The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

INTERESTING CORRES- PONDENCE VIEWS OF THE INTERMEDIATE EDUCATION SYSTEM. We extract the following correspondence from the Manchester Guardian :— Sir,—We in Wales are becoming used to the Bishop of St. Asaph's criticisms of our educational systems. not long uuce our elementary system and the pro- posals to introduce the study of the Welsh language into the schools were under his lash, and now our entire intermediate system of education has fallen under his condemnation. The Bishop's indictment of the Welsh County School system, as reported in your issue of the yth inst., seems to resolve itself-into a defence of the denomina- tional as compared with the national system of in- termediate education. I have every sympathy with the high opinion wliich he holds of the educational results achieved by Llandovery College—of which he was once headmaster, and of which I happen to be an old pupil-and I have no complaint to make of the confidence he reposes in the grammar schools at Ruthin and St. Asaph, over the destinies of both of which he presides; but I would respectfully remind him that the rigid justice of administration, upon which he lays such stress, is not confined to those schools with which he himself is associated. It should also be remembered that the schools at Llandovery and Buthin are old foundations with endowments of their own, and that at Llandovery, at least, the school flourishes on the high boarding fees paid by, I be. lieve, 75 per cent. of the boys in attendance. The Welsh County Schools, however, whose educa- tional results he would compare with those of these old foundations, are of only twelve or fifteen yeL& growth, and yet in spite of this evident handicap, they have nothing to fear from the comparison. Pupils from the Welsh county schools have, tima and again in open competition, carried away scholarships and exhibitions at Oxford and Cambridge, while the num- bar of Central Welsh Board certificates gained by pupils from these schools-and it must be remem- bered that these certificates are accepted by all the important professional examining bodies in the king- dom as exempting from their own examinations— will compare not unfavourably with the number of Oxford and Cambridge schools certificates gained by pupils at Llandovery OoUege and Christ Oollec-e. Brecon. The more direct though not lees important educa- tional resulte achieved by the Welsh county schools in the enrichment of the life of the nation and in the proportion of culture cannot as yet be gauged. but when the time is ripe for making such a com- parison, I have no hesitation in saying that theaa schools will be found to have played their part well and honourably. As long as the Welsh county schools continue to be the people's schools, and as long as they oontinue to fulfil the purpose for which they were established by providing good secondary instruc- tion to the boys and girls of all classes at a fee within the reach of all, so long will the Bishop of St. Asaph's appeal to the Welsh ratepayer fall on deaf ean. I cannot do better than quote the following passage from a speech delivered in my hearing a few days ago by Professor Anwyl, who, as Chairman of the Central Welsh Board, and as a professor at one of the Welsh University Colleges where out of 180 new studenhs admitted this year no less than 114 were pupils of county schools, is in a better por- tion than anyone else in Wales to paaa judgment oa this quentian:- if q an co-operated heartily, the Welsh intermediate system, successful as it undoubtedly was, would attain to hewhts of success greater still, and enable the University of Walea, which was now mainly fed by pupils from the ootmty schools, to rise to an un- exampled pinnacle of fame. So far aa the Central Welsh Board was concerned, it would not rest con- tent until the secondary system of Wales was un- questionably the finest in the world."—Yoors, etc., W. J. KYAKS. Abergele Oounty Schaai, December Stfc. 0 Sir,—The thanks of all parents in Wales, did they | but know it, are clue to the Bishop of St. Asaph far his strong and bitter arraignment, as reported in your issue of the 7th inst., of Welsh secondary education—bitter, because, according to my thirty ymLW experience, it is incontrovertibly true. With reference to his particular point that the bulk of the publin money lavished on our schools goes to- wards the reduction of the pupils' fee-in other words, be the paunftriaation of the pa.rent-5-wherea.s in the successful schools he mentions the comparatively high fee. are practically all devoted to the maintenance of the high efficiency of the schools themselves--the most v4al factor in which is the provision of a really ade- quate std-l should Tike to be allowed to quote an excerpt from the report for the current year of the "Committee on Secondary Schools Curricula" of the British Association, a committeo consisting of thir- teen of the leading authorities on the subject in Great Britain: — "The Committee feel that no scheme of secondary education can be satisfactory unless it is carried out by teachers of learning and force of character, and they would urge that every effort should be made by conditions of appointment, by scale of salaries, and by retiring allowances, to attract a high class to the Upohiag profession, which should be regarded ;.s a very laborious but very honourable form of public service. Prompt action in this matter is urgent ai.d imperative, for unless something is done without delay the best interests of the schools, and especially of boys' day schools, will be sacrificed to a faltse and disastrous economy." In view of the extreme difficulty headmasters of Welsh inliermediate schools (except Wrexhain) find in keeping up anything like a true secondary standard owing to lade of funds, it is pitiful to hear the reiterated fallacy that the system is Justified by the thousands Who flock to such schools for the sole reason that they are cheap. This fallacy the Bishop of St. Aa&ph has helped not a little to explode.— Yours, etc., W. GLYNN WILLIAMS. Friars School, Bangor. December 8th.

