The North Wales Weekly News

Dutch Operetta at Llandrillo- I yn-Rhos. "JA OF WINDMILL LAND." There is an event which occurs once a year in the history of LLandrillo that is looked forward to with much interest and that is the production of a play by the children of St. Trillo's Church Guild-a combination of clever and pretty children. For this year the Rev. E. James Evans and Mrs. Evans had selected the quaint Dutch operetta, Jan of Windmill Land," written and composed by Clementine Word, author of Princess Ju-Ju and other plays. The play is in two acts, and the plot is pleas- ing. Two wicked Fays drop magic pills disguised as sweets, which possess the power of filling children who eat them with naughtiness. They are picked up and eaten by two boys, Piet and Mathis, who immediately fall under the sipell, and plot against Jan, who has gained their envy by carrying off a prize offered by the Burger- master. Piet finds a bracelet belonging to the Burgermaster's wife, and Mathis suggests that they get rid of it by putting it in Jan's pocket, in order that it may be found on him. Jan is suspected, but empties his pocket in order to prove his innocence, when to his surprise and consternation of all, out falls the bracelet. Mynheer, now being convinced of his guilt, now again calls on Jan to confess, but he protests his innocence, and the matter is referred to St. Nicholas (whose festival is to be kept the next evening), when, if Jan is guilty, he will be handed over to Black Ruprecht and get his de- serts. The second acts sees children awaiting the arrival of St. Nicholas. Jan is charged, the Saint proclaims him innocent, and Piet and Mathis are declared culprits. The Frau Martendyk (a widow) of Miss Lottie Hemphill was a dignified piece of acting, and the "Jan" (her boy) of Master Arthur Owen Roberts was a delightful character. Piet and Mathis (two bad boys under the magic spell) were capitally pourtrayed by Masters Frank Marsan and Charles Shiingler. They had learnt their parts very well, and provided a deal of mirth. Mynn and Gertrum (school- girls) were in the hands of Miss Elsie Marson and Miss Gertie Bywater. The Burgomaster, Mynhe-i-T Van Oost," was performed with dignity by Master Charlie Hemphill. Bastiaans, Gerrit, Rohns, and Gijo were the retainers, with Master Vincent Aldred as spokesman. Max was well and buoyantly played by Master Jack Price. Th:* periodical stage scenes were very pretty in the, first act, especially the Twelve Flower Fairies, dressed to represnt the tulip, the na- tional flower of Holland, and the Baby children dressed to represent bulbs were fascinating and winsome to a degree. The peculiar bulb shaped dresses were quaint and provoked much mirth, and the singing of the wee ones captivated all hearts. If the first act was excellent, the second sur- passed it in beauty and stage effects. The act- ing, singing, and dancing in this s:cond part were very good. The opening chorus, Hail, St. Nicholas, Hail," was a very fine one, being given by the children with plenty of vigour, go," and delightful movement, and the appear- ance of St. Nicholas (the Rev. T. E. Timothy) at the last bar of music was very dramatic. Mr. Timothy was in his element and did his speak- ing well. He looked all over the kindly ben- evolent old saint. His robes were gorgeous, not of the conventional Father Christmas type, but he was attired as nearly as possible as suggested by the famous picture by Raphael, The Madona Ansidei." Master Jack Berts assumed the character of Black Ruprecht, with his Gollywogs, and at very short notice did his part wonderfully well. Master John Walker was to have taken this part, but was invalided a few days before the production. Walker was doing splendidly, and I Of course everyone was dreadfully disappointed. Nevertheless, Master Jack Berts came to the rescue, and saved the situation in fine style. The- whole of the second act was effectively d<5tl€, the best outstanding items being the open- ing chorus, The Gollywog's Song," by Miss NanCy Lord Master Jack Berts' song, Dr. Birch," with laughing chorus, The Flying Dutchman," with the topical song, sung by Miss Iris Ashby. This was the item that brought the climax of the play about. Dainty Miss Ashby sang with a delightful naiveness, sitting with all the Dutch girls kneeling down around her. The song was encored again and again and fairly brought down the house. The following is the song: "THE FLYING DUTCHMAN." He came down to Wales-to Llandrillo on the sea coast, A place of which Rhosites are never tired to boist He hoped to find Shelter" upon the Prom when 'twas wet, And a well-lighted road to parade along, you may bet. You've heard of the Flying Dutchman," He got very wet all through And. knee-deep in the mud, He got caught in the flood- Oh no wonder the Dutchman flew And he felt like a toad In the rough Abbev Road So no wonder the Dutchman flew He quaked at the Budget and all the burdens there laid, Studied Tariff Reform, also antiquated Free Trade He found some new taxes to be imposed on each hand, On the Dukes and on petrol, on increment and on land Yon've heard of the "Flying Dutchman," He was very hard hit too Wiien they taxed him on all That his own he could call, Oh by George how that Dutchman flew Had to pay to the beaks For each patch on his" breeks," Oh, by George how that Dutchman flew Encore Verse This Dutchman took rooms in a pretty town of some fame, Where Council-men met, always one another to blame 'T was nobody's duty to see that matters went right. But when "Gas" figured wrong, each was ready then for a fight. You've heard of the Flying Dutchman," He then figured poorly too Through the force of the gas. Which escaped in a mass Oh, my word how that Dutchman new For in seeking the latch. He just lighted a match 'T was the last time the Dutchman flew Marzipan," an acted song in which Miss Elsie Marsan and Master Arthur O. Roberts de- scribe the manner of lovemaking in Holland, was really a very fine bit of acting, and was highly appreciated by the audience, who encored it vigorously. Elsie sang the song, and both acted the words A i. Mrs. John Bull, an English lady travelling in Holland, was acted by Miss Dolly Boardman, and her daughters, Alice and Beatrice, were nicely pourtrayed by Miss Effie Tozer and Miss Phyllis Robertson. The Gollywogs were Master "Percy Shingl-ir, Miss Nancy Lord, and Miss Jack Richardson. The choruses were well balanced and the production was a signal success, such as is al- ways attached to the names of Mr. and Mrs. E. James-Evans, of the Vicarage. The training of the children was a triumph in acting and sing- ing, and th: dancing of the Misses Iris Ashby, Nancy Lord, Ena Gunton, and Kitty Porter was such that perfection could not be nearer. Four pretty children with fairy-like movements, sabot dancing, and many others was quite up to the high standard associated with the yearly pro- ductions given by the children. There was a packed house on Friday even- ing, and Jan of Windmill Land may certain- ly be voted the best production yet seen at the Church Room. Great praise is due to Mr. David Hughes, organist of St. Trillo's Church, for acting as accompanist throughout the operetta. .α

