Prestatyn Weekly

ADVERTISING PRESTATYN. 1 The question of advertising Prestatyn as a health resort has been the subject of much discussion locally for some time past, but hitherto no practical suggestions with this end in view have been forthcoming. While other seaside resorts have been booming their at- tractions imaginary and otherwise Pres- tatyn has been content to rely upon its natural advantages to bring the visitors here. 0 n But there must be some impetus given, even to a town where nature has been so kind as in our case. That Prestatyn is not going back is patent to anyone who reads the report of the Local Goverment Board Inquiry held last week, it being shewn that the population had doubled itself in 10 years. But these facts require bringing before the inhabitants of the large industrial centres from whence the visitors come, And what batter way to accomplish this than to publish an up-to-date and his- torical guide, liberally illustrated with the many charming spots of this district, at a popular price ? Prestatyn is deficient in the respect that it has no Advertising or Improvement Associa- tion. Other towns derive great benefit through the efforts of such bodies, some of them being in a position to spend hundreds of pounds yearly in bringing the claims of their particular town before the public, which often means an influx of a huge number of visitors. Some of the local leading spirits, recogni- sing this, held a meeting in the Council Chamber on Thursday evening, presided over by Mr. Thomas Jones, J.P. (Chairman of the Council), for the purpose of considering ways and means by which the advantages to be derived from a visit to Prestatyn could be prominently laid before the public. The chairman of the meeting stated that a number of views of Prestatyn had recently been placed in railway carriages and other prominent places, but they did not want to stop at that. It was the unanimous opinion of the inhabitants that a good historical guide would be of great benefit to the town, and, for the purpose of assisting to defray the cost of publishing one, a considerable amount had already been promised in subscriptions. He was pleased to say that Mr Thos. Edwards, of Chester, but previously a resident amongst them, had, at great expense, prepared a very suitable work. Mr Edwards was at the'meeting, and in a rough outline of his book, shewed that it con- tained all the necessary features of a success- ful guide. Mr Edwards stated that there was something more to be said of Prestatyn than that it was a rising seaside resort-it had an historical connection such as few towns in North Wales could boast of, which he proved by reading extracts from his work. Several gentlemen complimented the author on his interesting book, and felt sure that the town would greatly beneiit by the publication of such a work. It was then 'unanimously decided to pro- ceed with the matter, and a representative committee was elected to carry out the details.

$. kxTx*> tXiVs Marconiphonotelegrams Arrangements have now been completed at the Prestatyn Post Office to receive telegrams verbally by telephone, so that subscribers to the telephone may now use their instrument for the purpose of sending telegraphic mes- sages to all parts. To do this, all that is necessary will be to Iiing up Yo. 13. Think of this, inhabitants of Prestatyn From the narrow limits of your own private office you may communicate to-day with the utmost ends of the earth, and with the great liners ploughing their way in mid- Atlantic, without so much as removing your slippers for the effort! Is not this proof positive that Prestatyn is the centre of the civilized world ? Looking Ahead. Now that the year 1905 is fairly started it will soon be time to prepare for the summer season. A correspondent hopes that the authorities will make a point of securing a respectable troupe of niggers, for it is certain that past experiences could bó improved upon in that respect. In His Own Country. We are glad to learn that Mr Smallman, a familiar figure here in the season, has been occupying hitnself during the Xmas vacation, at his home in Walsall, by taking part in the "Pleasant Saturday Night Meetings." Accor- ding to a Walsall newspaper he gave two readings, Old Mother Hubbard," and Hodge and the Vicar," the latter being duly encored. What is it? This week a big display is made in the shop window of Mr Littler of an article called Vim." We have not yet been informed whether Vim is a disinfectant, or whether it is a new patent high-class infants' food, but if the latter, there wid be no danger of a famine amongst the babies of Prestatyn for some time to come. Many Happy Returns. Dr. W. J. Townsend last week celebrated his seventieth birthday, and has received many hearty congratulations. He is in ex- y r, cellent health, and in the front rank of the most active leaders of the Free Churches.— British Weekly. Rhyl May-Day Will be celebrated on the first Thursday in that month. The year is commenced with a balauce in hand of ie25, and Mr E. W. Parry —an organiser of ability—has been elected honorary secretary. A Generous Duke. In spite of the fact that relief works were rt cently commenced in the Halkyn and Bagillt 0 district by the Duke of Westminster, it has since come to his knowledge that a good of distress prevails. A local fund has been raised, and £ 20 distributed weekly, to which the Duke has contributed a sum of £ 00— sufficient to keep it going for three weeks. Alcohol's Share in Asylums. As to the part drunkenness plays in lunacy, some medical superintendents of asylums credit alcohol with almost 50 per cent. of the admissions. Dr. Pringle does not go to this length but ascribes 141 of the 543 admissions to intemperance. A Promise. Next week an article of special interest to Prestatyn readers will appear in your own paper, the PRESTATYN WEEKLY. Same price, one halfpenny.

