Rhyl Record and Advertiser

DISILLUSIONMENT. THE letter which the Bishop of St Asaph has forwarded to a con- temporary, will doubtlessly form in- teresting, if not particularly pleas- ant reading, to local Liberals who were taken in by the cry of high rates, extravagance and misman- agement in county administration, and the lofty protestations of inde- pendence on the part of the Con- servative candidates at the County Council election. The Lord Bishop, a typically impartial' member of the second chamber has a Kaiser-like fondness for speeches and other pub- lic pronouncements. It is only fitting that the claim which is made hould come from one who is looked upon as the real head of local Conservat- ism. We cannot profess surprise either at the claim which his Lord- ship puts forth, or that it is his Lordship who advances it. Briefly the claim is that the only issue upon which the opinion of the electorate was expressed was the educational policy of Welsh County Councils as a whole. It is an amazing claim, for all its expectedness. Through- out the whole of Flintshire—we have not the episcopal imagination which enables us to comprehend the whole of Wales, overlooking local circumstances as though they had no influence-there were Conservative candidates in all but eight divisions, and we can find no trace of an appeal to the electorate on the issue which the Bishop claims as the single cause of the Liberal losses. On the contrary we know that the great majority resolutely shirked the issue, or dis- missed it with, a general, invefti- brate suggestion that, if it could be understood to mean anything at all it meant that the candidate would not support, the taking over by the authority of one Church school that was not put in proper repair by the foundation managers. There was not a Liberal member of the last County Council who was prepared to do less. The candidates appear- ed before the electors as anything but opponents of the late Council's educational policy, or Conservatives, and hundreds of Radicals were foolish enough to be victimised. The man who can command the most virile invective can always count upon a cheer from an average crowd, and when he tells them that their rates will cost them less if he is supported and can produce figures that on their face bear out his state- ment he can depend upon a suffi- cient amount of support. It was this appeal to the pocket and the high falutin cry of independence, that carried the day, and the correctness of the prophecy of Mr. Herbert Lewis, before the results were generally known, that a little time would show the extent of the independence, has been speedily and strikingly demonstrated. Lib- erals voted for "Independent" candidates, for economy" and lower rates the Independent candidates form a Tory party in the County Council, and the Bishop of St Asaph claims the votes for econ- omy as a demand for Church schools to be put on the rates. We hope local Liberals who threw their party over last Saturday week view the situation with the complacency which his Lordship appears to enjoy. We are at a loss whether to attribute the Bishop's method of proving his argument to simplicity or Episcopal logic. (The terms are' not synonymous). His Lord- ship seeks to prove his claim by quoting his opponents. The de- duction is wrong. We have the result of the election before us, and agree entirely with the opinions of the member of Parliament, which he quotes,expressed befoie the contest. There is not the slightest doubt that the whole election was fought on the education question. Had it not been for this question there would scarcely have been as contest in the county. We declared in these columns time after time, and Liberal leaders urged it consistently, that the issue of the fight was the control of the schools. But to argue that the real issue of the contest was necessarily the issue upon which the electorate voted is transparently weak. The independant crysalis which has turned out a Tory moth was what the ratepayers were deluded by, and as earnestly as the Liberals urged the true issue of the contest the Consertative denied it, and much more successfully. It is a signifi- cant omission—the Bishop's omiss- ions invariably are significant—that his Lordship does not refer to an individual division in which the Liberal opponent appealed publicly for votes in antagonism to the late council's educational policy. We are told that at his last meeting, Mr Tilby remarked that there were no reporters present and he would therefore state his educational views and he proceeded to advocate absolute equality all round. The Bishop's letter has proved the hollowness of the independence of the Tory candidates. We wonder how long it will be before the rates disclose the value of their economy. -o