RHYL PAVILION SCHEME. THE PLANS FULLY DISCUSSED. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE REVERSED. PUBLIC MEETING ARRANGED FOR TUESDAY. On Monday the Rhyl Urban District Council met for the purpose of considering the report of the epecial committeo on the plans for the pro- posed new pavilion. Mr T. D. Jones, J.P. (chair- man), presided, and Mr A. Lewis Jones (vice- chairman) occupied the vice-chair. There wera also present: Messrs S. Perks, J.P., J H. Ellis, J.P., J. Asheir, H. A. Tilby, J. W. Jones, N. L. Clews, Thomas Whitley, D. Owen, G. A. Tft- v-e.Qer, J. Frimaton, Llew. B. Evans, Edmund Hugl.e6, A. Rhydwen Jcnes, L Batho, Mr A. Rowlands (clerk), Dr. A. Eyton Lloyd (medical oflice^ of health), Mr L. G. HaJl (gas and water manager), gr A. A. Goodall (surveyor), Mr E. H. Wright (electrical engineer), end Mr Robert Lowe (sanitary inspector). THE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. It was reported by the Special Committee, which had been considering the plans of the pro- posed pavilion, that the tinal selection was be- tween those of Mr W. J. Sixncock, architect, Rhyl; MeBars Littlewoode and Sons, Manchester; a^id Messrs Smith and Maxwell, Manchester. After a long deliberation by the committee, cn a division, the plans of Messrs Smith and Max- wall (by 11 votes) and those of Messrs Little- woods and Son (by eight votes) wore selected for further discussion on their merits. Two voted for the plans of Mr Simoock. It was proposed by Mr Ellis, seconded by Mr Asher, that the plane of Messrs Littlewood and Son be recom- mended for adoption by the Council, as., being in all respects the most suited1 lees aa to ooet of erection, etc., by about £ 700 than the other plane—subject (1) to the same being sub- mitted to the opinion of the ratepayers, as al ready resolved by the Council, (2) to final a.p- proval or disapproval as the Council may de- cide, after vote of the ratepayers, and the de- cision of the Local Government Board as to their sanction, or otherwise of a loan for paying the coat, and (3) the acceptance of a satisfactory ten- der aa compared with the estimates of the ar- chitects. An amendment waa proposed by Mr Perka, seconded by Mr Batho, "that the plans of Messrs Smith and Maxwell be recommended for adoption by the Council, etc. (as in original motion)." Another amendment was proposed by Mr Rhyd- wen Jonee, seconded by Mr Evans, "that the Council pledge themselves not to employ an ar- chitect for the erection of a pavilion, laying out the grounds from Queen-street to Edward Henry- street, for gardens or winter gardens, to be bounded by sheltens composed of bricks or tiles glass and coverings, without first of all sub- mitting the whole scheme to the Rhyl ratepayer* for their approval at a public meeting By oonsent of the meeting, the Chairman put the laHer amendment to the vote first, with the re- salt that two only (mover and seconder) voted for it, and it was declared lost. The voting was then as follows on the original motion, and Mr Perks' amendment: For the plans of Messrs Smith and Maxwell, 5; for the plana of Messrs LifcUewoods and Son, 6. The report of the oommittee having been formally moved and seconded, Mr A. Rhydwesn Jones raised the question of proceeding with the consideration of the plans before tl-e consent, of the Local Government Board to the scheme had been obtained, and questioned tie wisdom of going on with the pro- posed Provisional Order. The Chairman rulpd Mr Jones out of order OPPOSITION TO THE COMMITTEE'S PROPOSAL. Mr S. Perks then proposed that the plans of Messrs Smith and Maxwell be accepted by the Council He criticised the plans of Messrs Littiefwoods, and remarked that they wanted in Rhyl a place for oonoorts, and not for theatrical perfornaaaoes. Dealing with the question of ventilation he applied certain remarks to Messrs Smith's plans, whereupon several members pointed out that he was confusing the plans and applying criticism to one lot which he meant for the other. Mr called for certain letters which had been received by the Chairman from the archi- tect*, but the Chairman ruled tShat they could not receive them without inviting other architects also to amend their plans. Mr Perks then said he had received informa- tion from Bridlington, where a pavilion had been erected by Messrs Littlowoods, and while their original instructions were for a building to cost £ 7000, the contract was £ 8534, and the total cost, e-tcli-ding furnishing, was £ 9122. Mr Aaher said it was not fair to bring such matters forward unless they had all the facts. Was it not the fault of the Corporation that thev made changes in their ideas? Mr Batho seconded Mr Perks, and contended that Messrs Smith's building was more substan- tial, more a»ti<?tic, and that the accoustio pro- perties were all that could be desired In plaoa of wood or iron verandahs they would have red and yellow brick arches, the gallery was such that all could see the stage, and hear