The North Wales Times

LONDON AND GLOBE FINANCE^ A SCHEME OF SALVATION. STATEMENTS BT DUFFERIS AND MR. WIJITAKER WKK;'r-r' A special meeting of the shareholders o ,^0JJ London and Globe Finance Corporation was Wednesday, to consider a resolution for the T tary winding-up of the company. There was large attendance. The Marquis of ^j, presided, and in opening the proceeding8' j„ expressing his mortification at the presen F tion of their undertaking, made a explanation as to the circumstances of g0ljs cosuu-etion with the company and the re which had led him to withdraw his reCg0ag' tendered resignation. Calling upon the iaju ing director, Mr. Whitaker Wright, to e^°\]je the circumstances that had brought abou present crisis in their affairs, the chair occasion to say that the board, as a whole, ^ar responsibility for what had occurred and r0Sts testimony to Mr. Wright's devotion to the m of the company. Mr.-Wright, at the outset, to announce that the directors had practica,'l COIll- at an arrangement with the creditors or tti resoltl- pany, and that the chairman would submit are tion tor adjournment of the meeting til Monday, when they hoped to be able to 1 the shareholders that every one of their tr>rs had been settled with and to 'oUld a scheme of reconstruction whicn tul-e, insure the prosperity of the company in the yg After complaining s'ronglv of systematic a made upon the company by newspapers bio stigmatised as "gutter rags," Mr. Wright desc^g the various undertakings in which .the a » interested, and said he did not believe they ''bad egg" among their assets. He entere ited detai's as to the embarrassments which had res from the steps taken to acquire a controllm,, rest in the Lake View Mines, and, in conc invited the shareholders to support the dsrecto assenting to the adjournment of the meeting j 14th inst. This was moved by the chairman, after some discussion, was unanimously agree

COMMONWEALTH MINISTER nEÄV, The first Ministry of the Commonwealth 0^eatfj, tralia has suffered an untimely loss by the coJ,re- which was announced by the Times Sy ne,obert spondenton Thursday morning, of Sir James born Dickson, K.C.M.G. 'Sir J. R. Dickson was » in Plymouth in 1832 and educated in « g0ll)e Emigrating to Australia, he was engaged tor a time in business in Victoria. He member ot the Legislative Assemby of Que e9rs. in 1S73, representing Ennogera for some y From May to June, 1876, he was Secretary eJ. Public Works and Mines in the aCnm0flt Ministry, and on the resignation of the Coyer became Colonial Treasurer in the new January, 1879. He filled the same post again December, 1883, to August, 1887, when a the ferenco of opinion with his colleagues on 9ion land tax led to his resignation. On this oc he also resigned his seat for Ennogera, bl1 netal again returned by his constituents. !n the g 0f election of 1888 he stood for the constitue Toombal, but was defeated, returning to fc'ie, Lca,ii)e in lS92as the member for Bulimba. In 1898 he j0 Premier and Chief Secretary of Queensland, y, that capacity was made a K.C.M.G., his nam ing in the last list of New Year honours o 3 days ago. Last year he came to England as ,o0j»l the delegates appointed to confer with the c authorities upon the Commonwealth Bill. j. 0f chosen a week ago to fill the important p Minister of Defence in the new Federal pa"'2,eljerid is matter for keen regret that the first ^je Ministry should so early lose one of its members.

THE NEW ROYAL YACH*. ADVERSE EXPERT REPORT. forty The new Royal yacht appears to be a particn unfortunate vessel, for although some sc0jt.}J) it workmen are employed on her at Portsniot < is very doubtful indeed whether w'g5Cials ready for ber ocean trials by. May. The j fi- at the dockyard are very reticent, 3Cbt formation being refused except that has been ordered to be pushed on W1 ^im- possible speed. Mr. G. L. Watson, c0ljstd" brated yacht designer, has lately been m tjje t-vtion with Admiral Sir John Fullerton, ftjjd Admiral Superintendent, and Chief Construe' ^p0rt it is understood that he has made an adverse^ q0 on the vessel. A number of further altera i the Royal deck, as well as on the upper de<-• • to suggested by Mr. Watson before he re^n sSlng, Scotland, and the authorities are now "is' jg whether these shall be carried out or,tl0j a rumoured that Mr. Watson has been oftere iincer- lmnd in the matter of alterations, but, that oJ1jy tain, and tho dockyard officials say that he been consulted.. a tfitb Some difficulty has also been experien d witb the chemicals in the non-indammable woo ere it which the cabins are lined. The chemica s is said, made too strong, with the resm .j jjftS paint peels off. A large quantity of this ^out been removed, but a good deal is still left» extensive structural alterations it canno ff0oo away. To try and dry the chemicals out or ara a number of braziers, burning coke or char kept alight on the decks night and day, with apparently little effect.

