Rhyl Record and Advertiser

THE LATE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA. -MONUMENT FOR RHYL SOLDIERS. £ s. d. Amount already acknowledged 62 7 6 Dr. Llovd 110 C. A. taverner 1 1 0 II. Butler 1 1 0 An on. 1 0 0 Young Men's Guild 0 10 6 Diani. R. Jones 0 10 6 John Foulke, J.Tl 0 10 6 Rhyl Travellers' Cricket Club (per A. L. Clews) 0 9 0 Mrs. Oldfield (Kinmel Street) 0 5 0 Lewis Jones ('Tournal'), 2nd don- ation 0 3 2 L68 19 2 ARTHUR ROWLANDS, Hon. Sec. and Traesurer. Rhyl, December 23rd, 1903. THE LATE DISASTROUS FIRE IN MARKET STREET. RELIEF FUND. £ s. d. Amount already acknowledged 36 14 2 Caradoc Lodge 110 G. Sheffield 0 10 6 Miss Lloyd (Berlin) 0 5 0 L38 lOr8 It was omitted to state that the sum of E3 Os. 5d. in our last publication from the Vicar and Churchwardens was the proceeds of Mr. C. S. Vinning's organ recitals. ARTHUR ROWLANDS, Hon. Sec. Rhyl, 23rd December, 1903. RHYL POOR RELIEF FUND. £ s. d. Amount already acknowledged 18 15 2 Miss Sneyd 2 0 0 Mr. and Miss Mannix 110 Henry Butler 110 Joshua Davies 110 G. A. Taverner 110 Caradoc Lodge I10 W. Campling 0 10 6 Westminster Hotel (2nd' Donation) 0 10 6 Miiss Cox 0 10 0 Miss Anson 0 10 0 A Friend 0 10 0 L28 11 2 All subscribers of 5s. and upwards are quali- fied for membership of the Committee. The Soup Kitchen will be opened as occasion may require. The Committee will also sit at the Town Hall for distribution of bread and coal-on days of which notice will be given to the members. It is understood that much distress prevails in the town, caused by want of employment, sickness, and old age. Further subscriptions are respectfully solici- ted. They may be paid at any of the local banks or to the undersigned. ARTHUR ROWLANDS, Hon. Sec. Rhyl, 23rd December, 1903.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31st, at 12 30. ST. ASAPH SMITHFIELD. FRANK LLOYD & SONS Will Sell 80 to 100 Fat Dairy and Store Cattle. 500 to 600 Fat Sheep, Pigs, and Calves.

G. I-I. WICKS, MANCHESTER, AUCTIONEER & VALUER, ACCOUNTANT. BUSINESS TRANSFER AGENCY. SALES BY AUCTION conducted in any part of the Country. SPECIAL RATES FOR NORTH WALES. MR. WICKS gives personal attention to all commissions, and has a large and varied selection of Businesses on offer, and has clients for BOARDING HOUSES and Seaside Busi- nesses. 7, CATHEDRAL CPIAMBERS, FENNEL ASHFIELD & Co. The Rhyl Drug Stores All Patent Medicines at Wholesale Prices. Telephone, DigS.

