The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

Colwyn Bay u- on the Navy.—Mr H. N. Sulivan has ln~|y promised to give a lecture in the Schoolroom J? V?ursday next on the above subject, which ould prove very interesting. of the Vicar's Father. — Much sym- P thy will no doubt be felt with the Rev Canon ugh Roberts, vicar of Colwyn Bay, owing to Tn? bis father, at an advanced age. funeral took place last Saturday. The opposition to the London and North-Western al way Bill.-The deputation which was nomi- ated to pay a visit to London in order to strengthen rmally the opposition of the Urban District ouncil to the Railway Company's Bill, had a very Peasant time of it. They returned safely on uesday evening, and we shall hear in a week or 0 what has been done. ^Vangelistic Mission.—A series of interesting P ?~PProPriate lectures have been delivered at the ublic Hall during the past week by Mr Rowland awards. The meetings, which have been held Z! der the auspices of the Free Churches, have been airly well attended, and should be instrumental in aomg considerable good. Runaway Horse.—On Tuesday afternoon Uother case of an animal bolting occured, but this a horse which belonged to Mr Farrar, The range. The animal started from the direction of olvvyn, with a rider on its back, and continued its t^ad career along Conway and Abergele-roads to e stable. Fortunately the man was able to keep his seat, and no damage was done. Cat with three Legs.—A somewhat novel TK °f a cat is current here. Last week a favourite belonging to a resident strayed from home and returned with a rat trap attached to one of its hind th^S" was ev'dent from the state of the wound c poor animal must have travelled some distance, he owner instead of having the cat destroyed took to Mr Booth, the veterinary surgeon, who put the P°or creature under chloroform, and had the injured § amputated, and the cat is now able to go about n remaining three legs. An Exciting Scene.—Considerable excitement as caused in the vicinity of Conway-road on Tuesday about mid-day by a donkey attached to a ath chair bolting. The carriage was occupied by lady at the time, and she was naturally very much uaken by the animal's mad career. The man who as in charge at the time did all in his power to ,toP the animal, but it broke loose from him, and Rocked down two other men who attempted to ,jOp it. It was finally caught by Mr Edwin Jones, he Mews. Although this class of animalis not Uallyin a hurry, there is no doubt had it gone ueh further the result might have been serious. t, Priends of Armenia.—Miss Shuttock, who has Pent many years amongst the distressed people of ^f^enia, delivered a very able address at the s ^ch-room on behalf of those who are still j, "ering from massacres, She said the people etftselves fully appreciated what had already been one for them, and were very grateful. She then § Ve some very interesting figures and accounts of toC novv progress, and urged those present assist in their relief. A vote of thanks was after- j>ards accorded to Miss Shuttock by the Chevalier arold Smith, seconded by the Rev John Edwards. The Young Men's Society.—Competitive J*fngs are not always interesting to non-competi- e rs> but that held at the Church-room on Monday enlng may well be termed an exception. The !°ceedings were held under the auspices, of the th M?' ^mProvement Society, and the members of at body were most diligent in doing all in their nofVer *° ina^e the affair a success. There was as large an audience as might have been e ?ected, but those who were present appeared to the proceedings. The competition for the k s; impromptu speech was certainly one of the p ^ems as far as fun went, and it was a pity a tas not offered to the wisest man as well as are best s eaker, as frequently the wisest people p: e who can keep silent. The prize was Thornton. For the best essay on "The Terence of Young Men in attendance at Public j^^hip," Mr G. Mason was awarded the prize. Mr M solo the prize was divided between So "°dgkins and Mr J. Williams. For the comic the^ ?0mPetition there were several good songs, re PriZe being given to Mr Brant. For the best bestrf ^ac*her was awarded the prize. For the j^r definition of any article produced at the time, giv Jones was successful. A recitation was hy G. Mason for the best suggestion for the L°v'nS the society Mr G. Mason's was deemed tion adjudicators of the various competi- \Viir were Dr Brooks, Dr Montaigu Venables At: arns, Mr G. P. Jenkins and Mr James Wood. the p a v°te of thanks had been proposed by ^minat^d Davies and carned> the proceedings The°rtl1 ^a,es and District Billposters, Limited.— annual meeting of this company was held on the ^as*' Alderman Benson, chairman of danc 0lr*Pany presiding. There was a good atten- inter6 ? .shareholders who manifested considerable and h i ^le Proceedings. The annual report to h balance-sheet showed the past year's trading Vine! of a very satisfactory character, the P''0ar SS -^e company having made steady Xvhich^ ^ur*n§ each of the past four years, during tisi^p A?le ^e businesses of the Llandudno Adver- Llanrl .LomPany, of Mr Henry Williams, of Co[J p' and Messrs Davies and Chaplin, of c°mr)3 had been amalgamated into this. anc* ^'S year business of the Rhyl ai c* Advertising and Billposting Company ^ovin^?!, n incorporated. The chairman, in stead adoPtion of the report, commented on he saj{j uPward progress of the business, which, Sector ruS Varefully looked after by the managing directors t ^or§an)> and also by each of the Cent. on'tK Pl°fits> last year, realised 15 per desirous f pa'd-up capital, but the directors,1 P°licy 0n? adhering to their previous careful Cent. anrt fL yecommended a dividend of 7-V per ^oplev P* balance be carried forward. Mr ^actorv t 'erce considered the report very satis- ,carrie' and. seconded the motion, which was free of inanll110usly. A dividend of 7 per cent., sharehold Come tax, was