INDIAN TROOPS FOR COLONTO GAR,13,-FSONS. d-reltioll One of the first practical measures in the I ed, of army reform will shortly be officially an n fot the Secretary of State for War having jncli» some time past put in correspondence with -^rjth Office on the subject of colonial garrison e3 £ t^nt the view of relieving the pressure to som on the home establishment, a scheme gfe submitted, the object of which is to io I native regiments in India for einp,03, I cl by certain colonies which have hitherto been e ,lit wo Line battalions. The expense of these corP jfc i< be wholly borne by the home Excheque eCtioO believed that no difficulty will arise m etp0" with the proposal, as it has been foun Ong" rience that colonial service is not unpop" ttae ths the native troops in India. The idea Is tab- corps to be thus raised should be borne on lishment of the Indian Array, so that scbe*f periodically relieved. The carrying out or egt&v* would virtually add five units to the ene jjeiuS lishment of the home army. The deta1 ~g.ce tb»^ worked out, and it is the hope of the Wa g to ultimately it may be enabled by these i vvhic/1 loose permanently those battalions of ^ro\oa^ee have hitherto been locked up in isolate a £ which few, if any, opportunities have be for instruction in the most serious busm -=::

MR. KRUGEE'S ILLN'B^S. The Neues Wiener Tagcblatt has rece'lV?ntereBtip8 special quarter at The U ague some < details of Mr. Rruger's illness. The ca-.a better' tion from which Mr. Kruger suffered is JifiV0 but an entire physical alteration taken place, filling his friends with great apF^ sion. He has lost considerably in *e K'fais r*Pl face and figure show plainly the effects o change.

tar1 e" N ewspaper advertisements made < hell {,0- appearance in 1652.

ST. ASAPH (FLINT) RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL Mr. Rice J. Williams, presided at the month- ly meeting of the above Council, on Friday, and the other members present were Messrs. Perks, Edwin Morgan, Thomas Morgan, R. Morris, George Williams, Mrs. Rawlins, and Miss Ben- nett with the clerk (Mr. Grimsley), the Inspec- tor (Mr. Bell), the Surveyors, and the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. J. Lloyd Roberts). TY NEWYDD BRIDGE. A letter was read from the Rhyl Urban Council, to the effect that the chairman of the Roads Committee, and the Town Surveyor had visited the Ty Newydd Bridge, and in their opinion, a footpath four feet wide on each side of the bridge would be the most suitable. The clerk said that he had seen the engineer of the Railway Company, and he was very acxious that there should be only one foot- path. Another letter was read from the Rhyl Coun- cil, stating that the Council confirmed the recommendation of the chairman and the Town Surveyor. Mrs. Rawlins said it would be much better to have one good footpath, rather than have a narrow carriage way, and two footpaths, Mr. E. Morgan")aid be could not see why they wanted two footpaths at all. The traffic was very small at that place, and he thought it would be better to have a broader road, and one footpath. The chairman was also in favour of one foot- path. The clerk said they could do nothing more in the matter, and it was decided to pass on to the next business. NEW ROAD. The chairman stated that with regard to the new road between Rhyl and Prestatyn, the best course would be to leave the matter in the hands of the clerk for him to call a committee when the weather improved. He would pro- pose that. Mr. W. S. Roberts seconded, and the motion was agreed to, ARSENIC IN BEER. A letter was read from the Local Govern- ment Board, regarding the above matter, sug- I gesting that samples of beer be taken for analysis. It was argued by the chairman and other members that it was the duty of the County Council to take such samples. Mr. Thomas Evans—I think we all drink it on the sly (laughter). Mrs. Rawlins-That statement is not true. It was decided that the matter he referred to the County Council, as it was their business to take the samples. STEAM ROLLER. With regard to the hire of a steam roller, it was decided on the suggestion of Mr. E. Mor- gan to defer the matter until Mr. Conwy Bell made an appearance in the Council, as it was his suggestion that they should hire one. BAD STATE OF A ROAD. A letter was read from the Rhuddlan I-a,ish Council in which they stated that the road near Marsh Hotel, was in a very bad state of repair, and that that Council had dona what they could in the matter. The Surveyor said that