Rhyl Record and Advertiser

Matters seem to be progressing sat isfact- orily in regard to the proposed Free Library for Rhyl. At Monday's meeting of the Rhyl Urban District Council it was announced that the Local Government Board had sanctioned the utilisation of a portion of the Town Hall and old police station premises as the site of the Library building, and at the next monthly meeting of the Council, the Chairman of the General Purposes Committee will move the necessary resolution for bringing the Act into operation. Meantime the Surveyor is engaged upon the completion •of the plans, etc. In addition to the Free Library these will include certain altera- tions and extensions to the Town Hall and as this will involve an expenditure of money over and above the sum kindly given by Mr Carnegie, ayplication will have to be made to the Local Government Board for sanction to a loan. We know how slowly the mills of the Local Government Board grind. We think, if this Free Library is to be of any service and value to the town at all, it will be of service and value sooner than 2ater, and the earlier it is completed and its doors thrown open to the public of Rhyl, the more will it be appreciated. We trust that matters will be so expedited that the Council will be enabled to make a start with the buildings immediately after the close of the season and that before the end of the winter of 1905 the Free Library will be in full operation and use in Rhyl. Meantime the Council ought to interest ,themselves in securing gifts of books with which to stock it. There are several visitors interested in Rhyl who, we feel sure would be glad to help to fill the shelves as a mark of the interest they take in this town, and of appreciation of the benefit to health and of the pleasure they have experience during their sojourn here. Others having an official connection with the town and district would also be glad of the opportunity of contributing towards its intellectual development by the gift of elevating and standard works. The pre- liminaries and formalities in connection with the bringing of the Act into operation having been complied with, no time ought to be lost in securing a collection of books 'suitable for an institute of this kind.

-)0(- Abergele. LORD DUNDONALD DISMISSED.—An order in Council relieving Lord Dundonald of the command of the Canadian Militia is published. Appended is the report of the Committee of the Privy Council of Canada, vwhich was approved of by the Governor- General on Wednesday, stating that Lord 'Dundonald has admitted the substantial correctness of the account of his speech published by an Ottawa newspaper, in which he assailed the Government and Mr Fisher, the Minister of Agriculture, with regard to their action in Militia affairs. It is declared that Lord Dundonald's remarks indicate on his part regretable failure to appreciate the principles of British constitutional Government. After defending as justifiuble the action of Mr Fisher in objecting to an appointment recommended by the Commander of the .Militia, the report concludes by saying that Lord Dundonald, although a high officer of the Canadian Government, is an official of the Government, subject to all the limita- tions usually imposed upon public officials in regard to the action of their superior .officers.—Reuter.

£ 1 St. Asaph. POULTRY LOSSES.-St. Asaph is fast es- tablishing a record for lost or stolen poultry and other thefts. Many of the inhabitants are be-moan- ing the loss of carefully reared chickens and ducklings. This loss falls particularly heavy on the colleagues who depend on the sale of these fowls for many little extras. We hope our worthy con- stables will keep a strict watch in the neighbouring towns or villiages where the same, no doubt, will be offered for sale.

-)0(- IN MEMORIAM. BARNETT—In. loving memory of Annie Lillian (Lilly), the dearly loved and youngest daugh. ter of James F. and Emmeline H. Barnett (late of Didsbury, Manchester), who was called home 20th June, 1898. 'Angels bright did welcome her To all the joys of Canaan.'