The small boy had been vaccinated, and, after the Lapse of eight days, returned to the public vaccinator's office, in accordance with regula- tions, to see if he had taken." "But, my boy," said the doctor, you've got your red tape on the wrong arm." No, sir," responded the Lad, its the right arm but I vaccinated you on the left one. That piece of tape is no protection from blows if you keep it on the arm it is adorn- ing at the present moment." Isn't it?" said the urchin, with a shrewd glance at the man of lymph. You don't know my pals 4

Scotland Street Church I Mission. CHRISTMAS TREE T AND ENTERTAINMENT. Perhaps it is not generally known that an ex- cellent work is being carried on by a small band of zealous workers at this little mission room situated in Scotland-street, and founded by Mrs. Hyde, Bron Derw, about 30 years ago. It is in connection with the Church, services b2" ing held and' a Sunday School conducted, at which a large number of scholars attend. It is customary to give the scholars a Christmas treat and this year that took place at the Church House on Thursday afternoon and evening, when it took the form of a tea party, Christmas tree, and entertainment. The tea and the good things which were heaped upon the handsomely decorated tables were provided by subscriptions from friends. The tables were presided over by the following ladies:—Mrs. Morgan, Mrs. Watling, Mrs. Dodd, Mrs. Thomas, National Schools; Mrs. Edwards, George-street; Mrs. Roberts, The Boot; Miss Leighton, Miss Farr, Miss Morgan, and Nurse Cooke, assisted by Miss Williams, Glan Aber Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Grenville Jones, Mrs. William Hughes, Mrs. Taylor Jones, Mrs. G. J. AlLsupp, Miss Carter, Miss Livermore, the M isses Edwards, Miss Ivy Williams, Miss Myfanwy Thomas, Miss Bickers, Miss Lizzie Ro- berts, the Rev. John Morgan and the Rev. J. I. Farr, Messrs. R. H. Jones, A. E. Evans, Gar- mon Jones, Jordan Evans, T. Edwards, W. M. and Herbert Allsupp, T. Baker, and the Masters Hugh and Edward Watling. The tables having been cleared, an entertain- ment was held, when the building was crowded with an enthusiastic audience, who thoroughly enjoyed the attractive programme prepared. The chair was occupied by the Rev. C. Bodwel Griffith, Plas Cae-'r Groes, who in a neat speech gave a brief history of the mission and the good work it was performing. The vocalists were Miss Gwladys Hughes, Miss Livermore, Miss Blodwen Owen, Miss Benedicte Williams, Miss Eva Hughes, and Master Harold Gerrard. In a children's play entitled Ethel's Reward the characters ware sustained by Hilda Ed- wards, Meta Thomas, Blodwen Owen, Myfanwy Hughes, Nellie Hughes, Percy Allsupp, Lizzie Davies, Blodwen Hughes, and Martha S. Ples- ter. Gramaphone selections were given by Mr. J. J. Lloyd, and the accompanists were Mrs. Watling and Miss Morris, Printing Office. At the conclusion of the programme Father Christmas (Mr. Baker) presided at the tree, which had been prepared by Mrs. Roberts (Rhiwlas), Miss Carter, Miss Morris, Miss Hughes, and Mr. E. A. Evans. The tree had a magnificent appearance, being loaded with useful and attractive articles, and it was com- pletely illuminated by electricity, kindly fitted by Mr. Archie Carter. The tree having been strirvoed, each child was the recipient of an orange, the gift of Mrs. Carter, Grimsby House. The gifts on the were kindly given by Mrs. Ashby, Plas Cae'r Groes Mrs. Crawford, Bron Derw Miss Morehead, London Mrs. Roberts, Rhiwlas Misses Halhed, Bryn Derwen Mrs. Coleman., Bath Mrs. Watling, Mrs. Maurice Williams, and Miss Livermore, The Library, and Miss Leighton. The secretary and treasurer jointly were Miss Carter and Miss Morris, to whose labours the credit for the success of the programme is due. The last item, but certainly not the least im- portant, was the presentation to Miss Morris of a handsome ring, with her monogram engraved thereon. The presentation was made by the teachers of the mission in recognition of the faithful services rendered by Miss Morris for a period extending over ten years. The presenta- tion ceremony was performed by the Rector, and Miss Morris suitably responded. A most enjoy- able terminated by the singing of the two National Anthems.

