The Tenby Observer Weekly List of Visitors and Directory

-= A double fatality occurred at Alderney on Sun- day. A boy, aged nine, the son of a master gunner, named Smith, while playing on the beach was drawn into the surf and drowned. His sister, in trying to rescue him, was also drowned.

My lady friends of a certain age, I want a word with you. I w>lnt to put in a plea for caps. You have left them off, most of you—yea, evseh if dowagers and great-grandmothers—and it is by no means to your advantage. A" dressed head," as it seems to be called, is realty not becoming to those who on brow and Beck and cheek show more or less of the impress of Time. I tremble at my boldness, but yet have the courage of my opinions. Sweet little confections of ribbon, lace, velvet, gauze, and other materials can be concocted to suit every face and style, and surely your milliners will be only too ready and willing to make them for you. How often I cast longing glances at dainty-looking caps in certain shop windows, and wish I could purchase a score or so and shower them down on certain heads that I wot of I hear that the Earl of Fife is negotiating for Houghton Hall, in Norfolk, because Castle Rising, which he now rents from Lady Audrey Buller, will be far too small for him when he has a Royal bride. New Mar Lodge, Deeside, is to be pulled down, and a very fine new house built on its site. Mrs Dawson's dance at Hyde Park Gate was one of the most successful of last week. She is the daughter of the late Sir Michael Culme- Seymour, and widow of Captain Dawson, of the Greys. Noted in the crowd of about 350 guests were Lord and Lady Colchester, Lady jBedjngteld with her daughter in pale blue, Lady Jane Taylor and her daughter, Sir Michael Culme-Seymour. and Lady Seymour, Lord Sempill, Lady Cunliffe Seymour, the very pretty Mdlles. de Pinto Basto, chaperoned by Mdlle. Neves, Sir Hugh Miller, Sir Duncan Campbell, Mr Chandon, Lady and the Misses de Clifford, and Mr and Mrs Gordon Miller, &c. The Birmingham Post will not have it that Labbity is the head of the new Radical Party. If he is not the head, I should say "the more the pity," for he is certainly the brains. How badly off this mushroom faction is for men of light and leading appears from the fact that, setting Labbity aside, the Post can find no more imposing show figures to trot out than Mr Dillwyn and Mr Picton. These are the gentlemen, we are told, whose advice carries the most weight with their colleagues. Further, that when the Radical Com- mittee was appointing a u Council of Ten the senior membei for Northampton's name was one of the last to be added to the list. Somehow, this "Council of Ten has a curiously Venetian sound about it. There was, we know, once a Doge of Venice who tried to overthrow the Government in the hope of being made a king. Let Labbity overhaul his history, and remember Marino Fulivro. Everyone will sympathise with the revu! i .n of feeling experienced by Mr Frith, who, alter selling his Academy picture, "The New Frock," to a. courteous stranger, is immediately afterwards con- fronted with it under a new title, appearing as an advertisement of Sunlight Soap. The injured painter writes to the papers, the innocent soap- maker responds—quite unable to see wherein he gives cause of offence. It is really a hard case, and one for which, apparently, there is no redress; but artists must in future beware of courteous strangers who make ready purchases of pictures of children. I fancy Sir Morell Mackenzie must have been a proud and happy man last Saturday night. Does not a meeting like this make amends ? might have well been his watchword at the festival dinner in aid of the hospital which he himself founded in 1863. We all know how cruelly, how even brutally, the eminent physician has been maligned on the Continent for his treatment of the case of the late Emperor Frederick. And we all feel convinced that Lord Randolph Churchill's happily expressed view is the right one. Instead of shortening that illustrious life, the English physician both saved it and prolonged it, and was indeed the means of giving to Germany one of the best and wisest of her rulers. Some of the big, top-heavy-looking hats which ladies wear alternately with microscope bonnets are neither beautiful in themselves nor do they help to make their wearers so; but I have seen one that is very charming, and so, young ladies, I must tell you about it. It is wide-brimmed, of course, but not too wide, of a cream-coloured fancy straw, and the brim has stalks of green grass knotted together forms the lining of the brim, and a band of grass just raises the hat from the head over the forehead. Outside are three or four half-blown roses, crimson and pink, with foliage. The other day I found a lady at work with the queerest looking instrument, screwed on to a table at one end, and at the other fastened by a loop to her chair. In the centre was a sort of black frame filled with fine metal bars, through which were passed threads that reached from one end to the other of the whole contrivance. What on earth was it ? Why a Danish handloom, such as is used by the young princesses, on which can be woven fine wool, tapestry of mixed materials, cotton, or (best of all) linen. It seems that a lady has pro- cured the sole right of selling these ingenious little frames in England, and she gives a few lessons necessary for using them. I should think they will become very popular, as being much more practicable than the spinning wheels, which, after all, are effective properties," but little else. The looms cost twenty-five shillings each. At some of the evening fetes this year held in the open air, young men of the masher type appeared with ebony canes with silver crutch heads. As they promenaded up and down these exquisite creatures leant on the handles with im- pressive, half-exhausted air, as if life were too great a burthen to be borne without the aid of a walking-stick. The proper mode seems to be to hold the crutch in the right hand, and occasionally clasp the left over it, resting both heavily. Where there is a'large expanse of ground, or in the park when the side-walks are not crowded, no one objects to the young man with the crutch-headed objects to the young man with the crutch-headed cane; but at other times and places he is a dread- ful infliction. W.

