES. HUGHES-ROBERTS.— October 22nd, ot O.-irpliwvsfa C.M. Church, Lianbt-ris, by the Hers. Tp, wylJ J'urrj and John J-ciaJiwood, Crmau, T. MM vn Uuglii-s, Mencn House. Mold, to Harriet Louisa (ii.'L), joungest daufrhter uf the late Jesse Roberts, jeweller, Rutil.ii. JONES—AJKK>\—October 17th, at the English Wcs- Jl'y:.D Church. Holyhead, by the Rev. C. H. Brown, M.A., Thomas Nicholson." fourth Bon of Hubert Jones, Bivn Oelyn. to Bessie Davidson (Lily), older daughter of John Aiken, i'enrhvu Maivhhg. iNo cards.) THOMAS—UUGUES.— October 23rd, at Prince's Road Welsh Presbyterjan CSiurch, Liverpool, by tlje Rev. John Williams (Brvusiencrn), assisted bv the Rev. Owen Owens (Aufieid), Alfred J'icrce Thomas, of 43. Sydennam Avenue, to Miriam Jane, third daughter of the late David Hug-hcs. of Winter- dyne, Grorc Fark, Liverpool, and Wylfa. Cemaes, Anglesey. DEATHS- JONEc;Oel"ber 20th, at Rrgil' Place. Wrexham, aged 'i!J. hicharu Meredith Junes, formerly mauafrej -/■* of the Nurth and Sodh Karik. Li"\ erpooi «Oft as.—At Oorgaum, Mysore, India, on Sundav even- ing, October 20tii, aged 2G, after an attack of*en:eiVo fever, Howell Kyffln Jones, of Cremlvn, L'siiiror, yoiiiigogt SOil of the late Morrie Jones! J.P., Plasuoha, Djlgellev. PRICHAKD. Died, on October ]3th, fit his residence, Anglesey, the Rev. Hugh Prieliard, in his JOlst year.

FUNERALS BY Established 1867. D. Alien & Sons, 4c Colwyn Bay. Telephone 9187 itelegrams: Aliens, Undertakers, Colwyn Bay i -.J L Funerals Completely Furnished by J. DICKEN & SONS, STATION hOAD, COLWYN BAY TELEPUONK 0175. Telcgrame-" Dicken,' Undertaker, Colwyn Bay. "l I

CATTLE. LIVERPOOL, Monday.—The supply of cattle wa« larger than last week. Demand lair for good quality at prices slightly in buyers' favour rough sort6 lower. Sheep shown in reduced numbers. Trade good for finished hsndyweigbts at about last week's t.1, quota- tion middling and rough classes lower in vaiue. Quotations Bed, d to 4id mutton, 9d to Gjd per lb. At, market 1,6:.7 cattle and 7.286 sheep. WREXHAM, Monday.—There was a fair supply to- day, aud trade was steady. Beef made from ojd to 6td per lb.; mutton, 7d to 8d lamb, Sd to 9d weai, 6J to 7id and pigs up to 911 6d per score lbs. Dairy cows sold well. BIRMINGHAM, Tuesday.—Very short supply Rnd business dull. Prices: Best Herefords, "d short- horns, 6d to 6}d;. bulls and cows, 4d to 5d wilier sheep, d to F({; ewes and rams, 6d to Gd; lambs, 6jci to 8(l per lb. Pig trade brisk. bacon pigs, fis 2d; porkete, 10s 3d to J08 9d; sows, 18 Cd to 7s 9d perscore. 8ALFORD, Tuesday.—Fat cattle were in increasing rupply. 2,290 being on offer. All classes mrt a 'cry slow trade at late rates. Herefords made r.id; polled, 6d to CJd; shorthorns. Sid to 6Jd Welsh, ::id to GJd per lb. Veal calves met a brisker trade at "vl to 7d per lb. Sheep were in smaller numbers. 9,:iGQ being: on offer. Trade was dull, the majority being 0: rough qualify. Best Scotch Cheviots made Vid, heavy sorts, 8d to Ekd small Irish, heavy, 71 d to 8,ld ewes, (id to Cld; and lamb:- 8d lo '3d per Ib- Both cattle and sheep finished badly. BUTTER. COER, Weur.es'ay.