RHYL. Where do yon geT rour Bacon and Cheese ? The very top note m the scale of excellence is to be found at Roose and Co.'s, Queen Street, Rhyl, who are noted for Prime Bacon and Prize Cheshire Cheese I-Advt HAROLD KII)WAIU),S has opened the shop, 65, 'High Street, witili a choice selection of Outfitting Good s.—Ad vt. WEDDING. A very picturesque wedding was solem- nised at Warren Road C. M. Chapel Jast Tuesday, the contracting parties being Mr J R Williams of Messrs Jon s and S jn, grocers, Abbey Street, and Miss Anna G Jones, daughter of the late Mr W Jones, Morvan, Crescent R :>ad. The officiating minister was the Rev John Roberts, pastor of the church, assisted by the Rev R Richards, and Rev Joseph Jones. The bride was given away by Mr Thomas Hughes. Colwyn Bay, her brother-in-law. The bridegroom was accompanied by Mr H Williams, John Street, as best man, whilst Miss C M Jones acted as brides- maid. In the afternoon the happy couple left for Bettws y-Coed, where the honey- moon will be spent. The presents were numerous and costly. LOCAL ELECTIONS. Something like a stampede has taken place among the gentlemen whose names were handed in as candidates for the Council and Board of Guardians, and instead of a fight in every ward for both bodies, there will only be one contest for the Guardians and two for the District Council. In the South Ward Mr Fred Wallis is seeking a seat in opposition to the retiring candidates, and in the West Mr Henry Jones is fighting the retiring mem- bers. In this ward Mrs Mary Jones, Messrs John Asher, Batho, Hugh Edwards. J Roberts Jones, and Perks are candidates for the Board of Guardians. There are three vacancies. Both Mrs Jones and Mr Prks are away, ahd Will not be back before the election. ART AMONG THE LITER VTURE. At the monthly meeting of the District Council on Monday, Mr Arthur Rowlands, Town Clerk, and secretary of the Fire- Brigade, presented the Council on behalf of the brigade with a very large and hand- somely framed grouped photograph of the brigade, taken on the occasion of their winning the Byrne Shield at last year's Firs -Brigade's Competition. The picture was received with general expressions of pleasure and the suggestion that it should be hung in the library was agreed to. CONSTABLE REPAIRS HIS BEAT. At a monthly meeting of the Flint Town Council it was announced that Alderman Pennant, J.P., who for thirty years had been constable of Flint Castle, had forwar- ded to the council a cheque for £30 towards keeping the old castle in repair. On the proposition of the Mayor a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the constable. CHRIST CHURCH MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. The Rev J Pandy Williams presided at the meeting of this society on Monday last, when Miss Darlston read a paper on education. Amongst those who took part in the discussion were Messrs P Mostyn Williams, Ernest Nelson, and Caradoc Williams. Next week a musical pro- gramme will be given from 8 p.m. to 8-30 to be followed by a repetition of the Trial Scene from the Merchant of Venice. A collection will be taken in aid of the Royal Alexandra Nursing Fund.

Flintshire County Council. FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW BODY. LIBERALS CARRY EVERYTHING BEFORE THEM. TORY DODGES AT THE ELECTION EXPOSED. MR. SAM. PERKS ELECTED AN ALDERMAN. The first meeting of the newly elected County Council was held on Wednesday at Mold. There was great interest in the proceedings and the room was filled, there being a large attendance of public, who watched the business closely, applauding freely until checked by the Chairman- The Liberals occupied their usual place to the left of the chair, while the Tories sat to the right, a few of (both sides, and the older n-iemtbers of the Council sitting in the centre. Canon D-revr occupied a seat on the Tory Bench, although listed as a Liberal Churchman." Among those present were the following local members:— Messrs W Elwy Williams, H A Tilby, J H Ellis, W Conwy Bell, Thomas Williams, iM A Ralli, A M Ralli, Robert Jones (Ffynnongroew), Edwin Morgan, and Colonel Howard. It was announced at the opening that Air W J P Storey and Mr Davidson, of Northop, were unable to attend, and this gave the Liberals a clear majority independent of the aldermen and the chairman. Several of the members of the Tory party were late in arriving, and when the Clerk asked if the Council would wait a few minutes until the arrival of the train there were shouts of No." Dr Humphrey Williams: What are we wait- ing for. The time is up, and we should get on to business. At this stage the absentees arrived, led by Lord Mostyn, and the Clerk pointed out that no one could vote until the declaration had been signed. 