The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

Home Again Return of Fusiliers to the Welsh Coast. Enthusiastic Reception at Colwyn Bay. A MOST enthusiastic welcome home was accorded the members of the local volunteer corps, who have been out at the front. They were expected to arrive in Colwyn Bay by the six p.m. train, and preparations were made to receive them in a man- ner that would show them their fellow-townsmen's appreciation of their gallant service for their country. The two local Volunteer companies turned out under the command of Captain Stubbs and Captain Dew and Lieutenants Venables Williams and Raynes. They were augmented byj the members of the Fire Brigade in uniform. It was noted with surprise and a great deal of dis- appointment that the municipal authorities did not take any steps to make the welcome a sort of a public function. It was felt that the gallant fellows who had of their own free will elected to go to the front deserved a better reception. The streets were thickly packed with an ex- pectant crowd, and the station precincts presented an animated scene, the Volunteers being ranged in order ready to form a guard of honour. On the platform there were anxious relations waiting to see the dear ones, who had been absent for a whole year, and who had so providentially escaped the fate of so many of our poor soldiers. The train steamed in at last, and, long before it stopped, the khaki-clad figures at the carriage windows had been seen, and a mighty cheer of welcome rent the air. In a few moments each man was surrounded by relatives and friends, and kisses then and mighty hand-shakes were the order of the day. Their officers shook them by the hand, and addressed to each a few coruial words of wel- come. Then to the strains of the band the men marched out of the station and joined their fellows outside. Here, before a start was made, they had to face an ordeal as formidable if not as deadly as the enemy's fire. The camera, that instrument of combined torture and joy was there, and guided by an expert manipulator, took a mental note, as it were, of the scene in front of it, to be reproduced on paper later on. The guard of honour was then formed, and, pre- ceded by the band, the heroes of the hour were escorted up Station-road amidst the wildest enthu- siasm. Having reached the Armoury, the com- panies disbanded, and the men were handed over to the tender mercies of their kith and kin. Five local volunteers were expected home, viz., Sergeant-Instructor McCormick, Corporal J. Harley, Corporal E. Reckless, Private F. Williams, and Private E. Sadleir, but the first-named, owing to his duties at the depot, was unable to accompany his more lucky colleagues, and Private Sadleir, who had been taken ill almost as soon as they started from South Africa, had been detained at Netley Hospital. It is very gratifying to know, however, that his illness is but slight, and that his recovery is imminent. The Dinner at Cartmell's. The officers of the G and L Companies had generously arranged to give a dinner to the local Volunteers in honour of the return of their com- rades, and shortly after seven o'clock a large company, numbering about a hundred, sat down at a most tastefully decorated table at Cartmell's Restaurant. The room, decked with Hags and flowers, presented a brilliant appearance, the scarlet coats of the Volunteers greatly adding to the splendour of the gathernig. Amongst the townspeople present were Messrs Hignett, C. E. Cartwright, T. Byrne, W. Jones (town surveyor), D, Allen, and E. Allen. The catering was of the best, and reflected great credit upon Mr Cartmell. The menu was a varied one, and offered dishes which even that reputed epicure of epicures-a Metropolitan alderman- would regard with respect. Roast chicken, beef, lamb, and veal figured amongst the joints, and they went the way of all meat, accompanied by green peas, kidney beans, asparagus, spinach, and new potatoes. The sweets were worthy of a French chef, and the casualties amongst the blancmanges and the jellies were heavy. The dinner being over, the fragrant weed, in its various forms, was produced, and the Chairman, to the merry click of the useful vesta, proposed the usual loyal toast. This was drunk with musical honours. Mr R. Booth, having given a capital recitation, Casey at the goal," and Mr Fred Jackson having sang the ever popular Dolly Gray," Captain Stubbs, who so ably presided both at the dinner and at the smoker," proposed the health of the returned heroes. He remarked that they were all glad to have them back. They had done their duty as had been expected of them, and as Englishmen are always expected to