equally well while the number of pillars were but six as against ton. The building would be lighted from the dome, and there were good exits. From the first he bad been struck with the artistic charac- ter of the designs. Mr Taverner again raised the question of read- ing the letters from the two architects, and in the discussion which followed Mr Ellis alleged that Mr Smith had been allowed to alter tho plan of his baloony, while it was also alleged that Messrs Littlewood had also recently raised the height of their dome, but subsequently it trans- pired that what had been done as regards altera- tions had been carried out at the suggestion of the committee when considering the plans with the architects. Mr Tilby urged iviat it was unfair to keep back any information that. would be of service to the Council, and pointed out that they had to consider the town and not their own per- sonal feelings in arriving at a decision. By .nine votes to seven it was decided not to consider the letters. SUPPORT i"Vi{ TILE COMMITTEE'S PROPOSALS. Mr Ellis urged Ula" uioy niiould consider all the plans on their merits, and added that he hoped they would go to the public meeting as one body, determined to support the majority of the Council. He ooutended that Mr Perks had from the first objected to Mr Smith's plans, and pointed out that they had to consider what was the most suitable building for the sea-front, and at the same time to consider the experionc6 of the architect over that kind of building. Messrs Littlewood had won the open prize for the Wey- mouth Pavilion against the whole world, and had had great experience. Mr Whitley: Were Messrs Smith competing ? Mr Ellis said he had not enquired. It had been urged that Mo-srs Littlewood had changed in their designs from cement to terra cotta, but the explanation wa6 the." they knew that the Council wanted the building quickly put up, and that while orra cotta took some time to mould, cement was always ready. He believed tiiat their building would be more substantial, and that it would be an ornament to the town. There was also another point; while Messrs Littlewood wero re-ady with a builder's tender to do the work for £ 8100, that of Messrs Smith would cost at least £8800, which was £ 700 more, and he saw no reason for throwing that sum away. He hoped that they would deal with the matter in the best possible spirit, and do the best they could to secure a pavilion for next season. PRACTICAL ADVICE TO BE CON- SIDERED. Mr J. W. Jones was glad that Mr Ellis had set such a good example as to urge that they should discuss the matter in a friendly way. He urged that both firms of architects started on a level as regards experience. From the first he had a leaning to the designs of Mr Smith, which were picturesque, and they had met with the unani- mous approval of the throe practical builders on that Council, who had been specially asked to go into the plans. More than that he believed (tlhat the surveyor was also in favour of the plans. It would be a grave error on the part of the Council to ignore that advice. They were told that Colwyn Bay Pavilion cost £ 8000, yet it was constructed of wood on piles. Wliat did they expect for E3000 at Rhyl with the material tboy required put in? He considered that they should not hesitate to spend an additional JB400 or JB500 when there came a question of dura- bility, and agreed that the views of the majority should be supported at the public meeting. MR RHYDWEN JONES OPPOSES THE SCHEME. Mr Rhydwen Jonss said tie had walked out of the committee, and he would continue to pro- test against the Council rushing the scheme. They should not select an architect untii they had had a meeting of ratepayers and obtained tHe con- sent of the Local Government Board. Surely the cleric could p.ive them his report of his uiter- with with the Local Government Board. He bLamed the clerk for going so far as he had done with the Provisional Order. Mr Tilbj faid the clerk had acted under the orders of the Council. Mr Rhydwen Jones said he would also oppose the tciieme, because while there was only seat- ing accommodation in tha pavilion for 1500, they yet thought of engaging a tune band. If they did that they should have a building that would seat all who wished to go inside. It was all very well te, talk a-bout the gardens' scheme, but in Yarmouth they had 8g acres, whereas Rhyl was only to have 4j. He protested against this "rushing" prooees, especially as the gentlemen who went to Yarmouth only stayed there six hours. Did they have stilts to examine the gar- dens, as he waa told they could not be seen by the ordinary person walking along the front? Again, i.e submitted that the proposed shelters would be put to a different use to those at Yar- mouth, where they were not used for preventing sand-drift. Did the Rhyl members know that it ooet the Yarmouth people £17,000 for the pier and the paper mac hie pavilion, and that the building, which was estimated