RHYL. Where do you get your Bacon and Cheese? The very top note in the scale of excellence is to be found at Roose and Co.'s, Queen Street, Rhyl, wht) are noted for Prime Bacon and Prize Cheshire Cheese!—Advt. EGLWYS Y METHODISTIAID CALFIX- AlpD. Cl.YVYD STREET, lUIYL.-Bydd yr Egiwys uchocl yn addoli yn y Town- Hall tra y mae yr ad.eJaci:z1.U yn myned dan. ad'gyweiriadau, <Vc. Gwasanaefh-ir v Sabboth nesaf yn y Town Hall: Boreu, am 10, ac yn yr hwyr am 6. gan y Pa.rch. R. Ambrose Jones, Rhewl. Prydnawn, am 2 o'r gloch, yr Ysgol Sabbothol. Y moddion wvthnosol yn Schoolroom Clwyd. St. A DONKEY PARADE. — The adjourned Licensing meeting of the Rbyl Urban District Council, for the purpose of inspecting the donkeys licensed for hire and their drivers was held on Friday evening. There were present:—Messrs J. W. Jones (vice-chairman) presiding, S. Perks, T. D. Jones. C. R. Tayleur. J. H. Ellis, Joseph A. Williams, John Hughes, W. Wintsrbottom, the Clerk (Mr A. Rowlands), the Town Surveyor (Mr A. A. GoodnH). and Inspector Pearfon. The donkeys to the number of close upon thirty were assembled in cavalry form in the council yard. On the whole, the unimals looked fairly well, and their saddles and aceountrements had evidently under- gone renov ition "nd retitivating. But a elope exam- ination revealed the fact that the improvement was very superficial and many of the straps &c. were found defective. In order that these might be made good to the satisfaction of the Surveyor and Inspector, ir. WHO resolved to defer the granting of the licenses for a month. ROY A L SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANiMALS —A public meet- ing to further the interests of the Rhyl Branch of the Hoval Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held at the Council Chamber, on Friday eveniug, under the presidency of Mr G, A. Taveroer, J.P. A lucid and interesting address reviewing the Society's work was delivered by Mr Reekes, of the Parent Society. FLINTS3IRE AND DENBIGHSHIRE AGRI- CULTURAL SOCIETY. —A meeting of the Local Committee of the Denbighshire and Flintshire Agricultural Society was held at the White Lion Hote!, Rhyl, on Tuesday. Mr A. Sheffield, chair- man of the committee, presided. Notice of motion been given by Mr W. Conwy Bell to the effect that Class VI for bullocks should not be confined to tenant farmers as recommended by the Committee, but thrown open to all. But as he was not present it was decided to adhere to the original resolution. Messrs Gwynne Sheffield and E. Bevington, Rhyl, and Mr Wigley and Mr W. A. Watts, St. Asaph, were appointed to fill vacancies in the list of collectors. LOCAL SUCCESS AT WIRRA.L SHOW.— Mr W. Conwy Bell, Brynyffynnon, has had a series of successes with his exhibits at recent shows. At the Wirral and Birkenhead show his ram "Lewis Dafydd" tenk the champion prize value jG5, presented by Mr Joseph Heap, J.P., the president, for the best exhibit of Welsh sheep exhibited by a member of the society, and with his ram Twm Sbon Dafydd," took the special prize, the •'Too- good bronze medal for the second best exhibit of Welsh Sheep, exhibited by a member of the Society. THE EISTEDDFOD CHOIR.—A joint re. hearsal of the Rhyl National Eisteddfod chcir took place at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening. The Rhyl members, who turned up in large numbers, were reinforced by the presence of several members from the Denbigh and Prestatyn contingents. Mr David Jenkins, the composer of the new oratorio Job," which is one of the works to be performed, conducted the choir through several numbers of the work. and though this is the last of the three works which the choir took in hand, and they have not had many rehearsals with it, they acquitted them- selves magnificently, Mr Jenkins beivg evidently pleased. This work, he said, was to be performed on the evening of the chief choral day, and after they had heard some of the finest choral singing in the world After people had been attuned to such a high pitch they would expect much of the Eisteddfod choir, and would measure their singing by the high standard of the competitive singing. High as that standard was he expressed himself confident in the ability of the choir to riee to it. Not only was he confident of the choir doing the work justice but thanks to the Committee there would also be an efficient orchestra, and that was of great advantage. He reminded them that the Rhyl Eisteddfod choir had a high reputation to sustain. The performance ef "Saul of Tarsus" was a record performance, but with such a choir, assisted by such an orchestra, they ought to beat the record. Mr Wilfrid Jones, the conductor, subsequently took up the baton and took the choir through a couple of the choruses of "Captivity," among those who listened to their very fine per- formance being Mis Emlyn Evans, the wife of the composer, and a daughter of the late Rev. Aaiou Francis, of Rhyl. THE QUEEN'S PALACE.—This week again there ia an attractive programme at the Queen's Palace, ana the patronage acoorded it, considering the fine evenings, has heeu of a character distinctly encouraging to the management. The aorobntio achievements of the Three Pagmar Wonders supply a capital turn and they introduce many new and novel business in this particular line. Percy Maye, a well-known Rhyl entertainer, appears in saveral new delineations of female character, bis realistic impersonations quite deoaiving the audience as to his real sex. Without looking at the programme one would conclude when he is on the stags that he is listening to some very charming and very graceful comedienne. The dancing of the Les Spray who were such favourites last fear, are as popular as when they were first introduced to the Rhvl public. Miss Marie Reeve appears again this week, and her coon impersonations and delightful dancing affords the audience evident enjoyment The hand-balancing feats of Rushworth and Darius are also well received. This wesk again an excellent and varied eeries cf living piotures are being shown by means of the Vivi<raph, and are among the most appreciative items in a programme of unvarying excellence. The dancing floor ia well patronised and crowded with dancers. Matters at the Palace will be in full swing next week when Mons Bosanquet and his band will take up the musical arrangements. THE MERRIE MEN.—There is no e-ainsaying the popularity of the Merrie Men." Thrice daily they draw a delighted crowd of spectators to their delightful entertainments on the sands.. Charlie Drew is perenially fresh and new. Robt. Gillmore's humour is more vigorons than ever, and the other members of the tronpe have fully established them- selves in popular favour. Mr E. H. Williams is an energetic and resourceful entertainer, and has always something novel and entertaining for his patrons. ROYAL ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL.—A very kind response has been made to the appeal in last week's paper for spades for the convalescent children, and the Lady Superintendent wishes to express her thanks to all the friends who have sent them. The names are as follows:—Lady Arm- strong, Mrs Wood (spades and buckets), Mrs Gamlin, Mfa Jeffreys, Mrs Batt, Mrs Potter, Mrs F. J. Stokes, A Friend."—The following gifts have also been received and are acknowledged with many thanks:—Flowers, vegetables, and bedding- I out plants the Countess of Dundonald; flowers, 'I rhubarb &c., Miss Roberts; rhubarb, Idrs Towns- hend Muinwaring; bedding-out plants, Mr Muspratt; vegetables, Mrs Crookford; roses, Mrs Kynaston Mainwaring and Mr Linnell; illustrated papers and magazines, Mrs Millward, Mr Herbert and Mr Leigh.—The sum of £2 4s. 6d. was realised by the RIII of programmes of the recent Liverpool Cotton Walk. and was moat kindly given to the Hospital funds. ST. ASAPH AND RHYL COUNTY COURT- All summonses against persons residing out of the district for the next court to be held at Rhyl on the 8th day of July, 1904, must be entered not later than Saturday next the 18th day of June, and those against persons residing in the district not later than Tuesday next the 21st day of June.—Officer: Paradise Street, Rhyl; hours 10 till 4, Saturdays 10 till 1. JAPANESE NIGHT AT THE QUEEN'S PALACE.—One of those delightful special nights which Mr Ashfield has such an aptitude for arrang- ing, took place at the Queen's Palace last (Thursday) evening, the distinctive feature being a Japanese ball. Mr Ashfield personally designed and super- intended the gorgeous Japanese decorations, the wealth of light diffused from the varrigated Japanese lanterns producing a very bsautiful effect. The Palace was filled with a gay and animated audience, and the dancing was participated in by a joyous throng of dancers. The first prize for the Japanese costume was awarded to Miss Violet Bartholomew, and the seeond to Miss Roberts, Handel House. The M.C's. were Mr Thomas Edward Greenhalgh aud Master Bosanquet.

