The Tenby Observer Weekly List of Visitors and Directory

ANNUAL DINNER. PRESENTATION OF THE ARMSTRONG CUP. The annual dinner of the Tenby Cricket Club, held at the Royal Lion Hotel, Tenby, on Wednesday evening of last week, was invested with more than ordinary interest, a circum- stance due to the presentation by the donor (Sir George Armstrong, Bart, R.N. the Conser- vative candidate for the Pembroke and Haver- fordwest Boroughs) of the handsome challenge cup offered to the Pembrokeshire Cricket League, and won for the first time by the local club. The chair was filled by Mr G. Lort Stokes, Town Clerk of Tenby and President of the Cricket Club, and among the large com- pany present were Sir George Armstrong, the Rev. S. B. Williams, M.A. (Captain of the Club), Mr J. W. B. Adams, M.A. (Headmaster Tenby County School), Councillors George Lord, W. H. Thomas, G. H. Sandercock, Wil- fred Rees and Edmund Palmer, Captain Leader, Lieutenant Marshall, Lieutenant F. E. L. Mathias-Thomas (Territorial Force), Mr J. W. Gardiner (Manager National Proiincial Bank, Llandudno), Mr J. Roberts (Tenby County School), Mr J. S. Brown (Hon Secre- tary Tenby Golf Club), Mr Isaac Lord, Mr E. Parrott (vice-captain Tenby Cricket Club), Mr W. A. Whicher, Mr T. P. Hughes (President Tenby Trademen's Association), Mr W. Cecil Williams, Mus Bac. (organist Tenby Parish Church), Mr A. F. Roblin (National Provincial Bank, Tenby), Mr R. Farley, Mr Jack Hodges, Mr Harry Thomas, Mr George Ace, Mr S. G. Rogers, Mr Arthur Graham, Mr E. J. Head, Mr D. Lewis, Mr R. Nicholls, Mr S. J. Hitchings, Mr D. Morris, Mr Morse, Mr C. C. G. Cooke, Mr Cooper, Mr E. H. Leach (Tenby and County News), Mr Willie Morris, Mr Graham Howard, Mr R. L. C. Morrison, (Tenby Observer), etc., etc. After an excellent and well-served dinner provided by Miss Beard, the esteemed hostess, the remainder of the evening was spent in a most convivial manner, a capital musical pro- gramme, which was in the hands of Mr W. Cecil Williams (who acted as accompanist), contributing greatly to the harmony of the pro- ceedings. Among those who gave their ser- vices in this respec: were Messrs. Isaac Lord, Wilfred Rees, J. S. Brown, R. Farley, D. Lewis, R. Nicholls, S. J. Hitchings, G. H. Sandercock, T. P. Hughes and E. J. Head. Following the loyal and patriotic toasts, which were received with musical honours, Lieutenant F. E. L. Mathias-Thomas sub- mitted His Majesty's Forces," which was re- sponded to by Captain Leader and Lieutenant Marshall. "The Tenby Cricket Club" was proposed in a felicitous speech by Mr J. S. Brown, and re- sponded to by the Rev. S. B. Williams and Mr E. Parrott (captain and vice-eaptain respec- tively). Mr Williams in his response, mentioned that during the past season, the Tenby Club had played in fourteen League matches, ten of which they had won, two being lost and two drawn. The Tenby Club had scored 1457 runs and their opponents 786. The toast of the "Pembrokeshire Cricket League" having been given by Mr Hitching* and responded to by Mr Sandercock, Mr T. P. Hughes, amid enthusiastic cheery proposed the health of Sir George Armstrong. Sir George, rising to respond and make the presentation of the cup, was given a most cor- dial reception. During the course of a happy little speech he said he must confess that so far as cricket was concerned he suffered from severe natural disabilities. He had been a cricketer since his early days in the Britannia cricket field, when he had to field for big boys, and was never allowed to take the bat. Another reason for embarrassment was that, as a political candidate, he was conscious that if he compared himself to their popular member, Mr Owen Philipps, he stood at a shocking disadvantage. Mr Philipp's fine athletic figure made him feel thankful that the days of the "hustings were passed, and that no more had political candidates to stand side by side. (Laughter). Cricket stood for all that was most manly in the character of our nation. It instilled into the boy, who after- wards became a man, all those attributes of manliness, courage, precision, unerring aim, pluck, and statesmanship which are the essen- tial attributes of our race. (Applause). It had given him great pleasure to present the Pembrokeshire Cricket League with the oup, because he knew he was doing something to encourage the grandest game this country pos- sessed. (Applause). During the evening the other toasts sub- mitted were "The Officials," proposed by Mr J. W. B. Adams; "The Visitors," Mr W. Cecil Williams, responded to by Mr J. W. Gardiner and Mr George Lord The Chair- man," and the The Hostess," given by Mr G. H. Sandercock, aud responded to, on behalf of Miss.Beard. by Mr Cooper. A most enjoyable evening was brought to a close with tho singing of Auld Lang Syne."

