The Weekly News and Visitors' Chronicle for Colwyn Bay Colwyn Llandrillo Conway Deganwy and Neighbourhood

COLWYN BAY. SUNDAY SERVICES. Parish Church, L landi-iZZo.- English Services, 11.0 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Welsh Service, 9.30 a.m. Mid-day Celebration of the Holy Communion on the 1st Sunday in the month. Rev W. Venables Williams, M.A. Oxon., Vicar Surrogate. Mr. Bernard, Organist. This interesting Old Church, built in the 13th century, is It mile from Colwyn Bay, on the Llandudno Road. St. Paulls.-Sunday Services 8 a.m., Holy Com- munion, and at Mid-day Service on the 2nd Sunday in the month; 11.15 a.m., Morning Prayer and Sermon 3.30 p.m., Litany and short Address; 7 p.m., Evening Prayer and Sermon 8.30 p.m., Organ recital. Sunday School, at 230 p.m. Clergy: Revs Canon Roberts, B.A., J. G. Haworth, J. Jones, B.A., R. Theophilus Jones, B.A., J. H. Astley, M.A. St Paul's Mission Church (Coed Pella Road).— 11 a.m., Morning Prayer and Sermon 6.30 p.m., Evening Prayer and Sermon. Holy Communion at the Mid-day Service on the 1st Sunday in the month. Clergyman in charge: Rev J. G. Haworth. St. Paul's Welsh Services.-10 a.m., Morning Service and Sermon; 5.45 p.m., Evening Service and Sermon. Holy Communion on the 1st Sunday in the month at 10 a.m. Clergyman in charge Rev J. Jones, B.A. St. Paul's Welsh Mission Services at Brynymaen.- Service and Sermon on Sunday evenings, at 6 p.m. Clergyman in charge Rev R. Theophilus Jones, B.A. English Wesleyan—St. John's,I'he Avenue.-Next Sunday: morning 11.0, Mr T. G. Osborn, M.A.; evening 6.30, Rev G. E. Bowker. Prayer meeting, morning, 10.15. Sunday School, after. noon, 2.30. Wednesday evening, 7.0, Mr R Robinson, Conway. English Presbyterian.-Next Sunday Morning, 11.0. evening, 6.30, Rev E. W Evans, M A. Sunday School, afternoon 2.30. Monday evening, 6.15, Band of Hope. Wednesday week-evening- service, 7.0. Thursday evening, 7.0, Young People Bible Class; 7.45. Y. P. S. Christian Endeavour. Rev John Edwards, Pastor. English Congregational.—Morning, 11.0, evening, 7.0, Sunday School, afternoon 2.30. Monday evening, 7.30, Christrian Endeavour Society. Every Tuesday, 3.15, United Meeting for the promotion of Scriptural Holiness. Wednesday evening, 7.30. Rev Thomas Lloyd, Pastor. English Baptist Church.-Next Sunday: morning, 11.0, evening, 6.30. All seats free. Sunday School, afternoon, 2.30. Wednesday evening, at 7.30, Prayer and Bible Reading; all are cordially invited, presided over by the Rev H. T. Cousins, F.R.G.S., Pastor. Society of Friends.—Meeting for Worship, every First Day (Sunday) morning, at 11.15, at a room in Central Buildings, facing Station Road, Colwyn Bay. Open to the Public and Visitors. Congo Institute.- Divine Services at the Institute's Schoolroom, Sunday morning, 11.0; afternoon, 2.30; evening, 6.30. Tuesday evening, at 7, a Prayer Meeting. The services are always short and pleasant. Several speakers take part at each meeting, including some of the African Students, and the Director, or one of the Tutors. All are cordially invited. Visiting hours every week day, from 2.30 to 3.30 p.m., when the Director will be pleased to welcome any friends or visitors and to show them a number of interesting African Curiosities. OLD COLWYN. Parish Church, Colwyn.—English Services (Sundays), Holy Communion: Every Sunday 8 a m., and firs. Sunday in the month after morning service. Holy Baptism Sunday afternoon, 3.30. Service and Sermon, 11.0 a.m. and 7.0 p.m. Sunday School, 2.30 p.m., in Assembly Rooms. (Week days). Service and Sermon: Friday, 7.0 p.m. during Advent and Lent. Singing practices, Friday night. Children's Meeting: Monday night. Band of Hope Tuesday night. Welsh Services (Sundays), Holy Communion Second Sunday in the month after morning service. Service and Sermon 9.45 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. Sunday School, 2.15 p.m National Schools. Week Days, Service and Sermon, Wednesday, 7, p.m. Singing Practice, Wednesday night. Clergy Revs. J. Griffiths, M.A. Oxon., Vicar, J. Roberts, Curate. English Baptist Chapel, Old Colivyn.-Sunday Ser- vices, Morning 11.0, Evening 6.30. Sunday School. 2.30 p.m. Prayer Meeting on Wednesdays at 7.0 p.m. Pastor, Rev. J. B. Brasted. FOR GOOD AND CHEAP FLOUR go to W. Williams & Co., Station Road, Colwyn Bay. Splendid baking, 22/6 per sack (of 280 lbs.). Good Family Flour, 18/- per sack. adv. 366 — RISE IN LAND-VALUES AT COLWYN.-The price obtained on Thursday evening, February 13th, at a sale by Mr Jeffrey Thomas, was three shillings per square yard, a price showing a very satis- factory rise in land-values since the late Mr Kyffin Williams bought the same property, some years ago, from the Cefn Estate, at is id per squa, e yard. COMMISSIONERS OF TAXES FOR UWCHDDULAS DIVISION.—At a special meeting of Commission- ers of Taxes for this Division, held at the Local Board Offices, Colwyn Bay, on Wednesday, February 12th, Mr Charles Thomas Allard, of the firm of Messrs Griffith and Allard, solicitors, Llanrwst, was unanimously appointed Clerk to the Commissioners, the office having become vacant by the death of the late Clerk, Mr James Hughes Jones, of Llanrwst. THE celebrated Ales of Bass & Co., are now supplied in 9 gallon casks, at Brewery prices, from 9/- per Firkin. Guinness' Invalid Stout in half-pint bottles. Martell and Hennesy's three star Brandy, 5/4 per bottle. 314 varieties of all the principal Wines, Spirits, and Liqueurs. E. H. Davies, Uxbridge House. adv. 367-50 TEMPERATURE AND SUNSHINE.—From our re- port last week of the Colwyn Bay and Colwyn District Council held on February nth, we regret to find that the subjoined item had been omitted :-It was proposed by the Rev Thomas Parry, seconded by Mr William Davies, and car- ried unanimously, that the Council be recommen- ded to vote the amount required by Dr Lord to procure the necessary instruments for properly testing the temperature and taking the sunshine in Colwyn Bay, and that the necessary instruments be bought by Dr Lord and the Surveyor. The Clerk was also instructed to write to Dr Lord, thanking him, on behalf of the Council, for the trouble taken by him herein, and requesting him to convey to Dr Leech, of Manchester, the Coun- cil's appreciation of Dr Leech's remarks relating to Colwyn Bay. PRIMROSE LEAGUE CONCERT AT COLWYN.