declared. In reply to a v, the fx t • Morgan, managing director, hands re^ic s, res which had recently changed and J. u 23s per share. Messrs W. Thomas elected. ru IWo°d, retiring directors, were re- returnin« than, a"ditor, Mr Thomas Lewis, in 53 ks for his re-election, stated that his work was simplified by the excellent manner in which the books and accounts were kept, and he considered the present position and prospects of the company in a great measure due to the energy and assiduity of the managing director. Am&ateur Theatricals. --It is seldom that one is pleased beyond expectations, but this was the case with many people who had an opportunity of witnessing the production of Aladdin by a com- pany of well-known local amateurs. This week circumstances of course helped to make the affair popular, the proceeds being in aid of the Patriotic I Z!1 Fund, and the Old Colwyn New Church. Apart from this the performance was all that could be desired. There was a long list of patrons which included the elite of the district, many of whom were present. There can be no doubt from the praiseworthy manner in which the whole of the proceedings were carried out that the production was the result of hard work on the part of both the artistes and those who undertook the organising of the play. The plot is too familiar to need re- peating but with the addition of a little fresh humour it is always pleasing and new to the oldest habitue of theatres. This was the case in Colwyn Bay where the most had been made of all the available scenes and other theatrical properties. The pretty dresses of the artistes were very effec- tive, and the most successful feature was the ballet dance in which the following ladies took part :— Mrs Ashton Bremner, Miss Smith, Miss B. Law, Miss Q. Law, Miss H. Bainbridge, Miss M. Page, Miss Williams-Rees, Miss W. Pryce Jones, Miss Winnie Wadsworth, Miss Parkinson, Miss Steven- son, Miss E. Highfield, Miss A. Morgan, Miss Raynes, Miss A. Black, and Miss M. Evans. All were charmingly attired, and the varied colours of the dresses had a most enchanting effect under the lurid paleness of the electric light. The characters were as follows :—The Sultan, Mr R. Smith the Vizier, Mr T. Raynes Pekoe, Mr F. Hargreaves Aladdin, Miss Mabel Bainbridge Abanazer, Mr D. R. Evans the Slave of the Lamp, Miss Edith Highfield; the Genus of the Ring, Mr T. Raynes Te-to-tum The Widow Swankay, Mr T. Farring- ton Princess Badroubondour, Miss Lilian Page Mandarins, Mr H. Bainbridge, Mr W. Bainbridge, Mr D. Lindsten, and Mr R. Page. All the characters were most successfully portrayed, and among the most noticeable were those taken by Miss Mabel Bainbridge and, Miss Lilian Page. The songs introduced were also fully appreciated. The dance given by Miss A. Black and Miss P. Jones was very cleverly done. The serpentine dance introduced by Mr W. Bainbridge was a decided novelty. The piece was produced on the following evening, and met with a good reception from a large audience. Mission Church Tea and Concert. The first tea and concert held in connection with this church took place in the schoolroom on Wednesday afternoon last, and proved a most decided success, and the organisers can congratulate themselves on the admirable manner in which the whole pro- ceedings were managed. The tea was well attended, and the following ladies presided at the various tables:—Mrs Roberts (the Vicarage), Mrs Hope, Mrs Llewelyn James, Mrs Robertson, Mrs Billington, Mrs Bond, Mrs Dunning, Mrs Booth, Miss Lawley, Miss Bartley, Miss Meek, and Miss Lasbury. In the evening a most enjoyable concert was given by several well-known local artistes, in- cluding Madame Henri Verbrugghen, who was most heartily applauded. Mrs Roger Edwards and Mrs Tayleur (Rhyl) were also encored. Mr P. C. Pope proved himself to be a very clever entertainer, and was deserving of the reception he got. Mr A. J. Fleet also rendered two good songs. The Rev O.J. Davies, during the course of a few remarks, said it would be invidious for him to mention any particular names, but he wished to thank most sincerely all those who had so kindly assisted him. It had been a great encouragement to find so many taking an interest in the event. The following was the] programme Glee, Come where my love lies dreaming," Mission Church Glee Party song, Bedouin love song," Mr A. E. Hall song, "Kerry dance," Mrs C. R. Tayleur song," The scent of the lilies," Mr A. J. Fleet; song, "My Dearest Heart," Mrs Roger Edwards, R.C.M.; musical sketch, "Silver Wedding," Mr P. C. Pope; song, "Remember me no more," Madame Ver- brugghen; glee, "Don't Forget the Old Folks," Mission Church Glee Party; song, "On a May morning," Mrs C. R. Tayleur; song, "Love's Nocturne," Mr A. E. Hall; song, "I couldn't, could I," Mrs Roger Edwards, R.C.M. recita- tion,, "Jud Browning's account of Rubenstein playing the piano," Mr P. C. Pope; two old English songs (a) "Oh! the Oak and the Ash," (b) "The Bailiff's Daughter," Madame Ver- brugghen; song, "My Lady Sleeps," Mr A. J. Fleet; finale, "God save the Queen." The ac- companist was Mr Chris. Hinde. Volunteer Intelligence. VOU NTEER ORDERS FOR WEEK ENDING 24TH FEB., 1900. Orderly Sergeant for the week :—Sergt. Tom Homan. Monday, 19th Feb., company drill, at 7-30 dress, civilian. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, recruit drill, at 7-30 dress, civilian. Conway. Private Dance at Plas Mawr.—There is to be a private subscription dance at Plas Mawr, Conway, to-night (Friday), and at the Llandudno Petty Sessions on Monday Mr Sumner, of the Grosvenor Restaurant, Llandudno, was granted an occasional licence to supply wines and such like luxuries from 8 o'clock p.m., until 2 a.m. to-morrow (Saturday). General Meeting of the Conway Horse Show Society.