The Tenby Observer Weekly List of Visitors and Directory

FALSE PRETENCES AT TENBY. COLLECTING FOR MYTHICAL FOOT- BALL CLUB. YOUNG MEN'S INGENIOUS RUSE. POLICE COURT PROCEEDINGS. SEARCHING CROSS-EXAMINATION. At a special sitting of the Tenby Police Court on Saturday morning, before the Mayor (Mr T. Tucker), Messrs. n. Harries, F. N. Railton, and C. Farley, two respectable looking young men, named G. Buckland and II. Griffiths, hailing from Morriston, Swansea, were brought up in custody on a. charge of obtaining the sum of 10s. 6d. by false pretences from Miss Harriet Augusta Beard, proprietress of the Lion Hotel, Tenby, on August 31st, the accused, according to the wording of the charge, pretending that they were collecting sub- scriptions on behalf of the Penally Football Club. Sergeant Alfred Thomas, addressing the Bench, said he did not propose to go fully into the case that day, but would simply offer sufficient evidence to justify him in asking their Worships to remand the prisoners until Monday morning. This would enable him to complete the case and make the necessary enquiries. The Bench agreeing to this course, Sergeant Thomas was sworn, and said—Yester- day, the second of this month, about six p.m., I was handed a warrant by Miss Harriet Augusta Beard, Lion Hotel, Tenby, to arrest the accused on a charge of obtaining 10s. 6d. from her on the 31st ultimo by false pretences. Accompanied by Police Constable Davies (40) I proceeded to the house of Mr Holmes, cab proprietor, Frog Street, and there saw the two accused sitting in the front room. I asked them to be good enough to furnish me with their names and addresses, which they did. I then told them that I held a warrant for their arrest, cautioned them, and read over the contents of the warrant now produced, to which they made no reply. I then conveyed them to the Tenby Police Station. On being searched at the station I found 6Jd. on each of them; on Griffiths a sixpenny bit and a halfpenny, and on Buckland a threepenny bit, three coppers and a halfpenny. I instructed P.C. 40 to return to the house where they lodged and obtain their per- sonal effects. Subsequently, I was handed the book now produced by P.C. 40, in whose presence I entered the cell where the accused were. I showed them the book produced, and asked them if it was their property. They both in turns said Yes it belongs to both of ua. We don t intend to deny it." Buckland remarked I may tell you, Sergeant, we have only received one of the amounts entered there. The other names we have written ourselves. The Mayor—How much do you say they actually received ? Sergeant Thomas-The charge against them is 10s. 6d. On that evidence I would ask your Worships to kindly remand them until eleven o'clock on Monday morning next to enable me to make further enquiries. I may say, in addition, that on Monday I have no doubt there will be a further charge. Mr Harries-We shall want to find out all about these young men. ;j Buckland said he would like to correspond with his friends. Mr Eailton—They are charged with obtaining money for the Penally Football Club. Sergeant Thomas-Yes. There is no such club in existence.. Buckland-I beg to differ; there is, and I am a member of it. The accused were then remanded until Monday morning. In reply to the Justices' Clerk (Mr G. Lort Stokes), the accused said they did not apply for bail. Gaiffiths said he would like to have an oppor- tunity of sending a wire. Mr Railton took it that they would be given every opportunity of communicating with their friends. T Sergeant Thomas—If they have the means. 1 cannot incur debt on behalf of the County of Pembroke. I shall supply them with materials for writing. The accused were then removed to the Police Station. a

RESUMED HEARING. On Mondav morning before the Mayor, Messrs. E. Laws, F. N. Eailton, E. H. Tuck, and C. Farley, the accused were again placed in the dock and charged with obtaining 10s. 6d. from Miss Beard by false pretences. On the sheet there was entered against them a second charge of obtaining a similar sum from Mr Percy Edward Yeomans, dentist, 13, High Street, Tenby, on September 1st, under the same circumstances as in the case of Miss Beard, but this charge was proceeded with separately after the first had been disposed of.. The evidence of Sergeant Thomas, as given at Saturday's hearing, was read over, neither of the accused having any questions to ask on same. The first witness called for the prosecution WflMisB Florence Lucy Oaten, manageress of the Royal Gate House Hotel, Tenby, who said, that to her knowledge two young men did not call at the Gate House IIotel to solicit subscriptions. Within the last week she had not subscribed a guinea towards any football club, nor bad she done so this season neither within her knowledge had anyone assisting in the management of the hotel given anything. They would not be permitted to do so without first obtaining her consent, as she checked all payments. With regard to the entry in the book produced Gate House Hotel, £1 Is., she did not write it, nor was it the writing of any- one else at the hotel. The accused said they had no questions to ask. Mons. Thierry-Mougnard, proprietor of the Imperial Hotel, Tenby, the next witness examined, said he remembered two young men calling upon him recently and presenting