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WREXHAM FOOTBALL CLUB. I

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WREXHAM FOOTBALL CLUB. I DINNER AND PRESENTATION OF THE WELSH CHALLENGE CUP. I On Monday evening a complimentary dinner was held at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel for the purpose of presenting the Welsh Challenge Cup, recently won by the members of the Wrexham Football Club, to the Captain of the club, Mr H. Edwards. A well-served repast was provided by the esteemed host, Mr J. B. Murlc-s-, whose catering, as usual, was irreproach- able. The popular and respected President—Mr Evan Morris—before whom the elegant and massive .challenge cup was placed upon the cross table— I the chair, and there were present, in addition to the members of the winning team, his Worship the Mayor, Mr Aid. Y. Strachan the Hon. George T. Kenyon, Mr .T. F. Edlsbury, Mr George Bradley, Mr N. It. Griffith, Aid. Edward Smith, Mr J. Edgar (postmaster), Mr W. H. Bott, Mr Thomas Martin. Mr C. A. Rohert, Mr George Be van (Association hon. secretary), Mr J. B. Murless, sen., Mr Charles Davies, &c. Dinner being over, the President proposed the health of the Queen and members of the Royal Family, and the toast having been loyally drunk out of the challenge cup. "The Prince and Princess of Wales" was next proposed and received with enthusiasm, after which The President read letters i c, retting inability to be present from Sir W. W. Wynt. Bart., M.P., Right Q C., M.P., S;r RobertCunliffe, Bart M.P., M ijor Leadbetter, Mr Edmund Peel, Mr 15. Pie rrv (enclosing subscription of two guineas), Mr C. M. Holland, Mr T. Chilton, Mr F. Page, Mr J. Oswell Btiry [tev. T. H. Puleston, Lieut.-Colonel Jones, and Mr Tlios. Bury, town clerk. The iion. G. T. Kenyon said he did not know why he should ha specially selected to propose the next toast, which he conceived to be the toast of the evening, viz., The winners of the Challenge Cup." (Hear, hear ) He could only suppose it was because he had d r (IICr. before, and on the principle of the Roman Cainoiic Church, once done, always done- ones yon have done a thing you are always competent to do it." However, he had great pleasure five years ago in presenting that challenge cup to the captain of the Wrexham team, and he had equal pleasure in repeating the performance that evening. (Applause.) Once upon a time he also was an athlete, but that was when he was 3roiinz and slim. He was now, however, in the position oi the old dame in the burlesque- st ill m'\e corpulent grow I (:La n! hter.) B :t although this was unf ortuately the case, he hoped th-y would believe that he had thoroughly at heart th., iaterets of athleticism in general, and of Wrexham Fo-ithall in particular. (Cheers.) He was glad to he present to congratulate them upon a vic- tory which from all he understood was very well de- served—(hear, hear)—and he was quite sure the efforts of the Wrexham Football Club would meet with the respect and psteem which they deserved in the good old town of Wrexham. (Applause.) He was told they were a body of young men who had striven very hard to win their success, and that they deserved it thoroughly. 1--f was very glad that w: a 50, and he thought it did them very gri-at credit, even if they hud not been aided as they ought to have been by the town, which, hov.-c ver, would no doubt have aided tliem mM., if they had known more about them. He thought it was a great credit to them that by their own proper action they had gained this success. He hoped they would often win the cup, and he wished them everj possible prosperity. (Hear, hear.) A friend of his had .said that this game of football was like a game of obstruction "played in another place. (Laughter.) He did not know whether there was a veil of obstmction in the football game, but he was glad they had obstructed the Druids so success- fully that they would not be able to carry any of their measures that session (Cheers.) He had only one other suggestion to make, which was this. He did not think they, the Wrexham Football Club, had as good a to play upon as they ought to have. (Hear, hear.) Some years ago Sir Watkin gave the use of tii,! Rac:course for the benefit and promotion of athletic sports for the town of Wrexham, but he understood that they, as the Wrexham Football Club had never had the benefit of that ground for their sports. lie did not understand why that was so, be- cause he was quite sure that Sir Watkin intended the Racecourse to iie u-<ed for the purposes of all athletic sports connected with the town of Wrexham. (Ap- plause.) He was sure Sir Watkin would be desirous of their having this ground in future if some repre- sentation were made to him on the subject, and if he (Mr Kenyon) couid in any way bring the matter to Sir Watkiii's notice he should be very glad to do so, and he hoped they would have the Course for the use of their future matches. (Cheers.) He now begged to present the handsome challenge cup to Mr Ed- wards, the captain of the Wrexham team, and he hoped the Wrexham Club would be able to retain possession of it for years to come. (Renewed cheers.) Mr H. Ed wards having received the cup amidst genera! applau .e, I Mr G. Bradley said he did not see upon what ] ground of natural selection lie had been selected for the toast which he had to propose that evening. Cer- tainly it was not for the same reason their friend Mr Kejivoii lial stated, viz., that he had once be n an athlete, for he (the speaker) had never been an athlete. During his boyish days in the adjoining parish of Ruabon, he was born too late for the old Druids and to) early for the young Druids—for in his i..v