—The general meeting of the above society was held on Friday, the 16th inst., at the Erskine Arms Hotel, Conway, Mr D. R. Davies (Plas Isa) in the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed, and a long discussion ensued as to the future policy of the society. The district Collectors were appointed, and a list of the e same will be published in this column next week. The two principal prizes of -t-40 for the shire horse stallion, and £ 21 for the roadster stallion, were, after mature deliberation, withdrawn, as the farmers in the district did not support the same. A sub-committee was appointed to draft a new schedule of prizes, which will be submitted to the next meeting of the general committee on Friday, the 23rd inst. Marriage of Miss Jeanie Nicholson and Mr C. A. Edwards.—-On Wednesday (St. Valentine's Day) Miss Jeanie Nicholson, eldest daughter of Mr R. W. Nicholson, Blue Bell Hotel, Conway, was married -to Mr Charles Arthur Edwards in the Conway Parish Church by the curate, the Rev Robert Roberts. Mr Sinclair Allen presided at the organ and played the Wedding March from Lohen- grin," and a choice selection of music, whilst the large congregation was waiting for the arrival of the bridal party. The bride was dressed in a grey costume trimmed with white silk, and a white felt hat with ostrich plumes. The bridesmaids—Miss Annie Nicholson (sister of the bride); Miss Jones, j" B xllondeb; Mrs A. Dean, Manchester; Mrs C. Mitchell, Manchester-were dressed in grey bengaline trimmed with white silk and blue velvet. They wore grey Gainsborough hats trimmed with blue velvet and grey plumes to match. Mr Frost acted as best man, and Mr J. T. Jones, Mr Chaplow, and Mr Brodrick as groomsmen. After the register had been signed, the bridal party left the church to the glorious strains of Mendelssohn's Wedding March." They were then driven to the house of the bride's father, in carriages sup- plied by Mr James Upton, North-western Hotel, Llandudno Junction, for the wedding breakfast; the wedding cake being supplied by Mr A. Brodrick, 8 and 10, Berry Street, Conway. Among the wedding guests were Mr Maygar Mr John Roberts Mr Ward Robertson Mr James Upton Mr William Lingard, Central Hotel, Llandudno, (late of Dukinfield) Mr and Mrs Porter Mr and Mrs Mulholland Misses Jones, Bodlondeb Miss Richards, Bodlondeb Miss Armor, Bodlondeb. During the wedding breakfast Mr Frost proposed the health of the bride and bridegroom, and the happy pair soon after left for Manchester, where the honeymooon will be spent. The presents were numerous and costly. Conway as an Art Centre.—Another of the connoisseurs of art has had due honour paid to him in the home of brains and brass,"—Manchester—viz Mr H. Clarence Whaite, R. N.S., P.R.C.A. We extract the following gloomy panegyric from our contemporary the up-to-date Manchester Courier" in its first notice of the Manchester Academy of Arts.'—Spring Exhibition of 1900.—" There are ,some good examples of portrait painting, some fair specimens of subject work, and efforts in landscape are very successful, and in some instances admir- able. In the latter branch of art, the works of the President, Mr H. Clarence Whaite, demand our first attention. For many years past we have had to review the landscape work of Mr Whaite, and it is interesting to note tl-iat I a-,e cannot wither or custom stale his infinite variety.' Mr Whaite is the poet-painter of landscape. The President of the Royal Cambrian Academy is still true to his first and only love, and devotes his best energies to the painting of Welsh scenery. The three large can- vasses in this exhibition are representative examples of Mr Whaite's method in the depiction of the mountains, valleys, and skies of the Principality. In the upright landscape (No. 161) we have the sun- shine and light of summer-time in No. 158 we note The Coming of Winter and in The Cot- tage Home (No. 164) we see the varies effect of sunshine and shower, with a slight suggestion of rainbow effect. If the visitor to this exhibition will take a general view of the landscapes in the second room, he will see by contrast the special qualities which render these three pictures by the President of the Academy supreme. We do not quarrel with the painter who strives to depict nature faithfully, but we honour the artist who snatches, so to speak, the fleeting effects which give to lanscape a poetic and fascinating influence. Of all landscape painters, Turner was supreme in the faculty which secured this result, and we do not exaggerate or overstate the case when we state that Mr Whaite possesses the same faculty in a high degree. In the three pictures we have mentioned, we have a basis of Welsh landscape invested with certain effects which lend a fascinating and poetic influence, which mere reproduction cannot realise. In the upright picture we note a calm influence of sun- light, everything is peaceful and calm, and the incoming sheep to the farmstead denote the de- cline of another day. In The Coming of Winter,' the rolling clouds, the snow-clad mountains, and the red tones of the foliage plainly indicate, the 'lusty winter, frosty but kindly.' In the Cottage Home,' the clever rendering of the sky indicates sunshine and shower, and the varying effects in- cident thereto. Mr Whaite's method and technique are well known in the school of English landscape art, and need no comment from us, but when a method of painting is made the medium of poetic expression we feel that the critic's praise is justly bestowed. A painter who can catch the fleeting effects of Nature on landscape must be a man of keen observation, and moreover, he must have a poetic instinct. Mr Whaite is endowed with these qualities hence the charm of his work. His pictures arc pictorial poems. They show us the beauty, the grandeur, and the awfulness of the face of Nature, and we feel respectful and reverential in their presence. Manchester may well feel proud of Mr Whaite, for he is native, and to the manner born,' and his masterful brush and comprehensive vision have secured for him a cosmopolitan repu- tation." 4