ENGAGED BY MOSS AND STOLL'S EMPIRES. Little Lulu Williams, the well-known Tenby child dancer, who made her first appearance at the Coronation Garden, scored a remarkable success at the Cardiff Palace last week, when she appeared as a special "turn." Thrice en- thusiastically encored, Lulu, who is a daughter of Mr and Mrs James Williams, of Edward Street, Tenby, was made the recipient of numerous bouquets and' boxes of chocolates. The Cardiff newspapers referred to her per- formance in the most glowing terms in fact, so great was her success that the next day no less than four excellent engagements were offered her, one of which, that of Mr A. Mitchell, manager of the Moss and Stoll Empires, was accepted on the child's behalf by Mrs G. N. Owen, of Roath Park, Cardiff, who throughout has taken a deep interest in Lulu's training and welfare. Under this en- gagement Lulu will appear at a special matinee at the Swansea Empire an Saturday, November 13th. It should be mentioned that Mr S. Harries, of Cardiff, who quickly realized the child's stage talent, made himself responsible for her tuition and bringing out and after last week's success he has every reason to feel grati- fied with the result of his efforts. Little Lula has undoubtedly a great future in front of her as a dancer, and Tenby people will not doubt watch her progress with interest.

EFFICIENT DISEMBARKATION. The Lusitania arrived at Fishguard on Mon- day afternoon at three o'clock, and disembarked 160 first, 54 second, and 10 third class passen- gers, together with 1080 bags of mails and 30 tons of baggage, the whole being transferred within 30 minutes from the liner to the tender. The first ocean express left at 4.35. Among the passengers were Sir Joseph Lawrence, who, in reply to a Press representative, said they had had a most enjoyable voyage, and all were highly delighted with the transfer at Fishguard. A Press representative also interviewed Mr Bourke Cochran, of the American Senate, an advocate of the Irish Party. Asked his opinion as to what attitude the Irish Party in Parlia- ment should adopt on the Budget, he expressed disinclination to say anything calculated to in- fluence his brethren on this side of the Atlantic on that important question. Father John O'Dowd, priest of the largest Catholic church in Maine, said he would tax bachelors.

Mr Lewis Davies, of the }l ebley A mis, Pop- pit, St. Doginaels. Pembrokeshire, who died on May 5th, left estate of the gross value of £687, and probate of his will has been granted to Mr John George Owens, of Rock Terrace, Quay: Street, Cardigan, accountant.