do. They had come back safe and sound, and that was fortunate, when it was remembered how deadly the climate of South Africa had proved to so many of our brave soldiers. The campaign had not been an ordinary campaign. It was a long and arduous one, and a terrible disease had been ravaging with awful effects. The Chairman referred to the enforced absence of Sergeant-Instructor McCormick, who was detained by his duties at the depot, and of Private Sadleir, who was at Netley Hospital. The toast was enthusiastically drunk, and They are jolly, good fellows" was lustily sung. Mr Cartwright remarked that he also desired to cordially welcome home the men. They had taken part in an arduous warfare, and it was to be hoped that we were now near the end of it. He was of opinion that South Africa would in the future be a splendid field for English enterprise, and a capital country for the surplus population. He hoped that the Boers would see the advantages of living under the English flag, and the advantages of trading with the mother country. (Applause.) Private Jackson, who was one of the men who returned last year after seeing service in the war, responded on behalf of the men. He said that he had followed their career in Africa, and he could say that they had throughout acted in a manner worthy of their country. He did not think that they had been in many very dangerous engage- ments, but they had done duty in the blockhouses, and to be stationed for months on the lonely veldt, far removed from friends, was a monotonous life which, to his own personal knowledge, had caused mental derangement amongst many of our soldiers. He would like to say that the municipal authorities might have turned out and given the men a wel- come. He had felt this as keenly as had the men themselves. Colwyn Bay was the only town which had not given a public welcome to returned soldiers. The authorities might have shown that they appre- ciated the gallant work done by their townsmen. (Loud applause.) The evening was then given up to the enjoyment of a miscellaneous entertainment. Mr R. Booth hugely amused the company with his recitation of "Have I been a soldier long?" and Mr V. L. Wahltuch gave a realty splendid recitation of Kipling's well-known ballad, Gunga Din." In response to an unanimous encore he re- cited another ballad of Kipling's, "Tommy Atkins." Mr Tom Griffiths and Mr R. S. Samuel having sung, Mr R. Booth again contributed a recitation, The Handy Man," which was loudly applauded. "The Showman," by the same clever reciter, created roars of laughter. At this juncture, the Chairman announced that the Novelty Bohemians had very kindly consented to give them a few items. The appearance of the members of this popular company of entertainers was greeted with loud applause. After a chorus had been rendered, Mr Atherton, the brilliant basso of the company, sang The Toreador." An encorce was vociferously demanded, and the genial singer responded with the famous German song, Drinking, drinking, drinking," fairly bringing down the house. Mr Samuel, having once more given a song, Father O'Flynn," in good style, Mr Sidney Lee, of the Novelty Bohemians, performed a number of marvellous card tricks. The Bohemians then sang a favourite chorus from Florodora," I want to be a military man." This was most deservedly encored, and We did have a roaring time" was kindly given in response. Mr Atherton again delighted the company with his powerful and rich bass voice, which showed to great advantage in the song, The Bandolero." This song was sung by special request of some of those present, and though the performers had not brought the music with them, not anticipating the request, both the singer and the accomplished pianist of the Bohemians, Mr Swain, performed their work in grand style. Those who are aware of the difficult accompaniment to this song will appreciate this feat. As an encore, Mr Atherton sang Rocked in the cradle of the deep." Mr V. L. Wahltuch then gave a spirited render- ing of one of the Dagonet ballads, Told to the Missionary." The Chairman moved a very cordial vote of thanks to the Novelty Bohemians for coming there that evening and giving them such a capital enter- tainment. He also included in the vote of thanks all others who had taken part in the evenings' entertainment. Sergeant-Majors Morgan and Adams deserved their very best thanks for carrying out all the arrangements of the evening, and Mr Cartmell was to be heartily thanked for the splendid catering Mr Nester, of the Novelty Bohemians, returned thanks on behalf of the members of the company, and the proceedings came to a close with the singing of the National Anthem.