—On Wednesday evening, February 12th, the Primrose League (Colwyn Habitation) held a grand con- cert at the Assembly Rooms. The Vicar (Rev John Griffiths) very ably presided, and Miss Nellie Lloyd acted as accompanist. The pro- gramme was as follows :Glee, "Lord, Teach us 1] Thy Statutes," The Juvenile Choir (under the leadership of Mr E. T. Davies); duett, "Let us gather Bright Flowers," the Misses Lily and Maud Jones song, Hen adgofion," J. Conway; duett, Let music and Song," the Misses Jones and Pierce; song, Maid of the mill," Mr H. J. Wright song, Yr Eneth Ddall," Mr W. Con- way trio (encored), Mexican Dance," the Misses Pierce pianoforte duett, the Misses Law; duett, Bright Venice," the Misses Lily and Maud Jones song, The Flight of Ages," Miss Lloyd glee, Bells of Aberdovey," The Choir duett, "The brothers," Misses Jones and Pierce; song, "May Blossom," Miss Price; plantation- song, Old Folks at Home," Miss Pierce The Vicar, in an able speech, dwelt on the principles of the League, and thanked all the artistes. The singing of God Save the Queen," brought a very pleasant evening to a close. AMATEUR THEATRICALS AT LLANDUDNO.—A LATE TRAIN TO COLWYN BAY.—Gilbert and Sullivan's Trial by Jury" will be performed, at Riviere's New Opera House, by the Llandudno Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, on Wednesday and Friday evenings, March 4th and 6th, when it will be preceded by My Lord in Livery and "Bubbles" respectively. The Com- pany is, we understand, one containing several local dramatic "stars" whose talent is much appreciated by the crowded audiences they generally draw, and, this performance being in aid of the Llandudno Sanatorium and Cricket Club, it is hoped that many of our readers will patronise the entertainment and the late train which leaves Llandudno for Colwyn Bay at eleven o'clock both evenings. ENJOYABLE PROCEEDINGS NEXT WEDNESDAY EVENING.-A bachelors' coffee-supper and enter- tainment are to be held at the Welsh Baptist Chapel and Schoolroom, Colwyn, next Wednesday evening, the Colwyn Bay Choral Union being among the artistes at the entertainment, over which Mr. W. Lloyd Evans will preside. THE COLWYN BAY TEMPERANCE MISSION.—At 8.0. p.m. on each of the six week-days ending next Wednesday, and at 8.30 p.m. next Sunday, the chair at the Public Hall is being taken on the occasion of meetings under the auspices of the Colwyn Bay Gospel Temperance Association. Addresses are being delivered by the popular Temperance advocate and Labour representative Mr J. Leicester (ex-M. P.), there is to be vocal and instrumental music, and all are cordially invited. A GRAND FOOTBALL MATCH TO-MORROW.- At 3.0 p.m. prompt, Mr Edwin Jones will kick off in the grand football match Amateur Theatricals (in costume) v. Colwyn Bay Team. The match, played in the Board School field, is in aid of the Fife-and-drum Band Fund in connexion with the N Company 2nd V.B. Royal Welsh Fusiliers. A TEA-PARTY AND ENTERTAINMENT NEXT WEDNESDAY AT ENGEDI.-A tea-party at Engedi Schoolroom next Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 26th, will be succeeded by an entertainment at 7.30 p.m., Mr Jones (Harland Housr in the chair. Miss Carry Jones is the accompanisti and pro- minent among the artistes is Llinos Cefni. JEROME'S "BARBARA" AND BYRON'S "WEAK WOMAN." On Monday evening, a large and fashionable audience crowded the Public Hall, Colwyn Bay, so far (at any rate) as the three-shilling reserved seats were concerned, the occasion being a performance, by local amateurs, of Jerome K. Jerome's one-act play "Barbara" and H. J. Byron's three-act comedy "Weak Woman," the proceeds (which were evidently very satisfactory) going in aid of a fund for reducing a debit balance in connexion with the Colwyn Bay Golf Club. The scenery used seemed just what was required, and the curtain (containing a view of an old mill, —a charming view) aroused very favourable comments. In the intervals and whenever desir- able for heightening the artistic effect of the playing, one or other of the two pianofortes was ably presided-over by Mr David Hughes, Mrs Sewell, or Miss N. Bownass High praise for the capital way in which everything moved smoothly forward, was undoubtedly due to whoever was res- ponsible for making the requisite arrangements, i.e., the Stage Manager (Mr D. D. Maopherson) and all who cordially worked towards the carrying out of his plans; Mr Macpherson has had, we were informed, considerable experience, and as a Stage Manager it would certainly be no easy matter to find his equal amongst brother-amateurs. The first piece performed was Jerome K. Jerome's play Barbara," the scene being laid in a London sitting-room, and the time being notified as the present In this piece, which we must say ends rather too abruptly, and none too happily, and in a manner suggesting various insoluble conundrums as to future happenings (in this being reminiscent of the momentous unsolved question closing Stockton's The Lady or the Tiger ? "), a start is made with two cross-currents of romance,—Barbara (Miss Janet Wood) having lost touch of her relations through a shipwreck occurring when she was a child and Miss Lilie Leyland (Miss N. Bownass) and Mr Cecil Norton (Mr S. Wood), two lovers, not having gumption enough to come to anything else thm misunderstand- ings. Barbara shows Cecil how he, in his ignorant bashfulness, is throwing away every chance of happiness for himself and Lilie, and lie is in process of effervescent amendment when Mr Finnicum (Mr D. D. Macpherson) is ushered-in and tells Barbara, in the absence of the lovers, how Cecil is the heir of his only sister who was lost in a shipwreck, and has con- sequentlv come into a. fortune