-)0(- Mr. Benjamin liuwan. 1, b. rue head of one of the chief milling concerns in Norfolk, aQd for half a century prominently identified with the public life of Yarmouth, died on Saturday after returning from market. Deceased was seventy-one. A Shipley master tailor on Saturday morning found that eleven £100 bank-notes had been stolen during the night out of a book in his bookcase, in which he bad concealed them.

The Valuation Bill. IMPORTANT CONFERENCE AT RHYL. On Monday an important meeting was held at Rhyl of representatives-of Union Assessment Com- mittees of North Wrfles to consider the provisions of the Valuation Biii. 1901. There wan a large attendance of delegates, practically every Union in North Walfp being represented. Mr Simon Jones, of the Wrexham Union, was voted to the chair. The bill was considered in detail, and a lontr dis- cuRsion took place. There was general agreement expressed with the principle of one rating authority for all purposes, but a very pronouuced difference of opinion as to the constitution of that authority. It WIlS generally felt that to attach this additional work to the duties already imposed on the County Councils wonld be to render the bill practically in- operative. The suggested amendments were that the Union areas be preserved for valuution pur- poses that the Assessment Committees be consti- tuted as hitherto, with the addition of representa- tives of the county councils, town councils, and urban and ru/al district councils in the Union, the surveyor of taxes having a rixht to be presout at any meeting' of the Committee, but not to rote. It was pointnd out that tho county councils were al. ready over-burdened with work, having only re- cently been made responsible fur another important brunch of administration—namely, education, and that local knowledge was absolutely nece<siry to ascertain the rent a hypothetical tenant will give for any property if let from year to year. If the bill becomes law in its present form the community will be deprived of the services of many mea who have had grent experience in the assessing of pro- perty in their particular districts. It a-as contended that, in the interest of the public, tha ratepayers, and the overseers alike, it is desirable that oppor- tunity for ratepayers appealingairainsttheir assess- ments should be made as simple, convenient, and inexpensive as possible, and the appeal to special sessions to he retained. On the proposition of Mr C. A. Jones, of the Carnarvon Un'on, seconded by Mr Gardener, of the Valley Union, Holyhead, the fo'Iowing resolu- tion WaS unanimously passed: — "That this meet- ing: of representatives of Union Assessment Com- mittees of North Wales resolves—(l) That a petition be presented to the House of Oomtnons setting out the objections which in their opinion exist to the proposed Valuation Bill; (2) that a committee of four, consisting of the Chairman, Mr C. A Jones, Mr J. L. Muspratt, and Mr P. Harding Roberts (secretary of the Poor Law Conference), be formed for the purpose of drawing up such petition (3) the petition to be signed by the chairman and sec- retary on behalf of the Conference; (4) that copies of such petition be forwarded to the I rime Miuister, Mr Walter Long, M.P., aud the county and borough members throughout North Wales." It was further resolved, on the proposition of Mr Thomas Roberts, of the Festiniog Uni >n, seconded by Mr Thomas Roberts, Bangor Union:—"That this meeting of representatives of Union Assessment Committees of North Wales accepts the principle that there should be uniformity of assessment for all purposes. Imperial and local, but is strongly of opinion that this object wiil not be secured by the bit! now before Parliament; that in the opinion of this meeting the desired uniformity will best be secured by retaining the union assessment commit- tees, supplemented by the addition to the committee of representatives appointed by the councils of counties, county boroughs, non-county boroughs, urban and rural districts respectively, together with the representatives of the luland Revenue Depart- ment; that if the present bill passes, its adminis- tration will be impracticable, the cost would be greatly increased, and great hardships would be inflicted on the ratepayers the advantage of local knowledge available under the present system would be to a great extent sacrificed, whilst the arbitrary powers proposed to be given ::0 the Su- veyor of Taxes would place the v. tuition authori- ties in a humiliating and anomilouj position. It was also resolved that a copy of this resolution he sent to ech of the county and borough members representing North Waies, aad that they be re- quested to give their support thereto and that the assessment committees in North Wales be asked to i appoint representatives to attend the Conference of representatives of boards of guardians and union assessment committees outside .London at its next meeting in London, when this matter will come up for further consideration. On the proposition of Mr W. Roberts, Holywell, a vote of thauks was accorded the Chairman for presiding.

A SUGGESTION TO LIBERALS. To the Editor of fat RECORD AND ADVERTISER. Sir,—I notice from the daily papers that Mr Winston S. Churchill, M-P., has promised to address a series of meetings in North Wales and that among other places he will speak on behalf of Mr William Jones, M.P. at Llandudno, and Mr D. Lloyd George M.P.at Bangor. The fact that the imgniticent pavilion that is now being built for the Eisteddfod will be available about that time hes suggested to me the desirability of a great meeting being organised with Mr Lloyd George and Mr Winston Churchill as the principal speakers. I had the pleasure of hearing Mr Churchill speak in Rhyl as a Conservative and though I differed entirely with his views at the time I was much attracted to him, as were most Liberals who heard him. I need hardly cay. if I listened to him with so much pleasure; as a Conservative what pleasure it will afford me to hear him as a Liberal. Mr Lloyd George—it goes without saying—is a never failing source of delight and of political inspiration, and the presence on the same platform of these rising hopes ot the great party of ''peace, retrenchment and reform" would be an event of considerable political significance and interest. Such a meeting would tend to materially stimulate Liberal thought and activity in Rhyl, and should the leaders of the party in the town entertain the suggestion, and are successfully in prevailing upon Mr Winston Church- hill to pay us a visit, I would add another suggestion and that is that is that he should be asked to open the new premises of the Liberal Club, and give the resucctated organization a new fillip and new encouragement—Yours obediently, A CHURCHILLITE.