MILFORD HAVEN REGATTA. The annual Regatta, which has been a local in- stitution since the days of Lord Nelson, and a red letter day in the town's calendar, came off on Mon- day under the-most propitious circumstances. The weather was delightfully fine, with a slashing breeze from the s.s.w., well calculated to try to the utmost the sea-going qualities of the competing boats. The excellent band of the A Company 1st V.B.W.R. played a choice selection of music, and the day's proceedings closed with a grand display of fireworks. The following are the results of the races:- FIRST-CLASS YACHT RACE, not exceeding 25 tons. -1st, £15, Vanessa, E. H. Bath 2nd, i:5, Queen, H. W. Davies. SECOND-CLASS YACHT RACE, not exceeding 10 tons.—1st, £ 4, Mabel, W. Allen; 2nd, jE2, Wherret. J. Brace. OPEN SAILING BOATS.-lst, £ 5, Bab, A. E. Bald- win 2nd, jE2, Pepita, F. T. Hopkinson 3rd, 91, Minnie, A. Ridley. MILITARY RACE.—1st, £ 2, The Shark, F. Riddler; 2nd, jEl, John and Fanny, Ferris. WORKING GIGS.—1st, C2, Blue-eyed Maid, T. Whitton; 2nd, dEl, John and Fanny, M. Lewis. RACE FOR WEST COAST TRAWLERS.—1st, jElO. Escort, Carpenter; 2nd, £ 5. Leo, E. Thomas. FISHING BOATS.—1st, £ 3, Smiling Morn, Nicholas; 2nd, E2, John and William, J. Lewis; 3rd, £1, Robert, R. Lewis. ROWING BOATS (two men, two oars).—1st, 1:1, Milkman, D. Llewellyn; 2nd, 10s., Ruby, T. Whittow. SIX-OARED WORKING GIGS.—1st, £ 2, Fox, H. Mortimer; 2nd, Volunteer, SERVICE RACE.—1st, jE2, Blue-eyed Maid, C. Davies; 2nd, fl, John and Fanny, W. Whittow. SCULLING RACE.—1st, 10s., Mary, W. Lewis; 2nd, 6s., Shakspeare, W. James. Great credit is due to Captain Roberts for the indefatigable manner in which he discharged the duties of secretary.

CHASE OF THIEVES AT RUMNEY. At Newport county police-court, on Saturday afternoon, Arthur Partridge and William Spear, tramping lads, were charged with stealing two ducks, the property of John Rowlands, shepherd, Rumney and also a pair of trousers, belonging to Thomas Webb. On Friday the lads were at the village, and espying the pair of trousers, which had been placed over the hedge to dry, they appropriated them, and afterwards went to a reen to chase the two ducks. With a stick they killed the birds, and covered them up with the trousers and other things, but their nefarious movements were observed by George Woodland, a labourer, who gave chase. The lads took over the railway, and some packers who were repairing the line were called upon to join in the pursuit, To P.C. Hole prisoners said they new nothing about ducks, and now pleaded not guilty. The Bench awarded Partridge three months' imprisonment, and his companion in disgrace two month's hard labour, thus effectually separating them when they regain their liberty.