PENALLY MAN'S BANKRUPTCY. At the last sitting of the Pembroke-Dock Bankruptcy Court, held in the Temperance Hall, before the Deputy Registrar (Mr W. H. O. M. Bryant), the public examination of Thomas Morris, formerly station-master at Penally, and subsequently relief signalman at Whitland, was held, the debtor being repre- sented by Mr Thomas, solicitor. The Official Receiver—What is your full name ? Debtor—Thomas Morris. Where do you now live ?—At 8, North Street, Whitland. And what are yon ? —A relief signalman. What is your age ?—Thirty-three. How long have you lived there ?—Since last month. What are your present earnings ?—Twenty- three shillings per week. But you get something more than that ?— Yes, for overtime. No bonus ?—Yes, £5 per year but I am not sure of that. Provided you carry out your work properly you will get that ?—Yes. Prior to going to Whitland where were you ? —I was station-master at Penally. How long were you there ?—Nine years. While there what were your earnings ?— Twenty-seven shillings per week. How came you to leave there ?—I had to. What do you mean by that ?—I was removed through irregularities. With regard to your liabilities, I see they consist of loans from four professional money- lenders during the last eleven years. Was it money lent while you were at Penally ?—Some was borrowed before that. Was some owing before you went to Penally? -Yes. Which particular sum ? — Some of it was owing to the South Wales Finance Company. How came it necessary for you to borrow this money1-1 was made station-master when twenty yearsfof age at the Morriston branch, and my earnings were not sufficient to keep myself re- spectably. When were you married ?—Three years ago. You were a bachelor nine years ago when you became station-master ?—Yes. How was it necessary for you to borrow this money ?—My wages were not sufficient to keep myself respectably. Not when you were earning 27s. a week ?—I had only 21s. then. I had to work up to 27s.. which is the maximum at Penally. When you came to Penally you were in debt to the South Wales Finance Company ?—Yes. How much did you owe them at that time ?— I can't tell exactly but about £10. Did you owe any other people money ?—No. I find you owe them £36 15s. 8d. ?—Yes. You also borrowed money from the Swansea Finance Company ?—Yes. With regard to this sum from Lady St. Davids. What was that for ?—To square up irregularities, and I had moneys to account for—renewals. You owe £7 to the Provincial Union Bank, Bristol ?—Yes that has been renewed. You do owe them that?—Yes. Also Mr Charles Wills, of Leicester ?—Yes. Is he a money-lender ?—Yes. The only reason you giv.e for borrowing is that you were unable to live on your wages ? —Yes. Having found you could not live on your wages before coming to Penally, why did you not make an attempt to five on your wages when you came there ?—I did. And you succeeded to this extent you had to borrow another S50 from other money- lenders? I was continually paying back when I could. You say that when you came to Penally you owed only JS10. That did not require £50 to pay it back ?—The actual amount I received was not JS50. What was the true reason you could not live on your wages ? In what direction did your tastes lie particularly so that it was necessary for you to go into debt in this way ?—In no particular way. When you came to Penally you owed only £10. Why was it necessary for you to have more money to the extent of JS50 in order to be able to live ? What is the nature of your tastes that you should require this money ?—I was borrowing from one to pay another back. I fail to see it was necessary to borrow £50 to pay £10 back, when your wages were in- creased to 27s. per week. Have you been gambling ?--Not to any extent. I never had more than a couple of shillings on, and that was not very often. Notwithstanding you were unable to live, when did you begin to have a shilling on ? After you came to Penally ?—Yes I was very careful not to go much more. What papers did you get from W. H. Smith and Son—sporting papers, I mean ?—I took the Daily News and Daily Mail. I may have had a sporting paper occasionally. Is this account for 9s. 6d. for papers cor- rect ?—Yes. Were you secretary of the Bristol and West of England Trade and Provident Society ?— Yes. From the 28th March, 1908, to the 20th March, 1909 would that be correct ?—Yes. I suppose you were seoretary before that ? — Yes, I started the club. Your audit took place in March, 1908, and you settled up everything then ?—Yes. Between those dates mentioned you received fees 1-1 took the fees up to that date, but there were fines outstanding due from members which I had not received. Did you receive medical fees ?—Yes, some. Did you receive £5 Is. in that period ?—No. You do not admit that is correct ?—No. I have a letter here from the solicitor to the Society saying you collected on their behalf £5 Is. in medical fees and you say that is not correct ?—Theresa some mistake in the account of membership. Some have not paid up. That is the letter I have received; is it correct or not ? —That may be owing, but mem- bers have not paid up. Do you say you have accounted for all money received for that Society ?—The amount is on the book and if some have not paid, the amounts are opposite their names. With regard to these money-lenders, what did you receive from the Swansea Loan Com- pany ?—About £8. Was that all you received ?—Yes, originally, in the first going off. You received no cash except £8 from them ? -No. How much altogether II-Another £10 as a renewal. Did you actually receive the £10 in cash ?— No, £8 10s. That makes £16 10s. ?—Yes. Did you receive any further sum ?—I have no recollection of it. Have you anything to show, or did you borrow this money indiscriminately ?—I have the card from them. Those are the only two sums you remember ? —Yes. From the South Wales Loan and Finance Company how much did you receive ?—First of all I had jS5, and they renewed that. I want to know what cash you had when you signed the renewal 1-£8 10s. in addition to that. Did you not have any more ? They are proving for £361-1 have another £5, and do not recollect having any more. That is £13 10s. With regard to the Pro- vincial Union Bank, how much did you receive from them 1-£10. And how much paid back ?—Over JS10. Only j510 you ever received ?—Yes. With regard to Charles Wills, how much did you receive from him 1-£8. And how much have you paid back 1-0ver B8. Have you got any particulars of these things ? —I handed them to the Official Receiver. The real causes of your failure you allege to be interest on borrowed money from money- lenders and consequent pressure brought upon you by them ?— Yes. And do you now admit the true reason was you were unable to live on your wages and it became necessary to borrow money ?—Yes, that is so. And do you admit that part of the reason was gambling ?—No, I don't admit I lost anything by that. Do you suggest you won money by gambling ? —No. Have yon kept any kind of account showing the results of your gambling ?—No. So you can't prove you lost nothing ?—I know I could not have lost much because the amounts were very small. But you were doing it weekly ?—Not con- tinually. So long as you could get credit in that direc- tion you did it ? I will not mention people's names, but will give you a chance to answer.— When I found it was not a paying game I gave it up. But before you came to that particular stage you kept putting on small sums frequently, so long as you were able to get credit ?—That is so. The examination was closed subject to the signing of the notes.

