Rhyl Journal

Gossip. The inscription on the Whitford stone at the Rhyl Gorsedd is as follows Y maen ar yr hwn y safodd y Dywsoges, wedi hyny y Frenhines, Victoria, yn Ffrith y Gareg Wen, Caerwys, 1832." The stone on which stood the Princess, afterwards Queen, Victoria, at Ffrith y Gareg Wen, 1832. The gift of Lord Mostyn to Rhyl Eisteddfod." A Lover of Birds Calls our attention to the fact that the sparrows are back in the town again, and that they may be regarded as residents who have been in the country for a spell and are now back in their old quarters. They have been away in the fields and woods for a few months. Having helped to lay the country bare, most of them are now returned to town, though doubtless some of them have made fresh country associations. The old birds who are back appear to be quite at home here again; and it is to be hoped that they and other birds will not be forgotten during the hard weather in store for us all. New Way to Pay Salaries. The Education Committee of the Den- bighshire County Council have adopted a very novel way of increasing the salaries of their secretaries, namely, by transferring the commision upon all the fire insurance of the council schools from old insurance agents in the county to their secretaries. In one case five schools had been insured with an old agent in the county for thirty-four years, and these have been transferred without even the courtesy of a letter intimating the committee's intention to take such a step. Consumption Patients' Sanatorium. An inquiry has been held by the Den- bighshire County Council as to the ad- visability of providing a consumption sanatorium. It was stated that Denbigh- shire was one of the blackest spots for this disease, and that twenty beds would cost E4,000, equal to Id. rate. Dr Lloyd Roberts (Colwyn Bay) said he estimated that there were from 7uO to 800 persons in Denbighshire suffering from the disease, and about 300 in Flintshire. Dr Lloyd, medical olncer of the Chirk District Council, said they nuut educate people, and very stringent by-laws should be laid e3 down respecting houses. Over-crowding must be tackled fearlessly. He had found that Welsh people have very little resistance to any disease. There was, he added, more sickness than there used to be. Then there was a great deal of intermarrying amongst the Welsh people. Another cause was that whereas in the old days men drank nothing but beer made from pure hops and malt. now they went in for cheap whisky and cheap wines. In the old days men went out and had a good fight, but now if a man scratched his nose he went for the doctor and two nurses. Sea Fishing. At Llandudno there is a sea angling association, ofj which Lord Mostyn is president., There are not less than fifty members, and prizes of various amounts arc offered for catches, rod and line being allowed. Sea fishing from g C, Rhyl might be more flourishing than it is at present, especially net fishing. Our expert old fishermen are dying out, and their places are not being filled up. Perhaps the cheap transit of fish from Grimsby has much to do with this decline. Passive Resistance Dying. There can be little question that the foolish and futile conspiracy known as Passive Resistance is :011 the wane. At no time were resisters formidable when compared with the vast proportion of law-abiding persons who paid their rates without protest of any sort. The total number of sales of goods during the year has been under 1,400 and when it is remembered that in most of these cases the proceedings were really farcical- C, some trifling article of furniture being put up and immediately bought for a few shillings or even pence by a "put-up" purchaser in settlement of the trumpery amount at stake-it is not sur- prising that the movement began to collapse under general ridicule. Dr Dawson Burns, a strong Nonconformist, if ever there was one, following upon a few oth^r well-known Dissenters, has had the courage to condemn most (vigorously this revolt against the law of Z, the land, and the arguments he uses in the pamphlet which he has published on the subject expose with crushing force the inconsistency and departure from Christian principles of those who adhere to this movement. And now we have judges of the High Court declaring with absolute unanimity that persons who will not pay their rates on demand are not entitled to vote at Parliamentary elections. We predict that this decision will rapidly effect what remonstrance and ridicule have hitherto been unable to accomplish. The Teachers' Prospects. Mr Lloyd-George is not able to hold much encouragement to teachers to join his impossible revolt. In a letter to a correspondent he writes that at the worst this Government cannot last more than eighteen months, and if it declared the whole of Wales in default, the loss that would fall on the teacher would be confined to that period." Where are the Welsh teachers, miserably paid as many of them are, who can afford to wait eighteen months for a problematic change of government, and for the less probable repeal of the Education Act -e Mr George says that the Welsh County Councils would be in honour bound, after "the short period of trial," to see that the teachers who revolted did not suffer. This is 'begging' the question altogether. We believe that so sick will the country be of the present attitude of the county councils, that at the next election the majority at most of them will consist of loyalists. Any teacher who revolts against the law cannot expect any consideration from either the Board of Education or the Local Authority. They will be simply stianded. The Weather. Rhyl is now fairly in its winter quar- ters, and the weather during some days this week was disagreeable. But we were spared most of the discomforts which attended the storm in the country generally. Though we had some sleet, there is no abiding snow. Our streets dry quickly and our promenade is much frequented when it is dry over-head. There are no fogs here though it has been argued lately in the "Lancet." and elsewhere that fogs are not unmixed evils. Still we have staring us in the face the fact that persistent f o(- s have been known to raise the death-rate from 22 to 48 per 1,000. The Workhouse Expenditure. Much that was said at the Guardians' meeting at St. Asaph last Friday anent the Workhouse infirmary scheme was a rehash of former discussions. The report presented by the remnant of the Board outside the committee that had the infirmary scheme in hand contained the matter in a nutshell. For some time past there has been a growing uneasiness J amongst some members as to what would be the ultimate cost of this scheme, and now we learn after much bush-beating that a loan of g £ 5,700 has been overspent by close upon Y-1,400, while yet another Y,1,000 is required to complete the job, that is, to furnish the new building and to provide a proper drainage system for the whole block. At the time of the adoption of the scheme one member was laughed at for suggesting that the best and cheapest course would be to go in for a new Workhouse altogether. But who will say now that he was very far wrong ? The Ratepayers' Cry. Had the Board, before embarking upon the Workhouse undertaking, paid more attention to details, instead of wasting valuable time, as some members did, in proclaiming themselves what they have since proved they are not. true economists,there would not have been the unwelcome announcement for the [ratepayers which we have to make this week. Possibly they are getting accus- tomed to this sort of thing, but recon- ciliation with their present lot is a different matter. Not only in Rhyl, but elsewhere, it is just as much as a great many of them can do to procure the ordinary comforts of life, while the making of some provision for old age gets harder from day to day. At the best the average working man is a very improvident individual. Poor people have frequently themselves to thank for their poverty, and there is no forgetting the fact that a large percentage of the inmates of our poorhouses have failed in life through lack of opportunity or energy, riotous living, or drink. There are, of course, honourable exceptions, and for these it should be the proud privilege of the public to make provision. The man or woman who has fought the fight and been worsted may claim the protection which the State affords with no sacrifice of honour. The Poor Law was primarily meant for persons of this class. But there is no gainsaying the fact that pauperism to-day represents the results of vice and thriftlessness in the main. And so we are confronted with over increasing rates. C) Abergele Stirring-up. A favourable opportunity has presented itself to the Abergele Urban District Council of carrying out a much needed and long desired road improvement, and we ar3 pleased to find that the matter has been taken up in a spirited manner. We refer, of course, to the proposed widening of the bottle-neck end of Chapel Street, one of the most important thoroughfares in the district, inasmuch as it is the main entrance to the town from a number of inland parishes which do an extensive business with Abergele. At present the Market Street end of Chapel Street is a veritable trap, and it is a matter for wonder that it has not been the scene of much more serious accidents than have occurred there from time to time. On Monday night the Council took steps to give effect to a mandate from the ratepayers, and the carrying out of the improvement scheme is now but a matter of time. The Infringement of Byelaws. When it comes to enforcing building regulations the Abergele Council are not a very brave lot. At any rate in two cases which were reported to the Council last Monday they proved that their bark is worse than their bite. Two buildings have been put up before even the Coun- cil's sanction was asked, including in one case the conversion of a stable that was once a pigstye into a bakehouse Yet in spite of their own strongly worded resolution dealing with such flagrant breaches, the Council did no more than call upon the builder who had not yet sent in his plans to do so. Small wonder that some local authorities are openly defied and that ridicule is poured upon their administration. Mr Lloyd George again Rebuffed. Indications that the Principality is going to reverse its conduct at the county council and other elections are being made manifest. This week there wasabye- election at Swansea, in place of a Radical elevated to be an alderman, and where his party considered they had a safe seat. Mr George, however, was most anxious about the result, having regard probably to the effect of his policy at the recent contests in Cardiff, He wrote a letter of encouragement to the Radical candidate, bristling with the usual appeal to "fidelity of principles," and saying in conclusion that we are looking to Swansea to take the lead in the fight that may soon be upon us." Swansea did not oblige, for it returned the Conservative and Loyalist by a majority of.76. Representatives' Responsibilities. Members of public bodies often do not have the high ideals before them which the nature of their functions demands. If we were to study the doings and sayings of many Welsh authorities during recent years, it would be forced upon our con- victions that many of their members neither fear God, nor honour man, nor dread the devil. At the Mayor and Councillors of Wolverhampton's official attendance at Church, the Vicar of St Paul's preached from the text "Ye are gods-be ye therefore imitators of God." The preacher pointed out that the idea of the municipality dated back to 400 years before Christ, and that civil government might be traced back to Moses. Town Councils were in a way the representa- ti ves of God, therefore it was essential that they should follow out the apostolic in- junction, and be imitators of God. It was necessary that the Town Council should have the moral welfare of the community at heart. God is not the God of confusion, but of peace.

