The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

The Rev. Charles Edward York for 26 yean naval chaplain, who for some time served with the Portsmouth Division, Royal Marine Light In- fantry, and accompanied the King on his visit to India in 1876, died at Southsea on Saturday. Sir Philip Albert Muntz, Bart., M.P. for Tam- worth since 1885, died at Rugby on Monday, aged 69. The death has occurred at Shrewsbury of thet Rev. Charles James Wilding, formerly vicar of Upper Arley, Worcester. Mr Wilding, who was 84, waflTthe soft-of the late Mr C. Wilding, estate agent at Powis Cattle, and thrioe Mayor ol Welshpool.

(All Rights Reserved). I HONEYMOONING IN CENTRAL AFRICA. by MRS POWELL-COTTON, Author of "Ill the Pygmy Foret," Etc. "Christmas among the Mountains of the Moon." Such was the alluring invitation with which my betrothed summoned me out to him in Africa in 1905. Small wonder that my hesitation was short-lived, and before a fortnight was well over I was ready to start out and join him at Mombasa. The wedding knot was tied at the little tin church of Nairobi, the capital of British East Africa, in the presence of the pastor, his wife, and three of our friends, Miss Bailey, who had accompanied me out from home, General Sir Wm. Manning, and Mr Twyford. Perhaps it was as weU there was no greater throng of onlookers, for my fiance cut a curious bridal figure. On the journey from Mombasa his wedding outfit had gone astray. To repair the deficiency he had gleefully discovered, in a little Nairobi store, a white starched collar that would, with little persuasion, have gone round twice, and in this, a threadbare blue suit, whose Pitching Camp. I white lines stood out from hard wear, and thick yellow shooting boots, he awaited me at the altar. The ceremony over, we set our faces towards Entebbe, where my husband had left his caravan. Two or three of his porters were on the landing stage to greet him with grins of welcome, but at the sight of me their jaws fell, and the awful news that their Bwana bad come back with a white woman spread among the safari with the speed of a fire. Next day their boldest spokes- man came to put the case to my husband. He was a good. Bwana, and they would come back to him smiling, but oh! these white women, they were as bitter as they well could be. My hus- band suggested that it was worse for himself than for them, but the native only shook his head. Did not the Bwana hold the whip over the woman, whereas the woman held it over the whole caravan? At last, however, they decided, as Abdallah the ten boy put it, to "try a month of Teresa and see if one could stand her." Teresa, he explained to me, meant the favourite or head wife of the great man, and Teresa I was called throughout the trip. "Life under Canvas," There is a magic in j ••The Great Man*8 wile" oft horseback. the very words for two vagabond spirits, and as soon as I learnt to take my housekeeping duties lightly and give my orders from afar, instead of prying into the impromptu kitchens of each camping place, our tramp to Toro was a series of fresh and ever varying delights. Awakened every morning by the dawn, we breakfasted before six under the grey sky, while a merry chattering band of porters hauled down the tent behind us and coaxed it and its oon- tents to shrink miraculously into a few loads. Overcome by the midday sun we would at lash pitch our tents, while the cook prepared lunch on a rough stove of three stones and a fire be- tween. Then the sun, high in the heavens, beat fieroely down on ft drowsy camp; the porters lay stretched at their ease; the beasts of the plajn lapsed into silence, the landscape was bathed in a dreamy haze, and one could almost imagine the hills were breathing in a heavy sleep as they lay wrapped in an atmosphere of throbbing heat. After our siesta and a frugal tea, the business I Slow but sure, and not the most uncomfortable mode of travel. of the afternoon began—such as dealing out stores, settling disputes., arranging posho, and doctoring the sick. This latter task soon fell to my lot, and a hard one I found it at first, for my patients, the genuinely ill, the indisposed, and the merely lazy, all made equal moan before the ver- andah where I dispensed. In the cool of the eveuing a string of natives would come into camp, laden with packets of garden produce neatly bound in leaves. While the workers among them, mainly women and children, set out their loads under the superin- tendence of our head-man, as posho for