CARNARVON TRADERS The Repository of all Things Historical for the Ancient Welsh Town of Carnarvon |  |
Home
Contents
What's New
News
List of Trades
Directories
Census
Miscellaneous
Biographies
Images
Parish Chest
Books
Caernarfon Ddoe/
Caernarfon's Yesterdays
Contact & Links
Copyright
THE NEWS ROOM
1892
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: January 1st. 1892.
THE DRILLING OF THE MILITIA
Lance-Corporal J. O. Jones (Royal Welsh Fusiliers) writing to his parents at Carnarvon, from Peshawar, India, observes: "I do not wonder that Captain Griffith drills the militia so thoroughly after being so long in this battalion, which is considered one of the best in India for drill and shooting. They made a splendid record in the Black Mountains.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: January 8th. 1892.
THE MAYOR REMEMBERS THE POOR
The Mayor (Mr. John Davies) has distributed two cwts of coal to more than 300 poor people of the town - the total quantity being between thirty and forty tons.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: January 8th. 1892.
 |
BAZAAR AND SALE OF WORK AT CARNARVON
The annual bazaar and sale of work in aid of the Carnarvon Model National Schools was held at the Guild Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday. The room had been tastefully decorated with bunting by Instructor Merrifield, and the stalls had been kindly draped by Messrs. Pierce and Williams, Golden Goat. The American stall was a great attraction, being laden with second-hand goods of every description, including china, furniture, clothing, books, music, &c. The other stalls were also replete with useful and ornamental articles, and a brisk trade was made, the receipts for the first day amounting to nearly £70. Before the bazaar was opened on Tuesday, the Rev. J. W. Wynne Jones observed that the schools, according to the diocesan inspector, were in an eminently satisfactory state, and, thanks to the indefatigable exertions of the attendance officer (Mr. McLaughlin) the attendance at all the schools in the town had greatly increased during the year. The proceedings were afterwards opened by Mr. Lloyd Hughes, Coed Helen, who referred to the interest taken in the school by members of his family. On Wednesday, Sir Llewelyn Turner opened the proceedings. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. John Davies) patronised the bazaar with his presence and purchased a large number of articles. In the evenings a band of children from the Infant School, under the able direction of Miss Parry gave selections of songs, recitations, and music drill, all showing the admirable discipline of Miss Parry. The accompanist was Miss Williams, assistant mistress. One of the pianos was kindly lent by the North Wales Music Company, per Miss Roberts. The Vicar (the Rev. J. W. Wynne Jones) and the honorary secretary (Mr. R. Pughe Griffith) deserve the highest praise for the manner in which the whole arrangements were carried out, and the success of the bazaar is due to a large extent to the excellent service rendered by them.
The following ladies presided at the different stalls:-
MODERN FANCY STALL:- Lady Turner, Miss Picton Jones, Mrs Pughe Griffith and Miss Pughe Griffith, Mrs. Gibb, Mrs. Morgan, and the Misses Sampson.
AMERICAN STALL:- The Hon. Mrs. Wynne-Jones, Mrs. Roberts, Bryn Celyn; the Misses De Winton, Miss Newton, Miss Rolfe, Mrs. C. H. Rees, the Misses Rees, Old Bank.
SUNDAY SCHOOL STALL:- The Misses Jones, Fronheulog; Mrs. John Rees, Mrs. Menzies, Miss Bugbird, Miss Roberts, Anglesey Inn; and Miss Dakey.
REFRESHMENT STALL:- Mrs. Owen Thomas, Mrs. Parry Jones, Mrs. Jones, Minafon; and Mrs. Herbert Humphreys.