—(ioou supply sluggish de- mand prices iairiy HI"a.ùy. kirsts, seconds, tos; thirds, 7s: fourth?, 7Js. Mild cu. cd: ouper- nne, fine mild, tes; choicest boxes, lUJs. 1-resii buitcr, iMe. WOOL. BRADFORD, Monday.- The market is not active in any department, and it is obvi.jus tluu. tiie u-ade is not vet prepared to follow any further upward inuve- in'iil. In mc-rinoes the result is a check in trans- actiuns, as topmaners cannot accept old puces until they nave procured some wool. Values are conse- quently nominal, but, exceedingly firm, fcixtiee Lops are at 2s à; crossbreus are ititd. BUTTER. EUG6. MEAT. Etc. J3ANGOH, Friday. Fresii butter, Is Id per ib., eggs, 10 lor Is; Irish, Danish, and Canadian butters, is to is .5d per lb.; bcei, 7d to 1ud per ib. ;ijiuttiii, 8d to iOd I er ib.; lcmb, 6d to IUA per 11,).; v Ml, ri to lUd per ib.; haru, "d to Hid i-cr lb.; bacon. 7d to Jud per lb.; lilt pif's, .:>;¡u per ib.; potatoes kitew), id lbs. foi hj curruts, ilbs. for -,(j turmps, Id per ib. Id per lb.; peas, id per quart; cabbages, Id to kid each; cauliflowers, 2d to 4d cac.1; celery, 2d w 4d LIe. stIck; letiucc Id each; ieeks, Id a L-uiieli oucumbiws, 2d to 4ci (acn, vegetable marrows, 3d to bd grapes (hilglisti), Is 6d to 2s cd per ib melions, 4d each; Jfcnglish, 2s bd; roinutoes, 4d to oil per lb. plums, 2d to 4d per lb apples, 1 jd to 4d per lb.; pears, 3d to 6ci per lb.; ciuckcns, 4s od to 5s per couple; low Is, is 9H to 2s each; goslings, 5s 6d to 7s 6d cactI; ducklings, 2s 9d to 3:0 e<u h; hares, Is 9d to 2s bd eacn; rabbits, 6d to yd eacn; pigeons, Is 4d per brace; pheasants, Is 6d per brace; partridges, 4s 6J per brace; ducks, 5s bd to 7s bd each; turkeys, Is 2d per 'b.; saiinon, is bd per lb.; soles, Is 8d per lb. turbot, is 2d per lb.; brill, Is per ib.; hali- but, 9d per ib. lemon soles, 9d per lb. plaice, 2d "o )d per lb. j whiting, 4d to 6d per !b. dabs, 2d to 4d per ib. gurnets, 3d per lb. hake, 3d to 4d per lb. skate, 3d per lb.; cod, 3d to 6d per lb. haddocks, 4d to 5d per lb.; iobsters, Is to 2s 6d each; crabs, 6d each; prawns, Is per lb. LLANGEFNI, Thursday. Butter, Is per lb.; eggs, 12 for Is, beef, 6d to 8d per lb.; mutton, 7d to 3d per lb.; lamb, lOd to lid per lb. veal, 7d to 8d per lb.; pork, &d to Sd per lb.; fat pigs, 3d per lb. I little pigs, 12s to 15s each; fowls, Is 6d to Is 9d each; ducks, Is 9d to 2s each; o;¡tg, 16s 6d to 17s 6d per quarter; pota- toes. 3s t:i *o 4s xier cwt. PWLLHELI, Wednesday.—Butter, Is Id per lb.; eggs, 9s per 120; ducks, 3s 6d to 4s per couple, chickens 2: 6d to 3s 6d per couple; fowls, 2s per couple; potatoes, 4s per cwt.; porkcts, 128 to 17s each; beef, 7d to 9d per lb. j mutton, 6d to 9d per lb.; fat pigs, 3 5-Sthd. per lb. L'LANRWST, Tuesdav.—Egg*, 9 to 10 for Is butter. Is Id and 18 3d per lb. duefcs, 5s to 5s Gd jjcr couple; lowlp. 31; Gd to 4s Cd per couple: potatoes, 3s per cwt. sucking pigs, 18a to 22s each.