the District Council had never repaired the road in question. Mr. R. Morris said that something ought to be done. It ought to be repaired by the land- owners. Mrs. Rawlins—Is it not our duty to force the landowners to repair the road, and if they do not, to take proceedings against them ? The Clerk-No. It is a private road. Mr. R. Morris proposed that a letter be sent to the owner of the property. Mrs. Rawlins seconded, and it was agreed to. A letter was received from the Meliden Par- ish Council complaining of the bad state of the footpath at Ffrithlas, which was covered with water. Mr. George Williams said that workmen could not go to their work, owing to the bad state of the path. The water was like a lake. The Chairman asked what had they to do in the matter. If they had any ditches that wanted cleaning, he thought that ought to be clone. The Surveyor said that the ditches did not belong to the road. He agreed that the ditches ought to be cleared. On the Wednesday pre- vious, there was about 15 acres of land under water. Mr. R. Morris proposed that they write to the owners of the property, and press them to have the ditches cleaned. Mr. George Williams seconded, and the motion was carried. TEEMEIRCHION WATER SUPPLY. The following letter was read from Mr. Pen- nant :—' I undertook to collect the money for the work (materials and labour), but not for super- intendence. I therefore consider that I am bound to supply the cash to meet the following items :—Contract and extras £ 293 17s. 3d. Keys, lis. 7d., labour by A. Foulkes, £ >\ Is., total £ 295 9s. 10d., already paid £ 282 lis. 3d., balance £ 12 18s. 7d. This balance I will pay into the bank forthwith. If I receive more, which is possible, though I have not yet re- ceived all the above, I shall pay it into' the bank, before the close of the financial year. The remainder should be fairly met, and I should say, out elf the rates (hear, hear). Mr. E. Morgan said he thought the Council ought to be very thankful to Mr. Pennant for his action in the matter. He begged to move that they convey to Mr. Pennant, the thanks of the Council for the trouble he had taken in the matter. He bad taken a great deal of trouble, as it was not a very small matter to collect S290 in a place like Tremeirchion. The chairman seconded the vote of thanks. He wished that every landlord would help them the same as Mr. Pennant had done (hear, hear). The motion, on being put to the meeting was carried unanimously. DYSERTH ROAD. The chairman said he was very glad to pay that be Dyserth road bad been repaired so far, in a very efficient manner, by the aid of the steam roller. They had only received about one-third of the stone from Penmaenmawr and there were two-thirds more to be laid on that read. There was no other business.

PETTY SESSIONS. Monday.—Before Major Birch (chairman), Dr. Easter by, and Dr. Davies. DILUTED WHISKY. j Miss Ti turns, of the Black Hotel, Rhuddlan, was charged by Inspector Pearson with selling whisky 36J under proof, the limit being 25 under proof, Defendant pleaded guilty, but explained that when she got the cask of whisky, the invoice showed it to be 10 above proof. She diluted it in the ordinary way, to bring it to the cus- tomary strength. When she got the summons, however, she examined the stock book, and found that the whisky when Hold to her was 11 under proof, A fine of El and 91 5s 9s. costs was imposed. DISGRACEFUL CASE OF NEGLECTING CHILDREN. In a case where Thomas Jones, Gemig Street, and his wife, Emma Jones, were charged by Inspector James, of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, of neglecting their children, a painful story was revealed. Mr. Joseph Lloyd, for the prosecution, said that the male defendant was a man earning good money, and used to give his wife 30s. a week to keep house, but she spent the most of it for drink. The husband then took to stopping the money, bub bought food for the children. This the wife converted to money to spond for drink, and the children were neglected. In the case of the woman, he would ask for the inflic- tion of the maximum penalty; and as to the husband, it was not altogether his fault that the children were neglected. In law, he was responsible that they should be taken care of, and he would ask that sufficient punishment should be meted cut to him. Inspector James said that he had had the family under his observation since the 12th of May last, and had visited the house on several occasions in the interim. On the Sth of Decem ber, he visited the