Rhyl Journal

^fholes&leAfe Jk+W RHYL. N, tiLL -lilltg Wholesale Dealer in and Bottler of Ban's, Allsopp's, and Ind Coope and Co.'s Ales. Guinness's Extra Dublin Stout. Sole Agent for Anglo-Bavarian Ales. Pilsener Laser Beer (Jacob's), Devonshire Cider, Perry, &c., in Cask and Bottle. Families and the Trade Supplied. IST ALL ADVERTISEMENT is SHOULD BE BENT TO THE OFFICE NOT LATER THAN THURSDAY EVENING

THE HOME RULE BILL. The Home Rule Bill is now in committee, and the Speaker was unseated on Monday night. Mr Darling proposed an amendment with the object of defining the supremacy of the Imperial Parliament and upon this an animated debate took place. The gag was adopted by a majority of 48. The tac- tics of the Government are of all-absorbing Z5 interest. The u Grand Old Man has set his mind on the dismemberment of the Em- pire but the attainment of his object has yet to come about. It is expected that close on five hundred divisions will take place before the measure is out of Committee. A process of tedium, indeed But the issue, what of that ? The issue is the paramount object of Mr Gladstone's ambition. It is the wrecking of the present unity of the Empire for which he yearns, and to attain his object he cares not to what indignities the members of the Opposition are placed, or to what under-handed machinations his party may descepd.

PROPOSED NEW RAILWAY. For many years past a new line of railway from Hawarden on to Rhyl, via Halkyn, Northop, Holywell, and St. Asaph, has been under discussion, but nothing of a practical nature has up to now resulted from the deliberations. The London & North-Wes- tern Railway Company will not give an undertaking that they will open the line, which they have recently acquired, from Greenfield up to Holywell, for passenger traffic but it is understood that the line will not be held as a block against any pro- jected railway. But why, we should like to know, should the Railway Company allow the line to remain closed. They wilt not open the line, and at the same time is not to be held as a block-a somewhat ambiguous policy It is not at all improbable, however, apart from the North-Western, that the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lancashire Com- pany will consider the matter of the line from Hawarden to Rhyl. The North-Wes- tern certainly have the monopoly in this county but a new line to St. Asaph through the districts proposed with a junc- tion from St. Asaph on to the existing system would prove of great utility and the benefits to be derived from such provision would be-both as regarded passenger and goods traffic—superlatively beneficial.

THE WEATHER AND THE CROPS. The long-continued spell of summer-like weather—though highly appreciable and desirable so far as holiday makers are eonerned-is likely to prove productive of irjury to the farmers' crops. With the long run of dry weather we have had as a neces- sary adjunct a Ion* drought and the thirsty laud aud the thin and backward crops ppeak volura,-q for the hurtful influence of the con- dition of things. It is, judging from the n present aspect, more than probable that the hay harvest will be a failure, and as regards spring vegetables they are altogether back. ward. In some parts of the country thero are extensive tracts of good arable land which has been permitted to go seedless on account of the condition of the soil; and where sowing has taken place the corn crops are seriously threatened. Feeding stuffs are hardening in prices, and altogether the out- look is somewhat gloomy.

POLITICAL MAGISTRATES. A resolution has been carried in the House of Commons which degrades the bench by turning it into a component part ot the party politics of the day, and to that extent Americanises our institutions in a very unpleasant and unenviable manner. Hae the unpaid magistracy of the country been on the whole a success ? Is the body of county magistrates impartial and indiffer- ent in the administration of the law ? The Lord Chancellor himself, and Mr Asquith, admit that there is no ground for any charge of general incompetency or partiality. Lord Herschel, in reply to a deputation last March, refused of his own accord to take the appointment of magistrates into his own bands. The reasons in favour of the pre- sent system he put very clearly. The Lord- Lieutenant of the county, in whose hands the appointment now practically lies, has intimate personal knowledge of his neigh- bours, is acquainted with the state of local feeling and sentiment, and is moreover largely guided by the opinion of quarter 5r,GS and the local bench. Under the iH,t regime private inquiries into the fitness of nominees are possible, which if the County Council, for example, were to nominate would be out of the question. Now the Lord Chancellor can pack the bench with political partisans from one end of the country to the other. The country will appreciate very fairly the object and scope of this change in procedure. The object is simply to raise to the bench a number of party politicians, but the scope of the reao- lution is much wider and more significant. It means that the rule of choosing a man for the unpaid magistracy on the score of character and position and independence is to be changed for a new rule, in which political and religious opinion is to be the criterion. Until Mr Gladstone took up Home Rule it was found that the classes" furnished, without fee or reward, the most trustworthy and most impartial magistrates. It is alleged that the bench is manned with far too large a preportion of the Conser- vative party. Why is it this complaint was never made by the Liberals in the days before Home Rule became a point in the Liberal programme ? For the simple reason that as the Liberal party had been in office three-fourths of the time since the passing of the first Reform Bill, it is evident that the appointments of these Conservative magistrates must have been non-political. They were recognised as the best men even by their political opponents, and they took their seats on the bench accordingly. Now, 9. however, the nomination of magistrates will be openly thrown into the political market. The Lord Chancellor must go to somebody ior infcrmation, and he will naturally seek first the Member of Parliament for the con- stituency. The member in turn will rely on the local manager of the party to which he belongs. It would be over-rating the vir- tues of human nature to suppose that the party manager will not in future be guided by purely political reasons, and in future J.P.'s will be nominated not by men of social independence and position, high- minded and impartial, such as are the vast bulk of Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenants of counties, but by local party politicians. This is practically the American system—" To the victors the spoils," and it is not hard to imagine how easily degraded will be the magistracy when manned under these new conditions.