TALYCAFN MARKET. The usual Talyrafn cattle and sheep mart was kel4 by Messrs Robert and Rogers Jonos on Monday. The eniry included M fat bullocks, heifers, and c»vvg, 40 on'iving cows, rUjrcz. etc., 380 fat wethers and ewes 704 fat cros-s-bred lambc, 3o0 mountain wethers, breeding ewes, and lambs. The prices realised, which wers considered vsrv satisfactory, were as follows: Fat billocfrs, ^18; cidring cows and cow with call at foot. £ U>: yearlings, 10 guineas: fat 93 5s pigs, £ 4 ft* fat ewes, 2Ss; and fat cross-bred lam'-w. 26s Dd. Tlie next sale is announced for Monday, November 4th.

THE ANdLKSKY HARRIFIIS will meet on — Saturday, October 26th Ta!wrn Kuch day at 11.45 a.m. -=- .-ø

If¡'¡¡Íf';¿i1Iæ[æ::Iii!j1!rl!<J,]'ills'iillffi'8.fi'tJ"l!!ii'r.r.!jjIJjJ.m;f¡f;i'f y Wnen Replying to Advertise- s p ments. please mention g .iJ 1 "THE PIONEER." § ft j

The "Weekly Times and Echo," which is a Labour-Socialist organ, comments in its issue of October 13th upon the slacken- ing of the volume of trade, as shown in the September returns. It says "Those who have watched the reports of the g-reat joint stock companies, and of such other trading concerns as publish their accounts during the past two or three years, have often wondered, probably, why profits and divi- dends have so almost universally declined during a period of such 'reviving pros- perity.' The truth is, with the exception of the textile trades, that 'prosperity' has been very unreal. Our totals of imports have grown simply because prices have been inflated. Competition at home and abroad, has cut profits almost to the finest point. Take the building trades, for in- stance, which furnish one of the most re- liable indications of real trade prosperity. Never, probably, during the past quarter of a century have they been more unprofitable to all concerned. Wages, too, show declines in most cases where changes are marked. All round, there was never pro- bably a time when so many of us have been 'living on a loss.' We are, in all probability, face to face with a restriction of production, a rise in the prices of the necessaries of life to the million, and a fall in wages." It is a pity that the "Weekly Times and Echo" can suggest no remedy for this state of things other than the illu- sory schemes of Socialism. We feel con- fident the only practical method of averting bad times is by adopting the proposals of Tariff Reform. » It It Prestatyn is sfeadib- making progress as a seaside residential resort- Within easy reach of Liverpool, Manchester, and other populous midland centres, it attracts busi- ness people who seek invigorating sea air and the quietness of a small town after a day's labour in the impure atmosphere and bustle of a city. Another factor conducive to its popularity is the comparatively low rates prevailing in the district. The local authority are fully alive to the necessity of efficient sanitary and other arrange- ments, and they have spent much money in their endeavour to ensure success. For- tunately, they have not overburdened them- selves. Moreover, the members were in the happy position on Monday to find that not only had there been an increase of over ;(:200 in the rates collected, but to hear the Chairman of the Finance Com- mittee predict "a substantial decrease in the rates at an early date." HI • • Since its inauguration a few years ago, the Colwyn Bay Town Advertising Asso- "ation has accomplished really useful and valuable work. The Urban District Coun- cil has no power to vote money for adver- tising the town, and, as the success of the place depends in a very large measure upon the amount of publicity given to its attractive features, an institution formed to attain that end naturally commands the whole-hearted support of the community. The T.A.A. aims at the development and increased prosperity of Colwyn Bay in general, and it is disappointing to see that it has just been compelled to limit its scope of usefulness owing to a lack of money. The expenses are inconsiderable; in fact, it is stated that if the three thousand odd (ratepayers in the district contributed a shilling each per annum towards the funds all the necessary work could be carried out efficiently. It is to be hoped that the appeal for financial support now made by the Association will prove abundantly fruitful. t It becomes every day more and more