The North Wales Times

PETTY SESSIONS. MONDAY, before Major Birch (in the chair), and Mr. E. W. D. Waithal QUARRELSOME NEIGHBOURS. Hannah Maria Vaughan, of Penycob Street, St Asaph, was summoned by her neighbour Mary Hughes. to show cause why she should not be bound over to keep the peace, in conse- quence of certain threats alleged against her. Mr. Joseph Lloyd appeared for the defence. Complainant said that on the 22nd of last month defendant passed her house, and in doing so called her foul names, and said she would not mind using a knife to her. She was afraid of the defendant. In cross-examination, complainant denied having tried to make mischief between defen- dant and her husband, but admitted having told defendant's husband what defendant had told her about him. The quarrel arose through her shaking her mat while defendant's clothes were hanging out to dry. Defendant was called by Mr. Lloyd and gave an absolute denial to the charge. Catherine Deed called for the defence saidcom- plainant was at erimity with all her neighbours. She was present when the quarrel took place be- tween the parties, and she did not hear any threat being made use of. 6 The Chairman characterised the charge as a trumpery one, and dismissed it. The parties to pay their own costs. SUNDAY DRINKING AGAIN. John McManus, Vale Road, Rhyl, failed to appear in answer to a summons charging him with being drunk in St. Asaph, on Sunday evening, February 21 st. P.C. Taafe proved the service of the sum- mons, and Police Sergeant Pearson deposed to seeing defendant drunk in the Roe, St. Asaph, just before nine o'clock in the evening. A warrant was ordered to be issued for the apprehension of defendant. DRUNK IN CHARGE OF A HORSE AND CARRIAGE. William Mellor, carriage owner, Vale Road., Rhyl, was charged by P.C. James Taafe, with being drunk in charge of a horse and trap at Rhuddl.in, on Sunday night, February 21st. The complainant stated that seeing a crowd gathered in High Street, he went there, and saw defendant, drunk and staggering, leading a horse by the bridlo. He offered to drive Mellor home, but he became very abusive, but at last he got him into the trap, and handcuffing him drove defendant to St. Asaph, and locked him up. P.S. Pearson bestifield that Mellor was drunk when P.C. Taafe brought him to the police station. He added that defendant denied being drunk when he was about to be locked up, and he (witness) offered to get a doctor to examine him, if he would pay the expense. Defendant said, in defence, that his horse refused to go through the street, and he had to lead. Taafe came up to him, and asked what was the matter, and he replied, 'Can't you see what is the matter. The horse will not go without being led.' Taafe told him to get into the carriage and he would drive him home. Instead of doing that he drove him to St. Asaph. He was not drunk at the time. The Chairman observed that defendant had been before the magistrates nine times before. He would now be fined 19s. with 8s. 6d. costs. A CHARGE OF ASSAULTING THE POLICE.-WITHDRAWN. David Williams, Newtown, Rhyl, was charged in custody with being drunk and disorderly on Saturday evening, February 28th. Mr. Bell appeared for the defence and said he had a consultation with the parties, and would plead guilty. P.C. Taafe was about to state the case when the Chairman remarked that there was another charge against the defendant. Was it de- ferred? The Clerk Yes for the present. Mr. Bell: It is to be withdrawn Superintendent Hughes: I have no know- ledge that it is to be withdrawn. Mr. Bell: You withdraw the charge of as- sault, don't you Taafe? Taafe I must refer to it in my evidence. Mr. Bell: Stop a minute, sir. If he is going on with the assault case, we withdraw the plea of not guilty, and fight it out. As to the as. sault, we say that the boot is on the other leg. P.C. Taafe: After that, let the matter be thrashed out. The Chairman Do not talk like that. Do you withdraw the charge or not ? Taafe Yes sir, I withdraw it. Evidence in support of the charge of drunk- enness was then given, and a fine of 2s. 6d. with 7s. 4d. costs, inflicted. SCHOOL CASES. David Jones, Forge Square, was fined 5s. for neglecting to send a child to school, ani Philip Hughes, Penycob, was fined 3s. for a similar offence in respect of an orphan niece he is bring ng up.

