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THE NEWS ROOM
1893
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: January 13th. 1893.
SEASONABLE BENEVOLENCE
Mr. J. Issard Davies has given an order for the distribution of 60 tons of coal amongst the deserving poor of the town.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: January 13th. 1893.
CURIOSITY
In a garden behind the shop of Mr. Harris, bootmaker, Castle-square, there is an apple tree which bears two fine apples, certainly a curiosity at this time of year.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: January 13th. 1893.
INTERESTING TO ANTIQUARIANS
About a fortnight ago, Mr. Hugh Hughes, builder, Pool-street, commenced some building operations on a plot of land in Llanbeblig-road owned by Mr. Assheton Smith. While he and some of his workmen were engaged in excavating they came across a bed of large unhewn stones and on further examination a well-defined track of some six yards was discovered, and there can be little doubt that it is a portion of a Roman-road. On Tuesday some Roman coins were discovered and were forwarded to Mr. Assheton Smith. Again, on Wednesday, a large earthenware bowl with inscription and figures upon it was found. A small portion of the vessel, which is a fine specimen of workmanship, was broken off. A large pump was also discovered. The place has been visited during the week by Sir Llewelyn Turner, Mr. C. A. Jones, Mr. C. H. Rees, Mr. Davies (Tremlyn), the Rev. William Morgan, Mr. Roberts (H. M. Inspector of Schools) and others, and much interest is manifested in the discoveries made.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: January 20th. 1893.
The Zulu Christian Choir is announced to take part in a concert to be held at the Guild Hall on Tuesday evening.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: January 20th. 1893.
SEASONABLE BENEVOLENCE
On Monday morning, Mr. David Thomas, Bryngwyn, sent out parcels of flannel to some 120 poor deserving women in the town, a list of whom was supplied to him by the ministers of the various churches in the town.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: January 27th. 1893.
FALLING TO THE DOCK
On Monday evening, a tailor, named Hugh Hughes, from Conway, fell into the dock. Fortunately, the tide was out at the time. It is believed that Hughes, who is said to be subject to fits, was seized with illness whilst on the quay. Assistance was at once procured, and he was taken out of the basin and conveyed to the Cottage Hospital, where he was attended to by Dr. Owen, and was subsequently removed to the workhouse.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: February 10th. 1893.
SALES IN CASTLE-SQUARE
On Saturday, Mr. J. G. Jones, auctioneer, held the first of a series of sales on Castle-square. A large crowd gathered there, and a brisk business seemed to prevail.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: February 24th. 1893.
APPOINTMENTS
Mr. Wright, master of the Brymbo National School, has been elected headmaster of the Carnarvon Boys' Model School, in succession to Mr. Lewis, who has been appointed inspector for the diocese of St. Asaph.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: February 24th. 1893.
A TRAP ACCIDENT
On Wednesday last, as Sir Llewelyn Turner's horse and trap were standing outside the railway station, the horse took fright and ran away, throwing down the lad who held the reins. One of the wheels of the trap grazed the prostrate lad, doing him some slight injury. The horse dashed away towards the town, overturning the trap, which fouled a lamp post. The spirited animal was, however, caught before any further damage was done.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: February 24th. 1893.
THE CARNARVON HORSE RACES, JUMPING COMPETITION, AND ATHLETIC SPORTS
The annual sports will take place at the Oval, Marcus-street, on Easter Monday, April 3rd., 1893, when over £100 will be given in prizes, and a special prize, consisting of a silver cup, valued at 8 guineas, will be given by Mr. Lloyd Hughes, Coed Helen, for the best horse in the jumping competition. Full particulars will appear in our advertising column next week.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: March 3rd. 1893.
ALLEGED CANNIBALISM
Owen Jones, labourer, Baptist-street, was on Monday remanded by the borough bench on a charge of biting off a portion of the ear of Owen Owens, a neighbour. Mr. H. Lloyd Carter appeared for the defendant.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: March 10th. 1893.
ANGLING
The fishing season has opened at the Snowdon Ranger, and Mr. Noble, mineral water manufacturer, of this town, has been successful in catching in Quellyn Lake a beautiful basket of trout, the fish, two dozen in number, averaging from ¼ lb. to ¾ lb. in weight.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: March 10th. 1893.
TELEPHONY
A successful installation of telephony has just been completed under the direction of Mr. Alfred Williams, C. E., of Waterloo Port. The installation has been fitted for Captain H. Harwood between Twthill Hotel and his residence, Penrhyn Villa, Uxbridge-square.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: March 31st. 1893.