RHYL—THE PROPRIETARY STANDS. To the Editor of the RECORD AXD ADVERTISER. Sir,—I quite agree with the remarks you made with regard to the abolition of proprietary stands. ? is very hard upon those who like myself, have only one or two vehiciles, and who cannot afford to pay the fancy prices asked for by the Parade hotels that I should be relegated to a part of the town where there is very little chance of getting passengers while one or two proprietors are allowed to monop- olise the whole of the stands on front. The living of the individual coach or carriage proprietor is being taken away from him by monopolists, and the Council are pandering to them. In Rhyl we have no industry providing permanent employment and thus it is that a great many respectable men have provided themselves with hackney carriages in the hope of supplementing the precarious earnings of their wives from lodging house keeping. But of recent years the Council have allowed two or three firms, owning a great many vehicles to take up the best positions on the sea-trout with the result that there is a danger of the individual car proprietor driving his own vehicle being crushed out ofexistance. I trnst that the Council will re-consider the whole matter tor so far from remedying the grievance the latest action of the Council has been to accentuate it,—Yours faith. fully, A CARRIAGE OWNER. -)0(-

Rhyl Petty Sessions, TUESDAY Before Lr. A. Eyton Lloyd (in the chair), Messrs. R. C. Envon, J. Foulkes, and J. H. Ellis. BEGGING. John Williams, labourer, Victoria Road, was charged by P C. William Jones with begging for alms on Saturday, the Illh inst. P.C. William Jones- said that at about 6-45 on the 1 ith inst. he was on duty in Vale Road when he received complaints that the defendant was begging on Vale Road bridge. He watched the defendant for some time and saw him stop several people and ask them for money. John Williams, Vale Road, said he was going over the bridge at 6-30 on Saturday night when the defendant stopped him and asked him for a copper. Defendant denied that he was begging and called Simon McManus and John Edwards who were speaking to him about the time. They said he did not ask them for anything, the latter remarking that a gentleman had given them a threepenny piece between them and he had given it to Williams. Inspector Pearson said that a threepenny piece was found on defendant together with several coppers. He had no lixed place of abode and was constantly sleeping out at the Brickworks. Defendant was sentenced to seven days hard labour. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. George Ryles, chimney sweep, was charged by PC Richardson with being drunk and disorderly on June 2.—The constable said defendant had been turned out of his rooms and when on the highway was very drunk, creating a disturbance by shouting and swearing. He was obliged to lock him up. Defen- dant admitted he was drunk but denied that he was disorderly. He was fined 2s 6d and 6s costs. John Evans, Ffynnongroew Road, Rhyl, pleaded guilty to a charge preferred against him of being drunk and disorderly on the the 4th of June. P.C. Richardson said he was sent for to eject the prisoner from the Packet Hotel, but he met him in the road and asked him to go home quietly and not create a disturbance. He promised to do so and witness said he would not report him. As be was going along he became very disorderly.—Defendant was fined 5s and 6s costs. UNFOUNDED CHARGE OF CRUELTY TO A HORSE. John Hollingsworth, 15, Treforris, Rhyl, was charged by Inspector Norman, of the Royal Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, with cruelty to a horse by working it while in an unfit state, and Fred Kitchen, yard foreman, was charged with causing the same to be worked. Mr Joseph Lloyd defended. The case against Hollingsworth was taken first. Inspector Norman said that at 1-45 p m. oa the 26th of May he saw the defendant Hollingsworth driving two horses drawing a landau. He noticed one of the horses was going lame and he stopped the carriage and examined the horse. He found both fore feet inflamed and in his opinion the horse was quite unfit for work. He advised the defendant to take the horse to the stable and he did so. He asked who caused him to work this horse and he said it vi-as his foreman, Fred Kitchen. Cross-examined: He examined the horse and felt its feet. He did not tell defendant what was the matter with the horse except that it was lame. Defendant said he knew that the horse was lame. Witness told him it suffered from chronic lameness. At the time the horse had only just came out of the stable; it was not drawing a heavy load and was going to a funeral. He did not think it was a case for a caution. P.C. William Jones gave corroborative evidence. Charles Hatton, veterinary surgeon, Llandudno, said he examined the horse on the 27th May. He found it was very lame in both fore legs, due to inflamation of the feet. It was also suffering from contracted tendons. The animal was quite unfit to work and it was an act of cruelty to work it in that condition. Cross-examined He should say that the lameness had been in existence for about twelve months. The only thing he suggested could be done with such a horse was to kill it. It was in fair condition. Mr Joseph Lloyd, for the defence, said he could not help saying that the Inspector was very unfortun- ate in the class of cases that he brought before their worships He did not seem to have any sense of discriminating between a case of wanton cruelty of abusing and torturing an animal and a case where it might be cruel to be kind. This particular horse was the property of Mr Joseph Williams, and in spite of what the veterinary surgeon said it did not want veterinary knowledge and experience to know that horses when they become old got stiff in their limbs just as human beings did. It was well known that unaccustomed exertion would cause stiffness next day and the best cure for it was renewed exertion. As against the expert opinion of the veterinary surgeon, he would place the evidence of a gentleman of the character and reputation of Mr Joseph Williams. This was an old horse and had been the property of Mr Williams for about twelve years. On the day previous to the date of the alleged offence it had been put in a brake with other horses, and did a little fast light work. The next morning the horse was apparently stiff. Recognising that the stiffness was due to old age and unaccus- tomed work, they put the horse to a vehicle that was to attend a funeral to give it a chance of stretch- ing its legs. It was going quietly drawing an empty carriage with another horse, when it was stopped by the Inspector, having only just left the stable. Even if the Inspector had come to the conclusion that it was suffering some pain, knowing Mr Joseph Williams so well, and seeing that the horse had only just left the stable he should have said, This horse is going lame and I must ask you to take it back and not work it again." If he had been a man he would have gone to Mr Williams, but he never saw him about the matter at all, and the probability was that if Mr Williams had not been ill in bed at the time he would have been one of the defendants, so anxious did the Inspector appear to be to bring a case. Mr Williams would swear that he had had the horse twelve years and had never known it to be lame. He asked them to believe his statement against the expert opinion of the veterinary surgeon. They knew how a judge described expert witnesses. He said there were three kind ofliars liars, condemned liars, and expert witnesses (laughter). At this stage the horse was sent for and paraded, in front of the court, and closely examined by the magistrates and others interested in the c?se. On theii return into court Mr Lloyd was proceeding to call his witnesses when The Chairman said that the bench were unani. mously of opinion that the case must be dismissed. The Inspector said that the case against Kitchen would be withdrawn, and he asked their worships to remit the costs. The Chairman: No, we do not feel inclined to remit the costs. Mr Joseph Lloyd applied that defendant should be allowed his costs. He said this was a case which the Inspector ought never to have brought into court. He had no right to try and make a case for prosecu- tion. His instructions were to warn people against anything which had a tendency to cruelty, and this was what he ought to have done in this case. The Chairman We will allow the costs of Mr Williams and the two defendants. Inspector Norman: Do I understand that you are giving costs against the Society ? Mr Oliver George: Against you personally; you are the prosecutor and you can get your society to re-fund them to you. Inspector Norman: They have not even been in the box to answer the case the case is undefended. Mr Joseph Lloyd said that Mr Williams did not ask for costs for himself and his men, but he applied that an advocates fee be allowed. Considerable discussion followed in the course of which Mr George advised that someone should go into the box to give evidence on behalf of the defendant. Mr Joseph Williams in reply to some questions said that the horse had been in his possession for about twelve years, and up to the date of the alleged offence had been constantly working. He had never known it to be lame. Some further argument having taken piace on the question of costs, the bench decided that each party must pay their own costs.

