Rhyl Record and Advertiser

EP TH COL EGE PRIZB; D \Y. DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES. 3NTERKSTING ADDRESS BY THE REV. CHARLES GARRETT. The annual distribution of prizes to the boys of Epworth College took place at the Claremont Hydropathic Establishment on Monday after- noon. Interest in the proceedings was en- chanced by the presence of the Rev. Charles Garrett, of Liverpool, who had kindly under- taken to present the prizes and a large com- pany had assembled in response to the kind inpitation of Mr. and Mrs. Beattie to witness the proceedings, which opened with a short musical programme, the different items of which were ably sustained by the boys. The following is a copy:—Pianoforte duet, ''Taran- tella," Garman and Evans; glee, "Dame Durden;" pianoforte solo, "La Bergerette," Batty ii. song, "The Lark now leaves his "watery nest," Mortimer; pianoforte solo, (a) "La fileuse," (b) Lieder ohne warte" (No. 34), Mr. Waddington. The Head Master (Mr. J. C. Beattie, B.A.) after apologising for the absence through indis. position of the Rev. T. W. Vaughan, Vicar of (Rhuddlan, next presented his report—■ The year 1899 is one which we are able to. review with considerable satisfaction. With it ends the fourth year of the school under its present control. Twelve months ago I had the gratification of announcing that during the three preceding years our initial numbers had been more than doubled. I have now to report that we have more than three times the number of pupils with which in 1896 I took office and though the school is still but small it is, I feel sure, as vigorous, and is doing as useful work as at any time in its career. Within the immediate futura we purpose extending the school premises, so as to accommodate a larger number of pupils, and to facilitate our class work. During the past year we have greatly im- proved the scientific equipment of the school, especially as regards the addition of appara- tus required for laboratory work in experi- mental physics, to which so much attention is now being paid. As in other years about one-third of our pupils have passed public examinations, but we have this year withheld from the usual tests a number of boys whose interests we judged would best be served by preparation for other and higher examinations. Successes have been achieved at th Cam- bridge University Local Examinations by Yorke ii., Dawkins, Evens, Jackson i., Hil- ton, Green, Rayner, and Mortimer. Mortimay's success is worthy 'of special mention in view of his youth—his age, 10— being four years below the prescribed limit. Garman and Hilton have obtained certifi- cates of the London College of Music—the former in the Senior, and the latter in the Intermediate Section. A fair measure of prosperity has attended us in the school games, the cricket record being specially encouraging. Our bill of health has been a very clean one, no case of infectious disease having occurred. I believe the tone of the school to be equal- ly healthy, a state of things due in no small degree to the exemplary conduct and good influence of the senior boys, who, as in every institution of this kind, are largely respon- sible for the spirit that prevails. We have recently increased our staff of masters, so that there are now four of us actually engaged in the work of tuition. The Report concluded with a grateful ack nowledgment of the services rendered by the assistant masters. The Head Master, in introducing the Rev. Charles Garrett, expressed his indebtedness to him for coming amongst them at considerable personal inconvenience. To most of those pre- sent Mr. Garrett's busy life was as well known as his philanthrophy, and their obligation was the greater because they were aware of the num- berless demands made upon their revered friend's time. There was a special satisfaction in having Ir, Garrett with them on the prize- day because of the obvious interest with which he entered into all that concerned young people. A prize was one thing, but a prize received from the hands of an Ex-President of the Wesleyan Conference, and one of the best known, best loved men in the country, was quite another. The Rev. Charles Garrett, who had a warm welcome, said it was a matter of rejoicing to him to be able to be present there that day. He rejoicd with Mr. and Mrs. Beattie in the marvellous success that had attended their labours in connection with the school (ap- plause). Like the young bugler in the Boer war who sounded the rally and advance when the British troops were retreating, Mr. Beattie did not believe in retreat. He had rallied and he had advanced, and they were there that day to rejoice at the progress he had made (ap- plause). The boys of the school were about to enter on their holidays, and the brightest and best part of the year was before them. Very soon they would have done with the drudgery of school, and be perfectly free to thoroughly enjoy themselves. He rejoiced with the boys who were going to have those prizes. He had scanned the list, and they were a splendid se- lection, one of the best selections he had seen. Many of these prizes, it seemed to him, were given as a rule merely to be placed on the shelf, and not taken down again some Latin classics that would remain on the shelf and left there from generation to generation. But the books he saw before him that day were meant to be read over and over again (cheers). .While rejoicing with the lads who were going to have prizes, he rejoiced quite as much with those who were not. There were invisible prizes as well as visible prizes, and the boys who had not won these visible prizes were carryingl, away treasures which would abide with them for all time to come. There were others who would rejoice when they arrived home at Christmas time to see how' they