Rhyl Record and Advertiser

Funeral of Mr. Francis Geary The funeral of the late„Mr Francis Geary whose sudden death at Rhos on Sea. on Wed- nesday last, was reported last week, took place at the new Church cemetery, on Saturday afternoon last, in the presence of a numerous gathering of mourning friends, fellow Masons and representative public men. The interment was preceded by a service at St John's Church, at which the Revs T Lloyd (vicar). D Lester Jones and T Jenkins officiated. The chief mourners were Mr Sidney Geary (son), Miss Geary (daughter), Miss Bryant, Rhos-on-Sea; Mr P Edge, and Mr Edge Gunr). The coffin was carried from Gorphwysfa to the church, preceded by the following members of the Freemason fraternity :—W- Bro. R J Hughes, W.M., K McEwen, P P.G-S D, J H Ellis, P.P.G.J.D., W. Bro. Walton, P.P.G.St.Br. James Evans, A Rhydwen Jones, P.G.S., Bros H Haselden. S.W., J Lang, J W., A A Goodall, S.D., T C Hutchison, J.D., L G Hall, J D Polkingborne. F Roberts, G Perkins, H A Tilby, J.S., R 0 Williams, T Torkington, D Pritchard (Tyler). There were also present Mr R M Hugh-Jones, J P Councillors W Wmterbottom, J Asher, R Oldfield, Inspector Pearson, and Messrs E W Parry, J Hayes, Caradoc Williams, Joseph Williams, Hugh Williams, A Thomas, John Evans. W J Jones, Samuel Jones, A W James, Wills Jones. Leach and P Williams. Wreaths were sent by St John's Church Choir, old teachers St John's Sunday School, Mr W J P Storey, J.P., Mr and Mrs Darlaston, Handsworth House; Mr and Mrs R S Greenhalgh, Rochdale; Mr and Mrs J Asher, Torkington, A J Henson, Horn- sey; Grosvenor and family, Mellard, Flint, F Pearce, Bedford F S Jenks. and Mesdrs A F Bolton, S Jones, Hugh Williams and Sons and L Evans. At the graveside the vicar conducted the vicar conducted the burial service, and at its conclusion the Masonic Burial Service was read by W. Bro K McEweu, the brethren afterwards depositing sprigs of acaccia in tb. grave- Mr Pickersgill had charge of the funeral arrangements.

Rhuddlan THE PARISH CHURCH. Services next Sunday: 8 a.m., Holy Communion. 10 a.m., Welsh. 11 a.m., English. 6 p.m., English. FUNERAL. On Monday, the late Mr John Davies, of Penybont, was buried in the parish churchyard. The Rev B Evans, held a short service at the house, and the Rev T W Vaughan, Vicar, officiated in church.— Mr Davies was well known, being a familiar figure on the Rhyl road upon which he worked for a great number of years. He was eighty years of age, and only retired twelve months ago. He and Mrs Davies had lived together for 56 years. Mrs Davies is still living and is in her eightieth year. PRESENTATION. The Rev Benjamin Evans was on Thars- day evening the recipient of a purse of gold from the members of his congregation in recognition of his long and earnest labonrs in the village. Mrs Wynne, who is the oldest member of the chapel, made the presentation. TONTINE FINANCES. The balance sheet of the Rhuddlan and District Tontine Sick and Burial Club for the year shows that the total receipts for the year were (general fund) £40 and (management fund) £10. Nearly was paid in sickness allowance and the dividend, amounting to £1 is. 2d. to 26 members and 10s. 7d. to five, absorbed £30 2s. 4d. -10(- GIFT TO HOREB CHAPEL. Mrs Till has presented a new urn to Horeb Chapel, a gift which is much ap- preciated.