PETTY SESSIONS. BEFORE E. H. Wain C. P. Morgan, and Thomas Parry, Esqrs. MAINTENANCE. William Howell Pugh, a stonemason, residing at Mold, was charged by the Holywell Poor Law Union, for the maintenance of his three children who are chargable to the union. Mr. P. H. Roberts appeared on behalf of the union. An order was made for Is. 3d. for each child weekly and to pay costs 9s. Samuel Wheldon, of Manchester, was sum- mond in respect of his mother Elizabeth Matti- son, residing at Mold. Mr. G. H. Simon appeared for defendant. Complainant stated that defendant's mother was chargeable to the union and received 5s. a week. Defendant swore that he offered to take his mother to his home but she would not come. An order of 3s. a week was made, and to pay lls. 6d costs. Thomas Lawson, George Lawson, and Peter Lawson, painters, of Poutney, London, were charged by the same complainant for not main- taining their mother Emily Lawson. An order for Is. each weekly was made, and costs, £ 1 0s. 6d. Thomas Evans, timber merchant, was or- dered to pay 3s. a week, in respect of three grand children. Mr. W. H. Churton appeared for the defen- dant. Phillip Dykins, of Birkenhead, was ordered to pay 3s. a week, and costs lis. 6d. in respect of his two children who are chargeable to the union. Mr. J. B. Marston appeared for the defen- dant. LICENSING. Maria Hill, Cross Keys, Mold, was granted a transfer. Edward Roberts, Rose Inn, Tryddyn, was granted a transfer. John Jones, Leeswood Arms, Mold, was granted a transfer. Temporary authority was granted Henry Smith, Vaults, New Street, Mold. THE BLACK LIST P.C. William Gabriel, of Mold, charged John Bennell, of New Brighton, collier, with being drunk and disorderly, on the 6th January. Defendant was fined 2s. and 8s. costs or 7 days. P.C. W. Gabriel summoned Daniel Jones, of Chapel Street, for a similar offence, committed on the 13th February. Defendant did not ap- pear, and a warrant was issued. Sergeant J. D. Hughes, of Leeswood, charged Daniel Parry, John Parry and David Parry, with drunkenness, committed on the 14th Feb- ruary. Defendant David Parry was fined 5s., and 6s. 6d. costs, and John and Daniel were fined 2s. 6d., and 6s. 6d. costs each or 7 days P.C. John Ferguson charged John Williams, of Rhydymwyn, with being drunk and helpless on the 20th Feb. Complainant; locked him up. Defendant was fined Is and 7s. 6d. costs or 7 days. ASSAULT. Joseph Dodd charged Edward Edwards, with assaulting him. Complainant stated she lived at Daisy Hill, defendant lodging next door but one. On Saturday at 6 p.m., he wasgoing home, and saw defendant throwing sods through the window of his lodgings. Defendant hit com-, plainant with a poker disabling his arm. Maria Griffiths stated: Defendant lodges with us. On Saturday, defendant's wife had some words with me. Defendant kicked the door and knocked the window; he hit me on the head with a stone. Robert Davies stated that at 6 30 or 7 p.m., he saw people running. Saw Edwards with a poker he hit Joseph Dodd on the head. He took the poker from the defendant, and he kicked witness wheR-outside. George Griffiths stated Defendant is lodging with us. He tried to burst the door open. I went for the police officer. He hit my wife with stones, and struck Dodd two or three times with the poker, and kicked Davies. P.C. Davies stated that he was sent for at 6 15 on Saturday. He saw the defendant out- side excited. Lilly was hurt and Dodd was bleeding. Defendant was fined 10s. and 9s lOd. costs or 14 days.

URBAN COUNCIL. THE ordinary monthly meeting of the above was held on Tuesday night, when there were present, Messss J E. Davies (chairman), Ll. Eaton, Thomas Foulkes, F. Oliver, W. P.Jones, W Wright J. T. Morgan, J. B. Marston, R. Morris, H. LI Jones, G. H. Simon, T. Parry, G. H. Bradley (clerk), Dr. Edward Williams (medical officer), A. Bossil (drainage inspector), and Isaac Jones (surveyor). MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. The following report for the year 1896, was submitted:— To the Chairman and Members of the Mold Urban District Council. Gentlemen,—I have the honour to present my annual report for the year enuing 'Decem- ber, 1896. The following has been furnished me by the Santitary Inspector: Area in acres, 951; population, 4,457 number of new houses, 4 houses re-roofed, 0; unfit for habitation, 48; visited, 0; cases of overcrowding, 0; new pri- vies erected 4 privies converted into w.c s., 21; ash pits erected, 9; connections to new sewer, 130: new connections to old, 1; houses yet remaining to be connected to new sewer, 1C0; houses yet remaining to be connected to old sewer, 0. I beg to submit with this report the tables furnished by the Local Government Board. The first, or table A, deals entirely with the mortality of the district showing the deaths in details of each separate disease, classed over and under five years of age. Table B. deals only with cases of sickness. For Table A. I can claim accuracy, but for Table B. I fear the results are less reliable, due to difficulties in obtaining exact information. There were 62 deaths during the year, mak- ing a death-rate of 13.31 per 1,000 per annum of the population. 