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r -.-. -----THE L. & N. W.…
r THE L. & N. W. RAILWAY TEMPERANCE UNION ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT LLANDUDNO. Delegates Accorded Public Welcome. i INTERESTING PROCEEDINGS, [FROM OUR REPORTER.] IThe choice of Liandudno at which to hold the aaLi,.iaa conference of the London and North- extern Railway Temperance Union has been mUJè than j Lustiiiod. The proceedings at the nu oungs on Saturday will do much to further the objects of the Union in North Wales, and the success which attended this year's oonfer- e,i-C{' wiil no doubt be followed by a material in, e;:LSe in the number of members. Tills.is the iirst occasion on which the (Joe if er once has boon hold in the IVoruhe-ni part of the Frind- paJKy, and the delegaJtee and oJiars who came from long distances will long retain pleasant recoileoMons of their visit to Llandudno. weloame extended to the delegates by th6 Urban Dustriot Council, on behalf of the towns- people generally, was as hearty as it was aim- cere, and that it was fully appreciated was quite evident from the remarks of speakers at the various meetings. Unfortunately, Mr Marias, the chairman of the Council, was unavoidably absem, but he had an excellent substitute in Councillor T. W. Griffith, A cardial welcome was also extended to the delegates by the Rev. W. Phillips, on behalf of the Llandudno Tem- pcra-nce Federation, and by Mr J. T. Partington, on behalf of the Chester and North Wales Die tract Council of the Union. In fact, everything possible was done to make the visit an agreeable one and to facilitate the work of the Conference. The Urban District Council placed at 'their dis- posal the Council Chamber and the Town Hall, and they also, in conjunction with several townspeople, eniert-ained the delegates to luncheon, the local Temperance Federation enter- taalling them to tea. The piier company granted free admissions to the pier and concerts to ail the members of the Union. The only unre- deeming feature was the weather, which unfor- tunately was ainything but favourable to sight- seeing. But, as Mr Bone bumorously remarked, ge people of Llandudno, although they can- Ct>;kid a good many tihmgs, had^iot yet got foil control over the weather. Early cm Saturday morning special trains brought hundreds of railway men, their wives, or friends, and by the afternoon, when the weather had improved, the streets of the town were arowded with people dnawn from all parts of England and Wales, to Wihum the Conference was the oontro of attrac- tion. North Wales members of the Union were naturally much in evidence. For instance, a special train from Holyhead and intermediate etations brought into the town 350 railwayman. Another special from Llandudno Junction, which connected with trains from the branch line, was responsible for the influx into the town of about 200 members of the Uoion, whilst the special train run tram Llandudno Junction to Llandudno on Sunday ovening carried upwards of 300 passengers. The trains from other star tions on the line were equally crowded. A REMARKABLE ORGANISATION. The London and North-Western Railway Tem- perance Union occupies a high place amongst similar organisations in the United Kingdom. During itB twenty-two years' career its record is one of continuous progress. Each year sees its membership role increasing, having within the past two years gone up from 4777 to 15,560. Although like Unions have been formed in oonnf ction with most of the railawy systems of the country, that of the London and Nortii- WeSi'Cm has undoubtedly enjoyed the largest measure of suoeesB. A membership of 14,560 oomparea very favourably with that of other companies. Of other Unions the membership is as follows: Great Western Railway, 7086; Midland Railway, b04G. North-Eastern Railway, 5735, lwdon amd Sou til-Western Railway, 3332; V, Great Northern Railway, 1029. These lig- area afford an admirable index to the growth od the temperance movement amongst railway men. The London and North W ester n Railway Un- ion is divided into 19 District Councils, with 77 branches. The Liveipool district comes first with a. membership of 2413, London comes next with 1734, followed by the Central district (which includes all rtations from Stafford to Lichfield) with 1696, and then oom,i,h, Chester and I North Wales diolriot-with a roll call of 1588 This district, like others. is exceptionally fortu- nate m having such energetic officials as Mr J. T. Partington, the president, who is also vice- president of the UnlDl), Mr G. 0. WTilliams the Secretary, Mr J. Hall, of Holyhead, the trea- surer, and a strong Council. They have every reason to foel highly gratified at the results of their efforts along the North Wales coast during the past two years, and we are glad to learn that the work in this district is stilll progressing. An appeaJ is being made for the establish- ment of institutes at Llandudno Junction and Mold Junction, where the population at both places consists almost entirely of railwaymen and their families. One of the features of the Union, which has been responsible iln a large measure for its success in the past, is the establishing of counter-attractions to tine public-house. In all probability, one of the firat questions to be dealt with by tihe new Executive Committee will be the appeals from the two mentioned rapidly- increasing railway centres. It is gratifying to note the encouragement and eupport extended to the Union by the directors, general manager, and officers of the London and North-Western Railway Company, who have at A.1J times shown their readiness to support the Union, and to further its aims and objects. DELEGATES CORDIALLY WELCOMED. THe delegates, about two hundred in num- ber. met at tine Council Chamber on Saturday morning, under the presidency of Mr E. C. Grindley (Euston), when a cordial welcome was extended to them on fcbear visit to Llandudno. Councillor T. W. GRIFFITH, on benalf of the Chairman of the Llandudno Urban Dis- trict Council (who had written expressing his regret at being unable to attend, and wishing the Conference every success), and on behalf of tne townspeople, said he had great pleasure in extending to the delegates to the Confer- ence a most hearty and oondiial welcome to Llandudno*. He need hardly swy that he was in full sympathy with the aims and objects of their eocietv. The work of the officials and men on the railways was so arduous and ex- acting that it demanded the highest qualifi- cations, and best efforts to diaaharge them to the satisfaction of the company as well as the public generally. In fact it demanded the best, from the best man at his best, and no man was at his best if in any way under the influence of intoxicating drink, therefore the object of this society ought to commend itself not only to the dmreotre of the company, but to the gnblic at large. He wished tne society much prosperity