CORRESPONDENCE. THE 'FREE LIBRARY- QUESTION. To the Editor of the RECORD AND ADVERTISER. Sir,—It cannot be possible that the ratepayer of Rhyl, who are generally proud of their town, will refuse to accept the offered gift of 93,000 as an investment for the permanent benefit of the community. Such an opportunity will never occur again. Is it not a shortsighted policy to oppose an increase of a penny in the pound on the rates when they can never be raised beyond that amount for Library purposes ? Let us shew our respect for the present generation and pos- terity, and not hesitate to vote for the proposal, although personal cons,iderations may have to be sacrificed. The right time for enterprise has come. There has been, and is now, a real want of a Free Library. The matter has been under consideration for years past, and the present and coming generation would thank the Council and' ratepayers who had accepted such a generous gift on their behalf. The settlement of the question will have an important bearing on the future history of Rhyl. If the mistake were made of declining the offer, our lack of the philanthropic spirit would be remembered by those who set a high value on such institutions, and we should pos- sibly lose the sympathy of the Gilchrrist Trust and other friends who have helped, and would otherwise continue to help us towards a more intelligent view of ourselves, other people, a.nd the world at large. We should, therefore, first secure the prize which is within reach, and: thus shew our am- bition for progress, and afterwards agitate for retrenchment and reform in our local adminis- tration until the rates are appreciably reduced and the finances are put on a satisfactory basis. This matter rests with the ratepayers.—Yours faithfully, T. BATHO. MUSICAL SUCCESS.—Eva Strachan, aged 9 years, Woodhey, Rock Ferry, has passed with honour the examination of the Incorpora- ted Society of Musicians, held in Liverpool, Dec. 10th, 1903, j

THE RECORD & AD /ERTISER May be had from the Publishers, Amos Bros. By Post. Delivered in Town. s. d. a. d One quarter 1 8 One quarter 1 1 Half-yearly 3 4 Half-yearly 2 g Yearly. 6 8 Yearly 4 < All communications to be addressed to tb Editor. Telegraphic address, "Advertiser," Rhyl. Telephone, No. 0190

CHRISTMASTIDE. THK season of peace and goodwill is at our dnors once more. Time with its fleeting wings seems to move with ever increasing rapidity as the years roll on. We can scarcely realise that twelve months have gone since we last extended om readers the customary greetings. But it is so To-morrow is Christmas day. What blessed memories what hallowed associa tions it brings in its train. Nearly two thousand years have elapsed since the Angels carolled in dulcet tones the message of peace on earth and goodwill to man We are afraid that the music of that angelic theme is more frequently than otherwise lost in the clashing of arms, the strife of nations, the bickerings of politics, loccd and imperial, and the keen rivalry produced by acute commercial competition. But despite outward appearances we are among those who believe that the glorious message is still exercising its beneficent influences on our national, our political, and our home life. And as the anniversary of the birth of Christ approaches we see some indica- tion of it in the efforts to cease all strivings, to suspend, if not destroy, all enmity, and more pleasing still, to find on the part of those who are liberally endowed with the good things of life to give out of their abundance to those less fortunately circum- stanced. Yes, for the momen, there is a peaceful hush, in the serene quietude pro- duced by which we imagine we can hear the Herald Angels singing once more the anthem that is to sound through all the ages. May the most troubled heart and wearied mind enjoy this blissful peace may the most needy of our fellow creatures find some extra comfort; and may all without exception spend what is our heart- felt wish,— A MERRY & JOYOUS CHRISTMAS.

THE COUNTY DENTAL ASSOCIATION Limited, has removed to Heald House, 32, Water Street, Rhyl. Consultation and advice free. Hours of attendance, a.m. to 8 p.m. daily (Saturdays excepted). Mr. F. Sarson, MESSRS. R. ELLIS & SON, Ruthin, North Wales, have been appointed Purveyors of Miner- al and Table Waters to H.R.H. the Pruice of Wales. This firm already holds a Royal War- rant of Appointment as Purveyors to His Majesty the Kine. IMPORTANT POSTAL -NOTICE.-We are informed by the Postmaster that the Rhyl Post Office will be closed to the public at 9 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. on and from 1st January, 1904. ENGLISH WESLEYAN QUART ERIA MEETING.