St Asaph Parish Council. The monthly meeting of the a bora Council was held on Monday evening last in the Council Room, when the following members were prese it :vlr Charles Mansbridge (in the chair), Dr Lloyd, Messrs H A Cleaver, Walter Williams, J C Jones, J Lothian, Dr DAvies, and the C!erk (Mr T F Robers. It was explained thit several new thrubs had lately been added to the plantations on the Com- mon. Oa the proposition of Mr H A Cleaver, seconded by Dr Davies, the following resolution was unani- mously carried That the Clerk should write to the caretaker of the common to request him to report to the Council the names of all persons who do not level the rubbish carried there, or cause any other nuisance, and aleo to report those who were in the habit of crossing the path and over the bridge." Mr Cleaver asked in who3e discretion it lay aa to lighting the lamps. Some nights, he saii] although there was an agreement-the lamps ought to be lit. He thought the ditcretion ought to be with the lighting committer It was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the Lighting Com- mittee to use their discretion if they thought they should be lit for the public convenience to do so. The principal lamp of the city, it was reported, had now only one burner instead of two, and the citizens complained that it did not give sufficierit liht. The Chairman said that Mr Lea did not seem to pay much attention co it, and he suggested that the Lighting Committee should see to it them- selves, and not leave everything in Mr Lea's hands. After several other members had spoken on the ways and means of improving it, they unanimous y adopted the chairman's suggestion.