a book. He could not fix the exact date, as he had nothing to do it by. He saw the same two young men in court that day. When they called they asked for a subscription—ho thought it was Buckland, who said "Will you subscribe to our book," and at the same time pulled a book out of his pocket. Witness said "What is it for?" and Buckland replied that it was to help a football club. He may have told witness what football club it was, but he did not remember. He did not grasp it, and he did not want to he was not interested. He did not give anything towards this particular club neither did he authorize anyone at his hotel to do so. He did not think the book produced was the same as shown to him by the accused. The Cobonrg Hotel" was written down, but in the book now produced it was the name "Mrs Huehes He was doubtful whether it was the same book, which he thought much thinner. He did not write" Imperial Hotel, £1 Is. nor did he subscribe a guinea. Nobody in his home wrote that name or subscribed a guinea. Griffiths said he had no questions to ask. Buckland—Did I tell you it was a local club ? Witness—I cannot say. Miss Harriet Augusta Beard, proprietress of the Lion Hotel, Tenby, said she remembered the 31st of last month, on which date two young men called at her hotel to solicit subscriptions for a football club. The two young men who called were those in the dock. They told her they were soliciting subscriptions for the Penally Football Club that their ground was at Penally, and that they would be coming there shortly. They pro- duced a book which contained signatures. She could remember the bate House Hotel, the Imperial Hotel, and Mrs Hughes being down in it. The book now handed her was the book which they produced. The items Gate House Hotel, Imperial Hotel, and Mrs Hughes were on the book, the first two as having given a guinea each, and Mrs Hughes 10s. 6d. The book was exactly the same as now down to her signature. Mr Railton, examining the book, remarked that it did not state that it was the Penally Club which was written down in it. Miss Beard-That was what they told me. She added, that seeing the three names of the hotels mentioned as having contributed liberally, and that the accused told her it was the Penally Club, she was induced to give something, and accordingly subscribed 10s. 6d. She believed it was a genuine concern. The signature in the book was her's. The accused did not give her any receipt for the money. Had the accused asked her to contribute towards a club at Cardiff Llanelly, or any other place away, she would not have contributed anything at all. Grifnths— We never told her that. Superintendent Thomas—Ask her any ques- ^The Clej-k—Ycu will be allowed presently to make a statement. ,) Griffiths—Did we ask you to subscribe towards local club ? Witness—You didn't mention the word local, but gave me quite to understand that it was a local club.. Buckland — She misunderstood the word Pentlepore" for Penally. I don't know the place. (To the witness)—Do you remember me in your house during that week ? I was in your house practically every day since I was in Tenby, drinking. Witness—I don't know. IJuckland-Did you hear that I had come in a char-a-banc ? Witness—No, I didn't. Mr Hugh William Cumming Angell, gentleman, residing at 7. Giltar Terrace, Penally, said he was an all-round athlete, and had been living at Penally two years. He took a very great interest in cricket and other sport. There was a cricket club at Penally, of which he was the captain. If he had a chance he would play football, but there was no football club at Penally. As a matter of fact, it was non-existent, neither was there any talk of one being formed there, if so he would possibly know; probably he would be the promoter of it. Buckland-Have you ever seen us before? Witness—Never. Nora Williams, who said she was fifteen years of age, lived at 4, Quarry Cottages, Tenby, and was the daughter of Police Constable Williams, gave evidence to the effect that she was in service at Mrs Holmes's, 3, Frog Street, Tenby. She re- membered two young men lodging there recently, and she now saw them in the dock. She remem- bered the day (it was last Friday) that Sergeant Thomas and P.C. Davies called at the house. On that day she remembered seeing the two young men going away with them. Shortly after they went away she found on the couch in the front room, where the two young men had been, the book produced. When she found it there were pillows covering it. It was in the sitting-room they had been occupying. She saw the book being taken away by P.C. Davies afterwards. Buckland said he did not like the way in which Sergeant Thomas put the question about the book it looked as if he infered that they had put the pillows on it to hide it. Sergeant Thomas-I infer nothing, I simply asked where it was found. Buckland—It is quite correct what she says. Police Con table David Davies (40) said he re- membered last Friday, September 2nd, when he accompanied Sergeant Thomas to the house of Mrs Holmes in Frog Street. He was present when the Sergeant arrested the two accused, and he accompanied him to the Police Station with them. Immediately afterwards he (witness) was directed to go to Mrs Holmes's house for the purpose of seeking for the accused's belongings. The book now produced was