(o) DENBIGH AND RUTHIN. On Saturday the Denbigh and Ruthin Volunteers arrived home from the front, and this was the occasion when the inhabitants of both towns evinced their patriotism by turning out in great crowds to greet the men with ringing cheers. The Denbigh and Ruthin Volunteers, headed by their bands, met and escorted the heroes through the town.

CARNARVON. Half-a-dozen members of the Rifle Volunteer Corps of Carnarvon and Penygroes returned home from South Africa on Saturday night. They were in the last batch of Welsh volunteers who went out 15 months ago. The Carnarvon men were met at the railway station by the Mayor and Corporation and the band of the battalion, while at Penygroes a welcome home demonstration took place in the Market-square.

RUABON. Unbounded enthusiasm characterised the ''official" welcome on Saturday night last, at Ruabon, of the 2nd Service Company Royal Welsh Fusilier Volunteers on their return from South Africa. The men—considerably bronzed, and attired in khaki—reached Ruabon Station from Wrexham shortly after seven p.m., and on alight- ing immediately mounted a large conveyance and were drawn through the district, meeting with an overwhelming reception all through the streets, which were lined with large crowds, who cheered vociferously. Patriotic decorations were freely displayed, and the Ruabon Silver Band (conducted by Bandmaster J. Griffiths) headed the procession, which included the whole of the Ruabon company of Volunteers, who turned out in full force under Captain Bel! and Lieutenant Norris.

REJOICINGS AT RHYL. To the accompaniment of triumphant. music and the welcoming cheers of a great concourse of spec- tators, nine of the Rhyl Volunteers who formed part of the Second Service Company of the Welsh Fusiliers, and who left for the front about twelve months ago, returned home on Saturday night. The khaki-clad soldiers looked bronzed and in the pink of condition, and as they mounted the Royal Mail four-in-hand in the station precincts the huge crowd cheered themselves hoarse. Headed by the brass band and escorted by a scarlet guard of honour, the brakeload of heroes proceeded to the Town Hall. The square was filled by thou- I sands of spectators who again cheered lustily when the men. accompanied by several members of the Rhyl Urban Council, appeared on the balcony. A formal welcome was offered by Mr H. A. Tilby, the chairman, who congratulated them upon their healthy and smart appearance. He regretted to say that one of their number had found his grave on the far-off veldt. It was the fortune of war, and their comrade had laid down his life for the sake of his country. (Great cheers.) Dr Girdlestone also spoke, and Sergeant Bell re- plied on behalf of the men. Then amid further scenes of enthusiasm, the Volunteers again mounted the brake and were driven round the town to the Drill Hall, where they were briefly addressed by Captain Hall, and then dismissed. Several affecting scenes were wit- nessed when some of the men were met by their families. The men who returned are Sergeant Bell, Corporal Frimston, Privates John Hughes, Walter Hayes, Jos. Hayes, Owen Fazakerley, T. M. Jones, W. H. Parry, Wm. Jones, and J. Dodd, They will be entertained to dinner to celebrate their return.

RAILWAY FIGHT PREPARING. FOR the traffic between London' and Manchester a great fight is preparing, says the "Railway Re- view." The London: and' North-Western, Midland, anidi Great Northern companies agreed in 1887 that no through trains between the cities should! cover the distance in lesis than font and a quar- ter horns. But the Midland having a new line, into Man- chester has plaiM/ed a imew time: table to. run fnoim London to, Manchester in four hours from July 1. The North-Western has followed suit with a time-table—coming into operation in June—which coverts the journey in three and three-quairter 'hours. The Midland's new line, addis the "tlailwiay Review," is not quite: ready for passengers, but it is saidi the company will mot sit dtowm to be beaten by their rivails. There is to be a great fight between them.

DRINK BARBER AND CO.'S CELE. BRATED TEA, is 8d per lb. Three pounds sent free by parcel post on receipt of P.'O. for 5s. BARBER AND CO. (established over a century), 67A, LORD-STREET, LIVERPOOL, and Branches. 4534