FACSIMILES ON VIEW AT TENBY. In the shop window of Mr Carl J. Hoffmann, the well-known jeweller, of Silversmith's Hall, High Street, Tenby, is to be seen excellent and realistic facsimiles of the Royal Cullinan Dia- monds, the history of which is one of the most interesting and fascinating in the annals of diamond mining. The Cullinan Diamond was found in the Transvaal Premier Mine on 25th January, 1905, and weighed no less than 3025 carats, although Dr. Molengraaf, the eminent South African geologist, has expressed the opinion that this was only about one-third of its original size. Hurled with fierce and irre- sistible velocity from the boiling, seething central depths of Mother Earth through the crater's pipe, this wonderful stone found a rest- ing place in the Premier Mine, which is in reality a vast and bottomless volcanic crater filled with diamondiferous ground large enough in surface area to hold the claims of all the other working diamond mines in the world. The cutting of the great Cullinan Diamond—a most delicate and intricate piece of work—was entrusted to a prominent firm of Amsterdam cutters, who were engaged for upwards of nine months in the process of splitting and polishing. From the first groat piece the pendeloque bril- liant, weighing 576^ carats, was cut, whilst altogether nine large separate gems, ranging from 516^ carats to nearly five carats each, were produced with 96 small brilliants, the latter weighing in the aggregate nearly eight carats, with a few unpolished splinters weighing alto- gether nine carats. The first and second stones are the largest cut brilliants in existence, the second gem even far exceeding the size of the next largest cut stone known. As regards the value of this magnificent collection of stones, which was presented to his Majesty the King, it has been estimated at over two million pounds sterling. Exact and faithful facsimiles of these famous brilliants are on view daily in Mr Hoffmann's window.

HOW THEIR WORSHIPS ARE ELECTED TO OFFICE. In view of the near approach of Mayor's Day (next Tuesday) the following instructive artiole, taken from that popular periodical Ansicert, will no doubt be purused with interest by our readers:— Few days are of more importance in the life of a municipality than November 9th, when, in England and Wales, considerably over three hun- dred gentlemen are chosen to be chief oitizens of their respective towns or cities for the ensuing twelve months. Mr Mayor is a great maa. He can be a member of the local city or town council, or he can be chosen from outside—that is, co-opted. In the majority of instances, how- ever, the mayor ia a gentleman who has as- siduously attended to his duties as councillor or alderman, and who, as a reward, is selected by his colleagues to preside over their deliberations. The actual election takes place at noon, but some days before then the mayor-elect has conseuted to accept office. This he has done at a private meeting of the council, so that all friction shall be avoided on the important day. The ceremony, although, of course, a legally-constituted meeting' is little more than a social function, where the election is a mere formality. On these occasions ladies are admitted to the public gallery, and im- mediately the resolution of appointment has been carried the chain and robes of office are trans- ferred from the shoulders of the reigning mayor to those of his successor. Then eulogistic speeches are made, and the company retire to the mayor's parlour to pledge his health, and wish him success in his new offioe. While the plebian routine is followed, as a general rule, there are still observed in certain parts of the country some quaint customs. The Mayor of Lincoln, for in- stance, is duly elected by placing upon his finger an ancient ring, which for centuries his prede- cessors have worn. Should his worship send his ring to any school in the city the master is bound to give his pupils a day's holiday. At Chichester the Mayor is armed with a gold-mounted malacca cane; while at York his worship is equipped with a silver-mounted oak stave, which has marked his authority for hundreds of years. From time im- memorial the Mayor of Brightlingsea has been elected in the parish church belfry and the re- tiring chief magistrates of both Bournemouth and Hanley imprint a loving kiss on the coun- tenance of the incoming mayor. The Mayor of Grantham is tapped on the head with the town clerk's hammer; and at Dunstable the time- honoured custom of bumpin" is observed. Weighing is the less trying ordeal to which the Mayor of High Wycombe has to submit, and he is better off, perhaps, than the Lord Mayor of Bir- mingham, who has to assume his sweetest smile and face the camera immediately after his elec- tion. A public holiday is observed at Newcastle- under-Lyme, where the newly-elected mayor is publicly proclaimed from the famous Market Cross—a custom observed for 754 years. A mayor's duties are numerous, and, in many cases, curious. He has to refrain from taking a too prominent part in politics-though this is only an unwritten law he has to preside over meetings of the council, open bazaars, entertain and be enter- tained at public dinners, give receptions, and pre- side at the local police-court. In some places he receives a salary, and in others he pays dearly for his year of honour. The mayoralty of an aristo- cratic London suburb cost its possessor over £ 1500; while Mr John Webster, who was Mayor of Sheffield in 1866-7, spent only jM 18s. 2d. The Lord Mayor of London gets a salary of about £10,000, but always spends a great deal more' whilst the Lord Mayor of Liverpool has JE2000 and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, JE1000. At Lewiaham the salary is £500; at Hampstead, £300; at Woolwich, £200; and at Richmond, £300: During her year as Mayoress of Portsmouth, Miss Doris Foster celebrated her sixth birthday and when she occupied a similar position at Cardigan, Miss Gwynneth Bowen had seen four summers.