RHYL. Where do you geT vour Bacon and Cheese ? Tbe very top note in the scale of excellence is to be found at Roose and Co.'s, Queen Street, Rhyl, who are noted for Prime Bacon and Prize Cheshire Cheese 1—Advt RHYL (EASTER EISTEDDFOD. iWe would draw special attention to the announcement that this attractive annual fixture is to held on fEaster Monday. Particulars ss to competitions may 100 had from Mr E W Patry, Princes Street. (M. J. IEDIWARDS, Compton House, :13th ANNOAL IWiill commence SATURDAY, 6th January, and will be Continued for 01 lDays. The Entire Stock has been. Re- marked1 at prices that will effect a speedy CLEARANCE. "JACK Y BALA" IN TROUBLE. There was only one criminal case at the Flintshire Quarter Sessions on Tuesday, John Jones, Jack y Bala," 30, labourer, of Vale Road, Rhyl, for stealing a lady's coat and coat-hanger, value 16s 6d, or thereabouts, the property of Jacob Gold- smith, at Rhyl on 22nd December, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment. There were several previous convictions against the prisoner. PERSONAL. We have much pleasure in announcing that we are informed that Mr D Livesy, assistant to Mr Oliver George, (Magistrates' Clerk for Rhyl, St Asaph, Prestatyn, Aber- gele and Colwyn Bay), has been articled to Mr George, who is the sole surviving partner of the old and well-known firm of Watt, Sisson and George, solicitors and notaries public. Mr Livesey, it will be remembered, is the author of the recently published Manual of Licensing* Applica- tions," a brochure that has been very well received. THE FORYD ACCIDENT. • Enquiring yesterday we learned that the young man Edward Williams, who had the misfortune to fall into the river while de- livering grocery goods to a vessel in the Foryd on Xmas Eve, remains in a precar- ious condition. For some days his life was despaired of, and now, although the crisis is said to have passed, there is scanty hope of his recovery. P.S.A. Mr S Perks, J.P., was the chairman at the meeting of the P.S.A. Society on Sunday last, when musical items were contributed by Mrs Holt and Miss P Evans. GENEROUS WHIST—LERS. At a whist drive in the Victoria Hall on New Year's night, Mr Sapiro, who won a gramaphone as a prize, generously handed the instrument to be sold for the benefit of the object for which the drive was arranged Mr Fred Wallis put it up for auction and it was knocked down to Mr Norman Hughes for 15s. That gentleman handed it over, with a 5s. donation to the Alexan- dra Hospital. PROPERTY DISPOSED OF. We understand that Mr Joseph Williams auctioneer, has on behalf of Mr Oliver George, solicitor, sold the freehold property Fron Don, Crescent Road, to the trustees of the Men's Convalescent Home for the sum of £775. Negotiations are in a for- ward state with regard to the purchase of several other lots that were withdrawn at the sale which Mr Williams conducted on December 27th. LOCAL PRIZE-WINNERS. At the Vale of Clwyd Auction Market, Ruthin, on New Year's Day, Messrs Owens and Sons, of Water Street, were presented by Mr G F Byford with a massive silver cup, for being the largest buyers of stock during the year 1906. We understand that Messrs Owens were also the winners of the cup the first year of its award. ROYAL ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL. On December 27th, Mr Asher most kindly reproduced at the Hospital, his representation of "Y e Olde Christmasse which had given such pleasure at the Church House the week before. The entertainment was slightly modified and curtailed to suit the juvenile character of the audience, and in this Mr Asher was much assisted by Mr J F W Foulkes, who during his part of the programme most kitdly distributed new coins to the patients, in the character of Father Christmas. The Lady Superintendent wishes to express very warm thanks from herself and from the audience, to Mr Asher, Mr Foulkes and to all the performers, for their very great kindness in providing such an ex- cellent Christmas treat. A free bed to be called the "Lancashire Cot" has been endowed by Mr W J P Storey, and will be a most useful addition to the number of free beds already in existence. A handsome brass heading has been placed on the bed, bearing the inscription, The Lancashire Cot, 27th September, 1906." The follow- ing New Year's gifts have been received and are gratefully acknowledged. A quantity of beautiful fruit for the patients, and a large box of choclates for the nurses, from Mrs de Ranee; seed cake, from Mrs Chambers and Mrs Eyton Lloyd biscuits and crackers, from Miss Sheila Plunkett Dillon magazines and papers, from Mrs Lucas and Mr Bevington. WESLEYAN QUARTERLY MEETING The quarterly meeting of the local Welsh Wesleyan circuit was held under the chairmanship of the Rev W 0 Evans, in the Brunswick Chapel, Brighton Road, yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. The number of members was reported as 538, and the amount paid into the circuit fund during the quarter was £69 2s 2d. Mr Robert Jones, Prestatyn, and Mr J R Hughes, River Street, were re-elected circuit stewards Mr Griffith Lewis was re-elected chapel secretary, and Mr John Jones, Elm House was re-elected secretary of the quarterly meeting. Mr Robert Jones, Holborn Villa, and Mr J Denton Davies were elected auditors. Mr J F Griffiths was re-elected treasurer of the Foreign Mission branch, and the Rev John Kelly and Mr J R Hughes joint secretaries. It was decided to arrange for a musical festival to be held in the summer. The report of the Finance Committee, which was adopted, was of a very satisfactory character. Among these present was Mr Thomas Williams, J.P., Prestatyn, and he wasthe receiptient of hearty congratulations on his elevation to the magisterial bench. Letters of condolence