Rhyl Bowling Club, ANNUAL MEETING AND DINMER. A handicap tournament in connection with the Rhyl Bowling Club has jast been concluded after an interesting series of games. Out of 24 entries there were only three withdrawals, and the various contests produced a batch of surprises as well a3 a number of very close results. Eich game was 21 up. The winner was Mr J Aidney, captain of the club, who after giving IIp two points in each game won 32 games with an aggregate of 396 points. The jutiner-up was Mr W Gunner, who was similarly handicapped, and also won 32 games, but whose aggregate waopne point short. The third place on the list was s cured by Mr J E Johnaon, who had to concede one point in each game, and won 30 games with an aggre- gate of 398 points. The trophy competed for, a challenge cup, now becomes Mr Aidney's absolute property, he being the winner last year. In 1902 it was won by Mr L G Hall. The annual meeting of the club took place at Cooper's Hotel, East Parade, last night, Mr H A Steer presided over a repraseatative attendance. A statement of the past year's accounts, audited by Mr R Brodie Griffiths, was presented by the secretary, Mr W J Siincock, and passed as very satisfactory.—The re-elejtion of Mr Steer, as president, was proposed in eulogistic terms by Mr J Aidney, seconded with equal cor- diality by Mr J Pierce Lewis, and carried with acclamation. -Councillors S J.P., and P J Ashfield, and Messrs W J P Storey, J.P., and F L Rawlins were elected vice-presidents.—Mr J Pierce Lewis proposed the re-election of M r J Aidney as captain and paid a graceful tribute to his past services, which was endorsed by the chairman, the motion being then carried with enthusiasm. —There was a contest for the vice-captaincy, three n'1mes being submitted, namely, those of Messrs Fred Roberts, W R Everett and W Gunner. The first-named received the highest number of votes (7), as against 6 for Mr Everett, and 5 for Mr Gunner, and was therefore declared elected.—The yoting for the General Committee resulted in the return of the following Messrs W R Everett, W Clarke, J 0 Vaughan, E A Wood, W Gunner, J E Johnson, A A Goodall, D Pritchard, W L Foster, and J Pierce Lewis. The Handicapping Committee was constituted as follows :-C&ptain and Vice-Captain, and Messrs E E Vaughan, W Clarke, and W Gunner.—Mr R Brodie Griffiths was re-appointed hon. auditor.—When the ques- tion of secretaryship was brought forward there was a division of opinion as to the desirability of combining it with the office of treasurer, and on a vote being taken it was decided by 10 to 7 that the two positions be jointly held. Mr W J Sim- cock was then unanimously elected to the office. The usual votes of thanks followed, and before the adjournment for dinner the chairman handed to Mr Aidney as his absolute property the cup which he had won for twosucceasire years. Mr Aidney,fin acknowledging the gift, said that the donor of the cup, Mr H T Roberts, had done the club and game a great service.-Before leaving, Mr Steer intima- ted his readiness to replace the cup, and he was heartily thanked for his generosity. The annual dinner followed, Mr J Aidney pre- siding in the absence of Mr Steer.