SALE OF WAR OFFICE LAND. In the House of Commons on Monday, Mr Owen Philipps, M.P. for the Pembroke and Haverfordwest Boroughs, asked the Secretary of State for War if the Army Council propose to sell any War Department land in the neigh- bourhood of Pembroke-Dock and, if so, whether he will favourably consider the ques- tion of selling it in small lots suitable for workmen's houses, or offer it to the Small Holdings Committee of the Pembrokeshire County Council. Mr Haldane replied that it is proposed to sell certain War Department land near Pembroke- Dock by auction in small lots in order to give the small purchaser an opportunity of buying. The Department has been in communication with the county land agent, and has informed him that the date and particulars of the sale will be notified, so that the Small Holdings Committee of the County Council may have an opportunity of bidding.

I hear most things are deadly dull in Tenby, so perhaps a little gossip on London frivolities will be acceptable to readers who are unable to escape from the depressing influence of the Tenby Gas Company Directors, which seems to be very prominent at this time of year. Well, I think I may begin with the Strand Palace Hotel, erected on the site of the late Exeter Hall, opened to the public a month or two ago, and literally crammed ever since. Invited by Liver- pool friends to luncheon, we were met in the fine hall, and before hats and coats could be handed in to the cloak- room, were delighted to see Miss Florence Vie, looking extremely well, but just on the point of sailing for Australia on a long engagement. She desired to be remembered to her nume- rous patrons in Tenby, and hopes to amuse them again in the sweet bye- and-bye. Passing to the Winter Gardens, we delayed a few minutes to watch the cosmopolitan. groups passing to and fro, then descended to the dining-room where a table to seat four was secured after a few minutes. The service was good, and the eatables fairly so; the appointments were charming, and everybody seemed pleased with them- selves and the management. Lunch over, one friend rather startled me by remarking Do you see that little man on your right with a face like a frog." Turning slightly, I was able to quickly pick him out, for the likeness, once suggested, was startlingly exact. The frog was evidently enjoying some dainty served in a casserole, and much too busy to notice our attention. I was told the important position he held in the hotel, but what it is had better be left unexplained. Perhaps I shall hear if some other visitors to this popular place of residence in London should notice the clever human frog. Another important addition to Lon- don dining places is the Coventry in Rupert Street, Piccadilly Circus. It has already made a name for the excel- lence of its cuisine, splendid service, and gorgeous appointments. Beautiful music is played during the hours devoted to dinner, and the management is in the capable hands of Mr Richard Green, formally the very popular head waiter of the grill-room in Chains' Hotel, now pulled down. People who argue that Englishmen cannot make successful hotel managers, should try a dinner or two at the Coventry when they will alter their opinion, I feel sure. # The Palace Theatre of Varieties has a splendid programme. From eight to eleven one night I enjoyed a succession of "turns" all of which were good, some better than others of course, but everyone was interesting, clever, or humorous. Several were all three to- gether. Mr Sydney James, Mrs James, and Mr Desmond appeared as the fifth "turn," and Mr Syd. James brought down the house with his imitations of different persons, rendering "Sing a song of sixpence," the finale being that of a man who had an impediment in his speech which he got over by whistling. I was more than pleased at the hearty reception accorded them, and the Royal Strolling Players were one of three "turns" who alone were honoured with calls after the curtain had descended. Of plays seen, I prefer The Arcadians. The plot is, I believe, quite new and particularly clever. A sinful man named Smith reaches Arcadia by means of an aeroplane, and the innocent boys and girls crowd round him to hear of the wonders of London, but also, alas, to have explained to them, as far as it is possible, the meaning of a lie and "jealousy." Smith hugs and makes love to the beautiful Sombra who loves in the way of Arcady a certain fine youth called Astrophel, who at the moment is hugging Chrysea, another fair Arcadian. Smith is very funny whilst trying to teach Sombra to be jealous of Chrysea, and in the end is thrown into the Well of Truth for telling lies. When hauled out of the well he appears transformed into a young and handsome man, dressed in the scanty costume fashionable in Arcadia, and receives the name of "Simplicitas," but owing to his immer- sion in the Well of Truth," no longer permitted to lie. Smith or rather Simplicitas, with Sombrs. and Chrysea are sent back to the earth to convert humanity and teach the simple life, but it would take too much space to describe how Simpli- citas flirts with his own wife. Sombra and Chrysea allow themselves to be kissed, but fail to affect the object of their mission, so decide to return to Arcadia where a lie is unknown and the trees and flowers sing to the people of everlasting peace and happiness. Simplicitas becomes Smith once again and his wife and self forgive and for- get. V Miss Florence Smithson as "Sombra" was delightful, and I thought quite the most charming part, though Miss Phyllis Dare as Eileen Cavanagh" seems to have the stage given up to her more often than her part requires. Mr Da.n Roylat as "Smith" is splendid, and Alfred Lester (the jockey) as humo- j rously doleful as usual. His confiden- I tial assurance to the audience that "One hair on the head was worth more than two in the brush," reminds me that my Liverpool friend also remarked One swallow does not make a summer drink." Both quotations seem to me quite good and new. Everyone should see The Arcadians. 1f if # Mr Robert Maitland, who entertaine(f Tenby people one season with his splen- did baritone voice, has just returned to London after four years of singing and teaching in Germany, where he had the honour of appearing before and being introduced to the Kaiser, altogether making an excellent reputation in Ber- lin. On Tuesday last he entertained a large audience in the Bechstein Hall with an excellent programme consist- ing mostly of-German songs which he gave with fine effect, quite carrying a way his audience who demanded en- core after encore. Though very fond of good music, I know nothing about it, so my readers will no doubt under- stand that I liked best Will you gang to the Highlands with me Lizzie Lindsay," and although Mr Maitland responded to one encore we could not get it sung a third time, and I left the hall protesting to mutual friends that I had not had nearly enough of Lizzie Lindsay. My best half was not at all flattered by my persistent demands for Lizzie." Mr Robert Maitland should take a first place amongst the men singers of England. F. B. M. THE TATLER."