131 births were registered during the same period, viz., 68 males and 63 females, being a birth-rate of 29.39 per 1,000 per annum of the population. The following are the deathrates for the last PHOTOGRAPHS, -Now is the time to have our Photograph taken. Moderate Charges Clubs, Schools, Parties, &c., by appointment. D. & A. HUGHES, Photographers, Mold. six years :—1891, 17-72; 1892, 24-23: 1893, 19-74 1894, 14-58, 1895, 17 72; 1896, 13-91 making an average death-rate for the foregoing period of 17'98 per 1,000 per rtnnum. The birth-rate for the same period is as follows .—1891. 28-71 1892, 27-31; 1893, 26-45; 1894, 23*55; 1895 29-61; 1896, 29*39; making an average birth rate for that period of 27'51 per 1,000 per an- num of the population. There were three deaths from whooping cough; one at two, and two at three years of age. There were no fatal cases from zymotic disease, this being a zymotic death rate of 67 per 1,000 per annum of the population. The following are zymoticfdeath rates for the last four years 1893, 2*69; 1894, 1-12; 1895, 2 01 1886, "67; being an average zymotic death tor the past four years of 1-62 per 1,000 per annum of the population There were 5 cases of infectious diseases no- tified, viz., Scarlet fever, 2; Erysipelas 2; Diph- theria, 1 none of which proved fatal, making a zymotic rate of 1'12 per 1,000 per annum of the population. The following are the zymo- tic rates for the last four year:—1893, 14-13 1894. 7-17; 1895, 5-37; 1896. 1-12, making an average zymotic for that period of 6-9 per 1,000 per annum of the population. Infant mortality under one year 'of age amounted to 68'70 per 1,000 births registered, in comparison to a rate of 181-80 of the preceding year. From the fore- going statistics I am extremely pleased to chronicle such a low death rate, and the ex- tremely few cases of infectious disease notified during the year. Scarlet Fever.-TI-ie two cases notified were of very mild form, one being removed fto hos- pital at Rhyl. Of the three fatal cases of whooping cough, 2 occurred in January, one at Maesydre, and one in Williams' Court, New Street, and the remaining one in December in Alun Terrace. Draining and House Connection.-The progress of house connection, as represented in the in- formation furnished me by the Sanitary In- spector, has been fairly satisfactory. Much attention has been paid to ventilation, and the lines of street sewers are periodically flushed, together with any branch sewer when needed. The pumping of the sewage seems to have been regularly carrird on. I have always looked upon attention with regard to these point as of the utmost importance, anl trust that the efforts to keep these matters well attended will never be relaxed. Whilst referring to this sub- ject I should recommend that the street gulleys for the conveyance of storm water be trapped, as at present the large catch-pits to each allow their contents to become stagnant, resulting in foul exhalations. During the year a number of new closets have been erected or converted, and progress made in supplying the houses when connected with a proper flushing apparatus. The Town Water. -Dur;.ii,-the year the supply has been of sufficient quantity, quality, and at excellent pressure. In September last the Water Company commenced the construction of their storage reservoir near Moel Fammau. Sometime will elapse before its completion, as the work is of considerable magnitude When completed, the district will be assured of an abundant and wholesome supply during periods of protracted drought. The Company's mains are, with the exception of Clay Lane, in the direction of Brook Villa, laid to every part of the Council's district. There are still, however, a large number of houses without a proper supply, notwithstanding the fact the mains pass their doors. For the protection of the health of the public I earnestly ask your coun- cil to put in force the powers conferred upon you, and compel owners of property to provide a proper water supply. Your Council can then put pressure upon the company to lay a main down Clay Lane which, I believe, they are not II obliged to do without a special agreement. I have completed a list of houses unsupplied. Offensive Tnxdes and Nuisances from Smoke.— Some complaints have as usual been made on account of the nuisance from smoke, which is not so well consumed on some business premi- ses as it should be. I have had complaints arising from fish-frying. Arrangements should be suggested and made for carrying off the effluvia arising therefrom. Infectious Hospital.