Pepper and Salt. To dare to write anything in the shape of notes this weiek without making a reference to peace would be highly improper, and' I am, therefore, anxious to show that when it's a question of "¡good form," I am always in the front. Peace is something which we don't get every day, as a hen-pecked neighbour of minte remarked, and it is but meet that we should make the most of the occasion. By-the-bye, it was a most pathetic Isiight to see the above-mentionedi neighbour "celebrating." You see, he is only five foot two, and! the other half of him is just a shade under five foot nine and muscular. I have mever heen iilltheir house, but I have' heard sig- nificant noises through the jerry-built walls of our back parlour, and I know that they don't beat carp,ets every day. I have been told! more- over 'that for the last ten years Mrs has been decidedly the "boss," and I have even heard that Mr was seen 'several times lately standing at the lend of the pier and gazing down with a wistful look at the peaceful placid depths of the Colwyn Bay portion: of the. Irish sea. Now, my friends, put yourselves for one mo- ment in the place of my unfortunate neighbour. Imagine that for ten long weary years you have been having engaged-in^ a one-sided guerilla war- fare. It is one-sidedi because- the attacks and the assaults are all made by the enemy. Your happy part in the tragedy consists in flank movements and' retreats behind the mangle or under the table. It is easy to imagine what effect ten, years of this kinid of life would have on any mortal, and' it would be' small wonder if your hair goit tingedl with grey, and you got into the habit of instinctively dodgin'g whenever a lady put up her hand; to 'see if ihe-r back hair was keeping to its moorings. Well, 'that's all very well so far, but now take into cansid'eration that this country has only had about two years 'and a half of war. That's seven years and, six months less than your period of misery. And yet when peace is declared, the very wildest enthusiasm is shown, and happi- ness and joy reigns triumphant. As a loyal Briton, you would join the giddy throng, and with a pathetic show of patriotic fervour you would inject a handful of cofnfetti down your best friend's collar and' .wave your little flag, and then go, home 'and dodge' the evenini, poker or ,the flat-iron-. Now that you have kindly put yourself in' the place of my poor little neigh- bour, you will understand' his position, and I need not dwell on the 'subject any longer. 0, peace is a grand thing! Colwyn Bay was not behindhand1 in her cele- bration, of the good news of peace. The pro- cession which was organisedat so short a notice. was as much a success as col-ild, be expected under the drcumsltances. The union of Col- wyn and Colwyn Bay wa's a happy idea, and helped considerably to make the affair a success. It is easy to criticise, but I cannot help- thinking that, had the matter been taken 'up in a more enthusiastic manner by the townspeople and' visitors, a very much, grander procession would have been the result. There is a tendency in Colwyn Bay as in many other places to let a few energetic people do all the hard work. THE MAN ABOUT TOWN.

A Spinner's Lament. IT was the wife who spoke,—Mrs Thompson, of Gelderd.-road, Leeds,—and she was referring to her husband. "For years he suffered from liver complaint, dizziness, headache, and indigestion. He also had spasms and' a bad attack of jaun- dice. 'Being a spinner he had to be on his feet all day, and he would say to me, 'As soon as it gets to be dinner-time I wish it was night, for I can hardly drag myself about.' When night came on he would! come home utterly bggedr out, with no appetite .and no interest in 'anything. He suffered from sleeplessmiess too, and pains in the stomach. Anlythiniglin the nature of confectionery and pastry—well, if he had the least bit I used to fairly cringe, for I knew what it would mean later. At last I persuaded him to try Chas. Forde's Bile Beans. He got some and went on taking them. The first few boxes did him pounds, of good. Soon after beginning to take them his spasms stopped altogether. Then he ceased having pain after meals; and as he con- tinued to take the medicine regularly, the tired feeling he had so long complained of left him entirely. At the. present time he is not like the same man. Bile Beans have done more for him than we could have hoped1 for." Readers who work in mills, factories, offices, or who are kept indoors should' bear this case in mind'. Summer is the best time for curing all liver disorders and Bile Beans are the best cure. If you suffer as Mr Thompson did, what cured him will cure you. Obtainable for one and three-half-pence or two and nine per box from all chemists or upon receipt of prices from the Bile Bean Manu- facturing Co., IIg, London Wall, London, E.C. They are sold only in sealed boxes never loose or in. penny-worths.

— 4 NEW LIFE-BOAT FOR THE COAST OF WALES. THE Royal NaltiJÜinal Lifeboat Insltitution has just replaced the boat s'tattiontedl some' years sinoe. at Poctfthdinllaeni, Carnarvonshire, by a n'ew 'self-righting lifeboat, 40 feet long amd ioy, feet widtei, built by the- Thames Iron Works Com- pany. She row's 12 oars double-banked, and! is also provided with -masts and1 sails. She- is fitted < with two 'sliding or dirop keels to increase her weatth-erly qualities whilst in deep water without sacrificing the' flat floor ailidi light draught so necessary when in shallow water. Like all the: modern self-righting lifeboats built by the inistitutiony this boat will at omice self- right if capsize-di with all the crew and gear in, masts up and sails: set. She is named Barbara Fleming, the cost of the new lifeboat equip- ment having been defrayed1 from, a munificent legacy received by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution from the estate of the' laite Misis Jane Isabella Fleming, of Rayrigg, Windermere, for the purpose of providing a lifeboat bearing that 'name. The institution has now 288 boats under its management, 37 of which are to be found) on the coast of Wales. Contributions to the insti- tution: to. assist ini the maintenance of this great life-saving fleet, which involves' a large annual outlay, will be gladly received by all the bank- ers in the United' Kingdom, by the several local honorary secretaries, and by Mr Charles Dib- din, the secretary of the institution, 14, John- street, Adelphi, London.