Eglwysbach. School.-The schools will re-open on Monday next, 26th inst., after having been closed for three weeks by order of the local sanitary authority. Important Farm Sale.-We desire to draw attention to the sale, advertised on our front page, of the fertile farm, known as Rhiwlas. This is one of the best upland farms in the valley of Eglwysbach, and in addition is a good sporting property. Over 500 pheasants were reared on it during the past two seasons, and the gentleman—Mr Houghton, Colwyn Bay,—who now rents the shooting rights has had excellent sport this year. Vale of Conway Monthly Meeting.—On Wednesday afternoon, the monthly meeting of the Vale of Conway Calvinistic Methodists, was held at Eglwysbach, under the presidency of the Rev Evan Hughes, Talybont. The business transacted was chiefly of a routine character. With regard to the Centenary Fund, the Rev Evan Davies, of Trefriw, reported that nearly £ 12,000 had been promised in subscriptions. It was decided to appoint a committee to arrange for collections towards the fund to be made in the district of the monthly meeting, which extended from Llysfaen to Penmachno. Funeral of Mrs Griffith, Fron.—Some few weeks ago Mrs Griffith came to Eglwysbach, in order that she might nurse her brother and sister, who were down with that terrible scourge— influenza. They recovered, thanks to her careful nursing, butlMrs Griffith fell a victim to the disease. Complications ensued, and she died on Thursday, 15th inst. The mortal remains of the deceased lady were buried in Eglwysbach Churchyard on Monday last by the vicar (the Rev H. L. Davies), assisted by the Rev W. Morgan, rector of Glan Conway, in the presence of a large congregation. Mrs Griffith was the sixth daughter of the late Richard Jones, Fron, Eglwysbach, and was mar- ried to Mr Stanley Griffith, son of the late owner of Caer Rhun Hall, Talycafn, by whom she had three sons and a daughter. The coffin was of polished oak, with heavy brass furniture, and bore the in- scription, Elizabeth Davies Griffith, died February 15th 1900, aged 43 years." It was supplied by Mr David Owen, undertaker, Graig.