were sent to the relatives of the late Miss Hughes, of Pres- tatyn, and Mrs John- Foulkes, sympathising with them in their sad bereavement. A vote of sympathy was also passed with the Rev W H Evans, who continues in very poor health. BILLIARD HANDICAP. Mr W H Evans was the winner of the third of a series of handicaps at the Consti- tutional Club. PIER PAVILION PULLED DOWN. At last the work of demolishing the pavilion on the pier. which has offended the eyes of the artistic, and appealed only to the antiqnarian, has been completed a Manchester firm having been engaged for the operation. The Government Office has approved plans for a new pavil- ion, and it is expected with a certain degree of confidence that the new structure will be ready for next season. THE NEW YEAR. The old year went out quietly, and so far as revelry was concerned the passing of the old did not excite a great deal of sentiment. A watchnight service was held at the English Wesleyan Church and the bells of St Thomas' were rung. A summary of the chief events of the year in the district will be found in another column. DEATH OF COUNCILLOR JOSEPH JONES. We deeply regret to state that Mr Jos Jones, the highly esteemed representative of the South Ward on the District Council, succumbed on Wednesday morning to the illness which had laid him aside for several weeks. The deceased gentleman, who had reached his 63rd year, was formerly a commercial traveller, and was one of the best known men on the road. He repre- sented Messrs Williams, a firm of tobacco manufacturers, of Chester, for upwards of 30 years, retiring from active work some little time back. He was possessed of a cheery, bouyant disposition, and was bluntly direct in his manner, outspoken and transparently genuine, which made him very well liked. Up to a year ago he took no prominent part in public life, although he was keenly interested in Church matters, having held the offices of warden and sat on the Church Council. Last April he was prevailed upon to accept nomination as a candidate for the Council, and was duly elected. He proved an ex- ceedingly useful member, bringing to bear a mature judgment and a discerning mind to bear upon all matters brought before him. Mr Jones was a native of the ad- joining parish of Rhuddlan, and he con- tinued up to the time of his death to take a deep interest in everything relating to parochial matters there, generously sub- scribing towards all Church objects. The flag at the Town Hall was hoisted half- mast high when news of his death was circulated, and the funeral, which takes place to-day (Friday), will be of a public character. DEATH OF A WORTHY RHYLITE The death took place on Sunday night last, at her residence in Greenbank square, of Mrs Catherine Jones, a most faithful and highly respected member of the Clwyd Street C.M. Chapel. The deceased lady. who had reached the great age of 92, was practically never absent from the services at the chapel, for which she had a deep and abiding affection. The interment took on Wednesday afternoon, in the presence of a large gathering. The Revs. S T Jones and R Richards conducted a brief service at the residence, and the Revs R Hughes and W Lloyd officiated at the graveside. TEMPERANCE. The Executive of the Denbighshire and District Temperance Association met at Rhyl yesterday (Thursday), Mr J Herbert Roberts, M.P., president of the Association, in the chair. Arrangements were made for the annual meetings of the Association to be held at Ruthin on January 30 and 31. Deep regret was expressed at the loss the temperance cause has had in the death of the Rt. Hon. Samuel Smith, who was all his life an ardent supporter of the movement. PRESBYTERIAN CONCERT. On Thursday afternoon and evening, the members of the English Presbyterian Sunday School and Band of Hope, had a very successful united entertainment. After a very enjoyable tea which was served by the ladies connected with both organisa- tions, a capital programme of social and instrumental music was contributed by Miss Stephenson, Miss G Edwards, Miss Mitchell, and others. Competitions in general knowledge and cutting out from cardboard proved exhilarating. The Rev J Verrier Jones presided. CONDOLENCES. The relatives of the late Mr John Edwards, Wellington Road, whose death we announced last week, desire to thank all the kind friends for the messages of sympathy and the kindnesses they have received during their sad bereavement. Mr and Mrs Lawson and family, of Princes Street, also find it impossible to personally acknowledge the kindness and sympathy shown by so many in the irreparable loss they have sustained by the death of their little daughter and desire in this way to convey their sincere thanks to the many friends. RHYL & DISTRICT LIBERAL CLUB. A discussion on the House of Lords will take place in the above club on Monday next, the 7th inst, commencing at 8-15 prompt. A hearty welcome is given to all interested in this question. BRUNSWICK CHAPEL SOCIAL. The weekly social tea meetings were resumed at the Welsh Wesleyan Chapel on Thursday afternoon, when the hostesses were Mrs Robert Jones, Holborn Villa, and Mrs David Hughes, Borthyn Terrace. The ladies in charge of the tables were Mesdames Edward Jones, Vale Road, W M Williams, CuTrie, E P Roberts, Meyrick Jones, and Richard Edwards. MUSICAL SUCCESS. We are pleased to notice that Miss Laura Bathgate, pupil of Mr T Amos Jones, was successful in obtaining first prize in the soprano solo competition at the New Year's Day eisteddfod at Colwyn Bay. There were 12 competitors. Miss Louie Wil- liams, winner of the first prize for the con- tralto solo and who did so well in the challenge solo competition at the Rhyl Boxing-Day eisteddfod, was also a pupil of Mr T Amos Jones.