CHARGE OF INCENDIARISM. WOMAN SERVANT'S PLEA. MILFORD WOUNDING CASE. The Winter Assize for the counties of Carmar- then, Cardigan, and Pembroke, was opened in the Carmarthen Shire Hall last week, before Mr Justice Channell, who after attending Divine service at St. Peter's Parish Church, was accom- panied to the Court by the High Sheriff of Car- marthenshire (Mr Morgan Jones, Llanmiloe), his chaplain (Canon C. G. Brown), the Under Sheriff (Mr D. E. Stephens, solictor, Trawsmawr), the Mayor of Carmarthen (Mr John Crossman), and a posse of Carmarthenshire police under the com- mand of Inspector John Jones, Llanelly.

HALL IMPROVEMENTS. His Lordship, in addressing the Grand Jury, of which his Honour-Judge Bishop was the fore- man, said he desired to precede his charge by a hearty congratulation to Carmarthenshire upon the improvement which had been affected in that hall since his previous visit. The authorities had succeeded in producing one of the handsomest courts in the Principality. He had not been in Cardiff since the great improvements which had taken place there, but he understood that they were something very grand indeed. He trusted that when the Carmarthenshire Crown Court had been used sufficiently it would be found as con- venient as it was handsome. He had sometimee found himself in handsome courts which were not altogether convenient for all purposes. Carmar- thenshire Court, he might repeat, was certainly a success as far as its appearand went. As to the calendar he need not say anything. It did not seem a very heavy Assize, considering it was for three counties. The evidence in every case seemed to be simple, and with such an excellent foreman there was no need, therefore, for his Lordship to make any comments or direct them as to their duties.

SHOPBREAKER SENTENCED. A true bill was returned against William Smith, (20), collier, who was brought up in custody charged with breaking and entering the shop of John Thomas at Llanarthnev, Carmarthenshire, between tha 20th and 21st October. Mr W. Llewelyn Williams, M.P., appeared for the Crown. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sen- tenced to two months' hard labour.

