The Pembroke County Guardian and Cardigan Reporter

PEMBROKE NOTES. It is possible that some people living in various parts of the country may think that Pembroke Dock people have slightly ex- aggerated the harm which any reduction in the Dockyard causes in the town. People living in the town have been grumbling so long and so continuously that some of the readers of the "Guardian" living in the agricultural districts may possibLy begin to think that too much fuss i= being made over the matter. For the delectatioa of those persons I have this week obtained a few statistics which. I think will prove most unmistakably that the iiiatter is beyond doubt quite as serious as the town-folk have said, and possibly more than some of them yet realise. Tht officials in the yard have just reseived an intimation to the effect that the sum cf money allocated in wages for the Dockyard for the ensuing year is £ 2,627 per week. The sum at present being expended is just over £2,800 per week. So yuu see that nearly 4200 less is to be spent weekly than present. But iiiese figures don't look so formidable as they wouid if compared with the allowance last year, which was Z3,,510 per week; whilst the year before the amount was about the same. As the intelligent reader will at once ob- serve, the difference is very large. Taken in the balk the figures appear still more alarming. Last year the total sum allowed was £ 132,507— this year it is £ lio,59C. Last year the whole of this money was not spent, a saving of about ■ £ 16,000 being effected. But deducting that iit means that just upon ZSO,000 less will come in- to the town this year than last, or about £ 46,000 less than was spent the. year before. But possibly it may be more than this as in con- sequence of the impending discharges, the Dock- yard officials consider it quite probable that a saving on the year may be effected. Pembroke Dock people must try and get what satis- faction they can by contemplating the surplus on the National Budget, though it is highly improbable that they Wtlil approve of the means by which such surpluses are made. It is a moot question whether it is not better for the country to be in a flourishing condition, but in a deficit on the Budget, than to have a surplus at the cost of thousands of workless artisans, and ruined shop-keepers. The leter from Pro Patria which appeared in last week's "Guardian" has doubtless been read with interest by residents in Neyland and Pembroke Dock. The question of a bridge across the Haven is one which has often been mooted, but that is as far as things have gune, fot stch a bridge would certainly be a big orvi.r, and it would cost an immense sum to build. There is not the slightest doubt, however, as to tLe benefit that woud accrue to both towns, which with such a link would become more conected than they are at present. A; present- there is a very excellent ferry service betw«-t-"n Hobbs Point and Neyland, but the best ferry service in the world is not like a bridge, 1-1' though the hours of the ferry are long the bridge iis always available and rough weather has very iliuie effect. Then also though peop-e do frequently have horses and trapi, and rotne- timecó motors taken across on the ft-iry, it is quite certain that a bridge would mean a trebling of the traffic between the two places. I agree with r ro Patria that the matter should be a County and National one, and his scinne seems to eba very feasible one. But I am very much afraid that the War Department would not be inclined to render much aid under the present regime, though undoubtedly the bridge would be of immense service in mili- tary operations. The cancelling of the con- tract for the erection of the other block of barracks proposed looks significant, and appar- ently the Whitehall authorities have become infected with the cheese-paring policy adopted by the heads of the sister service. The discussion which took place at the meeting of the Sanitary Cominittee the other night was rather interesting, and may prove instructive to the ratepayers. The Town Council acquired a quarry, to be able, so I take it, to supply their own stone. It was further stated that he Corporation would be able to supply the stone at a cheaper rate than private contractors could, and considering the fact that the contractors naturally ex- pect to make a margin of profit, this seems to be a reasonable supposition. Now that the quarry has been acquired, I think that all stone required for any Corporation work should come from this source, and certainly it seems extraordinary that this shouiLd not have sug- gested tself to some of the members of the committee at an earlier stage than it did. The suggestion made by one worthy councillor that the Chairman of the Highways Committee should submit a tender in the same way as the other contractors, struck me as a novel idea, in fact, had this suggestion been car- tied into effect the situation would hawe been almost Giibertian. Fancy the Chairman of the different committees all regarding each other as rival contractors, and trying to best each other in their bargains, and yet the whole of them supposed to be co-cperaiing together for the benefit of the townJ Wanted to know:— What's the use of a quarry unless you use ,.lt s Why there are not more seats on Barrack IIilU Whether they would not be appreciated these moonlight rlightsi Whether those who designed the Duke of Edinburgh are feeling satisfied with their Whether it was very wrong of the minister 40 wear his colours at the election? Whether the steam-roller is ever used on the xoaas in Pembroke Dock? Or whether it is regarded in the light of lan. ornament? Whether people take the Town Council „ri. trasly when they talk about SummoJ^'JhS Isn't it a case Of the bark being worse ,than the bit.e 1 Why the footballers tried so hard to floor the captain 1 Whether it was an easy job? Whether the local magistrates would not like to bave a few moments quiet conversation with the Chairman of the Quarter Sessions? THE PILOT. Cycle Accident.—A serious cycle accident oc fcurred on Friday evening to a lad named Frederick Shapcoit, whose parents live at Pennar. He and another lad hired two bi- cycles and rode round the town during the evening. About half-past ten, whilst riding down the steep descent known as Officers' Row, Shapcott by some means lost control of his Dockvard wall gTeat force into 1116 hTIZ th™ ^bottom, against which tie was thrown head foremost. He was picked up unconscious, and his face and head fak-Vr"1 terribly »w. He taken home and attended by Dr. R. H WH h™, but „ now making satwLS p £ Friday evening a dance nro moted by Mr. S. A. Elliott's bandT^s held at the Temperance Hall, and some IS^S^nt present spent a very pleasant time. The music was provided by the band, the floor was excellent, and the ball had also beTn tastefully decorated for the occasion. Mr Evans acted as M.C., and dancing which com nenced at eighty o'clock, was kepf up unm three 0 clock on Saturday evening. Dockyard Men Decorated.—The "Londom Gazette" contains t, following:—"Whitehall, April 5th.—T hi ivin0 bis been pleased to grant the following retired members of his Majesty's Civil Service, not belonging to the administrative or clerical branches, the Impe- rial Service Medal, which was instituted by his Majesty for the recognition of long and meritorious service in branches other than those mentioned above viz., Wiliam H. Brinn, shipwright; Robert Co e, shipwright; James Eynon, leading man of jabourers; David Grif- fiths, skilled labourer; William Jones, ship- wright: William Powell, skilled labourer; Jaiiie,, Login, joiner; Hobot Roberts, labourer; and George Scone, hammerman; all of Pem- broke. Temperance Entertainment.—The last of the series of the winter entertainments held under the auspices of the Pembroke Dock Totail Abstinence Society, took place on Saturday evening at the Temperance Hall, when an entertainment was given by the United Bands of Hope. Air. v\. Jenkins presided, and there was a large audience, but the whole of the entertainments during the winter session have bien well patiouisea. The programme in- cluded an Indian club dril by the members of the Temperance Band, and dialogues by the members of Pembroke Ferry and Bethany Bands of Hope. The Bethany choir also gave selections. Miss Masters (Gilgal), Master James (Lianreath) and Mr. S. Thomas (Albion Square) recited, and the members of St. An- drews B.O.H. gave a club drill. Master Smith (Salvation Army) gave a violin solo; Miss Annie Lloyd (I.O.G.T.) rendered a sdlo; and MJ. A. Powell (Wesleyan) gave a stump speech; whilst the Meyrick Street Choir con- tributed a quartette. Publican's Failure.—At the Pembroke Dock Bankruptcy Court on Friday, the affairs of Artuur Swayne Dowle, late of the Cross House Inn, Laugharne, licensed victualler, were in- vestigat.eu. The liabilities amounted to £64 4s. 6d., and there was a deficiency of £ 53 6s. 4d. The debtor, who is 61 years of age, had been in service as a butler at dareston Hall, near Haverfordwest, for the last 30 years. In March, 1901, he took the Cross House Inn, Laugharne, but left the entire management to his wife. The business was discontinued in September, 1904, when the whole of the furniutre was sold for about .)7, which amount had been paid to pressing creditors. No books of account had been kept, aud with the exception of iE20 borrowed from a friend in August, x^o, the whole of the unsecured liabilities were for goods supplied. He ascribed his posiition to the business be- ing insufficient to pay expenses. In answer to the Official Receiver (Mr. Thomas) debtor said that he took the business and allowed his wife to manage it, with the idea of living there himself and giving up his situation if it paid. He stated that when he took the house he had kl48 in the bank, but that had all gone into the business. He had a policy in the Prudential Association for iEl,50, but his wife held it, and it was in her name. He however, admitted that the money with which his wife had paid the premiums had come from the business, and Mr Thomas xemarked that he must have that poiicy.-The examina- tion was then closed. «