—The quarterly meeting of the Rhyl English Wesleyan Circuit was held on Thursday, the Rev. G. Talalun Newton presid- ing over a somewhat meagre attendance. The treasurer's statement showed that there was a deficit balance of L52. The membership re- turns showed an increase. Mr. J. A. Harker and Mr. G. R. Lawrence were thanked for their past services as stewards, and re-elected for another year. Mr. A. L. Clews was elected secretary to the quarterly meeting. HOT-POT DISTRIBUTION ON CHRIST- MAS DAY.—The Poor Relief Committee met on Tuesday and distributed upwards of 300 tickets for bread, coal, and hot-pots. Miss Williams, Alexandra Hotel, is, as usual, super- intending the arrangements. The dishes hnw been supplied by Mr. W. Pendleton and Mrs. Beech. Gifts of meat have been received from Messrs. Owens and Sons, Y\ ater Street, and from Messrs. Parry and Son, Water Street, the former sending 50 Ibs. of beet, and the latter a very fine Welsh sheep. The rest of the meat was purchased from the local butchers. The hot-pots will be delivered on Christmas morn- ing from the different bakehouses in the town. LEGAL.—We are pleased to state that Mr. Percival Williams, solicitor, has been appointed a Commissioner to adiranist;:r Oaths. GOSPEL TOTAL ABSTINENCE MEET- INGS IN THE BOYS' BRIGADE, IIALL — Last Sunday night there was a very large atten- dance at the usual meeting, which was arranged by Clwyd Street Chape-l abstainers. MT. J. Roberts Jones was chairman, and in a short address stated that from his experience, public, and private, he was convinced that drink was responsible directly or indirectly for a great part of the poverty, misery, and crime of the country. Mrs. Freeman gave a very effective rendering of The Dawn of Redemp- tion.' The Rev. Barrow Williams, Llandud- no, then gave a most interesting, persuasive, and convincing address. It was t*- ie, he saici, we were up and doing, when the Prime Minis- ter of a Christian country was prepared to make the liquor traffic into a vested interest by withholding from the magistrates the pefwer they now possess of refusing licenses which are not required without giving compensation. This would increase the value of licenses, and be a present to the trade of scores of millions of pounds, and it would make temperance re- form impossible for a long time. The church- es and all patriots should. use every effort to prevent this. Several instances were graphic- ally given of the terribly debaring influence of drink, one of which by some will never be forgotten. Mr. Williams urged the children and the young people to keep to the only safe path—total abstinence. Next Sunday the total abstainers connected with Zoar Chapel will arrange the meeting. PLEASANT SATURDAY EVENINGS.—The concert on Saturday was given in the Town Hall, and a special Christmas programme at- tracted a large and enthusiastic audience. Mr. II. A. Till by fulfilled the duties of chairman with his usual ability. At the outset he stated that owing to the length of the programme no enores could be given. The following pro- giamine was well sustained:—Pianoforte duet, M isses Winnie and Madge Jones recitation, I The Little Hero,1 Miss Amy Jones illustra- ted song, 'Father O'Flynn,' Mr. R. Hanlon; cornet solo, 'The Children's Home,' Mr. T. C'lough song, Entreat me not to leave the,e,' Miss G. Humphreys; illustrated song, 'Tit for Tat,' Miiss Lillie Evans; Chairman's ad- dress. Mr. Tilby, in his address, reminded the audience that he had often at those gather- ings advocated the claims of a Free Library for Rhyl. One of the great drawbacks in regard to having a Free Library had been a suitable building. Mr. Carnegie had removed that difficulty by giving P,3,000 towards such a buiil- ding (applause). Somebody had said that the working classes had not the ability to take ad. vantage of these privileges. That only showed that there was all the more need that such educational advantages should be given them (applause). In a place like Rhyl it was very lmportant to encoirrage residential visitors, people who have small independent incomes, and with a good deal of leisure time at their disposal. To such people a Free Library would be a great attraction, and therefore, if only looked upon as another investment, he was sure that that investment would turn out a good one. Illustrated recitation, The Cur- few shall! not ring to-night," Master Thomas Henry Jones illustrated song. Mary of Ar- gyle,' Mr. J. Roberts Jones whiistiling solo, Al.ice, where art thou,' Master John Hughes; pianoforte solo, Miss Winnie Jones; illustra- ted song, The Three Beggars,' \rs, Freeman cornet solo, 'Lost Chord,' Mr. Clough illus- trated reading, 'The Cricket on the Hearth' (Charles Dickens), Mr. A. Lewis Jones exhi- bition of selected lantern slides, Mr. Ernest Jones, who also manipulated the lantern to ex- hi bit the items in the programme. Accom- pf .Tst, Miss Mabel Hughes. Mr. A. Lewis Jo nes proposed the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman and all who had taken part. He Iso announced that the next concert would be given in the Brigade Hall on January 2nd, 1904. THE BODONWEN ESTATE.