-This, I believe, is under the consideration of your council in combina- tion with the Holywell Rural District Council, and I trust that a satisfactory arrangement will be arrived at for the provision of a hospital. This is a matter, which I have before pointed out, must not be lost sight of if you wish the inhabitants of your district to enjoy reasonable security from zymotic disease. If adopted in- dependently of another authority, what would suffice need not be, I think, an expensive mat- ter, but it is absolutely essential that the hos pital should always be in a state of efficiency. You require a dry well built cottage, with a good water supply. It should be conveniently situated, and have about it a space suitable for the erection of huts in case of necessity. The ordinary provision of beds should be one for 1,000 contributory population. It must be kept clean, always aired, and ready for the recep- tion of patients. For this purpose a respect- able couple without encumbrance might reside there, rent free, and be paid either by salary or by so much for each case under charge. An old carriage converted into an ambulance, and a disinfecting chamber, would complete the more special feature of the establishment. All L sanitary authorities who possess, or undertake to IpnssesB, an eftlcient. isolation home should have conferred upon them by the legislature enlarged powers of compulsory removal. In conclusion, I have to thank your council for re- electing me Medical Officer of Health for your sanitary district, I have the honour, to be, Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, EDW. WILLIAMS. Medical Officer of Health, Mold Rural and Urban Districts. Plas-yn dre, Mold, February 18th, 1897. GAS AND WATER, The Clerk read correspondence between him- self and the Gas Co., after which some brisk exchanges took place between himself and Mr. W. P. Jones. Ultimately on the motion of Mr. Marston, seconded by Mr. Foulkes, it was decided that a deputation from the Council wait upon the directors of the Gas Company, DRAINAGE. A discussion took place with reference to the above. Mr. Parry proposed, and Mr. Marston seCOn- ded, that a complete plan shewing the whole of the connections made to the new sewer be pre- pared, and that the matter be brought before the Council after being dealt with by the Drainage Committee. Agreed to. Mr. Morris stated that that work ought to have been done by Mr. Boosie. Mr. Boosie stated that he did not make plans for a pound a week. Mr. Simon remarked that Mr. Boosie was employed in order to make complete plans, but now he said that that was not his work, and he would not do it. He thought they should have the matter settled, and that Mr. Morris should bring forward his resolution which he brought forward at the last meeting to the effect that the work be done by the council's surveyor. Mr. Morris moved that the Standing Orders be suspended. Mr. Simon seconded. Mr. Boosie A word of explanation. Mr. Simon: It is proposeed that the Standing I Orders be suspended. A vote was then taken when three voted for the suspension of Lhe Standing Orders, and four against. The Chairman: As two thirds have not voted the matter falls through. The matter then dropped. A HELPING HAND. Mr. Eaton pointed out with regard to the connections that there were several property owners for whom the Council were doing the work of connecting, who would experience considerable difficulty in meeting the cost at once. Heconsidered that the council should meet those people by allowing them the pay- ment by instalments. He moved that where the cost was £ 5, and upwards that the persons be allowed to pay by instalments, and that the clerk take a promissory note for the amount due. Mr. Simon seconded, and it was carried. LIGHT RAILWAYS.—INFORMATION WANTED. The Clerk stated that he had received a com muni cation from the Town Clerk of Ruthin in- viting a deputation from the Council to wait upon that body with regard to the subject of Light Railways. The letter did not refer to a special scheme. Mr. Eaton suggested that the clerk write in reply that the council would be very pleased to hear further from the Ruthin Town Council (laughter). The Chairman: Perhaps it would be desirable to have further information (renewed laugh- ter). ° The matter then dropped. TOLLS. In reply to Mr. Morris, Mr. Morgans stated that the total receipts for the month was £ 1 Is. 7d., the expenses on that account were £ 1, leaving a balance of Is. 7d. ATTENDANCES. The Clerk read the following attendances of the members during the past twelve months, including Committees, ordinary meetings, and special meetings of the council Mr. R Morris, 37 T. Parry 32 Foulkes 31 Marston 31 Morgans 30 Roberts 08 W.P.Jones 27 Wright 25 H. LI. Jones 25 J. E. Davies 24 Eaton 24 Simon 22 Rowe 15 Oliver 11 L. Lewis (Leeswood) 7