house, and found the woman in a state of intoxication The children were ill-nourished, insufficiently clad, filthy, and verminous. There was no food in the house, which was also destitute of furniture, and the bed had no covering. Two days later, he visited the house again, and found'things even in a worse state. He then called Dr. Lloyd in. On the 10th December, he spoke to the male defendant in Rhyl. The man said that he earned 35s. a week, and gave 30a. to his wife; who spent it in drink. He then stopped the money, and bought food for the children, but that his wife sold, and spent the proceeds in drink. The Inspector added that the way in which the children were neglected was likely to cause them unnecessary suffering and en- danger their health. Sergeant Pearson corroborated the evidence of the Inspector; and added that on Saturday night, the defendants were disgracefully drunk in the house, and the children crying pitifully. When he went there, both made all sorts of charges against him. But he must say. that when the woman was in gaol, the children were well looked after by their father. The male defendant repeated that he used to give money to his wife, but she spent it in drink. As to the disturbance on Saturday, he said that he had gone home to see his children, and fell asleep on a chair. While he was sleep- ing, his wife stole 35s. from hia pocket. The woman, who conducoed herself in a most uncontrollable manner during the hearing, and was threatened with expulsion from the court several times, pleaded guilty, but protested that she would behave better and be a different woman in future. She pleaded hard that she should not be sent to prison again. The Chairman, addressing Thomas Jones, said the bench found him guilty of a technical offence, because he was responsible for the care of his children. But after hearing what had been said of him, they would deal leniently in his case. He would be tined 5s. and JE1 9a. 6d. costs, or in default 14 days' hard labour. As to Emma Jones, the four months' imprisonment she had undergone for a similar offence, did not seem co have done her any good. She would now be sent to gaol for six months with hard labour, the heaviest penalty they had the power to inflict. When the woman heard the sentence, he fell out of the box on to the floor of the court, where she lay motionless for several minutes, Dr. Lloyd attending to her. DRUNK ON BOXING DAY. John Durcan, Penycob, pleaded guilty to a charge preferred against him by P.C. Roberts, of being drunk and disorderly in the Roe, tn the 26th of December. The officer stated that about a quarter to eleven on the night in question, he saw the defendant in the Roe, very drunk, and using bad language. When asked to go home, he said he would not go for witness nor anyone else. When he threatened to lock him up, defendant said he could not do so. Fined 5s. and 7s 6d. coats. A DENBIGH WOMAN DRUNK, AND REFUSING TO QUIT. Catherine Lloyd, described as a tramp, late of Vale Street, Denbigh, was brought up in custody, charged by Sergeant Pearson with being drunk and disorderly on Saturday night in Denbigh Road, St. Asaph. Prisoner pleaded guilty. Sergeant Pearson stated that on Saturday afternoon he was called in to the Bryn Dinas Hotel, where he saw defendant drunk. She refused to go out, and when he proceeded to put 'her out, she threw herself on the floor, and scrsamed, saying he had broken her leg. When he got her into Denbigh Road, she again threw herself down, and screamed fearfully. He then locked her un. Replying to the Chairman, witness said that the prisoner came straight from the Denbigh train, and went to the Chvydian Vaults. She was refused the-e, and she then went on to the Bryn Dinas. He had known the woman for about 20 years, and she was more like a lunatic than anything else when in drink. Mary Adams, barmaid at the Bryn Dinas, stated that prisoner went i.ni:o the bar of that hotel on Saturday afternoon, and asked for a glass of whisky. When she refused to serve the woman, she called her the most infamous names, and used infamous language. She called Sergeant Pearson in, and corroborated what he said. Prisoner said that she was quite sober when she left the train. The Chairman—Where did you get your drink? Did this young lady serve you? Prisoner—I do not remember. The Chairman—Had you anything in your pocket? ö Prisoner—Yes, sir. I lost half a crown. The Chairman—No, no. Had you a bottle? Prisoner-No, sir. The woman was sent to prison for seven days, with hard labour.