in its laudable work, and fent-TT/xi trial their visit to the "<^u«ern of Welsh watering places" would prove beneficial and ex luWaUng to one and all (applause). The Rev. WILLIAM PHILLIPS, M.A., eaid it was very fitting that the first visit of the Union to the Principality should be to the "Queen of Welsh watering places." Rail- waymen required as a rule a very keen eye. It was due to the steadiness of the men that so few accidents ooouxrod on the Line, and there was nothing that promoted steadiness more than temperance (cheers), The great progress made by the Union in so slum a time was astounding; they had now a mem- bership of over fourteen thousand. He attri- buted the result of such an enormous increase to the fact that a prominent place was given to religion in the Una on—(hear, hear),—and in we second place to thcar great organisation, frtr if anybody knew anything about rules and Tegulataons it was the railwaymen (laughter and cheersV Already, one-sixth of the em- plorvees of the Ixmdon and North-Western Railway Company were memJben» of the Temper ce Union, IIJOO be felt certain th" if Vll- k prospered at the same rate as it had «ome during the past few years they would *erv aoon enrol] ail the staff of the company. Another cause that added much to the success W tfio Union was that it embraced two classes, vrbole-hogger- -(L-mgfc/tafr)—and the mode- "Mfl; that. WM «ywtair.Jy the best way to Tr^ (<wIn coniduKion, Mr Phillip* said Mi h*mli id tW JiMdndno Fcderattion it afforded him much pleasure to welooime the members of the Railway Union to Lb-dud-o Mr J. T. PARxING'iX)N, on behalf of the Chester and North Wales District Council oi the Union, also desired to extend to the mem- bers of the Union a hearty welcome to the town. I.n Llandudno they found kind hearts and willing hands (oheera). The extreme kind- nefti of tne Llandudtao Urban District Council and cf the Local Temperance Federation would, he felt euro, appeal to all who were present thai day. The whole of North Wales had looked forward to their visit to Llan- dudno, and everyone had done their best to roake this year's Conference a record success (cheers). Ho was pleased to note that in the Union they had no sects, but all worked side by side for the great and noble cause of tem- perance (applause). The CHAIRMAN said that on behalf of the membeo-s of the Union, he desired to thank Councillor T. W. Griffith, the Rev. William Phillips, and Mr J. T. Partington for the very kind words they had spoken, and also to thank- people of Llandudno generally for the hearty welcome they had given them. He called upon the members to ripe and give a round of apl--I-tuse for LLandudno and its people, a request which was heartily complied with.
THE CONFERENCE.
THE CONFERENCE. THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. The busaness of the Conference was them proceeded with, under the chairmanship of Mr E. C. Gmindiey. VOTE OF SYMPATHY. VOTE OF SYMPATHY. At the outset the CHAIRMAN said that he felt sure they ajl regreftted the absence of Mr A. C. Harris, their line secretary, who was suffering from, a sad bereavement, having re- cently lost his faifcher, and his mother the other day having been seized with a stroke. He proposed that a. very sincere expression of sympathy be telegraphed from that meeting to Mr Harris. The members signified their approval by ris- ing from their seats. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Mr J. T. PARTINGTON proposed that the retiring chairman Mr E. C. Grindley, be re- elected. Mr Grindley deserved to be re-elected not only for his excellent services during the past year but as a compliment for the great interest he had taken in the work of the Union. Tbey had several important projects to deal with during the coming year, and to change their chairman now would be like changing horses when crossing a stream (ap- plause). Mr H. L. COMBER (Birmingham) second- ed, and said that Mr GrindJey had been the inspirator of their present system of working, which had proved eminently successful. Mr H. NASH (Crowe) -Lid that the thanks of the Union were due to Mr Grindley for his imtirinsr efforts on behalf of their cause. The motion waa carried unanimously, and with aocAamaifian. Mr GRINDLEY. in acknowledging the com- pliment, said he felt very proud of the honoutr the meeting had conferred upon him and do- sired to thank them aU. He could assure them that he would do his best to carry out the diufnes they had entrusted to him, and hoped that they would give their vice-president. Mr Parbintsptan, due credit for his unselfish action in moving his rig-ht to the chair. Mr E. A. ADDY (Manchester) proposed the re4oofAon of Mr J. T. Partington (District Traffic Superintendent's Office, Chester) as vioo-othaiirman for the ensuing year, and re- ferred to the excellent work done by Mr Par- tinifrtcm in the Chester and North Wales Dis- trict. Mr G. Du.nn (Eueton) seconded, and it was carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr W. GREGORY (Fus- seconded by Mr D. A. ELWES, Mr J. F. Gee (Ohier Aocountant's Office, Euatcn) was re-elected treasurer. A WORTHY SECRETARY. Mr J. L. THOMSON (Carming Town) said that he deeply regretted the absence of Mr A. C. Harris (of tiie General Manager's Office, Euston), and ai» the cause of his absence was a very Laimeinibable one. He proposed that Mr Harris be re-elected to the post of honorary general eocrcitary, a post he had filled with honour to himself and the Union. Mr Harris had done more than anyone to put the Union on a proper workable basis (cheers). Mr T. PARRINGTON (Lancaster) seconded, and it was carried unanimously. Upon the proposition of Mr H. NASH (Birmingham), seconded by Mr A. FOSTER (Euston) Mr S. C. Payne' (Euston) was re- elected assistant secretary. On the motion of Mr F. J. MILLER (Bir- mingham), seconded by Mr G. M. RICHARDS (Sheffield), Mr G. Wood (Office of the Super- intendent of the Line, Euston) was reeAeoted bon. organising secretary. Mr Stanley Wilts (Watford) and Mz J. Chas. Isaac were appointed auditors. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. The following were re-elected members of the Executive Council of the Union :-Hon. District Secretaries: Messrs D. A. Elwea (Broad Stoeeit), A. Foster (Euston), A. IL Jones (Northampton.), F. J. Miller (Birming- ham) H. Heath (Rugby), J. Perks (Crewe), C. H. Penaberton (Manchester), F. IlolcroCt Denton), L. Leach (Oldham), S. OroftB (Bux- ton), A. Taylor (Leeds). G. M. Richards (Shef- field), J. 0. Hignett (Liverpool) H. C. Kite (Wairringtbon), J. F. Thomas (Swansea) W. Devereux (Abergavenny), T. Parringtoo IT castecr), G. 0. Williams (Chester), G. Miller (S. U. oo. Chester), R. Humphreys (Dublim.); bogether with Memm E. A. Addy, W a IkgigB, W. Camp, H. L. Comber, H. Dodrwcdl, G. Diiinn, W. Gregory. G. Lascelles. junr., W. Leach, H. Nash G. T. Phizackorleiy, W. Pres- ton, W. Rolfe. G. E. W (N.L. Ry.), THE UNION AND ITS MISSION. The CHAIRMAN, who was greeted with loud applause on rising to deliver his addrem, saad: I do not intend to take u.p much of your time with any lengthy address, as it is the desire thM as much opportunity as possible should be given to the delogiatcti themselves to take advantage of tilis Conference, but I shall be glad of jour careful attention for a few minutes, whilst I endeavooir in the first place to lay before you the present position of the Union with its mission, and, in the second place, to make an appeal to you for your contbinued hearty oo-operajtion in our great work (cheers). Of course, you will find a groat many de- tails in the annual repor.t. and I trust you have read this interesting document from be- gmnmng to end, but I am so anxious that each delegate should intelligently appreciate our Union and its objects, and be well pAd in the plan of campaign, that those who are alreadjy fully acquainted with all I might say will bear with me wiiile I state a few points which are of vital importance and should alwiayB be borne in mind. Let us remember thait our Union is baaed upon a dependence on Almighty God, whose strength and guidance are our Rock, and without whose blessing we do not wish to undentake «my work (hear, hear). We do not advance or recognise any particular religiwu persuasion--w-o honour all; but we very reverently aak God through our Saviour Jesus Christ for the help without which our work oamnot be successful I have found & diffidence with some as to oammeno- nig our meetings with prayer, bocaiuse it has been thouj^/ft tharf. the occasion waa not in harm any itih prayer. I hope we aJl be firm tJbós point-we positively cannot do mthoA, God and I am sure that a few words of supplication to the Almighty for a blessing on what shall follow will never be misunder- abood, a-nd will always give us an additional ebremgith—-and create an atmosphere which is most desirable in our meetings. Our membership is oompceed of two kinds, those who are total abstainers—generally called B memberm-mipd those who are not total abstainers, but who promise by God's help to further the cause of temperance—these axe known as A membeos. Now these two classes once admitted to membership have equal rights and are entitled to serve on oomznititees or take office without distinction. I wiab most distinctly to emplios* oeflma pomon of the constitution of our Union, because there has been some misapprehension in certain quar- ten. It is not in accordance with our oansti- tutdaa far a branch to exclude A members, or. if tboy am admitted. to debar them from any prirrtegea enjoyed by B members, any more tiban it would be justifiable for a branch to say we will only have A members and no B members. I ani, of. course, quite aware thfthere ana sarne of oog- friends who hold str%>ag personal view* in favour of having & society of total ahctbaimess only, and t3*at they consider greater sucoean wooid foQow auch a conrse. r have tihe yresteat reBpect for their opinions and wonJd not for a moment wiah to hurt their footings, but I miMt abate mod emphatically and clearly that this is not a matter far debate. The London and North- western Temperance Union is A UNION ON THE DUAL BASIS. We are working on the broad lines which cannot be saad to have been a failure, and w-beaever our own particular views may be. having subscribed to the London and North- Western Union, we must take osure to be charitable to all, to keep wide in our sym- paiuUes, and to be oareful that we do not prove stumbling blocks in the road of pro- gress by raising points of difference with those who. although they may not always see eye to eye with us. may be ana probably are equally sincere in thoir desire for the wellfare of their fellow-men (applause). Our members, as you are aware, are now formed into branches at large stations, and at stations rwt large enough for individual branches the members are attached or are being at- tacfoed to branches. These branches are divided into districts governed by a Council formed of representatives from the branches, and the oocretaries of these District Councils have a seat on the Executive Council of the Union, and thus is created a perfect machinery for dealing 'vith the work of the Union. I should like to mention in this connection, for general inforrno, :on, the very great assistance we receive Irom tte com- pany—that is, from the general manager end the chief offioens-which enables us *o La.Ite effective use of our machinery fc'heeni). We find the officers not only lending the influence ,F ts of their names, but in a great many distiicts taking an active part in the work-in many ways. Many delegates will know from their own experience that what I have said is the case, but I want to make it clear to the Confer- ence that this assistance is in operation all over the line and forms a most valuable asset (cheers). I have sDoken of the constitution of the Union and its machinery. What of its mission? Sure- ly it is the ideal to bind us together into a great brotherhood for the promotion of happi- ness (applause). It is written in the Book of Books, and the words ring out with tremendous force, "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" We may also say: What shall it profit any of us if we gain money, or place, or anything, if we are not happy. A man may obtain neither money nor place, but he may be happy. As I have often said, there arc a mighty host- 80,000 of us, not counting our wives and children bound together by the strongest ties of duty and interest in the employ of the Railway Com- pany we are so proud to serve. Surely we are equally bound by all the ties of brotherhood to make the lives of each other as happy as possible in this world, and fit for the world to come (hear, hear). Let us review the position I have placed be- fore you to-day. Think of the facilities we have for putting in motion the army of nearly 15,000 men, who are now pledged to bring about the possibilities of our campaign. On tlion to victory 1—As we journey we will sing Of the heroes of the battles, and the triumphs of our King, Until the day shall dawn, when we stand before the Son, Present to linn our trophies, and receive His glad "Well done!" (applause). What good men and true are in our ranks. Look round at this gathering, typical and representative of our comrades in arms. What earnestness of purpose fills our hearts. What ambkion for useful service animates our endeavours. It is true the demons of drink and gambling and other kinds of vioe still threaten U6 with their insidious temptations, but we have ever with us the oonsciousneas that God has pi-o- mised He will uphold those who put their faith in Him and in His strength we shall gain the victory (applause). THE FINANCES. Mr J. F. GEE submitted the treasurer's re- port, which showed the total receipts, including a balance brought forward from the previous year of J619 8s Id to be £ 