ACCIDENT
A labourer named Owen Parry, residing in Uxbridge-street, fell from a plank staging whilst unloading a vessel in the dock on Friday, and sustained serious injuries, his left leg and several ribs being fractured.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: April 14th. 1893.
AN ACCIDENT
About 6.30 on Saturday evening, as Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, Pantycoed, Llanrug, were driving home in their trap, they were met in Bridge-street by the Penygroes Volunteer corp who were marching from the Victoria Drill Hall on their way to the railway station, headed by their band. It appears that the horse got uneasy and frightened, consequently running the trap and its occupants to the shop window of Mr. Aneurin Williams, bookseller. A number of strong and stalwart men instantly jumped into the horse, and by patient teasing and tack it was tamed down. As it happened only one pane of glass was broken. Mrs. Hughes marvellously maintained her prescence of mind by retaining her seat in the trap, thereby escaping what might, otherwise, have proved a most serious accident.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: May 19th. 1893.
STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE
Inquiries in various quarters have failed to elicit any trace of a well-known person, who mysteriously disappeared from home some three weeks ago. The cause of his disappearance is not known.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: May 19th. 1893.
SMALLEST ADULT ARM
Mr. Owen A. Jones, of 45, Victoria-street, in this town, claims to be the possessor of the smallest adult hand in the world. It measures as nearly as possible one inch both in length and breadth, each finger only measuring a quarter of an inch. Mr. Jones is not, as might be imagined, a baby midget, but a well-grown man, twenty-four years of age. His hand has been at its present size since his birth. We learn that Mr. Jones had a tempting offer to exhibit his hand at the World's Fair now held at Chicago.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: June 9th. 1893.
THE HALF HOLIDAY MOVEMENT
We learn there is a movement among the shop assistants with a view of approaching all the tradesmen on the question of closing their business establishments at two o'clock every Thursday afternoon, instead of four as at present.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: June 9th. 1893.
CONCEDED
It is authoritatively stated that the directors of the Union Foundry Works have conceded the demands of the workmen for a nine hours day, the same to come into force on the first of July.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: June 16th. 1893.
THUNDERSTORM
On Tuesday night, a terrific thunderstorm swept over the town, rain descending in torrents. When the storm appeared to be at its highest point, hail also fell. The water swept in streams along the streets of the town, and, owing to the blocking of a gutter entrance, the railway opposite Crown-street was flooded for some distance. The over-flooding of the Cadnant brook created such a flood in Crown-street that many of its inhabitants waded knee deep in water, and were brought away in carts.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: June 16th. 1893.
THE NINE HOURS MOVEMENT
The employees of the Union Iron Works Company are to be congratulated upon the success of their amicable negotiations with their employers for a nine hours day. As stated in these columns last week it will come into operation on the 1st. of July. We learn that in future the works will mainly be carried on on the piece system. We learn that the directors kept the question entirely in the hands of Mr. R. Parry Jones, the manager, who does not believe in the system of long hours.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: June 16th. 1893.
OUR STREETS
General complaints are heard about the condition of the streets in the outlying portions where the workingmen reside. A correspondent informs us that all complaints in respect of Marcus-street have proved futile, and that the same is true about other parts of the town, such as Williams-street, Clarke-street, and Twthill in general.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: June 16th. 1893.
ON THE ALERT
The stone throwing nuisance having become intolerable in our public thoroughfares, and window panes smashed in all directions, the police are on the alert with a view of bringing the guilty individuals to justice. On Monday, before the borough magistrates, two youths were cautioned for the offence.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: June 23rd. 1893.
ALLEGED ABDUCTION
Last Saturday a young girl named Margaret Ellen Jones, daughter of a fisherman of this town, was missed from home. Intelligence was given to the police with the result that she was traced on Tuesday to Bethesda, where it transpired she was seen in the company of a militiaman named Burke, who had completed his training at Carnarvon on Saturday. A Bethesda police-constable on Wednesday followed the pair through the Dwygyfylchi Pass, and succeeded in arresting Burke at Conway. The accused will be brought before the magistrates on Saturday.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 7th. 1893.
MIDSUMMER HOLIDAYS
On Thursday, the board schools broke up for the midsummer holidays. The event was a happy one, occurring as it did on the day of the royal wedding.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 7th. 1893.