FAIRY WELL:- Miss Katie Holmes and Miss White.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: January 15th. 1892.
 |
FIRE
About two minutes to six on Tuesday morning, the premises of the Star Tea Company, High-street, were discovered to be on fire. The alarm was at once given, and a messenger was sent for the manager to Garnons-street. In the meantime a crowd had gathered, and wanted to burst open the front door, but a young constable (P.C. 27) stoutly resisted such a proposal until the brigade had arrived. The fire brigade, under the charge of Mr. Thomas Roberts, (foreman) was early on the scene, Deputy Chief-constable Davies, Sergeant Pritchard, and a number of constables being also present. Immediately upon the manager opening the door the flames raged furiously, the exposure to the wind having kindled the smouldering partition between the front and back premises. Fortunately the brigade were ready with their hose, and the fire was soon got under. A large quantity of the stock was destroyed, chiefly by water. The police and the firemen afterwards visited the cellar, where everything was found to be all right. On going upstairs they found the rooms full of smoke, but there was no fire. It was with some difficulty that they were able to reach and open the windows, the smoke being exceedingly dense. The origin of the conflagration is a mystery. The police found that the gas had been turned off at the meter. There were no open grates or stoves from which hot cinders could have started the conflagration. No matches for sale were kept on the premises. No rats had given the tenant no trouble, and it can only be surmised that the mice may have ignited matches kept to light the gas. The enterprising proprietor has been fortunate in securing the temporary tenure of the shop next door, lately occupied by Mr. J. R. Edwards, printer, and the business will be carried on without interruption.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: January 29th. 1892.
LLOYD'S AGENT
Mr. Hugh Richards, Ship Broker, Market-street, has been appointed Lloyd's Agent for the Carnarvon district. There were several other applicants. Mr. Richards, who is resident in Carnarvon for fiteen years, has had great experience in connection with shipping in Liverpool and London. The appointment of a gentleman of such experience and integrity gives great satisfaction, we understand, to local shipowners.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: February 26th. 1892.
The Star Supply Stores remove back to their old shop - 53, High-street, - now much enlarged, on Thursday next, March 3rd.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: February 26th. 1892.
A CURIOSITY
There is now exhibited in the windows of Mr. Hugh Williams, Eastgate-street, a very fine specimen of the English Bittern (Botaurus Stellaris). This bird, which is known in Wales as "Deryn y Bwn," is now very rarely met with. Only four or five specimens are known to have been seen in this country during the last 75 years. It was shot at Llangeinwen, Anglesey, in January last.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: April 8th. 1892.
COMPLIMENT TO A LOCAL FIRM
The firm of Messrs. Hugh Jones and Co., has been entrusted with the contract to supply slabs and manufactured slate for all buildings under the control of the War Office at home and abroad. The contract is for three years. In notifying the same, the authorities acknowledged the complete satisfaction which the same firm had given during nine years they had carried out the same contract before.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: April 8th. 1892.
FIRE
About half-past one on Sunday morning an alarm was given to Sergeant Pritchard that the house of Mr. Kinsley, photographer, was on fire. Immediately after receiving the alarm he proceeded to acquaint Mr. Thomas, Guild Hall keeper (the knocker-up of the fire brigade) of the fact; thence proceeding in company with Mr. R. H. Barlow, down to the fire station for the reel; afterwards making their way with as little delay as possible towards Mr. Kinsley's abode. Meantime, however, the fire had been effectively extinguished by members of the household. Assistance was given on the occasion by P.C.'s 40 and 66 (Owens's), and Mr. Thomas Roberts, another fireman. It seems that the fire broke out through the negligence of Mr. Kinsley's son in not putting out the candle, which was placed on a chest of drawers, when going to bed. Mr. Kinsley complimented Sergeant Pritchard and the other gentlemen on their promptitude, the whole time taken being only fifteen minutes. The loss is estimated at £6.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: April 22nd. 1892.
COLONEL DYKE'S ENTERTAINMENT
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings, Colonel Dyke attracted large audiences to the Guild Hall, his extraordinary entertainment being highly amusing and decidedly clever. His legerdemain performances were wonderful, and his vetriloquism marvellous. As an instrumentalist and a vocalist he displayed rare abilities. In fact, the whole entertainment, free as it was from any vulgarity, was a combination of fun and mystery. The dioramic scenes were exceedingly beautiful and interesting, and the frequent plaudits proved the immense delight which a varied programme of a refined character gave the assembly. Miss Lena Love's psychological achievements were enthusiastically cheered, her "thought transmission," whilst blindfolded, being astonishing.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: May 13th. 1892.