142 7a 3d. The ex- penditure for the year amounted to JB120 4s 6d, thus leaving a baianoe to be carried forward to next year of J322 2s 9d, of which Lio has been granted as a loan to Crewe. The accounts were adopted. ORGANISING SECRETARY'S REPORT. EFFECTIVE MEANS TO CARRY ON THE WORK. Mr G. WOOD, organising secretary, presented his annual report, which was as follows:— It has been felt for some time past by the Executive Council that in order to make the temperance work more effective throughout the system, the line should be divided into districts, and each district controlled from a centre, so as to obviate the difficulty in otherwise pro- moting and keeping alive interest in the Union and of keeping in touch with each station. As foreshadowed m the annual report of last year the organisation of the line has had special at- tention during the year that has just passed. I have, accompanied by the Chairman of the Union, been able during the past twelve months to visit each centre and complete the organisation of the tine into districts, there being now 19 such districts formed and fully equipped for effective aggressive work. For the informa- tion of the delegates assembled, I will give briefly the modus operandi we have adopted:— A. Each district Council consists of pre- sident and vioe-president. B. An honorary district treasurer. C. Âb hõnorary district secretary (this official to be ex-officio, a member of the Beaoutive Council It has been recommended that each District Council be composed of representatives of stations elected as mem-bcfs <ai tne following basis: — The secretary of each local branch to be ex-oiiicio a member of the District Council. Where two secretaries are appointed omy one to have a vote at the District Council. Branches having lees than 100 members, one representative; branches having 100 and up to 200 members, two representatives; bra-nches having 200 and up to 300 members, three representatives; a.nd so on, i.e., one representative for every 100 members. Where there are two representatives from a branch it has been suggested that one should be from the salaried staff, and the other from the wages staff, eo as to secure adequate repre- sentation of all grades. We have also recommended that small stations should be allocated to the nearest or most con- venient branch, as small branches working in- dependently (although such work may be very good) may be beneficial to others 3B well as receive more help themselves if linked up to 0. larger and more vigorous branch. We hu--e likewise advocated the holding of public meet- ing", after the meetings of the district Council, as often as possible, and for arrangements to be made for exchanging visits between ejections, and meetings organised with a view to forming new branchea in 0 the district. <> As regards finances, we have invariably laid it down that each district will have its own financial arrangements under its own control, and that such funds as may be collected by the District Councils should, so far eus they are available, be given in cases of necessity to help the weaker branches. It is only right to give honour where honour is due, and I may say that the Chester and North Wales Council, which has been carrying on the work so successfully on the lines on which we are now working, has been the model on which we have based the formation of these District Councils. It may be of interest to the delegates to hear a little in detail as to the reception we have met with in various parts of the line, and hf-e let me say that I capnot speak too highly of the kindly interest which has been taken by the various district superintendents and goods man- agers. We have on the occasion of visiting every centre been treated by these gentlemen with the greatest courtesy, and willingness has been shown on their part to do all in their power to further the interests of the Union amongst the men under their control. Such recognition on the part of the district officers of the com- pa.ny has in every case made our work not only considerably easier, but the results have been much more effective as will be seen in the increased list of members in many of the districts. We found at the commencement of this organising work that the great essential was to get efficient district secretaries appointed, as the successful working of a district depends to a great extent upon these officers, and I am 1 pleased to be able to say that in nearly every district we have been fortunate enough to secure men for these positions who have not only thrown considerable zeal into the work and given much time and attention to it, but have shown undoubted ability. Where the outlook in re- gard to the finding of suitable secretaries looked the most hopeless we feel that we have been guided in every instance to the right men (cheers). I cannot close this report without bringing before you the splendid results obtained in the central district where, during the year, there h.18 been an increase of 646 members, in the Liverpool district where there has been an in- crease of 1354 members, in the Chester and North Wales district where there has been an increase of 369 members (cheers). Perhaps the district secretaries will allow a word of exhortation, that in the forthcoming year they should make special efforts to con- siderably increase the membership at the larger stations. The growth of our membership and influence has been so vast during the past two years that it is impossible to forecast what our position will be in the tuture, but I am looking forward to the time when out of the 82,000 men employed by this great Railway Company our temperance Union will have at least a membership of 25,000, and to thia end let us all work and pray (ap- plause). The report was adopted, and the motion of Mr E. A. ADDY, Manchester, seconded by Mr H. COMBER, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr Wood for his excellent report. PROPOSED ANNUAL DEMONSTRATION AND CHORAL COMPETITION. Mr H. NASH, Crewe, brought forward a proposition to the effect that steps be taken to organise an aanual demonstration, and a com- petition for a shield, the latter to be open to all the members of the Union. He suggested that the shield might be offered in a choral competition or something of the kind, and the demonstration might be held at some great oentre, such as BeD Vue, Manchester, or some other convenient place. Mr W. GREGORY formally seconded in order to allow discussion on the matter. Mr TAYLOR, Leeds, suggested that the question should be submitted to the Manchester district to eoe if such a demonstration could be arranged at Belle Vue. He was personally m favour of a shield being offered in either a choir, band, or ambulance competition. U'd "0 Mr WHITMEK, Wolverton, was afraid they were not yet quite prepared for such a mass meeting representative of the whole system. It was almost too large a basis to work upon. Let them