Sheep-Dog Trials at Aber. On Satiirday week the Aber, &c., Sheep Dog Trials Society held their third annual trials in the field adjoining the Aber Hotel, and which are chosen, by the committee owing to. their splendid position and convenience. The Presi- dent was Lord Penrhyn, and the patrons were Colonel Platt, C.B., Sir Richard Williamfi- Bulkeley, Bart., Mr. C. B. Assheton-Smith, Dr. Bailie, "Bryn y Neuadd Dr. Clifton Hughes, Llanfairfechan Mr. Kay Massie, Lalnfairfechari and Birkenhaed and Professor Winter, Mad- rvn. The Committee were Messrs. W. Roberts, Bron Derw (chairman) H. Owen, Llys y Gwynt (vice-chairman) P. G. Roberts, The Smithies; Hugh Hughes, Bont Newydd; O. F. Jones, Madryn Evan Williams, Aber. Llew Griffith, Henfaes; John Griffith, Henfaes (treasurer) John Ellis Jones, Bronydd; Tom R. Ellis, Ty'n'rhendre; W. S. Thomas, Taly- bont; W. G. Roberts, Cama'rnaint; Moses Jones, Brvn y Neuadd and the Secretary (Mr. Ovvtn' Hughes, School House.) The judges were Messrs. T. McGill, Dolwydid- elen H. "Owen, Llysygwynt, and Henry O. Ellis, Ty'nrhendre, who officiated in the un- avoidable absence of Councillor W. J. Roberts, Cama'rnaint, who has met with an accident. Though the wind was rather high and cold in the morning, it improved in the afternoon, and the trials were witnessed by hundreds of spec- tators. The working of the dogs in the class limited to dogs within an area of 20 miles was not so good in the morning, but in the afternoon the dogs entered in the open class ran and worked splendidly. Dogs having entered from so far as Carlisle, the interest aroused brought many people from that part to the trials. Prof. Winter assisted the committee during the whole of the day, and Col. Platt, C.B., and Mr. King visited the trials during the afternoon, and ex- pressed themselves highly pleased with all the arrangements, also with the working of the dogs. The trials were over at 4.30, and then hundreds of people assembled, in front of the hotel to hear the judges giving their verdict, and after Professor Winter had said a few words on the purpose and aims of the trials, Mr. Mc- Gill gave the adjudication out. The winners were Class i (open to all corners) i and 3, J. Moss, Oswestry; 2, R. How, Ashholme; 4. W. Akrigg, Sedburgh, Sheffield. Class 2 (open to dogs within a radius of 20 miles that have not won a first or second prize) i, W. Pritchard, Pylldu, near Conway; 1, O. Francis Jones, Aber 3, John Roberts, Penmaen- mawr 4, Morris Griffith, Aber 5, R. Roberts, Corbri, Llanllecnid. The prizes were distributed by Professor Winter. Later in the evening the members of the com- mittee, judges, and the officers, were entertained to dinner at the hotel. Professor Winter, who presided, said that to form such a society" as 1 this meant heavy work. The committee were to be congratulated in having had such successful trials that day, and he hoped that they would be able to continue the trials annually, as they were bound to do much good. The Chairman and the Vice-Chairman spoke, and after all the loyal toasts had been proposed and responded to, the company, including Professor Winter, Messrs. William Roberts, Hugh Owen, T. Mc Gill, Henry O. Ellis, John Griffith, Hugh Hughes, Pierce G. Roberts, Tom R. Ellis., J. Ogwen Hughes, Llew. Griffith, R. J. Evans, W. M. Roberts, Owen Hughes, Evan Williams, Moses Jones, O. F. Jones, and Hugh Jones, partook of a splendid dinner provided by Mr. Roberts, the licensee. -Songs were rendered by Mr. Cefni Jones, of Bangor.