Hotels. The Finest Health Resort in North Wales. Rhos Abbey Hotel, Rhos»on=Sea, COLWYN BAY. Facing the sea, pure bracing air, delightful climate, charming scenery, water supply and sanitation perfect. Elegant apartments, every home comfort; all bed- rooms sea view. Excellent Golf Links by the sea, within half-a-mile. High-class Cuisine; Terms moderate. Tariff apply Fr. MEIER, Proprietor (late at the WINDSOR HOTEL, GLASGOW). 3370 Telephone Colwyn Say. Five minutes from Station & Promenade. 5-mile from Colwyn Bay, on high r.l from Llandudno to Rhyl. Per- mission to drive through Gwr>'ch CastIe C This Hotel Grounds. V stands in a MQV beautiful position. t Splendid views. A ailitary arrangements perfect. PJILLIAHDH, POSTING, &C. 4170 J. W. LLOYD, Proprietor. MEADOWCROFT Boarding Establishment, COLWYN BAY. Situate in its own grounds at the corner of Ellesmere and Conway Roads, being in a most desirable position, having a Southern aspect. 3791 Tariff-Miss MORRIS. LOCKYER'S (Old Established) r> • « TELEPHONE NO. 7 Private Hotel ana Boarding Establishment BELLE VUE, AIARINE ROAD, COLWYN BAY Special Terms for Winter Residents. 2332 Telephone: 7. Telegrams: Lockyer, Colwyn Bay. "THE CHESTNUTS" Private Hotel and Boarding Establishment, MARINE ROAD, COLWYN BAY. OLD ESTABLISHED. ,NE, AR PROMENADE & PIER PAVILION. MODERATE TERMS 4478 M. M. TAYLOR, Proprietress. PLAS-Y-COED (HOME-FROM-HOME), Boarding Establishment. LARGE RECREATION ROOMS. TERMS MODERATE. MRS. BRACKSTONE, 3489 PROPRIETRESS. PENMAENMA WR, N. Wales.-House of Res 6 JL and holiday home. Terms very moderate. Special quotations for lengthened stay. Invalid care when needed.—For reply, stamped envelope, Lady Superintendent. 1249 PROMENADE, Colwyn Bay.-GILBERTVILLE JL Private HOTEL & BOARDING E STABLISH MENT, facing the sea. Special Winter terms on ap plication. Proprietress, Mus. JORDAN. 2971 LLAN RWS T Eagles Hotel, FAMILY AND COMMERCIAL. I Omnibus meets all Trains. I Coffee, Commercial and Private Rooms. STOCK AND BILLIARD ROOMS. Good Stabling and Lock-up Coach Houses and Posting MISS PARRY, Manageress 3667 A.JENKINSON & SONS (Late head gardener to Sir George Armytage, and late foreman at Boanant Hall), COLWYN BAY NURSERIES, Nurserymen, Seedsmen and Florists, HAVE THOUSANDS OF BEDDING PLANTS, GERANIUMS, &c., also PLANTS for House and Table Decoration. Agents for Sanlcey a Garden Pots, Bansome's Lawn Mowers, d-c. Przce List on application. SHOP-SEA VIEW CRESCENT. 4368 BATH BIJNS a Speciality. 4261 A 11 13 U ° Noted for Excellence. Superior BROWN BREAD. FANCY OAKFS The Purest Quality. V-'iT-XVlZ/O. ]7aci;0ry Cakes Sold.) Large Assortment for Afternoon Teas. SWEETS & CHOCOLATE. Renowned Makes. Carriage Paid on all Orders for iol. and upwards. PETER JONES, Grocer, [taker & Confectioner, CASTLE STORES. LLANFAIRFECHAN.