first try choral contests in the various districts. The scheme might be workable in districts, but he hardly thought it so for the wllole system. Personally, he was more in- terested in a cricket match than a choral con- test, and he therefore proposed that the matter be referred to each District Council for con- sideration. Mr G. 0. WILLIAMS, Chester, seconded. Mr PERKS, Crowe, suggested that the whole system should be divided into sections for the purpose of holding demonstrations and com- petitions. Mr LITTLE, Manchester, thought that great benefit would accrue if such a demonstration were held at Manchester, which had always been first and foremost in the question of temperance. He suggested that the matter be referred to the Executive Council. Mr H. L. COMBER, Birmingham, EüÙ he feared such a demonstration would have a de- trimental effect upon the attendance at their annual conference, but he offered no objection to the matter being referred for consideration to the Executive Committee. After further discussion the matter was re- ferred to the Executive Committee as well as to the various District Councils to reDort thereon. THE SOCIAL SIDE OF TEMPERANCE. The CHAIRMAN then called upon Mr Fazack- ley, who was the winner of the prize essay on a scheme for organising the Union. Mr FAZACKLEY, who was loudly cheered, briefly addressed the meeting, and appealed to the members not to neglect the social side of temperance. He was a member of ""e central district, which started with only one member, but had now increased to 87 members leheers). NEXT YEAR'S CONFERENCE. Mr ADDY, Huddersfield, invited the Union to hold their Conference of 1908 at Hudders- field, where, he said, they would be heartily wel- comed by the District Council and the towns- people generally. The invitation was -ccepted. A TRIBUTE TO LLANDUDNO. Mr H. L. COMBER, Birmingham, said he had never known the Conference being better 'vet- comed than at Llandudno. They had a .trod Conference in Yorkshire, but he had never seen one to exceed the present one held at Llandudno. It had been a thorough success in every respect, which, no doubt, was due to the very handsome room placed at their disposal, and which they considered a very great honour. They were deeply indebted to the Urban Council, the local Temperance Federation, and the townspeople in general. He believed that it was tihe first time a population of a town invited a body like the London and North-Western Temperance Union to luncheon, and he moved a hearty vote of thanks to the people of Llandudno for their great hospitality. Mr E. A ADDY seconded, and it was carried with applause. This concluded the proceedings of the Confer- ence. LUNCHEON AT THE TOWN HALL Councillor E. E. Bone presided at the luncheon, which was served in the Town Hall, the cater- ing being exoellently carried out by Mis Wil- liams, of the Cambridge Restaurant. The CHAIRMAN gave the loyal toast, which wias duly honoured. LLANDUDNO'S HOSPITALITY. Mr WILKS (Watford) proposed the toast of the "Llaoidudno Urbrun District Council," and said thwt tihe Union feLt deeply indebted to the Coun- cil, who were their hcete, for tiieir invitation. Referring to the work of the Union, be thought it was a great advantage to hold the annual oon- ference aft a different nlace each year. He was very glad to have had the opportunity of pay- ing a visit to the beautiful town of Llandudno, and to accept the kind hospitality of its Council, who, he believed, had contributed the whole of the money for the comfort and enjoyment of the members of the Union, while at Llandudno. Councillor E. E. BONE, in responding, re- gretted the unavoidable absence of the Chair- man of the Coumcd (Councillor James Marks). The temperance movement, he said, commended ahself to LLandudno. He himself was a total ab- stainer, and had been so all his life, which was close upon 50 years; and he believed the Chair- man of the Council was also a total abstainer. The Railway Society commended itself to him because it had two branches, the total ab- stainers and the moderate drinkers. If anyone could guarantee to him that every man would be a moderate, he was not sure whether he would not as won be a moderate himself; but they oouJd liat guarantee that. Still he was gLad to see the gresc stride made by the temperance cause during the past few yeans. But the tem- perance parfcv must not rest there; they must provide ooanter attractions to the public-house (hear, haw). He rearetted that the weather had been eo nnfavoorab'e. but they had no con- trol over the weather oi Llandudno, although 1 hey ocmffcroiled a good many other tilings (laugh- tar and applause). THE PROGRESS OF THE UNION. Mr L. W. HORNE (district superintendent, Chester) next gave the toast of the "London and North-Western Temperance Union," and said tihaft it was o)a}y necessary to loak at the annual report to see the great progress that was being made by die Union (cheers). The reason for its rapid progress was the broad lines upon whach the work was conducted (cheers). During the last few years they had opened various in- stitutes, which, although they were under the control 01 the Temperance Union, were open to all the members of the staff. He felt confident that if the work of the Union was continued on those lines, it would be a very great success (applause). Mr C. W. GRINDLEY responded, and said that they were all very much indebted to Mr Home for the kind wordL he had spoken, and they also wished to thank him and his brother officers for the many privileges granted to the members of the Union (applause). DELEGATES ENTERTAINED BY THE TEMPERANCE FEDERATION. At five o'clock the delegates were entertained to tea by the members of the Llandudno Tem- perance Federation, the Rev. W. Phillips, M.A., presiding. In proposing a vote of thanks to the Federa- tion, Mr J. F. Thompson said that they would long remember the hospitality of the Welsh po jple. As a. Scotchman, he might say that that hoepatality had been hidden from them in the past. With that vote of thanks he coupled the names of the Ladies who had 80 graciously at- tended to their wants, and served a.t the tables so well. Mr T HALL (Holyhead), in seconding, reo marked that although the Welsh people were a. small nation, amd their country not a large one, still they were open hearted (applause). This year's conference bad reached high water mark so far as enthusiasm was concerned (cheers). The motkxn was en-thusiasticallv agreed to. Mr ISAAC SLATER, on behalf of the ladie*. said the latter were delighted to serve them, as they bad done that evening. Mr O. W. ROBERTS said that they were very pleased to have a ret from the North- West-o 'n Tern penance Federation. He hoped that by persistent efforts they would be able to douf_»!their membership, and that their re- collections of their visit would remain with them for many years (applause). The Rev. W. PHILLIPS also briefly replied.