RHYL. "r- NORTH WALES FANCIERS ASSOCIATION. The annual general meeting of the above association was held on Thursday afternoon, in Rhyl, Mr. J. M. Porter, ot Colwyn Bay in the chair. Among other members present were Messrs. Harker Percival (Rhyl), Muir (Ban- gor), Routledge (Llandudno), Maitland (Hafod- unoa) and Cartwright (Colwyn Bay), hon. sec. A balance sheet for last year was presented showing a balance of £8 Is. 3d. in hand, the secretary explaining that this favourable balance was largely due to the faet that the chairman of committee (Mr. J. M. Porter) had taken a great deal of the expenses of the show last year on his own shoulder. The chairman remarked that Mr. Cartwrighfc had-also performed the secretarial duties free of charge, and Mr. E. H Davies had given the use of his offices, &e. without charge. The balance sheet was adopted. It was resolved to ask Col. Platt, to act as president of the society- for another year, a vote! of thanks being passed to him for his services in the past. Votes of thanks were also passed to Col. Savage, Col. Sandbach, Messrs. Hadley, Glynne, and Byrne, for their service as vice presidents last year, and to Mr. E" H. Davies, Cohvyn Bay, for his assistance in connection with last year's show, and also to Messrs J. Dewar and Sons, and Messrs. John Haig and Co. for silver cup, and to the trades- men aDd inhabitants of Colv.'ya Bay District for 53 special prizes. Letters were read from Messrs. T. Maysnnor Gee, and Glynne, offering suggestions, and ex- pressing their wishes for the welfare of the society, but regretting inability to attend. Col. Sandbacli, Col, Savage, Mr. Hadley, Mr. Glynne, the Rev. J. S Hawoith, Colwyn Bay. Mr. Marriott, Llanrwst, Col. C. S. Main war- ing, and Mr. Edmond Buckley, Barmcuth, were elected vice-presidents; and a general committee was appointed as follows:Repre- senting Rhyl and District. Messrs. S. Gibson, Percival and Harker, Colwyu B»,y; Messrs. Johnson, Porter and Cartwright, Bangor, Messrs. Frank Porter, Muir, and Farrar Ro. berts, Festiniog; Messrs. J R. Jones, Mait- land, and Blackwall, Dolgelley; Dr. Jones, Mr. John Williams (Criccieth), and Dr. Glad- stone Jones; Denbigh, Ruthin, and Corwen, Messrs. J. V. Williams, Derwen, and J. H. Gibbs, Denbigh Llandu Ino, Mr, J. Rouiledge and W. C. Roberts, Mr. W. Savage, Bangor, was appointed hon. veterinary surgeon; Mr. Sidney Gibson, Rhyl, hon. auctioneer; Mr. Ampblett, Col- wyu B1.Y. hoc. solicitor, and Mr. Percival, Rhyl, and Mr. Muir, Bangor. hon. auditors. Mr. Cartwright and Mr. Richard Booth, were elected hon. secretaries. Miss Ethel Harker. Mr. Gordon Harker, Rhyl; Messrs. Simon Williams, Llandudno Junction W. T. Davies, and David Calder, Flag Staff, Colwyn Bay, werfi elected new members. Hearty votes of thanks were passed to Mr. Cartwright, as secretary, and to Mr. J. M. Porter, as chairman.

PETTY SESSIONS. Tuesday, before Dr. Eyton Lloyd (in the chair), Messrs. J. H. Ellis, and W. Bulleock. TRANSFER. On the application of Mr. R. Bromley, the license of the Britannia Inn, was transferred from Mr. W. Hall, to Mr. J. H. Smith, of Rhyl, who recently purchased the house. Before proceeding with the application Mr. Bromley took advantage of the fact that these were the first sessions in the new year, bo wish the justices a happy new year. The chairman on behalf of his brother magistrates, thanked Mr. Bromley, and return- ed the compliment. SLEEPING GUT. John Richard Williams, B,ick Windsor street, and John Evans, Victoria road, were brought up in custody, charged with sleeping in an outhouse at Penycefndy brick works, dur- ing the previous night. Williams an old offender was sent to prison for 2l days with hard labour, and Evans for 14 days with hard labour. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. Sarah Hollingsworth, 80 Vale road, Rhyl, was charged by Inspector Toyne, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, with cruelly illtreatiog a donkey by withholding food from it. The Inspector stated that on visitiug the defendant's stable on the 17th of December, he found an ass there in a crouching position and trembling condition. It was in a very emacia- ted and starved condition. There was no food or water in the place, and it evidently hid not been fed for some time. He called to see the animal again on the 18th and 19th, but found no improvement. He asked defendant if she had fed the animal, and she said she had nob, but that it went out somewhere to grass some- times, and that she occasionally gave it bread. She said she had no food to give it. Defendant—Good gracious man. No such thing. Did the donkey not run when it ivas let out of the stable. Witnesr,-It nearly fell. It could not run. P.C. J. E. Hughes corroborated Toyne's evidence. Mr. Frank Booth, veterinary surgeon, Col- wyn Bay, gave evidence as to the