were improved; to see how much more thorough they were; how true and straight, and how anxious to make everybody happy how they carried sunshine with them, and made home brighter because they were there. That was the result to a large extent of the training they had received in connection with that institu- tion (applause). They would notice an im- provement even in the tone of the voice, for it was astonishing what education had to do with the tone of the voice. They must take care to remember that they were carrying home with them the credit of the school. Their rela- tions and friends would look to them and listen "to them, åri form in ouniotl of Epworth College according to their conduct. Be good soldiers, keep up the credit of the school, and tor the school's credit determine to so act that people would say that Epworth College must be a capital place to send a boy to (cheers). Mr. Beattie had only done him justice when he said that he took an interest in young peo- ple. He did not think lads always had fair play. They expected them to be a lot of angels forgetting that thy had not been angels them- selves, and were ready to look down upon them because they had not done this or that. But he had not yet found lads when they trusted them who did not respond to the trust cheers). He had to do with a lot of lads situated in different circumstances to those he saw before him poor lads who had never knew what home meant until he came in contact with them. .Twenty of those lads had gone to do battle for their country, and one of the first to fall at Ladysmith was one of their boys. Yes, he was interested in lads, and liked to talk to them. They would find when they got home that the one topic of conversation would be war, and the rumours of war. None of them had ever before gone home at Christmas at such a time as this, and one looked ahead into the future with almost fear and trembling. They would be hearing all about the war, but he wished them to understand that there was not only war going on in the Transvaal, but that there was war going on in our own country, and he wanted them as good soldiers to take their places in that war. The boys were to go out as their reserves, and he wanted them to be prepared when the flag fell from the hands of those who at present carried it, to take it up and carry it to victory (applause). There were three special enemies he wished them to guard against, and to war <ith. The first of these was idleness." Nobody would enjoy their holiday who was idle. If they wished to enjoy their holiday be busy. He pitied those poor fellows who had nothing to do for they never enjoyed .their holiday. Therefore, wherever they were he asked them to war with idleness. There was, however, a time for everything, and when they got home for their holidays he ad- vised them to forget that there were any books in the world. Their business when they got borne was to thoroughly enjoy themselves, and to do this they must be industrious. Mr. Wes- ley said No man ever gained his mark either in the church or in the world who was not industrious." He believed he was right (hear, hear). It was the boy who did his work whc" most enjoyed his game of football or cricket, and got the best of it, whereas the other poor fellow who was idle derived no enjoyment from it. He counselled the Iboys Jto cultivate a hobby, for he believed in boys having hobbies. He pitied those men who had made fortunes and had no hobby. They did not know what t( do with themselves, and spent their lives growl. ing and grumbling simply because they had never had a hobby. Most of them no doubt had had the stamp fever (laughter). Boys generally began with that. He knew his boys had almost bankrupted themselves and him ai well with the stamp fever. But it was allright (hear, hear). It taught geography and a lot of other things of value and use. And it they did not care for stamps try coins. They would soon acquire a collection, and it was wonderful how many they would pick up of this reign, and that reign, and this land and that land. Perhaps some would. pirefer a cabinet for butterflies. He never objected when he saw & boy out ;with his butterfly net, readv to catch butterflies, and to group them in their various orders. There was education; some- thing going on that would tell on that boy for all time (applause). Of course, they would have a library. In regard to that he would only throw out one hint, and that was don't have too big a one" (hear, hear). He spoke from sad experience on that matter. It was possible to have so many books that they would have no time to read any of them. He had heard it said of one man that he had so many of other people's brains on his head that his own refused to act" (laughter). Looking at the books that were to be presented that day there was not one that he would not be proud of. He advised them to form their little nucleus of books, and they would find that the very fact that they had a library of their own would be a resource to them when the dark days came (applause). The next enemy he wished them to war against was impurity" I, and he knew he was now treading on delicate ground. Never touch a book that they would not like their mothers to read. Impurity was a pestilence in this country. Their newspapers were full of it, and the Post Office was made a medium for the spread of it. Boys in school were considerably exposed to this temptation. A boy the other day was writing on a window with a diamond, and a gentleman passing, the boy said to him, "Don't do that." "Why?" asked the boy. "Because it will not rub out" If they got the stain of impurity upon their mind, it would not rub out, and by and by when their hair was grey they would suffer the sins of their youth. He had had the aquain- tance of George Cruikshank, who