The Rhos Herald

RHOS. CONSERVATIVE CLUB FOR RHOS.—It is I rumoured that a movement is on foot to open a Conservative Club at Rhos, and that suitable premises for the purpose will shortly be opened in the district. APPOINTMENT.—Mr John Owen, of Denbigh, has commenced duties as em- ergency teacher at the Grange Council School this week. HILL-STREET LITERARY SOCIETY.—Mr R. A. Jones presided at a meeting of the Hill-street Literary Society, held on Thursday evening. The subject under discussion was 44 Calvinism versus Ar- minism," Messrs T. Davies and Rob- erts advocated qArminism," whilst the Pastor (Rev R. Williams) Messrs Eben Pritchard, and David Evans stated the case for Calvinism." There was a good attendance, and the discussion was most interesting. LENT.-Srecial services were held at the three churches on Wednesday even- ing, when sermons were preached by the Vicar at the Parish Church, the Rev E. Jenkins-Menlove, B.A., at St Mary's Church, and the Rev Rees Jones at St David's Welsh Church. CHURCH SERVICES.—The Holy Com- munion was celebrated in the Parish Church on Sunday morning at 8, and at 1 71 the following service, the Vicar, the Rev J. Howell Thomas, officiated. The Rev Rees Jones (curate) preached at the even- ing service, which was attended by a large congregation. The Holy Com- munion was administered in St David's Church at 10 a.m. The morning service was conducted by the Rev Rees Jones, and at the evening service, the Rev E. Jenkins-Menlove preached. The services at St Mary's Church were well attended, the services being taken by the Vicar and the Rev E. Jenkins-Menlove.

RUABON POLICE COURT. ANNUAL LICENSING SESSIONS. THREE LICENCES TO BE OPPOSED Mr Arthur E. Evans presided at Ruabon Licensing Sessions on Friday, and there were also on the Bench, Messrs Christmas Jones, R. R. Jones, H. Dyke Dennis, E. Lloyd Jones, and C. Morris. THE POLICE REPORT. D.C.C. Jones reported that the division contained 69 fully licensed houses, and 42 beer-houses licenses to sell for consump- tion on or off the premises total 102. The population at the last census was 21,721, and thus gave an average of 215 persons to each licence. One chemist was licensed to sell wine for consumption off the premises. The licence of the Col- lier's Arms, Ponkey, was extinguished on Dec 24th, upon payment of compensation. During the year, 44 persons were convict- ed for drunkenness, 12 of whom were for being d unk on Sundays, a dt c eaê cf 31 on the total number convicted, and of one in the cases of Sunday drunkenness. The convictions for drunkenness during the past seveii years were :-1903, I6\i); 1904, i og 1905. 65 1906, 80; 1907,81; 190S, 75 39^9 44. One person was convicted ot being unlawfully upon licen- sed premises on Sunday. Since the last Licensing Sessions: three licence holders had been proceeded against and two con- victed. With these exceptions he had no complaint to make. DECISION OF THE BENCH. Mr Arthur Evans said the magistrates had considered the report, and they I thought it very satisfactory. It was a credit to the licence holders in that neigh- bourhood. He thought it spoke well, not only for the licence holders. but for the residents of the district, to find that there was an extraordinary reduction of drunkenness year by year. In 1903 the number was 160, and that had come down to 44, They were rather surprised and grieved to see that a good many of the cases were Sunday drunkenness. They hoped the licence holders would keep this in mind, and try to reduce it during the next year. All the licences would be renewed with the exception of the Sea Lion, Rhos, the Hand, Ponkey, and the Prince of Wales, Cefn. These three wou!d be considered at the adjourn- ed licensing sessions a month from that day. VISITING JUSTICES' REPORTS. The Clerk, Mr L1. Kemick, read the reports of the Visiting Justices. The re- port stated that a committee was appoint- ed to inspect the licensed houses in the Cefn district, with a view of considering whether any could be referred for compen- sation The Committee found the houses clean, and in a good state of repair. The nccommo-Nation and sanitary conveniences were satisfactory, with one axception. namely—the Prince of Wales, Cefn. Theie was another licensed house within ten yards of this house, and there were two other houses within a short distance. They recommended that the licence should not be renewed, and that the house should be referred for compen- sation. Mr Arthur Evans said the Bench ap- proved of the report. The Clerk then read the report of the justices appointed to visit the houses in Rhos district. The justices reported that they found the houses clean and in a fair state of repair. The accommodation and sanitary conveniences were satisfactory with two exceptions—the Sea Lion, Rhos, and the Hand Inn, Ponkey. The justices were of opinion that these houses were not required for the public use, and they recommended that the licences should not be renewed, and that the houses should be referred for compensation. Mr Arthur Evans, on behalf of the ma- gistrates then instructed D.C.C. Jones to serve notices of objection in the cases mentioned. KING'S HEAD, RHOS. The licence of the King's Head, Rhos, was transferred to John Phillips. RHOS PUBLIC HALL. A theatrical licence in respect of the Rhos Public Hall, was granted on the ap- plication of Mr J. Trevor Jones. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY." Acting-Sergt Harris summoned John Morris, Bank-street, Ponkey, for being drunk and disorderly on February ist. Fined 5s and costs. RHOS TERRITORIAL IN COURT. Richard Roberts, Gutter Hill, Johns- town, was the defendant in a Territorial case, and ^5 was claimed from him for failing to make himself efficient. Mr Bury said defendant failed to attend the annual training. Leave of absence was invariably granted if it was applied for. In October defendant was asked to state his reason why he had not attended the training, but he did not reply. If he had given some good reason why he had not attended camp, he would have avoided these proceedings. Defendant said he was ill at the time of the camp, and after due consideration, the magistrates decided to dismiss the case. HUSBAND AND WIFE. In the adjourned case brought by Eliz. Ann Edwards, Ponkey, against her hus- band, Ernest Oliver Edwards, Aberder- fyn, Ponkey, for neglecting to provide reasonable maintenance, for her and her child, the magistrates ordered defendant "35 per week to his wife.