Abergele "Rhys Lewis." The Rev W Caenog Jones gave his popular lecture on "Rhys Lewis" in the Wesleyan Schoolroom last night. Personal. The Hon. Mra L A Brodrick, Coed Coch, has accepted the position of president of the North Cambrian Needlework Guild. Cadw, tl gel." A lecture bearing this title was given at Bodoryn Chapel on Monday evening by the Rev T H Jones, of Zion Chapel, Holywell. Stook Safe. On Wednesday next Mr Perkins will sell 21 head of fat andjstore cattle, at the Bee Hotel yard. They are well bred shorthorn bullocks and heifers, and mostly fit for the butcher. Dundonald Avenue Trees. A great deal has been heard from time to time about the trees planted by the Urban Dis- trict Council in Dundonald Arenue. There is very little to be seen of many of them just now, and doubtless there are some individuals who know more about the damage they have sustained than others. No one would, of course, charge any of the Councillors with such a crime. But are they not very much to blame for placing spike topped iron guards round such young trees instead of proteoting them with stout props ? A Record to be Proud of." Reference was made to the Abergele Fire Brigade at the Council meeting on Monday, and the Chairman said their record was one to be proud of. This remark was made in the course of a discussion as to the best place for the fire bell-a matter that was eventually referred to a small committee. It appears that on the occasion of the recent fire at Rhyl certain members of the brigade had the same experience as some of the Rhyl firemen in not hearing the bell ring, owing to the high wind. Any way they turned out wich com- mendable promptitude, and rendered sterling assistance at the fire. Wedding. The wedding took place at the Welsh Wes. leyan Chapel, Machynlleth, on Wednesday, of Mr W. H. Needham, Bro Dawel, Abergele, and Miss Mabel Mary Craven, Llyfnant House, Machynlleth and considerable interest was manifested in the event. The ceremony was performed by the Rev G. O. Roberts, and during the service appropriate selections were played by Miss Evans, organist of the chapel. The bride, who was charmingly attired, was given away by her uncle, Mr C. R. Robinson, and was attended by her cousin, Miss Ethel Williams, Cardiff, as bridesmaid, who also was very prettily dressed. The duties of best man were discharged by Mr Willie Davies, Aber- dare. Later in the day Mr and Mrs Needham left for Pwllheli. The wedding presents were numerous and well chosen. Recognition of Publlo 8ervioea. A movement has been started with the object of making a presentation to Alderman Joseph Jones, Old Colwyn, one of the best known public men in the district, in recognition of his long connec- tion with various local governing authorities. For many years Mr Jones was a member of the St Aaaph Board of Guardians and the St Asaph (Denbigh) Rural District Council.

Printing Of every description at the Journal Office.

Presentation j to Ex=Stationmaster Allen. When a short time ago the public learnt through the medium of the "Journal" that Mr W B Allen, the genial and obliging master of the Rhyl Railway Station, was resigning that post owing to ill health, there was at once manifested a deaire to give tangible expression to the appreciation in which his services to the town and the travelling public generally were held. We think it will be generally agreed that never was such recognition more thoroughly deserved. At the same time the circumstances which prompted the raising of the testimonial were much regretted, and we feel sure Mr Allen himself his experienced a great wrench in serering his official connection with Rhyl after twelve years' service here, during which period he has made a great 'number of friends among both the residents and visitors. A presentation fund was started, with Councillor P J Ashfield and Mr W Walton as secretaries. Subscriptions readily came in from all classes of the community, with the result that last night, at a representative gathering at the Queen's Hotel, they were able to hand over to Mr Allen a substantial purs9 of money. The presentation was preceded by a supper, at which Mr Ashfield presided, Mr Slack occupying the vice-chair. A smoking concert tollowed, and at a convenient interval, Mr Ashfield, in calling upon Mr W J P Storey, J.P., to make the presentation, explained the object of the gathering, and added that it with a paag of regret they realised they were losing Mr Allen (hear, hear). Mr W J P Storey, in complying with Mr Ashfield's request, said it was with feelings of both pleasure and pain that he did so, and those feelings he had no doubt were also shared by every member of the company. They were delighted to show their appreciation of Mr Allen's services, but to bid him farewell was a far different matter. Mr Allen had been stationmaster at Rhyl for twelve years, and speaking from experieoce-for [there was scarcely a day in a week when he wAs not travelling by rail-he desired to place him in the very forefront of railway servants (applause). Always attentive to his duties, he was the embodi- ment of civility, and had proved himself an exem- plary station master (applause). The town of Rhyl had been very fortunate in its station masters. Amongst those he could recall were Mr Stokes, Mr Carr, Mr Parry, and Mr Allen, all of whom would long be gratefully remembered (hear, hear). And now they had Mr Oakeley, and in saying goodbye to Mr All n they welcomed his successor and trusted that he would have a very pleasant time hera (apphus^). They very much regretted that Mr Allen's state of health was the cause of his leaving Rhyl, but they recognised his honesty in resigning un,ler the circumstances (applause). Concluding, he I eh sure that the men who had bfen working under Mr Allen would be as ready to put in a good word for him as the travelling public. In the name of all concerned he wished Mr Allen Godspeed, an early recovery to health and as pleasant a time in his ne,v home as he had here, and at tho same time he asked his acceptance of a purse containing £4, -This was followed up by the enthusiastic singing of For he's a jolly good fellow." Mr Allen, in acknowledging the gift, expressed his gratitude for the kindness thus shown him, and also took the opportunity of remarking how loyal to him the Railway Station staff had always been, especially Inspector Roberts, who had been a thoroughly good lieutenant (hear, hear). He hoped his successor might have as happy a time as he had experienced at Rhyl. His own connection with Rhyl he would always recall with the utmost pleasure (applause). During the evening various friends volunteered songs, &c, a capital programme altogether being gone through.