LLANBEBLIG CHURCHYARD AND CREMATION
At the annual vestry held at Llanbeblig Church, last Thursday, the vicar in the chair, the vicar drew attention to the fact that the churchyard was rapidly getting filled up and that it would be very soon necessary to get an extension of the churchyard, and at the same time said that it would be much better if people would use earth to earth coffins and not enclose the coffins in brick vaults as it retards the decomposition. Dr. Owen suggested cremation to the notice of the vicar; but the vicar thought that the expense would be against the adoption of the system.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: May 20th. 1892.
AN AGITATION AMONGST THE JOINERS
The joiners of the town are agitating for an advance of wages to 5s. a day. Some of the masters have already granted their request, while others refuse. Much dissatisfaction, also, is expressed among journeymen that their daily working hours are longer than those of other towns in the district. Why, they ask, should the joiners of Carnarvon work from six to six when in other places similar workmen leave at five?
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: May 27th. 1892.
THE JOINERS' AGITATION
The joiners of the town, as was briefly mentioned in our last issue are agitating for an increase of salary. At present, they have no standard wages. Although some employers pay their men 27s. a week, others only pay 26s., 25s., and even 24s. The men have consulted together with the result that they have placed their demand for an increase all round to 30s. a week. The largest employers have conceded the men's demands, but in one or two cases, it is not unlikely that the joiners will have to resort to a strike.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: June 3rd. 1892.
THE JOINERS' AGITATION
On Saturday evening, the joiners of the town held a meeting at the Mark-lane Schoolroom to receive the reply of the various employers to their demand for an advance of wages. Mr. Henry Thomas, was voted to the chair, and Mr. W. Jones, Bank-quay, appointed secretary. Favourable replies were received from Messrs. Owen Morris, D. Williams, Edward Parry, John Roberts, and William Pritchard. Mr. John Hughes, contractor, could not accede to the men's demands, while another employer did not think it worth his while to send an answer either way. A deputation was appointed to wait on the two last gentlemen, and to report the result of their interview to a meeting held on Tuesday evening. At the latter meeting it was decided that all joiners throughout the town should give 14 days' notice to their various employers to terminate all contracts unless the advance asked for be conceded by the 18th. inst.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: June 17th. 1892.
RETIREMENT OF MR. AND MRS. PUGH
We understand that at the close of the present month Mr. and Mrs. Pugh will retire from the proprietorship of the Royal Sportsman Hotel, after a most successful management during the past 21 years. Their successors are Mr. and Mrs. Tom Armstrong, of Penrith, Cumberland, who were married a few weeks ago, at Lincoln. This well-known hostelry has long been recognised as one of the two best-conducted hotels in all North Wales. Mr. and Mrs. Pugh retire to Ty Newydd, in Castle-street, with the hearty good wishes of a very large cirlce of friends and acquaintances.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: June 24th. 1892.
NARROW ESCAPE
On Sunday morning last, while Mr. Griffith Williams, grocer, Palace-street, was eating his dinner, he accidentally swallowed a bone, which stuck in his throat, in consequence of which he was in great agony. Dr. W. G. Owen, High-street, was immediately sent for, and soon extricated the obstruction. Had it not been for the promptitude of the doctor the sufferer would probably have choked.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 29th. 1892.
DELIGHTFUL HALF-HOLIDAY TRIPS
Mr. T. Armstrong, of the Sportsman Hotel, has very happily hit the public taste, and supplied a long-felt want, by running a coach-and-four on Thursday afternoons in the distroct for half-holiday pleasure-seekers. Two trips have already been made - the first to Beddgelert and the next to Clynnog, and on both ocassions the "outing" was pronounced to be most delightful. These runs are likely to become more and more popular as they well deserve to be.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: August 12th. 1892.