illustrated Charles Dickens' works, and he would never forget a remark which he once made, One day," he said, "I was drawing in my studio when my sister came in. I took up a sheet of blotting paper and flung it down on the sketch. I was drawing, because there was a little in. delicacy there. When my sister had gone out conscience said to me, Why did you put that blotting paper on your sketch ?' I could only say because I did not want my sister to see it. Conscience again said, If it is wrong for your sister to see it, is it right for other people's sisters to see it ?' And I tore the sketch up into fragments and threw it down. From that day this hand has never drawn a picture that my sister could not see" (applause). If some- body wished to talk to them about anything which they would not like their mothers to hear, have nothing to do with it. On Friday he was with one of their Liverpool merchants, and he was wearing a very pretty little locket. He said to him (Mr. Garrett), I owe a great deal to that locket. My mother gave it to me when she was dying, saying, Alfred, I want you to put that locket on to your watch, and never to take it anywhere where you would not like your mother to see it,' and he said, Hundreds of times when I have been tempted to go into places that I ought not to go to I have looked at my locket, and said I will not carry it where my mother would not like to see it" (applause). If they wished to lead a life worthy of Epworth College he exhorted them to take care to avoid impurity (applause). The third enemy was "intemperance." They would meet that everywhere, and they must mind to battle with it. The late Duke of Albany, when in Liverpool a short time before his death said that intemperance is the only great evil England has to fear" (hear, hear), He (Mr. Garrett) had been an abstainer for more than sixty years. When he began life he was a poor fragile little thing, and the doctor told his mother that there was no more harm in killing him than killing a frog, and that if he lived he should be a burden to him- self and to everybody. But the doctor did not know then that he was going to be a teetotaller (laughter and applause). Sixty years ago he signed the pledge, and had kept it, and despite his advanced years he was now probably doing as much work as anyone in England (applause). Therefore, he wanted those boys to be as he was. If they wished to enjoy life, if they wished to live long, and be a blessing to others, they must see that they overcame the enemy of intemperance (applause). He had said that boys were their reserves. By and by they would have votes, and he hoped they would use them to put the right men in Parliament to help them to fight the three enem- ies he had referred to. In conclusion, he would say, set then to work, gird the loins of your minds, and quit yourselves like men. Ask God to help you go away determined to have as happy a Christmas as God enables you to have. Make everybody happy around you, for that is the true way of making yourselves happy. You can never pour happiness into other people's cups but that it will overflow into your own cup. If we go away determined to make as many people happy this Christmas as we can, it will be a grand time for us. God bless you (loud applause). Aftei an interval for refreshments, Mr. Garrett presented the prizes to the successful scholars as follows:—Holy Scripture, "Life of St. Paul," Evens English, Spenser's Poems," Jackson 1. Latin, Froude's Caesar," Yorke IT. Hon. Men., Dawkins, Rothwell; French, Lorna Doone," Yorke II. Mathematics, "Making the Empire," I Hilton; Arithmetic, "Ivanhoe," Yorke 1. Hon. Men., Hilton, Sad- ler; English Essay, Bunyan's Holy War," Evens; General Science, Wood's "Xatural History," Yorke I.; Music, "Kenilworth," Sadler; Drawing and Writing, Ivanhoe," Evens; Good Conduct, Lee. Form prizes: "Peeps into China," Farrow Deerslayer," Rothwell; Browning's "Dramas," Tunnicliffe; Hon. Men., Green, Fallowes. Cambridge Uni- versity Local Examination Certificates, Yorke II., Dawkins, Jackson II., Evens, Hilton, Green, Rayner, and Mortimer. London Coll- ege of Music Certificates, Garman, Hilton. Games' prizes: Batting, Yorke; Bowling, Dawkins; Fielding, Gilbert; lr. Farrow's prize for Batting, Batty T. The Rev. H. Lefroy Yorke proposed a vote of thanks to the Rev. Charles Garrett for his presence and his address. He had listened to Ir. Garrett always with the highest apprecia- tion and the deepest interest and profit. He had listened to him on many and various occasions, but he did not think he had ever heard him speak with greater effect, with great- er wisdom, sympathy, and perseverance than he had done that afternoon (applause). Mr. Garrett had indeed in this respect an ideal talent. While he carried all his honourable years, yet his mind was as nimble and as active as that of the youngest of them (applause). Mr. Robert Jones, The Moorings, in second- ing, said they were always delighted to see Mr. Garrett in Rhyl (applause). The motion was carried with acclamation. Dr. Prichard proposed that they convey to Mr. and Mrs. Beattie their congratulations on the proceedings that day, and their thanks for their kindly hospitality. He spoke in high terms of praise of the efficiency of the educa- tion at Epworth College, and the care taken by Mr. and Mrs. Beattie of the boys in their charge (applause). Mr. S. J. Amos seconded the vote, which was also supported by The Rev. H. Lefroy Yorke, who said he had two boys in the school, and he was so pleased with the care taken of them that it always gave him great pleasure to bear unqualified testi- mony to the moral tone, the spirit, and the education, and to everything connected with Epworth College (applause). 0 The motion was heartily carried, and Mr. Beattie suitably responded.