to cost £3000. really cost ;668W, all because it was rushed? Mr Tilby had said that he would not recommend the Yarmouth scheme unless it would pay Rhyl, but did he know that although £40,000 was spent at Yarmouth there was only a return of about 2160, notwithstanding the fact that £ 600 was obtained for a minstrel pitch. Mr Ellis: You forget altogether how much money the additional visitors brimg to the town. Mr Rhydwen Jones said he had to complain of the impassionate haste with which members of that Council rushed into expenditure. Why did they not at first take the ratepayers into their confidence? He had no sympathy with the scheme, and was surprised that the ratepayers would allow such an obstruction to be erected on the aeafront. He had a scheme of his own, and that he would put before the ratepayers at the public meeting. The Chairman denied tnat there was any rush- ing. The Council would do nothing if the rate- payers voted against their proposals. It was use- less going before the ratepayers until they had definite plans. They had for nearly two months been discussing the matter, and if Mr Rhydwen Jones had a scheme it was his duty to lay it be- fore the Council. He protested against Mr Jones' attitude. Mr Rhydwen Jones replied that his remarks were in no !nns personal to either chairman or members He spoke to them as members of the Council. Mr Tilby said he had listened to Mr Jones' speech,but he failed to obtain any guidance from it. The y were rushing, if such a term could be useJ, for one purpose only-to get a pavilion for next season, and he contended that he was the last man in the world to require goading on to sflibmit to the views of the ratepayers. All be had to say was that they had heard Mr Jones' opinion time after time, and it was his duty to give them his scheme, rather than to wait until there was a public meeting, whore he could have a free show (laughter). Mr Rhydwen Jones: I cannot get a free show here (laughter). Mr Clews: If you do not get it here, then God help us (loud laughter). Mr Tilby then said he denied everything that Mr Jones had said as to the Yarmouth trip. They weie in Yarmouth for many hours, and they Hook no figures, (not iseteomd hand, but from the officially published and audited accounts of the Yarmouth Corporation. Then as to Mr Jones's protest against accepting plan&What were the reaJ facts? .Surely Mr Jones should not complain since he had, on November 23rd, at a meeting of the Council in committee, actually proposed that they accept a plan that day, and Mr Wallis seconded, urging that they were delay- ing too much (laughter). Mr Rhydwen Jones: I asked for a public meeting. Mr Tilby: The minutes say you proposed that a plan be accepted that day. Mr Rhydwen Jones: I do not keep the minutes (laughter). Mr Tilby then contended that while there had been criticism of Messrs Littlewood's plans there had not been a word urged in support of Messrs Smith s plans, and if the practical men of tho Council had examined them they should in fairness to the ether members give their views. Mr Perks said he had satisfied himself. At this point a difference of opinion, arose be- tween Mr Ellis and Mr Frimston as to whether the two sets of plans showed a difference of 7,100 in tr.e oost Mr TilLy said he would be influenced in hr- vote if the practical man of the Council said that Messrs Smith'.s building at C700 more was better than Messrs Livtkynrood's. Mr Edmund Hughes said that that was so. A pin*, from that he did ,not consider it would C'jst so much to keep-up Meters Smith's building, as it would the other, on account. of the brick- work introduced. Besides that there was the larger stage fov theatricals. Mr Whitley agreed with Mr Hughes. Mr Aslier pointed out that they had to re- member that Mr Smith's dressing-rooms were under the stage. Mr D. Owen considered that the extra 2.7010 was to the advantage of the Council. He sup- ported Mr Smith's plans. Mr Asher added that in the three sets of plans fir ally considered the prices were as follows:- Messrs Littlewood, £ 8100; Messrs Smith's, £ 8800; and Mr Simeock's, 29100. He felt it would be disastrous if they did not provide for theatricals. He was told that the sloping floor would prevent dancing. Mr Frimston supported Messrs Smith's. and pointed out thait the ventilation was perfect, and that there would be provision for theatricals. The Council then divided, when the voting was as follows:—For Messrs Littlowood's plans: Mr J. H. Ellis, Mr G. A. Taverner, and Mr Llew. B. Evans—3. For Messrs Smith and Maxwell's plans: Th<e Chairman, Vice-chairman, Messrs Tilt>y, Janes. Perks, Whitley, Owen, Hughes, Clews, Asher, Frimston, and Batho—12. Mr Rhydwen Jones said he would not vote, as a protest against the action of the Council. The Council then agreed to accept Me srs Smith and Maxwell's plans, subject, amongst other pro- visions, to confirmation by the public meeting. THE PUBLIC MEETING. It was decided to hold a public meeting on Tuesday, December 17th, to consider tho matter. The Chairman asked wlnt arrangements should be made for speakers. Mr Frimston replied that he felt bound to bring up the question of the site. He would strongly urge that the pavilion be built opposite Water-street or Queen-street, and not on the site of the old embayment- between Edward Henry- street and Water-street. It was agreed to have a oommittee meeting to arrange for the public gathering.