IPUBLIC MEETING.
PUBLIC MEETING. A public meeting was held on Saturday even- ing in the Town Hail, and so lajge was the number af persons desiring axlmiss.on that the spacious assembly room proved inadequate to accommodate half their number. Long before seven o'clock, the hour announced for the oom- menoament of the meeting, the hall was crowded to its utmost capacity, all available sitting and sbranding loom being occupied, whilst the vesti- bule and the ante-room were also filled. Hun. dreds of people were unable to gain admission, with the result that an overflow meeting was held at the WeJsh Wesloyan Chiapel olose by. Seldom, if ever, has the capacity of the Llan. dudno Town Hall been eo severely tested. Mr F. T. Kinsman presided, and was snp- ported on the platform by the following officials of the London and North -WTestem Railway Com- pany Messrs L. W. Home (Chester), L. Speak- man (Liverpool), F. Graseman (London), W. Williams (St. HeJen'a Junction), and Captain Binnoy (Holyhead). Seate on the platform were also oooupied by the principal officials of the Union, members of the Llandudno Urban Dis- trict Council, representatives of the Llandudno Tempca-anoe Federation, and others. THE PREMIER nmfpANY OF THE WORLD. The CHAIRMAN, in has opening address, said that they were present that night to celebrate the twenty-seoond anniversary of the London and North-Western Railway Temperance Union (cheers). The interest taken in the work of the Union by the directors, chief officers, and the esteemed general manager of the company was very keen, for since its inception they had mani- fested their interest in the Union (cheers). In the year 1896 or 1897, when Sir Frederick Har- rison was presiding at their meeting, he ex- pressed his disappointment at the small number of members, which was then only about 3000, but looking at the anmial reports they found that- in 1905 the membership ro:e had increased to 4777, and in the following year it went up to 11,193. That afforded ample proof of the exoellent work earned on by the Executive Committee aU along the line. But to-dav the membership had gone up to 14,560. which showed that the efforts of the Executive Committee, in conjunction with the local oommktteee, had been exceedingly well sus- tained, amd he desired to congratulate them most heartily upon the exoellenrt. results (cheers). again the North-Western Railway Union were to be congratulated upon having by far the largest number of members of other railway union (cheers). The North Western was, in this matter, as in others, and as it ought to be, the premOOr company of the world (dhoo-n;). There was no employment where temperance was more needed than among railway men. It was abso- lutely indispensable that tie men should be of temperate habits—(cheers)—and he was pleased to say that from the Chairman at Euston and the General Mana.ger there was the greatest feeling to encourage the efforts of the Union, and amything the directors could do in reason to en- courage the movement, they would only be too glad to assist in any way (cheers). The Union had done much to benefit the com- pany and its employees by bringing people to- gether and creating a healthy social atmosphere and good feeling between the staff and thear employees (cheers). They had already enrolled something like one-sixth of the employees us members of the Union. He appealed to them not to relax their efforts, but to go on, and not be satisfied urntid they had double the number of membea-s, they had to-day (applause). A PLEA FOR POPULAS. CONTROL. Mr F. G. EVANS (Euston), in the course of his address, said the great audience at that meeting showed the strength and vitality behind the Union of the great North-Weetern Railway (cheers). They had cocne there that night to ocmfirm their faith and to endeavour to persuade others to adopt that faith. Thev had not yet reached the maximum of eobrietv that England and Wales could attain, but they could 0001- gratulate themselves upon the reduction in tille nation's d'ink bill from 185 millions to 164 millions in five years—(cheers)—which was due, icn the first place, to the improved education sys- tem of the countrv. and to the fact that the spending pavers of the people through the re- cent wans had been low, for when the spending power was lmv the oonsumption of alrohoJic Honors was also low. Last year the trade of the or»uiktry had been better, and consequently the excise figures had gone up. whidh showed that ihs trade improved people yere groing back to spend IP.Dre in drink. He was sorry to say that the people of the United States were more sober than those of the United Kimedo<m. The figures were 18 gallons per head of the population in the Unitted States, but in the United Kingdom they amounted to 25 gallons pe.r head. He ap- pealed to the people of this country to try, in the course of tie next five years, to bring the fi, euros down to those of the United States (dheers). In tihe year 1863 or 1864. Sir Wilfrid Lawsoo brought into Parliament bis permissive Bill, which meant that when fewo-thirde of the inhabi- tants of a district were opposed to a licence it should cease to exist, but Mr John Bright op- posed it on the ground that Parliament should not put such power into the hands of the rate- payers, which they were not prepared to give to them over any other trade. Mr John Bright suggested popular oontro!