PEMBROKE BOROUGH SESSIONS. Monday.—Before the Mayor (Coun. A. F. Bed doe), Messrs. F. B. Tombs, S. W. Willing, and J. Rowe. DISTURBING THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. William Roberts, of Pembroke, did not ap- pear to reply to a charge of being drunk and disorderly at Pembroke on March 30th.— P.S. Johns said that on the evening in ques- tion he saw Roberts in a drunken conidtion. He was walking about the road and disturbing the neighbourhood by shouting and making use of bad language. He kept this up for nearly a quarter of an hour and then went into his house and locked the door. So violent was he, however, that his wife and family had to take refuge in another house for the night.— He was fined 7s. 6d. and 2s. 6d. costs. Richard Jones, who did not appear, was fined 2s. and 7s. 6d. costs for being drunk at Common Road, Pembroke, on April 5th.— The case was proved by P.C. Bowen, who said he saw Jones lying in the road in a helpless state at 11.40 p.m. SPORT ON THE RAILWAY. Albert Matthias, Benjamin Matthias, and William Owen were, summoned for trespassing in search of conies on land in the occupation of the Great Western Railway at St. Mary's on March 3rd. Mr. W. G. Eaton Evans, of Haverfordwest, appeared to prosecute on behalf of the Com- pany, and said that the Company had had so much trouble with trespassers on thenr line at Pembroke and Pembroke Dock that they had been obliged to call in the help of the County Police to stop it. P.C. Wililams said that on the day in ques- tion he saw the three defendants come along the line from the direction of Golden Hill, towards the Tunnel. They had a dog with them, and they divided. Albert Matthias, who had a gun, went one side, and the other two took the dog and beat the othef side. When they had gone about eighty yards a rabbt was started by the dog. AlbertMatthias fired two shots across the line at it and wounded it, and the dog caught it. Witness went up to Albert Matthias and asked him if he had a license. The latter sent Owen home for it, and he returned with it. Shortly afterwards another rabbit ran out and was shot, and after that Benjamin Matthias put a ferret in a hole in the embankment, and caught the rabbit in his hands, when it bolted. Albert Matthias questioned whether the con- stable saw him shoot: '*1 was there concealed, a-watching you all the time," was the reply. Thomas WLliams, a permanent way in- spector on the G.W.R., also gave evidence. The Matthias's said that their father had had the ground for twenty years. Mr. Eaton Evans explained that the grass was tenderel for every year, and the defend- ants had no right to be there. They were fined 10s., including costs each. +