SPEECH DAY AND DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES AT RHYL COUNTY SCHOOL. MR. S. SMITH, M.P., ON THE SUPER- IORITY OF AMERICAN EDUCATION AND THE LESSONS OF THE WAR. A large audience filled the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon on the occasion of t e annual distribution of prizes in connection with the Rhyl County School. The hall had been charmingly decorated, and above the platform were displayed educational and seasonable mottoes. Thej tchair was occupied by the Vicar (Chairman of Governors), and he was supported on the platform by Messrs. S. Smith, \[ P Messrs. R. Llewelyn Jones (Vice-Chair- S ~S. Perks, J.P., the Head Master (Mr W. A. Lewis, M.A.), and staff, and the school children also occupied seats on the platform. The Chairman, who had a hearty reception, said he always regarded speech days as an occasion for Congratulation. Both scholars and teachers were in the first place to be con- aratulated on their release from school duties. He thought also that they could congratulate each other on having at last found the missing link in the educational chain, and had estab- lished on a firm basis the long-needed step between the primary and higher grade of edu- cation in the immediate or what were sometimes called secondary schools (applause). They must not expect perfection all at once; they must be cautious and not too critical. There were many people who were apt to look too much at the results achieved as disclosed in the reports of the examiners. They could not ex- pect much all at once. As yet they had not got their machinery, and were not properly equipped. In Rhyl they had not even yet got their permanent school buildings, though they hoped to have them before 12 months hence. Therefore, they must judge the results obtained according to the conditions under which they worked (hear, hear). He thought perhaps they did not puit realise what was the object of intermediate schools. He was afraid there was too much a tendency to hurry the children from the primary school into the intermediate school, and leave them there just for one term to give them a sort of veneer or polish. It was a great mistake, and a great injury both to the future of the children and to the prosperity of the school (applause). Intermediate schools were meant to further education by following up the education of the child until it was perfected (applause). They must take care not to bring the child away from the primary school at an age when he could not properly realise the higher educational work of the secondary schools (hear, hear). He thought that 13 or 14 years of age was early enough to launch a child out into th higher educational world. When then they heard that the results obtained in connec- tion with the examinations in the county schooh were not good the reason was because the child- ren we're taken away prematurely rom the primary schools, and were often rem-"ed from the secondary schools after only 1- ig there for a term or two. He also reminded :i1em that the object of the intermediate schools was not merely to teach the child to be a good trades- man or a good craftsman, but also to so educate him in the higher things of education as to make him a perfect man, a perfect citizen, and a perfect Christian (applause). He thought that was the object they should have in view, and it was the object they would achieve by and by if they only possessed their souls in patience (applause). Another subject they had to congratulate upon was that such a schema as he had indicated had been established in the town of Rhyl, and that their school under the circumstances had done exceedingly well (hear, hear). In the last place they had reason to congratulate themselves upon the fact that their present temporary premises would soon be dispensed with. They had bought the site for the new school building, and paid for it, and he was glad also to say that they had let the contract for the new building, and that it would be commenced at once (applause). Not- withstanding the subscriptions raised locally, the contribution of £1,500 by the County Governing Body, and a contemplated mortgage of £2,500, they still required a further sum of £311 in order to pay for the building, and he expressed the hope that this would soon be forthcoming (loud applause). The children afterwards sustained an attrac- tive miscellanious programme, the feature of which was the brilliant Latin recitation by Mias F. Millward, which was distinctly and correctly given. The part songs by the school were also well rendered. Miss Jones, the Head Mistress, conducted, and Miss L. E. Jones, Albion Villa, efficiently officiated as accompanist. The following is a copy of the programme: — Pianoforte solo, Miss Alice Jones part song, "A Lullaby," The School; recitations from Shake3beare,ss King Henry VIII., J. J. Jones, W. H. Jones, W. Manley, W. H. Parry, R. P. Thompson, and