—to transfer the power from the justices to the local authorities, a.nd where Mr Bright stood then thev stcxl to-day. A Voice: No, no; nothing of the kind. Mr Evams maintained that it was so, and they must not forget that the principal aim of the temperance party should be to reduce the causes that led to intemperance (cheers). He contended that the principal causes for the m- temperate habits of the people was the facilities •\v~>*n which thev could obtain strong drink, and lie sincerely hoped that the present Government, would incorporate some provision in a. licenfving bit! for the trarffer of the power of dea'-n^ with licensee to municipal awthorrities. If they gave pcrvver to the local authorities to control elausrhten--houses, where beipts were destroved, he* mu-h more important should they give the power where human beings were concerned (cheers)? If they gave the a.Ufutt,1 power ovej and sports, whv should they not do i fo over strong drinks Then, aam. I there were the so-called po'iticaj oluhcl wtprh were nothing more or less thrun gambling- dens (hear, he^.r). It was their duty to impress upon members of Parliament to amend the law relative to grocer's licence. k ooncluon he made a strong appeal to stati on masters and those in authority to set a.n examnlei to their men, and thus make the stoff of the irreat Noo-th-Western Railway a truly n..1ode,l Rtaff (anf)b.rue). Mr E. T. WTLKS said be fully endorsed all that had been said by Mr Evans, and wished to emphasise the appeal made to the station- masters and others to use their personal influence upon their fellow railway men (cheers). He was very pleased to be present at what was by far the very best meeting he had ever seen (ap- la-use). AN ENJOYABLE ENTERTA TNMENT. The musical part of the proceedings proved most enjoyable. The Llandudno Junction Rail- way Temperance Choir, under the conductorship of Mr Cynwal Jones, gave very effective ren- derings of the choruses, "Rise, Temperance Men" (W. T. Samuel) and "We'll march and possess" (Jenkins). The Llandudno Junction Loco. Male Voioe Choir, conducted by Mr Ro- bert Williams, aJso gave a pleasing rendering of the "Comrades Song of Hope. Miss Alice Ann Willia-ms, Conway's popular soprano vocalist, gave a delightful rendition of "Nant y Mynydd" (W. Da vies), and Master E. Oliver Jones sajig very effectively "Come, birdie, oome," for which be was loudly encored. A TOPICAL DITTY. The chief fe&ture of the entertainment, bow- ever, was Mr Harrison Hill, who, with his humorous musical sketches and funny sayings, fairly kept the audience in one continuous roar of laughter the whole time he was on the stage. The hit of the evening was his impromptu song, whioh was sung to the Welsh air "Jenny Jones," the words being as follows:- I came d.own from Euston, my friends, yesterday, 1 To lovely Llandudno, that lies in the Bay. ( And of all the sweet places that Pve ever seen, This lovely Llandudno is oertainly Queen; So here's to the loveliest town on the coast, For we are your guests, and Llandudno is host. We started from Euston, and got out at Crewe, A beautiful plaoe, which is well-known to you. But unlike some folks who get out of the train, We all took good care that we got in again; Arrived at Liaududno, our work well begun. And ail turnea up smiling, excepting Uie 6un. The Clerk of the Weather has wired from hit quarter, That bed quite understood that we all prefer^ water; And said stuky old Sol. "There is no need for me," For the iactice have asked them to afternoon tea. And it'6 well understood that my light aJwaye pales Before tne bright eyes of the ladies of Wales. Now, down at Prestatyn, two neighbours now dwell, Lord Mostyn is one, it is easy to tell, His lordship's near neighbour great honour ha.a won; Your prey dent, he, and his name's Partington. This meeting's a triumph, it need not be said, For his district, from Chester to old Holyhead. Your guefetts wish to say, Wiat for all you have acne, Good fo.K oi this district., our thanks you havt. won; And 1 tWiJb. you would like me to mention ono name, And that's G. O. Williams—success was his aim; And this is the word that we tDmk is his due, That he has su^-eued, and spiencucuy too. VOTES OF THANKS. The CII-Ui^.i-v.N proposed that the meeting tender its best Ln^iiiis to the Llandudno Urban District Council ioi the use oi the haii and the Ooaneii ^-u<iii;Lrur, and aiso to the Liaiiducinc Tempeiance £ eucraLion. It was, he saia, quite unusual for the delegates to be reoeivea with such hospitality as had been extended to them at Lianaudno. lie, however, felt sure iX wouiu be for the beneiit oi Llandudno, as the ruer would go back and tell everyone a beauti- ful place they had been to—(cheers]—and thüf the townspeup.e would beneht bj mcreaseo trade, and the ruuiway Company would me:east their receipts by bringing visitors to Llandudnt (cheers), tie aiso fe,i very much inaebted to Mr iiarnson liill for the way he haa enter- tained them, and to the Llandudno Junctioi choiis It allorued mm much pleasure as a chie officer of the nanv, ay Company to &ee that two such good choirs could be got together froL., among their o-aff at the J unction. Mr E. C. GKi^D-UEi seconded, and the motior. was carried unanimously. Mr F. GlUi^c-AlA-uK moved a vote of thankf. to the chairman for presiding, when the audiencx rote en mass and sang "For he is a jouy gocxi fellow." The meeting, which will long remain as a memorable uue in the history of the town c4 Llandudno, and in that of the London and North-Western Railway, terminated with thot singing of the National Anthein, MJSS Alice A Williams taking the solo part, and the audience heartily joining in the refrain. EVANGELISTIC SERVICES. On Sunday morning the uei-tioai-eis atwnded divine SelVlve at tne variolic ohuiuiitfc and onapeu. ol the tow n, and in some instances specie ser- mOlli) W Ule occacion weie pleached (jCOir'uJj i liu-iiPij.\Cil. MivE'l-LiNUb. At the .b1.1.g.