COUNTY SCHOOL GOVERNORS. A Cool Bequest. A meeting of the Governors of the County School, Pembroke Dock, was held on Monday afternoon, when there were present the Rev. S. T. Phillips (chairman), Mrs. Williams, Aid. A. McColl ,Mr. B. Hancock, and Ald. J. Hutch- ing?, with the Clerk (Mr. H. A. Jones-Lloyd) and the Headmaster (Mr. T. R. Dawes). l A CHANGE IN THE PROGRAMME. At the last meeting of the Governors a letter was read from Mr. Williams, of Lawrenny, suggesting an alteration of the days on which pupil teachers were received, and that instead of going on alternate weeks they should go half a week each. A small committee was ap- pointed to go into this,. and they now re- ported that H.M. Inspectors had condemned the present table. Therefore they recom- nemded that in future pupil teachers attend the first three and the last three days of alternate weeks respectively. The Governors adopted this recommendation, anl it was decided to inform the Borough and County Education Authorities. A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION. Considerable differences of opinion have, it appears, arisen out of the resolution at the last meeting to increase the salary of Miss McLeod from E100 to £ 110. The Headmaster (Mr. Dawes) contended that Miss McLeod should receive ILIO for this year, but the Clerk was of opinion that she should receive a sum for the remaining terms in proportion to the increase of £10 per year. A long discussion occurred, and the Chair- man commented upon the unbusiness-like habits of the Board, and Mrs. Williams re- ferred to a resolution which had been passed upon her proposal two years ago to the effect that no increases of salary should be retro- spective, but should only take effect from the next salary day following the resolution. This resolution was read by the Clerk, but Mr. Dawes pointed out that the application was adjourned from the February meeting. It was finally decided to grant P-S, which meant that the increase would take effect from the time of the application, the Chair- man pointing out that all such applications should be made at the beginning of the financial year in September. Mr. Dawes: It is negativing my proposals its the first time this has been done. by the Governors. The Chairman: I don't think so. It's out of no disrespect for you. THE COOKERY SCHOOL. oJ|ie ?^ns *9* the new cookery school were again before the Governors. The architect had prepared alternate schemes, one for an alteration and extension of the present pre- mises, and the other for a separate building. In reply to the Chairman, the Clerk said that their liabilities amounted to £ 1,600, and they had paid off each year L13 6s. ad. and £22 on the principal of the loans, and £ 12 19s. 6d, and 2s. 6d. for interest. The Chairman said that in rough figures their indebtedness was now about 400. If they now adopted the big scheme it would mean another £1,500 at 4 per cent. He thought that he smaller scheme would cost LOW or £700. Ald. McColl: I should think less than that. After some discussions was decided to adopt the smaller scheme, with a few slight modi- fications. A COOL REQUEST. A letter signed by eight girls was received asking that the Governors would continue the evening continuation classe until July, as the certificate examination then took place. The Chairman said the teachers at the con- tinuation classes were paid by the hour. Ald. McColl: The people who benefit ought to pay for them. Mr. Hancock was afraid that some of these young people did not make a proper use of their time, or so many of them would aot fail. When they had to do five days work a week and attend school early in the morn- ing they did better. There was too much pleasure mixed up with it now instead ot hard work. The Chairman remarked that the trouble came in this way. If these pupil teachers failed they would say it was because the Governors of the County School wo;t not help them. Mr. Hancock: How is it so marlY passed years ago when they had to work as welL The Chairman: They say the standard has been raised very much. Aid. Hutchings: I think they ought to pay for it themselves. It was finally decided to reply to the effect that the Goveinors would grant the applicants the use of the room, but that they IUUO* pro- vide a teacher for the extra classes.

FOOTBALL. WILTS REGIMENT WIN PEMBROKE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP. The struggle for the championship of the Pembrokeshire Football League has this year been very keen, and. it remained undecided until last Saturday, when its decision rested upon the result of the match between the R.G.A. and the Walts Regiment. Even then so close was the fight that had the game been drawn the championship would have gone to Milford on goal average, as the three teams would each have had a similar number of points. As it was, however ,the Wilt shires made no mistake, and, winning by three clear goals, are now undisputed cham- pions' of the county. The match, which was played on Barrack., Hill, attracted quite a (Large crowd, well over a thousand spectators being present. The weather was all that could be desired, and an interesting game was seen. The teams lined up as follows:— Wilts Regiment. McCarragher, goal; Cheesely and Capt. Henelowe, backs; Morris, Arter, and Fortune, halves; Sergt. Waylen, CoL-Sergt. Wayien, Algar, Badminton, and Par- sons, forwards. R.G.A.-Walker, goal; Smith and Bryne, backs; Myles, Nott, and Moss, halves; James, Brooks, Parker, Grand, and Jackman, for- wards. Referee: Mr. W. Williams. Neither team were quite at full strength, the Wilts lacking the serwvices of Sheridan and Simpson, and the Artillerymen being with- out Gardner. Immediately upon the start the Wilts attacked, and their forwards gave a very pretty passing exhibition. Walker was soon ca'led upon, and cleared but within five minutes the w -ats had drawn first blood, though the point was a Somewhat soft one. A fine centre from Sergt. Waylen went across the goal, and Walker ran out and rather unnecessarily stopped the ball, which would have gone behind. Before he could clear Badminton and Parsons charged him, and the bail was knocked from his grasp, and slowly rolLled over the goal-line. The R.G.A. at- tacked in turns, and a couple of corners were forced, but were not improved upon, the Wilts defence baing too strong. It was not long before the leather was back in the Gunners' quarters, and here Algar tested Walker with a fine shot, which the latter just managed to tip over the bar. After about half an hour's play, the Wilts scored again. A fine centre by Sergt. Waylen, being met by Badminton, who scored with a lightning shot. The Wilts continued to attack, and Smith was con- spicuous for some fine defensive play. On two occasions he managed to kick out shots which would certainly have scored, Walker having been beaten all the way. At the in- terval the Wilts led by 2—0. Upon the restart the soldiers* maintained their superiority, and only the really fine dis- play by Smith and Bryne prevented them in- creasing their score early in the game. Pre- sently the Artillery right got on the move, and Parker put in a good shot, which, however, skimmed the bar, and James tried a shot that went just wide of the mark. Both sides were now doing their level best, and at times plenty of vigour was introduced into the games. There was very little to choose between the two defences, but the Wilts forwards were much smarter on the ball, and were generally cleverer than their heavier adversaries. Both goalkeepers were called upon, and corners were conceded at each end, but proved fruitless. At length after some smart combined play by the whole of the front line, the leather went out to Parsons. That player made the most of his opportunity, and put in a grand long shot, which, beating Walker, struck the in- side of the post just under the bar and went into the net. This completed the scoring, and the game ended in a victory for the Wilts Regiment as above recorded. •