A PIC-NIC
On the invitation of Captain W. H. Whiskin, the local battery of the artillery volunteers were entertained to a pic-nic at Dinas Dinlle on Thursday afternoon. Before returning the corps fired a feu de joie in honour of the royal wedding.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 7th. 1893.
A FALSE ALARM
About four c'clock on Thursday, news reached Mr. Wynne Roberts, captain of the fire brigade corps, at the Pavillion that the Union Iron Works (Messrs. De Winton and Co.) was on fire. Mr. Roberts at once summoned his men, - Messrs. Evan Roberts and James Jones being in the vicinity at the time to run for the fire reel to the fire station. The news caused much uneasiness at the Pavillion, which was thronged at the time with children, who had just arrived from the board schools. A rush was made for the door, and in less than five minutes some hundreds if not thousands of people had congregated in the vicinity of the foundry, only to find that the alarm was false with respect to those works. However, the trees and the ferns on the opposite slope had taken fire, and the flames at times threatened to spread along the slope to the adjacent trees and gardens, which would create a great havoc. By the assistance of a number of platelayers who were working close by, the fire was soon extinguished before any serious damage was done. It is presumed that the fire was caused by a spark from a passing engine.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 7th. 1893.
A NARROW ESCAPE
On Saturday, while the workmen engaged at Mr. Robert Owen's Lime Works were filling a cart with lime, it appears that some of the railway heavy traffic waggons, which were being shunted at the time, came into violent contact with the cart in question, with the result that it was very materially damaged.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 21st. 1893.
A DISHONEST MILK VENDOR
At the county magistrates' court, on Saturday, Robert Roberts, 14, Henwalia, was charged with the larceny, by bailee, of several sums of money belonging to O. Owen, Aden Farm, Bethel, in whose employ he had been as a milk vendor. The accused, who was arrested at Wrexham, where he had enlisted, was fined £2 and costs. The bench commented upon the lax manner in which the milk-vending accounts were kept by farmers in the district, pointing out that the system was one which tempted sellers to deal dishonestly.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: July 21st. 1893.
SANDOW
On Wednesday and Thursday evening, the world-renouned "strong man," Sandow, entertained good houses at the Guild Hall, with his wonderful feats of strength, conjuring, sleight of hand, and acrobatic performances.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: August 4th. 1893.
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE
On Thursday afternoon a respectable woman, in indigent circumstances, named Mary Simcock, who resided with her daughter in Castle-street, attempted to commit suicide by throwing herself into a pond near the gasworks. She was rescued by a man named Robert Morris, without being much the worse for her immersion, and afterwards taken to the workhouse by Police-Sergeant Harris. Simcock is about 85 years of age.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: August 11th. 1893.
RECKLESS CYCLISTS
are very abundant this season. Some nasty collisions are reported. Must a policeman be smashed or a town councillor's child killed before something is done to check the vagaries of "cads on castors?"
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: August 18th. 1893.
THOUGHT READING
On Friday evening, Mr. Stuart Cumberland gave an exhibition of though-reading at the Guild Hall, before a select audience, who was delighted with his success in almost every case. Mr. Mostyn Roberts, solicitor, acted as chairman to the consultative committee. Mr. Cumberland was ably supported by Miss Phyllis Bentley, the celebrated antimagnetique, whose experiments with the cues and a chair were highly admired.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: August 18th. 1893.
CRANE ACCIDENT
Some commotion was occasioned in the neighbourhood of the New Dock, on Tuesday afternoon, by a peculiar accident which occurred to one of the steam cranes employed by Messrs. John Owen and Son in their timber wharf. It appears that the crane was working on the edge of the dock in charge of one or two men, when, owing to overweighting, it toppled over and swerved some distance from the rails, The jib was smashed, the driver and the men who were below loading the timber having a narrow escape. A large number of men from Messrs. Owen's yard and foundry were soon on the spot, and by the aid of another crane, with blocks and chains, they after a great deal of difficulty succeeded in removing the unwieldy monster in pieces to the timber wharf in connection.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: August 18th. 1893.