Circulars, Programmes, Concert Tickets, Pas- 1 ters, Catalogues, and every description of Book- 1 work d'one at reasonable prices. Artistic work | a speciality.. 1

The Protection of Rhyl against Fire. The writer's intimate knowledge of the Fire Brigade of Rhyl and their fire extinguishing appliances extends back some 14 years. In 1892, and without doubt for many years before then, Rhyl was very badly provided with the wherewithal to tight the flames. The water mains were mostly very small of 3 and 4 bore, and they were almost full of corrosion. There were only a few hydrants, and several streets bad only a branch pipe on the main into which a wooden plug was tightly driven, this being a relic of the water engineering practice of one hundred years ago. In the event of a fire the surface box would probably have to be dug up and a sledge hammer used to loosen the plug. Time being a matter of enormous importance at the start of a fire, it will be realised what an undesirable appliance the old wood plug really was. The hand pump known as the Manual" was a very ancient fire engine, and its use called for the employment of a number of "helpers," the work being so arduous that relays of men were necessary to work it. The old engine did good work in its day and was quite able to pump all the water that the water mains could give it. The employment of helpers." gave the cornermen and un- employed a chance of picking up a few shillings, and this was one of the most un- desirable features of the Manual as the ex- citable untrained helper was an unmitigated nuisance at a the and almost always in the way of the trained man who knew what he was about. Not only were the Brigade ill-equipped but they were also in a shabby uniform which occasionally bordered on rags- It may be said also that the discipline was not quite all that could be desired It will be seen that the Brigade were not to blame for the comparatively useless state in which they were in those days. Some 20 years ago two serious fires oc- curred, one at Isaac Williams', High Street, now the Gwalia Buildings, and the other at Littler and Williams, Queen Street, both these buildings were completely burned out. It is a mercy that high wind did not prevail or there can be little doubt—that—in the then helpless state of the town—whole blocks of buildings would have been wiped out in the conflagration that must have ensued. Some 11 or 12 years ago the governing body of the town began to realise that a great responsibility lay on them to remedy the dis- graceful state of affairs that existed, and to their credit be it said that they did the thing thoroughly from one end to the other. Adequate trunk mains were laid from the service reservoir to the town. Fire and dis- tributing mains were laid in all streets, and 150 valve hydrants of the most approved type were put down, The water supply and pressure satisfactorily disposed of, attention was turned to fire appliances, and a steam fire engine was purchased from the best known maker—Messrs Shand, Mason & Co. At the same time also a fire escape, hose carts, and hose with instantaneous couplings were ob- tained. All the tackle" being of the most modern and approved pattern. The small hose carts containing a stand- pipe, length of hose and nozzle can be run to a fire in a few minutes and a jet of water got going into any building within a few more seconds These have proved a great success, and in several instances what otherwise might have become serious fires have been succsss- fully "nipped in the bud." Water supply and appliances having been put in first-class order, all that now remained was to get the Brigade to use them to the best advantage. The men who were not desirable were weeded out and young men recruited in their places, and Captain Parry whipped his crew into fighting order. Twelve years ago the Brigade were one of the standing iokes of the town. Who will venture to make a cock shy of them now 1 The Rhuddlan and Ruthin Fire Brigades were for years considered smart and clever at their work due to the efforts of Captain W Conwy Bell and Mr Rowe, both able and en- thusiastic firemen, and the establishment of the North Wales Branch of the National Fire Brigades Union has greatly contributed to the advance in smartness, quickness and esprit-de- corps which animates the fire brigades in North Wales. The Rhyl Brigade have emerged from several recent fires with considerable credit to themselves. The serious conflagration which occurred at Messrs Edwin Jones & Sons saw mills was most successful confined to one block, when it appeared inevitable that the whole of the three blocks were doomed to de- struction, and the proprietors of the premises and the insurance offices testified to the work done by the Brigade. Of more recent occurrence the fire at Mr Pepper's, Kinmel Street, was so smartly dealt with that the Council at their December meeting, passed a resolution Recording their appreciation of the excellent services rendered by the Brigade on the occasion—deserving of much praise and admiration." The success of the Brigade at last year's annual competition, when they won the hand- some challenge shield in competition against all the North Wales Fire Brigades, is a proof that to-day we have an exceedingly smart and capable body of firemen. Those who have contributed to the present satisfactory conditions of affairs and to whom credit must be given are the Water Committee and their present chairman, the Water En- gineer, Captain Thomas Parry, and last but not least the officers and men of the Brigade. Most of the men wear the ambulance badge of the N F.B.U., shewing that they are able to render first aid to those injured by burns, falls and other injuries which so frequently occur at fires. An excellent photo of the officers and men with the engine and challenge shield is now on view at Mr Wills Jones, photographer, High Street.