ONE MOMENT, PLEASE. Mr. Pritchard, Cunnington, Essex, says:—"I served through Nile Expedition and late Boer War. Suffered from backache and kidney complaint. Paid pounds on doctors. Two boxes Holdroyd's cured me." Mrs. King, Runwell Road, Wickford, says Duty compels me to tell all who suffer that your pills cured me after years of pain." Sufferers from Gravel, Lumbago, the Kidneys, Bright's, Dropsy, &e., Sciatica, Rheumatism, and Gout, will find a positive cure in Holdroyd's Gravel Pills. 1/1+. ot al Chemists; post free. 12 starrps.—HOLDROYD'S MEDICAL HALL. Cleckheaton, Yorks. 35

Tariff Reform Simplified. To THE EDITOR OF THE Weekly News. SIR,—When Mr. W,m. Horton puts pen to I paper the result is usually worth reading, though we may not always agree with his views. Still there is a refreshing vigour and candour about his letters that appeal, to one, and in regard to his latest letter entitled Tariff Reform Simpli- fied one must add originality. His suggestions are quite off the beaten track along which so many Tariff Reformers go plodding in the wake of Mr. Joseph Chamber- lain. He suggests, as a system of Tariff Re- form —■ (I) That it be made obligatory on dealers in foreign-made articles and imports of all kinds to take out licences authorising them to deal therein. (2) That such traders be compelled to announce over their business premises the fact that they are licensed salesmen for foreign pro- ductions. (3) That such licence be fixed at Cto per annum, with an extra 5 per cent. on the assessment of the premises in which the dealings in foreign productions are conducted. Mr. Horton says The enormous revenue it would produce would be a glaring surprise to all." It undoubtedly would, because there is probably not a single class of shopkeepers in the United Kingdom who would escape the tax. The chemist who sells Turkey Rhubarb; the grocer who sells coffee the fruiterer who sells oranges the ironmonger who sells paraffin; the confectioner who sells liquorice the draper and the outfitter who sell furs the milliner who sells ostrich feathers; the corn merchant who sells maize; the cycle agent and the motor engineer who sell petrol—in short it would be difficult to name a class of shopkeepers who would not be hit by the tax proposed by Mr. Horton. He says: No one need take out the licence unless he chooses to do so. All he has to do, is to cease dealing in foreign articles, and there- by give the Britishers a chance to develop home productions." Well, I have mentioned a few traders in foreign articles, and I would ask: Does Mr. Horton seriously suggest that these dealers should all take out a Cio license, with an extra 5 per cent. on the assessment of the premises in which such articles are sold, or cease dealing in thoss articles in order to give the Britisher a chance to develop home pro- duction ?" I am inclined to think his suggestions if carried into law would, defeat their own object; because they would either result in stamping out the small shopkeeper in favour of the large em- porium, or shopkeepers would push foreign gcods all the more in. order to pay for the lie: nse Mr. Horton refers to the extra profits which encourages the shopkeepers to push for- eign productions. Personally I should like to know where the extra profit comes in when a confectioner sells a packet of Velma instead of a packet of Bournvilile," or when the grocer sells a tin of Nestle's Swiss Milk instead of a tin of Home and Colonial milk. The fact of the matter is the public insist on having well-known foreign brands because there is an idea they are better than the home pro- ductions, and the probable result of Mr. Hor- ton's suggestions being carried out would be merely to. divert the trade in such foreign arti- cles from the small shopkeepers to the large traders who would make a splendid advertise- ment out of the fact that they were licensed to deal in these superior "(?) class of goods and would push them to a much greater extent than is the case now. My experience is that the Tariff Reformers are the greatest sinners in the matter of patron- ising foreign productions. How many Tariff Reformers are there who prefer home made wines to the French vintages? And how many of their ladies prefer home-made dresses to costumes direct from Paris? Let us have consistency first, and preaching afterwards. -Yours truly, Rhos-on-Sea. S. T. FROST.