'While he was doing this Mr Hargreaves rose, and endeavoured to catch the Clerk's eye, but 'being on the side of the desk this was difficult. Mr Hargreaves again rose as the Clerk an- nounced that the first business was to elect a chairman, and Mr J L Muspratt rose just after in the centre of the hall in front of the Clerk's desk. The Clerk thereupon called upon Mr Muspratt. This was greeted with cries of (Mr Hargreaves' from the Conservative side, and counter cries of Muspratt' from the Liberals. The Clerk: Mr Muspratt caught my eye first. ("No," "Yes.") Mr J II Ellis Very conveniently. (Inter- ruptions followed this). Dr. Humphrey Williams: Is the ruling of the Clerk to be challenged? Colonel Howard Yes. (Applause from the Conservatives and counter cries from the Liberals). The Clerk: I called on Mr Muspratt because he caught my eye first (uproar). The Rector of Flint: Did you expect Mr Muspratt to get up first? (Hear, hear, and "No, No.") The Clerk: No. I have given my ruling as Mr Muspratt canght my eye. Mr Muspratt then proposed that Mr James Summers, of Connah's Quay and Hawarden Bridge Ironworks, be re-elected chairman of the Council. He pointed out that Mr J W Summers had already done good work, and that they had found in him a very able chair- man. IMr Thomas Parr, of (Mold, seconded, and re- ferred to the ability with which Mr Summers had discharged the duties. iMr Warburton Lea in proposing that the vice-dhairman the elected to the chair, referred to the fact that Mr Sydney Taylor, of Sandy- croft, had served an apprenticeship, and that they were departing from their rules in not electing! the vice-chairman to the chair. As to Ih Taylor's .business aifcilky no one could find I fault. If they looked through the election l returns they would find that Mr Taylor was a representative of the people, being returned by a large majority (for the largest division in the county. He received upwards of 500 votes. He liked to see popular representation, and they could not do better than place in the chair a man who had gained the confidence of 4 the ratepayers. -He preferred popular repre- sentation than to the making of aldermen out of defeated candidates (Laughter and applause). Mr Lloyd Price seconded. Col. Howard said the situation was peculiar. Each side had secured 20 representatives, but the Conservatives had a majority of 400 on the votes polled. No matter what the Liberals said, he contended that the Conservatives in ) Flintshire were the supreme party and repre- sented the people .(Loud cries of No, no," and "Yes, yes"). Mr Elwy Williams: What about the House of Lords ? (Hear, hear). Col. Howard We will deal with that when you take up your aldermen (Laughter). It ill becomes an alderman to make that remark when he was dimself rejected by the ratepayers and made an alderman by his party (Cheers). !Mr Elwy Williams: Where is your demo- cracy ? Col. 'Howard said he attacked Mr J W Sum- mers on the ground that he was not a Welsh- man (Cheers and counter cheers). He had qualified for the county by taking a small cot- tage, and was a shareholder in works at Con- nah's Quay. More than that he accused him of not being fair in the chair (Sensation). When it was suggested that an address should be presented to Lord Milner, Dr Humphrey Williams moved that the address be laid on the table, while Mr Summers, who was in the chair, was heard to remark Or under the table (Hear, hear, and interruptions). He argued that that was a most abusive remark to make, particularly so coming from the Chairman. It was an offensive remark to him (Col. Howard), who looked upon Lord (Milner as one of the finest men of the empire, and whom he had the honour of serving under. He was a man whose name would go down in history as a great Englishman long after the names of those who had abused him had been forgotten (Applause). Dr Humphrey Williams said it was all a political farce wasting the time of the Council with speeches, as they -had all made up their miners. He charged the Conservatives with having gained their seats on the County Coun- cil by false pretences, and the plea that they were in favour of popular control of the schools. Mr Warburton Lee said he did not mention it in his address. The Rector of Flint said no one knew better than did Dr Williams his views (Interruption). Dr Williams replied that where there was silence