of three hundred a year left to her. In the course of Mr Finnicum's story, Barbara perceives that she is the missing heiress, but decides upon keeping to herself the proofs of her identity, so that the lovers may the more speedily marry. Just at this crisis, the lovers burst in, and Lilie introduces Cecil as her betrothed, and consequently as a brother to Barbara, to whom Lilie has previously said that she would always be a sister. Cecil and Barbara indulge in a brotherly and sisterly hug, whereupon Mr Finnicum tells Cboil of his good fortune, and Lilie has to submit to an embrace from her betrothed, which ends the piece, the actors being enthusiastically recalled by the audience. Barbara was played most excellently tru) to life, a somewhat difficult task when Mr Finnicum gagged to a consider- able extent, albeit his part was throughout performed in a manner pleasing to the audience. Cecil and Lilie also afforded the audience great pleasure by artistic performance of parts which were by no means easy.. After a short interval, Byron's comedy "Weak Woman" was presented in three acts, the cast being as follows:-Dr Fleming (a London Physician), Dr W. D. Fraser; Captain Ginger (of the Bungleshire Buffs), Mr D. D. Macpherson; Arthur Medwyn (a Young Farmer), Mr F. W. Stubbs; Tootal (a Provincial Swell), Mr C. H. Brindley Frederick Fanshawe (Cousin of the Misses Gaythorne), Mr John ('ornwall; Edwards (a manservant), Mr A. Robinson; The Misses Helen and Lilian Gaythorne (Cousins), Miss Dyas and Miss M. Grant; Mrs Guun (a Distant Relative), Miss L. Porter. The scene first shown, was the exterior of a Country House, where Arthur Medwyn is seen sauntering about the walks, evidently seeking the cousins, when he espies Lilian Gaythorne and the curate, playing croquet; but soon they part and Lilian comes face to face with Medwyn, and, before the conversation has gone on very far, Miss Helen Gaythorne appears on the terrace. Soon Mr Tootal and Captain Ginger are on the scene, when they are told of a distant relation, and soon the distant relation, Mrs Gunn, escorted by Dr Fleming, appears and takes her seat on a garden chair in a snug corner. The appearance of the two last characters was the occasion of a hearty reception, and of a hearty out- burst of tipplause,-the make-up of Miss L. Porter as Mrs Gunn being really a work of art. Frederick Fanshawe, a cousin who had been living in Mexico, returned to the old home in the garb worn out there, making him an excellent "Mexican Joe." Evidently Captain Ginger and the Provincial Swell were sweet on the Cousins, but did not know which of the two had the money. As the party made their exit from the grounds, at the call of the dinner-gong, Mr Medwyn (the Young Farmer) escorted Lilian, Dr Fleming taking Helen quietly into the mansion. Fanshawe, not wishing to be left altogether in the cold, took the only opportunity left, and escorted Mrs Gunn, leaving Tootal and the Captain all alone together. The curtain dropped, and cordial applause followed. The second scene was the Misses Gay- thorne's drawing-room, the first to enter being Edwards, the man-servant, with tea. After tea, owing to a secret having been divulged, Fanshawe, who had been appointed bailiff, was dismissed, after which the second Act closes. In the third Act (with no change of scenic setting), Tootal and Edwards enter, and a bargain is made that, if Captain Ginger called, Edwards should say that the cousins were not in. but (in or no) in comes Ginger, whereupon the Young Farmer and Lilian enter the room, and, upon Tootal and Ginger applying for the vacant position of bailiff, they were ordered off at once (" in case it should rain") and, on being offered umbrellas, they went up to Medwyn and Lilian, and told them to keep their umbrellas, the attitudes and expressions bringing down the house." When Captain Ginger appeared in uniform, it was the signal of general hilarity, and during this scene,—when Helen is so grieved that it transpires that the property is left to Frederick Fanshawe, and no) to either of the cousins, -just at this moment Medwyn meets Captain Ginger, and tells him the news about the will, and says that the property is left to someone in the house. The Captain, of course, takes the lucky party to be Mrs Gunn, and loses no time in exchanging vows of undying affection, and SJon they are in each other's arms, to the great amusement of the audience. Just then, the company enter, and find the Captain and Mrs Gunn embracing each other. Dr Fleming conveys the true state of things to the Captain, who, at first staggered, comes-to when the doctor informs him that Mrs Gunn has a private income of her own. And, as the last scene closes, all the artistes appear on the stage, and take part in the final appeal. The production of {this highly interesting Comedy was capital, each of the artistes capably fulfilling their characters; where all are excellent it is hard to choose, but, if a choice must be made, the palm cannot but be awarded to Miss Dyas and Mr Cornwall. Tqe audience expscted a reasonably good enter- tainment, but found that it far passed their expecta- tions it is therefore generally hoped that the Talented Amateurs of Colwyn Bay will be induced to appear in other plays ere long, to afford, by the display of their abilities, wholesome enjoyment to their fellow-townspeople, whilst at the same time furnishing needed nid to some good object in the Bay. Parish Church (Sunday Services):

