Prestatyn Weekly

WHAT SHALL OUR CHILDREN BE TAUGHT? Miss Hickson's Views. The education of our children is, one might say, the most important of our social ques- tions. The quality of their brains is probably much the same now as twenty years ago, it is the maimer of training them that is differ- ent. Education, as understood in the larger and broader light of to-day, is the drawing out of a child's powers, the training bim to think for himself, to learn by analogy and experience. In this respect it differs from that of former years, when the acquisition of certain hard facts was deemed all that was necessary to a liberal education. It is a well known physiological fact that the using of our powers, mental and physical, improves, sharpens, and developes them, and —given health and happy conditions of life- the more a child's brain is exercised in the right way. the more good will it do. We re- quire varied mental as well as physical food to ensure the best developmont of our powers, and if to every child a broad and liberal edu- cation were given, he (or she) would be well equipped for whatever. line of life chosen in after years. It is now a recognised fact that history and geography so influence each other that the subjects cannot be studied apart; the position of a nation's boundaries—its rivers, moun- tains, towns—may make or mar the fate of its people, as witness the struggle now going on m Turkey. Then again the knowledge of modern languages determines to a large extent the commercial conditions of a country. Natural History and Botany are subjects peculiarly delightful to children, and even a little knowledge of these will make their country walks a thousand times more in- teresting. The hedgerows will speak to them, the birds will sing a new song, every little creature will be a joy, and all nature a revela- tion. We want something besides the utilities of life in this work-a-day world. The love and study of nature may not help our children in business, but it will give beauty to their lives, and add a new happiness to each day. This may also be said of a knowledge of the highest kinds of literature, both poetry and prose. Every girl should possess a knowledge of cookery, for what is more prejudicial to health of mind and body than badly cooked food? But need this preclude a knowledge of arithmetic ? Arithmetic makes for exactitude, for economy (in cooking all in other things) and helps a woman to manage her own or lier husband's income to the best advantage; and a very little thought will prove it equally necessary for girls or for boys. We want more general knowledge the 9 0 geography of our own little island is of course 0 specially interesting to us, but to form a just estimate of other countries we must study their history and geography, the habits of their people, and their progress through the ages. Thus only shall we cultivate that larger charity, which is another name for love of our fellow creatures. Knowledge is power. Yes, and it is something more it is often goodness and happiness as well. We are fond of saying to our children, Be good and you're sure to be happy." Might we not also say Acquire knowledge, be happy, and you're sare to be good This may be heresy, but those who live long enough will see that such heresy will takeJits place as living truth. But there be things (oh, sons of what has deserved the name of Great Britain, forget it not!), the good of which and the use of which are beyond all calculation of worldly goods and earthly uses things such as Love and Honour and the Soul of man, which cannot be bought with a price, and which do not die with Death, and they who would fain live happily ever after, should not leave these things out of the lessons of their lives."

FIRE AT PRESTATYN. At about 10-30 on Monday night consider- able alarm was ereated by the ringing of the firebell, it having been found that. two large stacks of hay in a field near Bastion Road, belonging to Councillor John Pritchard, were on fire. The brigade quickly assembled, the engine being got out, horses attached, and a start made for the scene of the outbreak about eight minutes after the first ringing of the bell. The fire had got a fair hold when the brigade arrived, and it was found necessary to lay a considerable length of hose, the 0 engine having to pump water from a stream 0 some distance away. Eventually, however, a good flow of water was forthcoming, and the flames were subdued. The brigade found it necessary to remain on the scene until 3 a.m., otherwise there would have been another outbreak, as the hay continued to smoulder. The first part of the operations carried out by the brigade were under the directions of Lieutenaut Jones, but a little later Captain Greenwood arrived on the scene. We are informed that the loss is covered by insurance. It is a strange coincidence that some little time ago two other stacks in the same vicinity caught fire by some unknown means. This fact and the isolated position of the present stacks strengthen the belief that some incen- iiary has been at work.

The Motor Service. The Railway Company announce that commencing on Saturday, and continuing 0 1 every Saturday until further notice, the 5-30 p.m. from Dyserth will leave at 5-20, so as to connect with the cheap train leaving Pres- tatyn for Chester at 5-30.

Advent Services. Special services are being held at the church each Wednesday during Advent. In the morning the services are in English, and at night in Welsh. The special preacher at the latter service this week was the Rev Mr Richards of Rbyl, and next week Rev Lester Jones of Rhyl is announced to preach.