A STEAMER ON FIRE IN THE ROATH DOCK Shortly after eight o'clock on Sunday night a fire broke out on board the steamer Mameluke, lying on the south side of the Roath Dock. It was discovered by the mate of a vessel lying alongside, who noticed a quantity of smoke proceeding from the ventilator in the fore part of the ship, and he at once gave information to Police-constables Phelps and Foster. The constables thereupon gave an alarm, and in a short time the reel and hose from the Bute Dock Fire Station and a posse of consta- bles were on the spot, under the command of Superintendent O'Gorman. The fire was found to have originated in the lower hold, where it is sup- posed a quantity of lumber had become ignited. After playing on the fire for a couple of hours the ship was considered out of danger, but up to eleven o'clock smoke was still proceeding from that por- tion of the vessel where the outbreak was dis- covered. The Mameluke was laden with a cargo of coals for Aden.

LADIES FKOM HOME OR ON TOUR can obtain Southall's Sanitary Towels, the new patented articles of Underclothing- indispensable to ladies tra- velling-from Ladies' Outfitters and Chemists at all English Watering-places and throughout the United Kingdom. Sold at Is. and 2s. (and an extra large size at 2s. 9d.) per packet of one dozen, by all Ladies' Out- fitters, Chemists, &c., throughout the world. Mention this paper. The discovery of a live toad in the coal seam in the East Howle Colliery is likely to cause a revival of the controversy as to the length of time imprisoned toads are able to exist. Explanations are always forthcoming to the effect that the creature might, when very small, have entered a crevice in the wood, or been carried down in the egg or tadpole state by water percolating into the coal. In the present case, however, the fact that the toad has no mouth-or rather, we suppose, that the mouth is closed with a membrane of skin- certainly shows that it has passed its life under altogether abnormal conditions. If the piece of coal in which it was discovered has been preserved, and is found to contain a cavity into which the body of the toad exactly fits, it would certainly go far to prove its claim to extreme antiquity for it can hardly be contended that, had it been brought down by water after the coal was formed, it could, as it grew, have compressed so unyielding a substance into a mould for itself. Should this piece of coal be not forthcoming matters will remain as they were, and nothing will be proved one way or the other by the discovery. Mr Frank Henderson, who was the Liberal Member of Parliament for Dundee from 1880 to 1885, died at his residence, Arnhall, on Sunday night. He had suffered for a year from a heart affection, and a fortnight ago he became so seriously ill that he never rallied. Mr Henderson was long a prominent citizen of Dundee, and the promoter of many substantial public improvements there.

BURNED TO DEATH. An inquest was held by the Margate borough coroner on Saturday relative to the death of at servant named Adelaide Pout. Deceased waa lighting a fire, and, being late, she poured some benzoline on the ignited coals, the flames shooting out and setting tire to her oiothing. She rushed into the area. but the flumes Were not extinguished until every particle of her clothing was burned off. The poor girl was terribly burned, and died in about four hours. A verdict of "Accidental death was returned.

WALT WHITMAN. Walt Whitman, who recently completed hia8 seventieth year, gives in a chapter of his latest bo "November Boughs," an interesting statement of his poetic purpose and methods. From his earliest days the love of nature has been a. passion with W alt Whitman. He knew every rock and cove of Long Island, and from the first found its rough inhabitants attractive. While attending public school Walt Whitman became an all-devouring reader. He read without plan and everything that could teach him something new. When only thirteen he was forced to earn his living and began his working life as a printer. In this capacity he travelled a great deal, as all journeymen printers of that time did, in search of work. He also taught school, and in course of time became connected with several newspapers. His work took him south and west, and Everywhere he studied nature and man. From 1851 to 1853 he turned to his father's trade of builder, He erected several small houses iff Brooklyn, which he sold to working men with. enough profit to enable him to to devote himself once more to literature. In 1855 he published "Leaves of Grass." This first edition is a long, thin volume, in which the arrangement of types and general make-up reflect the eccentricity and character of the author, who set it himself, and had a distinct idea in these effects. For many years now he has been settled in Camden, near Jersey. He has had one or two paralytic strokes and is almost an invalid.