CONWAY. 8.0 a.m. Celebration of the Holy Communion. 9.45 a.m. Welsh service. 11.15 a.m. English service. 6.0 p.m. Welsh service. 10.30 a.m. daily, Matins. St. Agnes 6.0 p.m. English service. Wesleyan Methodist Chapel.-(English Services).— Next Sunday: Morning 11.0, evening 6.30, Mr Marshall, Conway. A GOOD PLACE FOR BOOTS.-For the best and cheapest of all classes of Boots and Shoes go to Joseph Jones, Berry Street, Conway. Best Shop for repairing. adv. loq- MR. H. CLARENCE WHAITE, R.W.S., P.R.C.A. -On Tuesday, February 18th, Mr H. Clarence Whaite occupied the presidential chair at the annual meeting of the Manchester Academy, and was re-elected President. FOOTBALL AT LLANDNDNO JUNCTION. On Wednesday afternoon, February 12th, the Llan- dudno Junction United Reserves defeated the Conway Boys' School football team, by two goals to one and, on the following Saturday, the Llandudno Junction United Club scored a victory over the Holywell St Winifred's, by seven goals to one. Both games were contested at Llandudno Junction. ST. JOHN'S ENGLISH WESLEYAN CHAPEL, CONWAY.- The friends at the above-named place- of-worship have been having a few more in their midst. The preparatory prayer-meetings have been well attended, and the Special Services have begun in good earnest. Many encouraging signs are already noticeable. The congregations are increasing, and outsiders are being brought in, and it is hoped that a flourishing little Church will be the outcome of these special efforts. HEALEY v DAVIES.—In the Queen's Bench Division, on February 17th and 18th, Lord Jus- tice A. L. Smith and a special jury, heard the above action. The plaintiff, Mr William Bernard Healey, sued Mr Ffrangcon Davies, the baritone singer, to recover damages for alleged breach of contract and Lig for commission earned. The defendant denied that he had committed any breach of the contract said that the plaintiff had himself broken it by not using his best endeavours to carry it out by pushing the defendant forward; and that the plaintiff had himself repudiated it. The defendant counterclaimed for damages for the plaintiff's alleged breach of contract, and the amount of commission was disputed. The jury found a verdict for the defendant on claim and counterclaim (with no damages on the latter), and Ir judgment was given accordingly. THE CHURCHMEN'S GUILD.-On Monday, Feb- ruary 17th, a capital impromptu lecture on his Tour in Switzerland," was delivered by the President of the Guild (Rev. J. P. Lewis), who, in his happiest vein, discoursed on the lovely sights and rugged grandeur of the Swiss Alps. Each point of interest had its due share of the lecturer's attention, even the journey en route claiming a few words of passing notice. Familiar names that have now become household-words, such as Grindelwald (of Conference fame), Interlaken, Zermatt, Jungfrau, Matterhorn, and a score of other horns,' all came under the survey of the Vicar, who very successfully sustained a racy descriptive narrative. Heidelberg with its Uni- versity of some hundreds of scarred Students, who prefer being marked for life in order to satisfy points-of-honour (so-called honour) was briefly noticed so was Chillon, which has been immortalized by Lord Byron. A pleasant and enjoyable evening was brought to a close in the usual manner, by according to the lecturer a vote of thanks. THE MERSEY BRIGADE TO ENCAMP AT CONWAY. —It is now practically decided that the Mersey Brigade of Volunteers are to encamp on Conway Morfa this summer. The following further item appears in the Liverpool Mercury "Volunteer Notes (February 18th, 1896) We have heard it said, and we repeat the statement without in any way vouching for its accuracy, that there is a probability that after all the 2nd Liverpool will not be seen in camp with the Mersey Brigade at Conway, but will once again proceed to Aldershot. We fail to see how the oracle can be worked, and simply give the statement for what it is worth." CONWAY LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.- A very serious crisis having arisen through the poor attendance at the Society's meetings since the beginning of the New year, it has been decided that at 7.30 p.m. next Tuesday, February 25th, at the Guild Hall, the President, two Vice- Presidents, and Hon. Sec., shall sign each copy of the printed notices the Executive Committee have ordered to be sent to each and every member, convening a special and extraordinary meeting of the Society, to be holden at 8.15 p.m. on March 3rd, for the purpose of deciding matters gravely affecting the welfare and constitution (and pos- sibly the very existence) of the Society, which, having funds in hand, is not suffering from any embarassment of a monetary nature. The Exe- cutive Committee, at their meeting, expressed a hope that should the Society be continued after the meeting of March 3rd, the clergy, ministers, and other influential citizens who have for some years largely stood aloof from the Society's ordi- nary work of mutual improvement, will, by their presence as often as convenient, help to elevate and improve still further an unsectarian institu- tion which (in its more palmy days, at least) has done much for the mental and moral improvement of its members. TABERNACLE (WELSH WESLEYAN) MUTUAL IM- PROVEMENT SOCIETY.-At the above-named Society's meeting, on Monday, February 17th, under the presidency (in the absence of the Rev O. Evans) of the Rev J. Wesley Hughes, the members were treated to an able address by the Rev T. C. Roberts, of Colwyn Bay. The addrss took the form of a retrospect of the religious history of this country, and we feel sure that all present were greatly benefitted thereby. The following members also spoke:- Alderman H. Hughes, Messrs R. Jones, J. Jones, and O. Davies. On the motion of Mr T. W. Hughes, seconded by Mr J. Madoc Jones, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Roberts, a similar vote being accorded the chairman, on the motion of Alderman Hughes, seconded by the Rev T. C. Roberts. THE MAYORIAL BALL. The Mayor and Mayoress of Conway (Council- lor and Mrs Humphrey Lewis) issued between 100 and 200 invitations to a semi-public Ball held on St Valentine's Day at Plas Mawr, the decorations for the previous Tuesday's Fancy Dress Ball having been left intact. The new gallery pre- sented a cosy appearance, and each of the numerous guests (not so numerous, however, as to overcrowd the Ball-room) received a cordial welcome from the Mayor and Mayoress, the former (attired in evening dress) wearing the badge-of-office