H. M. S. DUKE OF EDINBURCH. IS SHE UNSEAWORTHY ? The new armoured cruiser Duke of Edin- burgh was docked on Friday at Portsmouth, at which place she arrived from Devonport on missioned for service in the First Cruiser Thursday. As this vessel was only com- Squadron three weeks ago, considerable curiosity was aroused by the fact that she should so soon require docking. It is not known that the fine new warship has been rendered unseaworthy by excessive top-hamper—she carries too many guns. During the Duke of Edinburgh's steam power trials in the Channel a fortnight ago she rolled bo badly that her four citadel guns started from their beds. The danger of these weapons break- ing adrift altogether was so great that the engines were slowed, and the cruiser returned to Plymouth, when the defects were reported to Admiral Sir Lewis Beaumont. An inquiry was held, and the Admiralty de- clined to allow the vessel to proeeeed to sea until her serious defects have been remedied. The Duke of lJAlinburgh has now been handed over to the gunnery experts of Whale Island and the Excellent for exhaustive investigation. The Duke of Edinburgh is the name-ship of the first batch of armoured cruisers designed by Sir Philip Watts. She was built at Pem- broke, and is a vessel of 13,550 tons, with ma- chinery of 23,500 Lh.p., giving a legend speed of 22 L3 knots. Her armament consists of six 9.2-inch guns and ten 6-inch guns, besides a battery of small quick firers. The Duke of Edinburgh carries six 9.2-inch h.L guns mounted, one above the forcastle deck, at the middle line, one above the upper deck aft, at the middle line, and one at the sides over the corners of a central citadel According to the report in circulation, the ship rolled over practically on her beam ends, aud ran for nearly half a mile before she righted herself. While lying on her side the 9.2 guns and the heavy gun horses erected over them, which are mounted on turn-tables that revolve in circular wells constructed of the armour, axe said to have shown signs of toppling out of position, which is a not impossible eventu- ality, should the ship heel over sufficiently. It migns it is suggested, be possible to remedy matters by substituting seven 5-in barbettes and guns for the four 9.2-in with guns and uarbettes in question, or by lower- ing the present barbettes and removing the four 6in guns underneath them, On the Warrior, a sister ship to the Duke of Edinburgh, in addition to the six 9.2 in. guns, as on the Duke of Edinburgh, there will be four 7.5-in B.L. guns also, in barbettes, above the upper deck. If the one vessel is not staunch the other will, in all probability, have the defect still more developed. The altera- tions would involve a great deal of work, and regrettable as this would be from a national I point of view it would prove local benefit.