Scholastic Success. At the Rhyl County School on "Speech Day last week, three boys, who until recently were pupils at the Dyserth School were among those who were awarded certi- ficates by Mr S. Smith, M.P., Harold Thomas and J. D. Jones having passed in the senior examination of the Central Welsh Board, and D. O. Jones, in the junior examination. The boys are to be complimented on their success the honour gained carrying with it many privileges. Three other prizes were also gained by Dyserth boys in different forms in the school.

Railway Items. On Thursday the surveyors of the Railway Company were engaged in inspecting the sites where bridges will have to to be erected in connection with the new extension. We notice that the company are providing a new office in connection with the goods traffic here. The old shed hitherto used had got into a very dilapidated condition.

Acquisition. Miss S. A. Roberts, formerly Assistant Teacher at the Spring Gardens Infant School, Holywell, was transferred last week to the Council School Mixed Department, in succession to Miss R. A. Jones who recently left for Halkyn. Miss Roberts has obtained the Senior Certificate of the Central Welsn Board, which entitles her to be qualified as Article 51 of the Code. Miss Roberts is a native of Newwarket, and obtained qualification as a pupil at the Rhyl County School.

Opening Services. Rehobotli Chapel, Holywell, which has recently been renovated throughout, was re- opened on Sunday, but the unveiling ceremony was performed on Wednesday afternoon. Many people from this place wended their way to the sacred edifice. Some of the prin- cipal ministers of the C.M.'s officiated during the week to crowded congregations.

Offer. The Rev H. Harris, Yicar, who has had charge of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Ffynnon Groew for twenty-two years, has been offered the living of Llanarmon-yn-Ial by the Bishop of St. Asaph. The living is of greater pecu- niary value than that of Ffynnongroew. The vicar has decided to decline the offer.

Closure. The infant department of the Council School was closed on Thursday morning on account of a serious outbreak of mumps, as many as fifty-one scholars being affected. So far the mixed department has only been slightly affected, and it is hoped this depart- ment will be able to hold out until the 22nd inst. Mumps is not one of the infectious diseases on "the list of the Holywell Rural Sanitary Authority, but the Board of Educa- tion look on the disease as a highly infectious one.

Sights. Mr R. Owen, Kidderminster House, has now got his telescope in proper working order, and magnificent are the sights to be seen in the starry heavens seen through this beauti- ful instrument. Jupiter and its four moons are favourite objects amongst the rising astronomers of the place. Saturn and its rings will no doubt receive their early attention Aldebaron, Pleiades, and Orion are plainly seen these clear nights..

Entries. We understand that the entries for the Xmas Day Eisteddfod to be held by the Wes- leyans at their schoolroom are exceedingly numerous. It is expected that five Male Voice Choirs will compete in the Roman Soldiers," If they appear, they will prove a great attraction. We wish the Eisteddfod every possible success, musically and finan- cially.

THE SCHOOL QUESTION AT GWESPYR. On Friday last week a public meeting was held at Talacre Arms to consider the proposals of the Flintshire Education Committee with regard to school accommodation in the district. There was a large attendance, over which 0 Mr Owen, Brynilystyn, presided, and Lady Mostyn was present to explain the position of affairs with regard to Talacre Schools. As has been previously reported the Talacre Schools are to be withdrawn from public control in January, and on this account the Education Committee contemplate building new schools in the district, a sub- committee having being appointed to report on the matter. A meeting of ratepayers had been held earlier in the week, when a deputation was appointed to meet the sub-committea, with a view to seeing if it were not possible to 0 avoid building a new school at Gwespyr. It was pointed out to the sub-committee that the school accommodation in the district was sufficient already without putting a further burden on the rates by building a new school. Sir Pyers and Lady Mostyn would provide a Protestant as well as well as a Catholic teacher. The sub-committee were of opinion that nothing could be done unless the schools were hauded over, and the only way was to approach Sir Pyers and Lady Mostyn to rent or sell Talacre School. At Friday^ meeting after hearing the report of the deputation, the text of which is given above. Ladj Mostyn made a lengthy statement in which she traced the history of he Talacre Schools for the past ±8 years. When the new Act came in, the schools were handed over to the Flintshire Education Authority, and Sir Pyers and Lady Mostyn found they had no voice in the control. This was not satisfactory to them, hence their desire that the schools should be handed back to the trustees. During the time the Educa- tion Committee had had control the school had been understaffed. This was admitted by the Director of Education and by the Inspector of schools, there being 80 children and but one teacher. At present the school was closed owing to an epidemic, but no one seemed to know who was to disinfect the buildings. Her ladyship had been informed that the County Council contemplated providing the following new schools :— Gronant, accommodation 150 Gwespyr, 150 Trelogan, 120 0 There was accommodation in Talacre Schools for 260, so that would bring the total to 680. while as a matter of fact there were less than 250 children in these villages Her ladyship had been informed that the count of the educational requirements had been based on the legal assumption that all under 21 years of age were infants (laughter). It had never been the intention of the late Sir Pyers and Lady Mostyn that one penny out of the rates should be devoted to support the Talacre Schools, and under those circumstances how could they ask Sir Pyers to sell them. Lady Mostyn spoke of the sacrifices made by Sir Pyers and herself in order to maintain the schools, and they were prepared to con- tinue doing so rather than the tenantry should have to pay heavy rates for the education of the children. (Hear, hear). It was their intention to carry on the schools on the following lines :—They would engage a Welsh-speaking master, and his 1-1 n creed would not be inquired into at all. He would have his pupils in the upper room of the building, and the provided school syllabus would be taught, and a Government inspection of the scholars held. In the lower room the Catholic children would be taught by sisters according to their own dogmas The schools would be open to the public, and the only difference between that and a provided school would be that ail expenses (including salaries) would be paid by Sir Pyers, who would have entire control. Abont 80 children had promised to attend the school. During the 48 years the school had been in existence not one child had been turned to Catholicism, and the same freedom as hitherto would be given all (applause). Mr Owen (the chairman) was sure they all highly appreciated the splundid work done by Sir Pyers and Lady Mostyn in looking after the education of the children of the district (hear, hear), and he was certain they were all satisfied with their offer. After some discussion Mr Whiteford pro- posed and Mr Bulcock, J.P., seconded that they gratefully accept the offer of Sir Pyers and Lady Mostyn to educate the children of the district at their own cost, and that the Board of Education, and Flintshire Education Authority be notified that the ratepayers of the district were of opinion that no further school accommodation was needed. This was carried unanimously, and the meeting—which lasted two and a half hours— terminated.