there was no football, no cricket." no nothing," as the man said (Laughter.) All that he could learn was the three R's" from old Madeley at the school, and he supposed he profited a little by jumping about the school when the master went to book the coach passengers. There was, in short, very little to improve the boys' status in those days, when as there was every opportunity to improvement open to the young man of the present generation. (Hear, hear.) They were all smart men now, and they were indebted for this to a great extent to the military spirit which had prevailed during the last quarter of a century, and the Volunteer movement had done much towards developing young men, and next to the military came athletic sports, which had done a very great deal. (Applause.) The toast he had to propose was that of The Welsh Football Association," which contained about twenty clubs of about forty members each, and thus tended to an interesting rivalry between about 800 players. These were confined to Denbighshire, Flintshire, Cheshire, and part of Shropshire, and these 800 athletes meet- ing together in honest rivalry afforded enjoyment it might be to 800,000 onlookers during the course of the year. (CheRrs. ) That showed that no matter what the movement was, if it was a movement for good, it beiiefitted a much larger circle than those im- mediately engaged in it. (Hear, hear.) The history of the Association had I een a beneficial one. In its carly days they knew some of the clubs were not par- ticularly distinguished for thcrenned manner with which they performed their duties. They heard a great deal about "rough and tumble games," and asfar as he had followed the game he thought the Welsh Associa- tion had profited by healthy rivalry with each other and also with players from a distance, and that in- stead of playing in that rough and tumble fashion they had now moved into a more scientific circle. (Applause.) He was given to understand that the last game wils as pretty a game as was ever played upon the Wrexham ground. (Hear, hear.) The Wrexham club showed no selfishness, but played the game a.s it ought to he played, and this, he main- tained, was the vay to win. (Applause.) If they always played tor their own hand, they might become good and leading players, at the same time they did not gi Vt2 the club generally the same fair play as when ■thay passed th.s ball" and played freely together. (Ilea-, hear.) He was certain the game was a very healthy one. It developed the muscular system, and also led young ii-ien to take an acti veinterest in improv- ing themselves physically. That they could not have healthy minds unlcsstheyhad healthy bodies might be accepted as an axiOlu-(hear)-and if they developed their systems in a proper manner by engaging in athletic pastimes it did a great deal both for the present and future generations. (Applause.) A weak and unhealthy people never could produce a st roiig and vigorous race, and he believed the sturdy much indebted to their forefathers and their heathy, outdoor, manly pursuits which they Inid always practised, and he thought that as Ion-: as t-lic-v could show such teams on the football ground as were exhibited by the Welsh Association they need entertain no fears of the race deteriorating. (Cheers,) Their Association had been in existence a little longer than the Challenge Cup, which he thought was held by Wrexham in the first instance. It then made a voyage to Newtown, where, however, it did not stay very long, but came to his (the speaker's) own native parish of Ruabon, where the Druids—brave fellows—held it for three years. Wrexham li;L(i now won it back, and he trusted they would hold it for the next three years at least. (Ap- phius;.) He did not know what the laws of the Association might be with regard to the final destina- tion of the cup, but should it be that after a certain number of years' winning—as in the case of the Volunteers—it found its final resting-place, he did not think itcould possibly fiudamorefittingdestination than in the hands uf their respected president that evening. (Cheers.) With reference to Sir Watkin, he though!, lie need not say a word at that table, lie bad d,¡,. a great deal for the interest of athletic games in that part of the country, and he was sure the worthy and esteemed baronet would continue to patronize them with his accustomed beneficence and liberality. (Ap. plause.) In Mr George Be van, the Association possessed an excellent secretary, and he was sure the accounts would be kept straight and the funds maae to go as far as possible in his hands. (Cheers.) He therefore begged to give them the Welsh Football Association," coupled with the names of Sir W. W. Wy nn and Mr G. Bevan. (Loud applause. ) Sir Watkin not being prase .it, Mr G. Bevan, in responding, said he had to thank Mr Bradley very heartily on behalf of the Welsh Football Association, for the kitid and complimentary manner in which he had alluded to the Association and the members of it. So far as he was personally eonernedhe might explain that having been only secretary this year and, as was often necessarily the case in a change of office, things were somewhat in a state of confusion. However, he could say now that matters were getting straight and in a regular position, and although the balance was on the wrong side, they knew, at all event!?, how they stood. (Hear, hear.) With regard to their last year's experience, lie could not say that it had been a very successful season. Some matches they had played very well, although they WI re not successful in any one. In the match in London ',hey were no douht very badly beaten, but some o: ,.IlCir best players could not possibly turn up, and th: consequence was they went there rather weak. However, they improved upon that when they met their friends the Scotch team-who were admitted to be a set of the best playet c, in the world—(hear, hear) —for although they came to Wrexham on the Monday having previously beaten their English friends by j .L_L1_ 1- J.