Correspondence. « RHOS MUD AND RATES. To the Editor of the Rhos Herald. Under the above heading there appeared a very remarkable letter from the pen of Mr John Evans. I may say that I have read it through and fail to find a single explanation why these things are as he siates. Certainly, I e suggests I that one Council should invite a servant of an- other Council for his alvice and experience what for I dont know. but if it is in respect to the mud I may inform him that neither the Par- ish or District Council have any control whatever lover. -uut. to tne Rates taese are created by the Council of which Mr Evans has been a member for many years. Why does'nt he in- form the readers of the Rhos Herald the reason for this state of things. Is it not a fact that this expenditure has been incurred in improvement to private property but he would like to mislead vour readers by trotting his pet hobby Urban Powers and inviting all candidates for the hon- our of representing us on these Councils to pledge themselves in favour of Urban Powers. From his letter one would think that U. P. would create a revolution in our district, we shall have the roads paved, sidewalks, &c, and at the same time a great reduction in the rates. If so would Mr Evans be so kind as to explain I why the Rates in Poplar are at 11/8 while those I of Pinner only 5/2. I presume that they have Urban Powers in these places and if we get two or three inches of mud for 9/2 in the £ how much will paved streets cost ? Does any sane man think for a moment that he will get these improvements without paying for them. Let us have a rousing meeting and let all candidates have an opportunity of placing his ideas and demonstrate his ability and fitness for the hon- our—let the ratepayers know who and what kind of persons are desirous of representing them on these Councils but let us have men and < not muffs. Men who are respectable enough to do the work honourably with all respect to other Councillors and thereby command the j same return and at the same time men who are not afraid to do what is right and just between man and man.—Yours, RATEPAYER. 1 P.S.—I am prepared to prove my assertion in the above ie expenditure on private property.

Welsh Territorials to Camp at Aberystwyth. Arrangements are being pushed forward for the camp of the Welsh division of Territorials to be held at Aberystwyth next July. On Wednesday Major East, Staff officer to Major General Francis Lloyd, commander of the Welsh division, visited Aberystwyth, accompanied by Colonel Brome Giles and Captain Fitz- wiJliams, of the Army Service Corps. The proposed camping grounds, which have been fixed at Gogerddan and Loves- grove, about three miles to the north of the town, were inspected. Details as to the supply of fcod, fodder, &c. required (or 20,000 men and horses, who are ex- pected to participate in the camp were also discussed.