on the subject every effort was made that that fact should be taken for granted (Laughter). Mr Tilby was a strong advocate of it, and he represented the party of Toryism (Cheers and counter cheers). The Conserva- tive party had made out that they were in favour of popular control and no religious tests f for teachers. That was how they won the election. Lord Mostyn said he had not mentioned it in his address. Dr Williams replied that Lord Mostyn had referred to control 0If the schools ty the people, and especially by the parents. Lord Mostyn Certainly. Dr Williams, continuing, said he would challenge the Tory Party to disprove that the Liberals of in Flintshire had a .majority of 3,000 (Loud applause, and ironical cheers, to- gether with cries of "Chinese laboar At this stage the Clerk endeavoured to stop the personalities, and asked if a vote should be taken, but Dr Williams said the other side had had their say, and he would have his (Laugh- ter). He charged the Tory Party with having used its wealth and influence to gain the elec- tion by false pretences. Every land agent had been made to use his influence —— Col. Howard: What about Mr Herbert Le- wis ? Mr Hargreaves: Not one single land agent has misused the power of the landlord (Ap- plause). Col. Howard: Half a minute. What did Mr Summers do at Connah's Quay ? Did he not use his power there ? Dr Humphrey Williams said he would charge the Conservative party with having secured thousands of Liberal votes by the political dodge that there was nothing party in the mat- ter, but that the best local men should be re- turned (Laughter and applause). Had they not used their wealth and influence to say nothing of the white rossette dodge to secure votes ? Had they not told fairy tales about monsters in the schools ? All these things had secured good Liberal votes. He would not demean himself by answering the unfair re- marks made against Mr Summers, it was all personal spite (Applause and laughter). (Mr J p Jones said he would reply to the charge that Mr Summers was not a Welshman. He was not the only one, and others had the misfortune. ,Col. Howard I do not know whether you are referring to me. But I can tell you that my people have lived in this country for 250 years (Applause). Mr J P Jones added that Mr Summers em- ployed a large number of men, and paid C3,000 a week in wages. How much did others pay in wages ? (Applause). Mr Elwy Williams:. He never threatened to close his works if they did not vote for him (Hear, hear). Mr J iP Jones said it was cruel to bring charges against Mr Summers, who had been most fair in the chair (" No, no"). Col. Howard: What about the instance I gave you ? (Applause). (Mr J P Jones: It is a low, mean charge to bring. The Rector of Flint said he had also to complain of Mr Summers' want of impartial- ity. He had offered a portrait of Alderman Muspratt to the Council, but instead of its being refused or accepted, sinister motives were alleged to him in making the offer (" No, no"). Mr J P Jones: You have got your answer in this room. (pointing to a portrait of Mr J L Muspratt). The Rector of Flint: He did not act straight- forwardly in the matter. Mr H A Tilby, whose rising was received with cheers and counter cheers, said it was a most interesting situation, inasmuch as Dr Williams regretted the attack, and then in turn made an attack on the other side of the house (Laughter). Dr Humphrey Williams with his childlike methods had been keeping up the hypocrisy of the Liberal Party on the Council for three years. They had told the people that they would not administer the Education Act, that they were not doing it, and yet all the while ithey were administering it (Applause and laughter). The Liberals had been swindling the ratepayers all that time. Dr Williams had charged the Conservative party with gain- ing seats by means of white rosettes, but his explanation was that Mr Herbert Lewis after a tour of the county on the day of the election arrived at Rhyl when the splendid victory was declared, and the attack of biliousness which the shock gave him made him fancy that the yellow rossettes he had seen had turned white (Roars of laughter). Dr Williams: What about the leaflets ? (Applause). Mr Tiliby (holding up a bunch of papers) I have a bunch here. I was hoping some of you would refer to them. All I can say that compared with the gentleman who wrote these leaflets Ananias was a mere amateur (Laughter and applause). Mr Tilby then referred to the fact that Mr Summers had monopolised the chair for three years, and that the chances of anyone reaching the chair in ten years was something like 