WOMAN CHARGED WITH INCENDIARISM Annie Harding, a farm servant, was indicted on three counts (1) With feloniously setting fire to a stack of hay (2) With setting fire to a hay shed L and (3) With attempting to set fire to a farmhouse at Eglwysfaircherrig, belonging to her employer, William Harries. Mr W. Llewelyn Williams, M.P., who appeared to prosecute, said that when the prisoner was charged with the offences she replied, "I don't know what made me do it. I am sorry for what I have done. I will not do it again. I was playing with a match, and set fire to the bed and the hay. Something came over me." Prisoner pleaded guilty, and Mist Miriam Ray, the court missionary, stated that she had arranged with a "home" to take the girl. She would be looked after and cared for and given every opportunity to retrieve her character. On giving anundertaking to go to this "home" the Judge acquitted prisoner in her own recognisances.

A PECULIARITY OF THE LAW. Matthew John, a labourer, was charged with unlawfully wounding his wife, Martha John, at Milford on the 26th September, with intent to do her grevious bodily harm. Mr Marlay Samson appeared for the prosecution. Prisoner pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding, but not with intent to do grevious bodily harm. The Judge said it was one of the peculiarities of the law that where a jury could ftnda prisoner guilty of the lesser charge of unlawful wounding in the case of wounding with intent to do grevious bodily harm, the grand jury and the judge were unable to accept such a plea. It was one of those little things in the criminal law that required amending. As counsel did not intend to proceed on the graver charge, it would be for the jury to find a verdict on the lesser charge. The jury found prisoner guilty on the lesser charge, and the Judge, ad- dressing the accused, said he had assaulted his wife very brutally, in consequence of which the doctor said her life was at the time in serious danger. His Lordship said he could not do less than send prisoner to prison for six months.

THEFT FROM FELLOW LODGER. Thomas Harries, a native of Pencader, was sentenced to nine months' hard labour for stealing jE20 odd from his fellow lodger at Aberystwyth.

YOUNG BANK CLERK. Evan John Lewis, Smithfield House, Manor" deilo, near Llaudilo, a young bank clerk, pleaded guilty to forging two cheques, purporting to be signed by Mrs Mary Stephens, Rhosmaen Street, Llandilo, for £40 and £6 10s. Dr. Davies- Williams prosecuted, and Mr W. Llewelyn Williams, M.P., defended. Dr. Davies-Williams said he was instructed not to press the charge. The prisoner had forged the name of the lady with whom he formerly lodged. Up till last September he had been engaged at Lloyds Bank, Llandilo (formerly D. Jones-and Co.), and was then removed to the branch at Cardiff Docks. Mr Llewelyn Williams said that prisoner was only just 20 years of age, and came from a highly respectable family at Llandilo. He had borne an irreproachable character up till now, and he had lodged with Mrs Stephens for many years in- cluding the time he was at the Intermediate School. Mrs Stephens was a great friend of the family, and did not wish to press the case. He had not been living extravagantly, nor had he been addicted to gambling and drinking. It was difficult to know why he should have suddenly given way to temptation. The first sum of £ 40 he had paid back. Counsel asked his Lordship to take a lenient view of the case. The Judge said that personally he felt he might pass the crime over, but having regard to his duty he could not carry out his own inclination. In view of prisoner's youth and good character he was going to pass a light sentence—one of three months' imprisonment in the second division.

SIR GEORGE ARMSTRONG AT FISHGUARD. REFUSED A HEARING. ROWDY MEETING. At a meeting at Fishguard on Tuesday night in his support, Sir George Armstrong, Bart., R.N., the Unionist candidate for the Pembroke and Haverfordwest Boroughs, was subjected to con- siderable disorderly heckling. At the outset the chairman, Mr James Charles Yorke, J.P., reminded the audience of the penalty to which interruptors rendered themselves liable, but without avail. The chief disturber of the peace was a working man, the majority of whose per- sistent interjections were quite unintelligible, yet were enthusiastically cheered by the crowd of voteless young men who invariably disturb Con- servative meetings in Fishguard. The chief cause of all the trouble ultimately asserted that Joseph Chamberlain had "taxed the nation." Asked for particulars, he waived his cap for order, and said that he would reserve his remarks until the close of the meeting. Others were not, however, prepared to follow his example, and ultimately a reference to Bermondsey stirred him into effort again, with the result that the chairman described him as a nuisance to the meeting and directed the police to remove him. This proved, however, to be impos- sible, a mob of young men clustering around all the exits, cheering, jeering, and singing. Their ringleader, therefore, had to be marched up the central aisle. Upon reaching the Press table he raised his cap and bowed mockingly to the candidate, who suggested that he shonld be allowed to remain. But the sergeant conducted him off the premises by a rear door. This was the signal for an outburst of cheering and singing of He's a jolly good fellow in sympathy with the ejected workman, followed by cheers for the Budget. At this stage Mr O. D. Jones, a prominent member of the local Liberal organisation, mounted the platform, and as a Radical and as one out of sympathy with Sir George Armstrong, appealed to the audience to be men and extend a courteous hearing to their opponents. Mr Jones, although cheered by a section of the audience, was himself interrupted on more than one occasion. His appeal was unavailing, for no sooner had Sir George Armstrong opened his lips again than the rowdies again burst into the strains of He's a jolly good fellow." He was permitted to proceed for a few sentences, after which the audience at the rear burst into Antonio." Strangely enough, they subsequently listened in quietness to a scathing denunciation of their oonduct. Mr Birt, of Milford, who was the next speaker, was constantly interrupted by imitations of asses braying, cries of Ananias," cheers for Mr Lloyd George, and shrill whistles. Captain Titus Evans, an old and respected resident, was jeered when he condemned the conduct of his fellow townsmen. A vote of thanks to the candidate was carried without dissent, but upon a similar compliment being extended to the chairman a section of the audience broke out into derisive yells. The strains of the National Anthem were struck up on the piano. The large audience sang through the words of the anthem, whilst a numerically small gang of hooligans endeavoured to drown their voices by a fusilade of jeers intermingled with cat-oalls and whistles.