Is the Budget Harsh ? To THE EDITOR OF THE bveekly News. SIR,—Mr. G. Duckers says The Budget is harsh to the taxpayer who has little to pay with." He offers no proof in support of his assertion and it therefore carries no mora with." He offers no proof in support of his assertion and it therefore carries no more weight than would an assertion that Mr. Duckers was a black man. Those who know Mr Duckers would know such an assertion had no foundation in fact. Likewise those who know the Budget know that Mr. Duckers' assertion that it is harsh to the taxpayer who has little to pay with is absolutely false. I know it is useless trying to argue with people whose minds are already made up on the sub- ject of the Budget,but there may be some having seen Mr. Duckers' assertion believe it to be true because they have not studied the Budget for themselves. If anv readers have been misled let them listen to Mr. Lloyd George, who said, at Limehouse We are placing burdens on the broadest shoulders. Why should I put burdens on the people? I am one of the children of the people. I was brought up amongst them. I know their trials. God forbid that I should add one grain of trouble to the anxieties which they bear with such patience and fortitude. When the Prime Minister did me the honour of inviting me to take charge of the National Exchequer, at a time of great difficulty, I made up my mind that in framing the Budget which was in front of me, at any rate no cup- board should be barer, no lot should be harder to bear. By that test I challenge them to judge the Budget." And after such a challenge Mr. Duckers has the temerity to come forward with a barefaced assertion that the Budget is harsh to the tax- payer who has little to pay with." What ground has he for his assertion? Absolutely none. Take the case of a clerk earning Z200 a year. At present he pays income tax on £40. Under Mr. Lloyd CGeorge's Budget he would be allowed to deduct £ 10 for every child, so that if he had fonr children the clerk with 62oo a year would not pay income tax at all. That is how Mr. Lloyd George's Budget is harsh to the tax- payer who has little to pay with," according to Mr. Duckers. I wonder what the clerk with four children thinks abouit it! It is the people with small incomes that Mr. Lloyd George has tried to help by his Budget. The Tories, on the other hand, admit that if they are returned to power they will tax bread, meat, bacon, eggs, cheese, flour, boots, clothes, in fact practically everything re- quired in a house and in the building of a house. And all for what? To stop the wicked Liberals from taxing millionaires a little heavier than the working man and the clerk who has a struggle to make both ends meet. And the remarkable thing is that some work- ing men and clerks will be fools enough to vote for the Tories and heavier taxes. What the Budget would do for working men was described by Mr. Lloyd George at Reading, I where he said:- "Have you ever totalled up the amount of money proposed by the Budget for social re- form? Remember this is no election platform promise for social reform, but actual proposals to provide the money in the Budget. They are these — For old-age pensions ^9,000,000 To bring in the paupers on the pension roll 2,000,000 For unemployment. 3,000,000 For the sick and wounded soldiers of industry 4,000,000 That is £18,000,000 of money, with which we mean to drive hunger for ever from the hearths of the poor. We mean to Ijanish the workhouse from the horizon of every workman in the land before we are done, but we want your help, not merely to secure the Budget Bill, but to sweep out of the way the people who obstruct it." What are the working men of West Denbigh- shire going to do about it?- Yours, &c., Colwyn Bay. A BUDGETEER.

