The Rhos Herald

RHOS MUD AND RATES. To the Editor of the Rhos Herald, Sir,—Allow me a little space onçe mOrC to call the attention of U katepayer to my challenge in your issue of Feb 26th, 1 find in your last issue that he has given me a counter challenge to meet him ir; the Public Hall before or after the Parish meeting of the 10th inst. This is mere childish prattle. I admit I am short of what Will Bryan asked for cheek. Let Ratepayer prove his statements con* cerning repairing of Private Property through the Herald, under his original name, and I will disprove them. under my original darne. Now what could be faire- er ? Come on "Ratepayer I'm ready for you. ONE WHO KNOWS, <

NOTES AND JOTTTINGS. < — The Elections. By now the different candidates for the local elections have settled down to work. Mr J. S. Jones and Dr J, C, Davies have:, been returned unopposed for the County Council, and Mr Fitzhugh has just man- aged to beat Mr Jonathan Griffiths by the narrow margin of three votes. Mr Gri- ffiths made a gallant fight, and is to be congratulated upon the increase in his poll. Doing so well as he has done un- der great disadvantages, we look forward to his capturing the seat at the next effort. Coming Contests. In the forthcoming elections for seats on the District Council, we hear there are to be several contests. The Conser- vatives have approached Mr C. Simpson, to stand tor Pant ward, but we have not heard at the time of writing, whether he his consented to stand or not. Mr M. Kyffin also, it is said, has regretted hav- ing promised to withdraw from the field of action. He feels the call, and his heart responds by telling him he might as well be in harness as not. Another name is also mentioned as a probable can- didate for the Pant ward. Mr Harry Campbell, Johnstown, has been approach- ed by a number of Labour-Liberals to re- present them, and he has signalled his readiness to enter the lists. Mr J. Tysil- io Jones, as the official nominee of the Liberal Association, will, of course, do battle. He has issued a vigorous address to the electors of his constituency, and everyone who reads it cannot but be struck by its earnestness and forcefulness. In Rhos ward, it is mentioned that Mr Samuel Roberts is to be opposed by Dr D. J. Williams, who will come out as a con-political, non-sectarian candidate. Dr Williams says he should like to do what he can for the betterment of the dis- trict. In his opinion much ought to be done to improve Rhos from a hygienic and sanitary point of view and more medical men on the Council would be of distinct advantage to the ratepayers. In Pen key, we hear Mr Watkin Jones means to once more test the feeling of his con- stituency. In" the past Mr Jones has more than once appealed to it successfully, and his supporters are looking forward confidently to a no change verdict. Mr Joseph Griffiths, the chosen of the Liber- al Association, is a young and ardent worker, and his experience of public mat-! ters has already been considerable, A course at the District Council would be Ofl inestimable value to a young man seeking to serve his community. Mr D. Davies, the other Ponkey candidate, has already had three years experience on the Coun- cil, and has firmly established himself as a useful and serviceable member. a useful and serviceable member. Parish Council Contest- This monii) will see the end of the old; Parish Council, and the election of a new one. From the list of chosen names, it will be seen that very little change is to be expected in the list of members. On- ly three new names were selected at the ward meeting. two of these, Mr Wm. Hughes, Pentredwr, and Mr Joseph Price, Pant, have been members before. With the exception of Mr Llewelyn Davies. School-street, there ,viii be no new bristles added to the broom. In this instance we cannot urge that a: new broom sweeps clean, for the new broom will be four- .teen-fifteenth old. The three members who are left out in the new nominations, are Mr Isaac Smith, Mr Saml Pritchard, and Mr Tom Roberts. Two out of the three, we understand, declined to be re- nominated. With the withdrawal of Mr S. Pritchard, the Council will lose an en- thusiast. Mr Pritchard continually tug- ged at the leash that bound the Council to the Wrexham authority, and he period- ically endeavoured to lash the Parish Council to revolt. Mr Pritchard interest- ed himself keenly in the Fire Extinguish- ing experiments, and it was largely owing to his persistent