EYLAND PUBLICAN'S FAILURE. REMARKABLE STATE OF AFFAIRS. OFFICIAL RECEIVER'S STRONG COMMENTS. A somewhat remarkable state of affairs was revealed at Pembroke Dock Bankruptcy Court erv Tuesday, where the affairs of Mrs. Su^aa Evans, a married woman trading as a lie? v.^l victua'ler at the Jficton Castle Hotel, Ney- land, were investigated, before the Registrar (Mr. Owen.) Debtor's total inabilities amounted to P,1,246 Os 3d, of which £ 1,067 12s Id were expected to rank. There were eleven unsecured creditors for R,328 16s. BeL, and two creditors partly se- cured for £ 860 13s. 3d., the security being on the estimated value of £ 174 19s. The assets consisted of stock in trade, iz., 10s, and un- expired license £8 5s., a total of JS14 15s. From this P-3 8s 4d had to be deducted from creditors for wages, etc., leaving a deficit of £ 1,056 5s 5d. Debtor ascribed her failure to be due to want of capital and heavy liabilities when she took over the business after her late mother, and also illness in the family. The Official Receiver's observations were as follows:— (1). The Receiving Order was made on a Creditor's petition, the Acts of Bankruptcy being that bankrupt had made a fraudulent transfer of her property, and that by execut- ing such, made a fraudulent preference within the meaning of the said Acts." She was ad- judged bankrupt on the application of the Official Receiver on the 23rd inst. (2). The bankrupt (age 39) states that she succeeded in October, 18S9, to the business formerly carried on by her mother at the Picton Castle Hotel, Neyland. She informs me that the liabilities at the time amounted to Z400 or £500, and the assets about Z50. The house is held under a yearly tenancy at a rent of £35 per annum, but owing to the lessee's death no rent had been paid by the bankrupt during the last 4 years. The bankrupt states, however, that she had made payments for the ground rent, repairs, and renewals, which equal the amount of rent. (3). The whole of the unsecured liabilities is for goods supplied, mainly spirits. (4). The creditors shewn as partly secured are—(a) a local ale merchant, who holls security for £ 717 6s 7d for goods suppiled from 1899 to date, 4 policies of insurance effected in the creditor's favour, also a policy for £100 on the life of bankrupt's husband; the value of such policies is estimated at £ 132 15s 4d: (b) a local Wine and spirit merchant, who holds a security for £ 143 8s 8d a Bill of Saile given to him on the 23rd January last on the furniture and effects at the hotel, of the estimated value of £42 3s Id. It is expected that the Bill of Sale holder will abandon his claim thereunder. (5) The bank- rupt does not appear to have kept any books of account, and admits that she had been aware of her insolvency during the whole time she had been in business. The average takings amounted to about L15 weekly. (6) The li- abilities shewn as contingent are moneys due to a Burton firm of brewers on a promissory note signed by bankrupt, her husband and her sister. Mr. Reed appeared on behalf of the petition- ing creditors. Debtor was questioned by the Official Re- ceiver (Mr. Thomas Thomas), and said that after her mother u.ed she owed P,400 or £ 500. Had you been in the business managing it with your mother before that? I have al- ways lived at home with my mother. You knew all about the business?—I did not know my mother was so much in debt before she died. You knew all about managing the business? To a certain extent. You knew that your mother had failed to make the business pay My mother had money before, and she had lost it; I do not know)how she had lost it. Did you think when your mother died that the business was a paying concern? The business was paying. How did you think the money was lost? Be- cause she had lent it to other people. How much did she dose-ZlOO? More than that. Did yon try to recover the money ? No. fWhy not? I had nothing to show for it. It was given to relations. That didn't account for £ 500. You must have known there was a considerable loss on the businessf--My mother kept my grandmother and my grandfather. Did you keep them on?—I thought I would try to keep them. You knew, Mrs. juvans, when you started this business that you could not hope to make it pay 1-1 always lived in the hope that it would. How 1-1 always tried to make it pay. It was my intention to make it pay. You must have some reasonable hope. Did you get married before your mother died or after 1-Before. Did your husband assist at all in the business ? —No, Sir. He was always at sea, was he?—Yes, Sir. What did he earn at sea?—It varied, some- times £ 8 a month. Did he bring it home to you? He would bring all he could home. He had to keep him- self. He brought nothing to your assistance?—Not to my assistance in business. He lived with you when he was at home?— He was very little at home. Did he give you anything towards your main- tenance ?—He kept himself, and what he could spare he sent to me. Has hes ent you £ 20 since your mother died? He could have done that. Has he or not?—Yes. You have given him more than that in his keep?—He has been home more than eighteen months now. You have had nothing for that?—No. Didn't he cost you a considerable sum for his keep ?-Yes. And yet he claims that the furniture there belongs to him, and has made an affidavit to that effect?—Yes. Then it was only right that a claim should be made against t for his maintenance dur- ing the time he Dj:) ",eeu there?—Yes. When did your sister come? How soon after your mother's death in 1899? About twelve months after she gave up her house and came to me. Then twelve months after your mother died your sister and her husband and three children came there?—Yes. How were they to pay you for their main- tenance?—She came to help me. You didn't want all that number to help you 1-The children could not help themselves. How long was the husband with you?—About two years. Did he pay anything for his wife's main- tenance?—He could not pay. tenance?—He could not pay. I am asking you?—No, Sir. You kept your husband, your children, your sister's husband, your sister and her children, all living on this poor little business. That's true isn't —Yes, Sir. Is it any wonder you have come to this?— I tried to do my best. I am sorry for your trouble but this is a matter of business, and a very serious thing. I must tell you canuidly that your case is one of the worst I have had to deal with for many years. You come to the Court with a deficit of A;1,056,, your creditor's money. You have been living on youi- redcitors ever since your mother died. It is so, isn't it?—Yes. Not only were you living and your family living, but you actually bring your sister and her family to live on the profits of -this little business. What do you call that Mrs. Evans I tried to do my best. What do you call such doings as that? Do you think it right to bring all your relations to live there? Mr. Reed said that Mrs. Evans could not keep her sister, Mrs. Gilbert, out, as she was one of the executors of her mother's will. The Official Receiver: Why didn't you take your sister into partnership, and make her partly responsible?—I didn't know so much about it as I do now. I wouldn't have taken my mother's btjsines had I known what I do now. Has your position improved since your mother's deathi-Yes. Have you reduced the liabilities at a IlL 1-1 paid all the debts my mother owed. I paid every one. From the goods you were getting from the creditors. But you were getting deeper into debt yourself. Yon were only transferring debts from your mother's estate to your es- tate 1-1 tried to do my best. You have said that so often. Don't say that again. You can't say anything when you made money in this business?—No. Mrs. Evans was then examined as to what help her sister rendered her, and said she helped in the house, and also behind the bar Her sister also occasionally ordered goods from traveUers but in debtor's name. With regard to her husband he had suffered from ill-heLth during the eighteen months he had been at home. He was a marine engineer. Mrs. Evans was next examined as regarded her mode of conducting business. She explained that money taken in the bar was placed in the till, and each night the money from "Lie till was placed in a drawer in her bedroom. There were several persons, however, who had access to this drawM. After this she was questioned as to her debt, -to Messrs. Smith Son, When — — — ji she took over the business the debt was about i2400, but she reduced this to £ 200 in 1900, but now she owed about £700. Messrs. Smith and Son had no security except the policies, and these were taken out by them. Mr. Thomas next examined debtor with re- gard to her debt of £ 130 to Mr James Williams, of Narberth, and said that she had given him a bill of sale on the furniture in the house. Your sister's things pd your husband's things?—Yes.$ Had you their authority to do that?—No 1 had not. How came you to do. it 1-1 was frightened into it. I wanted to keep a home for myself, my children and my sister. How came you to give a bill of sale on other people's goods. They knew nothing about it, did they 1-o, my sister knew, but my husband did not. Did your sister consent?—She was as much frightened as I was. Did she consent?—No, I don't think she did. In answer to further questions, Mrs. Evans said iikat her husband had brought some of the furniture from his parents, whilst her sister brought hers when she gave up the house. Her husband's furniture was worth about P.20 and her sister's about £30. Mr. Chapman on behalf of Mr. Williams, of Narberth, put several questions to debtor, and elicited from her that her sister was pre- sent when the bill of sale was given, but not duiing the whole of the time. The Official Receiver: Did she know some- thing was going on?—She knew something was going on. On her goods as well?—Well, she was fright- ened into it. The case was adjourned until the next Court. »