-)0(- The Rev. W. Evans, curate of All Saints Church, Wellington, has been presented with a silver pocket communion' service and a purse of £ 58 on his leaving to become curate of St. Alban's, Dartford. o|o

CRAWFORD S w Tins Assorted Biscuits CONOTNT— KlNDss OVAL RICH TEA POLO KIEL FINGERS ALEXANDRA HANUVER RAGLAN THIN ARROWROOT CREAM CRACKERS MEXICAN MILK OATE. WAFERS CHEESE WAFERS

¡ Welsh Wesleyan Assembly. SUNDAY COACHING TRAFFIC AT RHYL. NORTH WALES BACKSLIDING. COUNTER SUNDAY ATTRACTIONS. The sixth annual Assembly of Welsh Wesleyan Methodists was opened at Coedpoetb, near Wrex- ham, on Monday evening. The president of the Assembly (the Rev. Thomas Manuel, of Pontypridd\ having been inducted at the Rehobotb Chapel by his predecessor (the Rev. Iebmael Evans), addressed a crowded congregation in the vernacular. He strongly supported the passiye resistance movement, arguing that, whilst be was no politician. if a Government, be it Tory or Liberal, made a law which was repugnant to a large section of the community, that law must, for conscience sake, be protested against. The representative session opened at nine o'clock yesterday mornine in Reboboth Chapel. The first business of importance was the election of president for 1905. The Revs- R. Lloyd Jones (London) and 1. Jones-Humphreys (Manchester) were nominated, the former, who was elected, receiving 36 votes, and the latter 24. The Rev P. Jones Roberts (Llanrwst) was re-elected Assembly secretary. The president of the Assembly (the Rev Thomas Manuei) having extended a cordial welcome, the President of the Conference (the Rev Marshall Hartley), the latter delivered an address. He said the position of Welsh Methodism was one that mitfht give some anxiety, especially in reference to the first North Wales district. The decrease in membership was considerable, and the decrease of the contributions to the missionary sooiety, taken side by side, necessarily filled every one of them with a certain amount of anxiety. Addresses were also delivered by the Rev Dr Hope, Home Mission secretary; the Rev John Hornabrook, secretary of the Conference the Mr William Middlebrook (Morley, Leeds). Gratifying reports were furnished in reference to home mission affairs, as well as temperance and educational matters. It was also reported that in South Wales there were 7-5 fully accredited local pieachers, and in North Wales 261, with 20 on trial. A summary of the annuil schedule of church membership indicated a total of 2S.976, this being a net increase of 4S4 over the year 1903 There was a net decrease of 89 in the first North Wales district. The circuit showing the largest individunl membership was Coedpoeth, with 1,233, against 1,197 in the year previous. The President, in dealing with the figures, said the matter that concerned them was the first North Wales distriot, in which there was a net decrease of 89. The Rev W. O. Evan8 (Bootle) thought that one of the causes of their weakness was that they did not train their children Methodistically enough. In one respect this might bo due to their catholicity of spirit. They did not make their people in any way narrow or bigoted. At the same time, he thought they should instil into the minds of their young people a love for their own Church (hear, hear), and to get them to be sufficiently loyal that thny would not leave Wesleyan for other churches. As it happened, they were the weakest Church in Wales, but there was a future before them. Mr J. Harrison Jones (Denbigh) said that the injarious influence of the Rhyl visitors upon their Sabbath was most distressing. The char-a-bancs, with their horns and four horses, which drove past their places of worship just at the time that public services were held were demoralising their young people, interfering with the sanctity of the Sabbatn, and reducing that respect for the Sabbath which they as Welsh people ever bad. Mr John Jones (Liveipool) did not thick Welsh Methodism was decisive enough. He looked upon the class meeting as the greatest spiritual power that they had, but he was sorry to say there were many members who did not attend. The President recognised that a certain reproach might be brought against some of their churches in Eogland. He believed it was perfectly true, in reference to what one speaker had said, about the lightsome, not to say frivolous nature, of a great deal that was carried on on Sunday afternoons under the guise of religious meetings and P.S.A.'s. He confessed it was an unpopular thing to say, but be was not greatly enamoured of the Free Church movement, because it was tending to rob Methodism of a great deal of its distinctiveness and to give it a colourlessness by absorbing the better spirit of other Nonconformist churches which he himself did not desire. He was anxious that Methodism should not become such or anything else, but that it should remain in its old peculiar position, as between and among all the churches—stretching out sympathy and helpfulness to all, but stili retaining its indivilaality (hear, hear). He believed that Methodist preachers were not all faithful as they ought to be in giving prominence to the Holy Spirit. A resolution" was unanimously agreed to in which the Assembly viewed with deep concern and a sense of discouragement the decrease in the membership in the first North Wales circuit, and pledging each representative to renewed efforts in the cause. The session then adjourned for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION. The business in the afternoon referred mainly to the state of Methodism in South Wales. A pro- posed scheme was presented for the working of Mertbyr Tydvil, where the only Welsh Wesleyan church has a membership of but sixty-five, with an average attendance of eighteen on Sunday mornings and eighty on Sunday evenings. The causes of declension were suggested, inter alia, ta be the in- flux of an English population into the district and the growth of English speaking in Welsh families. Dr Pope emphasised the necessity for immediate aotion, and pointed out that the non-attendants at places in the town were computed at 20,0.00. A resolution was adopted to the effect that the Assembly was deeply impressed with the gravity of the state of things, and urged that something should be done within the next twelve months. The language question as it affected services in South Wales Wesleyan Methodist churches pro- duced another interesting discussion. The difficult- ies of preaching to congregations which were partly Welsh and partly English speaking were referred to by several speakers, one of whom said be solved the problem by choosing two texts-the one for a short English discourse and the other for a sermon in the veroaoular (laughter). The Assembly decided to adopt certain recom. mendations made by a committee on the subject, the gist of which was that candidates for the ministry should be encouraged to preach in both languages. Next year's assembly was fixed to take place at Carnarvon on Juae 14th. The cash accounts relating to the Welsh Wes- leyan Bookroom, Bangor, showed a credit balance of The Worn-out Ministers' and Ministers' Widows Auxiliary Fund was stated to be in a satisfactory condition. In South Wales the contributions amounted to £143 12s. 6d., and in North Wales (two districts) to £400 16s. 8d. According to a report on chapel affairs, con- nexional property in South Wales was estimated to be worth £96,426, in (1) Nort.h Wales £150,6i3. and in (2) North Wales £122,477. Subsequently an open assembly was held at which Mr W. Middlebrook (Morley) and the president delivered addresses, the latter speaking on "foreign missions."

