Flintshire Observer Mining Journal and General Advertiser for the Counties of Flint Denbigh

KICKS AND BITES. I Drunken Man Attacks a Shotton I Policeman. A VIOLENT ASSAULT. Remarkable Story of Struggle in Main Street. "ABSOLUTELY MAD." At the Mold Police Court on Monday- before Messrs. The.. Parry (in the chair) and H. J. Robert-George Phillips, iron- worker, of New Pottery Cottages, Ewloe Green, was charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct, and also with assault on police. Supt. R. Yarnell Davies outlined the facts, and said in reference to the assault on police that he hoped the Bench would make the prisoner understallü that such conduct would not be tolerated. P.C. Hughes stated that about twelve o'clock noon on Saturday he was on duty in Chester-road, Shotton, opposite the Post Office, when he saw the prisoner, who was drunk, coming up the street. Prisoner came up to him and said, "You had me once. 1 I have been waiting for you ever since. I shall do three months for you this time, you swine." He pulled his coat off, and struck at witness, the latter avoiding the blow. They dosed and both fell to the ground. Witness kept him on the ground for about five minutes to try and quieten him. During the time they were down the prisoner behaved most vio- lently, BITING HIM OX THE HAND and kicking him. Phillips asked him to allow him to get up, which he did. Imme- diately he got up prisoner again kicked him. They again closed and fell to the .ground, prisoner kicking and biting him. He called to a Mr. Wall for assistance. Mr. Wall came to his assistance, and they allowed the prisoner to get up. Phillips again became very violent—absolutely mad —and kicked him (witness) several times on .the shins. Again they fell to the ground. He held the prisoner there, and with the assistance of Mr. Wall and one or two other men standing near by he handcuffed him and got him up. While he was taking him to the Police Station prisoner behaved very violently, kicking him and trying to trip him up. He also used abusive lan- guage and threatened him. In reply to Supt. Davies, witness said p that the prisoner had not got any grudge against him. On the contrary, some time ,ago, when the prisoner was seriously as- saulted and found lying unconscious on the road, he and another police officer took him to IfcSie Police Station and obtained medical attention for him. The police of Shotton had shown kindness to Phillips. "THREE PARTS GONE." Samuel Dutton, 32, Spring-street, Con- nah's Quay, said that between half-past eleven and twelve on Saturday morning the prisoner came up to him in the street and said, "It's that Hughes coming up Shotton. Watch me break his nose." Prisoner went towards P.C. Hughes and took his jacket off. Witness went to the officer's assistance, and received two kicks from the prisoner which made hie leg black iblue. Prisoner was three parts gone-well 5arader the influence of drink. He was "kicking awful." The officer asked him to "be cpsiet, but he would not do so. Both men fell to the ground, stopping the traf- fic, and he wondered they were not run "Over. Thomas Wall, Claremont Villa, Chester- xoad, Shotton, said that on the occasion in question he was talking to P.C. Hughes, when the prisoner came up and challenged the officer out. P.C. Hughes told the man to move on. Prisoner would not do so, and pulling his jacket off went for the officer and struck him. The officer threw him to -the ground and held him there for about five minutes Prisoner kicked and bit him. P.C. Hughes called him (witness) to his as- sistance, and he assisted him. The officer let the prisoner get up, and the latter then behaved very violently. TO BE MARRIED ON SATURDAY. Prisoner said he had a couple of pints of ;beer on Saturday morning, and he could not, remember anything after that until he found himself in the Police Station. He must have lost his senses. He was very sorry. Prisoner added that he was going v to be married next Saturday. His fiancee, who was present in court, stated that the prisoner had not been well last week, and was not fit to turn out on Saturday. Otherwise he was a good man all through. Addressing Phillips, the Chairman poin: ted out to him that he was fined in Octo- ber, 1913, and February, 1914, for drunk- enness and disorderly conduct. The Bench felt that it was an unprovoked attack- there was nothing to show that he had any grievance against the officer. The evidence showed that the police had been very kind to him on a previous occasion, and as an acknowledgment of that he attacked the first constable he came across when in drink. The only question they had to con- sider was whether to send him to prison or not. If the officer had not been able to get assistance, he (the prisoner) might have ?een brought before them on a more ser- ious charge. He would be fined Cl and costs in each case— £ 4 6s. lOd. in all.