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PAVILION. Mr A. A. Goodall, the surveyor, is to be congratulated on the fact that the decision of the Council on Monday is in complete accord with the report whioh he presented to the members some days ago on the plans which were prepared by the various architects. In facts, many of the arguments used by members were based on that report. U,,o details of the accepted design are as fol- low :—The general design of the plan is almost a square building, being 120 feet long by 105 feet wide. Two main entrances are provided, and also two gallery entrances. On the ground floor is the concert hall. 60 feet long by 90 feet wide, that is from the front of the stage to the back of the hall. At the back of the concert hall are a refreshment hall and "tear-rooms, two tickt offices, ladies' and gentlemen's cloak-rooms. A verandah is provided on the four sides of the building. The stage has an opening of 44 feet, and is 18 feet deep; it is provided with moveable screens adaptable for theatrical purposes. The height of the ceilir.-T, which is dome shaped, is 48 feet from the floor. Over the concert hall is a gallery, supported by six columns. The front of the gallery is 32 feet from tihe stage and slopes two feet towards the platform. Behind the gallery are a large refreshment and tea-room, 64 feet by 18 feet. A balcony is provided on the sides of the building. A special staircase is provided for the use of the management. The building is to be constructed of red pressed bricks to the balcony level, and Aston Hall yellow bricks above, with terra. cotta dressings. The ooooert hall and gallery are lighted by means of windows to open. Over the concert hall is an octagon-shaped dome, wihioh forms a feature of the elevation. Around this dome are provided clestory lights. The ventilation is obtained by a sun burner in the ceiling and tube connected with a ventilator in the top of the dome. The gen- eral appearance of the building ia very pleasing. Four square towers are provided, one in each corner, with the central dome before mentioned. The verandah and balcony are supported by r#jrick columns and arches, which, add to the effect. The upper part of the building being in yellow bricks, an appearand of lightness is given to the whole. There are plenty of exits, retiring- rooms, as well as lavatory accommodation on the gallery level. The seating accommodation is by means of chairs, with tip-up seats in the gallery, and forma at the back. The stsLge may bA said to be at the side of the building, and not at the end as in some of tiho designs.

COAST PROTECTION IN NORTH WALES. RAILWAY COMPANY'S DEFENCE WORKS. The iLotndon ajnjd Nortihl-Wes.tern Railway Company are again taking steps to further protect their main line from Chester to Holy- head at the dangerous part between Foryd Sta- tion and Abergele. They have now d on tine grounds hundreds of bundles of fagtgots, which will be sunk in the samd at the toe of tihe massive sfconie wall for the purpose of col- I'eoting the gravel and shing-lo. It is calculated that upwards of £ 30, COO has already been spent on t defensive works, the sea yearly en- croaching1, and to-day breabefrs arc to be aeon at a point where twenty years ago were flour- ishing comfieWe

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ABERGELE ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY' LECTURE BY PROFESSOR AfaWYL. On Thursday evening Professor Anwyl de- livered a lecture before the Abarge!e Antiquarian Socio y on "Prehistoric Man in Wales." The chair was taken by Mr J. Herbert Ro- be.cis, M P., who roierred to the excellent work done by the society, and welcomed Professor An- wyl as oae in the! front rank of historians and ajx-haeoiogtsw.. Professor Anwyl thanked the Chairman, and said he was pleased to find that the Association was accomplishing such good work. Proceeding, ne said it was to him a very pleas- ing sign to aee the revived interest that was being shown in the prehistoric archaeology of Wales, and he rejoiced to learn that the great city of Liverpool, with the ajiiple means at its disposal and the assistance of the trained arcnaiooiogiate of its Uaiivesrsrty, intended to in- vestigate those remains which linked North Wales to Cheshire and Lancashire. The people of Den- bighshire had cause to be grateful, too, to Prof. Boyd Dawkins for his famous researches into their oaves. Societies such aa theirs and the sis- ter society of Nant Conwy could do excellent work by