Glan Conway. Fair Day.—Fairs are dying a natural death her, for each one, from a business point of view, is worse than the last. Very few cattle were on sale, but the farmers give a good re- port of the lambs, for, in spite of the cold weather and the heavy falls of snow, the sheep are doing well. Sudden Death of Mr. William Jones.—On Monday, the 5th, and Tuesday, Llanrwst fair- day, Mr William Jones, Groesffordd, was ap- parently in the best of health, but to the regret of everyone of his numerous friends, he died on Wednesday, and was buried at Glan Conway on the Friday. Mr Jones was a well-known agri- culturist and a right down "good sort." He had for years been bailiff for the late Mr John Williams, Bodafon, Llandudno, and was much respected in the district. -n_-

—— On Tuesday night the London Mansion House War Fund amounted to £ 707,000.

Llanfairfechan. On Tuesday February 20, at Bangor Police Court, Thomas Jones, of 4, Greenfield-terrace, Llanfairfechan, was fined ros and costs for being drunk and disorderly in Greenfield-terrace on Saturday, February 10. At the same time and place, Owen Jones, 4, Greenfield-terrace, Llan- fairfechan, was summoned under the County Bye- laws for making use of profane language, and fined 5s and costs. P.C. Griffiths proved the charge in both cases. Proposed Public Halt-The contracts for the erection of the above hall, on the land situated near the National Schools, have now been let and operations will shortly commence. The hall will fill a long-felt want, and it is expected to be open in time for the 1901 season.