A SMART RESCUE
On Thursday, it appears that a number of young boys were fishing for crabs at the North-end of the quay wall, when one of the number, a lad of the name of Ellis, over-balanced himself and tumbled into the water. A strong current prevailed, and which would, in a few seconds, have carried the lad out of sight, had not instant measures being taken to rescue him from his perilous position. Mr. J. Croft, boot and shoe warehouse, High-street, happened to be taking a walk with his wife in the immediate neighbourhood at the time. Hearing the alarm, Mr. Croft ran to the spot, threw off his coat, and unhesitatingly jumped into the current only just in time to grasp the poor boy as he was sinking apparently for the last time. Although Mr. Croft is an expert swimmer, it was with the greatest difficulty that he managed to keep himself and the boy above water. After a brave struggle, Mr. Croft brought ashore the unfortunate boy who was apparently drowned. Restoratives were immediately applied. In a short time Ellis regained consciousness and was sent home to his parents. It is to be hoped that the proper authorities will take due cognisance of Mr. Croft's bravery.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 1st. 1893.
A WELSHMAN ABROAD
Writing home from Buenos Ayres, Mr. W. H. Williams, son of Mr. David Williams, builder, refers to the revolution which rages in Santa Fe, and says, "There is no revolution here (Buenos Ayres), and we are all well and happy."
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 1st. 1893.
LLANBEBLIG PARISH CHURCH
We learn that the Vicar has entrusted the work of the proposed restoration of the Parish Church to Mr. Evan Jones, builder, Dolydd. This is an important restoration as the church is so very old, and many associations clinging to it. Mr. Evan Jones has just completed the erection of a beautiful church at Bodvean, South Carnarvonshire. It is intended to proceed with the work forthwith before the winter season sets in.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 1st. 1893.
GINNETT'S OLYMPIA HIPPODROME AND CIRCUS
is announced to visit the town next week, with all the principal attractions of the Paris Hippodrome and London Olympia, among which are the celebrated performing elephants, Pluto (ridden by the Prince of Wales and the Viceroy of India (Lord Dufferin) during their hunting expeditions) and Punch. The establishment embraces over 200 horses and artistes, and the performance is one of the best on the road. Full particulars are given in our advertising columns.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 22nd. 1893.
A NEW HARMONIUM
A new American organ has been ordered by the friends of Shiloh Chapel. There being no harmonium in the edifice before, the opening ceremony, which will be an interesting event in the history of this hard working church, will be duly carried out some time next month.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 22nd. 1893.
LLANBEBLIG CHURCH RESTORATION
It appears that the Vicar of the parish has decided upon proceeding with partial restoration only this year owing to the lateness of the season. The Vicar has thrown himself heart and soul into the work. A new organ chamber (for which an instrument has already been purchased) a stained glass east window, constructed in Munich, and presented by Mrs. Clemenger, Coed Mawr, in memory of her husband, Dr. Clemenger, Indian medical service, the removal of two transept galleries will be undertaken at once. It is not improbable but that some relics of St. Peblic, who lived in the third century, to whom the church was dedicated, will be traced.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 22nd. 1893.
POLLUTION OF THE RIVER CADNANT
At the last meeting of the town council, a report prepared by Mr. Heath, clerk and surveyor, to the harbour trustees, was submitted, in which he stated that he found 16 pipes discharging surface water from roads, yards, courts, &c., one stable drain, one scullery drain, and ten pipes, discharging sewerage from 20 houses to the river Cadnant. After some conversation the matter was referred to the sanitary committee with power to take immediate steps to remedy the nuisance. The committee met on Monday evening, when they thoroughly discussed the question. Acting on the powers delegated to them by the council, they instructed the surveyor to take immediate measures to abate the nuisance complained of.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: September 29th. 1893.
INTERESTING ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES
In the course of certain restoration now being made at Llanbeblig Church, Carnarvon, several discoveries of considerable archaeological interest have been made. The first is a beautiful perpendicular window found behind a gallery in the south transept. Underneath the window was brought to light a founders' tomb, and a piscina of the 14th century. The foundations of an altar were also discovered in the south transept. In the chancel, at the east end, was found in the wall a stone credence table. A further discovery of a holy water stoup was made behind the door.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: October 6th. 1893.
SUDDEN DEATH
An old man, named Robert Jones, a blacksmith, was found dead in bed at his lodgings in March-lane early on Friday morning. No inquest was held.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: October 13th. 1893.
EXTENSION OF BRICKWORKS
It will be seen from our advertising column that a syndicate intend working the long-established Parkia Brickfield, near this town, on a more extended scale. The working of the most modern forms of bricks, tiles, pipes, &c., will be introduced by Messrs. William Ward and Sons, Leeds, and it is stated that the prospects of the new venture are bright and promising. The directors are Messrs. G. H. Denison, Leeds; J. E. Roberts, Bangor; Richard Thomas, Carnarvon; and Alfred Williams, C. E., do. Mr. William Jones, son of the former owner, will be manager.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: November 10th. 1893.