The railway between Carnarvon and Afonwen being a single line, much delay frequently arises in consequence of the necessity of keeping the trains at Carnarvon until the arrival of the train from Afonwen, and vice versa. We understand that it is the intention of the railway company to provide a commodious siding at Dinas (an intermediate station and the junction with the narrow gauge line to Rhyd-ddu) with a view of enabling up and down trains to pass each other, and thus obviating the present inconvenience. This will be a great boon.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: August 26th. 1892.
ATTACKED BY A BULL
On Tuesday morning, Mr. John Hughes, farmer, Maes Merddin, near Carnarvon, was attacked by his own bull on his farm, and succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday night.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 2nd. 1892.
LAMP ACCIDENT - NARROW ESCAPE
On Saturday night, between 10 and 11 o'clock, an accident which might have had a very serious result happened at No. 1, Gelert-street. It appears that a little girl was carrying a lamp to a bedroom when the lamp exploded. The oil took fire, and some of the bed clothes caught fire. An alarm was at once given, and through the help of neighbours, who promptly arrived on the scene, the fire was extinguished before much damage was done.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 30th. 1892.
RAGGED SCHOOL
On Wednesday afternoon the members of the above school assembled together to enjoy a treat given them by Captain and Mrs. Richard Jones, ship "Astrakana," 42, New-street, who are now on their voyage to San Francisco. The arangements were successfully carried out by the teachers, assisted by other kind friends. Among those present were Mr. J. Davies (the Mayor), Rev. Dr. Hughes, Miss K. Hughes, and the Misses Jones (sisters of the donor). The treat gave entire satisfaction to those present, and all seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. The meeting terminated with passing a vote of thanks to Captain and Mrs. Jones for their kindness, which was proposed by Mr. David Jones, Llys Arfon, and seconded and supported by the Rev. Dr. Hughes and the mayor.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: October 7th. 1892.
ENTERTAINMENT
Barnard's marionettes, Professor Hobner, and the Manard rifle team are announced to appear at the Guild Hall for four nights next week.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: October 7th. 1892.
FIRE
About three o'clock on Thursday morning, Mr. J. C. Jones, draper, noticed a brilliant flame arising from the back premises of Mr. Griffith Roberts, grocer, Bridge-street. He immediately aroused Mr. Roberts, and the alarm having been given the police were soon on the spot. It appeared that some boxes in the back yard had taken fire, and had it not been for the timely discovery the consequence might have been very serious as there were some flammable goods in close proximity to the boxes. However, the outbreak, such as it was, was soon extinguished. How the fire originated is a mystery.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: October 14th. 1892.
MARIONETTES
During the week, Barnard's Marionettes entertainment has been attracting large audiences at the Guild Hall. The performances were highly amusing and produced irresistable laughter.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: October 28th. 1892.
ACCIDENT AT THE STATION
Whilst engaged in painting the outer portions of a signal-box at Carnarvon Railway Station, on Wednesday, John Hughes, a resident of Conway, fell from the top of the building, and sustained serious injuries to the spine and head. Dr. Williams was promptly on the spot, and the unfortunate man, who is not expected to recover, was immediately taken to the Carnarvonshire and Anglesey Infirmary.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: November 4th. 1892.
A CARNARVON BANKRUPTCY
At the Bangor Bankruptcy Court, on Thursday, before Mr. Registrar Glynne Jones, Owen Jones, mineral water manufacturer, Carnarvon, came up for his public examination.
 |
C.D.H. 1st. January, 1892. © K. Morris |
Examined by the Assistant Official Receiver, the bankrupt stated he commenced business 15 months since with a capital of £250. He had expended over £500 in plant and machinery, and £200 in building. His present difficulties were brought about by the action of a bill of sale creditor, who, two days after he signed the bill of sale, took possession of everything and sold them by auction. He had given three bills of sale since June last, the first two for £300, and the last for £350. He gave the second at the request of the creditor who held the first, after a suggestion had been made that the first one was invalid, and in order to protect himself from other creditors, the last bill of sale money was partly expended in paying off his former one and paying off creditors. The sale by auction was a great loss, as everything was sold at very much less than its cost. He had kept some books, including a ledger and day book, but not a cash book. His deficiency was entirely accounted for by the breaking up of the estate.