St. Asaph. BILLIARDS. Mr G 0 Williams has won the handicap at the Constitutional Club. TONTINE SOCIETY. i The balance sheet of the St. Asaph Ton- I tine Society for the past year showed the total income under the general account to be £94 5s. £14 IOS. was paid in sickness allowance and a dividend of 22s. to 71 members and us. to three members, ac- counted for £76 is., and £3 14s. was car- ried to reserve fund. SERVICES OF SONG. At the Wesleyan Chapel on New Year's Eve a service of song, entitled Times of Repentance," was given by a choir of 44 voices. The soloists were Mr Barlow, Miss T R Jones, Mr Davies (Denbigh), and Miss Evans (St Asaph). The Rev J Lloyd Hughes gave the consecutive reading. The Welsh Congregationalists are also rehearsing The Lillies for service of song 1 on St David's Day, when Mr E Lloyd Simon will conduct. MUSICAL SUCCESS. Mr Edward Ll Simon, son of Mr J Simon, Manchester House, St Asaph, has been successful fn passing the Intermediate (Grade III) pianoforte examination of Trinity College, London. Mr Simon is to be heartily congratulated upon his success. Mr Bryan E Warhurst, A.R.C.O., Haydn House, Rhyl, is his teacher. r*

Printing1 of every description executed5 on the shortest notice at the office of this paper., A trial solicited. t

Prestatyn. PRAYERS AND PREACHING. Under the auspices of the Free Church Council a series of prayer meetings have been arranged for next week, to be fol- lowed the following week by a series of preaching meetings. AWAY WITH IT. The members of the Presbyterian Liter- ary Society had a debate last night on the question "Should the House of Lords be abolished ?'' Mr C Williams opened in the affirmative and the case for the aris- tocrats was conducted by Mr Walmsley. WESLEYAN ANNIVERSARY. On New Year's Day, the united annual tea and concert of the Bethel" and Horeb chapels was attended by a large company. The tea was arranged generally by Mesdames Ellis, Nant Mills, and Jones, Hawarden House. The tables were in charge of Mrs Till, Victoria Market Stores, Mrs Pennant Williams, Mrs Williams, The Stores, Miss Roberts, Cartrefle, and other ladies. The entertainment, which was presided over by Mr Robert Jones, Llys- eirian, was contributed to by, among others, Misses Gwladys Williams, Daisy Williams, Gwennie Lewis, Helen Jones, the chil- dren's choir led by Mr E H Lewis, Misses Lily and Frances Williams, Messrs Peter J Williams, J E Parry, Meliden, and successful quartette and quintette from the annual competitive meeting. THE NEW MAGISTRATES The three local gentlemen who have just been added to the commission of the Peace for the county have been the recipient of cordial congratulations during the week. Mr Thos Jones is very well-know through- out the district. He is a builder and con- tractor in business, a member of the Dis- trict Council and a prominently identified with the local Presbyterian Church. Mr Thomas Williams, who represents the district on the County Council has a large drapery and furnishing business. On making his appearance at the annual tea and social in connection with the two Wesleyan Churches, Mr Thomas Williams, J.P., received quite an ovation. The appointments have given keen pleasure locally, the populace heartily approving of the principle of bestowing such offices on men who have given unstintingly of their time to the common weal. PERSONAL. Gratification is expressed that the Rev John Kelly, the esteemed pastor of the Wesleyan Church, has recovered from the attack—happily of a slight character—of influenza which compelled him to remain indoors during the early part of the week. Mr Kelly ventured out on Thursday to attend the Quarterly meeting of the circuit at Rhyl. W

The Closing of a Rhyl Inn. Criticism at Mold. At the Flintshire Quarter Sessions, held at Mold, on Thursday, Mr P P Pennant, of St Asaph, presided, and there was a large attend- ance of magistrates, including Mr J E Bankes, K.C. (the chairman of the Licensing Com- mittee), Lord Mostyn, and others. Before reading the report of the County Licensing Committee on their proceedings for the year 1906, Mr J E Bankes said that it seemed there was some misapprehension as to the powers of the Committee. The entire initiative with regard to the refusal to renew any license rested with the licensing justices, and a wide discretion was still vested 10 the justices to refuse a license on any of the grounds enumerated in the Act. It was only in the event of a license being refused on some other than these stated grounds that the Quarter Sessions had any jurisdiction at all, and their jurisdiction was entirely limited to such cases as were referred to them by the justices. With regard to such referred cases, the Quarter Sessions had power to refuse to renew only upon payment of compensation. The Quarter Sessions had no power directly to fix the sum awarded as compensation, but they could approve a sum agreed upon by the various parties interested, and if they could not so approve the amount of compensation was to be assessed by tbe Commissioners of Inland Revenue. During the two years the recent Act had been in force about £4500 had been paid into the compensation fund in Flintshire In 1905 no cases were referred to Quarter Sessions for comper iation. In 1906 two cases were referred from Rhyl. In one of these the Licensing Committee decided not to refuse the renewal,-but in the other case, that of the Britannia Inn, they refused the renewal. The value of this license was very considerable, and £2000 was awarded as compensation, thus practically exhausting one year's compensation money. SUGGESTIONS TO MAGISTRATES. Proceeding, Mr Bankes said he desired to make it clear that the Licensing Committee had no initiative at all, and had no opportunity of allocating the compensation money to the different parts of the county, unless cases from those parts of the county were referred to them. The only way in which the Act could be administered in that county so as substant- ially to reduce the number of licenses was, in the first instance, at any rate, by selecting houses for reference at which the trade done was small, after all, probably the best test of where a license was or was not required was to be found in the trade done on the premises. He desired respectfully to suggest to the licensing justices that before referring any case to the Committee they should carefully consider whether the case was one tj> be dettt with under the compensation clauses of the Act of 1904, and, further, that in making references they should bear in mind the total fund available for compensation in the whole county. The annual report stated that the sum standing to the credit of the compensation fund on December 14, 1906, was £2.,284, which had since been increased by £250 received from the authorities. Mr W Davies, of Caerwrl8 (a magistrate) thought that if the £2,000 awarded as compen. sation at Rhyl had been distributed in smaller lots in other areas it might have been of greater service than going in one lot. The Chairman said he entirely agreed with Mr Davies, and he hoped the several Brewster Sessions would take the matter into considera- tion. Surely it was not the houses doing a large business which was least required, but those which were doing a very small business. Very often also it was just those houses that were doing a small amount of business that re. quired the most police supervision- Mr J L Muspratt (another magistrate) asked whether cases referred for compensation were taken in the order in which they were entered, or had the Licensing Committee a discretion ? Mr Bankes explained that the Act provided that the Committee should take into considera- tion all the reports presented to them, the cir- cumstances connected with the houses, and the amount of money at the disposal of the Com- mittee and that then they should select the houses in regard to which they were deter- mined to proceed- Mr Thomas Parry thought there was a good deal of valuable information in the report, and it was resolved that it be printed. It was agreed that the maximum charges in respect of the compensation fund should be again levied in Flintshire.