LIVERPOOL. (FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) LIVERPOOL, Thursday. Victoria Chapel, Crosshall Street.The anni- versary service,, of this church commenced on Saturday evening, and continued throughout Sunday, when the Revs. W. E. Prydderch, Swansea; Thomas Charles, Gwalchmai; and William Morris Jones (pastor), officiated on the occasion, there being large congregations on both Saturday and Sunday evenings. St. David's Day at Bootle and, Brkenhe(d. The annual competitive meeting of the C. M, chapel, Peel Road, Bootle, was held on Monday evening, with Mr. Thomas Parry in the chair; and on the same evening, the Welsh Congrega tionalists of Clifton Road, Birkenhead, held their annual competitive meeting (and concert combined), Mr. Henry Jones presiding, and the Rev. J. O. Williams (Pedrog), being the conductor. The various competitions, includ- ing recitations, pianoforte solos, soprano, enor and baritone songs, were followed with unbound- ed enthusiasm by an exceedingly large au- dience. Variety was also given to the programe by musical contributions from Madame Katie Williams, Mr. Edgar Barri, and Mr. J. R. Jones. Miss Millieent Richards presided at the piano. Choral Festival at the Old Welsh Church of St. David. — Spacious as is the building, the old sacred edifice at the foot of Brownlow Hill was crowded last Saturday evening, there being held a choral service by the united choirs of St. David's, St. Asaph's (Kirkdale), and St.' Winifred's (Birkenhead). The Rev. James Davies, M.A., intoned the service while the lessons were read by the Rev. E. Williams, Kirkdale; and the Rev. Robert Edwards, Birkenhead (respectively). The nthem, 'Praise ye Jehovah' (Parry, Llanrwst), was magnifi- cently rendered. The best and oldest of Welsh hymns and tunes were exquisitely sung by the united choirs, such hymns as 'I Galfaria fcrOf fy wyneb' (Capel y Ddôl); '0 llefara addfwyn lesu' (Hyfrydol); 'Disgyn lesu o'th gyntedd- oedd' (Tyddyn Llwyn); and 'Pwy welaf 0 Edom yn d'od' (St. Andrews), being highly appreciated by all present. The Rev. E. T. Davies (Dyfrig), vicar of Pwllheli, who laboured for years with so much success as the WTelsh ineubent of St. David in this city, delivered an eloquent and powerful discourse, appropriate to the occasion, full of Welsh fire and intense earnestness, which was listened to with rapt attention. His subject, based on Psalm cxxxiv. 1st verse, was 'The power and place of praise in Divine worship.' I might mention that the same service was repeated on Sunday at the several Welsh churches of St. Winifred (Birkenhead), St. Asapb (Kirkdale), and St. David (Liverpool). Welsh Band oj Hope Festival.—hnnt Saturday afternoon, a, meeting of the Band of Hope children of the Liverpool Temperance LTnion was held in the schoolroom of the C. M. chapel Fitzcfarence Street Some fifty Bands of Hope from Liverpool, Bootle, Birkenhead, and Garston were present. Mr. William ivans, Elm Bank, presided over a crowded attenlance. The result of the various competitions in reciting and singing were as follows:—Solo for girls, 'Dim ond deilen;' 1st, Nellie Parry, Great Mersey Street chapel, and M. J. Williams, Webster Road chapel: 2nd, R. Lloyd Roberts, Everton Valley chapel; 3rd, Ernest Williams, Grove Street Schapel. For the best rendering of the piece 'Y Del,yn Pur.' a party from Anfield Road C. M. chapel, led by Mr. Philip H. Jones, was awarded the prize. In the trio competition, 'O! ble-ntvn y Nefoedd the first prize was awarded to the Anfield Road trio; the 'second was divided between the trios from the C. M. chapel, Garston, and the Wes- leyan chapel, Claughton, Birkenhead; and the third was given to the Daisy trio, from Daisy Street chapel. For reciting • Why Bertie fought,' R. Lloyd Roberts was first, and Mary Jones, Prince's Road chapel, second; whilst the prizes in the solo for boys, were equally divided between T. M. Jones, Bousfield Street chapel, Emlyn Jones, Mount Zion, and Griffith Owen, Bethlehem chapel, Nertherfield Road. Awards and certificates were distributed to those who had successfully passed the examina- tion on Charles Wakely's'' Temperance Manual for the Young. Six Band of Hope choirs from the following chapels:—Prince's Road, Garston, Anfield Road, Birkenhead (W.), Bethlehem, and Stanley Road, Bootle, entered the choral competition, a prize of £ 2 2s. being offered, which was awarded to the Bethlehem C M. chapel choir, Nertherfield Road, which was led by Miss Jones, York Terrace. The adjudicators for singing were Messrs. D. R. Jones (Alaw Madoc), and Jabez Jones: and for recitations, the Rev. W. Wynn Davies, and Mr. Edmund Griffiths, Grove Street; whilst Mrs. O. H. Jones, Liscard, presided at the pianoforte. Welsh Temperance This confer- ence was held at the schooroom of the C. M. chapel, Fitzclarence Street, last Saturday evening, the Rev. John Hughes (Glanystwyth), presiding over a large attendance In the course of the meeting, references were made to the illness of Plenydd, who is lying seriously ill at the residence of Mr. S. P Chambers, Liscard. Addresses upon the different aspects of the temperence question were delivered, by the Rev. Thomas Hughes, Bontle (W.), on 'The encouraging aspects of the temperance caused Rev. John Hughes, M. A., on I Waited Enthusiasm;' -Rev. W. Samuel (B.), on 'Tem- perance from the standpoint of duty;' and the Rev. H. P. Thomas (C.), Birkenhead, on Pursiiading men Upon the motion of Glan- ystwyth, seconded by the Rev, Peter Price (C.), a vote of sympathy was passed with Plenydd in his illness.

DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH OF DR. NANSEN. OUR Liverpool Correspondent, writing on Wednesday night, says:— I count it one of the great privileges of my life to be present at the Philharmonic Hall this evenig, inasmuch as the visit of Dr. Nansen to Liverpool is the signal for an ovation of the I heartiest and most cordial description. Such an ovation must have banished from his mind, for the moment, all the hardships and privations which he and his party suffered so heroically in the Arctic regions. DR. NANSEN MASTER OF ENGLISH. Nothing could have been more choice or more vivid than his graphic, humorous, and heart- thrilling account of his life, to which the bril- liant and distinguished assemblage listened with rapt attention. I was delighted with the felt" city of his language; yet there was sometbig about his cadences that made me conscious he was not a born Englishman. The name Nan- sen,' I observed, he pronounced as though it were spelt Naunsen,' with the accent on the first syllable. HIS MANLY FORM. [ had a full view of his noble and dignified form. Despise his healthy condition, his ap- pearance, to my mind, was not quite so rooust as one would expect it to be. He is tall and somewhat slender, his refined and sensitive face bearing upon it eone of the hard and rugged elements that one would naturally anticipate in an explorer who had passed through such ter- rible ordeals. With his fair, smooth face, spare mcustashe and light hair, he appeared to me more youthful than any of the photographs I have, perchance, seen of him. The normal ex- pression of his eyes is very gentle; but when moved to strong emotions, Dr. Nansen's glance may safely be compared to that of an eagle. FEASTING ON BEAR FLESH, &c. To me, it seemed impossible to believe that the distinguished visitor, who (in evening dress) lectured this evening (Wednesday) before a Liverpool audience, was the man who onlv some months ago feasted on bear fiesh and train oil, scraping himself with a knife, or washing his face in a small cupful of water. Yet, this is the man, and none other, standing, and at ttif same time speaking, before me on yonder plat form. HIS UTTER ABSENCE OF SELF- CONSCIOUSNESS. This, undoubtedly, constitutes his chief charm. His discourse, in my opinion, is the frank, natural de'iverance of a gentleman of rare modesty. He acknowledged it was the work of English explorers that had made his expedition possible, and he bowed in admiration to the nation that had produced them. He had studied in their school; and in equipping his expedition, had benefited greatly by their ex- perience. In short, Dr. Nansen is modest, simple, and unassuming in his manner; the airs of a man who has achieved a great and famous work being conspicuous by their absence in this eminent scientist and explorer. DR. NANSEN WITH HIS BRUSH AND PENCIL. Here I might make a reference to the Nansen Exhibition, which has just been opened at St. George's Gallery, London. It comprises a num- ber of pastels, drawn by Dr. Nansen himself, having reference to Arctic scenery, &c. These pastels suffice to show that Dr. Nansen, besides being a traveller, exp orer, lecturer, and writer, is an accomplished worker with his brush and pencil. His 'Polar Night' (a vivid sketch in orange, red, and blue) pourtrays the enchanting beauties of a calm night in the icy North; and in striking contrast to this combinations of colours is At Sunset,' wherein icebergs, tinged with a delicate pink from the sun, can be viewed, the colour of the water around being dark-blue green. Rich and magnificent pastels are also reproduced in his two volumes, which give us a better idea of the glorious colour effects of Arctic sunrises and sunsets, rising storms, and the aurora borealis, than whole chapters of description. The Polar region, in all probability, has never been so vividly brought before us as in the wonderful illustra- r tions of Dr. Nansen's book. THE GRAND SECRET OF ALL HIS ACHIEVEMENTS. The eminent explorer has eventually made known the secret of all his successes. Asked. the other day, if he would give a message for young men, the Doctor, after a moment's reflec- tion, wrote down the following characteristic reply:—' Stick to what you undertake, and you will succeed in life How characteristic of the man. There, in one sentence, is to be found what, combined with other qualities, is the grand secret of all his achievements in the Polar regions.