THE GOLF CLUB. Golfing is making rapid strides in Rhyl. Half a century ago the game was possibly but little practised away from Scotland but long since golf came over the Border, and is now naturalised even at Westward Ho, on the coast of North Devon, and in Cornwall-a long way from the North, truly. Nor will the golfer need to be reminded that there are now golf courses almost everywhere. In one sense, golf may be taken as a protest against the ,constitutional "-that mere aimless walk which is equally distasteful to the active and the infirm. The man who would ride a bicycle against time from London to York, he who would willingly become a competitor in a six days' go as you please contest, and men who might fairly lay claim to be considered athletes, are given to fight shy of a constitutional of five or six miles. Here, then, golf comes in as a boon and a blessing. The elderly and those of full habit have not to risk sudden death by running at full speed from point to point nor is it necessary to work one's self into a violent perspiration nor, again, does golf demand that activity and celerity of movement which is essential to success in cricket, fives, or rackets. Those who are scant of breath would fail at either one or the other but the man who suffers from this affection, and has, in addition to carry 15 or 16 stone of too solid flesh about with him, can find his every interest to walk from point to point. Like an unfenced hunting country, the golf links offer a fitting area for recreation to those who are no longtr what they once were, and who are no longer equal to hold- ing their own against the more lightly weighted youth. One of the great charms of golf is that it attracts men of many different calibres. The young and active find in it as great a pleasure as those of more mature years; and something of the same qualities which draw forth from the specta- tors of a cricket match unstinted applause when a half volley or a hop is sent to the ropes or over them, are valuable to the golfer, for he must know how to hit, and have strength withal who drives a ball for 200 yards. The monthly medal competition took place on Saturday last at the links, in splendid weather. The contest was for the usual medal, with a "sweep" added, and the result of the competition was (nett scores) :—H. G. Stock 80, T. O. Watts 83, Percy Plunketll 88, W. J. Wild 90, T. E. R. Johnson 92. These were the highest scores, and several of the other competitors did not make returns. Mr Stock's gross was 93, and he was handicapped 13 Mr Watts' scored 113 with 30 away, Mr Plunkett 105 with a handicap of 17; Mr Wild 116 with 16 off; and Mr Johnson 118 with 26 away. The May competition for the Ladies Challenge cup was played on Monday, the 1st inst., in damp showery weather. Result:— Gross Hdcp Nett Mrs J. P. Lewis 131 37 94 Miss Mainwaring 106 Scr 106 Miss Watts 106 22 129 The links are open to visitors, and the members are pleased to welcome strangers. We believe that visitors are permitted to play for two days free of charge, and subsequent to that on payment f. of 5s. per week.