1>y Sir Pyers and Lady Mostyn, and which had been, carried on as public elementary schools, were 'handed over 'by ithe managers to Sir Pyers and Lady Mostyn, to be conducted as private schools with the altered of the St Wini- frid's Talacre School. To meet the situation thus created, the local authority opened a tem- porary school in the iC.I)1. Chapel, Gwespyr, which was recognised for the purpose of grants. Then the trouble commenced. The two inci. dents were the overture to a long and bitter controversy which lasted almost to Xmas-eve. The London and North-AYestern Railway Co. announced1 their intention of seeiking powers to extend the Piestatyn-Dyserth :Motor Railway to Newmarket. They were afterwards given the sanction by the iBoard1 of Trade, who made it conditional on certain bridges being substituted for level crossings, and other modifications ibeing introduced in accordance with the case made against the scheme by the St Asaph (Flint) [Rural Council and other authorities. The County Council made a gtant of £1,500 towards the extension Of the County School. The Aber- gele licensing justices declined to renew the license of two beer-houses and referred them for compensation, but on a technical point both licenses were renewed at Quarter Sessions— the justices not being directly represented in opposition to the renewal. Mr J H Ellis re- presented Rhyl at the meeting of authorities interested in the question of coast erosion, out of which was formed the National Conference on Coast iDefence. Mr J Herbert Roberts gave the town of Abergele a new club. The new infirmary at 'St Asaph Workhouse was, after much delay that led to animated and not alto. gether inacrimonious criticism, formally and actually opened. Mr P J Ashfield, who retirsd from the Council under pressure of business duties, was presented with .a silver salver in recognition of his strenuous public services. The presentation was madefy Mr J W Jones. the Chairman of the (District Cpuncil, at a pub- lic meeting. The Rhyl Cycle Club was resus- citated, but must have had .an effective rel'apse. Mr W J fP Storey entertained 100. prominent citizens to a dinner at the iWestmenister in com- memoration of his year of office as High Sheriff for the county. The Reaper was again busy in the district, and among those called to their long home was Mts Gratton, Of the well-known [Foryd Farm. MARCH. At the annual meeting of the Royal Alexandra Hospital subscribers, the Bishop of St Asaph, .-who presided, created a mild sensation by utter- Rnga veiled threat, in the form of a statement of the possibility that in the event Of the Church of lEngland being disestablished and! disen- dowed Churchmen would withhold their sub- scriptions and compel the placing Of such charities on the fates. Churchmen, he said, had provided the great bulk of the money for the hospital. The local lodlge of Oddfellows ihad the honour of the company of Grand Master (Mills at their annual dinner. Messrs P J Ashfield and Tayleur and H P Williams retired from the IDistrict Council. Adversity makes strange ibfedfellows, and so does a joint ambi- tion, and at St Asaph Sessions zealous temper- ance ,advocates and members of the trade were ranged side (by side in opposition to an appli- cation for a grocer's license. The combina. tion, as such a formidable union should, proved effective. The (District Council decided not to grant any licenses for motor cars to ply fOr traffic in the streets. The Rev E, E Ingham bade farewell to his flock at the English Con- gregational Church, iMarket Street. Death was Ibusy in the locality, and (Mr Coward, one of the best respected members of the Prestatyn District (Council, succumbed after a trying illness. His death cast a gloom over our growing neighbour. At St Asaph Mr Charles Tomkinson and Mr Miles R Partington, junior, both of whom were identified with the musical life of the Cathedral, passed away within a few days of each other. APRLL. The memorial portrait of the late Mr R LI Jones, whose distinguished public services well earned him immortality in local records, was lunveled' in the new County Offices at Mold by the Chairman of the County Council. The local branch of the Church Defence movement was initiated and in the course of an interview the Bishop of the diocese made the somewhat desperate announcement that Churchmen were determined to fight to the death. Messrs L B (Evans and Joseph Jones were elected for the first time to the District Council, to represent the South Ward. IMr G A Taverner was elected and iMt iT ID Jones was re-elected to repres- ent the East Ward; Mr IT H Ellis was re-elected and Mr Edmiund Hughes was elected to the iWest Ward. The annual meetings, of the. Con- gregational lUnion Of (Wales, extending over two dayis, were held at Christ Church. Mr W Conwy tBeLFs famous prize stock was sold by auction in consequence Of the