suspended by a broad black silk ribbon. Councillor and Mrs Lewis had indeed made the most complete and satisfactory arrange- ments for the comfort of their guests. This was the first Mayoral Ball ever held in Conway, and, as the Mayor and Mayoress were an ideal host and hostess, only two regrets could be expressed towards the close of the evening's proceedings,— that the hours of the enjoyable function had pas- sed away all too soon, and a fear lest the attain- ment of such unruffled success in the first Conway Mayoral Ball might discourage future attempts to rival the excellence attained in the first Mayoralty of Councillor Mr Humphrey Lewis. As a lady was heard to aptly observe, Mr and Mrs Hum- phrey Lewis are the first Mayor and Mayoress of Conway who have provided hours of social enjoy- ment for the ladies as well as for gentlemen." Dancing commenced at eight o'clock, to de- lightful music supplied by the Band of Mrs Haselden (of Rhyl), the first violin being played by Mr Thompson (of Liverpool), and the duties of M.C.'s were admirably carried out by Messrs James Porter and T. B. Farrington, the Stewards being Messrs Owen Rowland and Jordan Jones and Councillor Dr R. Arthur-Prichard. The programme of dance music was as follows Extra, Moonlight on the Rhine" extra, "Whisper and I shall hear"; extra, Linger longer, Loo extra, Eldorado lancers, "Carmen"; waltz, "Reverie"; polka, "Cross Patch"; waltz, "Santiago"; pas de quatre, "Charman"; lancers, "Tableaux Vivants"; supper extras, "In Days Gone By", Dans tes yeux "Etincelles", For Old Sake's Sake and Her Golden Hair (barn dance) waltz, "Beauty's Eyes"; polka, "Merry Eyes"; waltz, Lustige Bruder" lancers, Jolly Good Fellows"; waltz, "Trilby"; pas de quatre, Iola"; waltz, "Vision"; lancers, "Shop Girl waltz, "Louisiana Lou"; polka, "Tin Gee Gee"; lancers, "His Excellency"; waltz, "Acclamations" extra, "John Peel" (gallop). The following is the most complete list obtainable of those to whom invitations were sent. most of them being present :—Alderman the Hon. H. Lloyd-Mostyn, and the Hon. Mrs. H. Lloyd- Mostyn, Alderman and Mrs Hugh Hughes, Alderman and Mrs Hugh Jones, Alderman Wil- liam Hughes, Councillor C. J. Wallace and Miss Wallace, Councillor Dr R. Arthur-Prichard and Mrs Prichard, Councillor Dr M. J. Morgan and Miss Morgan, Councillor and Mrs J. W. Tosde- vine, Councillor and Mrs Edward Roberts, Coun- cillor and Mrs John Williams, Councillor and Mrs Arthur Netherwood, Councillor and Mrs Hugh Jones, Councillor A. W. Jones, Councillor John Hughes, Councillor Owen Jones, Mr Allard (Llanrwst), Miss Alldridge (Castle Bromwich). Mr Amphlett, Mr and Mrs Bremner (Colwyn Bay), Dr Bicknall(Liverpool), Mr and Mrs J. E. Conway- Jones, Mr John Cornwall, Mr and Mrs A. R. Cross (Blundellsands), Mr and Mrs Dalton (Glyn) and Miss Dalton, Mr and Mrs Daniells (Conway College), The Misses Davies (3) (High-street, Conway), Mr J. Roger Dawson (Llandudno), Mr F. A. Dew (Colwyn Bay), Mr and Mrs Dobson (Chester), Miss Dorrington. Miss Dutton (Con- way), Mr and Mrs T. Dutton (Trefriw) and Miss Daisy Dutton, Rev W. Edwards, Rev and Mrs Owen Evans, the Borough Surveyor and Mrs T. B. Farrington and the Misses Farrington and Mr C. Farrington, Mr and Mrs J. E. Fincham, Mr and Mrs J. R. Furness, Miss Gaskell (Glancon- way), Dr Griffiths (Deganwy), Mr and Mrs Felix Hadley and Miss Hadley, Mr and Mrs Hague, Rev J. Harreis, Dr Herbert (Denbigh), Mr and Mrs Hignett (Colwyn Bay), Mrs Houlgrave, Mrs Hughes (Brynhyfryd, Conway) and the Misses Hughes and Mrs Float, Miss Johnson (Penmaen- mawr), the Chairman of the Llandudno District Council and Mrs John Jones and Miss Jones and Mr G. Arthur Jones, Mr Jordan Jones, Rev T. D. Jones, the Borough Collector and Mrs T. M. Jones, Mrs C. Keeling (Castle Bromwich) and Mr H. Keeling, Dr T. L. Kenrick-Davies (Llan- dudno), Mr and Mrs Henry Kneeshaw, Mr and Mrs Joseph Knight and Miss Knight, Mr and Mrs Paul Knight, Mr Knox (Liscard), Mr and Mrs Lees (Cartref Melus) and the Misses Lees (3), Mr and Mrs C. M. Lees, the Vicar of Conway (Rev J. P. Lewis), Miss Meta Lewis (Llanrwst), Miss Ethel Lloyd, Miss Lloyd-Price (Holywell), Rev Dr and Mrs Llugwy-Owen, Mr J. G. Long, Mr and Mrs Meyer, Miss Naylor (Keithley), the Town Clerk and Mrs T. E. Parry and Miss Parry and Mr Isaac LI. Parry, Mr and Mrs Pen- fold (Leeds), Rev and Mrs P. R. Phillips, Mr and Mrs Pilkington, Mr and Mrs Pollitt, Mr and Mrs James Porter, Mr and Mrs Porter (Pwllycrochan) and the Misses Porter and Mr F. Porter, Mr and Mrs J. W. Post, Mr Harold Rathbone (Birken- head), the Misses Richards (Welshpool), the Vicar of Caerhun and Mrs Roberts, the Rev and Mrs T. Gwynedd Roberts, the Borough Treasurer (Mr Owen Rowland, J.P.), Mr and Mrs J. C. Salmon and Miss Maud Salmon, Captain and Mrs Sarson, Mrs Sever (The Mount) and Mr Cornelius Sever, Mr and Mrs W. M. Sever (Fern Bank), Mr and Mrs Sidlev, Mr and Mrs Slater, Miss Smith (Oldham), Mr and Mrs Stott (Ravenscrag) and Miss Stott, Mrs and Miss Trit- ton, Mr and Mrs Turner (Deganwy), Mrs Walker (Morfa) and the Misses Walker, Mr F. Vincent Walker (Llandudno), the Misses Webb (Melton Ross, Lincolnshire), Mr and Mrs H. Clarence Whaite and Miss YVhaite, Mr T. Williams (Caer- wys), Major and Mrs Ephraim Wood (Pabo Hall), Mr and Mrs Swinford Wood (Bodlondeb) and Mr A. S. Wood, Mr and Mrs W. Wood (Morfa), &c., &c. Supper was served in the Lantern Room, and Mr A. Sumner (Grosvenor Restaurant, Llan- dudno), deserves to be unreservedly congratu- lated on the splendid catering and really excellent service of waiters,—compliments which we wish could always be as justly paid after ball-suppers. The menu left nothing to be desired, and the boar'«-head attracted general admiration (its de- sign included a "mad bull after Watson," and another device entitled "taking the lead"). The Ball-room was adequately lighted, the gas- installation having been made by Messrs Stott (of Oldham and Conway). Dancing was carried on with spirit till half-past three, when three resound- ing cheers for the Mayor and Mayoress nearly shook the rafters down, and the general verdLt on departing was that the Conway Mayoral Ball was the best of all Balls that could be called to mind." The police arrangements were admirably carried out under the personal supervision of P.C. E. Watkin Parry (20), of Conway.