2 to 25. The Liberals during the 18 years they had held the County Council had .given one Conservative chairman one year, and yet three years ago they did not re-elect another Conservative because they had sudden- ly discovered Mr Summers, who had done very little public service, but he had money (Inter- ruptions). Yes, the Radicals had disestab- lished and would have disendowed the squire for the millionaire in a way that only Radicals with their love for fair play could do (" No, no," and applause). The fact of the matter was that the Liberals did not care one jot for anything so long as they got a chairman who would give a casting vote if necessary for seven Liberal aldermen and so obtain complete con- trol of the Council. Compared with those tactics the House of Lords was nowhere, and yet Mr Elwy Williams referred to the House of Lords. Mr Elwy Williams never dared during the last election to make a speech in Ribyl on the matter. The Liberal Party prayed that they might retain the power until they filled the aldermanic Bench, and with hands uplifted—held up if needs be like Moses of old by Alderman Ralii and his son—they begged that-a Liberal chairman should be re- turned so that he might use his casting vote for party purposes (Applause). Had not Mr Herbert Lewis issued a manifesto for the party, and why was it that the Liberals were so deter- mined to get a majority ? It was because the caucus of Welsh Liberal M.P.'s in London begged of them to secure power, so that they could say that Wales was solid, yet at the same time at the election the Conservatives had a majority of votes (Applause). Yet this was the party that spoke of a House of Lords I (Applause). What about the Radical House of Aldermen on that Council, who in 18 years had had but one Conservative (Applause). He j asked as a measure of justice that Mr Sydney Taylor ibe elected. A vote was then taken, when Mr Summers was elected by 26 votes to 16. Mr Summers, on taking the chair, thanked the Council, and said that he was but the second who had had the honour of sitting for four years. In a case of that kind one must expect to be criticised, and a man must at times sacrifice himself for his friends. Every- thing came to him who waited, and no doubt if Mr Tilby (possessed his soul in patience long enough he would reach that position. Regard. ing Mr Sydney Taylor, he knew him to be a thorough gentleman, and the contest was not a personal one (Hear, hear). 'Mr Sydney Taylor was then unanimously re- flected vice-chairman, and in an amusing speech he observed that it seemed as if he was to be glued to the vice-chair with no chance of getting up higher. He had an ambition for the chair, and would like to have his name on the honours board in the Council Chamber, so that his great grandchildren might look at it and say, Yes, there is the old man's name. He tried to keep a lot of unruly Welshmen in order (Loud laughter). MR. TILBY AND THE CLERK. On the Clerk presenting the returns of the election, Mr Tilby asked if there had been any complaints or faults found with returning officers. The Clerk explained that in the Greenfield Electoral Division, where the successful can- didate was returned by a majority of 10, the unsuccessful candidate had questioned two votes, which were allowed, but he (Mr Brom- ley) said that the matter could only be dealt with on a petition. Ih Tilby said he wanted to know who was the returning officer. That was what he was concerned about. Mr Bromley: Mr Cyril 0 Jones, solicitor, Holyhead. Mr Tilby asked why it was necessary to bring men from Holyhead to act as returning officers in Flintshire. The Clerk replied that he was responsible for the election, and it was natural that he should give a preference to members of his own pro- fession. 'Mr Tilby said it seemed to him that they had plenty of men qualified in Flintshire to do the work without the Clerk fetching men from Holyhead. There was a very strong feeling in the county that it was not altogether desirable that the members of the firm of Messrs Brom- ley, Jones and Co., and their relatives should get all the plums of the county. That firm seemed to be afraid that any stray sixpence should get away. The Clerk said he had engaged Chester solici- tors for that end of the county. He was asked by Mr Jones for an appointment, and he saw no reason why he should not have it. If Mr Tilby liked he would submit to him next time a list of those appointed—that was, if the Council wished it. Mr Tilby said he did not ask for impertin- ence or irrelevance. This money spent on the election and paid to a Holyhe.ad solicitor was money paid by the