Mr. Mostyn Roberts appeared for the bankrupt, and further examined him as to the bills of sale, and his examination was adjourned to enable him to make out a cash account.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: November 25th. 1892.
FOUND DEAD
On Wednesday morning, a child of Mr. J. A. Ball, 9, Clarke-terrace, was found dead in bed.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: December 9th. 1892.
THE CATAPULT FIEND
is once more on the rampage, and it should be fine exercise for our stalwart guardians of the peace to chase it out of town. About two years ago this nuisance assumed such dimensions in Carnarvon that people really began to think that they should even have to break in upon the peaceful tranquility of our town council and endeavour to wake them up to percieve the damage done to property and the danger to pedestrians along our streets. But the police at last managed to put it down. Now, however, it seems to revive at an alarmingly rapid rate, and as town councillors have not so many of their houses empty for the lads to practice upon as they had two years ago the police may be a long time before they hear of this from that quarter. Hence my object in calling their attention to the matter through your columns - Correspondent
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: December 9th. 1892.
A NOVEL EXPERIMENT
Carnarvonites have had their "Turf"-square for many ages past, but on Thursday last, looking at the sooty, grimy and disreputable appearance of Castle-square, people might have been accused for suggesting "Coal-square" as a fit and proper designation for the first square in Wales. It had very much the appearance of having recently been the scene of a catastrophe to a coal-laden train, for it was covered with cinders and black gritty dust. Jack Frost had given the upper portion of the square a high polish the previous night, and the inevitable small boy proceeded to disport himself on the frosty surface to the annoyance and danger of pedestrians and vehicles, but his fun was spoilt, however, by the corporation men. But why not use sand to cover slippery roadways instead of such sooty and objectionable-looking dust?
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: December 16th. 1892.
MARKET RIGHTS AT CARNARVON
At the Carnarvon borough magistrates' court on Monday, before G. R. Rees, Esq. (in the chair), John Williams, Esq., and John Davies, Esq., Joseph Horton, Cradley Heath, was summoned at the instance of the corporation for causing an obstruction at the Castle-square.
Mr. J. H. Roberts (town clerk) prosecuted, and Mr. H. Lloyd Carter, defended.
Mr. Carter said that before the case was gone into he wished to offer a few remarks, which at the same time, he was sorry to make, but he would appeal to Dr. John Williams, not to sit upon this case, for he understood the proceedings were taken by the surveyor at the instructions of the highway committee of which Dr. Williams was chairman, and Dr. Williams held very strong views on this question.
Mr. J. H. Roberts said that the orders were made years ago and Dr. John Williams was not the chairman of the committee.
Dr. John Williams said that he was the chairman of this year's committee.
Mr. J. H. Roberts: As a matter of fact the proceedings were instituted before the committee was appointed.
Dr. Williams: The cases were before them before I was appointed chairman - the order to prosecute was in force before that.
Mr. Carter: I am stating the facts. I know nothing about the order. I am sorry to have to make the remarks.
The Magistrates' clerk (Mr. Charles A. Jones) said that the date of the order was Sept. 7th.
Dr. John Williams did not retire at this juncture, and evidence was then called.
Mr. R. O. Wynne Roberts, borough surveyor, stated that the defendant was selling ropes, implements, &c., on the square, on the day of the winter fair. The police had warned him.
Cross-examined by Mr. Carter: I did not measure the space occupied by the defendant. He stood between the monument and Poole's buildings. I did not receive any complaints from any resident or passenger as to the obstruction. He occupied I should think 18 feet by 12 feet of space. I observed plenty of cattle in the other end.