BANGOR. COUNTY COURT. Last Monday before his Honour Sir Horatio Lloyd, the Bangor Corporation sued A. N. Riley described as a hotel keeper, of West Broughtcn Manchester, for the recovery of £7 la. 10d in respect of water and gas and sundry werk executed for the defendant. Mr. Rodway, deputy town clerk, who appeared for the Corporation, stated that the defendant formerly occupied the Star Hutel, Bangor, and the claim was against him while he was the occupier of that hotel. The defendant did not appear, and judgment; was given for the plaintiffs for the full amounts claimed. An application was made with reference to IV salvage claims against the brigantine Rival. The action was heard in January last, and was brought by the owners of the steamer Voltaic and of the steamship Penrhyn, who respectively claimed salvage from the owners of the cargo of the brigantine Rival, which was in November jastin distress oS Point Lynas, on the Anglesey coast. She was brought from there to the Menai Straits by the steamship Voltaic, and thence again to Port Penrhyn at Bangor by the steamship Penrhyn. As the result of that hearing his Honour awarded the Voltaic E- loo salvage against the cargo of the Rival and f25 against the vessel, and £le to the Penrhyn for towage service. Mr. Rodway (Messrs. Hughes and Pritchard), on behalf of the owners of the steamer Voltaic, stated that the vessel had been sold, and the net proceeds paid into court amounted to £ 38. 4s. This was insufficient to meet his Honour's award, inasmuch as the claim of the Penrhyn and the costs amounted, to ;E38, and the claim of the Voltaic, with their apportion- ment of costs, amounted to t-31. As the Voltaic had put in a claim for life salvage the ow ers of that steamer claimed that they would have a priority in the distribution of the proceeds of sale paid into the court. Mr. Thornton Jones, on behalf of the owners of the Penrhyn, said that on behalf of his clients he had incurred the expense of arresting the Rival when she was about to ba sold, and but for that step having been taken there would have been no ship to satisfy any claims. His Honour made an order for the payment of E-15 out of the money in court to the Voltaic and the balance to the Penrhyn, en the under. standing that the latter paid the costs of arrest- ing the vessel, whieh Mr. Thornton Jones said had already been done. Robert Griffith, Llacfairfechan. claimed 93. 13s. 6d. from Henry Jones, Lianfairfechaa, for preparing plans and specifications for a house which the defendant wa.s about to build. Mr. W. Ellis appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. S. IL Dew defended. For the defence it was contended that the plans and specifications were quite inadequate, and that the defendant had to obtain Ather plans and specifications from another person, and it was in accordance with the latter that he had built his house, which cost £ 760, In cross-examination the defendant admitted having written to the plaintiff's solicitor stating that the plaintiff had not had the manliness to call for his small account; kindly inform him that it is hare ready for him.' His Honour held that this was an admission of liability on the part of the defendant, and therefore gave judgment for the plaintiff for two guineas.

It will be news to many people that the elephants at the Zoo earn 9800. In Germany a law forbids restauratenrs to serve beer to people eating fruit. London is spending nearly half a million pounds in cleaning and rebuilding one slam.

ST. ASAPH. ;r" DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT. The members of the Catholic Church held their annual entertaiment last Thursday evening, at the National Schools. Two comic pieces, en- titled The Rough Diamond,' and Paddy Miles,' were acted by a party of well-known local ama- teurs. There was a crowded attendance, and a good sum was realised. PRIMROSE LEAGUE BALL. A ball was held at the Plough Hotel on Tues- day last, the 2nd inst., in connection with the St. Asaph Branch of the Primrose League. There was a very large attendance of ladies and gentlemen, and Mr. Hafielden's band sup- plied the music. This ball was a special one, apart from the annual one, which is to be held again. The catering of the refreshments, which was done by Mr. and Miss Huntington, the new tenants of the hotel, gave every satisfaction. DEATH AND FUNERAL OF MR. BROOKE-CU IS LIFFE. The death took place on Saturday last at Tyddyn Roe, St. Asaph, in his 82nd year, of Mr. Brooke-Cuniiae, formerly of Llanrhaiadr Hall, Denbigh. The deceased, who was an uncle of Sir Robert Cunliffe, was for over twenty-five years a judge in the Province of Madras, India. The body was interred in St. Asaph Cathedral on Tuesday last, the Rev. Archdeacon Thomas officiating. Amongst the mourners were Sir Robert Cunliffe and Sir Robert Egerton. Many wreaths were sent by relatives and friends. TELEPHONE CONNECTION FROM ST. ASAPH TO BONTNEWYDD. Workmcn from the Telephone Department of the General Post Office, last Friday, completed a connection between St. Asaph Post Office and Bontnewydd, a distance of about four miles. The object of the telephone is to save the ex- pense of setting up a telegraph office in that district; and messages received at St. Asaph for Cefn Hall, Wigfair, and such places in the neighbourhood, can now be transmitted with the aid of the telephone, and delivered from Bontnewydd Post Office in a, very short space of time, which is a great saving, when compared with the way it is done at present. LITERARY SOCIETY. The last meeting of this society for this sea- son was held last Wednesday evening, the Rev. Jonathan Jones presiding. A spirited debate took place on a very interesting subject, viz.: 'Who should be the Liberal Prime Minister- Sir William Harcourt or Lord Rosebery ?' The claims of Sir William Harcourt were advocated by Mr. Henry Thomas, Glan'rafon Terrace, and those of Lord Rosebery by Mr. J. P. Jones, Liverpool House. Several other speakers fol- lowed, and the majority of the meeting decided *0 favour of Lord Rosebery, several abstaining from voting. At the close of the meeting, the committee met, and decided to celebrate the closing of the session with a soiree, to be held on Good Friday.