TTNION UINIUrj- ROYAL MAIL ROUTE. CASTLE From London and Southampton, WEEKLY for SOUTH AFRICA, I I fU M via Madeira and Canaries. MONTHLY for EAST AFRICA, via the Suez Canal. For further information apply%) the Company's Head Offices, 3, Fenchurch Street, London: or to local agents. 1J

<5* SKELETON OF AN ANCIENT BRITON. The complete skeleton of a female, reck- oned to be 1,700 years old, has Been found buried in three feet of chalk, on land be- longing to the Earl of Londesborough, at what is known as Nunbornholme Wold Farm. The teeth are intact and the fore- head is small.

FORGETFULNESS. Among the objects left in trains on the London and South-Western Railway to be sold by auction next week are some spring mattresses and bedding.

Holywell Rural District Council. Re-election of Chairman and I Vice-Chairman. HOUSING COMMITTEE'S WORK. The annual meeting of the Holywell Rural District Council was held on Friday last, when there were present:—Mr. J. Petrie (who was appointed chairman for the preliminary business), Mrs. Johnson Jones, Mrs. R. Jones, Rev. T. E. Williams, Rev. I. C. Roberts, Messrs. R. Lloyd Davies, E. J. Gaskell, S. Williams, W. Williams, J. Roberts, Edw. Jcnes, Edw. Evans, Wrm. Roberts, Edw. Matthews, Wm. Evans, Wil- fred A. Astbury, and J. Tudor Williams. ATTENDANCES. Out of 26 meetings of the Council during the past year, Mrs. Johnson Jones (Bryn- ford) and Mr. Wm. Williams (Bagillt) at- tended 25 each. The temporary chairman congratulated the two members upon their excellent at- tendances—an example to all other coun- cillors. RE-ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SERVICES. Mr. Edward Jones proposed that Mr. R. Lloyd Davies be re-elected chairman of the Council. Capt. Williams seconded the proposition, which was carried with unanimity. Mr. J. Petrie said he had great pleasure in asking Mr. Lloyd Davies to resume his position as chairman of the Council. At I the last meeting the Council omitted to acknowledge the services of the Chairman. The best vote of thanks he could have was the vote he had had that morning when he was unanimously re-elected to preside over their deliberations. However, to rectify their omission he proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Lloyd Davies for his services in the chair. He hoped they would continue to get through the work in the same amicable manner they had done in years gone by. Work multiplied year, by year, and many of the Council felt it to be a great drain upon their time. He had found it so. However, they had undertaken to look after the interest of the ratepayers, and they had to do the best they could. The Rev. T. E. Williams seconded the proposition, and remarked that though they had not always agreed on every point, he thought he was the best chairman they could have for ability, courtesy and impar- tiality. The Chairman (Mr. R. Lloyd Davies) said he thanked the Council most heartily for having again pla-ced him in that honourable position. He had had the pleasure of oc- cupying the chair for a number of years, but had thought the Council would have elected someone else. Owing to illness he had not been able to give the attention he wished to the business of the Council. The work was increasing, in fact it 'had doubled since he had been chairman. The new council- lors had worked well, and he thanked them for their consideration towards him. New members were occasionally inclined to teach old councillors how to carry on the work. He must, however, admit the new members had done their work in a business- like manner, and to the satisfaction of the ratepayers at large. He desired to acknow- ledge the kind and considerate assistance of tlip. t'lerk. Were it not toi4 tlie ftdvice and help of Mf. Harding Roberts, the work of the Chairman would have been largely increased. Referring to the Housing Committee, the Chairman said the work had grown rapidly. They were greatly in- debted to the chairman (Mr. J. Petrie) of that committee, who had given a great deal of valuable time to the work, and without his assistance they would not have been able to make such progress with the schemes they had now in hand. He hoped some of the schemes would be completed during the ensuing year. He proposed that the i inks of the Council be accorded Mr. Petri for his services as chairman of the HOlF g Committee. M-. W. A. Astbury seconded the propo- sition, which was carried. Mr. J. Petrie, acknowledging the com- pliment, said that during the past six months the Housing Committee had made more progress than during the past three years. It was a difficult question which- ever way they looked at it. They were not only providing houses for working people, but they had to provide decent tenants for the houses. The question was not all against the landlord, but a great deal against the tenants. There would be a great deal of spade work to get people to keep the houses in a way they ought to be kept. His experience of late had shown him there was a great deal to be desired How people were content with the condi- tions was more than he could understand. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN. Mr. Wm. Williams proposed, and Mrs. Johnson Jones seconded, the re-STeetion of Mr. Edgar J. Gaskell as vice-chairman of the Council. The Chairman said he thanked Mr. Gas- kell for occupying the position during his absence, which he had done to the satisfac- tion of the Council. He heartily congratu- lated him upon his re-election. Mr. Gaskell thanked the Council, and said lie was pleased to occupy the position of vice-chairman and should do his best to assist the work. THE COMMITTEES. Mr. J. Petrie moved the re-appointment of the several committees en bloc, with the addition of Mr. Wm. and Mr. John Roberts as permanent members of the Housing Committee. HOUSING COMMITTEE'S WORK. The report of the Housing Committee was submitted. Some cottages at Pentre, Halkyn, were reported as having hardly any roof, and quite unfit for habitation. Mr. D. F. Pennant, St. Asaph, it was reported, had, given the Council the option of pur- chase of Gadlys Lane Farm. The thanks of the committee were accorded Mr. Pen- nant for his option. The committee de- cided to proceed with their scheme to lay before the Local Government Board a6 soon as possible. Two applications were received for ap- pointment of architect to the Housing Com- mittee. The committee recommended the appointment of Mr. F. A. Roberts, Mold, as architect to the Council. The minutes and recommendations of the committee were confirmed, on the proposition of Mr. J. Petrie, seconded by the Rev. T. E. Wil- liams. TARSPRAYING GRONANT ROAD. A letter was read from the County Coun- cil as to tarspraying the road from Shep- herd's Lodge to Gronant, stating that the County Council would make a grant subject to the District Council agreeing to condi- tions. The letter stated that Y-71 would be paid for tarspraying on the surveyor's cer- tificate, stating that 17,000 square yards of district road had been done to the satisfaction of the County Surveyor. The Surveyor, in reply to inquiries, said the road was getting very bad and repairs were required. The road was more like the bed of a river. The repair of the road would cost about £13 for labour, etc. It was agreed that the surveyor arrange for the work to be carried out. ST. WINEFRED'S STREAM. The Inspector reported that he had in- spected St. Winefred's Stream, but there did not appear to be any serious pollution during the past fortnight. He had ar- ranged for an outlook to be kept, and for samples being taken of the water as direc- ted by the Council. MID-FLINTSHIRE LIGHT RAILWAY. A letter was read from Messrs. Cham- berlain and Johnson, with reference to the Mid-Flintshire Light Railway, and the £ 7,000 share capital proposed to be taken up by the Council, pointing out that the Council had power to borrow independent- ly of the borrowing powers of the Council, and suggesting that copies of the resolution be forwarded to the Light Railway Com- missioners. The Clerk stated he had written that it seemed rather premature to make applica- tion. Whenever the scheme was more ad- vanced the Council could always make the application. NEWMARKET LIGHT RAILWAY. A letter was received from Mr. J. Hughes, Prestatyn, with reference to the Dysertli-Newmarket Light Railway, and a letter from the L. and X. W. R. Co. on the matter, and asking for the observations of the Council. The L. and N.-W. R. Co. asked if they were to proceed with the work, and if the authorities preferred to pay the C-90, the estimated cost of the work at the level crossing. The Clerk suggested that the L. and N.-W. R. Co. be asked to proceed with the work, leaving it to the Councils to make arrangements afterwards. Mr. Petrie said it was difficult to under- stand the reasoning of some people. There was no reason for the delay in agreeing to the payment of IC90 between fourcouncila, The suggestion of the Clerk was con. firmed, THE BAGILLT FLUSHING POOL. I A letter was read from the solicitor of Messrs. Walkers. Parker and Co. Dee Ðank; Lottfl Works, Bagillt, stating with regard to the agreement ae to. the flushing pool at Bagillt, that they acted quite independently of any arrangement the Council might make with the L. and K.-W. R. Co. They were prepared to grant the leave only on the terms already submitted. The Clerk stated he had replied to the letter inquiring as to what was implied by the cleansing of the pool, and whether it meant keeping the channel open.