Did you see any tradesmen's goods about? - Witness: Only one.
Did you prosecute him? - No, because he complied with the request to move them. They were on the pavement.
Re-examined: In the afternoon there was a horse fair and the horses went round and round by the fountain.
P.C. 39 said he was in Castle-square on the 2nd. of December. He saw the defendant there. At first he had a hamper at the entrance to the quay. Witness asked defendant if it belonged to him and he said it did, and that he was waiting to see Mr. Carter. Witness afterwards saw the defendant who had moved further on and was selling articles, there being a large crowd around him. He was selling by auction. Witness served him with a summons.
Mr. Carter: Did you receive any complaint from any passenger? - Witness: No; I did not. I did not see any person obstructed but naturally it would be an obstruction.
Could you point out any other place where the man could have caused less obstruction? - I would consider he was obstructing everywhere he went to as long as he collected a large crowd around him.
Mr. Carter (to Dr. Williams): Are you going to sit, doctor?
Dr. J. Williams: I am going to listen to your speech.
 |
Mr. Carter then said he was quite sure that the two justices - Mr. Rees and Mr. Davies - would give the case their best consideration. Although the proceedings were taken at the instance of the borough surveyor - instructed by somebody else either by the corporation as a whole or by the committee he was sure their worships would dissociate themselves from the fact that they were members of the corporation and act simply as justices of the peace for the borough. He would tell their worships at the outset that he claimed, on behalf of his client, the right to do what he had done. They had this fact that not a single resident or passenger, except the borough surveyor, had complained of any obstruction in Castle-square. Prima facie, the defendant had a civil right to sell his wares in the square, and therefore the jurisdiction of the magistrates was ousted. The question affected that of the right of fair, and if there had been an uninterrupted custom the justices had no power to interfere. [At this juncture Dr. J. Williams left the court.] It was only sufficient for him to prove an uninterrupted custom during a period of forty years to establish that right. According to the statute even the "lord of the fair" was liable to be criminally indicted for obstructing his subjects whilst exercising their just rights and privileges in that fair; so that Mr. Roberts might have been there that day defending the borough surveyor in a criminal indictment for obstructing certain public rights (applause in court). Castle-square, or Castle-green as it was called in the olden times, had been within the memory of the oldest inhabitant a place of market overt or fair, where people brought their cattle, produce, and wares to be sold; and even if the Corporation of Carnarvon in 1881 were so foolish as to give Mr. Assheton Smith £300 for certain rights of toll in Castle-square, and covenanting with the vendor not to charge certain tolls, that did not deprive the public of their right to dispose of their wares, &c., in that place. The prosecution was the result of the action of certain persons who thought it was unfair towards the tradesmen of the town to allow hawkers to vend their goods in Castle-square.
Mr. J. H. Roberts: I do not think my friend has a right to say that.
Mr. Carter: I shall put it in evidence that a ring was made by certain persons. He would be glad to meet his friend in a civil court. If his friend had a right for obstruction he had a right for trespass.
Mr. Roberts: No.
Mr. Carter said he would go to the county court and try the case on its merits. This was a criminal court, and the mere fact would not do away with the sore that was felt in the town nor settle the rights or wrong of the matter.
Evidence was then called.
Wiliam Patrick, 81 years of age, said he remembered Castle-square since he was a boy. He remembered it for the last 70 years.
Can you remember anything being sold in Castle-square? - Yes; I have been receiving tolls. I used to help to collect tolls for crockery, wares, tins, cheap-jacks, &c. Mrs. Abbott held the market for eleven years, and I collected for her. The corporation was in Chancery then - (laughter) - and when Mr. Assheton Smith paid the debt then we gave up the market because they would not let it at the time except the market hall. Mrs. Abbott gave it up on that account. She gave up the tolls everywhere.
Cross-examined by Mr. Roberts: Would you be surprised to know that the corporation was never in Chancery? - Witness: I have nothing to say only that I heard it.