THE FATAL ACCIDENT AT PRESTATYN. Resumed- Inquest: The Verdict. Mr F. L Jones, County Coroner, resumed the inquest at Prestatyn on Monday morning regarding the death of William Henry Coat- hupe, of Mold Junction, fireman in the omploy of the L. & N. W. Railway Co., who was killed on the Cwm branch, near Prestatyn Station on the 13th inst. under circumstances already briefly reported. Mr. Fenna appeared for the company, while Mr. Mear watched the proceedings on behalf of Brakesman Ellis Evans. The first witness to be called was Peter Jones, School House, Vale Road, Rhyl, charge- man's assistant in the signal department, who said he saw deceased get off the footplate of the engine on to the step, and then jumped down, in doing which he fell on to his knees. Deceased then seemed to try and balance him- self back again, but fell on his back with his head towards the rails. It was too far away for witness to see whether the train went over deceased. It was the signalman who drew witness' attention to the train, but he could not say at what rate it was proceeding. Mr. Fenna here handed in a plan of the branch line. Michael Nash, of Mold Junction, the driver of the train, said he had the full load of 12 mineral waggons, three goods, and two empties, there being six brakes pinned down. When leaving Meliden he simply started the train, and its momentum carried him to the bottom of the hill. When nearing Prestatyn he found the train overdoing him. and he did all he could to check the progress, putting on the back gear, and using steam brake. After seeing to the latter he missed Coathupe off the engine. Deceased had no occasion to get off the train, and witness thought it most likely that deceased jumped to save himself. When he saw the train was overpowering them witness himself jumped before the train crashed into the wagons at the bottom. He had not seen the regulations made last January which allowed a train of 20 mineral wagons to perform the run down, providing every other wagon was braked. Witness had been with the company 23 years, and had been a driver 15 years. He was no stranger to this branch line, but he had not been on it for about twelve months. When he missed deceased the train was travelling at about ten miles an hour. Replying to the Coroner witness stated that the load was certainly within the amen- ded rules. His mate was a first class fireman, and he was certain there was no error of judgment on his (witness') part, as he was quite aware of the danger at the bottom. Replying to the jury, witness said is was not deceased's duty to turn the points. It was customary for the train to stop before reaching the points, when the brakesman got out and turned them. Ellis Evans, of Mold Junction, said he was brakesman on the train in question. He described how the train was made up, and said that when coming back they were all right up to Meliden. Six of the wagons had t, the brakes pinned down, while another had the brake on. but not pinned. He considered the train started a little too quickly. The in- cline after leaving Meliden station was 1 in 45 for a mile and a quarter, afterwards it was 1 in 55. The train was going too sharp for his liking, and he did his best to stop her. but he could not draw the attention of the driver or fireman. He knew nothing of what had happened until the train collided with the wagons. He bad worked on that branch line every Other month for about 12 years. The stationmaster at Prestatyn also gave evidence, in the course of which he described how the train was made up, and what each wagon contained. Witness also gave the regulations of working this line, which were to the effect, that only one engine could be on the line at one time. He was well acquainted with this branch, and had travelled it on an average twice a week during the past seven years, and would probably have been on the train that day but for leave of absence. Witness considered the train was sufficiently braked. Mr R. Carlile, Chester. Goods Inspector of this district, then gave at great length the operations of the train from the starting point. He said the amended rule of allowing 20 wagons to come down instead of 14 had been tested before being put into operation. After further evidence the coroner sum- med up, in the course of which he stated that there was no suggestion at all of criminal negligence on the part of anyone. It was probable that deceased, finding the train over- powering them, became panic-stricken. It was very plain that the engine driver and brakesman were trying to blame one another, but it was not for them to apportion the blame. It was undoubtedly a pare error of judgment on the part of one or both of these men. Referring to the new regulation the coroner said that these accidents would sometimes happen no matter how carefully the authorities had gone into the matter, and he put it to them that perhaps the company in its own in- terests would reduce the load. The jury, after an absence of ten minutes, returned a verdict of accidental death, the foreman (Mr Joseph Littler), remarking that some of them were of the opinion that firemen were in the habit of jumping off trains to turn these points, and they would suggest that a man be stationed there so as to avoid the necessity of anyone getting off the train.

Visit of Rev. F. B. Meyer, B.A., to Prestatyn. The Rev. F. B. Meyer, President of the National Free Church Council has accepted thQ invitation of the English section of the Prestatyn Free Church Council, per Rev. Dr. Townsend, to visit Prestatyn. He has ar- ranged to come on September 5th next, and will hold a conference of ministers and lay- workers in the morning, preach in the after- noon, and have a great meeting for conse- ration at night. Friends are requested to make a note of the date.

Death of Mr. W. Freeman. Mr. William Freeman, one of the best- known auctioneers in North Wales, died with terrible suddenness on Sunday evening at his residence at Holywell. He was sitting at the tea table, when lie suddenly fell forward and died almost immediately before medical aid could be summoned. He had been in indiffe- rent health for some months past, but his sudden end has caused a great shock in the district. Besides extensive connection as an auctioneer, he had several agencies, and had been several years a member of the Holywell Urban Council. He was about 65 years of age.