making careful surveys of all objects of antiquity in their districts, and by keeping accu- rate records of all discoveries that were made. In oourse of time certain typical sites could be explored, and these would doubtless yield to the aartiquary a rich harvest. Wales was to the pre- historic archaeologist a peculiarly interesting country, because of the gradual character of the transition in many cases from one stage of civiliia. ticnioto another, snd the permanence of some of the features of the older stages into the newer. It would be of special interest 10 have a thorough explanation of some of the hut-eireloa of the county such as those on the Hiraethog Range near Cerrigydruidion, which Colonel Mainwaring showed the speaker some yea is ago. In a district such as theirs it was highly probable that some localities were disturbed much less than others by the successive streams of invaders, and that primitive conditions from neolithic times main- tained themselves in these places for a very long period. Throughout Wales it was highly pro bable that over considerable areas there had been A FUSION OF RACES in prehistoric times by a process of pacific in- filtration. An ethnological survey of Denbigh- shire might lead to some very interesting re- sults, especially in the less accessible districts. In the course of his lecture the speaker gave an account of the characteristic features of the re- mains of the stone, bronze, and early iron ages, and t!he forms iji which tbiese remains were usually found in Wales. He said that when the Cambrian Archaeological Association next met in Denbighshire, he hoped to give a detailed ac- count of the prehistoric remains of that county, aa he had already done in ths cases of Breeon- shire, Carnarvonshire, Cardiganshire, Car- marthenshire, c.nd Anglesey. He hoped that the (,;a!ibrian Archaeological Asso- ciation could see its way to meet in that county in the year after next, and it was his hope that whenever the meeting came tha.t and other societies in the county would have prepared for it by the thoroughness of their work, so as to make the meeting of the Association in every wauy a success. Mr W. J. Evans, one of the hon. secretaries of the society, in proposing a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer, referred to the work done at Pen-y-corddyn by the Association under the direction of Professor Boyd Dawkins, and the supervision of Mr Willoughby Vjaraener. The Rev. J. H. Davies seconded, and the vote of thanks was carried. Prof. Anwvl responded, and then moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was sec- onded by Dr. Lloyd Roberts, of Colwyn Bay. Dr. Elliott, of Lkndduias, produced a stone having the appearance of a Celt for the purpose of securing the opinion of the lecturer on the same. 1 Mr J. R. Ellis also announced that a social had been arranged for the 19th inst., when Miss Gittenfl, B.A., Abargele, had promised a paper on her Amencan tour.

POACHED EGGS SENT TO THE VALE OF CLWYD. Saturday was the third aimi, closing day of the remarkable egg trial at Essex Assizer,, before Mr Justice Grantham. The prisoners were Herbert William Stride, gainekeeper to Sir Waiter Gilbey, at Blbenham Hall, who was oharged with 6tealing 67t>U dheiasante' eggs, and Frederick William Millard, late editor of the "Gamekeeper," who was charged with receiving the stolen property. The pjfoaecration. alleged that Stride took the eggte beloirvgimg to Sir Walter and despatched them to Milkurd, who in turn sold them to a gamekrtxsper named Regan, employed on a. big estate in the Vale of Clwyd. It was alleged that paytments of £ 343 had been ma die by Regan for the eggs. Stride said that Mr Spencer, who fedried the shooting at Widdington Fmrm, had given him permission to take as many phemmiale eggs as he liked off the land. He now ad- mitted that when he told Mr Henry Gilbey that he got pheasants' eggs off his own farm it was not oornect. It was, in fact, a lie, and he was induced to tell it because he did not want Mr Gilbey to know that Mr Speooer had given him permission to take eggs. Altogether he took about 6000 eggs belonging to Mr Spencer. He sold them at 6d or 7d per egg- Mr Wild: If this had not been found out you would still have been going on?—No; it was too nnsah trouble. Stride was followed in the box by Millard, who saad it was arranged that he should have og.g)a from Stride at a. fair market price, and if he made himself responsible for the money Stride would allow him ten per oent. In four yieara he received J6531 from Mr Wand, of Denbighshire, for eggs, and he dleoductoo ten per oont. Hie tfuowgJIt Stride Was producing eggs from hi own farm oir selling Sir Walter Gilbey's surplus eggjs by authority. Both prisoners were found guilty, Stride beiiw ■peooimniein.ded to mercy on acooamt of his ohiklr They were each sentenced to twelve months' impirigonment, but were released on bail, the J>udge agreeing to state a case on points raised by oouneol.