condition ot the donkey. The animal suffered from no organic disease, and its condition must have been brought about by insufficient feeding. Defendant said that the donkey was turned out to a field every day, and was brought home at night. She denied the charge most vehemently. Defendant was fined 5s. and 9s. 6d. costs. Hugh Edward Hughes, grocer's assistant, Old Colwyn, was summoned by the same officer for ilItreating a horse by beating it, on the 26th of December. Inspector Toyne deposed to seeing the defendant in charge of a horse and governess' car in which there were six persons. The animal was covered with lather, and trembling from the effects of over driving. On its sides were also weals as if it had been whipped. Sergeant McWalters corroborated, Defendant denied the over driving and the beating. The pony was very fat, and it sweated on the road. A fine of 5s. and 9s. 6d. costs was imdosed. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. THE 'OLD SOLDIER'S EXCUSE.' Isaac Jones, 175 Vale road, was charged by P.C. Hughes, with being drunk and disorderly on the 22nd of December. The officer stated that he saw the defendant near the Dudley Hotel, drunk and fighting with another man, and he and another con- 'I stable had ;v:reat trouble In separating them. Defendant denied the charge, and said he was merely boxing with the other man under ¡ the railway arch. When they saw the officers coming, they put on their coats and walked away. It was untrue that the police had separated them. In the course of a long state- ment, defendant said that he was a, member of the Anglesea Militia, and was under orders to proceed to Aldershofc to undergo a course of riding preparatory to going out to South Africa. Replying to the court, he said he had no document to prove that, but the order had been issued. Defendant against whom there was a long list of previous convietious for drunken and d sorderiy conduct, and assaults on the police, was fined 2, 6d. [Hd 8s. 6d. costs. John Hughes, Brickfield terrace, was fined 2s, 6d. and costs, for being drunk ana disorder- ly on the same occasion as the defendant in the previous case, and a like amount lor a similar offence on another occasion, Peter Jones, 41 Crescent road, was lined 2s 6d. and 7s. 6d. costs for being drunk on the 21st December. V

ANNUAL MEETING- OF THE LOCAL BRANCH OF THE K.S.P.C.A. The annual meeting of the Rhyl and District Auxiliary of the Royal Society for the Pre vention of Cruelty to Animals was held ia the Grosvenor Hotel, on Tuesday afternoon. Mr. R. Llewelyn Jones, C.C. (chairman) presided, and there were present Mrs. Foulkes, St. Melangell, Miss Wynne Edwards, and other ladies, together with Messrs. J H. Ellis, J.P., Joseph Williams, H. A. Steer, J. A. Mulligan, Robert Old field, J. Aidaey (hon. sec.), and Inspector Toyne. The secretary stated that hn had received a letter from the general secretary asking for it remittance before the end of the year just past, and inresponse he bad remitted £ 80 (hear, hear). In acknowledging the receipt of this remittance, the secretary intimated that Inspec- tor Toyne would be removed to Llandudno, but would continue to work the Rhyl district from that town. U The Inspector read his report of the work done in Rhyl and district. During the year, 17 persons had been convicted for various acts of cruelty, and fines had been inflicted amount ing with cests to £ 7S 9s, 91. no portion of which was received by the society. The coaching traffic during the summer season had been cllr; fully watched by the resident inspector and six additional occasional inspectors. The fairs and markets in the district had been regularly attended, and the treatment of all animals watched. Several drivers and others had been cautioned against unduly beating animals. These cases had been duly reported to the society in London. The slaughter of animals in the district was carried out in a very hum- ane manner, and there was an improvement in the treatment from place to phce. In conclus- ion the officer begged to record his thanks to the police officers of the three counties for the valuable assistance they had rendered to him during the past year. U 1 Mrs. Wynne Foulkes remarked that she saw no reference to cats deserted by summer shop keepers. It was quite a common pract'OJ for people who left their shops for the winter to turn their cats astray or leave them behind to starve. The Inspector said that he paid much attention to this matter, but was not always able to detect the presence of cats in empty houses. The Secretary also said that he had taken an interest in the matter, but could not get any evidence of desertion nor could he find cats, but was perfectly well aware that cats were deser- ted as stated. He further submitted his report for the year, By donations and subscriptions 958 