„ 4.1 A. 1^1 euuer L-til-vu guzLi6 To zone or luzee to one, iney couiu not obtain more than two goals against the Welsh Association. (Applause.) A good deal had been said wirii n ',rd to the mode of selection of teams, which was an xceedingly difficult thing to manage. Their system was the same as adopted by the English AUld Seotdi Association, the names of the best players being submitted to a committee meeting and the selection then made. He did not think that was the very best mode of eeiechon that could be adopted. He thought if a sub-committee were appointed, who I had opportunities of witnessing the play of individual members, and if that committee met tagether? they would be in a better position to select a good wodotb? team than if they were chosen bv the General Com- mittee. (Hear, hear.) That course would be pro- posed at one of their early committee meeting. and be hoped it would be adopted. (Applause.) Many people, again, were under the impression that a football association could be worked at little or no expense, but that was a great mistake. Some asked, Whatever can they do with all the money taken at the gate ?" But he could tell them it went very quickly, for in playing at London and with the Irish at Belfast it cost them C30. The necessary expenses incident to getting up the various matches drew very largely upon the funds at their disposal, and they therefore had to appeal to the gentry of the neighbour- hood, and whilst having no wish to complain, he still thought, with Mr Kenyon, that football was not appreciated as it ought to be. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the Challenge Cup, he was glad to be able to say that it was paid for, which was a gratifying fact—(applause and laughter)—and he did not think that, with a little public support, they should experience any great trouble in extricating themselves out of their difficulties. They would have to play the English and the Irish at Wrexham next season, and he thought, with the interest re-created in football, they should be able to give a good account of them- selves. (Hear, hear.) It would be a very good thing, also, if they could introduce county matches next year, and he hoped some good matches would be so arranged, and that they should be able to give the public every satisfaction. (Cheers.) The Hon. G. T. Kenyon in proposing the succeed- ing toast, The Town and Trade of Wrexham," said he had often prophesied greater prosperity and greater increase of trade for Wrexham, but he was afraid those prophecies had not proved strictly accurate, and he must therefore be very careful in what he said upon the present occasion. There had no doubt been a cloud of depression hanging over the town and neighbourhood, but they had a Corporation of which, considering all things, he thought they had good reason to be justly proud (Hear, hear.) This town was evidently better maintained in point of drainage, footpaths, and many other respects, than it was twenty years ago, and if the town had not kept pace with the times in improvements, it was not the fault of the members of the Town Council. Prophesying had been proved to be a dangerous game. People began prophesying politically, socially, and scientific- ally what would take place in ten years to come, but it was much better to endeavour to do their duty in that which the; considered as consistent in regard to the condition of the finances of the town for the time being, and they would eventually gain their reward. That was the best advice an outsider, who had not to pay rates, could give them. (Laugh- ter.) There had been some interesting meetings in the Town Council which reminded him of scenes which had taken place in other and higher quarters not 250 miles from Wrexham, and it reminded him that the temper displayed by the Speaker of the House of Commons upon that occasion, and of the majority, had so paved the way to a settlement of all difficulties that before very long they would arrive at a solution of the difficult questions which were troubling their local ministry and he hoped the burning questions, whatever they might be, would be settled to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. (Hear, hear.) He hoped there would be a favorable turn in the trade and prosperity of Wrexham. They had a railway which he thought was now to be followed up in good earnest, and if that raihvay was carried out with the legitimate extension which it had a right to expect—(hear, hear)-lie thought that might be the salvation of the town of Wrexham, and the beginning of a new era of prosperity for their trade. With regard to the coal trade, he could not speak to that subject so well as many others. He hoped, however, the gloomy prospects of that important industry were not well founded. They must hope for the good sense and courage of the Welsh people to put that trade upon an equally satisfactory footing with the other industries ot the United Kingdom. (Applause.) He should be always glad to give them his assistance and support for the benefit of the trade of that town, and he was sure that all he knew in the neighbourhood would be willing to give them a help- ing hand too. (Applause.) With these elements of I encouragement, therefore, they must hope that the dark days were past, and that there was good hope for a bright future to