evi- dent that those financially interested in the liquor industry, whether as holders of brewery debentures, owners of licensed pro- perty, or mere licencees, are wide awake to the danger with which one and all are menaced by the Government proposals of licensing legislation. The Central Board of the London Licensed Victuallers' Pro- tection Society has held an important con- ference of the official's of its thirty-two affiliated Societies, and the resolutions dis- cussed, and then unanimously passed, have proved that the retail traders of the Metropo- lis are prepared to stand together as one man," in defence of their vested inter- II" ests. Birmingham has followed suit, with a demonstration at which the trade organ- isations of the Midland counties were well represented. Manchester has made pre- parations for a similar gathering. The Stanley-Boulter Committee, which repre- sents those who have invested hI,OOO,ooo in brewery shares and debentures, in send- ing a deputation to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to protest against the bringing in of any Bill proposing to impose fresh burdens on an already over taxed industry. As the Licensing Wortd" pertinently remarks It is impossible to imagine that, after the protest and explanations of the deputation any Chancellor of the Exchequer would recommend to his colleagues the introduction of legislation which would seriously diminish his receipts, not only for income tax but for the general taxation of licensed property."

box he went to see if the brakes were all right, and at the same moment the vacuum indicator weiit back to zero. Tno signal at Crewe Bank was at danger, and it was tiro duty of the driver to whistle and apply his brake. Tno Coroner: Did he whistle? W it-noss No. I never heard it, sir. What speed were you going then? Witness: Between litty and sixty miles an hour. Witness abided that he put on the hand brake, and was thrown to the back of the van. He added that the driver should have applied his brake beTore he got to the distance signal, which he could have seen a long way beyond Harleecott. He could see tho home signal just as he got round the bend from Iladnall. There was no testing of the brake after i>a.s;;iiig llarlescott crossing. All the three guards could have ap- plied the vacuum brake. Witness could not say whether it was one of them or the driver t.hat did apply it. By a Juror: He was sure the vacuum brake was properly coupled. He did not know the gradient, but it was down hill from Crewe to Crewe Bank. By the Foreman of the jury: If there had been two engines to the train the brake power would not have been any greater. The Foreman said tho Groat Western Railway employed two engines, and it was supposed to be for greater safety. W itness said tiiat was determined by the weight of the t-ra' n Replying to Mr Thomas, witness said that the driver should havo applied the vacuum brake at llarlescott crossing. It was not possible to stop the train, going at that rate, by applying the brake at the distance signal. WHAT THE SIGNALMEN SAW. Wm. John,-ion, of l'cre\reef, Shrewsbury, signalman at iiarlefccott crossing, said tnat ins box was ?I trom tttirewsbury station. Tne Bristol express passed his box at 2.7. It was men gomg at a speed oi filt-y or six; miles an hour. Tnat was tiie usual rate. There was notning about tho passage of t:lO train to attract his attention. The tram usually passed his box at two o'clock. John Bediestcn, signalman at No. 2 Crewe Bank, wiiero he had been employed ior thirty years, deposed that the express passed ms cabin at 2.8 a.m., travelling at between litty and sixty miles an hour. He considered that. it wa-s going thirty or foriy miles an hour faster than usual. Tne signals were all at da.nger, and had not been ott. Witness, seeing the rato of the train, waived a red flag at the cabin window. The driver should have pulled up dead at the home signal. Witness had never seen a train passing there at anything lilie the rate. He thought the brako had failed, or that the driver had lost his head. Tiio Foreman pointed out that there was only a minute bet ween the time at Ilarleecott and Crewo Bank, while the distance was about two miles. The pace must have been much greater than stated. Witness said there was a. slight difference in the clocks, which were not electrically connected. It was not