Mr. Roberts: But you are wrong.
Witness: Good many more are wrong if I am wrong (loud laughter).
Mr. Roberts: Good many are wrong.
Magistrates' Clerk: He is talking of a time before you were born, Mr. Roberts (laughter).
Witness: Mrs. Abbott was driven from holding a stall in the market.
Do you remember Castle-square before it was levelled? - I remember when it was a green, and that is more than you know (laughter).
Mr. Roberts: Yes, it is.
Witness continued: The produce of the farmers used to be in Market-street, the crockery people being at Castle-square.
Do you mean to say there were crockery in Castle-square before it was cut down? - Yes; and after that too (laughter).
Have there been any in the Market Hall? - Yes; and they are there yet.
Where? - Upstairs.
Is there room for more there? - I cannot say.
How do you know they are still there? - Of course I can see them carry the pots up and down. I wish I had a penny for every time I have seen them (laughter).
Have you seen any crockery in Castle-square during these ten years? - I cannot say to the date, but I remember them very lately. A man from Denbigh named Thomas Hughes used to bring cart loads there.
David Morgan was the next witness. He said he would be 78 next birthday. He was a native of Carnarvon, and remembered Castle-square for 70 or 75 years. Fairs were always held in Castle-square.
Mr. J. H. Roberts: I admit cattle fairs were always held in Castle-square.
Mr. Carter (to witness) anything else besides cattle?
Witness: Yes, every sort of merchandise. They used to bring turf from Waenfawr. They used to sell pigs where the bank now is, and also crockery and tins. I have seen "Cheap Jacks" put their stalls there, and I have seen wreckage there from the bar. I have something now in my possession I bought about 50 years ago when Mr. James Rees was looking after the wreckage. This was going on until about 10 or 12 years ago. That was the first time I heard of anything to prevent people to sell things there. The late Mr. Lewis Lewis, Mr. Thomas Williams, Golden Goat, and others tried to force people from Castle-square. Then I was a member of the town council and I went to Mr. Roberts once to ask his opinion.
Mr. J. H. Roberts: That was in confidence (laughter).
Witness: And I went to Mr. John Williams.
Mr. J. H. Roberts: I object to anything that took place between you and Dr. John Williams.
Mr. Carter: I shall now call Mr. J. H. Roberts to produce the deed.
Mr. Roberts produced the deed dated July, 1881. He said that sometime before that a dispute arose between Mr. Assheton Smith and the corporation as to certain things, a particular thing being a menagerie, and, rather than fight it out, the corporation paid Mr. Assheton Smith £300 for the tolls, a covenant being made to the effect that no tolls should be taken henceforth, and from that time no tolls were taken or things of the kind complaint of sold in Castle-square. He certainly remembered the square before 1854, and there was no market for marketable things - no regular market place.
By Mr. Carter: My recollection is that the dispute arose about a menagerie. I do not remember of any tolls. I believe tolls were levied. I have sold some cattle in Castle-square and no tolls were paid for them.
After a short consultation, Alderman Rees said that inasmuch as the question of rights had been raised, they dismissed the case, but expressed no opinion as to the bona-fides of the right.
Isaac Evans, Chester, was charged with obstructing Castle Hill.
Mr. J. H. Roberts prosecuted, but after a consultation, the chairman announced that the prosecution withdraw the case, and did not offer any evidence.
There were two other cases that were not called.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: December 30th. 1892.
VICTORIA DRILL HALL
The first session for gymnastic and physical exercises has just terminated. From 150 to 200 pupils of both sexes have availed themselves of the use of the splendid apparatus with which the hall has been fitted. The system which had been adapted for developing the muscles of the body is of a mild form, and yet most effective as is evidenced by the marked improvement in the physique of the pupils in the last three months. It is very necesary that parents should see that their children have proper physical training, - and it is impossible to have it in a more accommodating manner than is now provided in this hall. An advertisement as to the next session appears in another column.