pl i 6ceil cm ecrne* gMALL HOUSE or Cottage (unfurnished) 0 Wanted, with Garden preferred, from middle of January, in or near Prestatyn.- Mrs F. Lewis, 4, Gwyndy Terrace, Rhuddlan. WOOD.UA RVIXG Classes to be held in Prestatyn.—Apply, Miss Bevan Davies, Victoria Studio, Colwyn Bay. pIANO WANTED on hire for January, February, and March. State terms to X.Y.Z., "Prestatyn Weekly Office. WANTED for Taiac re School a thoroughly capable WELSH SPEAKING MASTER. Salary according to parchments, experience, and character. Upright, God-fearing, and charitable man essential. Likely number of scholars, 50. Apply, Lady Mostyn, Talacre, Prestatyn, N. Wales. \ïV A LLIS AND SCOTT, Auctioneers and Estate Agents, have houses to Let at the following rents £ 18, £ 21, t28, and £ 35; also Modern Villas and Building Land for Sale privately. Offices: High St., Prestatyn. Pendre House School, PRESTATYN, NORTH WALES. O..n p SGIIOOI ana Kindergarten. Principal MISS ETHEL HICKSON (Teachers' Diploma University of Cambridge). MR, BRYAN E. WARHURST, Professor of SSusic. Member of the r >corp >ra ell Society of Musicians?, Prepares Pupils for the Associated Board of the Riyal Academy of Music, the Rival C of Music, the Trinity College, London, and the Incorporated Society of Musicians Organ, Pianoforte, Singing, Harmony, Theory, &c. LATEST SUCCESSES: April, 1904, Advanced Senior, lianoforte, R.A.M. Theory July, Advanced SeN" Pi ;no. (Honours), Trin. Coll., London „ „ Advanced Seniar, Organ, I. S.M. „ „ „ Pianoforte, I.S.M. Dec. „ Third Grade, „ Second Grade, „ „ >• „ Singing July, 1905, Third Grade, „ „ „ S'nd Grade, Pianoforte (H'rs), „ .) .„ (Pass) „ First- Grade, „ „ Mr. Warhurst makes a Speciality of preparing Candidates to the and visits Prestatyn on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Organ Recitals, Concerts, Eisteddfodau. For terms, Address —Haydn House, Brighton Road, Rhyl. 'k Tn HENRY DOWELL, Coal Merchant, Office: Station Yard, Prestatyn, Orders promptly attended to. Best House Coal always in Stock. J. R. Williams, BOOT & SHOE MAKER. Repairs neatly and promptly executed. Boots made to order with Best English Leather. High Street (&1), Prestatyn. A. E. WILLIAMS, Pastry Cook and Confectioner, i-IGH STREET, PRESTATYN. Wedding & Christening CaV.es made to order. Tea Rooms. Luncheon Rooms. Pic-Nic Parties catered for. Thomas & Walkley, Architects and Surveyors, PRESTATYN. Preliminary Sketches Free. Reasonable charges. For Regular Supplies of Farm Produce Fresh Milk and Butter, New-laid Eggs, etc., send Postcard to R. AND J. WHITEFORD, Kelston Farm, Gwespyr, Holywell. J. P. Liimeil. CIVIL ENGINEER, Architect and Surveyor, Land and Estate Agent, WELLINGTON CHAMBERS, RHYL