Athletic Notes & Matches of the Week. BY "HAWKSEYE." Considering the short notice, I think the Cycling Club turned out very creditably on May Day. Some of the costumes and make-nps were capital. Darby and Joan on the sociable were very good, and also the la-di-da swell in the silk hat; these were well supported by the coloured gent in full dandy array, Ally Sloper, Clown, Old Parr in the top-bat and long coat, Panto' masque, Dook Snooks, Football, Hockey, and military cyclists. Many riders in ordinary attire were undecided as to whether to assume disguises or not until it was too late and then t iey wished they had rigged up some sort of fancy clres. Better lack next time. The suggestii-n has been thrown out by one or two gentlemen that the cycle club should get up a big lanteru parade, say in August, and make a collection for noiae charity, nuch as the Children's Hospital, and finish with a masquerade ball. This is a good idea and a capital show could be made, for there are in the Rhyl Club nearly fifty riding members; but the question is, will wheelers take up the scheme with the necessary spirit to ensure success ? I will pause for a reply to this question until I get the sense of a general meeting on the subject. This I know from experience, that many men promise and grow enthusiastic when a scheme is proposed; but when the time comes they "tail off" with laime excuses. I am pleased to believe that such men are not very numerous in the Rhyl Cycling Club. However, we must think this matter over; it is well worth consideration, for a big lantern parade might be made one of the chief features of the Rhyl season. What a mysterious thing it is about the Club bugle! It was bought for the Clllb-I believe with club fundtl- and its cheery call used to sound in the streets of Rhyl, and in the remote parts of the Vale of Clwy<?, when the Club took their Saturday run, but it has vanished like the snow when winter is o'er" and no trace of it remains. One man says he passed it to another man, other men say so-and-so had it, and so on and so forth. It is now a couple of seasons since it was in evidence, and owing to lax management it was not sufficiently looked after, and now it seems to be a lost property as far as the club is concerned. Possibly the man who has it is waiting until it is officially claimed, so if this should meet his eye he will know that Capt. H. T. Roberts will be htpf y to receive it at once. » Four members have given notice to the secretary of their intention to start for the 103 mile ride under the conditions stated at the annual general meeting, and if there is nne weather at Whitsuntide we may hear of some medals been captured. I may mention that two of the entries are by the youngest members of the club and I hope that riders, machines, and Iroads will be in excellent condition when they start. The run to Colwyn Bay last Saturday was not very well attended, owing to several members having business engagements. The men who did start had a pleasant outing, for the weather was glorious and the air quite perfumed by the hawthorn blossom. Bat why, I should like ta know, do some of the boys stay at Llanddulas aud wait to be picked up by others on the return journey ? twice I have been on a Cot.vyn Bay run and this thing has happened and it has occured to me that some members are waiting for the hill to be tunnelled by a new high-road, or until a traction-engine is kept there for the use cf cyclists, before they ride to Colwyn Bay. But perhaps there is another reason Ask a cushion The proposed run to Bala Lake at Whitsuntide is likely to be well attended, and, given suitable weather, should be a pleasant outing. The pace is to be very gentle, so that the country, which is at its loveliest, may be viewed en route and the camera got into position for a few snap-shots. This will suit the boon of many members who are not in training for long and fast rides. 9 Llanfltoirtalhaiarn is the place fixed on for to- morrow's run. The Rhyl Swifts Football Club have, like our other noble kickers, put their little things away" until next winter. The Swifts have a good record for the la»t season. They have defeated Khjl Juniors, Rhudd- lan (2), St. Asaph Reserves, Rhyl Reserves, and Holywell Scarlet Sunners. A defeat were sustained from Rhyi Reserves (2 matches), and contests with Holvwell Scarlet Runners and St. Asaph ended in draws of respectively 2 goals and one goal each. The Club won 6 matches and lost two, and two were drawn. The ordinary playing team was composed as follows '.—Goal, I. Williams; full-backs, J. R. Edwards, Thomas Jones half-backs, R. W. Jones, C. Ellis, G. T. Eyans right- wing. Abel Davies, W. Jones left-wing, J. Roberts, D. Lewis centre, Will Jones, (captain). The tirst. class cricket season opened fairly on Monday, when three or fsor important matches were commenced and some tall scoring was made. In a match between the Oxford University Elnen and Sixteen Freshmen, the latter compiled 326.

CADBTTBY'S CQPOA. Pf full strenght; of a highly economical nature, free troul added starch and augar )