SHOP ASSISTANTS
On Monday evening, a branch of the National Union of shop assistants, warehousemen, and clerks, was established in this town. Mr. H. L. Jones was elected chairman; Mr. R. E. Morris (Messrs. Evans and Lake), secretary; and Mr. Robert Williams, Dinorwic House, treasurer. A pro tem committee was also appointed. It is expected that in a few days the roll of members will number from 40 to 50,
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: November 24th. 1893.
LANTERN LECTURE
On Wednesday evening, at the English Wesleyan Chapel, under the chairmanship of Mr. C. A. Jones, C. C., the Rev. Alfred H. Woodnutt delivered an interesting lecture on "Strange sights in strange lands." The audience were given a clear idea of the various countries touched upon by the lecturer by the aid of a splendid oxy-hydrogen magic lantern, which was deftly handled by the lanternist.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: November 24th. 1893.
CHRISTMAS BOXES
Mr. Davies, of the George Inn, has issued a manifesto with regard to the custom of giving Christmas Boxes. In the document referred to Mr. Davies says:- "Persons regularly using the house get a small quantity of beer or spirits, compared with those using it occasionally. Consequently, I have come to the conclusion to discontinue giving Christmas Boxes, and, in view of the cost, have handed over six pounds to the Mayor (J. Issard Davies, Esq.), who has kindly undertaken to distribute to purposes he may think most desirable."
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: November 24th. 1893.
LLANBEBLIG PARISH CHURCH
The interior of the sacred edifice has already undergone great changes, and many antiquaries are paying visits to the old church as the work of restoration is proceeding. The removal of the three galleries has greatly improved the interior appearance of the building. The vicar takes deep interest in the progress of the work, and is almost in constant attendance at the church, unless called away by parochial duties elsewhere. The undertaking has turned out to be of a more extensive nature than was at first anticipated, and the duties have devolved upon the vicar and his curate.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: December 1st. 1893.
A SMART CAPTURE
At noon on Wednesday, P. C. Owens (66), made a smart capture in High-street. It appears that a certain Owen Jones; alias "Owen Roberts, Birmingham Ball," a native of Amlwch or Llanerchymedd, was wanted by the Llandudno police, on a charge of obtaining a watch and a clock by false pretences in that town. The accused is between 32 and 35 years of age, is 5ft 4½ inches in height, with hazel eyes, sallow complexion, and pock marked. When last seen he was dressed in a dark suit, with an apron tied around his waist, and he invariably carried a black satchel across his shoulder. When apprehended he had discarded his usual costume. Constable Owen, however, who has great experience as a detective in the police force, saw his man and took him into custody. He was handed over to the Llandudno police.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: December 15th. 1893.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
We learn that the tradesmen of the town have come to an agreement to close their various establishments on Christmas and Boxing Day, thereby giving, practically, three days to the assistants to visit their homes and enjoying themselves.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: December 29th. 1893.
DE WINTON AND CO.'S FOUNDRY
As is customary at the close of every year in the foundry of Messrs. de Winton and Co., where over 100 men are employed, work was suspended during the past week, only a few men being employed to attend the annual stock-taking.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: December 29th. 1893.
THE TWTHILL SCHOOL
It has been arranged to give free breakfasts at the above school, which will be under the charge of Mr. Hughes, the headmaster, who will be able to do full justice to all cases of real poverty. Subscriptions may be sent either to him or to Mr. J. H. Thomas, clerk to the school board. Gifts of suitable clothing are also invited. The public are invited to co-operate in feeding and clothing the starving little ones attending Twthill Ragged School.
From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: December 29th. 1893.
AN ACCIDENT
As Mr. W. Murphy, Hole-in-the-Wall-street, and three other young men were driving down from Llanberis through Pool-street to Castle-square they met with a serious accident. The horse being rather fresh, became restive and ran the trap into a cart belonging to Mr. D. Jones, Segontium Mineral Water Works, which was standing by Mr. Francis's shop. The occupants were thrown out, and Mr. Murphy was rather badly cut about the head. He was carried to the Arvon Tavern, where he promptly received medical attendance. The shafts of the trap were broken, and other parts of it were badly damaged. Luckily, no one was dangerously hurt.