the cara- van, their chief, attended by a few dusky mem- bers of his court, would pay ua a visit in person. "Behold the present I have brought to the white man" he would begin, producing perhaps & few chickens or some fruit. One man, who bore my husband in kindly remembrance, came smil. ing to us with a Large aumbe^of egga, "There," he said proudly, unwrapping them from endless banana leaves before our delighted eyes, "I've kept them for you all these two months." Crestfallen we tried to explain our preference for fresh eggs. "Fresh," he cried in astonish- ment—"fresh why, they have much more taste now than if they were fresh." It was with feelings inclined to the sentimental over the simple generosity of the native that I first took part in one of these evening presenta- tions. But our headman soon dispersed all poetic fancies by ooming up to audibly calculate, under the giver's very nose, the value of the gift in hard cash—or rather shells—the current coin of the road. "Two old hens-hum one rather lean, 200 shells. Three eggs-two rattle, so must be bad-20 shells. One basket of tomatoes-small, but freshly picked, 20 shells. Porter's posho 103 bundles sweet potatoes—some so small, had to give two to one man, 600 shells. Total 840 shells. If the Bwana gives him a whole rupee he does very well." So the chief got his rupee and went off looking at it contemptuously and grumbling at so small a sum for so fine a pre- sent. And so, from day to day, the farce went on, the only difference from a, hard bargain being that with these "presents" one had to take what was offered and pay about double the value. On the day of our entry into Toro, as my hus- band and I were pushing our way through a little strip of forest where a troop of Colobus monkeys swung scolding away among the branch- es at our approach, a native clad in skins, and bleeding from the head, ran up to cast himself at our feet, talking volubly. It appeared that whilo he was busy tilling his roadside garden, two or three of our ruffians had stolen his vege- tables, and then, to still his protests, had given the unfortunate man a blow on the head and thrown him into the grass. A little farther on the way one of the accused, at the sight of a brown roof of a mission station away on a distant bill, sank down on his knees before us to give himself up to a rhapsody of prayer. But I am afraid this did not help him, when, after a solemn trial, he was proved to be a ringleader in the assault; nor did the two pairs of pantaloons that he had thought it wiser to put on. Close to Toro we wore met by an askari from the Collector, who, with many salaams, led us up a little hillside to a thatched house in the boma enclosure. In this house we were to spend our honeymoon Christmas. The walls and floor of its two rooms were of mud; its furniture of the rudest description, and numbers of rata shared its shelter with us. But it commanded) such a magnificent view of the green, fertile vale of Kabarole, encircled by the Mountains of the Moon, that we had cause to be pleased with our new quarters. Abdallah, the boy, awakened us in the morning r A U Toro" Family. j by banging at our rough bedroom door. "Bwana, the sun has finished ooming big," he said, "and it's Kismus." But my husband studiously ignored the information. "It's Kismus, Mumma"now he addressed me, and I knew some subtle design lurked behind his words, for the men only called me "Mumma" when they wanted something from me. "Kismus, Abdallah, what's that?"—I thought it beat to assume ignorance. "MummA knows! it's the day all white Bwanas give many presents to boys—boots and clothes-new clothes, not old ones that have fin- ished dying—much posho—and—and—Bwanaa don't scold their boys that day." "Hum! we're getting to the point," muttered my husband. "What have you done now, Abdullah?" "Mumma?"