handed to him by Mrs Holmes, the last witness being present in the room at the time. He took it to the Police Station, and accompanied the Sergeant into the cell where the accused were confined. He heard the conversa- tion which took place between them and the Ser- geant, who asked them if they identified the book. They said yes," and in turn said It belongs to both of us we don't intend to deny it." Buckland said, "We may tell, you, Sergeant, we only received one of the amounts entered there. We wrote the others down ourselves." The accused said they bad no questions to ask. Mr Laws-Did you find anything else besides the book ? Witness—No, that was the only thing. Sergeant Thomas remarked that that was not exactly the only thing, for, as he had stated in his former evidence, he found 61d. on each of them. Mr Laws-They had no luggage ? Sergeant Thomas-Nothing whatever. In reply to the usual questions, both the accused elected to be dealt with by that Court, and both said they would like to give evidence on oath. They pleaded "Not guilty." Buckland then went into the witness-box to be sworn, when the Clerk said he supposed he quite understood what he was doing in giving evidence on oath. Buckland said he perfectly understood what he was doing, and that if he told untruths he would be punished. He was then sworn, and in the course of a statement said that in the first place lie pleaded guilty to receiving the money, but did not intend to defraud. Proceeding, he said they both went into the Gate House Hotel, where they saw a young lady booking clerk, and asked to see Mr Gregory. They were told that he was in London for all she knew. They did not ask for any subscription. -At this stage the accused asked that the evidence of Mons. Thierry-Mougnard might be read over, and this was accordingly done by the Clerk. With regard to their call at the Imperial Hotel they distinctly told the proprietor that they were only a visiting team, and also asked if they could write him afterwards so as to give him time to think it over. The same thing applied to Mrs Hughes, of the Cobourg Hotel. M. Thierry- Mougnard answered him and said that the matter did not interest him personally. Sergeant Thomas (cross-examining)—When did you come to Tenby ? Buckland-Last Tuesday. Which way did you come?-By motor cliar-a- bano from Llandilo. Anyone else besides you ?—Thirty-two. What time did you arrive in Tenby?—About two to half past, You home is not at Llandilo ?—My home is at Morriston. When did you leave there ?—Three weeks ago. Where have you spent the whole of your time since you left there until comiug to Tenby ?— Touring. Where ?—Right through the valley from Morris- ton, right up to Llandilo. I have done every little place. In what manner were you touring, motoring or cycling ?—Walking, we drove the last seven miles by trap. Where was that from ?—Sarneil to Llandilo. Where you touring when you came to Tenby? -Yes, we joined the Licensed Victuallers' Outing at Llandilo. We were asked to, and we came. Did you return with them ?-No, we didn't. We lost the char-a-banc. Was the accused Griffiths with you the whole time ?—Yes. From the time you started touring ?—No, not from the time I left Morriston. When did you come in touch ?—At Pontardawe. Was it a month ago ?-It could not very well be a month. I have not got a solicitor with me. I object to the question. Will you kindly tell me when you met Griffiths? —I have distinctly told you that I don't remem- ber the date. Is it a week ago ?—No, more than week. Is it a fortnight ago ?-No, I can't go any nearer. Did you meet Griffiths before August 27th?— No. Well, come, you remember when the 27th of August was?—No, I can't remember. Very well, don't get annoyed about it. Can you remember when it was ?-No, I can't. Accused added something about it being his britliday on August 26th. The 27th was on a Saturday, last Saturday week. I want to get at this very particularly. What date was it you came to Tenby?—I don't know. I know it was on a Tuesday. Well, the 27th was on a Saturday, last Saturday week. You reckon it. I don't want to put it into your mouth. What date was last Tuesday ?—I don't know. It is not necessary for me to say. I want an answer, please.—Well, I am simply telling you I don't know. Why didn't you return from Tenby with the Licensed Victuallers ?—Because they arranged to start back at half-past six, and we didn't get back in time. They didn't wait owing to the incle- mency of the weather. Had you prepaid your fare ?-Yes, double 'journey 9s. 6d. The tickets can be here produced in Court. Did you have any money of your own ?—Yes, certainly I had. Did you have sufficient money to have taken you to Llandilo by train ?—Yes, certainly I had. And your friend with you ?—Oh, yes, he had some money. I don't say he had so much as me I don't know what he had. Who supplies you with this money ? — My parents as a rule I work for it. What is the nature of the work you perform ?— Going about dock-yard sales buying all kinds of metals, iron and steel scrap. For who ?-For my father. Were you with your father at the last dock- yard sale at Pembroke-Dock ?-I was not. I was supposed to be on my holidays then. How long do you take in the year as a rest 1-1 generally take a month. (Laughter.) The house is generally locked up for a month, I may say. Instead of going for a holiday I thought I would tour round locally. Is your father and you on good terms ?