TRIBUTES AT CARDIFF. Touching references were made to the late Judge Owen at Cardiff County Court last week. Mr John Amphlett, who presided over the court, referred at the outset to the sad loss everyone con cerned in the administration of justice, not only in that court, but in the other courts of the circuit, had sustained in the unexpected death of Judge Owen. Only the other day he (Mr Amphlett) was hearing on every side expressions of sorrow for the late judge's illness and heartfelt hopes for his recovery. Nothing was left with them but the deepest regret for themselves and the deepest sympathy with those dear to the late judge. The work of a County Court judge was very arduous, was discharged in the fiercest light of publicity, before the keen intellects of advocates, and with all eyes being turned upon the occupant of the Bench, ready to notice any of his failings. To come well out of such an ordeal made no small demand upon a man. The fact that Judge Owen obtained the good word of all who came in contact with him showed how well he had fulfilled all demands that could be made upon him. But there was much work of a County Court judge that did not meet the public eye or the public ear. Some of this dealt with the affairs of the poorest of the poor. The most difficult and unsatisfactory work of a. County Court judge was the proper dealing with those poor people, often frightened, often igno- rant, who appeared before him as judgment debtors. Some might be reckless and improvi- dent, but many more were simply unfortunate and deserving of sympathy. Such cases never failed to meet with sympathy from Judge Owen, who took as much pains to do justice in the case of the poorest as he did in the most important cases. The shock of his death was overwhelming. But one fate met all. Fur everyone the door opened in the course of time, and they passed in to the great unknown. Well it was everyone who went down into the grave with such a pure record of public usefulness and with such tributes of regret from all who knew him as Judge OWGn. Mr Registrar Cousins, as chief officer of the court, also paid a warm tribute to the memory of the late judge, who had shown unfailing kindness and courtesy. Mr Albert Parsons, on behalf of the Bar, spoke of the exceptionally onerous and important character of the cases dealt with by the late judge, whose position demanded great energy and special ability. Those qualifications were united in Judge Owen, who never spared himself. His legal attainments fitted him to fill the highest offices in the country. No one could have a kinder or more loyal friend. Mr J. W. Botsford (president of the Cardiff In- corporated Law Society) and Mr George David (Official Receiver) endorsed and supplemented what had already been said. Mr David said he had in his possession letters he would always treasure, for they showed the kindliness of heart the late judge at all times exhibited to those coming before him in sorrow or in distress. Mr David's concluding words awake a responsive chord in all hearts:—" He has passed away with the reputation of a great, a good, and a just judge."

EXCURSION TICKET LAW. An important case affecting excursion tickets was decided by Judge Bacon in Bloomsbury County Court recently against the London and Nortli-Western Railway. One of the company's clerks said that a Mr Ashwin had an excursion ticket to return on April 12th, but returned on April 9th, and the company now sued fur the ordinary fare. Mr Aslnvin explained that at Birmingham an official t.old him that he could travel to London by paying the difference between the price of the excursion ticket and the ordinary fare, but when be got to Willesdeu he was asked to pay the full fare. Judge Bacon—The company are in a difficulty. This man was told bv some- one in authority, aud he travelled. Julgmeufc was given for Mr Ashwin, with QOots.