—in a voice of distress— the fire has eaten the back piece out of Bwana's shirtie. I left it to dry. Dwana won't do anything, will he, Mumma?" In the afternoon we went down into the Kabarole Valley, where some dozen Europeans assembled for a special service at the mission church. The building, of mud, thatched with grassy and neatly lined inside with rushes, struck us. on entering its low doorway, with a sense of simple dignity. But still more impressive :t be- came when, as our service* was progressing, a thunderstorm gathered over us, darkening the sky and hushing to silence the leaves that chat- tered round the open window frames. Then suddenly, as if to give the signal for the storm to break, there was a lightning flash, followed by a rage of wind, rain, aod thunder, as though the elements without would have drowned our little service by their own wild ecstasy of wort ship. But the tempest subsided M quickly as it came, and our walk home through waving banana groves was delightful, in the cool fresh air. On the way we learnt a little of the workings of the mission from the Superintendent, who) accompanied us. It is evidently in a very flourishing state, due no doubt greatly to the fact that Kasagama, the native king, is one cf its most ardent members. But there have been disturbed passages in Ka.3agama's Christian car- eer, when the doctrines of the Church appeared to war with his dignity as king. It had, for in- stance, always been the oustom for the women of his realm to drop on their hands and knees when they wished to pasa him. But in church, to the astonishment of the whole congregation, the missionaries refused to allow the ladie3 to crawl past Kasagama's chair on their way to the Sacrament table. It was explained to him that in tha House of God, where all were equal, he was but as the humblest of his people, a view that proved most offensive to his savage idea of Kingship. However, at last he reluctantly ac- knowledged himself willing to be led by them, "as he oould not afford to quarrel with his mis- sionary friends." The purple veil of mist that the storm had woven around the Mountains of the Moon gradu- ally parted during our homeward walk, till, when we reached the boma enclosure on the hill-top, the setting sun shone on a clear mauve outline of mountain slopes, and flecked the glittering snow-capped summit with rosy gold. This tur- ban of snow is only to be seen on clear days, after sunrise and just before sunset. The people of Toro are a well-built race, with the thoughtful faces and dreamy eyes of so many of the native cattle-keeping tribes, and their babies, dusky cherubs who run about in tiny shirts, or, better still, iifi birthday dresses, are little folk of almost perfect outline. The mis- sion ladies, amused at my raptures over them, held a black babies' ball in my honour on New- Year's afternoon. Great was the stir among the3e small folk. Invited for four o'clock, they arrived in clouds soon after mid-day, to sit buz- zing with impatience, like clusters of brown bees in swarming time, round the mission gates. When at last the doors were swung open, a rumour went round that no child with dirty hands or dress would be admitted. With anxious faces the babies looked down at their shirts, and one bright-eyed maiden, a general favourite, her little faoo puckered with dismay, dashed off in the direction of her mother's hut—regardless of the missionaries' shouts for her to stay. But before long she came running back, a trium- phant small figure clad in bright smiles and a I soaking dress. She had been home to appeal to her mother, who promptly put her little gar- ment through the wash-tub, slipped her into it 1 again, and sent her back to the feast, exultant I but dripping. Before we left Toro the Queen-Mother called upon me, a fresh-looking, ample old lady, re- splendent. in a robe of deep pink silk, edged with gold. A portrait of our late Queen hanging on the wall was immediately recognised by her with a smile. "I, too, am called Victoria," she told me, "after the groat white Queen. When the news of her death came to Toro I wept bitter tears, and sobbed aloud and cried out that I had lost a sister. But"—with a proud smile—"we all went to church in black dresses to mourn for my sister Queen." Before she left, Queen Victoria of Toro was offered a chocolate, which she slip- ped into her mouth, silver paper and all, to spit it out at once. I hurriedly peeled one for my- self, to give her the clue that she was by no means backward in taking. Nor did she show any further objection to chocolates, but went away happy with a handful, repeatedly wishing that I might "go well"—otherwise, have a good journey. The missionaries of Toro were the last white women we were to see for ten months, and I confess it was not without some slight misgiving that, as our caravan passed their little thatched house on its way out of Toro, I turned in to hid them a last good-bye. Then, leaving be- Ivind us the comparatively civilised country of the Mountains of the Moon, we set out to pene- trate the mysteries of the great Congo Forest, in whose recesses the opaki wanders and the Ituri Pygmies find their home.