Metropolitan Bank. ANNUAL MEETING. The thirteenth annual meeting of the share- holders of the Metropolitan Bank of England and Wales was held on Thursday, January 30th, at the Great Western Hotel, Birmingham. Sir Thomas Lea, Bart., M.P., occupied the chair, ai.d there was a very large attendance of shareholders. The report showed a profit upon the year's trade of £ 60,630 14s 8d.. and recommended the payment of a dividend of 12! per cent. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said that it opened with the statement that the general business of the bank, except for the low value of money, had been satisfactory and progressive. The power of the bank had never been better there had been an increase of over 1000 new accounts during the year, and though the turnover on the old accounts until the autumn still showed signs of contraction an alteration took place during the last few months, and for the first time for some years most of their accounts exhibited an increase of business. This was confirmatory of the improved state of trade. He would also refer then to the figures in the balance- sheet, which showed an increase of L300,000 in money entrusted to them. They thus saw that they had the continued confidence of the public. They would ask how it was that, with so satisfactory a general business, they had a much less profit and proposed a lessened dividend. Thers were many reasons of a special character to account for this state of things, the first being the low value of money. When he was elected to the chair about nine years ago their cash amounted to £ 633,000. Two years ago it was L852,000, and this year £ 1,490,000. Not only had the rate been low for their surplus balances, but they had had much more money lying in London at merely nominal rates. It was doubtful if they had had an average of 1 per cent. for the money, and as the custom in the country had been to give 2 or 2! per cent, for deposits, it had been a positive loss. Had they employed the money or the surplus over LI,490,000 in their own business it would have yielded quite £ 15,000 or L20,000 more than it had done. It might be said that all banks were affected by the low rate, but in the case of their bank it had been aggravated by one special reason. During the past year they had been expecting the liquidator of the National Bank of Wales would make a call on the unpaid capital of that bank, and although it ought not to affect them, and they had no serious apprehension that it would, they decided to consult safety at the expense of profits, and make themselves so strong that if any local trouble should arise they could meet any calls at a moment's notice. Proceeding, the Chairman dealt in considerable detail with the bank's position in connexion with the purchase and liquidation of the National Bank of Wales (upon each of whose shares the liquidator proposed calling up a further £ 2 ios. out of the £ 10 liability). In conclusion, he thought that the National Bank had not proved to be a desirable acquisition, but it would yield them £ 20,000 a year profit yet, for which, with the expenses he had indicated, they would have paid £ 200,000. Mr Satchell Hopkins (Deputy-Chairman) secon- ded the resolution. He said The first figure shows that the amount due by the bank on current deposit and other accounts is £ 313,000 larger than it was this time last year. Now that shows the confidence of the public End our customers in the bank itself-a confidence which the board are determined, as far as in them lies, to deserve and to maintain. Then on the assets side it is a very favourable feature that our cash balances—the cash in hand, at call, and at notice is £ 150,000 more than it was this time last year, and that our invested reserve is £ 100,000 more also, making, if we take the two together, the bank stronger by about a quarter of a million of money— £ 250,000— than it was this time last year. Our bills of exchange, as you see, are rather less they are L92,000 less. The accounts due to the bank on current and other accounts are £7,000 less, and this notwithstanding that the number of our customers has very greatly increased. We have a very much larger clientele than we had a year ago our accounts are always being added to. We have large and important accounts brought to us constantly, and yet we have about on the whole £7,000 less on this account, which comes to practically the same amount. The other item —the bank premises and furniture in London and at Birmingham &c., has increased by £ 14,000. The sum of L298,443 represents freehold and leasehold premises at upwards of ninety branches in large and small towns in the best situations, and are of constantly but gradually increasing value. The only other item upon the balance- sheet that I need refer-to is the guarantee fund. We have already, as you have been told, written off £ 120,000 from the guarantee fund, but, notwith- standing that, our guarantee fund stands in a very | favourable position as compared with other banks. f I have had taken out for me the guarantee funds of the twelve principal joint stock banks, and I find that whilst the average of these twelve banks —the principal joint stock banks—the average of the guarantee fund is a little under 60 per cent, of their paid-up capital, onrs is over 74 per cent. It is exactly 74-21 per cent. of our paid-up capital, so that we are still greatly in excess of the average, and there are only two banks, I think. out of the twelve that exceed our percentage of 741 upon their paid-up capital. These same banks taken together pay an average of 12; per cent. profit. That is exactly what we are paying to-day, and on the whole I cannot help thinking that as times go 1 2 per cent. for a bank is a very 2 fair and satisfactory dividend. The report was carried unanimously. Messrs W. E. Warden and C. II. Williams (Wales) were re-elected directors, and Messrs Turquand, Youngs, and Co., auditors. Votes of thanks to the Chairman and directors and officials concluded the business of the meeting.