.-Jol- The New Trout Fishing Lake. A somewhat too optimistic writer in the Morn- ing Post," commenting upon Lord Denbigh's new trout-fishing lake at Casrwys, which has been already described ia our columns, rather oversteps the practical line by suggesting that the breeding of coarse fish and trout xpay be promoted as a remedy for distressed agriculture. His lordship has promptly repudiated the notun that this is his own idea. In a letter to the "Morning Post," on Monday, he points out that, to any depth of water, it would be necessary to go to considerable expense in the way of dame or embankments, un- less a large tract was to be inundated. There are, however, many sheets of water in this country that might profitably be turned into good trout-fishing lakes, and trout-fishing is a form of sport that can be made to pay, now that so few reliable trout streams are available for the angler. Coarse fishing would not pay, b at lakes set apart for trout and adapted by experts for this purpose could readily be utilised for the use of angling clubs that would bring in a fair return for the money invested in the undertaking. Attractive scenery and railway con- venience are two essentials to success, and given tnese, with a steady now of water, the task of es- tablishing an angling dab or hotel would be tolerably easy and comparatively inexpensive, with the almost certain prospect of a remunerative re- turn for the investment.

-)0(- n the Probate Division, on Wednesday we k the case of Roberts v. Edwards and others came on for hearing. It was a suit in reference to a will dated 27th May, 1901, of the late Mary Williams, a widow, of Glandwy, Rhydlydan, Denbighshire, who died on the 2nd May, 1903, leaying property amounting to £1,850. When the case was called on counsel explained that the parties had arranged terms, and evidence having been i'V8:a to prove the will, his Lordship pronounced for it.

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Liberalism and Labour in Flintshire. DEMONSTRATION AT HOLYWELL. On Saturday night a crowded Liberal meeting was held at the Holywell Assembly Hall, under the auspices of the North Wales Miners' Federation.in support of the candidature of Mr. Howell Idris, the Lideral candidate for the Flint Boroughs. Mr' R. Richards presided and was supported by Mr. Idris, Mr Will Crooks, M.P., and Mr Clement Edwards, the Liberal canditate for the Denbighshire Boro- ughs. I The following resolution was submitted by Ir. Thomas Waterhouse. (secretary of the local Liberal Association) That this meeting strongly pro- tests against the reactionary legislation of the present Government and its wasteful expenditure, which is out of proportion to the national needs and lays upon the people an intolerable burden of taxation, crippling commerce and en- dangering the credit of the country. The meeting further declares its enthusiastic support of the principles of popular liberty, public control of licensing. unsectarian education, better labour conditions, Free Tiade, peace, retrenchment, and reform. Mr Howell Idris, who met with a very warm welcome, supported the proposition in a brief speech dealmg principally with the education question. He said in the fight for unsectarian education Wales had shown an example to the rest of the country. They had great reason in Wales to be proud of Mr. Lloyd-George -I applause),-w!:o in spite of the closure and every other device, had so managed to twist a "lout the Education Bill as to make something of it and diminish its reactionary character.—(Hear, Hear.) They in Wales would continue to offer the Act th:ir strenuous resistance, and with an earnest people, a right cause, and an able leader they were going to win. ( Applause). Mr. Clement Edwards delivered a long and trenchant criticism of the Government. At the outset he referred to Ir. Idris's long and faithful career in London as a progressive worker in the cause of democracy, and he urged every Liberal worker in the Flint Boroughs to combine to secure his election.-( Hear. Hear., ) The present, he said was the greatest crisis in the history of the country which most of them could remember. Here they had a Government which had been chaiacterised by incompetence, whose footsteps had been dogged by extravagance, and which had been both dishonest and reactionary. The Government came before the country in 1900 and told them they wanted a man- date to bring about a successful issue to the war in South Africa;but it was not until eighteen m nths aiterwards that that war was finished and instead of them coming to the country again the Government had attacked nearly every one of their great and cherished institutions. They introduced a measure to undo the great education work of 1870; they said their Education Bill was intended to piomote education, but its real purpose was to restore and revitalise the clerical power in this country. -(Hear. Hear.,) They introduced a measure which they called a genuine temperance measure, but which was really a most corrupt measure intended as a bid for the electoral support of the brewers of this country.— (Hear. Hear.,) Referring to the recommendation of the Royal Commission as to conscription, he said it would be time enough to talk about that-if ever they must—after they had placed in power a really good, efficient, honest, competent Government, which would exhaust every possibility of the voluntary system.- (Hear, Hear). This great country had made infinite sacrifices for the abolition of slavery, but the Government had revived it in South Africa by the introduction of Chinese labour They had revived sin very under the British flag therej He hoped that in the Flint Boroughs they would see to it that they returned Mr. Idris at the next election in order to do their share in the work of turning the Government from power. Mr Will Crooks, M.P., then addressed the meet- ing, speaking in a humorous yet convincing manner. In Mr. Idris, he said. they had got a candidate who had been through the hoop and who knew every phase of public life.- (Hear. Hear.,) Ir. Crooks then proceeded to deal at length with labour questions. Referring to the Chinese labour the speaker said if the diamonds and the gold in Soa-h Afnca could not be got out of the earth with out resorting to slavery he said let them stop there. Far more important to him was the love of justice and the love of his downtrodden fellow-man (ap- plause) In conclusion he urged them to stand man_ fully for their principles and return Mr. Idris at- the coming election.