Llanrwst. Trap Accident. On Tuesday last while Mr William Roberts (Graig goch, ebo), was returning from Llanrwst market, his horse shied when passing Melin-y-coed, result- ing in throwing Mr Roberts to the ground, who sustained a very serious fracture of the foot. Some time passed before Mr Roberts was found by some neighbours, who kindly conveyed him as quickly as possible to Llanrwst for medical attention, and we are glad to saylthat under the professional services of Dr Harrop Parry, he is progressing favourably. King's Head Temperance Hotel. The directors of this company have decided to offer 545 £ 1 shares at a premium of 105 each share to the public. No more than ten shares will be allotted to the same person, and the premiums are to be paid to the reserve fund. When these shares are sold, the paid-up capital will amount to 42,000. During the past three years a dividend of ten per cent. has been paid, and a reserve fund created in three years of nearly £200. Therefore, even with the 10s premium, shareholders will receive, at the present rate of dividend, seven per cent. interest on their outlay. Death of a Nonogenarian. Ox Wed- nesday afternoon last the funeral took place at the Sion Chapel Cemetery of the late Mrs Jones, who for many years carried on business at the Tros Avon Temperance Hotel, Station-road. About eighteen months ago Mrs Jones gave up business, and went to reside at Liverpool with her son, Mr Hugh Jones, builder and contractor. Her health commenced to fail during the last month or two, and on Saturday she died, at the ripe age of 96 years. The body was conveyed by train from Liverpool on Wednesday morning, and was met at the station by a large number of mourners. The Rev Williams, pastor of Tabernacle Chapel, officiated in the chapel and at the graveside. The funeral arrangements were carried out bv Mr Jeremiah Jones.

Football Whispers. IT is said THAT Llanrwst is travelling rapidly along the league ladder in the wrong direction. THAT they have played seven matches away from home and only won two, bar the cup matches. THAT the team is deteriorating because five of the best men have signed professional forms, which debars them from playing for the local team. THAT they signed for Bangor and have no! yet been called upon. THAT, therefore, their services have been abso- lutely wasted. THAT Llanrwst were beaten last Saturday by three goals to one at Flint.

—— William Thomas Sladen was charged at the London Guildhall on Saturday in connection with the forgery of transfers of Parr's Bank shares. It was stated that the validity of transfers of some .,Cloo,ooo worth of shares was involved.

Penmachno. The Gwiga Farm Trespass Action.—Judge Sir Horatio Lloyd has just sent his decision to the Registrar of the Llanrwst County Court in the case of Hughes v. Williams. The plaintiff, Mr Hugh Hughes, is the owner of Gwiga Farm, Penmachno, near Bettws-y-coed, and the defendants, Mr Robert and Mrs Jane Williams, are tenants of an adjoining farm called Garrett. The action was for damages for trespass by the defendants in drawing water from a well on Gwiga Farm against the expressed wish of the owner, also an injunction was sought to restrain the defendants from continuing the trespass. The case had been before the court several times, and witnesses were called by defen- dants in proof of an alleged custom of using the well as a public one from time immemorial, and on behalf of the plaintiff witnesses proved having had personal permission from the owners on all occasions they drew water from the well. Mr David Jones, LIanrwst, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr J. Jones Morris, Blaenau Festiniog, for the defendants. The judge decided in favour of plaintiff with nominal damages of one shilling, and granted an injunction to restrain defendants from drawing water from the well. Costs were allowed on the higher scale.

Rhyl. Lieut. Morgan Owen.—Second Lieutenant Gethin Morgan Owen, of the 4th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers (second son of Mr and Mrs Mor- gan Owen, Bronwylfa, Rhyl) has been gazetted a second lieutenant in the South Wales Borderers on augmentation. At his examination, out of a con- siderable number of University candidates for the army, he was eighth on the successful list. He was captain of his house-boat at Shrewsbury School, and played in the first football eleven. L\(;o TE<;EI\~(;L is a noted old eistedclfodwr. For some years he was custodian of its sword- Yswain Cledd Eisteddfod Ynys Prydain. During his lifetime Clwydfardd," the Archdruid, made Iago his companion on many a tramp on eistedd- fod bent. They lodged together, and slept together in the same bed. Iago resides at Rhyl, and is an octogenarian. Last Sunday he was presented at the Welsh Wesleyan Chapel with a London paper's distinguished service medal," in recog- nition of a Sunday School membership of 74 years. During most of the time he had been a teacher and part of the period a superintendent. A few years ago his fellow-townsmen presented him with his portrait in oil.