—We under- stand that Bodonwen, with Bodonwen Cottage and the land attached to the property, have been purchased by Messrs. D. Griffiths and Son, builders, who propose to lay out the land for the building of villa residences. LOCAL PRIZE-WINNERS.—Among the prize-winners at the Carnarvon Fur and Feather Show on Thursday were Mr. J. A. Harker, Highfield Par,k and Master S. Whitefield Gib- son, Highfield Park. Mr. D. B. Jones, 24, River Street, secured 1st and third prizes at Ruthin, third prize at, Carnarvon, and second prize at Liverpool Leghorns. A PLEASANT t ^NG.-Last Monday evening Mrs. Griffith Lew^. Victoria Avenue, organized a successfulconcert al,¡ rtaniment in connection with the Brunswick Welsh Wes- ieyans. mere was a large attendance, pic., sided over by the Rev. E. Humphreys.. Among those who contributed to the programme were Miss Marie Griffiths, Misses Eva Jones and Lettie Hughes, Miss S. C. Jones, Bedford Street; Masters T. H. Jones and Eddie nav- ies, Miss Eunice Jones, Miss S. E. Jones, Mr. Bevan Bellis, Mr. J. Francis Jones, Mr. Gliff, Lewis, and Mr. Wm. Edwards. The contri- butions of these were interspersed by some in- teresting competitions and penillion singing by Mr. Evans; and auto-harp selection by Mr. Haroldi Ed"wards. On the proposition of Mr. R. Jones, Holborn Billa, seconded by Mr. J. P. Lewis, a hearty vote of thanks was accor- ded to Mrs. G. Lewis, who played the accom- paniments throughout as well as arranging the programme, and also all who had contributed to the evening's enjoyment. THE Annual Tea in connection with Bruns- wick Wesleyan Chapel will take place at the Town Hall on Thursday, the 31st inst. The. committee of .the above have secured the ser- vices of the Rev. E. Lloyd Jones, Manchester, and formerly of this town, to deliver his popu- lar leture on Oliver Cromwell. Our Bruns- wick friends have a splendid reputation for their annual tea, and the public may expect to have a treat on the above date ST. MARY'S ANNUAL CONCERT.—The first and second parts of the programme were equal to anything we have hearl before in con- nection with this school. But the operetta, which formed the third part of the programme, although very well done for young children, did not reach the high water mark which the Ffynnongroew Road, School has usually at- tained. Father Swift, in his remarks regarding the school, explained that the falling off was due to the want of elder scholars, and that he strongly suspected the parents of removing their children before they had the age limit. The programme was as follows —Part I. The Troubles of the Babies,' Maria McMull- en, Katie Byrne, Nancy Davies, Dolly Ca.rn- pini, and W innie Campini; a musical sketch entitled A Spelling Bee' The Little Lady, Olive Camnini dantce; recitation, My Pocket,' Jack Wright; accompanist, Miss A. Mc\\alter. Part II.: Duet, 'Alice, where art thou ?' Mrs. Dunderdale and Miss M. Goulding; song, The Ballad of the Victoria Cross,' Mr. W. Hibbits song, 'The Arab's Farewell to his Steed,' Mrs. Coates; chorus, 'The Giipsy Chorus' in The Bohemian Girl,' St. Mary's Choir. Part III. Senior Chil- dren, Operetta, 'Hansel and Gretel'—Hansel, Master T. McMainus; Gretel, Miss T. Davies Father, Master B. Shepherd; Mother, Miss A. McWalter; Burgomaster, aster N. Wright; Hugo, Master A. Byrne; Otto, Master W. Taylor; Witch, Miss N. Campini; Wood Nymphs, R. Byrne, M. McManus, L. Davies, J. Dobbins, O. Campini; Imps T. Jones, B. Campini, G. Taylor, J. McMullen, F. McMulll en, I. McManus, and F. Byrne. The concert ended by the children singing a Christmas car- ol. The accompaniments were entrusted to Miss L. Boullemiier, who fiHed that office with great ability. RHYL BOXING-DAY ETSTEDDFOD.-The Committee of the EistedkJfod have now com- pleted the arrangements for the great festival of Boxing-Day. The day programmes are al- ready issued from this office, and contain all the entries up to Wednesday. The number of entries on all subjects are larger than, usual. The choral contests promri.sc to be very keen, as several of the male voice and mixed choirs are prize-winners at many Eisteddfods. The competitions on the challenge duet, trio, and quartette also will be very keen., some of the best parties in North Wales having entered the lists. The entries for the different solos and recitations are very numerous. Miss AJys Bateman will sing a series of classical and English songs in the afternoon and evening meetings. Miss Bateman will be an entirely new artiste to North Wales. She brings first- c'lass records from London, Paris, Berlin. and Rome. The Railway Companies have arrange i cheap-excursion trains from Wrexham, Ruthin, Llanrwst, Carnarvon, and Chester there are promises of a great treat fo: the people of this town for Boxing-Day. 8_8 V.