come. He gave them the health of the Mayor, the Prime Minister for the time being, and of Mr J. F. EJisbury. (Cheers.) These gentlemen having suitably responded, Mr Aid. Smith proposed the health of the President of the Wrexham Football Club, Mr Evan Morris. (Loud cheers.) He (the speaker) had witnessed most of the important matches played in Wrexham, and he had great pleasure in congratulating the Wrexham club upon the admirable manner in which they had recently won the handsome cup from the Druids. (Applause.) They all knew Mr Morris' good qualities, and the interest he took in the game of foot- ball, and he believed Mr Morris was the founder of the Football Association of Wales. (Applause.) Mr Morris had been president of the Wrexham Football Club since its commencement, and he was sure the longer lie retained the position the more he lived in the hearts of the members of that club. (Hear, hear.) He always tried to be present at their matches, and when he was unable to attend he was admirably re- presented by his amiable lady. (Applause,) Mr Morris still took the same interest in the Wrexham club. id what was more he put his hand in his pocket in support of it. (Cheers.) He might add that personally he (the speaker) should be glad to be a contributor according to his means, and he was sure there were other gentlemen who would do likewise. (Applause.) The toast having been drunk with musical honors, The president, in responding, said he could not find words aaequats to acknowledge the great praise they had bestowed upon him, and of which he felt himself unworthy — (no no !) — and for the enthusiastic manner in which they had received his name. He had great pleasure in being president of the best foot- ball club in North Wales—(hear, hear)—but the greatest pleasure he hid consisted in the fact that the club was composed of young men, who, through their indomitable pluck and perseverance, and with the support they merited from all their fellow-townsmen, had come out triumphant over all other competitors. (Cheers.) He regretted that he had not been able to give them that personal support he should like to have done if he had had time to come amongst them, because he felt that the support and encouragement given by personal presence was always cheering to people who were striving to achieve success. (Hear, hear.) Whether, however, they met with support now or not, they were determined to win it eventually by their pluck and courage, and upon that ground alone he had the greatest pleasure in being president of that club. (Hear, hear.) He hoped they would not be satisfied with the success they had gained, and 8) rest on their oars. He hoped the club would be on a surer foundation, and that they should yet have a grand united club for Wrexham by bringing together all those clubs which had divided themselves into different sections. (Cheers.) He had felt it was a compliment they deserved to have the cup they had won presented to them in the presence of so distinguished a company as that assembled that evening—(hear, hear)—and he hope the promises of support referred to that evening would be redeemed in a substantial manner, and that the club would be determined that the cup should never leave Wrexham iCSbeers.) Referring to Mr Bradley's remarks, whic: 'i be very much appreciated, they had relieved him the neceisity of alluding to the same points. He earnestly advocated the absolute necessity for every young man cultivating habits of physical and athletic exercise. It caused their minds to be evenly balanced, and regulated their tempers so that they were enabled to meet reverses and to bear them gracefully. (Hear, hear.) Athletic exercise also promoted temperance, of which he was a great advocate, although he was not a total abstainer. (Hear.) No man could undertake any great physical contest unless he was a temperate, moderate man, and all the athletes he came in contact with were, one and all, very temperate men, and, as he said before, no man could do any good at athletic exercise unless he was strictly temperate. Mr Kenyon had alluded to the ground on the Racecourse. He knew no one who had been more generous than Sir Watkin in giving that ground—(applause)—and he knew of no generosity which had been, well, he could not say mis- applied, but less appreciated. (Hear, hear.) He could not help thinking it would be \ery desirable if Sir Watkin would have the ground fenced off and made available for cricket in the summer for different clubs to play upon alternately and football and athletic sports in the winter. (Applause.) He hoped Sir Watkin, having generously given the ground, might allow it to be so arranged that the best possible use could be made of it. Personally, he could only add that he should at all times be delighted to give the club the best support in his power, and he only regretted that he could not come amongst them as often as he could wish. (Cheers.) The remaining toasts included "The Mining Interests," "The Officers and Committee of the Wrexham Football Club," "The Mayor" (proposed by the President), &c. A number of favorite songs enlivened the proceed- ings, Mr Edisbury kindly accompanying 0:1 the pianoforte, and before separating guinea subscriptions to the funds of the club were entered into by several i'<-ntleni.:n, including the Mayor, the Hon. G. T. K-riiyon. Mr J. F. E iisbury, Mr Alderman Smith, Mrii. Bradley, Mr N. R. Griffith, Mr Edgar, Mr <Jharle8 Davies, &c.

Wi.EXUAM RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY.

-WREXHAM COUNTY COURT.I

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CONFERENCE OF MINERS.' I

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