-u. Pleasant Winter Evenings. Winter with its dull days and long evenings is often a source of anxiety to careful mothers aud thoughtful hostesses, who feel the responsibility of amusing their families, and entertaining their friends. All such will be grateful to Messrs. MORTJMBR, Publishers, of Halifax, for the facilities they have provided ■ in the Court" Series of Card Games which includes the following and other games:— COURT WRIST has already become famous. In whatever part of the United Kingdom it 'has been introduced it has carried all before it, and obtained a position on the programmes of both large and small parties. The touch of humour and the simplicity of the variations probably account for its success. SOCIAL WHIST appeals to the speculative ideas of the players, and the fun becomes fast-and-furious as the various games proceed. There will be no difficulty in developing the social instincts of the company where this game is introduced. Got-PANDWHIST is a happy combination of Golf and Whist. The Golf Player is reminded of the tee, the course, and the green; also of the penalties attached to foozleing and other bad play. Those who have never been on any Golf Links can understand and enjoy the game, so that it is adapted for any company. IMPERIAL WHIST provides for one or two competitions to be included in this game. Great Britain and its chief Colonies are named in the headings of the different sections, and the variations are so simple that a novice in card playing can follow them. CINDERELLA WHIST is of a similar character to the foregoing but of twelve rounds only, and is appreciated when the evening is divided between Whist, Dancing, and Games. The Designs on the ordinary Progressive Whist and Bridge Scoring Cards are noteworthy for their originality and appropriateness. The difficulty of breaking the ice when a mixed company assemble is solved by the use of Pairing Badges. They introduce strangers to each other, and promote good feeling at the beginning of the evening instead of when the parties are about to go home. There are six sets in the Court Series, 'Thumb Prints,' I Noahls Ark,' 'Popular Plays,' I Book Titles,' 'Sporting,' and 'Comic Band,' all of which introduce the touch of humour so much • desired. We recommend an early visit to your Stationers to see this useful collection of aids for securing a pleasant Winter Evening.