—Yes. We just get an occasional quarrel. Is the relationship between you and your father such that he has had to send you abroad ?-No, certainly not! I think you have been to Canada ?-Ycs. Is it not a fact that your father supplied you with money and sent you away ?—No, whoever said that is prevaricating. Well, I am asking you. Have you been to South Africa ?-Yps. How long there ?—Two years. Did you go on your own there ?-Yes. Did your father provide you with money ?-The accused replied that he was an apprentice on a full-rigged ship, and was understood to say that when in Cape Town he ran away. Mr Laws, at this stage of the cross-examination, said he did not know that these questions were quite right. Sergeant Thomas said he wished to show that this young man was short of money. Buckland—I only had to write home if I wanted any money. Is it not a fact that your father and you are on bad terms ?—No, certainly not! Is it not a fact that you are looked upon in your home as the black sheep of your family ? Both Mr Laws and the accused objected to this question. Have you been convicted before?—I have been brought up, but never convicted. Were you brought up for stealing two cycles at Llanelly ?—I was discharged. Are you sure ?—At least I thought I was. It is two or three years ago. Were you on that occasion bound over?—1 know I was dismissed. I was there only a second. Were you bound over in the sum of £ 10?—No. You say you had no intention of fraud when you came to Tenby ?—Certainly not! You see (showing him the subscription book) that this is described as the Lansdowne Club, with captain, secretary, treasurer, etc. Did you write that ?—No, I really didn't write that. Can you tell me who wrote it? Griffiths (from the dock)—I did. Sergeant Thomas then closely questioned the accused as to the item in the book of £4 6s. 8d. paid in by club members. Was this a fact, he asked. Buckland—Yes, and the balance-sheet can be shown of last year's. Who is supposed to have written that in?—I don't know. How did the book come into your possession ?— Because my friend is captain. It is not a League team?—No. Accused was understood to add that his father's brother was chairman of the Swansea District League. With regard to this sum of £4 6s. 8d.—I swear this sum has been paid in for this season. Do you mean to tell me that a secretary of a club weuld write that in lead pencil?—(No, answer.) Gate House Hotel, one guinea," who wrote that ?—My friend. I wrote the Imperial Hotel for one guinea. The accused then went into an ex- planation about the present book not being the same one as was taken to the Imperial Hotel. Pressed further as to the contents of the book, the accused said that when they came to Tenby they thought it would not be a bad idea to get a couple of subscriptions for the club, and so set about doing it. They put these names down in the book in order that they might be brought before their committee. With regard to Miss Beard's subscription he never used the word Penally when he got it. She must have mistaken Pentlepore for Penally. The reason why he in- serted the Imperial Hotel was simply with the idea of writing M. Thierry-Mougnard. He did not tell Miss Beard that he bad received a guinea from the Imperial Hotel, neither did he show her the book until she asked to see it. He put all the hotels in the place on the book, so as to write them and put them in front of the committee. He didn't see all the people he wanted to see. Sergeant Thomas—Did you see George Ace ? Buckland (in astonishment) — Who is he ? (Laughter.) His name is here?—Yes, the name is entered, he is one of our best subscribers. Did you see Mr George Ace whose name is written here with paid" opposite it?—No. Why was paid put opposite it ?—Because he always subscribes. Didn't you see Mrs Ace ?—I swear I have never seen Mrs Ace in my life. Is Mrs Ace in Court ? (looking round) I will swear before my Almighty God that I didn't approach Mrs Ace. I don't know her. Didn't you speak to a lady on the doorstep of Connaught House, Tenby ?—I swear on my oath I didn't. Didn't you speak to a Mrs Chappell?—Perhaps my friend will know. Questioned as regards Mr Yeomans' subscrip- tion, the accused stoutly maintained that he did not tell him it was the Penally Football Club. Superintendent Thomas (to the Clerk)—You bad better warn him. Sergeant Thomas—Didn't you distinctly tell Mr Yeomans that you were collecting subscriptions for the Penally Football Club ? And didn't you tell him that the whole of the members of the club were patients of his ? Didn't you tell him at the same time that you were thinking about having a new set of teeth ? Accused denied the first two questions, but with regard to the new teeth said That is so; I am, too." You received 10s. 6d. from Mrs Beard, what have you done with it ?—Sent it home. To whom ?—Mr Sydney Harries, treasurer of tho Lansdowne Rugby Football Club. His address, please?—17, Springfield Terrace, Morriston. When did you send it?—The day following. How did you send it—by money order, postal order, or how ?—Neither by messenger. Who?—A member of the club. What date?—I really don't know the date; it was on the day after we got the money from Miss Beard. What is the name of the member who took the money ?