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FLINTSHIRE COLLIER'S DEATH. CURIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES. On Saturday at Ffynnongroew, Mostysn. ffiS Fhratdhire Coiionetr (Mr F. Llewelyn Jones) hoW an irMjuary as to the dieaiih of William Spea" 0ear, 65 yaajp of age, a collier employed at this Point of Ayr Oodlliery, and living at Rook Housaes. Mr Carter (London) represented aa insurance company concerned. William Spenoea-Jun,, stateij that on June 1 of last ysear his tsuitor and himself were "hold- ing" and dialling at the face of the ooaJ, when a piece of top ooai fetid upon his fatbeir and oauigicit him OIl the back near the bottom of tiba ribe- He gave up work, wOOlt up the pit, aind walked house- to complained of the injury tihat day to .Mr Williams, the manager of tihe colliery. lim father was eeen the same day b, DT. Lloyd Owen, who attended him up to the ftkrne of his deexh. He nevea- worked after tJh. accident- The Company recognised the acci- dent and paid him compensation weekly. FOil thutem years before too accident his Lather ha.C enjoyed good health. He had previously nueJ witih two accidents—one to his knee and ornfl to his thumb,—but he had recoveaed from them both. Mr Lewis Williams, manager at the colliery, ptated that when Spencer reported tfhe acci- dent to him on June 1st. 1906. he examined ihim" and botih Spencer and himself wesre undeJ the impression that the injury was a slighl onje- Dr. Lloyd Owen said that when he savi Spenoecr on June 1st, 1906, he was suffering from nervoue shock, amd complained of pain in the light side. Witness found he wai emffeffing from fractured ribs on the right side. He ordered him to remain in bed a few weeks Later on be found that Spencer's thigh and leg had Lost their power, and ho oame to tha oonicdusaon that -the spinal cord was affected. Later on mental symptoms supervened, and Spencer had delusion^. In witness's opinion the primary causo otf dieaiih was an injury to the spinal cord, and his oondation might have bean caused by the acaicfont which he sustained. The diiaeaee was of a very insidious character, amd might make its appearance months aitea an accident Tihe Coroner having summoned up the jury fouaid that deaAh resulted from the aocideaxi sustained on June let. 1906.

BREEDING OF WELSH MOUNTAIN PONIES LORD MOSTYN'S PROPOSALS. At the meeting of the Executive Committed of the Flintshire County Council, Lord Mostys called attention to the views expressed by t deputation, representing the Weldh Pony and Cob Society, bo the President of the Board 01 Agriculture and Fisheries with reference to maun, tain ponies, etc., and moved the following reo solutions:—"That the County Council be recom- mended to approve of the views expressed by thi deputation of rnemfoers of the Welsh Pony an Ocib Society to the President of the Board 01 Agriculture, July, 1906, in reference to proposed legislation of a permissive character for tho purpose of clearing too hills of undesirahli stallions and other such male oonumnebl4 animals; that the Council endorse their express ion of views on the (subject as to the desirability and urgenoy of such permissive legislation on th4 grounds tha.t (1) it would protect a majority oi commoners wiho are endeavouring bo maintain their puire breeds of mountain ponies, against < minority of commoners who frustrate theSl endeavours by exercising no sort of supervision over their pony breeding stock on the hills am4 ocananona; (2) thii it would tend to facilitate th. efforts that are being made to induce the author- ties at Washington (U.S.A.) to take off the heav| import duties levied at their ports upon Weiss ponies, and to accord to them the same privil-egai extended to other registered breeds, e.g., thor ougihbreds, Cleveland bays, polo ponier, faaakneys, shires, Shetlands, etc; (3) that undei the protection of such a law the value of om mountain breeds would tend to be considerably enhanced; (4) that the putting into operatiOl of sucfti a law it has been shown wpuld be peer' footly practicable a.nd inexpensive in its opera tion; (5) that tfhe fact of its being in existenoi would prohaibly result in its being seldom r* sorted to; (6) that owing to the permissive char acter of such proposed legislation, it could onlJ be put into operation on such common lands, oa a clearly expressed wish of a majority of tD4 oommoners; and that copies of this resolution be sent to the Proecident of the Board of Agri culture, the members of Parliament for the dis trict and the County Councils of Wales and tbl border counties. The resolution waz seconded by Mr W. Conwi Bell, and carried unanimously.