Gwaenysgor. The New School Building. The amended plans of Gwaenysgor Unde- nominal School, prepared by Messrs Thomas aud Walkley, Architects, Prestatyn, were on Wednesday approved by the Education Com- mittee of the County Council, and forwarded to the Board of Education at London.

TREATMENT OF CRIMINALS "Should Criminals be more humanely treated ?" This was the subject of a very animated debate at the meeting of the Christ Church Literary Society in the Church Room on Monday night, the Vicar presiding over a very large attendance. The affirmative side of the question was in the hands of Mr Inglefield, whilst Mr E. T. Williams tOlJk the negative. Mr Inglefield had the first say, and was of opinion that punishment tended to make one revengeful. He illustrated what a different effect kind treatment had on wrong-doers. The main idea should be to prevent crime. Even the worst of men had some good points, and they should endeavor to cultivate the best traits in the character of such men. Crime was a disease with many, often fomented by unwholesome surroundings. The late Dr. Barnardo's work was in favour of the speaker's point of view, for out of the huge number picked up from the streets and sent abroad, only one per cent became failures. Crime would not be put, down by severity, but better treatment would elevate criminals. In placing his views before the audience Mr Williams said there was a, deal of misconception regarding the treatment meted out to criminals, many mis-statements being made in books written by ex-convicts. Mr Williams held that the reclamation of convicts was well looked after, and mentioned the work done by the Prisoners' Aid Society. Convicts were often brutal and callous, and treated police and warders very badly. The speaker went on to detail the food given convicts, and shewed by statistics that these men have more solid food than paupers. They have governors, chaplains, school- masters, etc. appointed to look after their comfort, and were clothed, sheltered, and fed better than many people outside. Others who took part in the discussion were the Vicar, Capt. Miller, Messrs. Worfolk. Glass, etc. and when put to a vote the chairman declared a substantial majority in favour of the negative.

SUNDAY SERVICES AT FFYNNONGROEW. ALL SAINTS (Church of England).—10-30 a.m. English), 6 p.m. (Welsh), Rev. Howell Harris, B.A. MORlAH C.M. CHAPEL (Welsh). -10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Rev. W. Rowlands, Towyn. BETHANIA WESLEYAN CHAPEL (Welsh).—10 a.m. Mr R. Hughes. Mostyn 6 p.m., Rev D. Menrig Jones, Cilauasa. TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHAPEL (Welsh).—10 a.m. 2 p.m., and 6 p.m., Prayer Meeting. SILOAH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (Welsh). — 10 a.m., Rev E. Pan Jones, M.A.. Ph.D. 6 p.m., Mr David Williams, Mostyn. ST. ANDREW'S CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (English) -10-30 a.m. and 6 p.m,. Rev. R. J. Stevenson. PENIEL WESLEYAN CHAPEL (Welsh), Pen-y-ffordd. 10 a.m., Sunday School; 2 p.m., Rev D. Meurig Joues, Llanasa; Mr. P. A. Davies, Trelogan. GWYNF A C.M. CHAPEL, Rhewl Fawr (Welsh).— 10 a.m., Sunday School; 2 p.m., Rev W. Rowlands; 6 p.m., Prayer Meeting.

Robert Owen, Ffynnongroew. SUITS, OVERCOATS, &c., to Measure, at Short Notice. PERFECT FIT AND STYLE GUARANTEED.

The Reading Room. We are glad to state that the Reading Room and Circulating Library is succeeding beyond expectations. Up to the time of writing 40 members have joined. The Library is increasing rapidly, over 100 books being already catalogued. The name of Miss Gwladys Jones, Post Office, should have been included in the list of supporters given last week. Subscriptions, Books, or Periodicals will be thankfully received by the Secretary, Mr T. Jones the School.

Not a Real One. Last Sunday nignt between 10-80 and 11, the inhabitants of this place were startled by a terrible vibration of their houses, everbody supposing it to be an earthquake. The shock was felt by the inhabitants of the Wirral Peninsula (Cheshire side of the Dee), and they also attributed to the same cause. It seems the shock was caused by one of the bogeys (iron trucksjlull of molten slag from the furnaces) toppling over the tip into the sea. So terribie was the explosion, that it was a very good imitation of an earthquake.