HANDEL'S SAMSON. A MERITORIOUS PERFORMANCE. On Wednesday evening Bethlehem Con- gregational Chapel, Rhos, was crowded with an appreciative and expec rHlt audi- ence, the occasion being the fhih annual concert of Bethlehem United Choral So- ciety. The work selected this year- Handel's Oratorio, Samson,was com- posed in the year 1742, and is founded on the Biblical story. Did Handel, when composing this work, have any forebod- ings that he himself would spend the lat- ter part of his life in total blindness ? The poignant emotion expressed in "Total Eclipse," leads one to think that Handel himself must have had some forebodings that to him it would some day be a case of 44 no sun, all dark amidst the blaze of noon It is well known that he spent the last eight years 01 his life in total blindness Life, verily, was not a bed of roses to many of the great musical mas- ters. Think of the mighty Beethoven, en- tirely deaf; the giant Handel blind poor Mozart, neglected, and buried in an un- known pauper's grave when only about 34 years of age To mention only a tew. But what a heritage they left behind them, which to-day the whole world draws upon, and which will live whilst man has breath to sing. The chorus is an exceedingly well-bal- anced body of voices 100 strong. The tone was excellent throughout. The so- pranos were brilliant and pure the con- traltos sweet, although one or two addi- tional voices would enhance the effect; the tenors bright and ringing; and the bass sonorous and rich. The training of the past five years is now plainly to be felt, the brilliant tone, splendid attack and tout ensemble (as the critics say) being excellent. Mr Dan Roberts, A.C,, the painstaking conductor, is to be heartily congratulated upon the success of his la- bours, and the choir upon their past per- formances. Here is their record :—"Cap- tivity," (D Emlyn Evans), Creation," 44 Elijah," (Mendelssohn), 4 Stabat Mater,' (Rossini), 11 Samson," (Handel). Some- thing to be proud of. The fine choruses were sung with verve and power through- out. If we must mention our own fav- ourites, we would select Fixed in his everlasting seat," "Let their celestial concerts," 'Then round about'—but why discriminate when all were so good. The female chorus was marred by a voice of the stern sex persisting in singing with them. Here it was a case of man not wanted. The title role was taken by Mr Gwilym Richards. No doubt Mr Richards has been an excellent singer in his day-some ten to fifteen years ago-but now his voice is beginning to show signs of wear and tear. This of course is inevitable to all singers, They have their day and cease to be." The poignant air, 44 Total Eclipse," in which Samson bewails his blindness was sung with warmth, although the intonation suffered a little It was rather unfortunate that this air comes so early in the work, as Mr Richards improv- ed as he went on, and he would have done better justice to it later on in the work. The duet, Go baffled coward was sung with gusto and spirit, and was most en- joyable. What a pity that Madame Laura Evans Williams had so little to do in the work. There is no need to enlarge upon her vo- cal abilities. It is admitted that she is one of the finest Welsh sopranos on the concert platform, and at Rhos she is al- ways sure of an enthusiastic welcome. I She was in splendid voice, and as the se- ductive and alluring Dalila, was per- feet. Her items were sung with exqui. site purity of tone and artistic feeling. I 4' Let the bright Seraphim was delight- fully rendered, and the trumpet stop on the organ" was skilfully displayed. The contralto had more work to do, and Miss Hannah Morgan sustained her part creditably. Her tone, however, was rather unequal, the break between her up- per and lower register being too marked. Siill in a way this told in her favour in the beautiful air,. H Return, 0 God of Hosts," (one of the gems of the work) for the intense feeling was admirably dis- played, and this peculiar break in her voice added greatly to the effect. The bass part was taken by Mr Arthur Weber, who pleased Rhosites so much with his basso de profundo. As the giant Harapha, he was in his element. -1 His big, ponderous tones doing ample justice I to the part. 44 Honour and Arms was sung with verve, and the low D fairly j captured the fancy of the audience. As j Manoah he was not so happy. The part demanded a mellower voice. This was ] plainly to be felt in How willing my I paternal love." A word of praise is due to Mr John Williams, a member, of the choir for his artistic rendering of the air" Glorious Hero." Bravo, Mr Williams. After all is said about the choir and ert- istes their success would have not been nearly so great if it had not been for the force and personality of the organist, Mr Caradog Roberts, Mus Bac. He was the driving power at the back of all as it were His manipulation of the different stops to I suit every phase of the music was wonder- ful. At one moment we had the plaintive imitation of the turtle cooing, or the trum- pet, as in Let the bright seraphim." Another moment and the full organ in the massive choruses thrilled one through and through and withal everything was dK;ne ¡ in excellent taste. The p aying of the I Dead March was a feature of the even. ing, and the effect will long be remember- ed. By the way, when this item was ren- dered, the choir and artistes arose on their feet. Their example was followed by the chairman, alone in the audience. Of course it is the rule for all to rise when the Dead March is played. Perhaps the audience thought that they would enjoy it much better sitting down, and Rhos, as is quite well known does not always obey the conventionalities. The Mayor of Wrexham, (Councillor J Stanford) presided and delivered a short and suitable address in the interval. The excellent arrangements were in the hands of a committee, of whom Mr E T Williams was the excellent and energetic secretary, and a substantial surplus will no doubt reward his labours. We understand that the next work to be performed will be Mozart's Twelfth Mass.—a splendid choice.