Rhuddlan. American Fair. On Saturday evening last a sale of various articles of clothing was held at the Boys' School. The doors were opened at 6 o'clock and the room was immediately filled. In a little over an hour all the articles for sale were disposed of, and many arrived too late to parcake of the great bargains, much to their chagrin. The following preeided at the stalls :—Mrs Vaughan, Miss Roberts, Abbey House Miss Enyon, Misses Vaughan, Miss Jack- son, Miss Dean, Miss Dawson, Miss Gladys Bell, Misses Edith and Alice Davies, Miss Parry-Jones. Contiibutions of clothing, &o., were sent by Mrs Rowley Conwy, Mrs Nicholson (Nithadale), Mrs and 1\1 i 's Vaughan-Jones (Denbigh), Mrs and the Misses Vaughan, Miss Roberts (Abbey House), Mrs Hughes (The Poplars), Misses Evans (Morlan Park), Mrs Stanley (Plascoed), Mrs Jones-Hughes (Rhyl). The proceeds are to pay for the fires and lighting at the weekly services, and the Sunday School, during the winter months. Leoture. Another of the agricultural lectures under the auspices of the Parish Council was delivered on Friday evening at the Reading and Recreation Room by Mr W M Tod, M.A., of the Bangor University College. The subject was Agricultural Co-operation," The attendance was not large. Football. A very good game was played at Rhuddlan last Saturday between Rhuddlan and a team from St. Both sides played well, and although Rhuddlan had to a certain extent tne best of the game, they failed to vanquish their opponents, the final result being 2 goals each. New Buildings. Building operations are going on in the ancient town on a hitherto unprecedented scale. In addi- tion to the six attractive semi detached villas erecteJ by Mr H Barnett on the Penpalmant Road, six others, still more commodious, are beinp erected by the same enterprising townsman, the whole of which, it is hoped, will be ready for occu- pation during the spring. Messrs John Rohfirts and Son are in a fair way with two at Hylas Bach for Mrs Owen, of Rhyl, and with the seven that are in course of erection by Messrs H and W Edwards close by, the new houses erected for next summer will number 15, if not more. Messrs Edwards had lately built ten houses previous to these seven, so that they also, as well as others, are prominently identified with the real develop- ment of Rhuddlan