CHAIR EISTEDDVOD. ON Monday, a Chair and Crown Eisteddvod in onnection with the Welsh Congregationalists was held in the National Schools. Mr. Peter Roberts, J.P., presided. After the eisteddvod song, sung by Mr. E. Barlow, the President delivered his address, in which he described the aims and objects of the eisteddvod, and enlarged upon the viitue and f necessity of patriotism in connection with their national aspiration. The competitor who was disguised under th nom-de-plume of 'Prudence' carried away the prize for a well-written essay on The duties of women in connection with the temperance cause.' Marking on canvass. 1st, Miss E. H. Evans, Windmill Street, Denbigh. Only one trio appeared to compete, Miss Williams and party, from Dyserth, and they were awarded the prize. Trebor Aled, a well-known Denbigh bard, was adjudicated the winner, out of thirty-two competitors, for a stanza. Master E. H. Millward, of the County School, Abergele, was awarded honours for a clever pencil sketch. Eleven competitors competed for the prize offered for the best translation of Mercy,' a selection from Shakspere, and the award fell to Mr. Hugh Evans, Mount Villa, Flint. Miss T. Jones and Miss Edith Jones, Henllan, won the prize in the duet competition. The meeting concluded with the chief choral competition, the prize being 95, together with a silver crown for the conductor of the successful choir. Four choirs contested—the competitive piece was Dr. Stainer's anthem, Who are they arrayed in white robes?'—and they sang in the following order:—Denbigh Choral Union, Hen- llan Choral Union, Dyserth United Choir, and Groes and Nantglyn Choir. The result was announced at the afternoon meeting. Mr. R. Williams Wynn (Conservative candi- date for Montgomeryshire) presided over the afternoon meeting, at which there was a crowded audience. Miss Laura Evans, Henllan, was awarded the prize for the best rendering of a soprano solo. For button holes, the prize was awarded to E. Williams, Lawnt, Denbigh. The prize offered for the best recitation was divided between Master Irvin Tomkinson, St. Asaph, and J. G. Rogers, Rhyl. The prize was also divided in the pennillion competition on the memory of Stanley Tibbott Roberts, between T. C. Roberts, Newmarket, and Mr. Morgan Davies, St. George. Out of nivse competitors, Mr. R. G. Jones, Denbigh, contributed the most accomplished rendering of the baritone solo. The writer of the best poem was a Colwyn j bard. The quartet attracted five competing parties, but the prize was withheld. Nine competitors entered the chair contest for a poem of 200 lines on The Garden.' The adjudicator announced the successful competitor to be Mr. William Williams, Upper Bangoh As he was not present, the Chairman was chaired in his place with the usual formalities, the ceremony being performed by Buwco Penmaen and Penllyn. Mr. Wilfrid Jones, Wrexham, then delivered the adjudication on the chief choral contest, and awarded the prize to the Denbigh Choral Union, who exhibited a richness of voice and quality of tone and expression not reached by the others (cheers). The conductor of the successful choir, Mr. Edward Jones, Denbigh, was then crowned, and was invested by Miss GIn dys Howard, daughter of Colonel and Mrs. Howard. Huwco Penmaen adjudicated on the transla tion of a Welsh hymn into English, and awar- ded the prize to Mr. Owen Evans, Windmill Street, Denbigh. Mr. Barlow, St. Asaph, was awarded the prize for the most finished rendering of the tenor song. A pianoforte solo concluded the afternoon meeting. In the evening, the chair was occupied by Mr. T. Howes Roberts, Chairman of the Parish Council, and a concert was given.

MOLD. MARRIAGE. The marriage of Miss Mary Elizabeth Price, eldest daughter of Mr. John Price, coal merchant, New Street, to Mr. John Wofton, draper and out-fitter, Wrexham, was solemnised before a good company at the Bethesda chapel, on Tuesday morning last. The ceremony was performed by the pastor, the Rev. John Owen. The bridesmaids were Miss S. E. Price, and Miss Cissie Carr, Manchester, Mr George Wotton, brother to the bridegroom, being the best man. The wedding breakfast was served at the home of the bride, where a splendid dis- play of presents were viewed. The honeymoon was spent in London.