PEMBROKE DOCKVARD. (BY THE PHARISEE.) [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his contributor. Should" The Pharisee's" comments upon Dockyard matters call for replies, equal pro- minence vvi 1 be given to other correspon- dents.] If one were to fall, just now, into a Rip Van Winkle slumber and wake up in two year's time, in what state would our little town appear? This question is not so foolish as it seems when we contrast our present Con- dition with that of less than two years ago. Then i he full tide of prosperity was flow- ing in Pembroke Dock, and everything was tinged with rosy hue. Successive Conserva- tive administrations had showered boons on Pembroke Dockyard and its employees, and the number of men and boys at that establish- ment was greater than at any previous period of its chequered history. As a consequence tracte in the town was flourishing, shares in the local Building Society were looked upon as littLe gold mines, and palatial residences were being run up galore. Indeed, many of the houses erected by working men had more the appearnce of detached villas than dwell- ing-houses intended to be used by people of the mechanical and superior labouring classes. As a matter of fact, so confident had a long period of Dockyard prosperity rendered us, so immune from possible disaster had we begun to think ourselves, that tradesmen and workmen were building houses with ac- commodation far in excess of their own re- quirements, the idea of many evidently being that of making small fortunes in the future, by sub-letting their superfluous apartments to a superior class of lodgers. The only serious problems of the hour were the proper completion of the town's drain- age system, and the suitable housing of the increasing population. This latter question indeed loomed so large on our horizon as even to engage the attention of that august body, the Pembroke Corporation. » Some members of our local Parliament (not in their official capacity, we believe) had drawn up plans for the establishment of auittle colony eastward of the town, where the rigid laws of caste were to be observed by the amounts of rent to be paid by the occupants, accord- ing to their social status. Although, for various reasons, this embryo scheme came to an untimely end, the general outlook ap- peared so favourable that, in the words of the poet, Byron, "and all went merry as a mar- riage bell." The succeeding line in the poem, But hush! hark! a deep sound strikes as of a rising knell," ominous as it appears, does not inaptly picture the startling trans- formation effected by the first whisper of the simple, but, to residents in a Dockyard town, baieful order discharge." And from what great party in the State did this dread edict emanate? Why from those whose protection of Dockyard interests, and concessions to Dockyard employees, had become proverbial. The denunciations of na- val extravagance, freely made from time to time by leaders of the party then in Opposi- tion, had prepared the minds of thoughtful people for changes that might happen when they were placed in power. But that the slaughter of the innocents" should have been commenced by those who ,up to that time, had been our firmest and*truest friends, came as a knockdown blow to the Unionist party, who, for the major part of the past twenty years, had fought for, and helped to maintain them in power. # This was the unkindest cut of all," and so embittered hundreds of men, who previously had never cast a vote against Conservatism, that the approaching dissolu- tion of Parliament was looked forward to wim eager anticipation, as the opportunity for giving practical effect to their resentment at this unexpected betrayal. How that distinguished soldier and perfect gentleman, Sir Reginald Pole-Carew, consented to lead tne forlorn hope of the Tory party in these boroughs, how Mr. Owen Philipps de- feated him by the phenomenal majority of 1,049, and how the great tide of Liberal suc- cesses in the country almost wiped out of ex- istence the great Conservative party in the House of Commons, are now matters of his- tory. The Radicals of the borough were triumph- ant, and sanguine in their belief, that, with a change of Government ,a new era of pro- sperity would dawn, and many good friends of Conservatism, chagrined though they felt at their defeat, consoled themselves with the hope that their political loss might turn out a financial and local gain. But, alas! "the best laid schemes of mice and men aft gang agley," and to the grief and dismay of all who have the interest of our town at heart, the advent to power of those who, in this borough, made all possible political capital of the Dockyard policy of their predecessors, brought with their acces- sion to office, as far as Pembroke Dock and the neighbourhood are concerned, no single ray of light, no solitary gleam of comfort. The least that was expected by those who voted for them was that, if they would not be"er our position, out of gratitude, if from no other motive, they would refrain from making it worse. 1 # How cruelly we have been deceived I Never since the first whisper of discharges was heard in the summer of 1904, has our future appeared more uncertain, and our prospects more dismal and gloomy. Where to look for help when "our own familiar friends" have thus betrayed us, is the question now agitating the minds of the community. A costly and unfinished drainage system to be paid for, abnormally heavy rates with a dim- inishing population left to pay them, empty houses, unpaid debts and possible fresh bank- ruptcies in consequence, increasing distress in respectable families caused by lack of em- ployment, these are some of the inevitable evils we shall have to face if something is not done to incline the hard hearts of the, Lords of the ix-Ainiralty towards us. What intensifies our disgust at the policy which, if persisted in, will cause this havoc in our midst, is our knowledge that it is unfair, unnecessary, and is being pursued at a time when our yard is best equipped for rapid and economical shipbuilding. Large sums have been spent of late years in bringing the yard up-to-date by the erection of a fine hospital, new store-houses, and a splendid electric-light instalment, while it is a matter of notoriety that in no ether Government establishment have the workmen so readily and rapidly adapted themselves as the Pem- broke men to the various classes of pneumatic tools introduced of late years into the service. With all this outlay, and the good results being effected by it at our yard, because the Boaru of Admiralty is allowing itself to be immoderately influenced by the economical tads of a hard-headed Admiral tff the Fleet, because as Lord Cawdor recently said, "the interests of the .private firms mast fee con- v —«4 sidered," because of these inadequate and insufficient reasons, a hitherto thriving and prosperous town, built up by a body of work- men and trades-people, second to none in ability and intelligence, and established in the locality through the naval exigencies of our country, is to experience ruin an disaster. Anu this is good government, forsooth. +

TALE OF A RING. STOLEN AND PRESENTED TO THE LADY. An interesting story of the theft of a gold ring by an ex-soldier, and his gift of it to the lady to whom he had made advances, and the subsequent detection by the police, was told at Pembroke Dock Police Court on Saturday. The magistrates, Messrs. J. Hutchings (in the chair), W. navies, and W. Angel, then dealt with the case of Francis MacMahon, an ex-soldier, who was brought up in cus tody charged with stealing a go.d ring, value iE2, and a gold chain, value 14s., the pro- perty of Elizabeth Vittle, at Pembroke Dock, on or about January 19th. Mrs. Vittle, wife of a Mr. J. J. Vittle, a licensed victualler, identified the ring and chain as her property, and said that the former had her initials on them. She misse., them about January 19th. She knew the accused, who had stayed at her house about the time the rings were missed. Alter she missed the rings she gave a description of the stolen property to the police, and saw it again in about a week. Elizabeth James, of Pembroke Dock, said that she knew the accused, who had been a soldier. Auout January 19th he gave her a ring. The ring produced was the one. The witntss gave her evidence in a hesitat- ing manner, and Supt. Evans said that ac- cused had been paying his addresses to the girl, which accounted for her shyness. WiLiain Miller, of Laws Street, Pembroke Dock,a dealer, said that on January 25th ac- cused came to his shop. He told witness he was living at Mr. Vittle's, and was a little short of cash. Handing witness a gold pin, he said, Mr. Vittle sent me over to you to sell it.' Witness asked him his name and where his home was, and he replied that his name was Thomas, and that he was the son of Mr. Thomas, tailor, of Haverfordwest. Witness said he would try the pin, and advised him to go home. He said that he had been drinking, and witness advised him to give up the drink and go home. Witness bought the pin for 2s. or 3s., and told him that if he gave him the three shillings he wou.d have the pin back. In reply to accused, witness said that he had never bought anything off accused before. He had never bought a cigarette case from accused. It was either two or three shillings thal he gave for the ring, but he could not recollect. P.C. Treharne saiu that he made enquiries regarding the theft of the ring and chain, and on February 2nd received- the ring from •1 S*•iame?* took it to Mrs. Vittle, who identified it as her property. He recovered the pin from Mr. Miller on February oth and this was also identified by Mrs. Vittle. On the authority of a warrant he arresud accused as he was leaving Carmarthen Gaol that morning. He at first denied the charge, but aiuerwards said that he might as well make a c..ean breast and admit it. Accused pleaded guilty and elected to be dealt with summarily. He said that he had no defence, but he was very sorry for what had occurred. It was due to the drink, and' he was in other trouble and had lost l is Army Reserve pay. He hoped the magi 5- trates would take this into consideration in dealing with him. The Chairman said that the fact that éC- tWt had been drinking was no excuse lor « Sew nf J? however, would take a lenient view of the case, and he would be sen- tenced to one month's hard labour. »