RHYL DISTRICT. ) QUEEN'S BATHS, Queen Street, Rhyl. Open for the Season. Vapour, lut-air, hit fresh water and sea water baths. Electric baths and massage a speciality Open from 8 a.m. o 10 p.m. daily. Special Attractioris Every Diy D,ritj!l Season at HUBBARD'S (Commerce House), The Cash Drapers. HATWOOD'S,35 Queen Street, Rhyl.-For Fishing Tackle, price and quality cannot be beaten. Flies from 1/- dozen. The oldest Fishing Tackle dealers in Wales established over 40 years. Fifty gross of choice Flies to choose from at Hatwood's Grand Display of Novelties at Commerce House Every Day this Week, HUBBARD'S (the Cash Drapers). St. Ann's. The Church Choir and the Organ Fund are to be assisted by the aid of a concert at the Church House on Thursday next, and for which a very nice programme has been prepared. A Sucoossrul Exhibitor. Mis B May, of Rhyl, was amongst the successful exhibitors at the Chester Dog and Pigeon Show last week. In the open spaniel (clumbers) class her "Prince of Darkness was placed third. Royal Alexandra Hospital. The following gifts have been received and are acknowledged with many thanks :—Pheasants, Mra Williams WynD, Miss Thomis, MrsGathorne Hill; illustrated pxpsrs and mvgizinas, Miss Troudell; clothing and other gifts, "Horn! Chat" Cnri3tmas Tree. A Successful Reciter. Mister T H JoneB, a Rhyl boy who has gained several prizes for reciting at various competitive gatherings in North Wales, added still further on Friday last to a. very creditable record by captur- ing the eecond prize in a recitation content at Wrexham. The tirat prize went to G Roberts, Brynteg. Police Removals P.C. J E Hughei, after about five years' duty in Rhyl, has been appointed to the charge of the L1.maH district, vice P.C. Taaffe, formerly of Rhuddlan, who has been transferred to Altami, near Mold, P.C Wm Jones, also of Rhyl, has been removed to Dyserth in the place of P.C. Tale, whose remoyal to Shotton we announced last week. C.F.S. After evensong in St Thomas' on Tuesday evening, and the admission of fresh members, a special service of farewell to two young women emigrants to Canada was hell. A very appropriate service I was gone through, and the Vicar delivered an im- pressive address which is not likely to be soon forgotten by the goodly company present. The young women left Rhyl on the following day, many of ths associates and members baiog as- sembled at the railway station to wish them God's speed. They embarked oa the next diy with other G.F.S. members aboard the S.S. "Canada," in charge of a matron. Found Daad In Bed. The dea'.h occurred on Friday last of Mra Jane Price, a widowed lady, who for some time had been living with Mrs Jones, of 29 Railway Terrace. Though she had been in very poor health for a considerable time, no alarming symptoms were noticed, and on retiring to rest on Thursday night, she made no complaint of any nature. Next morning, about eight o'clock, Mrs Jones entered Mrs Price's room with her breakfast, as she had been requested to do the night before, and was startled to fiad the lady dead. The matter was reported to the coroner, but no inquest was considered necessary. Mrs Price formerly resided at Whitford House, Morley Road, and belonged to a well-known family. She was 69 years of age. The funeral took place on Monday, the place of interment being Meliden Churchyard. Presbytorian Social. The young ladies of the congregation of the English Presbyterian Church were responsible for the very enjoyable book social which was htld in the Princes Street Schoo'ro'jm last Friday even- ing, and which attracted a very representative company. Chief among the promoters were Miss Martha Griffiths, Miss Verrier Jones, Miss L'zzie Edwards, Miss Llewelyn Jones, Miss G Parker Davies, and Miss Lettie Williams. The Rev J Verrier Jones presided. Various amusements were indulged in, and a musical programme was also gone through, the items contributed including a pianoforte duet by Misses Anwyl, songs by Miss Middleton and Messrs J F W Foulkes, Owen Prichard, A W Lewis, and T Anwyl, a violin solo by Miss Bibby, and a recitation by Miss Parker Davies. Miss Anwyl acted as accompanist. The collection, which goes to the church funds, amo unted to about £ 4. The proceeding terminated with a cordial vote of thanks to the organisers of the gathering, on the motion ot Mr Bromley. Welsh Wesleyans and Temperance. A temperance conference in connection with the Rhyl Welsh Wesleyan circuit was held at Bruns- wick Chapel on WednesdayJafternooa. The Rev E Humphreys presided. A paper on the relation of temperance to religion was read by the Rsv Jno Kelly, Prestatyn and another on temperance work amongst children wai read by Miss M Hughes, Elwy House. Discussions followed in which the Rsv R Hughes, Mrs Meyrick Jones (president of the Rhyl Welsh branch of the N. W. Women's Temperance Association) and others took pirt. On the motion of Mr John Jones (Elm House), seconded by Mr Robert Jones (Holborn House), a resolution was passed urging that temperance teaching should be made general in the schools. Another resolution was passed condemning the new Licensing Act and calling for its amendment. In the evening a public meeting was held in Soar Chapsl. The Rev E Humphreys again presided, and the principal speaker was the Rev D Thomas, Ruthin. The reso'utions passed at the aftelnoon gathsring were endorsed, and the proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to all who had taken part in the meetings, on the motion of the Rev R Hughes, seconded by Councillor John Hughes. Retirement of a Police Officer. The following appeared in the Chief Constable's report, which was presented to the Flintshire Police Committee at last week's meeting :—Sergt Richard McWalter, after giving notice, retired on his pen- ion on the 1st inst. He is 53 years of ace, and has served 29 years in the Flintshire Constabulary. His pay is JESS 4s 2d per annum, and he is entitled to a pension of two-thirds of hit pay, which will amount to £ 58 16s Id a year.-The report was adopted without discussion. Clwyd Street C M. Literary Society. Under the auspices of the above society a social gathering was held in the lecture hall last night. The attendance was most gratifying, the room being crowded. Tea was generously provi- ded by Mr and Mrs Edwards, Compton House, and amongst the ladies assisting at the tables and in other ways were Mrs S X Jones and Miss Jones, Mrs D P Morris and Miss Morris, Mrs Hughes (Brighton Road), Mrs J Knowles Jones, Misses Evans (Sandringham Avenue), Miss Roberts and Miss Edwards, Miss Roberts (Hyfrydle), Miss Price, Mrs D J Price and the Misses Jones (Aled House). An enjoyable miscellaneous programme was afterwards gone through under the direction of Mr J Roberts Jones, the items including a pianoforte duet by Miss Jones and Master Pierce, River Street songs by Mi3 Middleton, Mr R W Jones, Mrs Morris (with zither harp ac- companiment), and Miss Davies a recitation by Miss Gwen Jones and a pianoforte trio by Misses Jonea and Harris. The collection, which goes towards the Literary Society's funds, amounted to over X7, Christ Church Mutual Improvement Society. The first social gathering in connection with this institution was held in the Eoglieh Congre- gational Schoolroom, Water Street, last night. The committee of the society, of which Miss Darlitaton is secretary, had made elabo- rate preparations, and not only did the room present a very inviting appearance, but an entertaining programme of a varied order was gone through. Mr T Harding Roberts dis- charged the duties of chairman in a genial manner. The first part of the programme opened with a pianoforte solo, 11 Mazurka," by Miss Taylor. Miss Parker next sang Voices of the Past, and Mrs Rees contributed a violin solo La Serenata." The next item was an impromptu speech com- petition, which proved most diverting. Then came a recitation, Dorkins' Night," by Miss Jessie Roberts, who in response to an enthusiastic recall recited People will talk." After an interval for refreshments Miss Maud Jones sang "Tatters," Miss Ninnie Williams gave a pianoforte solo, and Mrs Freeman sang Asthore." Other competitions took place, snd a capital evening's entertainment was brought to a close with a vote of thanks to the promoters and other helpers, proposed by Mr John Williams, seconded by MrJ Frimston, Mr F C Tailby responding. The duties of accompanist were ably discharged by Miss Winnie Davies. The collection amounted to over £ 3. Football. To-morrow Rhyl will be at home to Chirk in a Combination encounter. Royal Alexandra Hospital Bali. A ball will be hold at Rhyl uidsr distinguished auspice3 on Tuesday, January lOJh, 1905, in aid of the funds of this hospital. The list of those who have already promised their pitronaga includes, her Highness Princess Louise Augusta of Schleswig Holstein, who recontly visited the hospital and became an annual subscriber. Full particulars will be announced as sooa as possible. Sale of Work. On Friday and Saturday last a sale of work was held at St Mary's, with the obj-ct of farther re- ducing the debt in connection with the gchool and grounds. There was a good show of fancy and useful articles, which were disposed of at very reasonable rates. The ladies in charge of the stalls were l the same as on the occasion of the bsziar last July, and the business they did in the two days resulted in a clearance of over £20. The proceedings were enlivened with musical contri- butions by various friends. Further Royal Patronage. Her Highness, the Princess Louise Augusta of Schleswig Holstein, was so pleased with her visit to the Koyal Alexandra Hospital in September last, that she has graciously become an annual subscriber of C5 to its funds. A Mysterious Person. It is reported that an unknown woman has lately been attracting considerable attention by her strange behaviour on the Dyserth Road. Her favourite haunt is said to be a stile near the ceme- tery, on which she may be seen seated, as if waiting for somebody, soon after daybreik or at dusk but upon the approach of any passer-by she shrieks and scampers off to a hiding place known only to herself. The attention of the police has been directed to the matter, but so far all efforts to clear up the mystery have been in yain. Of the woman's identity nobody has the vaguest idea.