W. P. ^Williams; Head Master's Report; song and chorus, Little Pilgrims," The School; recitation, Virgil," Miss F. Millward; song, Cathedral Voices," G. G. Bell; part song, Bugeilio'r Gwenith Gwyn, The School; recitation, The Three Preachers," Miss M. R. Jones; part song, "Softly roam, gentle Night," The School; God Save the Queen." The Head Master having read ;his report, Mr. Samuel Smith distributed the prizes to the successful scholars as follows:—V. Form Prize, "Great Authors," J. 0, Jones; IV. Form Prize (girls), Milton's "Paradise Lost," M. A. Pear son; ditto (boys), Character Smiles," A. E. Jones. Juniors: Latin and French (girls), Moliere," F. Millward ditto (boys), Won- ders of Electricity," W. B. Manley; Scripture and English (girls), "Teacher's Bible," M. A. Pearson; ditto (boys), "In High Heavens" (Ball), A. E. Jones; Mathematics and Science (girls), "Wanderings of Aenas," F. Millward; ditto (boys), Tyffe's "Triumphs of Discovery," W. H. Tones; Welsh, Glimpses of Welsh Life and Character," G. M. Jones; General Pro- gress, Picturesque Scotland," S. J. Roberts IV. Form Prize (girls), Nansen's "Greenland," M. R. Jones; ditto (boys), Prescott's "Conquest of Peru," W. H. Parry; II. ditto (girls), Lamb's Tales from Shakespeare," D. Roberts ditto (boys), Hereward, the Wake," W. G. Roberts 1. ditto (girls), Lubbock's Beauties of Nature," M. J. Griffiths ditto (boys), Boys' Own Book of Natural History," T. W. Roberts Drawing, Ruskin's Lectures on Art," J. A. Chilwell. Certificates: Central Welsh Board Junior Certificates, Florence Millward, Scrip., Eng. Gram. and Comp., Eng. Lit. History, Latin (higher paper), Arith., Dom. Econ. Margaret A. Pearson, Scrip. (Diet.), Eng. Gram. and Comp., Eng. Lit. History, Arith., French (Diet.), Physiology, Draw., Dom. Econ., Needlework (Diet.) Gwen M. Jones, Scrip., Eng. Gram, and Comp., Eng. Lit. History, Arith., Welsh (Diet.), French, Drawing; Sarah J. Roberts, Scrip., Eng. Gram, and Comp., Eng. Lit. His tory, Welsh, Arith., Physiology, Dom. Econ., Needlework (Diet.) Arnold E. Jones, Scrip., Eng. Gram, and Comp., Eng. Lit. History, Latin, Arith. (Diet.), Maths, AIg., Gram. (Higher Paper), French, Draw. W. B. Manley, J Scrip., Eng. Gram. and Comp., Eng. Lit. His- tory, Latin, Arith., Alg., Geom., (Higher Paper;, French, Draw. Certificates for proficiency in Shorthand J. Oswald Jones, A. E. Jones, W. H. Jones, W. II. Parry, J. Evans, W. E. Roberts, A. E. Nuttall, and Florence Millward. Mr. Samuel Smith, M.P., who on rising to address the meeting was accorded 'a hearty welcome, congratulated the school on its pro- gress, and said they were all looking forward to the day when they would have their new school premises. They had been longer in Rhyl than in any other place in building, but he supposed it was because they were determined to have the best building (applause). Certainly from what he could gather it was going to be the most expensive (hear, hear). He was glad to hear the exhortation of the Head Master that children should remain in school as long as possible. Parents should realise that the last year or two was the most important. It might also be said that education was only about to begin when the children were taken away from the school (hear, hear). The mind did not reach the point at which it could appreciate fully the value of education until about 14 years of age. It was not until then that the character and mind commenced to be permanently formed, so, if possible, parents should try to keep their children under the training of good educators up to the age of 18. Their education was only beginning at school; it went on all their lives. What they learnt in school was the habit of using their minds, and of controlling their character. The gains in school were moral gains the acquiring of habits of self- control, self-denial, and all those qualities that go to make good men and women (applause). He was very glad to see that in the list of sub- jects in that school Scripture occupied a high position. There was no subject which trained the mind and character so well as Holy Scrip- ture, and therefore he was very glad that in the higher grade schools of Wales Scripture occupied so high a position (applause). What. ever their views might be on this matter, he thought all Christians agreed on the necessity of being familiar with the Holy Scriptures (applause). He had recently been on a visit to the United States of America and Canada, and had the opportunity of seeing something of the education of those great countries, and was very much impressed with the admirable system of education that now prevailed in America. In fact, he was astonished at the progress America had made in every branch of education. He had been in the habit of visiting that country for fortv years, but he had never realised fully until his last visit what astonishing progress our kins