TRINITY CHURCH IMPROVEMENT FUND. "CHRIST AND HIS SOLDIERS" AT THE TOWN HALL. A most successful tea, followed by a. grand performance of Farmer's Oratorio "Christ and His Soldiers," took place on Wednesday afternoon and evening in the Town Hall, in aid "of the Trinity (Welsh) Church Improvement Fund. The Rev. T. H. Vaughan, who was assisted by a hard-work- ing Committee, carried out the arrangements most satisfactorily, and to them in a great measure is due the success of the occasion. About 450 persons sat down to the tea-tables, which were profusely decorated with flowers in such a manner as to evidence exceeding care, trouble, and atten- tion on the part of the willing hands who presided at the tables, and assisted in the preparation of the room and of the tea. Each lady had transformed her table into a veritable exotic domain, and the perfume of the flowers was as fragrant as the sight was pleasing. It would be invidious to particu- larise so far as the decorations were concerned suffice it to say that each lady exerted hersslf3 o the utmost to render what aid she could. The ladies presiding at the tables were all of them most assiduous in their efforts to attend to the wants of everybody, and well they succeeded. They were Mrs Edwards, the Vicarage, and Mrs A. Eyton Lloyd, Mrs and Miss Jones, Elwy Hall Miss Jones, High Street, and Mrs Davies, 20 West Parade Miss Bayliss and Miss B. Parry, West Parade Mrs Griffiths, 67, West Parade and Mrs Edwards, North Wales Hotel; Mrs Hughes, and Mrs Willis, Wellington-road Mrs Jones and Hughes, Abbey Street; Mrs Vaughan, the Baths, and Mrs Davies, Railway Crossing. A most enjoyable tea was provided, everything on the tables being of the best and well served. Miss Williams (Alexandra Hotel), Miss Roberts (Fairholme), Mrs Vaughan (Baths), and Mrs Edwards (North Wales Hotel) constituted the committee who were entrusted with the provision and preparation of the necessaries, &c., and these ladies are entitled to exceeding thanks for their services. There were scores of willing helpers who assisted in disposing of tickets, and to one and all the gratitude of the promoters of the affair is due. At eight o'clock a. grand performance of the oratorio, "Christ and His Soldiers," by Mr John Farmer, organist and music master at Harrow School, took place in the Town Hall, the choir- the Rhyl United Church Choir—numbering close on a hundred voices. The orchestra was led by Mr Horace Haseldene (violin), and was composed as follows:—1st and 2nd violins, Miss Bullen, Miss Griffith Jones, Misses Earwaker, Miss Heald, Miss Hall, Miss G. Bullen, Miss May Hughes, Mr A. C. Williams, Mr F. Walmsley; violoncello, Mr H. Moore bass, Mr Walmsley flute, Mr W. H. R. M. Johnson; euphonium, Mr Bryan Warhurst; clarinet, Sergeant Parcell; cornets, Messrs J. D. Asher and J. O. Vaughan trombone, Mr E. L. Pugh; harmonium, Mr Frank Wrigley.—The soloists were Mrs D. J. Davies (Rhyl), Master Edwin Davey (Rhyl), Mr T. W. Hughes, C.C., (Flint), and Mr P. Harding Roberts (Holywell), and Mr D. J. Davies is worthy of special mention for his success as trainer and conductor of the choir, which acquitted itself admirably in every respect. The hymns comprised in the oratoria are nearly all well-known favourites, so far as the words are concerned, and the music generally is of a high entertaining order. The oratoria is so arranged as to bring before the mind tWit distinct, yet kindred, pictures—first, the life of the Saviour, and secondly the life of his soldiers and servants. The first picture is made up of scenes from the birth of Christ to the resurrection and ends with the ascension. The second picture shows the young Christian, awakening out of sleep at the thrilling voice of the Advent summons and joining the great multitude that no man can number. Each part of the oratoria consists of twelve hymns. At the hour appointed for the commencement of the performance the spacious hall was completely filled with an expectant audience. The gallery was completely packed and the body of the hall was taken up in every part. The vocalists and the band were conveniently arranged on a special stage, which was erected by Mr D. Griffiths, builder, and the front of the stage was most attractively decorated with pot flowers, and presented a pretty appearance. Shortly after eight o'clock the performance commenced with the recitative and chorus Suffer little children," Mrs D. J. Davies effectively rendering the recitative, and, though the accompaniment was rather heavy, her voice was heard in all parts of the room. The chorus was most satisfactorily rendered by the choir. The harmony in this composition is extremely pretty, and the blending of the various voices and the general rendition of the