d'ecision to dis- perse the Bodrhyddanflook. The will of the late Sir W Grenville Williams was proved at £24,000 gross. Mr W 'P Storey (High Sheriff) was unanimously elected to the chair of the IDistrict Council in succession to the retiring chairman \)Ir J W Jones), the vice- chairman (Mr Frimston) declining the honour for 'business reasons. (lr T D Jones was elected to the vice-chair. Mr T J Scott suc- ceeded Mr Thomas Jones as chairman of Pres- tatyn Council, and Mr Pierce (Davies was re- elected chairman at Abergele. Mr. Edwin Morgan, J.IP., was elected) chairman of the Board of Guardians. Mr Howell Idris, M.P., while motoring through .St Asaph on his way to Dol'gelley, fell out of the car through standing up to put his overcoat while the car was tra- velling rapidly, and for several weeks his con- dition was precarious. tie was an inmate of the St Asaph Workhouse during his illness, being' .carried there when hurt, and his condi- tion making his removal impossible. M'AIY. Miss Mamie Evans, was crowned May Queen at the May-Day festivities which, despite dis- couraging climatic conditions, were eminently successful. A number of the Rhyl Fire (Brigade 0 (received ambulance certificates and medals. Mr W J (P Storey, J.P., was elected chairman of the Rhyl 'Victoria Football Club. The local budget, presented H A Tilby (Chairman of the Finance Committee Of the Council), ne- cessitated the making of the old General Dis. trict Rate of 5s 6d in the There was. no change in the iate at Prestatyn. The death occurred' of Mrs Williams, wife of Our local esteemed Alderman of the County Council and justice of the peace. iMessrs J B Linnell ({Prestatyn) and Dr iMoretOn Prichard were made magistrates. By the will of the late Mr Cor- bett the "Alexandra Hospital, the Men's Con- valescent Home, and the Women's Convalescent [Home received a legacy of £1,000. JUNLE. At a meeting1 of the (Education Authority in (Mold serious complaints were made of tyranny and threats being' general at Talacre in conse- quence Of the unhappy dispute regarding the closing of the old school as a public institution, the introduction of nuns, Or sisters, as teachers, and the opening of the new temporary school. Mr (Storey was made president of the Rhyl Swimming Club. Mr Howell Idris was so far improved as to be able to be moved out of the deceased gentleman- was brother to Mr R Ll •Union Hospital. A mass meeting organised Q by Churchmen to protest against the Education Bill was held in the Queen's Palace, at which Lord' iBalcarres was the principal speaker. A gloom was cast over the district by the pain- fully sudden death of Mr C Jones. The Jones, and, like him, was an ardent and devo- ted public man. By his death the district lost a faithful and effective county councillor and educationist. He was on the governing body of the County School, chairman of the Main Roads Committee, and a member of the Rhudd- lan Parish Council. The Rev T Ogwen Griffith accepted, the offer of the pastorate Of the Queen Street Welsh Congregational Church. The li- cense of the White Horse, Bedford Street, re- ferred by the local justices for compensation, was renewed by Quarter Sessions. The Bri- tannia Inn license, referred at the same time, was refused. Subsequently £2,000 were paid as compensation. The new reservoir at Llan. nefydd, which, covers nearly 21 acres and in- creased the storage capacity of the Council's water supply by 48 million gallons, was form- ally opened by Mr Whitley, chairman of the Water Committee, on the occasion of the annual visit of the Council to the waterworks. Mr Whitley was presented with a silver cup by the councillors and the officials as a memento of the occasion. Judge Sir Horatio Lloyd, who was County Court judge for the North Wales circuit for 3e years, resigned the position, and was succeeded by (Mr Samuel Moss, M.P. JULY. An enquiry wa.s held -by ,a Local Government Board inspector into an application by the Council to iborrOw a final sum of £1,200 for the completion of the new reservoir. The sanction was obtained. The Rhyl Fire Bri- gade won the Byrne Challenge Shield for the hydrant drill (without key) at the annual fire brigade demonstration of the North Wales Fire Brigade. Union at Abergele. Mr F Bircham, poor-law inspector for the district, bade the 6t Asaph Guardians farewelll on his retirement from the post. Bro. A Rhyflwen Jones was ino- vested with the office Of Prov. Grand Steward and Mr iF Geary received the collar or Prov. Grandi Organist. AUGUST. Like July, August was almost an off-season in matters of local interest. 