men across the Atlantic had made. They brought to bear a vast amount of energy on every department of life, but they brought to bear their best energies on education (applause). They had the most perfect, complete, practical system, covering the whole career from child- hood to manhood, that was to be found any- where in the world (applause). He had visited the great college in which 3,200 women were being trained for the teaching profession. They generally spent four or five years at the college, where they received tuition from first-class professors, and by the time they left college thev were as competent teachers as they would find in the whole world. In America the teaching was done mostly by ladies, and it was quite a remarkable fact to see how much of the taaching profession had fallen into their hands (hear, hear). But what struck him mostly was the admirable practical character of educa- tion in America. At every point the question seemed to be asked, "What will the young peo- ple require to provide them for the work of life ?" We in this country used very much to go upon old traditions in our ideas of education. Our education system was framed in the middle ages mostly from classics, and it was a long time before the teaching profession in this country really came to comprehend that modern life re- quired another kind of training (hear, hear). In America they had adapted themselves to modern life. They had the most admirable technical schools, and their University Colleges contained the most perfect scientific apparatus, mostly the result of .private benefaction, which was exercised in the direction of education in America to a degree that they had had no ex perience in England. We need, therefore, not be surprised at the wonderful progress the American people are making, seeing how well equipped they were. They were surpassing us in every branch of modern life. Inventions in connection with our chief industries were being patented to a much larger degree in Amer- ica than in this country, and that was largely because the inventive faculty was spread over all the people by means of these technical schools. They would find in America a very highly cultivated class of workmen, with high technical training, and strong inventive facul- ties, who were not hindered by the regulations and restrictions imposed in this country. He thought that what they saw in the United States and Canada should be a lesson to us. We must recognise that we must face in the future the keeoest possible competition from these coun- tries. Anyone whose eyes are open cannot fail to see that the centre of human civilization and human progress was passing from Europe into America. We might not like it, but the fact was undoubted, and there was no use shut- ting our eyes to it. In every branch of life they were striding ahead of the old world, and this was largely owing to the excellent practical system of education that prevails in those coun- tries (applause). He mentioned those facts not to disparage the people of this country, but to stimulate them so as to emulate the educational zeal of America. The principality of Wales had had its system of secondary education, and had not had it a day too soon. The great pity was that it did not get it fifty years ago. We had now got an excellent system spread all over the country, which was mush superior to that in existence in England. He was very glad that the Welsh system had been so eminently adap- ted to modern requirements, and that it had not been modelled on medsevial conditions. It provided for a large amount of scientific teaching and manual training of the kind which young men and young women wanted who wished to make their way in life (applause). In wishing them all a merry Christmas, he made feeling references to the many mourning homes in this country this Christmas. He was sure they all wished to express their deep sentiments of sympathy with those bereaved relatives who were mourning for brave and gallant young men who had laid down their lives for their country in this sad and terrible war (applause) pecially did their hearts go out in sympathy to the gallant Commander-in-Chief, who had lc?t his son on the field of battle, and who was now himself going to the front (applause). He did not remember when they had had a more sad Christmas time than this. He could only ex press the hope that out of this dreary disaster some good would come. His belief was that God was dealing with this nation. They had had national sins growing around them, and this country required discipline. We were too proud and too arrogant. We talked too much of our greatness and vast empire, and that we of our greatness and vast empire,and thought we could do everything by our own might. But God was teaching us that in His hand lays the and to acknowledge that in many respects this nation had been sinning against God. He