Corrtoponbenct. [In no case are we responsible for the opinions expressed in this column.] To the Editor of The Weekly News." COLWYN BAY AND COLWYN DISTRICT COUNCIL. SIR,-Will you allow me to correct the report in your last week's issue (in your next) in reference to my remarks on the Land Clauses Act according to your report, but the remarks were made in reference to the Gasworks Clauses Act, 1871, Clause 29. As you are well aware of the resolution that I moved in the Council some months back and the jibes and sneers and oppositions I have received since then, which you have been so good to publish in your papers, this resolution, after being knocked from pillar to post for this length j of time, on Tuesday the nth Mr Jones was » appointed the gas-tester; this is the first and only Clause passed by the Colwyn Bay and Colwyn j Local Authority, although the works have been in operation for the last 11 years, and I could not I help but saying that I was glad that they had i allowed a Clause of the Gasworks Clauses Act at | last to become operative in this District, and perhaps a certain gentleman felt a bit hurt at the remark I made on the obstructions it had met, when it was a question of such interest to the town and the people that consume gas in their houses. Another inisreport,-yoti say it was in reference to the Wood that I demanded the names down, but it was in reference to taking-over by the Council Coed Pella-road, which, in my opinion, is not in a fit state I am told that one abutting owner has never made his part at all, but three of the Councillors have property abutting on it,- they spoke in favour of taking it over, and voted, which I believe it to be illegal, and I requested that names be taken down in favour and against. I cannot make out how so many mistakes are made in your paper with reference to myself. Yours. WILLIAM DAVIES. Colwyn Bay, Feb. 18th, 1896. RE PWLLYCROCHAN WOODS. SII,-In your report of my remarks respecting I the purchase of the above Woods, an error in j figures occurs. What I said, or at least intended to say, was that the Company's price for the whole was £ 8000." I must also admit having made a miscalculation in the extent of the Woods, i and estimating them at 20 acres instead of 40. [ This accounts for my error in stating that the j Company wanted -4-400 an acre whereas really they only ask 2oo an acre, which, for forty acres, I comes to £ 8000. There is also an error in my statement as to the price at which land close by, could be purchased, LSo being put down instead of Lioo per acre.— t Yours, J. ROBERTS. A SUGGESTION. SIR,-Ill view of the suggestion to purchase the Gas Co.'s property on behalf of the rate- I payers of this District, I think the following cutting from a weekly paper of last Saturday is of i general interest, and may afford food for reflec- f tion to your readers.—Yours respectfully, Grove Park, J. OATES. Colwyn Bay, 18/2/96. WHY ARE THE WAVES WASTED ? The amount of power in the forces of Nature which daily goes to waste is incalculable. The utilisa- tion of the dynamic force of the tides is a subject ¡ which has engaged the minds of men for centu- t ries, with little or no practical result. Another attempt has been made in this direction, in America, on the Rhode Island coast. A dam has been built across the mouth of a narrow bay, in which the tidal rise and fall is considerable. By means of a second dam the bay is divided into i two great reservoirs. The water stored in these is made to turn a wheel, which it is proposed to < connect by suitable gearing to a dynamo tor the generation of electricity. The belief is held in I the best engineering circles that the problem of the commercial utilisation of tidal energy is rapidly approaching solution, and there are indications that within the next two years a gigantic and carefully worked out scheme of this nature will be made public. Should such an en- terprise prove successful, some sweeping develop- ments in the supply of light and power to coast- wise cities, and the transmission of the same to towns and villages in the neighbouring country, may be looked for." Printed and Published by R. 1< Jones & Brothers, at their Printing Works, 3, Rose Hill Street, Conway, and Published at the Central Library, Colwyn Bay. 1

was proposed by Mr John Roberts, seconded by Mr William Davies, and carried unanimously, that it be a recommendation to the Council to put the Land Clauses Act in force as to the purchase of the Woods." In reference to this, Mr William Davies remarked I am glad to see Mr John Roberts is going in for the Land Clauses Act at last. The Rev J. G. Haworth (severely): I should object to such a remark if I were the Chairman." We cordially agree with Mr Haworth, and we are glad to note that gentleman's out- spoken condemnation both of Mr Wm Davies's totally unnecessary remark and the Chairman's laxity in allowing it to pass unrebuked, and we hail it as a sign that for the future the cooler- headed and graver members of the Council will definitely dissociate themselves not only from remarks of this character, but from support of the utterances of them. It is this sort of hare- brained chatter and exuberant verbosity which is accountable for most of the loss of time and fogginess of work characteristic of the Council as well as for the discreditable ebullitions of temper too frequently manifested at its delibera- tions. We conclude our remarks upon this sec- tion of our subject, with the observation that the whole of the proceedings are a disgrace both to the members guilty of the conduct we have referred-to (who are by no means limited to those we have named) and to the Chairman whose