Mr Ormsby Gore on his victory, On Friday night the Drill Hall, \#rex- ham, was packed with a gathering of Unionists to celebrate the return of tfaefc Unionists to celebrate the return oftheir candidate for the Denbigh Boroughs. Dr Edward Jones, chairman of the Wrexham Working Men's Conservative and Con. stitutional Association, presided. He said that as the only Conservative itiem* ber returned from North Wales Mr Orms* by-Gore not only repressented the Union" ist of those boroughs but 30,000 North Wales Unionists who cast their votes at the recent election. (Cheers) Mr Gore, who met with a great recep* tion, heartily thanked the party tor the splendid work they did in the fight. If ever there had been an uncorrupt and staight fight it was that they half fought as sportsmen, but their opponents evidently did not like their licking. H C, knew his party well enough to know that if they had lost they would have taken their beating as sportsmen and not have accused the other side of corruption. (Cheers) He would not like his opponent to accuse, for instance, the Vicar of Wrexham of misrepresentation and fraud or yet Father Quinn, because he had only done his best to save the schools for which he had fought through- out his whole life—(Cheers) Their party was thoroughly united, and whenever the next election came they would win by a majority of 800.(Cheers.) He felt, however, that the next fight would be the most severe one ever fought in these Boroughs, as their opponents were bound; to concentrate all their energies with the object of regaining the seat. He had every confidence, however, that in Wrex*" ham they would keep the cause alive, es- pecially during his enforced absence at Westminster, where for some time he? would have to keep his nose to the grihd" stone.—(Cheers.)

4 Rhoe Men Charged with Attack- ing Police at Goedpoeth. On Tuesday last, at Wrexham County Hall, three men, named James Mathews, Joseph William Roberts, and Edward Edwards, colliers, of Ponkey, Rhos, were charged with having been drunk and dis- orderly and with assaulting Police Con- stable Watkins, while Edwards was fur- her charged with assaulting Police Con- stable Morgan Roberts. Mr J E Maston, who prosecuted for the police, described the case as a disgrace. ful and most cowardly attack upon the police. He said that on the night of Sun- day, December 26, five men, amongst whom were the defendants, were in Coed- poeth. They were staggering drunk, and were using disgraceful language. The two police officers ordered them away, but they refused to go, and there was a t "emendous struggle, in the course of which stones and bottles were thrown at the officers. Two of the men were arrest- ed and one had served a month's imprison- ment, while the other was fined Z5 and costs. PC Watkins was so badly cut, and injured that he was off duty for some weeks. After hearing evidence for the prosecu- tion, Mr W Wynn Evans, who defended, called a large number of witnesses, and after a consultation the Chairman of the Cench announced that the magistrates were equally divided, and that the cases would be adjourned until the next court to enable them to be heard before a larger Bench of magistrates.