piece was loudly applauded at the close, a fact which spoke volumes for the appreciation of the audience, considering this was the first item on the programme. The instrumental introduc- tion to the carol In the field," was: a trifle superfluous, considering the nature of the music, which was not by any means attractive. The solo was entrusted to Master Edwin Davey, who acquitted himself admirably and took up his parts with precision worthy of a much older vocalist. The chorus sung with excellent expression. Master Davey received a reception in this item that culminated in an encore, and the last verse of the carol was repeated. The chorus "0 come, all ye faithful was one of the prettiest and best rendered items in the whole performance. The symphony foretold equally good harmonisation, and the air and general composition were given in a manner which fully brought out the composer's inspiration. The bass solo And did the Son of God appear by Mr P. Harding Roberts was well received, and Mr Roberts sang the item with appropriate pathos. "Ride on! ride on in majesty" was given by the choir with good expression, and the accompanying instrumental- isation was carefully executed. "Cleft are the rocks" is a well-concerted piece, and it was handled in a masterly manner by the choir. The supplementary song When I survey the wondrous Cross," was entrusted to Mr T. W. Hughes, who possesses a tenor voice which unfortunately could not be designated powerful; but Mr Hughes acquitted himself satisfactorily, and secured a re-call for his effort. There was a slight inaccuracy amongst the second violins during the repetition, but this passed unnoticed by the audience. The solo "By Jesus' grave," by Master Davey, was prefaced by a long, tiresome, and somewhat inappropriate instrumental introduction. The solo was admirably sung, and Master Davey secured a deserved encore. Mrs Davies next sang "Jesu Christ is risen to-day," which was likewise recalled. The solo was executed in faultless style by the choir. Mrs Davies followed with Our blest Redemmer," which was rapturously received. The chorale The Lord ascendeth up on high," by the choir, brought the first part of the pro- gramme to a conclusion. The last verse was not sung in unison as the music is written, on account presumably of the audience not being supplied with copies of the words so as to join in the singing. In the interval the Vicar (Rev. Dan Edwards) addressed the assembly. He said he had to perform a solo in the way of a speech but he was not pre- pared to address them at length. He was sorry to tell them that the Dean of St. Asaph was unable to be present an account of the recent indisposition which compelled him to remain at home during the night hours. He was sure if the Dean had been present that he would have been delighted with the grand audience. It was very gratifying to him (the Vicar) to see such a number who had come to back up their dear eld Welsh Church (applause). It had been his privilege to be sent out as a sort of scout to different parts of the United Kingdom to tell them a little story about the Welsh Church and he only wished that some people had been there that day to see the grand tea-party which did credit to everyone concerned in it (applause). He had seen a good many tea- parties, but he did not think he had ever seen one so well conducted and so well got up as that one that afternoon and he was more grateful than words could express for the sympathy and support they had given to the Church (applause). When he looked upon the audience before him he was quite overcome and unable to speak all that he felt and all that he would like to say but at the same time he hoped that the gathering that even- ing would enhance and increase their sympathy with the work which was and being carried out in the parish by the Welsh Church (applause). They all knew that the proceeds of that day were to be devoted by the fund for completing the vestry which was so very much needed for their old Welsh Church of Rhyl, and he was very much afraid that the new vestry would not be ready by Whit-Sunday, though he was sure that it would be very soon completed. It would be a great addition to the Welsh Church, became the present vestry was utterly incapable of holding the choir. He saw some English friends amongst the audience that night. They had had a specimen of what Welsh singers could do, and he hoped they would at some time pay a visit to the church, where they would would hear some right down good Welsh singing. They must not forget that their W7elsh choir that evening was assisted by the English choir (applause). He told his friend Mr Vaughan that he felt quite jealous of him. All honour to him (applause). But at the same time