6q 00 ISEIS, -and,& I I TELEPHONE 18YI. | (Formerly Chief Electrician to the Colwyn Bay & Colwyn) 1 Urban District Council of B Electrical Engineer and jm^| L Contractor, I CROSBY HOUSE, ABERGELE ROAD. j COLWYN BAY bS Installations Maintained and t B ESTIMATES FREE. t! tt III, IL Jm 'I

I DENBIGHSHIRE LICENSING COMMITTEE. THE YEAR'S WORK. A meeting of the Licensing Authority for the Couiifly of Mn-bl -,h was held at Denbigh on Fri- day Mr L. W. Jelf-Potit presiding. The attend- ance iuoludoo Mr J. W. Lumley (Colwyn Bay*, Mr Thos. Williams (Ll-eweaog), Mr T. G. Os- borne (Colwyn Bay), Mr J. Duncan Miller (Aber- gele), Mr G. H. Denton (Denbigh), Mr J. Dar- lington (Chirk), Dr. E. D. Evans (Wrexham), and iihe Clerk (Mir W. R. Evans). The Clerk (Mr W. R. Evans) submitted a statement of receipts and payments for the cur- rent year. Tho balances in hand and on th3 various accounts amounted to L3280 and JB5344 (including balance of levy for 1907) had been re- ceived from the Inland Revenue Commissioners, making a total, with other items, of B7231. A sum of £.5170 had been paid as compensation for extinguished licences, and B1359 remained to be paid in respect of three licences which had been referred to the Inland Revenue Commissioners, whose decision, had not been made. The accounts were passed. Reporting upon the'work done during the year, the Cleric said 17 licences were referred to Quarter Sessions, viz., six in the Llangollen Petty Sessional Division, two in Bromfield, three in Llanrwst, and six in the borough of Denbigh, and all were extinguished with the exception of three Mr Lumley oalled attention to the fact lihat the amounts paid in compensation wore on the whole very high, and he bhoug4it it would be well for the publicans generally to know that the reason for this was the interpretation put upon the judgment of Lord Juustioe Kennedy. If the committee had a free hand in fixing the amount of compensation he thought that the amount taken out of the Publicans' Fund would be considerably less than that wKich had been taken out. Mr Thomas Williams agreed with Mr Lumley, but as no resolution was proposed, the subject dropped, and the report adopted. AUDITING ACCOUNTS. Mr Hassell, of Wrexham, was appointed at a remuneration of five guineas to audit the ac- counts for the current year. THE CLERK'S SALARY. Some discussion took place as to the amount of the remuneration of the Clerk for the current year, the sum paid him last year being JEM. The Chairman pointed out tnat the work had enormously increased, and after one or two amendments had been moved and lost, it was agreed, on the motion of Mr Darlington, se- conded by Mr Duncan Miller, that the remunera- tion be 2100, subject to the approval of the Home Office. THE INLAND REVENUE. A letteir from the Inland Revenue Commis- sioners, dated the 26th ult., had been received, stating that they had not yet been able to make their awards in the cases of the three licensed houses referred to them, owing to osrtaan infor- mation not having been reoeived. The Clerk said this must refer to looal infor- mation, as he had laid everything before tho Commissioners as far as the Compensation Com- mittee was ooncerned. SIR ROBERT EGERTON. On the motion of Mr Darlington, seconded 1)6. Mr Lumley, a vote of sympathy was passed with Sir R. E. Egerton, a member of the Committee, in hu serious illness.

Queen Alexandra, by telegram on Monday oon- veyed to General .Booth her hope that his sight would soon be completely restored as a result of the operation. I-

-r- SUN FIRE OFFICE, Founded ijiq. The Oldest Insurance Office in the World. ¡ Head Office: 63, Threadneedle-st., E.6 A 'I.. :ttl4lRqC: \'1' Insurances effected against the fcllowing ftskt i FIRE 1 Workmen'a Com- pen*ation and Em* Personal Accident, plovers' Liability, Sickness & Disease, including- Accident* Fidelity Guarantee, to Domestic Ser- Fidelity Guarantee, to Domestic Ser- Burglary. < vants. Funds in Hand, £ 2,764,234. AGENCIES EVERYWHERE. 22605P EYESIGHT SPECIALISTS. Charnley dSons 17, PENRHYN ROAD, ¡ COLWYN BAY. Consulting Holirs-9-30 to 1; 2-30 to 6-30 Wednesdays, 9-30 to 1. ADVICE FREE.

I The Executive Committee of the National Eis- teddfod of Wales. 1909 (London), have decided that the first part of the second Eisteddfod concert should be devoted to the performance of a new" work by Mr David Thomas, Mus. Bac., Ponfcar- dulais, entitled a "Song to St. Cecilia's Day." A force of 150 firemen, operating 24 engines, was necessary to the conquest at Peckham 04 Monday of a destructive fire which raged for a. long time at the factory of the Edison-Bell Phono- graph Record Company. The death took place on Sunday morning of Mra Jennie Owen. She attained her 100th birth- day in October, and was the oldest inhabitant of Llanelltyd, a quaint village two miles from Dol. galley. Dr. E. M. Grace has resigned the secretaryship of the Gloucestershire Cricket Club.

-=- I ELECTRICAL PRESENTS. BRASS TABLE STANDARDS COMPLETE WITH SILK SHADES 10s. 6d. I POCKET LAMPS, FROM Is. Ode ALL KINDS OF NOVELTIES WILLOUGHBY LANCE, I 16, Lloyd Street LLANDUDNO. PHONE 36. WIRES-" LANCE, LLANDUDNO." ———=—————————————=———————————————————————.