Much sympathy is extended to Mr and Mrs Ellis Roberts, Vale View, upon the death of their youngest daughter, aged 41 years. The interment will take place to-day at Pres- tatyn Churchyard,

Passing Events BY "QUILLDRIVER." This week the world has been startled by a grim tragedy enacted in the capital of the Russian Empire. It was at first believed a revolution had broken out, and it was so an- nounced in the daily papers,—men women, and children having been ruthlessly shot down by mounted troops. If this merciless slaughter should be the prelude to a general rising, who is to blame ? Surely not the strikers and those who sym- pathised with them, for, to all appearances, without any intention of creating a distur- bance, they endeavoured to present a petition to the Czar, praying for a redress of their grievances. The Czar, or rather his advisers, however, thought fit to treat the petitioners as though they were rebels, and as a result there are already fresh risings and disturbances in many parts of Russia. What will be the end of it all ? The movement provoked into existence by the Government cannot, in all probability, now be stopped, and the policy announced by the Czar's Government of "unflInching sup- pression will not end the struggle. What blind fatuity in a Liuler who turns a deaf ear to the legitimate grievances of his subjects It makes one's blood boil to think that it is possible for a few individuals to have the power to deny to a whole nation of people the rights and privileges which, in common justice, should belong to them. We hear a great deal these days about Army Reform. On all sides it is pointed out that in spite of our bitter experience in South Africa, the Army is still in a very un- satisfactory state. The present Secretary of War says: "The Army, imperfectly organ- ized, wasteful in its methods, unsatisfactory in its results, is one of the most costly machines ever devised. All those evils are now at their height." There is no doubt that the feeling of the vast majority of the people of every civilised country is against war, but vain rulers and ambitious ministers, in whose hands the power lies to decide the question of peace and war, have to be reckoned with, and we are some distance yet from the glorious time when there will be no more wars. We should therefore be in a position, if war be forced up( n LlS, to bring it to a speedy and triumphant cloSJ. I have never been able to understand why the control of our Army should in the main b3 in the hands of civilians, who, whatever party they belong to, have shewn themselves quite incompetent to deal with the problems connected with Army organisation. Would not a well-tried soldier like Lord Kitchener be the best man at the head of the Army ?

Places of Worship in Prestatyn with Names of Preachers and Times of Sunday Services. CHRIST CHURCH (Church of England). High St. 11 < m. (English) Rev. O. J. Davies, M.A Vicar. 5-45 p.m. (Welsh) „ „ 7-1 p m. (English) BETHEL WELSH WESLEYAN CHAPEL, High-st JO a.m., Mr. W. M. Williams, Prestatyn. 6 p m., Rev. E. Humphreys, Rhrl HOltEB WELSH WESLEYAN CHAPEL.Marine-rd 10 a.m., Rev. E. Humphreys. Rhyl. 6 p.m.. Mr J. T. Hughes, Meliden. REHOBOTH C M. CHAPEL (Welsh). High Street 10 a.m., Rev. Morgan W. Griffiths, B.A. 6 p.m., WELSH CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL, Vic. Av. 10 a.m., 6 p.m., WELSH BAPTIST CHURCH, Old British School. 10 a.m. Pastor M. F. Wynne. 6 p.m., ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of Wales Nant Hall Road. 11 a.m., Rev. W. LewJs Davies. 6-30 p.m., ST. JOHN'S ENGLISH WESLEYAN CHURCH, Station Road. 10-45 a.m., Rev W. Bell 6 p.m., Rev. J. R. njewall. TRINITY CHURCH (Methodist New Connexion). 10-45 a.m., Rev. W. J. Townsend, D.D. 6-30 p.m. CHURCH OF SS. PETER AND FRANCES (Roman Catholic). Gronant Road. Mass 10 a.m., Benediction (i-30. Rev. H. Bickerton Jones.

Death of a Rhyl Alderman. The death took place on Saturday, after a long illness, of Alderman Robert Jones, of Foryd, Rhyl, at the age of 61 years. Mr. Jones was one of the oldest inhabitants of Rhyl, having resided there for about half a century. Deceased had been a member of the Rhvl Council for tbirty years, and was also an alderman of the Flintshire County Council, He was a deacon of the Warren lioad Calvin istic Chapel, and was much respected in Rhyl and the district.

In a certain village school the other day, o says a daily contemporary, the following problem was put before the children by one of H.M. Inspectors "Suppose in a family there are five children, and their mother has only four potatoes between them. Now, she wants to give every child an equal share. What is she going to do ? Silence reigned in the room Everybody calculated very hard, and at last a little boy stood up. Well, my lad ?" en7 couragingly. Mash the potatoes, sir." To his infinite credit, H.M. Inspector smil,ed broadly..