he felt a little bit jealous (laughter). He was very glad it had been such a success and he was most deeply grateful to everyone who had taken such an earnest and enthusiastic interest in the proceedings of the day (applause). He could never forget all the bright faces of those happy workers who presided over the tea-tables, nor of those who went about with urns and all sorts of things to help to make the tea-party a real success (applause). He was also very grateful to those ladies and gentlemen who had come from some distance to help them to carry out the performance of the oratorio. The Vicar went on to explain that nature of the oratorio; and in conclusion said he hoped they would have many more meetings of that nature, and that they would go on from elevation to elevation, as Mr Gladstone had said about the Welsh Church (loud applause). Mr Gamlin moved a vote of thanks to the performers, who had all of them attended free and voluntarily, and also the conductor; a.nd he expressed the hope that the choir would not be permitted to separate but would give similar performances in future.—Mr Joseph Jones secon- ded the vote of thanks, which was carried with acclamation.—Mr Davies responded as conductor. —The Vicar called upon Mr Vaughan, who said that, after the very good tea they had had and the performance of that lovely piece of music, he had to propose a vote of thanks to those ladies who had boen working so bard to make that annual gathering a success (applause). That was the second attempt in the same direction and it was a most gratifying one (hear, hear). He was very pleased that there were so many present on that occasion to show their sympathy with the old Welsh Church of which he was so very proud (applause). On an occasion of that kind he always felt that they not only wanted their friends' money but also their sympathy, which they had given that day very readily. He was a great believer in the social side of life (hear, hear). On such occasions as the present he believed that they could do a great deal of good (hear, hear). The feeling of co-operation and sympathetic brotherhood, he felt, was a feeling that was most encouraging and valuable. He had great pleasure in proposing a vote of thanks to the ladies who had worked shoulder to shoulder in making that gathering such a success (hear, hear and applause). Dr Lloyd seconded, and the vote was carried amidst cheering. The second portion of the programme opened with the recitative and chorus Be thou faithful," the even balancing of the voices being clearly and effectively brought into prominence. The "Introductory march by the orchestra was faultlessly rendered, the pizzicato movements on the violins being well performed. The solo by Mrs Davies, with cherus-" Hark a thrilling voice is sounding" was interpreted in a most enjoyable manner, the beautiful music being fittingly treated by Mrs Davies, who scored highly in this item, whilst the chorus was pathetically and expressively given. Mr Roberts next favoured the audience with a perfect rendering of In token that thou shalt not fear," and the choir took up the chorus faultlessly. Mr Hughes sang the supplementary solo-" The son of God goes forth to war," and received hearty plaudits for the same. The high notes were clearly vocalised and the whole rendering was brimful of expression. The accompaniment to this solo was a feature of the evening, the instrumentalists sustaining their parts in a masterly manner. Mr Hughes, unlike the generality of tenor soloists, displays not the slightest desire for effect. The cornet was promi- nent in the accompaniment to the next item—the chorus Soldiers of Christ, arise," by the choir— and Mr Asher gave an excellent exhibition of his skill with the instrument. Mr Roberts sang the solo in Watch aud pray," with great success, his pure attractive voice telling wonderfully in this composition. The chorus was praiseworthily given by the choir. The accompaniment here necessita- ted the exercise of considerable skill in its execu- tion but, needless to say, with Mr Hazelden as leader, it was faultlessly given. Several of the audience left during the performance of the next piece—"When our heads are bowed with woe" (solo by Mr Roberts, and chorus)—and conse- quently the effect of the vocalisation was somewhat marred. Mr Roberts also sang, with great snccess, the solo Rock of Ages," which was loudly applauded. The quartet "Jesus died for us" was nicely rendered by Mrs Davies, Master Davey, Mr Hughes and Mr Roberts. The chorale Lo round the throne" brought the proceedings to a close shortly before half-past ten o'clock, the performance being unanimously considered to be one of the most successful which has ever taken place in the U>*Y>