efforts that we enrolled and equipped a Fire Brigade, captained by Mr Pritchard himself. Mr Isaac Smith, although a faithful member, has not taken a forefront part in the delibera- tions of the Parish Council. His attitude inostly has given the impression that it was hardly worth while. That in fact, the long-drawn discussions over airy trivialities, were hardly important enough to disturb his more weighty reverie. At times he would blurt out something in a rather stingiog tone, after which he would relapse into grim silence again. Mr Tom Roberts, during his term of office, has es- tablished a reputation for both humour .and philosophy. His incursions into the high realms of philosophy in such a mun- dane atmosphere as a Council chamber, were both refreshing and acceptable. We j understand Mr Roberts intends once more to seek the suffrage of the electors of Rhos ward. ( Mfows and Bepsssntatioa. There has been a good deal of discus-( There has been a good deal of discus- ion this week on t;-ie, of rpirie.rs' i representation on the District Council. Seemingly, a large number of miners are not in favour of the payment of their members. They say they fail to see bow the interest of the miner is in any way at stake. They understand and appreciate the interest of the miner as a ratepayer, but not as a miner only, Why, then, they ask, should they contribute towards representation on a Council that in no concerns their interests? The District Council has no power or authority in mining matters, any more than it has in the affairs of a business or professional man. It is with the biped man as a rate- payer that the Council interests itself, and not the accident of his calling. Such are some of the complaints of the dissatisfied miners, and indeed, unless there is some- thing hidden below the surface, some subtle interest that in some way affects the miner, it is hardly any wonder that the man who helps to pay, indulges in a few mild grumbles. The Two Best Streets. Someone has taken the trouble to find out which are the two best streets in the district. He went on a tour of inspection one afternoon, and has written to this office to say that the two streets in the finest condition are Stryt Las, and Swan Street. In the same report, the explorer claims Court Lane and Broad Street, as the two worst. It is sad indeed to think that the best streets in our district are but seldom used by the ordinary ratepayer. Stryt Las is indeed, a veritable paradise to walk on compared with our other streets. It is said that something like ^400 has been expended upon it. How many people, however, enjoy the improv- ed state of the road ? The average rate- payer does not tread it half-a-dozen times in the year. It is indeed the irony of fate that the District Council are compelled to repair a street that is but rarely used, whilst the streets that are used by hun- dreds daily, are perfect quagmires of mud. The Old and. the New. The Rhos Liberal Association came in for a good deal of adverse criticism at the hands of the Young Liberal League, on Monday evening. It was stated that the Association sadly wanted livening up. To all appearances it was dead, except at election times. Complaints were levelled at the Association that the work of re- gistration was sadly neglected. There were quite a number of young Liberals who were fully qualified to vote, but who h-id not been placed upon the register. With the gradual decay of the old Asso- ciation there are springing up two Young Liberal Leagues, one at Rhos and one at j Johnstown. The Rhos League is already j well under weigh, and it is expected that a large number will be enrolled before the opening of the new rooms in April. It is the aim of the organisers of the Leagues to make them a living force in the public life of Rhos. Whether the new ventures will live up to their aims or not, there is no doubt that an earnest endeavour is be- ing made to meet one of the greatest needs of our neighbourhood. ♦ Mr Hemmerde on Ton?. Mr Hemmerde has been touring the constituency, and giving rousing speeches at Coedpoeth, Minera, Bwichgwyn, and Gwersyllt. Everywhere he has been re- ceived with enthusiasm. On his tour he has spoken in favour of the different Lib- eral candidates for the County County el- ections, and there is no doubt he has used his eloquence in this direction to some purpose. Mr Hemmerde also mentioned the necessity for election refrom. The el- ections, he said, should be fought on the