Hopelessness of the Plan of Campaign. LORD STANLEY WARNS MR LLOYD-CEORCE. Lord Stanley of Alderley, the Radical Chair- man of the Anglesey Education Committee, speaking at Leeds, administered a warning to Mr Lloyd-George and his followers. His lord- ship doubted whether the drastic nature of the Default Act was fully realised by the Welsh lawbreakers. He pointed out that a debt due to the Crown enabled the Crown to seize any moneys in the county treasury, no matter what the source. If any county imagined jthat by ordering a general strike and withdrawing the children from the schools they could thereby cut off the supplies from the aided schools, they would be greatly mistaken. Speaking at a subsequent gathering Lord Stan- ley said that definite religious instruction in the mass of mankind resulted in making them hate those who did not belong to their own special section rather than giving them very clear ideas of what they believed. Lord Stanley said he was willing to consent to a reasonable com- promise. There was, however, no logical answer to the argument that the schools main- tained by the community should be strictly secular schools (loud applause). He believed that the working men's organisations were quite prepared for a settlement on the lines of purely secular teaching.

Fels-Naptha Moneyback goes with thrift. Fels-Naptha: no copper fire; no boiling half rubbing half damage to clothes; half mending; two or three times the money and comfort, so far as clothes are concerned. Feis-Naptba 39 Wilson street London R Q

Newmarket. The Eisteddfod. The promoters of the August Bank Holiday Eisteddfod are already getting their house in order for next year's event. Mr Jones, school- master, is chairman of the committee, and the secretaryship has devolved upon Messrs Wm. Jones and Edward Hughes Jones, while Messrs Wm Davics and R J Davies have been ap- pointed joint treasurers. It lias been decided to drop the chair competition and to substitute a band contest. Test Concert. A successful test concert has just been held in connection with the C. Al. Chapel. Mr W Parry Jones presided in the absence of Alderman Ralli, and Mr Wm Thomas, C.C., acted as conductor. The challenge cup, open to both male and female soloists, was won by Miss Ada Williams, Buckley. The solo com- petition for males was won by Mr Wm Parry, Newmarket; and the juvenile solo contest was won by Mies Roberts, Gwespyr.

St Asaph. How is It Done ? So effectual have been the rigorous measures adopted for dealing with tramps at Wetherby Workhouse that during the last fortnight only 27 of these undesirables applied for relief, as com- pared with 181 during the corresponding period of last year! The figures relating to the St Asaph tramp wards for the same periods were 238 against 125 a year ago! It might be worth while for the St Asaph Guardians to inquiro what isWetherby Guar- dians' treatment of "roadsters." The bath at any rate has no terrors for the tramps who frequent "Cartrefle." At least that is what we gather from the report of last Friday's proceedings there. In the face of so much criticism just now relative to the Board's finances it is unsafe to suggest anything which would add to the expenditure, but undoubtedly one of the best means of dealing with tramps is the adoption of the separate cell system. Entertainment by School Children. We are asked to state that an entertainment in ail of the charities in connection with the National Union of Teachers is to be given at the National Schools early in December. The pro- gramme, we understand, will be entirely sustained by the boys, girls, and infants attending the National Schools. The teachers have spent a great deal of time and care in the training of their juvenile charges, and success from an entertaining point of view is assured. The County School. The Biahop of St Asaph has been elected chair man of the governors of the County School ia the place of the late Sir Wm. Grenville Williams. The school is making good progress under the head- mastership of Mr E Mainer.