—Arthur Davies, Tirpendre, Morriston. Didn't he give you a receipt for it?—No; what for ? I pay a shilling a week to the club myself, and I don't get a receipt for it. Questioned with respect to Mr Yeomans' sub- scription, the accused admitted he had spent that money in all kinds of enjoyment." With re- gard to the payment of the lodgings at Mrs Holmes's she proposed herself that they should pay each night. They made no representation to her of being the advance party of the So and So's," though it was true they did tell her they were boxers. (Laughter.) Griffiths then went into the witness-box, and on oath denied that he was guilty of obtaining the money with fraudulent intent, though he admitted receiving it. In reply to Mr Railton, he said that the reason why the names were written down in the book was so that a letter could be sent to them again. By Mr Farley—He was the captain of the Lansdowne Football Club. In the course of cross-examination by Sergeant Thomas, the accused said he left home on the previous Monday, and met Buckland accidentally at Pontardawe. When he left home he intended going to Llandilo, and proceeded there with Buck- land, whom he asked to accompany him. They arrived in Tenby the following day (Tuesday), and if Buckland said they were four or five days at Llandilo he (Griffiths) was unable to reconcile that statement with his own. Sergeant Thomas—I suppose you took an equal part with Buckland in writing these names down and endeavouring to obtain subscriptions for the football club ? Griffiths-Yes. Are these contributions paid in ?—Yes. Sure ?—Yes. Where did you get this book from in the first place ?—Morriston. Who gave it you ?—The secretary. Is that the secretary's writing ?—Yes. Do you mean to tell me he wrote that in black- lead ?—Yes. What is his name?—Sid. Harries, 17, Spring- field Street, Morriston. Did he give you the book for the express pur- pose of collecting or soliciting subscriptions towards that club ?—No, sir. Will you tell me for what purpose he gave you that book ?—To collect anywhere, wherever we spent our holidays. Did he write paid by the club members' sub- scriptions ?—Yes. That is his writing?—Yes. Who wrote Gate House Hotel" ?—I did. You put one guinea there ?■—(No answer.) Who wrote Imperial Hotel" ?—Buckland. Who wrote George Ace ?—I did. And paid ?—Yes. Did you see Mr George Ace?—No, sir. Did you receive from him 10s. 6d. ?—No, sir. Has 10s. 6d. been paid by him ?■—No. Did you call at Mr George Ace's—No. Do you know the Hilton Hotel t—Yea. Do you know the house next door?—Yes. Whose house is that?—George Ace's we never called. Did you see a lady standing on the doorstep one day ?—No, sir. Do you solicit subscriptions from her ?—No, sir. Who wrote Mrs Hughes ?—Buckland. I see he has disguised his hand there. Did you get 10s. 6d. from Mrs Hughes? You were pre- sent you know; can you tell me why you put it down there ?—(No answer.) Do you know Mrs Chappell?—No, sir. Who wrote it?—I don't know. You see there is 5s. ?—Yes. Have you had 5s. ?—No. Do you remember calling on Mr Yeomans ?—Yes. What did you tell him ?—That it was the Lansdowne Football Club, Pentlepore. How many times did you call at Mr Yeomans' house ?—Twice. Didn't you call three times ?—No. Didn't you tell Mr Yeomans that you were collecting for the Penally Club?—No, the Pentle- pore Club. Will you swear that you didn't tell him that you were collecting subscriptions for the Penally Footbail Club ?—Yes, I swear it upon my oath. In the course of further cross-examination, the accused gave an emphatic denial to the suggestion that he told Mr Yeomans members of the Penally Football Club were patients of his. The first 10s. 6d. they sent to the secretary, but the last one they spent. At this stage (1.30 p.m.) the Mayor announced that the Court stood adjourned until three o'clock.

BEAUTY SHOW AT TENBY. 1— The Beauty Show held at Tenby last Friday night in connection with the "1812" Costume Concert Company's entertainment proved a great draw," the Public Hall being packed in every part with an interested and expectant audience. There were 32 entries, 26 in the first class (children up to the age of 10 years) and 6 in the second class (girls over ten and upwards). With the exception of three all the candidates for beauty honours turned up, when it was decided, owing to the numerous entry, to divide the children's class into two, confining the first section to those up to the age of five years, and the second to those up to the age of ten. By this arrangement there were three distinct classes, and the candidates in each appeared on the stage for the critical exami- nation of the audience, who decided the winners by votes, papers for this purpose being distributed among them. Each candidate displayed a number, and the identity of competitors was not revealed until after the voting. More than an hour was occupied in carrying out this part of the programme, the arrangements of which were in the hands of Mr R. L. C. Morrison (Editor of the Tenby Observer). The following were the results in the various classes CHILDREN UP TO FIVE YEARS. 1st Prize—Madeline Morris, Rockville," Tenby 161 2nd Prize—Mary Pike, Lower Frog Street, Tenby 69 3rd Prize—Iris Thomas, The Quay, Tenby.. 32 CHILDREN UP TO TEN YEARS. 1st Prize — Gwenfra Mason, North Cliff House, Tenby 169 211d Prize-Jeannie Richards, Culver Park, Tenby 121 3rd Prize — Valeria Morris, "Rockville," Tenby 114 4th Prize—Freda Joseph, Penarth 94 In this class Miss Gwenfra Mason although en- titled to the first prize did not accept same, and, it being her wish, it was divided between the third and fourth on the list. GIRLS. 1st Prize—Miss Nellie Bushell, Belmont, Tenby 302 2nd Prize-Miss Minnie Griffiths, Trafford House, Tenby. 244 Miss Foster, Mariners' Hotel, Tenby 193 Miss Dorothy Joseph, Penarth 157 Miss Maud M. Davies, North Cliff House, Tenby 100 The prizes (caah) were presented to the winners on Saturday night by Mr Arthur Chenery. —