19a. 11Jd. had been received, this with balance in hand from the previous year, had enabled thetn to remit £ 60 to the, parent soc- iety. The expenses for the year were £ l 18s. 6d. and there was a sum of 18s. Sd. to carry for- ward to this year. The Inspector, he added, had done very good work, and the inhabitants of the district seemed to take a kindlier inter- est in the work of the society in the suppres- sion of cruelty to dumb animals. The list of subscribers had greatly increased in 1895. There were 95 subscribers, but last year they had increased to 508. The reports of the inspector and the secre- tary were adopted. Mrs. Wynne Foulkes asked if the donkey stand on the sands had been finished. The secretary said that the shed had been finished, and the District Council had gone further than the society expected. They had provided a room for the boys in charge of the donkeys to have their food in. Mr. Foulkes—That is very nice. The Chairman moved a vote of thanks to the Council for the manner in which they had met the wishes of the society. Mr. Joseph Williams seconded, and the vote was carried. Mr. Ralli was re elected president, Mr. R. 1.1. Jones, chairman, and Mr. Aidney, secre- tary for the ensuing year. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. H. A. Steer, a vote of condolence was passed with Mrs. Rowley Conwy, Bodrliyddliiiu in her bereavement in tne death of her young- est son, Mr. Ivor Rowley Conwy, which took place early on Monday morning. The Chairman also moved that on the removal of Inspector Toyne to Llandudno, that an expression of the committee's appreciation of the officer's services be recorded on the minutes, and regretting the change in his residence. This was also unanimously carried. Inspector Tcyne thanked the members for their kind expressions, and the meeting closed.

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE DISTRICT COUNCIL. A special meeting of the Urban District Council was held on Wednesday afternoon, when there were present, Messrs. J. S. Green- haltfh, J.P., F.R.G.S. (chairman), J. H. Ellis, P. Mostyn Williams, David Griffiths, Thom"s Whitley, J. W. Jones, H. A. Tilby, T. D. Jones. A. Maltby, Joseph A. Williams, Cap- tain Keatinge, and Mr. A. Rowlands (clerk). A NEW BILL IN PARLIAMENT. The object of the meeting was to consider and (if thought fit), to pass a resolution that the Council do confirm the promotion of a bill in the ensuing session of Parliament entitled 'A bill to authorise the Urban District Council of Rhyl to construct additional Waterworks, and to make further provision in regard to the Health, Local Government Improvement, and Finance of the Urban Districs, and for other purposes.' The Chairman moved and Captain Keatinge seconded that such a resolution be passed. Mr. J. A. Williams asked if he was in order in moving the elimination of a clause in tie bill restricting the hours for carriages to re- main on the stands on Sunday. The Clerk said that the question to be decid- ed that day was whether they would incur the expense of a bill in parliament. The bill had been deposited as it was in the draft before the Council, and they could not amend it at that f-tage. In the next stage it would be examined by the examiner of tho House of Commons to see if all the standing orders of the House had been complied with. Alter that] there would be an opportunity to amend any of the clauses should it be thought desirable to do so. The resolution was then unanimously passed. COMPLIMENTS OUT OF ORDER. Captain Keatinge remarked that as this wrs the lirsb meeting of the Council in the new year he desired on behalf of the members to wish the chairman a very happy and prosper- ous new year, and that their meetings be opened in order, conducted in peace, and closed in harmony,' during the new year (laughter and applause). The Chairman said that as the meeting been ca'led to consider a special Bobject 1 g0tt irregular to propose compliments ot the 8 then. Last year they hsd had storms, in the future, hs hoped they won1 htar)- none, and they must be regular (la«g The first ordinary meeting of the Conn the new year would be on Mond»y» aI\a0py would be the time to wish the Council a new year. THE MARINE LAKE A SKATING LUEK. he. The Chairman said that Mr. Hudson, lessee ot the Marine Lake had on> if the lake was flooded now ths frost jjBg so that it be frozen for the purposes ( he would give half of the proceeds de:'lYhi1 from skaters to the Council. He proP°fuorIsed the surveyor ana water engineer be Ituthons to arrange the matter. »u{ Mr. Whitley reminded the Con«cu g regard must be paid to the fact that repaiis to be carried on now on the lake 3' by that was why it was now empty. P0r ,,euse letting water in they would incur moraex* than they would profit by the skating- P, Mr. J. posal which was carried.