G. B. SHAW'S PRIVILEGE. "I ought to say union, not-workhouse," said Mr. Coroner Brighouse at a Southport inquest on Monday. "We have to be par- ticular nowadays; it is only George Ber- nard Shaw who can make use of what lan- guage he likes" (laughter).

}" ;8IIt- ] TAlLOn-MADE COSTUMES I (Ready to Wear). I THE FACT that our Cos- tumes are made throughout I by actual tailors (and not factory made), that we stock 1 seven sizes, assuring a perfect fit, that they have the air of distinction imparted by First- class London Cutters, and that we can offer them at a little over half what a private tailor can, must make a very strong appeal to every well- dressed woman. ■ w. T. WLLIAMS, J S 33=39, Foregate St., 1 I CHESTER, j Ii

Connah's Quay Petty Sessions. i Ironworker Fined for Assault on Police. rliur&day.-Before Mr. H. Watkinson (in the chair), Messrs. T. J. Reney, A. J. Heney, Jas. Prince, E. Blane, and Jos. Astbury. STRIPPED TO THE WAIST. Thomas Taylor, Lower Brook-street, and Fredk. Smith, High-street, were summoned for committing a breach of the peace by fighting on the 24th March in Church- street, Connah's Quay. P.C. Baker, who proved the case, said he found both men stripped to the waist and fighting. Defendants were bound over to keep the peace for six months in their own recogni- sances of £ 5 and to pay the costs. CURSED A CONSTABLE. Emily Smith, lodging in Connah's Quay, Quay, and described 'by the police as a charwoman, was fined 56. and costs for be- ing drunk and disorderly in Church-street, at 10 p.m., on the 21st March. P.C. Baker, who proved the case, said the defendant became disorderly and cursed him. Defendant said she was not in circum- stances to pay the fine. The Chairman pointed out that she was "in circumstances" to get drunk. Eventually the magistrates allowed de- fendant a fortnight in which to pay the fine. IRONWORKER WARNED. Isaac Jones, an ironworker, living in Al- bert Place, was summoned for being drunk and disorderly on the 14th March, and fur- ther with assaulting P.C. Baker whilst in the execution of his duty. The officer said he saw the defendant be- ing ejected from the New Inn by the son of the licensee. Witness saw him along the road for some distance, and then the man became very violent and both kicked and struck at witness. Defendant also tore the buttons off witness' coat and tore his whistle off the chain. Two attendants from the Hippodrome came to witness' assistance and defendant continued struggling, cursing and kicking out. On the way to the police sta- tion they met P.C. Parry, who rendered as- sistance, and the man was locked up. As&ed if he had anything to say, defend- ant remarked to the Bench, "There wasn't much assault about it. I had to blow his whistle to get somebody to pull him off the top of me" (laughter). The Bench said they would deal with both offences at once, and defendant would be fined 20s. and costs. They also wished to warn him that if he came there again with charges like that against him, they would seriously consider sending him to prison without the option of a fine. IN THE HEDGE. Chas. Singleton, Mumforth-street, Flint, an ironworker, was summoned for being drunk on the Flint-road, between Golftyn Cane and Kelsterton Lpne, on the after- noon of the lit-li iiiit, 'I P.C. Griffiths, who proved the case, said he saw defendant fall into the hedge, and when witness picktd him up he fell down again. Witness allowed the man to go on his promising to proceed home with a friend, which he did. Defendant did not see how bA could be drunk. He had been at work all day and had had no food. He had two pints of beer and went to sleep in the hedge. He denied that he fell down, and affirmed that he walked to Flint in three-quarters of an hour, so he could not be very drunk. The Chairman said the Bench did not think it was a very serious case, and de- fendant would have to pay the costs (6s.). ABSENT DEFENDANT. Amelia Ellis, a seaman's wife, lodging in Flint, was charged with being drunk in charge of a child aged 6, at 9 p.m. on the 14th inst., at Connah's Quay. Defendant did not appear. P.C. Parry, who proved the case, said the woman refused to hand over the child to a sober person. Eventually the husband was brought, ancf he took charge of the child for the night, while the woman was locked up. She was bailed out next morn- ing. Supt. Yarnell Davies said the husband was a very respectable man, and his wife was a great anxiety to him. Every time he went to sea he provided a home for her, and when he came back he found the home old up. The Bench issued a warrant. ATTRACTED A CROWD. Chas. Robins, of Primrose Hill, was sum- moned for using bad language within hear- ing of a public place on the 14th inst. P.G. Parry said he was sent for to go to defendant's house about 9 p.m., and found him drunk and a,busing his wife. There was a large crowd standing outside the house, and defendant's language could be heard from the street. Witness managed to get him quiet for a time, but at 10.30 the police were sent for again, and witness went down with the sergeant. Defendant was still continuing the row. The sergeant succeeded in persuading the defendant to go to bed, and in this way secured quiet- ness. The Bench imposed a fine of 5s. and costs

WOMEN'S ESCAPE FROM FIRE. Considerable alarm was caused at Brig- house (Yorkshire) on Monday by a fire which occurred in a room tenanted by Messrs. Radeliffe, cotton twiners, at Vic- toria Mills, Huddersfield-road. The workpeople, mostly women and girls, made a hurried exit from the premises, and in the excitement one of the operatives fainted and had to be conveyed home. The outbreak was soon extinguished by the automatic "sprinklers," but some of the i workers were idle for the day. |