Many thanks to kindly readers who have sent to inquire what had hap- pened to me, as no "Local Notes" appeared in the last four issues of the Observer. The explanation is want of space. During August so many things take place requiring notice, that no room is available for the gossip, tattle, or criticism of which my Notes are generally composed still, I am grati- fied to discover that so many take an interest in my remarks, and must try to amuse them regularly for the next few months. I enjoyed the fete of the Village So- ciety at Lydstep oil Wednesday of last week, and believe everybody did who ventured to go so far in spite of the unpromising weather. The afternoon proved quite fine; there were lots of games; quite a good display of vege- tables, flowers, fruit, carving, needle- work, etc.; and the sports were most amusing. I took part in one event, but regret to have to admit that I failed to get a place. The Hon. Roland Philipps is respon- sible for the exhibition I made; he has a way with him that it is hard to resist, and when he insisted that I should walk 220 yards in a race for men over forty I had not the courage to refuse point blank, but said I would if my friend, George Protheroe, who is about my age and even of heavier build, would abo wnlk. George was promptly taken by the arm and marched to the starting point, declaring all the way he couldna walk," and wouldna walk." He had been in bed a week with inflammation," and other excuses. Protests were useless, so George paid my entrance fee as well as his own, and about nine of us toed the line. A visitor and a well-known M.P., with two local men, soon took a good lead. George gave up early I did half the distance fairly well, then began laugh- ing, and had to slow down to an ordi- nary walk. Three of the fastest men were disqualified for running. The M.P. got the prize, and certainly de- served it, as he walked very well and quite fairly. *#* I really believe rustic sports of this kind are much more entertaining to the general public than the usual pro- fessional racing. Prizes are inexpen- sive the general expenditure much lower; consequently the risk of loss much less. I wish very much a Tenby committee would promote events of the kind for the amusement of our visitors, and the benefit of local charities. At the auction sale I bought a useful little basket containing twelve lovely fresh eggs for eighteen-pence, and a second dozen for a shilling shortly afterwards. My little boy, in his over anxiety to be helpful, took them and placed them in our carriage ready for conveyance home, with unhappy results. We had not gone far on our return journey at the conclusion of the festi- vities, when I discovered the loss of my basket of eggs. Friend Dicky Williams accompanied the sou to make an exten- sive search in the dark for the missing eggs, but their efforts in this direction Z5 led to no satisfactory result, so we made our way home, blessing the coun- try bumpkin who had had the impu- dence to purloin the new laids." I am happy, however, to be able to inform the villagers that the basket and eggs were found smashed in the field near where my carriage stood, and consequently it is most probable that they were upset accidently in the dark. Of course, I was sorry to lose the con- tents, but it is much pleasanter to lose them in this manner than that someone should stoop to remove them. As far as I can hear the steamship Joh n Bacon is carrying a satisfactory amount of cargo to Tenby, and I hope everybody will do their best to make the outgoings equally profit- able to the Steamship Company. At the same time I would quietly point out to the master of the ship that when he arrives or departs after midnight there really can be no necessity for the repeated blowing of his whistle or hooting of his siren. Many people come to Tenby in delicate health, and it is more than a joke to be suddenly startled from their sleep by the un- necessary shrieks of steamboat whistles and sirens. *#* Last Saturday one of our local officers in blue waited upon me to serve a sub- poena, summoning my presence at the Central Criminal Court, London, on Tuesday morning, to give evidence against a gentleman who had thought proper a few months ago to draw a bill for nearly £ 10 and accept it himself in my name without first obtaining my permission or giving me any value in return, with the result that he had to stand his trial for forgery. Next week, if it is worth while, I will try to tell you all that happens when you have to give evidence in a criminal case at what is popularly known as the "Old Dailev." F. B. M. THE TATLER."