the practice to enter fractions or min- utes. Edwin Ward, signalman at Crewe Junction box, just outside Shrewsbury station, gave corrobora- tivo ovidence. He did not see the driver or fireman. The points were set from the platform line. He could not say if the engine left the metals before it got to tho curve. Mr Bowdler: Did you try to turn the train on to another line? If it had gone safely over the curve it would have gone into another train in t,he station. Witney-: My intention was to turn it on to the up and dcwn line; but I had not time. At this point the court adjourned. "A TEllRiBLE CKAfcil. When the inquiry iva6 returned in the after- noon, Police-Constable W. J. Price was caihed. He said that on tho morning of the disaster he wat3 on duty in at Cae.tlc Foregate. At 2.10 he was by the gaeworks, when he heard a train coming from the direction of Crewe. It wan making an unusual noise. As it passed along the bottom of GashotLw-lane the engine bceamo enveloped in eteam. Fire was flying from the funnel, and he also heard a whu-iie. It sounded as if the driven or fireman was try- ing to turn it on and off. The Coroner: You heard it from thai en- gine? Witness: I did not see any other engine about, fir. The first ttme he heard the whistle was just before the train came in sight of him at the back of The whistle sounded quite a dozen times. He wae surprised ;i -zyc' -1 a r at the terrific pace sho was traveling a^. and saw the carriages in the rear appear to be mov- ing one another up. He ran lIJto the Castle Forcga to towaide the etation to see if the train wculd turn the curve, but he had oniy got a few yards when he heard a terrible craeh, and a lot of hissing of steam. For a. moment or two the fky was Jit up, and when he got by the Great Western _ea' ,(,-Cast le. Foregatc-ihe raw the end of a railway coach reared up. He also eaw others leaning on their sides. Witness proceeded to explain how he helped to remove the dead and injured. Many cf the victims were found at the back of the tender in a. hole which the engine had made when it fell on ite, eido. The blowing of the whistle sounded like PO many pop-pops. By Mr Cunlifle: From the point at which he heard the engine whistte to the spot where the accident happened was a distance of about 185 yards, measured roughly. This was the dii-tance from the roadway, not along the line itself. He never heard the whistle sound in t'uen a way before. A few seconds only elated from the time the Gist whistle sounded until the crash came. Mr T lo.rnas: Wais the engine whistling when you taw (ho .sparks?—Yes. Has anyone suggested to you that the steam must have been on?—I think steam was on. He was whist-hug for someono to assist al- though he had steam on?—I do not know. The Coroner: You have many times reen trains coming into Shrewsbury station. Have you ever seen a.ny other train coming in at that speed? —No i never, sir. WORK ING M A N' S STORY. James Evans, labourer, who lives in Sim neon- square, Shrewsbury, close to the railway, staled that at about 1.30 on the morning of Tuesday, the 151 h inet.. he awoke in bed, and lay awake. At ten minutes past two a train passed. It was blowing its whistle in a peculiar way. It was a sort of "pip-pip." He heard the whistle four or live t-lulev, In reply to Mr Cunliffe, Witne-ss said his house was about 150 yards distant from the ecene of the accident. The Coroner, at this point, asked the jury if they desired a.ny witnesses w.ho saw the engine just before it left (."rewe? Mr Andrews remarked that if the Coroner desired it he would call evidence both on that point and also to show th .t the brake,: were pro- perly tested. The Coroner (to the jury): Don't you think the guard has said enough about that? The Foreman of the jury said the question was not. about brakes, but as to whether any third person got on the engine at Crewc. Mr Edward-, engine regulator at Crewe, raid- when the train passed him within a few yards he saw only the driver and fireman on the foot- plate. The Foreman observed that a trespasser on the engine was not likely to have shown him- self at the station. W tness had never heard of men travelling from Crewe on an engine. C THE VERDICT. The jury returned a verdict to the clTeci that death wac accidental, and expressed their unani- mous opinion that the brake-power of the train was insufficient. __0.