ratepayers of Flintshire, and those who lived in the county should have it. The Clerk asked if Mr Tilby objected to Chester solicitors being appointed. Mr Tilby: Certainly. The Clerk said he was responsible, and he thought he should be allowed to do the work in his own way. •Mr Tilby said that was what be complained of. The Clerk did it in his own way, and gave it to members of his own firm or relatives. And the reason the firm did not get more was that there were not enough of Bromley, Jones and Co. to go round. ELECTION OF ALDERMEN. The election of aldermen then took place, and the voting was on party lines. Mr P P Pennant was the only Conservative put in the Liberal list, while Mr Herbert Lewis and Mr S Perks were put in the Conservative list. The aldermen elected were:—Messrs J Her- bert Lewis, 40; S Perks, 40; P P Pennant, 39; and the following 21 votes each:—Messrs Joseph Jones, Holywell; C Gerrard, and Petei Jones, Holywell. The candidates run by the Conservatives and not elected were Messrs F J Gamlin, E Blane, Wm Roberts, and J Carmen. STANDING JOINT COMMITTEE. On proceeding to the selection of a Standing Joint Committee, party lines were followed by the Liberals, who nominated 12, and the Con- servatives nominated six. Mr H A Tilby appealed for fair play, seeing that the Chairmanship and Aldermanic Bench were in the Liberals' hands. To this the Liberals replied that the Court of Quarter Sessions had refused to elect Liberals: from the magistrates, and until they altered the Liberals on the County Council declined to move. Dr Humphrey Williams said it was very amusing to hear Mr Tilby speak as he did about fair play. How had the Independents" voted at the election ? How had they voted that day ? How had the Liberal Church- man" voted ? (Applause). Yet Mr Tilby asked for fair play. Let the Tory party show how they were ready to give the Liberals of Flint- shire fair play on the Standing Joint Commit- tee, and he was sure the Liberals would be just. The party on the Bench who had the brains Mr Tilby: Quite right (Loud laughter). Dr Humphrey Williams: I mean our party has the brains, and your party the wealth and influence (Laughter). Give us a fair represen- tation on the Standing Joint Police Committee from the Bench and we will do what is right. Mr Tilby: I know, doctor, your team is an easy one to drive (Laughter). (Mr 'Pennant also appealed for a better feel- ing, but in the end the following representa- tives were elected, all nominees of the Liber- als :—Messrs G A Parry, W'Astbury, (Dr) J H Williams, T Lindop, Hugh Davies, W E Will- iams, Robert Jones (Ffynnongroew), J Peters, J P Jones, H J Roberts, Robert Jones (Mold), and Jesse Roberts. (Mr Warburton Lee complained that Maelor was not represented by an alderman, and that the Liberals had not even nominated one. Dr Williams retorted that Mr Warburton Lee's Conservative friends had not nominated one, and The Chairman, reading from Mr Lee's pap-er, said he had not nominated one himself. (Mr Tilby said it was undignified for a chair- man to show such a party spirit. (Mr Lee said he was surprised that a chair- man should take part in a controversial matter. He had never heard of such a thing being done before, and was greatly surprised. COUNTY ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE. In filling up the County Assessment Commit- tee Mr ,S Perks was elected as the eleventh man, there being one for each of the ten petty sessional divisions. THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. A warm discussion prevailed as the result oi the proposition that the following co-opted members should be added to the Education Committee, which will consist of tht whole Council, with these additions:—Mr; (Muspratt, Mrs 'Emily Edwards, Mrs Williums- (Flint), the Revs John Owen and Richard Jones, Dr Oliver, and Mr G C Hockenhull. Dr Williams said that 'he would bless the day when the education controversy would be settled. The only way to bring that about was to give them full control of the schools, in place of 85 per cent. of the schools in Flint- shire being under the control of the clergymen, where there was but a ghost of a chance for a Nonconformist, male or female, to be appoin- ted head teacher—who said "No" to that? Lord Mostyn -4; I do." Dr Williams replied that Mostyn was the exception which only proved the rule. If the schools were only thrown open, then they would find that the Conservatives would te treated in a just and generous spirit by the 'Council. To all the appeals upon the part of the Conservatives for representation amongst the co-opted members the Liberals turned a deaf ear.