Yet another proof of the superiority of standard British products comes to us from the United States. The expert Committee of the World's Fair at St Louis, have awarded the GRAND PRIX to the old firm of Mellins, for th3 excellence of the well-known spltndid article- NI ell;* n'is Food. This honour represents the highest reward oonferred at the Exposition a greater distinction, in fact, than the Gold Medal. Mellins secured the Prix over all competitors, and also received the Gold Medal for Mellin's Food Biscuits, Mellin's Chocolate and a Silver Medal for Lacto."

BIRTH. HUNT.—On the 16th inst., at Redcot, Conwy Street, Rhyl, the wife of Louis J Hunt, of a son. IN MEMSRIAM. In ever loving memory of our dear mother, Ann Simcox, who died November 23rd, 1898. Father, in Thy gracious keeping, Leave we now our loved ones eleeping. (

Gwaenysgor. The Parish Council and County Expenditure. A Pariah Council meeting was held on Friday evening, Mr John Roberts, chairman, when tha question of county expenditure was discussed. It was resolved that the Clerk (Mr Wm. Griffiths) communicate with the representatives of Lianasa, Newmarl-et and Gwaenysgor on the County and District Councils, also the Parish Councils of Newmarket and L'auasa, with the view to a joint meeting to discuss the County Council expenditure- It was desired that Lianasa Parish Council ariaog0 the time and place of meeting.

The Adoption of a Prestatyn Road. TO THE EDITOR OF THE RHYL JOURNAL. SIR,-If you can spare a little of your valuable space for the following, I am sure it will be of serious interest to many of your readers. °.:1 Monday evening last the Uiban District Council of Prestatyn passed a resolution to accept the recommendation of the Roads Committee" to adopt the new road over the railway line." The road is not to be kerbed, or channelled, or drained, yet the Council accept all future respon- sibility of claiming from future purchasers of site3 for doing this, and of maintenance. Quite recently Victoria Avenue and Victoria Road were adopted under the Private Streets Improve- ment Act, and the owners were made to pjy for the proper making of them. Yet this road, full of serious possibilities in the future, is to be adopted now. Why ? If any r&tepayer will ask himself why thf owner of this road wishes it to be adopted now, he will realise the obvious answer to escapf the future heavy expense and outlay of capita, and to foist it upon the Prestatyn ratepayers- Why should not this wealthy owner opei the road as a private venture now, and fc9« the Council to adopt it when completed, -nO bringing in a revenue, as other owners are forcec to do ? No one doubts that the road will be bene, ficial to Prestatyn, but the benefit to Prestatyo is identical with the interests ot the owner of the estate it is intended to develop.—Yours respect- fully, Bryngwalia, J. BANKS Prestatyn.

On the Hoodwinking of Wales." TO THE EDITOR OF THE RIIYL JOURNAL. SIR,-Since its recommendation by the Bishop of St David's, there htsbaen an increased demand for the pamphlet On the Hoodwinking of W1\le." It is ap- parent, however, that many do not know where tJ apply for copies, as I receive enquiries by almost every post. it would therefore be a convenience to all concerned if you could kindly allow me, throu"h yoar columns, to state that the publishers are Messrs R E Jones and Bros., printers, Conway, who will forward parcels of copies at the rate of ten for half-a-crown, post free. They may be bad, also, from the National Society, and from Messrs W H Smith and Son's Bookstalls. May I also add that the nett proceeds will be devoted to the Bangor Diocesan SchoolsiFurd. -Yours faithfully, Conway Vicaiage, J. P. Lewis. Nov. 22nd, 1904.

Prestatyn. Test Concert. The eighth annual teat concert in connection with the Welsh Congregational Church took place at the Town Hall last night. Councillor John Pritchard presided over an enthusiastic audience, and Huwco Penmaen, Rhyl, acted as conductor, Mr D D Parry, Litorwat, adjudicated in the sing, ing contests, andJPedr Mostyn, Rhyl, and the Key J Kelly adjudicated in the recitation contests. The arrangements were carried out by a committee with Mr W Jones, Tudno Terrace, as treasurer, and Mr J M Hughes, Wrexham House, as secre- tary. Mr G W Jones discharged the duties of accompanist. The various competitions were a3 follows For the best rendering of any solo: a silver cup (13 entries)—Mr Davies Hayes, Buckley. For the best rendering of any solo for those under 18, a silver cup (11 entries)-Miss H Astburyt Buckley. Party song, Y Dalyn Aur' £1 Is. (2 entries)- Prestatyn Congregational Church Party (conduetor Mr Williams).. Recitation, own choice (Welsh or English), silver cup (18 entries)—Mr W Davies, Bychtyn, Nfostyfj. Recitation, own choice, for those under lo yeara of age, silver medal (6 entities)— Myfanwy Evan., Birkenhead. The concert proved a great success and termin. ated with a comprehensive vote of thanks on the motion of the Rev B Williams, seconded by Mp Hughes, Station House.