weakness suffers such antics to proceed. Of course we use the word disgrace in respect to the manner in which they performed or failed to per- form the public duty the honour of fulfilling which most of them fought tooth and nail to secure, and which was entrusted to them, by their con- stituents, not so much in the hope as in the assu- rance that they would acquit themselves in the matter with some regard to the necessities of the situation. We have left ourselves little space to deal with the second portion of our subject, namely, the matter of the proceedings at last week's Council meeting, owing to our desire to impress on the minds of the ratepayers the apparently hopeless inability of some of their present representatives of grasping even the most elementary principles of the conduct of public business. We say ap- parently hopeless inability" advisedly, for we have ourselves over and over again not only called attention to this matter, but have explained in minute detail and at wearisome length the A. B.C. of the routine of public business, and that so clearly that we are confident that any boy in the street who chanced to have read our articles on the subject, must have had a very clear con- ception of what ought to be done. Well, the second portion of our remarks is to be devoted to a consideration of the matter of the proceedings at last week's Council meeting, and we wi I con- fine ourselves to the single item of the eternal Cowlyd Water Board question. We are free to confess that it is difficult to resist the impression that there is a total inability to understand this question on the part of those who are continually bringing the matter up month after month. The agitation against the Board, has been going on now for a couple of years, and has resulted in clouds of ambiguous inuendoes against somebody. Who those somebody is (or are), the agitators have not even yet had the courage and honesty to name, while still less have they had the courage and honesty to definitely formulate a definite charge against any member or members of the Joint Board. The Chairman of the Board has replied as well as could possibly be done under the circumstance, to the flight of poisoned arrows which have been hurtling through the air, and to our minds that explanation appeared quite straight- forward. Mistakes were admitted, and the fullest Government Inquiry courted. Neverthe- less, at a meeting of ratepayers subsequently convened, the Rev Thomas Parry (the Chairman of the Council, and a member of the Cowlyd Water Board)delivered a long address bristling with inu- endoes from beginning to end. The address also contained several statements a trifle more definite than inuendoes. With these we dealt in a leading article in these columns a few weeks ago, and, in the course of that article, we invited Mr. Parry to state whether or not he (Mr Parry) voted for or against certain actions of the Joint Board, which, in the address referred-to, he seemed to imply or suggest were actions meriting the severest con- demnation of the ratepayers. Mr Parry has not replied, and our readers are quite at liberty to draw their own conclusions from that fact. Now, at the last meeting of the Colwyn Bay District Council, we find Mr. John Blud bringing the matter up again, and asking "whether the Joint Board has any explanation to give in reference to the grave and serious statements made by Alderman Parry at a town's meeting held at Colwyn Bay on December 27th." Grave and serious fiddlestick Grave and serious state- ments as applied to Mr Parry's wild and misty rhetoric on the occasion referred-to, is good. But does Mr. Blud imagine that anyone else besides himself regards Mr Parry's farrago as a grave and serious statement. ? If he does, we are of opinion that he is mistaken. By the way, it may not be inappropriate here to call attention to a little incident which occurred during the earlier portion of the last Council meeting, namely, the "grave and serious statement" made by Mr. Blud respecting the Rev. W. Venables- Williams's alleged refusal to answer letters addressed to him in reference to a site for an Infectious Diseases Hospital. With extreme gravity and seriousness, Mr Blud made a circum- cumstantial statement on this head, which after- wards turned out to have been wholly unwarranted by fact, inasmuch as the Rev. W. Venables- Williams had not been written-to on the subject. This sort of thing is what fair-minded men call hitting below the belt," and is a contemptible and cowardly abuse of the privileges of debate. Of course Mr Blud at once withdrew any remarks he had made, as soon as he was told that his statement was baseless, but the fact that a gentleman of Mr Blud's position should make such a statement (with its accompanying sneers) in open Council, without having taken the trouble to verify it, is a discreditable one. But to return to the unfortunate Cowlyd Water Board. Mr Blud now appearing in the role of challenger, and as Mr Thomas Parry has neglected to accede to our invitation to formulate definite charges against definitely named persons in this matter, we now beg to ask Mr Blud, on behalf of the ratepayers, What does he mean ? We also beg to invite Mr Blud, failing Mr Thomas Parry, to formulate in definite form any indict- ment he may conceive there is ground for in connexion with the Cowlyd Water Board. Does Mr Blud think (or does he wish to imply) anything more serious against the Board or its officials, than mistakes, errors of judgment? If so, let him make his charge and prove it, and we promise him our fullest and heartiest support. Otherwise, in the name of all that is honest and fair and square (this is plain if not elegant English), let us hear no more about it. Mr Blud, in the course of his remarks, observed that he had hoped to have seen the Chairman of the Cowlyd Board present that day, and to find whether he really had any answer to these charges." What charges? We ask Mr Blud, and our columns are open for his reply.