Tariff Reform. To THE EDITOR OF THE Weekly News. Sir,—According to Mr. Duckers, we must be in a bad way. However, I submit the following questions to Mr. Duckers and other Tariff Re- formers (I) Why does Great Britain own two-thirds of the world's shipping? (2) Why does Germany practice Free Trade in all materials (raw and manufactured) that can be used in shipbuilding? (3) Why does a 41b. white loaf cost is. 4d. in Berlin ? (4) Why is Hamburg a free port? (5) Why has United States shipping fallen from 2,546,000 tons in 1860 to 871,000 tons in, 1909? (6) If the American railway magnates paid Sir Michael's tax on corn, why did that gentle- man give as his reason for taking the tax off that he found he had made a mistake in think- ing such a small tax would not raise the price of bread "? (7) If the" Big Revolver" is so useful in bringing tariffs down, why is the French duty on American leather double the duty on British leather? Satisfactory answers to these ques- tions will convert-Yours, &c., THOMAS.

A New Industry for Wales. To THE EDITOR OF THE Weekly News. Sir ,During the last few years numerous Scotch and other families have taken farms in the county of Essex and they appear to be quite satisfied with the results. It may interest your readers to know that within the last two or three years several French gardens have been created in this county for the mirpose of supply- ing the metropolis with out-of-season salads at periods when such produce usually commands high prices, it being computed that a single acre can be made to grow from /.boo to _18.. worth of produce annually. Hitherto the whole of this business has be<m in the hands of the gardeners in and around Paris, and many hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of produce have been imported annually into Great Britain. It is now quite clear that the whole of these crops can be grown here quite as well as in Paris. All that is required is a period of special training under a competent instructor. We have in this dis- trict three French Gardens under a distinguished French expert (Mons. Paul Aquatias), and if any of your readers of either sex who feel in- terested in this new industry will send a stamped addressed envelope I shall be pleased to give them information upon the subject. Many ladies are now taking up the study of French gardening with the idea of pursuing it as a busi- ness career. The next four to six months are the most important of all in the French garden- ing year, and if any of your readers would like to enter upon a short course I shall be pleased to place facilities at their disposal.—I am, Sir, yours faithfully, F. MIGNOTT. Brook Hall, Tiptree, Essex.

I To the House of Lords. Ye haughty Peers and proud, by us too long allowed To sit in unjust judgement with hearts gainst justice steel'd. b Who always did rejoice ti scorn the people's voice, Ye challenge us to battle and we gladly take the field I Lo we are they who make the wealth ye idlers take, And we spare not brain or n uscle, we brave disease and death, And the sweater's iron hand scourges us at your command That ye may draw your profit e'en from our latest breath. For you our lives we spend in toil that knows no end, For you we shed our blood on the distant liattle-plaiii And our maidens pure and sweet are cast upon the street, For our lives are in your hands and ye barter them for gain. Oh does it not suffice that we pay the heavy price. The toll ot rent and profit, coin'd in sweat and tears and blood, But in arrogance and pride ye must tell it far and wide That ve will not stint your luxury, but would tax our scanty food ? In vain ye temporise your slanders and your lies Shall not avail to save you from the wrath that is to come For the wrongs of ages past are gather'd up at last With the wrongs ye do to-day, and dreadful is the sum But ye shall surely know that no further shall ye go. That your day of power in ended, and ye pass to endless gloom, Y'ea, well for you perchance, that we wield not sword or lance But with pencil-stroke on paper shall hurl you to your doom DI LYN.