hoped and prayed that out of this dark and disastrous war would come a higher life (applause). There was very much that was very honourable in this country at the present time. When he saw a number of young men ready to leave the country at a moment's notice to defend their native land, he felt that there was a great reserve of patriotism and of self-denial,which itself was worth discovering, and was cause for thankful- ness (applause). England was not a decaying nation, it was full of life, full of patriotism, and full of capacity for self-sacrifice, and no nation would be great unless it had a capacity for self-sacrifice (applause). There was no one who could deny that there had been evils growing t around this nation of late years, and they needed to be placed under restraint, and this solemn tribulation that they might set their houses in order. He hoped they would go on their knees before God, confess they had sinned, and implore his forgiveness (loud applause). Upon the motion of Mr. R. Llewelyn Jones, seconded by Mr. W. Elwy Williams, J.P., and supported by Mr. S. Perks, J.P., a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith, in replying, said that when Rhyl had advanced with their school he would be glad to give them further help. But before doing so he thought more could be done locally by way of subscriptions (applause). The proceedings terminated with a hearty vote of thaiika to the Vicar for presiding,

FOOTBALL NOTES AND JOTTINGS. [BY "THE CHIEL,"] "A Chiel's amanar ye taki ri' notes, And faith he'll prent it." COMBINATION RESULTS TO DATE. Goals Played. Won. Lost. Dr'n. For Agst. Pts Chirk 11 8 1 2 ..25 6 ..18 Wrexham 8 6 1 1 ..33 ..12 ..13 Druids 9 6 2 1 ..19 ..12 ..13 Newtowu 9 4 5 0 ..20 ..26 8 Aberystwyth 6 2 3 1 ..12 ..17 5 Oswestry Un. 7 2 4 1 ..14 ..15 5 Birkenhead. 3 2 1 0 2 3 4 Bangor 5 2 3 0 9 4 Rhyl 5 0 4 1 7 ..20 1 Llandudno S. 8 0 7 1 ..16 ..30 1 -0- COMBINATION RHSTJLTS. NORTH WALES COAST LEAGUE TABLE. Result up to and including December 16th. Plyd. Won. Lost. Drn. For. Agst. Pts. Bangor 7 5 3 0 ..31 8 ..10 Rhvl United 8 4 4 0 ..23 ..15 8 Llandudno 5 3 2 0 ..20 6 6 Llaurwst. 7 3 4 0 ..10 ..23 6 Carnarvon 5 2 2 1 9 ..17 5 Holyhead .5., 2..2.. L..8..19..5 Elolywell 2 2 0 0 3 0 4 Colwyn Bay 6 2 4 0 ..10 ..12 4 Denbigh 4 1 3 0 6 ..15 2 -0- WBLSH CUP THIBD BOUND. *Rhyl 2 Aberdare 1 .Carnarvon 4 WelahpoolJ 2 *Newtown. 6 Llandudno 1 Llandrindod soratohed to Bangor. —o— Llandrindod soratched to Bangor, who have thus passed into the fourth round without having been troubled with a single match. Llandudno lbad to go to Newtown, and they were ignominously beaten by eix goals to one. —o— It was a stroke of good look for Rhyl to be drawn against Aberdare at Rbyl in the third round. Association is in its infancy in South Wales. Rugby has so firm a hold among the Southerners that the Association game is hardly given a chance. But Aberdare have endeavoured with praiseworthy pereisteuoe to popularise the dribbling code in this uncongenial soil. And they are succeeding. They are the principal exponents of the goune in the South. They are at the top of the Southern League, and scarcely know what defeat means. Moreover they are an enterprising club. Among the matches they have arranged for this season is one with Sheffield United, the champions of the English League, and another withthe Kaffirs. It is quite on the tapit that they will also arrange lor Rhyl to visit Aberdare, and teat the abilities of their team against their conquerors in the Welsh Cup Compatition in s match on their own ground. After the interesting encounter at Rhyl on Satur- day, a match at Aberdare would certainly be an atti action. --0- If another proof be needed of their enterprise and their keen enthusiasm for the game, it is in their courage in undertaking the inconvenience and expense of the long journey from Aberdare to Rhyl, in order to contest Rhyl's right to enter the fourth round. They left Aberdare at 3 o'clock on Friday, accompaniel by Mr Cameron (Chairman), Mr Tom Peck (Treasurer), and Mr Oaldecott (Secretary), and several supporters. They were accommodated at the Dudley Hotel, where Mr Hopkins made them as oomfortab e as could be desired. Several of the Rhyl supporters and players met them and spent a convivial evening. Next morning they perambulated the town and visited the different places of interest being ap- parently much charmed with our pretty town. It is to be regretted that the atmospheric con- ditions were such as to militate against a good gate, and all the more so because the visitors were at such great expense to come here. But having regard to the conditions, and to circumstanoes, there was quite an average attendance. The ground after the sudden thaw, was in a heavy and slippery condition, and greatly interferred with good play. Moreover there was a stiff wind blowing towards the Grange Road goal, which made it extremely awkward. When the Aberdare players stepped on the field they lookad a fine lot of men, and were undoubtedly physically stronger than the Rhyl men, many of whom were oomparitively dwarfs at their side. The heavy ground therefore suited the visitors better than it did Rhyl. Rhyl won the ton a nd elected to play with the wind and sun at their backs, and the slope in theirlfavonr, an advantage that was enormous. They at once oommenced to take up the running, and were busy around Coo ke, the Ex-Evertonian goalkeeper. He Bared three times in the first minute, and was kept continuously busy. At length Mathews beat him and drew first