Home Rule. Home Rule can't enjoy long sway, As it fosters such dismay, Class against class doth array, Drives friends away. It counts honesty a cheat, Turns a triumph to defeat, Scatters tares among the wheat, Poisons what's sweet. May God us in union blend, Bid peace on this land descend, Anger, hate, and scandal end, From foes defend. Oh may Erin smile again, And prosperity regain, Bitterness and scandals end, From foes defend. OLIVE BRANCH.

DEATH. On the 5th inst, at the Lome Hotel, Charles Leslie Berrington, after a lingering illness, ged I 11 months.

PARTED BY FATE; CHAPTER X. 'WHAT HAPPENED AT MIDNIGHT. When Rutledge Cheater had left the library after that startling disclosure to his mother as to why VefHe had left them so suddenly, Mrs. Chester walked slowly up and down the room, buried in the most profound thought. fC How blind I must have been," she murmured, clasping her jewelled handstogether, nob to ha e foreseen a contretemps of this kind when two si h lovely young girls were brought under the sa,e roof with my son. I thank God matters are no worse," she went on, huskily. "Ah, I dare not think what might have happened had it been Uldene to whom his heart had gone out, for ho could never have wedded her. The strange dis- closure in Mark Sefton's letter would have pre- vented it. Oh, how thankful I am to Heaven his choice did not rest on beautiful, unfortunate Uldene." A moment later Mrs. Chester had hurriedly quitted the library. The sound of her footsteps had scarcely died away ere a white, trembling hand thrust aside the cur- tains of the bay window, and the slight figure the silken hanging had concealed sprang pantingly into the room. It was Uldene herself, white as a veritable ghost, and quivering with bitter, suppressed rage. She is glad he did not choose me she panted, with a little wild laugh. Why, I wonder ? Am I not as lovable as Verlie, with her fair, babyish, dimpled face and coaxing ways? What could have been in the letter she spoke of, I wonder, to prevent Rutledge Chester from wedding me, if he had but loved me. I must, I will know. Sho keeps all her letters in the small iron safe in her' room. It must be there. I will find ib to-night- yes, to-night." With hurried steps and beating heart, oboe retraced her steps to her own room, and there the found Mrs. Chester, who had come to [break The startling news to her as to why Verlie had disap- peared so suddenly. If she had not been a consummate actress, dur- ing that scene she must have betrayed herself It was an intense relief to her when she foutid herself alone. She never remembered how the long evening wore away. ° ° th? last. The gilded clook the mantel ohimed the hours softly but Uldeiie heard it, and springing from her couch, where she had thrown herself, she tip-toed to the door acid stole noiselessly from the room. The gas jets under their rose-coloured shades were turned low, throwing grotesque, weird shadows flickering doym the corridor. I glide so well that I might be mistaken for a ghost, if any one wore to see me," thought pausing before Mrs. Chester's apartment. Afc," she murmured, with infinite satisfaction, she liae, not fastened the door. It yields to my touch." She threw it open softly and entered. The. shaded night Jump upon the table threw a dim light about the room, revealing the form on the couch and the safe beyond in the alcove, half con. cealed by heavy velvet curtains. rembnng with suppressed excitement, the des- perate girl stole carefully forward, and was S()on. kneeling before the iron safe. The key was usually m the lock; it was not there now. Here was an unlooked-for dilemma. Mrs. Chew- per moved uneasily on her pillow, and at that instant a cord about her neck attracted Uklenf '8 attention. Without an instant's deliberation ap.e orept to the couch and bent, with bated breath, over the sleeper. "Fate favours me," thought Uldene-sbe brAd detected the fumes of a strong sleeping potion Mr'8* Chester had taken before retiring, to ally the intense pain of an aching tooth she will sioep safely enough through it all." Quickly severing the cord in twain, Uldene Jceld the coveted key in her hand. As she turned a way ahe distinctly heard Mrs. Chester murmur Ah, thank God fate has not destined r1 y boy to love Uldene-beautiful, hapless Uldene." The girl drew back with a smothered, PAPi"g cry. Those horrible words again! Wbat could they mean ? With white, set face, Uldene glided t"° tlie and inserted the key. The door swung back on its hinges with a loud, ominous creak. Uldene sprang from her knees 8af0 and turned to the couch. Mrs. CleaMr moved uneasily on her pillow, but the souda did not wake her, and again Uldene knelt trem ubng before the safe. In a orimson velvet jewel cage to the right Jay the sparkling Chester diamonds, and on the lelt a*, packet of papers, and beyond them several letters. Quickly abstracting the twf) letters she found in Mark Sefton's well-known chirography, sbe thrust them hastily in her pockets closed the safe hur- riedly and softly, and tunjed quickly toward the couch to replace the key-turned, and found her- self face to face with N ano D, Irs. Cheater's maid. In moments of the mosv thrilling danger, har- dened criminals display fche most heroic coolness and courage. Uldene Se^fcon had counted the j;, and had planned what ahe- should, i F"" t.. •

THE 3s RATE. The formal business of the Rhyl Improve- ment Commissioners on Monday afternoon in connection with the passing of a General District Rate of 3s in the £ for the current year was signalized by a somewhat remark- able circumstance. The Chairman of the Board was absent, and only half-a-dozen members were present to place the deciding note to the credit of the reduced rate, and thus bring into practical effect the result of the deliberations of the town's financiers. It does strike the ratepayers as being some- what singular that the advocates of the reduced rate should shun the Board when the final note is struck. Do the absent members of the Board desire to shirk the responsibility attaching to the low rate? It is obvious, leaving everything else out of the question, that the reduction of the cur- rent rate is intended to point the moral that though the town has, under the present regime, spent a considerable sum of money the eutlay is nevertheless not destined to increase the local taxation. Be that as it may, we cannot refrain from emphasising the hope that the anticipations of our local governors will not be frustrated. On the question of expenditure coupled with the acquisition of the gas and water undertaking the whole crux of the matter hinges. What will the outcome be ?- It is sincerely to be hoped that it will not be disastrous.

LLANDUDNO. THEV ALUEOFPIERSHARES.-At Llandndnonearly 200 E8 shares in the Pier Company were offered for sale by auction by Mr George Felton. Interest was manifested in the proceedings owing to the fact that an opposition concert-hall is being erected at the east end of the town. The reserve fund of the company is 96,000, and the last annual dividend was twelve and a-half per cent, but the company spent a similar amount in improvements. A hundred and twenty shares were knocked down at 913 5s. per shtre 20 more went at fl3 7s. d., and 25 others at 1;13 17s. 6d. The other shares had been withdrawn from the market.