-)0(- I The Largest Travelling Zoo on Earth. VISIT TO RHYL. It is with pleasure that we announce that Rhy. is once more to be favoured with a visit from that historical exhibition BOfiItock and Wombwell's Menagerie. The show bearing this name is a National Exhibition-it belongs to every town and villase in the country-tbere is not a part of Old England we do not meet them. We say 11 Wel- come, ye grand old show to our town," which in a little over a year from now will celebrate its century before the public, being established in 1805. We understand that this famous show has now added most extensively to its collection. Nature is always showing that "scientific dicta are not infallible. Yet if anyone had proved by demonstration that no horse within the phrsical limits of nature could possibly grow a tail 17 feet long, and a double mane 13 feet each side, he would have been looked upon as wasting time in trying to convince us on a mat- ter in which no one for a moment would have thought of contradicting him. Yet we have a living proof at the above exhibition that this was not im- possible, and that the resources of nature are abso- lutely unfathomable. As Shakespeare said, "There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamed of in our philosophy." That a horse should develop hair to this extent is, we believe, without parallel. This horse. whose name is Linus (and must not be confounded with Whitewing,' a horse also shown by the same well-known caterers, and is now with their No. 2 collection in France), will now make its first appearance in this town. He was purchased a few months ago by Mr E. H. Bostock for £ 2000. The proprietors are prepared to forfeit ;Clo,ooo if his equal can be produced, and will give ;Cl,ooo to any local charity if any person can prove that the mHnes and tails are not genuine. "Liuus" is not the onlv noveltv at Bostock & Wombwell's inter. es-inir Show. There are, for instance, a pair of Sea Lions to be seen in their Aquatic Tank, which are considered to be very rare exhibits with a travelling Menagerie. These are not the common seals from Greeland, but Sea Lions from the shores of Patagonia. They can easily be distinguished, as they have the external ear which is absent in the common seal. Not many years ago the Sea Lion was found in great quantities on islands off the coast of South America, but having been hunted without mercy, for their furs, they are now nearly excinct. A vast number of other interesting animals could be mentioned, but of course it is impossible in the course of a newspaper notice to give more than a bare reference. The Exhibition is of a high-class nature. The greatest care and cleanliness are exercised. The condition of the animals sp aks volumes for the kindness and attention with which they are treated. In conjunction with the hundreds of rerq and Valuable exhibits there are the performan -Fit with the feror-ious animals. In fact one can ra d ly 893 that with so many interesting features, there is abundant material at this World-famed Show to furnish unlimited pleasure and not a little genuine ex ltemeDt. The Exhibition will exhibit on We ti,gtru Road Ground, Tuesday Jane 21, and will te on view to he public at 3-30 and 7. p.m. t

Prestatyn. THE TELEPHONE.— After many weary montns of waiting and of expectation operations have now actually been com- menced to connect Prestatyn with the National Telephone system, and this wees. the Company's men are engaged in erect- ing the wires. There are already several subscribers. SEASON ETERTAIERS.- This year the more fashionable Pierrots are to take the place of the minstrels who have usually been the orthodox outside entertainers at seaside resorts. On Friday Mr Percy Hayes who has been entrusted with the permit, commenced his season with a troupe of very entertaining Pierrots by giving art opening entertainment to an encouraging audience at the Town Hall. THE EVOLUTION OF HIGH STREET.— Good progress has been made within the fast few weeks with the making into walk- able and presentable order of High Street, The carriage way has now been steam rolled and the footway asphalted, and quite a transformation in the appearance of the street has been effected.

M Gronant. MUSICAL FESTIVAL OF THE METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOLS.—The annual musical festival of the Sunday School Union of the Holywell District of the Calvinistic Methodist Churches, was held at Gronant, on Wednesday. It had been intended to. hold the festival at Rehoboth, Holywell, but owing to the alterations now in progress, the arrangements were varied and Gronant was selected. A newly-erected hav shed on Gronant farm was lent by the Rev Ed. Jones, for the purpose of the festival. The covering was extensive and accom- modated some eight hundred people. Mr D. Jenkins, Mus. Bac., Aberystwyth. was again the conductor of the combined choirs, and needless to say he did his work well. Miss Nora Pulford, Holywell, and Mr E. A. Hughes, Holywell, were the organists. Dr J. Owen Jones, Holywell, presided in the afternoon, and Mr J. Herbert Lewis, M.P., in the evening. The after- noon programme included the fDiIowing hymn tunes :—Mainzer, Coburg, Gyda'r Oen, Llangranog, Calfari, Hilda, Belmont, Ascalan, and the anthem Addolwcli yr Arglwvdd." In the evening the hymns were: Engedi, Elijah, Palestina, Dychweliad Tu draw i swn y storm," Elliot, Clywch, delTrowch" Glanrhondda, Rhad Ras, and the anthem, Bydd melus gofio y Cy- famod." Preparatory to the festival re- hearsals were held throughout the district. At Skron, Mr John Roberts, Holywell, conducted; at Gwespyr, Mr D. Hughes, Trelogan Trelogan, Mr T. E. Jones, Ffynnongroew Llanerchymor, Mr Llew. Tones, Holywell; Ffynnongroew, Mr N'V. fhomas, Gronant. The o arrangements were carried out by a committee of whom Mr Jos. Jones Greenfield, was chairman Mr T. G. Jones, Penymaes, Llanasa, the treasurer and Mr LI. Arthur Owen, Bryn- llystyn, Gwespyr, the hon. secretary.