ù Frtsioyterian Church, Llan* dudno Junction, on feunuay afternoon, Ii very successful got>pei tempeianoe meeting was held. Mr E. C. ULl.llilley tx>ucton) pre5J.uoo, and the following tooK pari;—iHecors T. Waks (SVat- ford), G. U. W luiarns (Cnester), Harrison liiii (London), aud lirdw^iu Jones i Con way j. Appror priate nyimjo we rtJ bUllg. On Sunday evening uie Town Hall, Llandud- no, wae again crov>ueu wiih & vast a.UUlellO{>. when liir iu. C. Gnnu.ey, chairman oi the union, presided, and was supported on the p.atlorm by Messrs J. T. Parting ion, J. B. Bauey (Chester j, W. oJ. Evans (Chesier), George Wuiiam6 (Cnes- ter), E. T, WiiKs (VVatiord), J. F. Gee (iiuston), J. L. Thomson (Canning Townj, G. t'tOO<à (Euston), — Wynne (Liandudno Junction), 1" Hughet (Llandudno J LUlCtlOn), Rev. J. Wesle, Whitinore, Councillor T. W. Griffith, Mr O. Roberts, etc. ine meeting opened with the singing of Dr. Parry's ever popular Welsh nymD. "Abeiystwyui," alter which Mr Wilks offered & short prayer, and the Liandudno Junction Tem- perance Choir sang an anthem. M.1r36 Al1pe M Wiiuams sang J. 1'. Pntchards beautiful solo, "Jesu, Lover of my soul" Gospel addresses were then delivered by Mr E. T. Wiiks and the Rev J. Wesiey Whitinore, after whwh We chou gave a good renderli.45 uJ "Praise ye the Lord" (Dr. Coward). Aver, pleasing item was the duet., "Thou shall 61101 me the Path of Life" (litake), which was sur* by Mist fcLnda Jones and Master £ L Ouver Jonc* The Llandudno Junction Loco. Maie V oio. Choir having contributed a chor-us, th. quartette "God is a spirit" was sung with grea, feeling and effect by Alioe A. lihairib, Jennie Jones, Messrs lYiomas Hughes, aIM Cynwal Jones At the close of the meeting the Chairman spoke highly of the hospitality of the peop a of Llandudno, and said that many of the mem bers had been to Llandudno before, but it W not until they came there as member of tl Union that they saw the people of the to. in thear true colours. Others had upon tna, occasion oome to Llandudno for the first time. but their visit would not be forgotten, and th" kindness of the people of Llandudno would long live in their memories (cheers). Mr J. T. PARTINGTON (vice-chairman of the Union) aloo testified to the kindness extender to the Union upon its first visit to the Prin cipaliy, and now that their meetings had to a conclusion they much regretted having to leave the beautiful town of Llandudno (cheers) Mr G. 0. WILLIAMS (secretary of the Gh«st<T and North Wales District), speaking in Weisl^ said he a160 desired to thank the people (1 Llandudno. When it was first decided to hold this yearV Conference at Llandudno, he was ver. anxious as to the result, as it was the first tin*, they had visited the Principality, but he w pleased to say that this year's Conference baG beaten 11.1] previous reeorck (cheers). He wishetj to tender his heartfelt thanks to the people « Llandudno for their great kindness in helping ti make such a crand succefs (applause). Rev. J. WESLEY WHITMORE closed thu meeting with prayer. PRESENTATION TO O. WILLIAMS. At Temperam ..utoi, on Saturdi^- night, a presentation uG. ,¡, gcud Swan founta. pen was made to Mr G. O. Whliains, energetic secretary of the Chester and Nortt. Wales District, in recognition of has vaiuab services in making this year's Conference a. re- cord sucoess. Mr HARRISON HILL, who made the pre- sentation on behalf of the subscribers, said th< t they desired to show Mr Williams how thtj appreciated the valuable work he had done, au which had resulted in co ,GrJ a triumph, and fj his secretarial pen must worn out they oiierea him a new one (laughter cheers). Mr WILLIAMS b. ie v thanked the sub- scribers, and said tba ri€ would treasure the pen as a memento of a memorable Conference (cheers).
-----_.-G El RIO N YL»D R…
G El RIO N YL»D R w tvAL DI STRICT CUvNCiL. THE TREFRtW VtATER MAINS. A espoc-iail meeting of t..1t; new Geirionvd* DistxlO!. CvuIICIJ > t1dd at tiie Llaurwt* Workno-use on '1 UI..SJ.ay. w:h0ntwe.re Wlt pro. seiut tie Rev. John Gower, the ltev. J. L. Richards, Meters J. Lloyd Morns, E. W. Rc- berfo and bd. Rober.6 (.PenmachiK>), R. Ellis (Tretfxiw/, W jonea (Penuani), Williams (Co-pej Curig). lJ G. Jones (iraea an.), T. T. hA..owr;,s (lJ.0.J wydJe.eu), whh 1' clerk (Mr R. Cweu), WHO was elected to tae chair pro tein. VUlh OF SYMPATHY. On the motion of Mr J. Lloyd Morr;e se ooudod b) .\1 I R. T. Luis, a vo:.e of s.y 1" p.a.c.h.v Wta8 passed 1 L i the iie-v. John Q-o\\ er aD t.be deiUiii of (lis child. ELECJION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr Ed. Roberts proposed 1;at the lie*. John Gower be re-elected to tiie ohur for tbe ensuing twelve months. In seconding, Mr J. Lloyd Mwris remarked that Mr Gower had done exoe.len* woik du. ing the past year, and he was deserving oi thear appreciation by re-electing tiim. Having been supp J ed by Mr D. G. J-mes, Rniwdafna, the resolution wiis carried una-ii miously. and Mr Gower briefly re urned thanks. The Chairman, upon takirij.. s ee-at pro posod that Mr J. Lloyd M -r 1- bo elec ed to the vioe-chair. This was seconded by Mr R. T. Ellis. and carried una.,nim<.>uslv.. DATE AND. HOUR OF MEETINGS On the propofi lion of Mr D G.J •e, af oarxled by Mr R. T. Ells, it was d-c ded to hold the meetings of the Council at the usual hour and day. HACKNEY CARRIAGE LICENCES It was decided that the lioences for ha-km*} carriages be considered at the next meeting of the Council. TREFRIW WATER MAINS. Four tenders were received for the work of renewing the waiter mains at Trefriw: — Messrs Hughes and Rowlands, Col Ray £750: Mr Hy. Roboris, Holly Bush LOOhlry: £798;. Messrs W. Owen and Ed. WilHams Trefriw, £ fi05; and Mr T. Tudor WilL In8. Lianrwst, £838. On the proposition of tine Chairman, eeoo'tc ed by Mr D G. Jones, the tender of Hwhes and Rowlands was accepted. Four applications were reo^ived for the of clerk of works. Two names were submit tOO. to the Council, via.: Mr W m, Jon en, S-mith. Trefriw. and Mr Robt. Parry, Bod Iddon, BettwBycoed. By a majority of eight votes to 2. the latter was aj^paan&ea at a sal- ary of £2 per week.