THE PATER SOCIETY. Interesting Botanical Lecture. The Pater Literary Debating Society closed their winter session on Thursday last, when a most interesting lecture was delivered by the Rev. R. Jackett, of St. Ishmael's, on "The Evolution of Wild F,owers." The chair was occupied by Mr. T. R. Dawes, who briefly introduced the lecturer. The latter's discourse proved most interesting, and was much enhanced by excellent illustrated slides thrown on the screen by Mr. A. W. Smith. Dealing first with the construction of a flower, the lecturer pointed out that the primi- tive flower, as seen in duckweed consisted of a single leaf with the stamens, etc., round the edge, and that was all that was necessary to per- petuate the species. He proceeded to demon- strate how every portion of a plant, roots, stalk, leaves and petals was composed of minute cells, and also how they worked. These cells contained a substance named potoplasm, which was really the same substance as was contained in the cells of animals, and the potoplasm if examined by a high power was seen to be always moving. After dealing with the composition of these cells, the lecturer said that it was a remarkable fact that if some plants were burned, substances were found in the ashes, which could not be found by analy- sis in the plant. For instance if water lilies were burned two-thirds of the ashes were found to be salt, and if some seaweed were burnt, iodine was found in the ash, and yet neither of these substances could be found in the plants. Mr. Jacket next dealt with the colouring of flowers, and said that nearly all spring flowers were, either white or yellow, and grew in clumps, and the reason was that they were the descendants of articflora, when the climate of this country was much colder. e Flowers were coloured for a particular reason, and that was to attract the insects which fertilised them by carrying pollen from flower to flower. Some flowers trusted to colour and some to scent to attract inscets, but some, like the violet, used both. The vivid colours of flowers were necessary because of the short- sightedness of some of the insects, especially in the spring, a ad that was why spring flowers were white or yeiow, both these colours being noticeable from a long distance. After dealing in a most interesting manner with some of the parasitic plants the lecturer said that in some of the flowers the stamen had developed into petals, and as examples mentioned the iris, also comparing single daffodils and wild roses with double daffodils and roses. About the wild arum—or as it is popularly known lords and ladies"—he also gave some remarkable infor- mation. The fly was attracted by the calix, and, once in, its curiosity iLed it into the cavity at the bottom, and here it was automatically imprisoned until in its effort to escape it had collected the fertilising pollen on its body, when the plant relaxed and allowed it to es- cape. He also explained how certain marsh plants, which devoured flies, would close on a piece of meat, etc., but not on a minute piece of paper or wood, and said that the action seemed to be hardly mechanical, but almost as though the plant had the consciousness what to reject and what it could assimilate. He also described how the creeping plant known as the "mother of thousands" always dropped its seed in cracks of the walls where it grew, the flower swaying about until it found the cracks. At the clost of the lecture the Chairman mentioned that one of their members had been awarded a prize as the result of an ex- amination in connection with the series of University Extension lectures delivered in the autum on "The Industrial Exhibition," and called on Mrs. Richards to make the presentation. Mrs. Richards then presented the prizes to Mr. C. R. Wimbury, the gift being Darwin's "The Decent of Man." After this the Chairman mentioned that during the five years the Pater Society had been in existence a series of sixty lectures had been deavered, including five courses of University Extension lectures. A vote of thanks to the lecturer was carried with applause, upon the proposition of «Mr MeLeon, seconded by Mr. A. Thompson, and thanks were also acorded Mr. A. W. Smith for his services at that and other lectures. Before the meeting closed reference was also | pawes' work in connection with the Society, of which one gentleman said he was the heart and soul, and a vote of thanks to him was caned unanimously.

To ensure a Prompt and Regular Supply of Papers and Magazines, order with WRIGHT & Co., Dimond-street, Pembroke Dock, the Oldest Established News agency and Stationery Busixm- in Town. j

CLAIMANTS FOR THE FLITCH. A large number of applications have been rc eeived for the Dimmow Flitch, aJ-d celebra- tionR en August Bank Holiday be of more than usual interest. Tho Apphtrfntfl include a London gentl^m&n and his wife, who are this year celebrating their golden weddingi and a Sou!hwark manufacturer and hig wifSj who intend to driv four-in-hand to Dunmow to claim the historic flitch.

FATAL CAT SCRATCH. An inquiry wat3 held at Poplar with referanot to the death of Mr. James A. WTatson, a COD" tractor's manager, who about three weeks ago was sitting at dinner when a favourite cat jumned on his 6hould,eor. Upon his attempting to dislodge the aniinal it severely scratched bit face and one of his eam. A week later a lump appeared upon his neck, and, despite medical treatment, he died from acute blood poisoning.

MILKMAN AND MOTOR. After having been summoned four times fat furious motoring, Mr. H. F. W. Farquharaon, of Eaetbury-park, near Blandford, summoned- a milkman named Walter Ockfy, at Dorchester, for driving to the public dancer. Mr. Farou- harson wae motoring through Dorchester when Oddy drove out of a eide street with his milk cart at such a ral e as to compel him to swerve on to the wrong side to avoid an accident. The Bench fined Oddy ha.lf a crown and ecots.