PRESTATYN AND THE MAIN ROADS. THE URBAN COUNCIL'S APPLICATION. The following is the report of the case foi Prestatyn as laid before the County Council in res peat of the a^yplioaition for further maining of roads in tthe Prestatyn didtnet; — Mr T. J. Scott, ohair man of the Council, im formed the oommittee that his authority quit4 approved of the proposal to main the road iron TaJjaore Lodge through Gronant, Meliden. passing DyBerth Hail to Penypalmant, as ii was suibjeot too enoorawxis traffic. They asked foj generous treatment, as up to the present there was no main road' in their district. Theu Council required something more than the maining of the above road, or they would b< in a worse position than before, as their granl according to the estimate of the County Sur. veyor would be reduced from 9120 to C105, Ie addition to the above road the Urban Council applied for the maining of High-Street from th" Gross Foxes Inai to the Railway Station, a length of 666 yards,, and Nant Hadd road from Nant Mill ito tibe junction with High-street, a length of 767 yards, or a totaJ of 1433 yards, The reasons stated were that the Prestatyn Council would otherwise suffer loss by th* ahainge of system and ajso that there was a large through traffic on the roadis they sugges ted for maining from tihe adjoining parishes tc Prestatyn Railway Station. Mr Scott pointed out that tlhey have now six miles, two furlongj of district roadja instead' of four mike as stated by the County Surveyor. He urged that theii application might receive favourable oonsidera tiara-

RHUDDLAN AND ST. ASAPH ROADS. The report af the conference held at Mold as to the application for the maining of certain roads, has been published- It appears that Mr Ghaariles Grimaley, an behalf of the St. Asaph (Flint) Rural District Council, applied for the maining ot the under-mentioned roads within their district, viz. —1. Road leading from the 1 boundary of Prestatyn Urban District, near 113rs Farm, Meiliden, passing Dysorth Hall to Pempalmant. Rhuddlan, where it joins the main road; 2. Road leading from St. Asaph main road near Pengwern Lodge to the Abergele main road at Bodelwyddlan Church; 4. Road Heading from the boundary of HolyweU Rural District near Ty N&wydd, passing Trecastell PaixJy Mil to Cross Keys, Dyserth; 5 Road leading from Gladstone Bridge, Rhyl, parsing Cemetery, Rhydbrddwy Wen, Rhyd, through Dysariih to Cross Keys; 6. Road leading from Rinuddilan Bridge to the Denbighshire bound- ary on the AbergeJe-road, where it joins the main road. Mr Grimsley supplied interesting figures in order that some idea oould be formed as to the outside traffic, as compared with the local traffic, on the 21st of May last, between 7 a m. and 9 p.m.. Figures were quoted to show that the St. Asaph district has a much shorter length of m&m roads than any other district in the coun- ty, and the Rural District Council is of opinion that ihey have hitherto been unjustly dealt with in this respect-

RHYL AND THE COUNTY RATlfcG BASIS. Mr Arthur Rowlands, clerk to the Rhyl Ur ban Ddstriot Council, has addressed the tollov. ing letter to the County Council on the subjeot of tbe Ww county naite basis:—The «>mtr9 together with the Valuation Committee of the Rhyl Urban District Council have considered this, and it appear to them altogether unfair, eepeoiaiSIy as touching the parish of Rhyl, all of which is included in the Urban District of RlhytLThey cannot, help thinking that there rousl be some way of arriving at a more equal valuation Rhyl alone with £ 62,032 is far away above any other plaoe in the oounty, with only a resident population of 8473, but with accom- modation for about 30,000 more, almost empty far aboutt eight months of the year. In Rhyl grosfs rents are as a rule the actual rent6. That this is iftue oaae all through the county is doubt- fisl- TOO new oounty rate basis is as follows fou the undermentioned parishes —Caerwys, 93085; Flint, 216,378; Gwaeny&ROr. £ 660; Holywell Urban, £ 8293; Uanasa, 220,352; MoJd Rural £ 15,773; Mold Urban. £ 14,364; I'annertrh, 21836; Nerquis, 91736; Newmarket, £ 1327; Cannah's Quay, £ 18.180; Whitford, £ 16,987: Yaoeifiog, £ 5002; Bodfari, B1948. Cwm, £ 2502; Tremeirahion. £ 3212; Dyserth, Ø4876; Meliden, £ 2759; Prestatyn, £ 11,706: Rhuddlan, 211,OW, Rhyl. 62,032; St. Aeaph. £ 8974; Bod^roUan. £ 4011; Waea, £1421.