"THE PERFIDIOUS WELSHMAN." eo. SCATHING BOOK ON CAMBRIA. AUTHOR SUPPOSED PEMBROKESHIRE RESIDENT. [FIRST NOTICE.] All those who are not Welshmen and have read Draig Glas's (Blue Dragon) latest book on the Cambrian nation will certainly thank their lucky stars that they are able to call some other country other than Wales their own. "The Perfidious Welshman," a copy of which has been placed in our hands for review, is one of the most scathing and flagellating attacks ever levelled against a nation. We imagined that notorious work" The Unspeakable Scot" as being something in a class to itself; but, out- spoken and condemnatory as this book was, it is easily outstripped by "The Perfidious Welsh- man," which, so large has been the demand for it, has quickly run into four editions. It is pub- lished at half-a-crown by Messrs. Stanley Paul and Co., 1, Clifford's Inn, London, W.C., and on sale at the local railway bookstall, and elsewhere in Tenby. The writer (obviously he is not a Welshman, for it would seem a transformation of human nature for anyone to write so de- structively of their own nation and countrymen) beats no bushes, conceals nothing, but hits out squarely from the shoulder, and his statements, to put them on the mildest plane, are bound, if there is any "kick" in the Welsh nation, to arouse a storm of protest. That some of the things he says are unpalatable home truths will be admitted, but there are other statements which every patriotic Welshman will resent and repudiate with red-hot indignation, particu- larly the sweeping criticisms levelled against the musical abilities of the Welsh people and the National Eisteddfod. In his prologue Draig Glas saysj: — If I could think of one worthy attribute that really belongs to Welshmen as a distinct feature I would at once give it all its due. But alas the most strongly marked characteristic of the Cymric breed is one that is anything but worthy. Do you ask what it is ? Is it his hatred of the Saxon ? His immorality ? His insufferable conceit ? His shocking want of culture in the arts ? His appalling ignorance ? Go and enquire of any English visitor who has rubbed an unfortunate 11 shoulder with W elsh Wales for any length of time, and note the headings of my chapters, ob- serving that the characteristic which is accorded the place of honour is the Perfidious Welshman's intolerable DKCEIT The average Welsh landlady is never at a loss for some deceitful ruse by which she can entrap the un- wary to her advantage. You may. to give one example, call at a house where apartments are to be obtained, and enquire the terms for food and lodging. Oh! indeed, she has not been used to letting, and while she is telling you her family history your general appearance and probable worth are being estimated by her Jewish eye. What would you think she ought to charge? she enquires. Then follows a whine about the slackness" of the season. Finally you say that you will leave it to her. But when the bill cornea in you have much reason for repentance, for, instead of the moderation, you anticipated, the highest conceivable rate has been put down for your rooms, and the most exorbitant tariff charged for the meals, Although these good ladies make a pretence of not knowing what to charge it is remarkable that they never err on the losing side Few people can tell a lie to your face with such perfect composure as a Welshman. If he is bereft of the culture of the fine arts he has made up for the deficiency by becoming an accomplished liar. To be truthful is apparently beyond his ability, and falsehoods slide off his tongue with such an easy grace and such staggering prolificacy that one may well wonder whether Taffy really knows the difference between veracity and barefaced lying at all. With an audacity that is as staggering as it is laughable, he has chosen for his national motto: "Y Gwir yn Erbyn v Bvd," y which is, being interpreted, TUE TBUTH BEIOKE THE WORLD The second chapter, headed "The Screw," deals with the subject of the Welshman's reli- gion, or vide the author, that "which passes for it." He says Wales is the most priest-ridden country in the world, and that she has never produced a single great preacher, nor a shadow of an individual who might, by a stretch of the imagination, be called "a divine." The writer of the book is particularly severe upon the Welsh Nonconformist minister, and his vitu- peration against this class is poured forth without restraint. He gives publicity to the following libel when dealing with this matter Yet the Nonconformist minister—an ill-condi- tioned, illiterate, and ill-mannered tag of humanity, with a smug, self-satisfied expression-is a veri- table genius for keeping his flock within the grip of his extortionate power Those hideous erections called chapels are nothing more than the social clubs of the countryside, whither the black- coated, faithful resort, not to pray for forgiveness for their real or imaginary sins, but to air their politics and to pass resolutions for the damnation of the English Church and the English nation. These chapels are the political training-arenas the very polling-booths—of the country, and it is within their walls that the Welshman, cowed into submission by threats of expulsion-which are even worse to him than promises of hell—is told how to vote. It is within their walls that the seeds of sedition are sown and the hope of educa- tion crushed Hysteria. is the weapon he uses with such telling effect. It is the weapon with which the minister kills his prev for meat and it liaugs by a thread like the sword of Damocles over the head of every native of Non- conformist Wales. And while this sword of hysteria hangs over them, this crafty tub-thumper, this rabbit-brained parasite, like a snake, pours upon his helpless victims the slime of his unctuous tongue, and calls them his Heaven help them! Such power do these pastors and deacons possess that the average Welshman dare not call his mind his own. In the event of any political crisis touching Welsh interest, we find that it is to the chapel that he goes for guidance. There he will absorb any humbug that the gentlemen in command may think fit to expound, aud there he will be drilled into believing all the scurrilous political gossip which the holy men of God pour forth Apart from the relentless perse- cution which emanate from the Ebenezers and Bethels of Wales, one cannot but notice the a,ppalling absence of reverence which prevails. Before the meetings begin the faithful deacons may often be seen plodding about the passages with their hats on, or standing in groups dis- cussing the latest village slander, And during the hour or so devoted to what the Welshman considers preaching, the air reeks with the odour of "extra strong," and "bull's-eyes," which the women and children are audibly sucking, while the men spit copiously upon the floor at every ejaculation with which they point the minister's, or deacon's, sing-song utterances. Yet these places, these hot-beds, in which are hatched every form of social pestilence, these deus of irreve- rence and hypocrisy are the Houses of God, these are the Gates of Heaven [Tu be continued.]