LESSONS FROM LLANDUDNO. TO THE EDITOR OF THE RRYL JOURNAL. SIR,—The Rhyl Improvement Commissioners Board is comprised of a number of gentlemen who are so closely bound to the town, that they ought to be greatly interested in its progress and sanitary reform. Sanitary progress is an all- essential necessity but it is far from being a prominent quality on the Board of Commissioners, hense the town itself does not make the progress it ought to be making. Let my readers be dis- passionate, and cease for a brief space of time to cry up "our noble selves," and glance at the town's most formidable rival. In 1891 the resident population of Llandudno was 7,333, and its rateable value £57,838, of which amount household property represented £56,932. In 1881 the population was only 4,839. The increase therefore in ten years was 3,494 in popu- lation, and £;6,625 in rateable value. Let us now turn to Rhyl. In 1881, the population of Rhyl was 6,028, and in 1891, 6,474—an increase in ten years of only 456. What is the cause of this appreciable difference of increase ? We hear much "talk" in Rhyl of progress; but in Llandudno work is the order of the day, and by work, and work alone, has the present position of our rival watering-place been attained. Llandudno is in a sanitary sense perfect as a residential town. Is Rhyl in the same happy state ? The slow pace which is keeping Rhyl back cannot but be inten- sified when time is wasted upon the purchase of such an antiquated concern as the Gas Works. The Water Works purchase was a move in the right direction—it was a sanitary step which is destined to prove of great benefit to the town and district. Our Commissioners have spent scores of pounds on analysts and engineers to make experiments and the lesson conveyed by the comparative statistics given above is as clear as a blue sky. Llandudno advances; Rhyl follows—or attempts to do so. But why should we take up the foot-marks of our rival ? We should get in the van and lead the procession but this is an achievement which cannot be brought about whilst the Rhyl Improvement Commissioners sleep on. It is all very well to attempt to keep things quiet; but murder will out, and whilst the Rhyl Commissioners—to use one prominent member's pet phrase—are trying to keep the cat in the bag, pussy gets loose and raises her voice all the kingdom over. Can you urge the Commissioners to take the town into their confidence and not tolerate the existing state of things, but, instead, to do their best to keep Rhyl well forward in the pleasure- catering world of North Wales 1 The effort may prove futile but at least I have clearly intimated that the ratepayers understand how things are going at present.—I remain, &c., Rhvl, Ma.y 9, 1893 J.R.P.

FLINT. CHURCH ACCOUNTS.—The rector has just issued the annual Church accounts in a twelve-page pamphlet form. From it we find that during the year f240 has been raised for a new organ, and £17 14s. 6d. towards re-arranging the lights in the parish church, Mr Alfred Dyson giving five lights and Messrs Stott one. In connection with the festival of choirs jE5 7s. cleared the expenses. In the National Schools, for the maintenance of which £80 was subscribed there are nearly 900 children educated. There were 103 church baptisms during the year, and 76 confirmed, the communicants on Easter Sunday shewing an in- crease of 60 on the previous year. Numerous special gifts are recorded. The total amount which passed through the treasurers' hands was £ 2,260. In his address the Rector (Rev. W. LI. Nicholas) states that "the congregations and the number of communicants shew great advancement, and the enlargement of the parish church will become a most necessary work in the very near future."

HOLYWELL. PROPOSED NEW RAILWAY.—At the meeting of the Local Board, Mr Waterhouse, the chairman, said it ws only last week he ascertained that the London and North Western Railway Company declined to give an absolute undertaking that they would open the new line from Holywell Station to the town of Holywell for passenger purposes. The question arose what they, as the local authority, should do under the circumstances. The line in question would only be a branch line, and its advantage to the town would be to a very limited degree. Another statement he had re- ceived from a gentleman of high standing was that the line was not intended by the L & N.W. as a block to any projected railway. Another point was the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln- shire line, which came to Hawarden. A gentle- man connected with this line said the other day he saw no reason why the M.S. and L. should not open a line to Rhyl or Llandudno. He (the chairman) thought it would be advisable to take the initiative and open up communication with all public authorities from Hawarden to Llandudno. The chairman proposed that the clerk communi- cate with the various local authorities from Hawarden to Rhyl and Llandudno with the view of appointing a deputation to wait upon Sir Edward Watkin on the matter. Mr U. Bromley made an amendment that in the first instance the board ascertain what facilities the L. and N.W. were prepared to offer Holywell. Five voted for the amendment, and four for the original motion.

THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE. The opening of the Imperial Institute on Wednesday was a ceremoay of more than ordinary interest. The occasion will mark a page in the history of the Empire, as typical of the unity and solidification of our glorious Constitution. In the jubilee year of oar Majesty, the foundation stone of the Institute was laid, and during the six years which have elapsed since that time the building operations have proceeded apace, and on Wednesday, as intimated, the culmination was realised in the opening of the memorial to the loyalty of the subjects of the British throne.

CADBTJRY'S COCOA.—"A Cocoa possessing valuable flesh-forming qualities, and imparting stra ti it and staying power."—Health. 8u.yiDI power.Buùth.