)o( SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN AFTER- DINNER SWEETS. r Something different in after-dinner sveet* may be prepared day after day by consulting" Biown and Poison's recipe book 'Summer Dishes. The Recipes, which have been pre- pared by skilled cooks, are for such healthful dishes as Creamy Custard. 'Blanc-Mange Sponge," "Natural Fruit Jellies.' 'Fruit Juice 'Prune Jelly,' and' the celebrated Brown and Poison Blanc-Mange," with full in- structions in serving it with all kinds of stewed* fruit, and Brown and Polson's 'PatenT' Corn Flour. The booklet is sent by return to all applicants sending Id. stamp to Brown and Poison. Dept. 7e, Paisley. Write for it r,-x,- you may forget it to-morrow.

XIMELY HINT TO RHYL. An important and useful hint to Rhyl people is given 111 the following. We look upon Den- bigh people as our neighbours, and shall ap- preciate the neighbourly feeling which prompts this Denbigh resident to speak out for our sakes. Mr. Thomas Rovles is a native of Den- bigh, living at 53, Henllan Street, in that town. He says: Some months ago I became subject to severe pains m the small of ray back and across my loins. The pains were sharp and cutting, and when I stooped, it was difficult for me to straighten myself again. The least exertion tirea me, ana to even walk along the street caused me to perspire very much. I I knew that my kidneys were the cause of the I trouble, because there were urinary disorders. Hearing that Doan's backache kidney pills were a good medicine for all disorders of the kidneys, I got some of the pills to try. Even the hrst few doses greatly relieved me, and after having given Doan's pills a fair trial, every sign of kidney trouble disappeared. I am quite a different man now to what I was a short time ago, and I have only Doan's pills to thank for bringing me back to health.— (Signed) THOMAS ROYI.ES.' If you are ill, write and fully describe your case to us. We shall be pleased to give vou the best advice in our power, free of charge. You can depend upon your letter being treated in strictest confidence. Doan's backache kid. ney pills are two shillings and ninepence per box (six boxes for thirteen shillings and nine- pence). Of all chemists and stores, \or post free, on receipt of price, direct from Foster- McClellan Co., 8, ells Street, Oxford Street, London, W.

-)0(- A Welsh Clergy Home. A LIBEL ACTION. Mr. Justice Wills and a special jurv were en. gaged at the C arnarvonshire Assizes on. day hearing a libel action, in which Miss Anne M. Butler, late manageress of the Clergy Home of Rest at Llanfairfechan, sued Prebendary Ingram, of London, who was treasurer of the institution, for damages for an alleged. libel contained in a circular addressed by the de- fendant to several tradesmen at Llanfairfech- an.—Mr. Ellis Jones Griffith, M.P.. who, with Mr. Bryn Roberts, ALP., appeared for the plain- tiff, said that Miss Butler was the daughter of the- Rev. Mr. Butler, for nearly thrty rears headmaster of the Nottingham Grammar School, and she had devoted practically all her life to charitable work. For eleven rears she man- aged the Llanfairfechan Convalescent Home without any salary, and placed her own private funds at the disposal of the establishment. Later she purchased the building, and it eventu- ally became a Clergy Home of Rest. Here again she received no salary, though she was the superintendent. The place was in the .course of time transferred to the trustees of the London Poor Clergy Holiday Fund Committee, and among the trustees was the defendant. In the course of 1901 the relations between Miss Butler and Prebendary Ingram as treasurer of the institution became somewhat strained. In a letter the defendant, said counsel, suggested that the plaintiff was keeping for her own use ■money received by her on account of the institu- tion, instead of paying outstanding accounts. In March, 1902, the defendant addfressed, from the Rectory, Ironmongery Lane, London, a cir- cular letter to tradesman at Llanfairfechan who had debts against the institution to the effect that he had left money in Miss Butler's hands to pay outstanding accounts, and he thought it right to inform the tradesmen of the fact and to leave the matter in their hands to take any action they might think neoessarv.—Mr. Iwar- shall. K.C., who, with ü. Montgomery, was for the defence, submitted that the circular was but a proper and an innocent explanation from the defendant in reply to applications made to him by tradesmen for the payment of debts.— Defendant, in his evidence, said the statement he made to the tradesmen was a perfectly true one, but he had not the slightest idea of casting any reflection upon Miss Butler.—Mr. E, J. Griffith Do you sa" now that vou believe that she is an absolutely honest and trustworthv, woman ?—Witness, after much hesitation 'I do not make any admission.' He added that he had made no accusations against her in- tegrity, and he had nothing to express regret for.—His lordship regarded the case as a pain- ful one. and an instance of the miess made when philanthropy and business were mixed m— verdict was found for plaintiff, damages £ 25.

-entrusted with the fixing ot the assessments it must be so constituted as to ensure the urban districts being more fairly treated. It seems to us—we do not know whether the bill provides for it—now. there is likely to be a new dispensation that this is an opportune time for each Union to be re-valued and re-assessed throughout by an expert valuer. This is greatly needed in the St. Asaph Union, and if the passing of this bill will accomplish this then it is one ,ground at least for welcoming it.