Buckley Urban District Council. Annual Meeting: Mr. W. Rowlands Elected Chairman. DEE NAVIGATION. Saving Clauses in Council's Resolution. The annual meeting of the Buckley Ur- ban District Council was held on Tuesday evening week. Mr. W. Newton was given a hearty wel- I come by the members on his return to the Council, after an illness of twelve mouths following an accident. Mr. James Lamb (the retiring chairman), who presided during the early stages cr the meeting, said he had pleasure in welcoming Mr. Newton on behalf of the Council. It was twelve months ago—at the last annual meeting of the Council—that they first heard of his accident and passed a resolution of sympathy with him. He could assure Mr. Newton that he had had the heartfelt sym- pathy of every member of the Council. They trusted that his life would be long spared. Mr. Newton said he was exceedingly ob- liged to the Council for their kind welcome back. It had been very pleasant to' him during the past twelve months to know that he had their sympathy. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr. J. H. Catherall proposed that Mr. Wm. Rowlands be the chairman of th Council for the ensuing twelve months. He said that Mr. Rowlands was one of the old- est members of the Council. Mr. 'Vilcock seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. Mr. Lamb (retiring chairman) said he had much pleasure in welcoming Mr. Rowlands to the chair, and he trusted that he would have the same loyalty from the members as he had enjoyed. Mr. Rowlands, on taking the chair, thanked the Council for the honour they had conferred upon him by electing him chairman. He would conduct the business to the best of his ability. RETIRING CHAIRMAN TIfANKED. Mr. John Jones proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring chairman for his services. Mr. Edward Roberts seconded, and Mr. Ithell Roberts supported, the motion, which was carried. Mr. Lamb briefly returned thanks. SAVING CLAUSES. The Clerk (Mr. John Griffiths) read the minutes of a special meeting of the Council which was held to consider the Bill for the improvement of the navigation of the Dee. He said there were saving clauses in the resolution which he had drawn up in ac- cordance with the instructions of the Coun- cil, The resolution, after expressing ap- proval of the Bill, regretted that the Coun- cil was not consulted in regard to the amount of the liability placed upon Buck- ley before the Bill was deposited in Parlia- ment, the sum of £:2.50ú being considered by the Council to be a very unfair propor- tion when compared with the adjoining area of Hawarden Rural Council; and urged that if that amount was open to re- consideration and reduction, such reduction should be made, and that if and when call- ed upon to pay under the guarantee it was understood that the Council might consider I the proportion of the demand it would pay. MID-FLINTSHIRE LIGHT RAILWAY. The Clerk stated that he had lodged with the Light Railway Commissioners the Coun- cil's protest against the action of the Coun- ty Council in deciding to give financial sup- port to the Mid-Flintshire Light Railway scheme. Mr. Jno. Catlieraii said their liand,3 would be strengthened if they could get the local county councillors to support them in their protest. It was decided to send a copy of the re- solution to each member of the County Council representing the district. ADVICE FOR FARMERS. The Clerk read a circular letter from the Department of Agriculture of the Universi- ty College of North Wales stating that a special grant had been made to the Depart- ment by the Board of Agriculture and Fish- eries for the appointment of two advisers to devote themselves to the investigation of special problems affecting agriculture, and the giving of scientific advice on agricultur- al matters to farmers in North W ales. Mr. J. Lloyd Williams, D.Se., had been ap- pointed adviser in agricultural botany, and Mr G. W. Robinson. B.A., formerly of the School of Agriculture. Cambridge, adviser in agricultural chemistry. No charge was made for advice to farmers in the college area and it was hoped that full advantage would be taken of these facilities by agri- culturists in North Wales.

THE QUEEN'S HAPPY RETORT. The C-it-v Fathers of Paris are repeating with delight the remark that the Queen made when the president of the municipali- ty presented her with a silver mirror bear- ing the Royal crown (snys the London "Daily Express" correspondent). "I hope it will always reflect, a happy face," he said whereupon the Queen replied:- "As long as I am in Paris, M. le President, it could not reflect anything else but smiles and happiness.

INDIAN WOMEN ADOPT CORSETS. Native women of high caste, known as purdah women in India, because they keep their faces covered with purdahs, or thick veils, and live a life of seclusion from the opposite sex, are beginning fo wear cor- sets, and are now furnishing a new class of customers for such articles, says an Am- erican consular report.