SPEECH DAY AT ABERGELE COUNTY SCHOOL. PERFORMANCE OF A WELSH HISTORICAL PLAY. Speech day at Abergele County School this year was "play day!" The apparent contradiction is explained by the fact that a Welsh historical play was substituted for the ordinary school concert which accompanies the annual speech day. It must be admitted that the result has more than justified the bold innovation. Speech day has never before had to be repeated four times in one week, 'and'has sever in a small town like Abergele added Isome scores of pounds to the school funds. These are however, only a few of the material results of the new departure. The teachers say their pupils take a new and keener interest in their studies, the sur- rounding gentry a new and keener interest in the school, and all concerned, a new and pardonable pride in an institution which is rendering a great public service outside the ordinary sphere of school work. Lady Florentia Hughes and other members of the Kinmel family, with quite a number of county families, accompanied by their respective house parties, have paid repeated visits to the unexpectedly excellent performances given during the past week at the Abergele County School Hall The single performance originally intended to be given only whetted the public appetite. Four performances have already been given, and four more after the holidays will hardly satisfy the public demand. What adds to the interest of this successful ex- periment is the fact that, with very few exceptions most of the costumes and the stage properties have been designed and manufactured by the staff and the pupils of the school from the cheapest and most commonplace materials. Ordinary drapers' bale canvas, with dyes. have produced gorgeous costumes; the neighbouring tanyard has provided the grandeur of Caractacus's tent and the robes of his emertains; brass curtain rings and chains have emphasised the ornate magnificence of Imperial Rome, and all com- bined have produced such a stage display as for effectiveness could not be surpassed by any provincial theatre. At the annual meeting of the local governing body of the school, the clerk (Mr E. A. Crabbe) reported that the Rev Thomas Parry, J P., Llys Aled, Colwyn Bay, had been unanimously elected as a governor. Mr Pairy, who has long been known as one of the most enlightened educationalists in the county, was then unanimously elected chairman of the governors. The Head Master's report detailed the remarkable progress the school has made in point of numbers, the highly satisfactory results of the recent Central Board examinations, the distinctions gained by some of the pupils, and the gratifying success which bad already marked the movement for obtaining funds for the large extensions of the existing school buildings. The governors highly complimented the head master and the school staff on the phenomenal success of the school, and directed a vote to that effect to be entered on the minutes.

MR. S. K. MUSPRATTS GIFT TO HOLYWELL COUNTY SCHOOL. At a meeting of the Governors on Saturday, Mr. Muspratt was re-appointed chairman, and Mrlf. Johnson Jones, and Mr P. Hardiug Roberts were appointed to the vice chair. The Rev. Dr. Oliver and Mrs Humphrey Williams, Flint, were co-opted members. A letter was read, amid applause, from Mr Sydney K. Muepratt, expressing his intention of handing over to trustees, on behalf o himself and bis wife, a sum of money which would produce a sufficient income to provide two annual scholarships of 16 each, one to be confined to pnpils from the town, and the other to be allocated as the Governor might think fit. The scholarships were in memory of his parents, and he wished them to be known a "The Richard Muspratt Memorial Scholarships." A vote of thanks was pissed to Mr. and Mrs. Mnspratt, and the chairman and clerk were deputed to arrange the terms of the treat.