'Mr W J P Storey was made chairman of the local Lifeboat Com- mittee, at a meeting at which the paucity of local subscriptions and' the lack of interest in the work generally was bemoaned. Some 2,000 Church Lads Brigadiers spent a fortnight under canvas at Prestatyn, and a sad fatality overtook one of their number during bathing parade. The little chap was lost sight of, and was. never seen alive again. A highly successful garden bazaar in aid of the. Alexandra Hospital was opened' by the Countess Grosvenor. The St Asaph Guardians, were unable to decide how best to lay out a, ten-pound note which Mr Howell Idris, M.P., forwarded for the benefit of the inmates as an expression of his apprecia- tion of the care he received during his enforced stay in the hospital at the Workhouse. They eventually referred to Mr Idris for directions. The Rhyl Council discussed the question of entertainments .for .next year, but failed to de- cide anything, Mr Rhydwen Jones' voice, when he suggested the offer of a JB600 subsidy for a band, (being like one crying in the wilderness." The band! of the iROyal far,ine6 visited the town. SEPTEMBER. • i A football olub was. formed at Rhuddlan. Sacco finished a. Oil days' fast in the Queen's Arcade, and the lifeboat demonstration realised £40. The Council had before them the sug- gestion that a new post-office should be estab- lished in Wellington and the matter was left to Councillor Asher to use his influence with those in authority. OCTOBER. The Reaper came amongst our public men again, filling his dread office relentlessly, blind- ly, indiscriminately. Mr Thomas Jones, the well-known Liverpool tea merchant, who lived in Russell Road (Mr Arthur Webb, and Mr J S Greenhalgh fell before his sickle. The Merrie Men's pitch property was- sold by auction to meet the Council's claim for rent; Mr J Herbert Lewis, LP., addressed the members at the opening for the session of the P.S.A. Society. Bro. Robert J Hughes was installed W iM. of the ■" Caradoc Lodge of Freemasons, and WT.iBro. James Evans was presented by the brethren with a Past Master's jewel in recogni- tion Of his services during his year Of office. At a Court Leet at the Westminster Hotel a strong letter was received from Mr Gamlin on behalf of property Owners in the east end with respect to the encroachments of the sea. The Rev J Pandy Williams preached a powerful sermon on the extent of the gambling evil in the town, demanding stringent measures for its suppression. NOVEMBER. The late member for Flintshire (Mr Samuel Smith.) was made a Privy Councillor on the occasion of the celebration of the King's birth- day. Hearty and sincere congratulations were accorded the right hon. gentleman from all sorts and shades of public bodies, and it was unanimously wished that he should have many years of life in which to wear the honours so well .deserved. W.Bro. F J Gamlin was in- stalled W.lM'. of the Royal Denbigh, the pro- fessional Lodge of Masons at Denbigh. The new Liberal Club in Sussex Street was formally openedl by 1I1,r William Jones, M.P. for Arfbn. Mr J H Lewis, M P., was deterred at the last moment from attending by a slight attack of influenza. The Council declined to express a formal Opinion with regard to a proposal to construct an electric tramway system through the town and on to Prestatyn, referring the matter for a plebiscite of the occupiers and Owners of property along the suggested lines of route. A proposal was made to establish an aerial railway on the sands and a switch- back—the site suggested by the Council for the latter being in the Marine Lake grounds. A railway porter named Samuel Stevenson, be- longing to Beeston Castle, was killed outright while assisting at shunting at Rhyl Station at half-past eight at night. Mr Dingad J Dayies, an old Rhyl schoolmaster, died suddenly while on a visit to friends on the Parade. DECEMBER. The last month closed in gloom. No less than three inquests were heldl in the district, and there passed away Mrs J Pandy Williams, wife of the esteemed pastor of Christ Church; Mr John iFoulkes, an old and faithful public man, magistrate, and churchwarden Mr Lewis Morgan, a former Rhyl resident and a Justice of the Peace for Denbighshire; Mr Francis Geary, a ,successful business. man—estate agsnt —churchwarden, and Freemason; and the Right Hon. Samuel Smith. The right hon. gentleman did not live long to enjoy his honour, dying within two months of its receipt. He died in Calcutta, where he had visited in pur- suance of his keen interest in everything relat- ing to the welfare of the great Indian Empire. The Countess of Dundanald opened' the annual sale of work in aid of the local Diocesan Socie- ties. The first public whist drive held in Rhyl was arranged by Mr R Sykes in aid of the local Advertising1 Association. Messrs Jacob Jones (Rhyl), Thomas Jones, and Thomas WiMianw (Prestatyn), and Dr iHenry Lloyd and Mr R E Birch {6t Asapih) were' included in a list of new ,I magistrates for the county. The Chairman of the IDistrict Council followed the splendid pre* cedent he established the year before and pro- vided at his own expense a Xmas treat for lie whole of the poor families Of the town.