same day, and the election expenses shoujd be paid by the State. It is hard- ly any wonder that Mr Hemmerde pleads for State-paid election expenses. The holding of his seat in East Denbighshire must have cost him many hundreds of pounds. In less then twelve months he has fought two elections, and it is not un- likely that he may be called upon to fight another very soon. A continual heavy drain of this kind is too much for any man to bear, and we are sure Mr Hem- merde has the voice of his constituency behind him in this, and his other instances of electoral reform. Christianity and Socialism. From the lecture given at Johnstown, on Tuesday, by the Rev Rhondda Wil- liams, it was well-nigh impossible to dis- tinguish between the true Christian and the; Socialist. Both were at one in their central ideal-the lifting up of humanity. The lecturer laid stess upon the fact that since the ethics of the New Testament were looked upon as a sufficient guide in life, the complexities of life had under- gone great changes. Conditions and complexities had risen which in those days were unheard of. Therefore he urg- ed the acceptance of the Christian-socialist idea, which meant in a nutshell the ap- plication of the Christian spirit in all phases of human activity. The present- ment of the case tor Socialism by the lecturer was a most reasonable one, and should assuredly find favour in the hearts of all who heard him In our next issue a report of the lec- ture will appear. We would remind our readers of the

RHOS. I Bazaar and Sale of Work, to be held in the Public Ka1. on *•< *v sc. ay and Thursday next, the proceeds of which are in aid of Siloh C. M. Chapel, Johnstown. Particulars are given in oui advertising- columns this week. HILL STREET LITERARY SOCIETY.—A social evening arranged by the lady mem- bers of the above society was held on Wednesday evening last, and there was a large gathering. Mrs Sauvage (Bank street) presided. Solos were contributed by Miss Annie Jones, Miss Katie Roberts, duetts by Miss Annie Jones, and Miss F Edwards; pianoforte solo by Miss Lily Harris violin duet by Misses Gertie and Bertha Duce and dialogues by Miss Nesta Jones and party, Messes Jennie Davies and Polly Roberts, and Miss Jen- nie Davies and party. A hearty vote of Iii thanks was accorded to all who had taken part on the proposition of the Rev R Williams (pastor). THE LATE MRS S. EVANS, PLAS BUCK- LEY.—We regret to announce the death of Mrs Sarah Evans, widow of Edward Evans, Plas Buckley Farm, Bersham which took place on the 1st inst after a short illness. The funeral took place on Friday the 4th inst at the Wern Chapel amid many manifestions of sorrow. The chief mourners were Mr John and Arthur Evans, (sons) Mrs Jones, Mrs T Huxley, and Mrs Davies (daughters) Mrs Roberts (sister) Mr T Huxley, Mr Davies, (son-in -law) Mrs Evans (daughter in law) Mr and Mrs Evans, Barn Hill, Mr and Mrs Evans, Tycerrig, Mr and Mrs Evans, Nantmill, Mr Eckersall Mr Shuttleworth, Mrs Wors ey, Mr and Mrs Williams, and Mrs S Williams, (nephew and nieces) and others. Rev R Roberts officiated at the house and grave side. RHOS HONORARY MEMBERS' SHOOTING CLUB.—The annual meeting was held on Tuesday last, in the Public Hall, Rhos, Mr A B Maxwell presiding. The follow- ing officers were elected :-President, Dr J C Davies Vice Presidents, Dr G F Jones, and Mr R Mudock Captain, Mr Ernest Jones Vice-Captain, Mr John H Green Secretary, Mr A B Maxwell; Treasurer, Mr Elias Jones Representa- tive on League Committee, Mr Ernest Jones. A vote of condolence was passed and ordered to be conveyed to Mr Green, in his illness, with the hope of a speedy recovery to health. It was unani- mously agreed to accept members for min- iature shooting only, at a reduced fee of I three shillings and sixpence. The state- ment of accounts showed a fairly good position, though there are still some out- standing liabilities.—The Cup and Prizes for shooting on Erddig Range last autumn were presented, the wmners being :-Cup and First prize, Mr Samuel Pritchard Second prize, Ernest Jones Third prize, Elias Jones Wooden Cup, Mr John Williams. Though the Club have not been successful in winning many matches, the shooting has shown steady and con- sistent improvement. It is expected that with an increased membership they will make a bold bid for the championship of the district next season. Col-Sergt lost D Morris was presented with a couple of razors by the members, in appreciation of his services.