ZE^ZENRIL,. ROYAL ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL. On Tuesday, by the kindness of Mr Caradoc Williams and a number of other friends, an entertainment was given in the Recreation Room at the Hospital, when in addition to a musical programme, the Trial Scene from the Merchant of Venice" was performed with great credit to all those who took part in it. The programme was as follows :—Pianoforte solo, Miss E Roberts, R.A.M. song, "Jack's Return," Mr Thornley; song, Miss Stephenson trio, Dame Durden," Messrs Thornley, Holt and Williams song, Miss Francis quartette, Mrs Holt, Miss Stephenson, Messrs Holt and Thornley a Jesson in ventriloquism, Mr Caradoc Williams; duet, Army and Navy," Messrs Holt and Thornley song, Miss Francis quartette, Mrs Holt, Miss Stephenson, Messrs Holt and Thornley; song, Mr Holt. Trial Scene—Merchant of Venice Portia, Miss Darlaston Nerissa, Miss Jessie Roberts Shylock, Mr R W Hudson Antonio, the Merchant of V( Mr Ernest Nelson Bassanio, Mr Frank Sarson Gratiano, Mr Stanley Wilmott Solanio, Mr D W Jones Salarino, Mr Caradoc Williams. The following gifts have been received and are acknowledged with many thanks :—Eggs and home made jam, Mrs Roberts (Foxhall); magazines, Hutton toys. Mrs Hooper. COMPETITIVE MEETING AT SALEM CHAPEL. The first annual competitive meeting in connection with Warren Road C.M. Sun- day School took place last Tuesday evening, and proved exceedingly success- ful. There was a large entry in the nineteen classes, and the adjudicators had a difficult task in deciding the issues. The chairman was Mr William Jones, Bod Gwilym, Mr John Jones being treasurer, and Mr L T Williams, John Street, sec- retary. The principal awards were :— Reciting Welsh Alphabet, I Bella Williams, 2 Cissie Matthews, 3 Esther Hughes. First Standard class (a), I Gwilym Thomas, 2 Nellie Price, 3 Gwladys Jones, "r Gwl- adys Owen and Alfred Jones class (b), I Lizzie Matthews, 2 Wm Owen, and Dolly Price, 3 Robert Vaughan. Com- petition singing Fe elai plant af Iesu Grist," I Lizzie Matthews, 2 Katie Vaughan, 3 Elsie Williams. singing Ai difater genyt ein colli ni ?" 1 May Roberts, 2 H P Williams, 3 Gwen Jones poetry, I Morfa Rhuddlan learning Mother's Gift," I Elsie Williams, 2 Dolly Price, 3 Nellie Priee, 4 Lizzie Matthews reciting Mae pob peth yn I Katie Vaughan, 2 Winnie Edwards essay on Stephen and Philip" I Miss Polly Jones (West Kinmel Street), 2 Miss Jones, Elwy St., and Miss Maggie Roberts, Warren Road learning hymn, I Maggie Edwards, 2 Katie Vaughan singing 0 ryfedd ras," divided between Miss E A Williams and Mr H 0 Williams, John Street examina- tion on the Acts,'J 0 L Williams, John Street, R M Roberts, Hope Place, 3 Maggie Roberts, Warren Road quartette "Dies Irae," Mr W Jones, Aquarium Street, and party reciting hymn No 356, Maggie Roberts, Warren Road party of six, Mr H 0 Williams and party. The adjudfcators were Mr J Jones (Glas Alaw), Revs John Roberts and Joseph Jones, Messrs R K Hughes, J W Roberts, Hugh Jones, John Jones, J Evans, Charles Jones and R Prys Owen. A PROSPEROUS COMPANY. The summary of the 58th annual report of the Prudential Insurance Company which appears in our advertisement columns shows that the progress of the company continues remarkable. The number of policies in force at the end of the year reached the astonishing total of 16,764,654. In the ordinary branch 79942 new policies, insuring were issued, and the premiums received during the year were ^4,290,971, an increase of £167,653. The claims in this department paid during the year amounted to £1,947,444. The assets of the company were £6,3,887,008. For the past ten years a revisionary bonus at the rate of 10s per cent. on the original sums assured had been added to participat- ing policy. This has now been increased to J 2S od. TOWN HALL CONCERT. In aid of the Morfa Bach Mission a capi- tal concert was given in the Town Hall, on Thursday evening. The :artistes arranged for were Miss Bessie Williams (Liverpool), Miss Jessie Crane, Mr Norman Evans, Mr Meirion Jones, and the Excelsior Male Voice Quartette. The Chairman was Mr T Harding Roberts, and the accompanist Miss Lillie Evans. THE BRITTANIC ASSURANE CO. The directors of the Brittanic Insurance Company (formerly the British Workman and Gene-al; again report a successful year. The accummulated funds reach £ 1,776,7^, having kincreased by £ 211,949 during the year. The premium income has increased by £64-,229. The claims paid during the year amounted to £492)096. The direc- tors have allotted a reversionary bonus of £1 Iosodper £100 cfthesums originally assured in the "profit" branch, after placing ^.9200 to strengthen the reserves. ENGLISH IN MILLBANK. A change was made at the ordinary service in Millbank, last Tuesday evening. The euphonious language of the Principality predominates, but on the occasion under notice the Sassenach tongue was used. The Rev George Searle was the preacher. ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The members of the ladies' sewing class were entertained to tea last Monday after- noon by Mrs Millward. The proceedings were highly successful, the attendance being j ery encouraging. ;rq