Ruabon Press and Doan's. IMPORTANT STEPS. The publication in the Ruabon Press, o instances of local men and women hav- ing been cured of kidney and bladder dis- orders by Doan's backache kidney pills, has awakened such widespread interest that we have commissioned one of our re- presentatives to investigate them, and to ascertain whether the cures have proved lasting. To day we give the evidence of a Chirk man. Mr William Wilson, living at 122, Chirk green, Chirk, nr Ruabon says --I I I am sure Doan's backache kidney pills have done me more good than any other med- icine I ever took in my life. For years I suffered terribly with pains in the back and across the loins. I have a great deal of stooping to do, and I have been so bad then that I could hard- ly straighten myself. The pain was al- most unbearable at times. There were also urinary troubles the secretions were highly-coloured and contained sediment. I was tormented with sciatica in the right hip and leg. My feet and ankles used to swell and ache very much. I tried all manner of things, but got no relief until I used Doan's backache kidney pills. I have taken half-a-dozen boxes of these, and am glad to say that my back is better the kidney secretions are clear and natur- al. The sciatica is also a great deal bet- ter, and my feet and ankles doiit swell now. I am very grateful for the good Doan's pills have done me, and I am al. ways recommending them. (Signed) W. Wilson." Three and a half years after his cure, Mr Wilson said I have never been troubled with kidney complaint since I was cured by Doan's backache kidney pills some years ago. Doan's backache kidney pills are two shillings and nine pence per box, or six boxes for thirteen shillings and ninepence Of all chemists and stores, or post free direct from the Foster-McClellan Co. 8, Wells street, Oxford-street, London, W. Be sure you get the same kind of pills as Mr Wiison had.

DENBIGH BOROUGH-ELECTION- PETITION FOR SCRUTINY We understand that on the advice of council a petition for a scrutiny and re- count of the votes recorded in the recent: election for the Denbigh Boroughs was lodged in London, on Tuesday with the object of claiming the seat for Mr Clement Edwards (L), who represented the dis- trict in Parliament from 1906' to 1910, The grounds upon which it is sought to" strike out certain votes by a judicial,scrut-, iny are (1) Infancy (2) personation (3) votes by paid agents and (4) bribery, The petition does not allege general bribery, but only seeks to remove the votes of those persons who have been bribed, or who have bribed. The petition further seeks to remove certain votes re* corded by persons who, although on the register, are tinder twenty-one. Efforts will also be made to prove (I) that cer- tain electors were impersonated, and had to vote on tendered papers and (i) and that certain paid agents employed by Mr Ormsby-Gore recorded their votes. The result of the election, it will be re. membered, was declared as follows: Gore (C), 2,48; Edwards CD. 2.A10 'I' }J" Conservative majority, 8. The votes were counted at Denbigh, and the narrow- ness of the majority caused a rumour to be- spread about that a recount would take place. No action was taken at the time, but for some days past inquiries have been made in each of the Boroughs, and the- whole matter was discussed on Tuesday morning at a representative meeting of Denbigh Boroughs Liberal Executivef held at the Wrexham Reform Club, under the presidency of Mr William Thomas of Wrexham. It was unanimously decided to lodge a petition. We are informed the seat will only be claimed for Mr Edwards if sufficient votes? are obtained for him as the result of the scrutiny and recount. It is not desired to ask for disfranchisement or for the unseat" iug of Mr Gore for bribery. The petition* ers will not claim the seat unless they can do so after the scrutiny by counting the votes recorded for Mr Edwards, and show-, ing that they are in excess of those given to Mr Gore. It is thought that the preliminary in- quiry will be heard at Denbigh. We are- informed that it will not be heard for some weeks..

FOOTBALL. RHOS RANGERS v. GRESFORD This match was decided at Cae Eniol11 on Saturday last before a fair number of spectators. Gresford won the toss and decided to kick down the slope. They immediately pressed but were easily re- pelled by the home backs. Rhos also had a "look in but were awfully slow* Gresford played a plucky game through.- out, and nearly got through on several occasions. Half an hour had elapsed be fore the Rangers managed to find the net. The second half did not give the spec- tators any change of play and considering that their opponents were a second league team they ought to have monopolised more of the game. They played in a half. hearted manner, their runs lacked vigour and spirit. It would have been a good lesson for them if the visitors would have beat them. A penalty was awarded the Rangers but was missed. Final result Rhos Rangers, i goal, Gresford, o.