Roewen. Competitive Meeting.—The annual competi- tive meeting of the Band of Hope was held at the C.M. Chapel on Saturday. Mr W. Edwards, Grianfryn, Talybont, presided, and Deiniol Fychan acted as conductor. The following were the chief awards :—Recitation for those under 18 1st prize (silver medal), Miss Evans, Henryd 2nd, Miss Jones, Roewen. Quartette, "Y bwthyn ar y bryn," three parties competing rst, Mr J. Owen and party, Talybont. Recitation (open), Carwn ein gwlad 1st, Mr Llewelyn Evans, Henryd. Challenge solo (eleven entries) 1st, Mr R. T. Williams, Ffestiniog. Choral Competition one entry-Roewen Choir, awarded first prize. Songs were given by Mr Ffestin Jones and Miss J. E. Parry, and Deiniol Fychan gave a recitation, which was encored. A successful meeting was brought to a close by the singing of Hen wlad fy nhadau." 4.

Land Dispute at Prestatyn. Letter from the Bishop of St. Asaph. THE Prestatyn Urban District Council, anxious to keep abreast with the times, have decided to widen the thoroughfare known as Bastion-road, leading from the railway station to the seashore, which at present is very narrow in certain parts. At Wednesday's monthly meeting of the Council the chairman (Mr John Jones (Sefton) said that application had been made to the Bishop of St. Asaph, as one of the patrons of the living of Prestatyn, to agree to allowing the Council to purchase the necessary width of land, owned by the Charity Commissioners in Bastion-road, for the purpose of widening the same. Mrs McClaren and other landowners had generously promised to give the required land in other parts, and Mr Gerald Balfour, who was interested, as one of the patrons had given his consent condi- tional upon the other patron, Bishop Edwards, giving his. Since the last meeting, a letter had been received from the bishop, who said he had made inquiries as to the question of granting a portion of glebe land, as a result of which he regretted he was unable to agree to giving the land. The Chairman said that was just what he ex- pected. (Laughter.) The Rev Thos. Price (vicar) said the reason the Bishop objected was because he considered the Council wanted too much land. The Chairman replied that all the other land- owners interested were giving land free of charge. The Rev Thos Price Yes, but the Council want a portion of the playground of the National Schools, and when they touch the National Schools the Bishop and myself must step in. The Chairman said it was a public improve- ment for the benefit of the district. The road must be widened, and they were determined to widen it, and if they could not get the land by friendly negotiations,, they would apply for compulsory powers.

Latest News. Pioneer" Offices, Thursday Afternoon. A Central News telegram from Cape- town on Wednesday reports that Cronje is surrounded. Though not officially confirmed the news has created enthusi- asm. Heavy shelling is still proceeding. Sterkstroom, Wednesday night. Brabant still occupies Dordrecht. The Boers have taken up a position seven miles north, and are forming an entrenched camp. Washington, Thursday. Mr Secretary Hay has entered a strong protest against the seizure of the American steamer Sabine in South African waters by British warships. Stocks very quiet. Pioneer Offices, Thursday, 5-45 p.m. Central News Agency, Capetown, Thurs- day morning—Definite news, Paardeberg of yesterday's date, states that Cronje is still surrounded. Severe fighting took place both Monday and Tuesday. Boer losses are terrible. Ours are heavy. More guns and reinforcements are reaching Lord Roberts. A terriffic shell fire is being kept up on thb Boer positions. To all appearances Cronje's force is doomed. >

e adjustment of the existing loans and excess „ es ov^r expenditure would be a matter for an Ac ff°r aPP°.'nted by the Local Government Board, on .comm^^ee could nqt give him full particulars va™°us financial questions, he was unable to do hr,re- exPress a general opinion as to the in af a portion of Llysfaen. This would Pen the first difficulty, as the Carnarvonshire hp1* Council would hardly be likely to see the st rated portion of Llysfaen taken from them, er several questions, propositions, and amend- rfc-v^' tended to rather mystify the real P •nt at issue, it was understood that the next meeting should be held in a fortnight, and by then it was hoped two or three gentlemen who had Olteered to procure information would be in a P sition to place matters clearly before the com- a n wi' reso^ution proposed by the secretary that public meeting should be held, was carried by e casting vote of the chairman.