WHAT BIRDS FEED UPON.—Some few birds like the pigeon, sparrow, and crow, may eat consi- derable grain, but the greater number are far mora useful than one would at first suppose. There are millions of insects which, if allowed to live, would SQon destroy many of our crops of grain or fruits. But nature has so arranged the insects and birds that each has its place and its particular work to do. Some insects live mostly under the ground, many fly around nearly all their lives, and others again spend most of their time upon or inside of particular kind of trees. In order to keep these from becoming to numerous, we have the birds to watch them the same as toads watch for flies, or cats for mice. To guard the leaves of trees, the warblers and fly-catchers are specially at work. The trunk of the tree is taken care of by the woodpecker creeper, and the little chickadee. We have often heard the woodpecker hammer on a hollow tree. By watching closely enough he may be seen reaching into the little holes he has made and with his spear-like tongue fishing out a big fat worm. The swallow, swift, and hawk take care of the atmosphere. The blackbirds, crows, thrushes, robins, and larks protect the surface, while snipe and woodcock go down into the soil for their worms. STORY OF A FOG-HORN. You ain't forgotten your fog-horn this time, have you, Jim?" The crew of the barge roared with laughter at this sally, but I could not see the point of the joke till Wright explained. That chap Jim, you see, sir, was a terrible greenhorn when he first went to sea a few years back. Someone or other was always playing a. trick on him. One evening the barge he was on was sailing by Sheerness, and the skipper, happen- ing to look at the clock, saw it wanted a minute or so to nine. He remembered that a gun was always fired at Sheerness at nine so, being a mischievous sort of chap, he sings out to the green hand, Hi here, Jim, come on deck at once and bring the fog- horn with you.' Jim tumbles up. Now, blow that there fog-horn for your life,' cries the skipper. What for ?' asks Jim, looking round. Don't ask what for, but blow, you lubber. It's the rule here. If a vessel don't salute Sheerness with her fog-horn as she passes they fire at her.' Jim, believing it all, takes the horn and blows like mad. 'Harder, harder!' cries the skipper, 'they can't hear that; they'll shoot us all if you ain't louder.' So Jim was blowing away with all the wind he had, when suddenly off goes the nine o'clock gun, and he gives a yell, chucks the fog-horn on deck, and rushes below to hide from the cannon-balls. Oh, he was a. green chap then He's a bit smarter now, but that story of the fog-horn will always follow him.The Falcon of the Baltic. A Coasting Voyage from, Hammersmith to Copenhagen in a three-ton Yacht. By Arthur Shephard. A yacht race to Boulogne and back between eleven yachts took place on Monday in connection with the Cinque Ports Yacht Club. The Wendur won-time, 2hrs. 15min.; Amphitrite second, 2min. behind. Yarana was disabled.

To the Editor of the Tenby Observer. SIR,—I have read your report of a charge before the Justices on the hearing of which it transpired that the defendant had been handcuffed. I have also read "Tattler's" remarks thereon, suggesting that handcuffing was unjustifiable. I agree that anything like severity on the part of the police ought to be closely investigated and held in check, but I entirely dissent from the suggestion that the use of handcuffs was improper in the case in question. By your report it appears that the defendant turned on the constable and struck him, and engaged in a scuffle with him. "Tattler," however, says that defendant was not" refrac- tory." I should like to have his definition of a refractory drunken man. I observe that Lieutenant Henderson, R.N., at- tended on behalf of the defendant. I was not aware that this gallant gentleman had been ad- mitted as a solicitor. I am glad to notice the increased activity of our police force, and desire through your columns to give them a word of encouragement. We don't want any undue severity, nor do we want again, as in the recent past, to see people violently assaulted and arrested by the police upon charges which are not substantiated but when a case has been fairly made out, I don't see the justice of attacking or censuring the police.-Yours, &c., LEX.