GIRLS BURNED WHILE AT PLAY. Two children who had gone out to play wan- dered on to the 6tone heap of the Lambton Col- liery Company's pit at New Lambton, Durham. Suddenly the ground under the younger child, Jenny Stayers, aged two years, gave way, and she fell into a bu-rning hole. Her sister Alio*, a girl of five, attempted to save her, but she also fell into the hole. Their screams attracted the attention of neighboura, who speedily got the ehildrein out, but Jenny died from severe burns two hours later, and the either child is in a very serious condition. It had long belen thought that the heap had been burnt out.

EXPENSIVE FREE MEALS. A curious state of affairs has arisen in conneo- • tion with free rneals provided by the Chorlton Union. For some time the number of children gradually fell off. until it was found that the cost of prepar- ing 125 meals had been about 0 per week, whilst the administration expenses reached more than double that amount. The matter was brought under notice, and arrangements are to be made j to provide the meals at restaurants in the locality.

FUNERALS AND FEASTING. To a woman, pued for £20, the cost of her hue- band's funeral, Registrar Withers at Blackburn County-court, said there was far too much money spent on funerals and feasting in Lancashire. Here a woman was in debt over her husband's illness, yet she had five carriages for the funeral. It would have been no disgrace to her or her friends to walk at the funeral, just as people used to do.

PASSIVE RESISTER TRAMP. Asked by the Mayor of Colchester what answer he had to a charge that he had refused to perform his alloted task of stone-breaking, Henry Street replied be had three reasons. First, that the weight of stone was excessive; second-, that the screen through which the fragments had to pass was too small; and, third, that he had adopted his attitude of passive resistance as a protest against the Government which was responsible for the un- happy lot of the tramp.

LIFE'S WORK DESTROYED. An exhibition of mechanical pictures of British and foreign coal mines, belonging to a man named Sedgmore, of Aberdare, was destroyed by fire at Sedgeley. The pictures, with other exhibits, were in a travelling show, erected on a site near the Bull Ring, when a dog knocked down a lighted parafria2 lamp, which exploded. Notwithstanding prompt assistance, the show and its contents were destroyed, and the adjacent caravans, in which the show people lived, were damaged. It had taken fifty years to make the exhibits, which, unfortunately, were not insured.

THE CARE OF INFANTS. A book of extreme interest and importance to mothers, in the shape of a manual for tha care and' feeding of infants from 'birth 19 the age of two y-e-am, has been issued by Messrs. Meilin, under the title of "The Care of Infants." It gives some excellent advice on the feeding of children, and the writer points out that thene are three available methods: breast feeding, combined feeding, where both the breast and Meilin's Food are resorted to, and artificial feed- ing, where Meilin's is used with cow's milk. Chapters dealing with the care of the child, and with infantile diseases are full of useful information, and, many excellent recipes of sim.ple foods for young chiklren are given. The book is taetdly got up, and illustrated with the photos of chubby and happy-looking children who have been reared- on Melton's Food.

Judge Sir Horatio Lloyd has completed his fortieth year as Recorder of Chester, and at the City Quarter Sessions the grand jury passed a resolution of congratulation. During the hearing of a case in the Tiverton Police-court a solicitor compared his opponent to a terrier dog. The solicitor addressed re- torted, Add you are like a bellowing cow." In the City of London Court Deputy Judge Horton Smith decided that a typewriting machine used, by an advertising agent was a ■" tool of trade," and therefore exempt from distress. It was mentioned that lawyers' books were also privileged as tools of trade. The Dean of Winchester, writing to a corre- spondent, states that during the put month he has written 547 letter over and above his usual > correspondence on the subject of the cathedral! restoration. He adds, sarcastically, The idle- ness of deans is really becoming a national scandal. What is claimed as a record in the collection of rates comes from Rhymney, Glamorganshire, a coal mining area with a population of about 9,000. For the sixty-second half-year in sue- cession Mr. W. Lloyd Marks has collected the whole of the precept, there being neither out- standing debts nor allowances made. Five bookmakers from Derby, Manchester, and London were at Ashbourne each fined £5 and costs under the county by-law for taking bets at Meynell Hunt Ptoint-to-Point Racet, held last week. John Brown, a young yacht hand from Wivenhoe, and a member of the Royal Naval Reserve, was at Colchester presented by the Mayor with a medal and diploma sent by, the French Government in recognition of gallant service rendered to a French vessel in distress. Dr. Macnarrara, M.P., has been presented with a gold medal by the Camberwell branch of the Carmen's Union, as a tribute of apprecia- tion and respect. Bailiffs, acting under powers contained in a distress warrant, forced an entry into a Cardiff inn, attacking the front door with long crow- bars and a hammer. On the previous evening the bailiffs had been unceremoniously ejected from the inn. A steel tower, 700 feet high, is to be erected at Coney Island, N.Y., in the Palm Garden. It will contain a weather observatory some 300 feet up, and be equipped with wireless tele- graphy installation wherewith to communicate with the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The "Lancet" finds that tobacco smoke Is germicidal owing to the presence of formale- dehyde. A small black pet pig, wearing gilded slippers, created a great sensation in a New York thoroughfare. Miss May Hezlet won the Irish Ladies' Golf Championship at Newcastle, County Down. Orders have been sent to the Fourth Cruiser Squadron to search for the derelict steamer Dunmore in mid-Atlantic. More than 100 men employed on the King's Sandringham estate have joined the 3rd Volun- teer Battalion Norfolk Regiment this week. Applying for a summons against her husband on the ground of crueity, at the Thames Pofcoe- oourt, a woman mentioned; that she found a strange hairpdn in the house about which her husband would give no explanation. Two feat of snow have fallen, stopping mil. way traffic between Orsova and Piteeci. It i8 unusually cold! at Bucharest. A. hsasj £ aU roofing at a Leigh colTi<^j Ridyard, -a .J..