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blood with a shot which no goalkeeper could have saved ten minntes from the start. -0- Aberdare could make very little headway against the wind, and from the kick-off were soon driven back to their own quarters. They had a reliable and sound defence who responded capitally to the persistent demands made upon them. Cooke was a marvel in goal, and stopped shots from right and left. A pretty piece of passing in which Hall, Will Jones, and Sam Parry, were conspicuous, ended in Hall getting a clear opening within four yards of goal. Realising his opportunity Hall; made no mistake, "and sent in a stinging shot which Cooke scarcely attempted to stop. -0- Rhyl made desperate efforts to increase their score, and as time went on, and they were unable to do so, the spirits of the spectators became visibly depressed, for with the high wind that prevailed a margin of two goals was considered only a fie* bite. But they were ijot even destined to have that margin, for towards the close ai half-time the visitors made plucky efforts and succeeded in driving Rhyl to their own end. Once they caught Harry Jones and Vernon Jones napping,and Bubb had the goal at his mercy. While Ike Williams was shrieking ofl-side instead of trying to stop the ball, Buff placed the ball through, and the referet pointed to the centre. Half-time was called with Khyl leading by the narrow margin of two goals to one. -0- Something akin to consternation was experienced when Aberdare obtained their goal, and there were not half a dozen in the field who were sanguine enough to believe that Rhyl with the strong wind against them would be able to maintain their lead. But it was the unexpected that happened, for Rhyl played a grand game, and completely penned their opponents. They repeatedly experienced the hardest of lnck in not scoring. Once Hall had particularly hard hnes, the ball jast touching the inside of the goal post, and Sam Parry tested Cooke with shots which a less experienced goalkeeper would scarcely have attempted to save. On the other hand the Rhyl backs were never once beaten, nd Ike Williams had not to handle on a single occasion. It was simply a case of downright superiority asserting itself, and when the whistle sounded for the cessation of hostilities, Aberdare were lucky to escape with only a 2 goals to 1 defeat. —o— On the game the best team won, and should have won with ordinary luck by half a dozen clear Koals. Aberdare were clearly outclassed. But they played plackilv, and to that i* to be attributed the good phow they made which was all the more praiseworthy whem it is borne in mind the long journey they had undertaken. Were it not that local patriotism forbids it I would almost have wished that Aberdure might have been rewarded for their p uck bv a victory. But it was a case of the survival of the fittest. Rhyl weje the better team, and deserved to win, and did win. It was a well-fuutfbt and pleasantly contested game, and the Rhyl players will I feel sure entertain pleasing recollections of their genial opponents. ;If they meet again at Aberdare I should like to be there to see the match, for I feel certain it will be a capital game, full of the best spirit of sportsman. ship. —o— I am not going to criticise the Rhyl players on th-ir display on Saturday. It is Christmas, and I am not going to spoil their season of festivity by my carping criticism. The! players say-at least some of them—that I have got a ating. Well I am not going to u*e it this week. I will speak of the team collectively, and say that their play on Saturday gave me much satisfaction. I was going to use a "but" but-I won't. I am going to adhere to my determination not to oritioise. 1 am tempted I am being teirpted, my pen is being directed by home evil spirit which urges me to say nasty things. But I won't, I won't. Behind my back Satan No criticism. This is the season of good will and good cheer. I have conquered. No criticism this week boys. Iostead I give yon my j hearty sincere wishes for a Downright joily I Christmas," and fof a series of trinmphs in your Christmas Matchcs. I.Rbyl have been drawn to play Oswestrr at Os- j westry in the fourth round of the Welsh Cup, and I they are going to WIN.