TO CORRESPONDENTS. At the last moment several letters from cor- respondents are unavoidably crowded out.

TENBY COTTAGE HOSPITAL. The following subscriptions and donations are acknowledged with thanks: — Proceeds of Pleasure Cruise ss. Kate, 31st August, per Capt. W. Hitcbens JEO 10 0 G. E MAINLAND, Hon. Sec. and Treaturer.

A SECOND CHARGE. Upon the resumption of the sitting, the second case against the accused, that of obtaining by false pretences the sum of 10s. 6d. from Mr Yeomans, was proceeded with. Percy Edward Yeomans, a practising dentist, residing at No. 13, High Street, Tenby, sworn, said that during some part of Thursday, Sep- tember 1st, two young men called on him, the same two as he saw in the dock. Buckland asked him for a subscription for a football club, they said the Penally Football Club. Witness had ten minutes' conversation with them on the matter. When they asked for the subscription they pro- duced a book, which he (witness) looked at and observed several names inside. He could not re- member any of the names to swear by. The book now produced was the one. They did not press him very much for a subscription. They said that if he subscribed he should receive a balance sheet in due course. They didn't say anything about a club meeting being held, or any- thing to that effect. He gave them 10s. 6d. The signature in the book was his. They told him that some members of the club were patients of his and had been to him. Buckland said he wanted some new teeth, and would have them done, but nothing definite was said on that point. Griffiths said his teeth were very bad, and that he would have to have some, but he didn't say with him (witness). He did not think he could possibly,iiave made a mistake about it being the Penally Football Club they mentioned. They emphatically told him that it was for that club. On the understanding that it was the Penally Football Club, partly because he was interested in sport, and because he was told that some members of the club were clients of his, he naturally gave a subscription. Had it been for a club anywhere else he would not have subscribed in the manner he did, because he would have no reason to do so. Buckland having asked one or two questions, Sergeant Thomas gave evidence. He said that accompanied by P.C. Davies (40) he, on Saturday night last, entered the cells at the Police Station, Tenby, where the accused were confined, and told them he was about to prefer a charge against them, and immediately cautioned them. He then read the contents of the information to them, but they made no answer to the charge. This concluded the case for the prosecution. Both accused elected to be dealt with sum- marily. Buckland pleaded guilty to receiving the money, but not with any intention to defraud; whilst Griffiths pleaded not guilty without any qualifi- cation. Buckland said be desired to give evidence on oath, but Griffiths stated he had nothing further to say. Mr Frank Davies, a visitor to Tenby, said he knew Buckland's family very well, and they were the most respectable family in their district. His father was a metal broker, and a man in a good position. He (Mr Davies), however, did not know Griffiths. The Bench then retired, and after an absence of fifteen minutes returned into Court, when The Mayor announced that on the first charge Buckland would be fined C3 and costs (£1 15s.), or in default one month's hard labour and in the second case £1 and costs ( £ 1 Is. 6d.), or in default fourteen days' hard labour, both sentences to run concurrently. Griffiths would be fined £1 and costs (£2 6s. 6d.), or in default fourteen days' hard labour in each case, the sentences to run concurrently. The amount of the fines and costs were subse- quently paid by friends of the accused, who were at once liberated. [Owing to the lengthy character of the above proceedings-the Court not closing until after four o'clock-and the pressure on our space this week, we have been obliged to materially curtail our report of the second charge.-ED. T. 0.]

SUMMER AT LAST !-After a long delay summer has ariived. During the hot weather, when one is fatigued and weary, what can be more refreshing than a cup of Good Tea? To appreciate Good Tea. it is imperative that lh>rni)iian's 1'itrc Ten only is used. Do not be persuaded that other Teas'are Jrsr AS G'»OD"— tbey are not. Insist upon having H^rniman's. Full weight without the wrapper." Try a packet now. Sold in .-— TENBY—Davies, Baker and Grocer, Frog Street. TENIJY—Evans, Grocer, St. George's StrJl-t. MILFORD HAVEN—Meyler, Chemist. K ARBEHTH-Morgan, Chemist. SACNDERSFOOT—Griffiths. Chemist. WHITLAND—Caleb Rees, Grocer, Whitland House (Wholesale Agent) WHIILAKO—Eoblin, Grocer