Mrs Brodrick's Letter to the Primrose League The Hon. Mrs. Laurance Brodrick writes as follows to the members of the Colwyn Bay Primrose League Habitation — The long talked of General Election is now close at hand, and has brought with it the op- portunity for us, as loyal members of the Prim- rose League, to. prove that our wish to help the Conservative and Unionist cause is an active and not merely a passive one. I had hoped during the last few months to have had the opportunity of meeting you all face to face, but owing first to the illness, end- ing in the death of my mother, my plans for doing so had to be abandoned. I am sure that you will all understand this, and not think that want of interest in our cause has been the reason why I have not arranged any meetings for this winter. You will understand also that my being in deep mourning makes me feel that I should not like to appear in public while the election is going on. At the same time, believe me, my interest in thel cause is as strong as ever perhaps more so, as the political events of the last few months have made me realise more strongly than ever that the coming elec- tion is one of the most important for the wel- fare of the nation that has taken place for a long time. It is therefore of the greatest im portance that we of the Primrose League should do all that lies in our power to help our side. We must each and all of us start with a feeling that the success of the election depends upon our individual efforts. May I, therefore, urge you to do- your utmost in one or more of the your help in other ways: — (1) If you have a vote, let nothing other than a severe illness prevent you from voting when the polling day arrives. v (2) To use all the influence you possess to win over to your side those who are undecided. (3) If you have a carriage or any means of conveyance of your own, either lend it or use it for the conveyance of voters to the poll. For those who have not got a vote (particu- larly ladies), also to those who have plenty of spare time on their hands, may I appeal for (1) To offer their services in the committee rooms for secretarial work or as canvassers. (2) To use all their powers of persuasion in the way I have' mentioned above. (3) To help to. make it easy for their friends and neighbours to go and vote, by assisting them in little ways, such as minding their houses or businesses during the time they are away voting. If you begin to look round you will be surprised! to find how the doing of these things helps to facilitate matters for the voter. Above all things, realise what a serious fight we are having, and believe that ever -V vote is of importance. The result to the nation is of the greatest possible consequence, and we must feel that in this we are not onlv taking trouble to help or please our friends and neigh- bours, but that we are fighting for oze- nation. Wishing you every success in your work."

Manchester and District Bank. ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR. The Manchester and Liverpool District Ranking- Company, Limited, whose balance sheet we pub- lish this week, hold their aniiiial meeting of shareholders at the head office, Spring Gardens, Manchester, on Monday, the 17th inst. As is well known, the Company have a branch in Con way-road, Colwyn Bay, with Mr. F. Schiele as manager. The gross profit for the half-year ended 31st December, 1909, was £ 293,216 53. 8d., to which is added £ 56,267 9s. gd., the balance from the previous half-tear, making a total of £ 349 483 15s. Sd. It is proposed to allocate the balance of £ 293.216 5s. 8d. as foliows:-Divicieiid, £ 165,900 addition to reserve fund, i., 10,000; addition to pension fund, C5,000 balance carried forward to next account, £ 57,993 16s. 8d. The company, whose paid-up capital is £ ,1,896,000, has a reserve fund of £ 1,725 000. Sir Edward Donne;. Bart., is the chairman. The dividend proposed is at the usual rate of 21S. per share. The balance sheet shows :— Current deposit and other accounts, £ 22,321,489 cash in hand and at the Bank of England, £ 2,448,474; money at call and short notice £ 3,187,845; investments, £ 3,932,893; bills of exchange, £ 2,913,190 and advances in current and deposit accounts, 613,184,720.

A Schooner in Distress. About noon on Sunday a message was received from the Great Orme's Head lighthouse that a schooner in Rhos Bay was dragging her anchor and that her crew were in great peril. All Saturday a full gale raged from the westward,. and on Sunday the wind increased in force to a hurricane. The schooner took such shelter as was afforded her in Rhos Bay, just round the Little Orme's Head, on Saturday afternoon, but she was rather far from the shelter of the land, and her anchor proved unequal to the prolonged and increasing strain. The lifeboat was afloat in fourteen minutes after the signal was given. The lifeboat returned about half-past four. The coxswain (Mr. E. Griffiths) states that he fol- lowed the schooner, named the Gwalia," from Drogheda, as she was driven before the wind towards the lee shore at Pensarn, but the Llan- ddulas lifeboat, which also put to sea, met her and took off the crew. The schooner went aground near the Llysfaen quarries, beyond Penmaen Rhos Point, where she now lies. The crew were fed and sent to their homes by the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society, although they were not members.

In a certain WeLh police court, after the police constable had given his evidence, the magistrates' clerk said to the defendant, Now you tell your story." The defendant's sharp reply was, Xo, I am. not going to tell a story. I am here to tell the truth."

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