JOHNSTOWN. ACCIDENT AT HAFOD COLLIERY.—Mr Owen Green, Derby Terrace, sustained severe injuries while engaged at the Hafod Colliery on Tuesday afternoon. It ap- pears that he was struck by a piece of roof and sustained fractures of both thighs and severe injuries to his head and foot. He was conveyed to the Cottage Hospital, Ruabon. He is attended by Dr J C Davies. YOUNG PEOPLE'S GUILD.-An inter-de- bate between the members of the Cefn (C) Guild, and Christ Church Guild took place on Thursday evening last, the subject being Can a man be a Christian apart from the Church ?" Christ Church sup- ported the affirmative view. The Rev H Dennis Jones Hughes (Cefn) presided over a large attendance. PROPOSED LIBERAL CLUB.—A meeting of Liberals called to consider the advis- sbility of forming a Liberal Club for John- stown, was held at the Council Schools on Monday evening. Councillor C Morgan presided. The need of such an institution was pointed out by the chairman Council- lor Ted Jones, Mr Ernest Jones, Mr Wm Williams, (Glasfryn), and the Rev T -A Thomas. It was decided that a club be formed, and a commitee formed to make arrangements. Mr T G Griffiths was ap- pointed secretary pro tem. JOHNSTOWN EVENING CLASSES 1908-9 —The following report by Dr W Williams H.M. Inspector on the work of the John- stown Evening Classes has just been re- ceived :The work done in Higher English and Mathematics was very satis- factory, much care having been taken to adapt the syllabus to the matured and practical requirments of the students. The syllabus in Drawing was arranged in ac- cordance with the requirements of the Board of Education, and highly creditable work was done in aU the branches of the subject. Black-board drawing deserves special praise. The Geography class was well attended and thoroughly well taught, the subject matter being made not only

Prudential Rssuranc Companp, Citiitfed, Chief Office s HOLBORW BARS, LOW DOM. Summary of the Sixty-First Annual Report for the year eadinjJ 31st December; 180& OEDIISAxi i BRANCH.—The number ol The assets of the Company, in both bran-che*# policies issued during the year was 76,087, &3 shown in the balance-sheet, after dfcductilljjj assuring the sum of £ 7,044,603, and producing 'the amount written off. securities. *T*> a new animal premium income of £ 415,015. £ 74,201,701, being an increase .of £ 2,24^o**»' The premiums received during the year over those of 1908. a new animal premium income of £415,015. £ 74,201,701, being an increase of The premiums received during the year over those of 1908. were C4,710,107, being an increase of £ 93,770 The Directors are pleased to announce $11 over the year 1908. increase in the rate of bonus of both Brauche# The claims of the year amounted to of the Company as follows £ 3,018,981. The number of deaths was 8,375, In the Ordinary Branch a reversionary end 17,629 endowment assurances matured. bonus at the rate of £ 1 14s. per cent, on tiW The number of policies in force at the end original sums assured has been added to ail the yeai was 882,804. classes of participating policies issued INDUSTRIAL BRANCH. — The premiums the year 1876. This is an increase oi twr received during the year were £ 7,171,770, shillings per cent. over the rate declared lof being an increase of £ 246,015. the past three years. The claims of the year amounted toi In the Industrial Branch all policies of 0VftF £ 2,877,978, including £ 176/101 bonus addi- five years' duration which become claim* tions. The number of claims and surrenders, either by death or maturity of endownMofr including 4,545 endowment assurances matured, from the 4th of March, 1910, to the 2lm Of was 382,233..March, 1911, both dates inclusive, will parti-' The number of free policies granted during eipate. This bonus will be paid by way of ad* the vear to those policy-holders of five years'!«lition to the sums assured of:— standing and upwards who desired to discori- £ 5 per cent, on all policies becoming claim# tinue their payments was 151,885. the number upon which at least five but loss than in force being 1,506,408. The number of free „A«ars pwjnuume have been paid, v. -i • i i, £ 10 per cent, on all policies becoming clairai# P° Ifw" Jear «P<>n which .at least ten but l*?s than fifteen r t i years' premiums have been paid, and lhe to«al number of policies iu xoree at the £ 15 p,er cent, on all policies becoming claim#' end of the year was 18,875,220: their average upon which at least fifteen years' premiaw# duration exceeds eleven and a-half years. -have been paid. Gent-nll Balance Sheet of the Prudential Assurance Company, Limited, being the Summary of both Brashes, on the 31st December, 1909. -1. LIABILITIES. ASSETS. £ s. i. I £ 15. d. Shareholders' capital -.1,000,000 0 0 British Government securities 2,997,703 10$' Life assurance funds 71,323,318 14 9 Indian and Colonial Govern- Reserve funds 1,625,000 0 0 ment and provincial securities 6,604,314$4' Claims under life policies ad- Railway and other debentures' mitted 157,480 12 8j and debenture stocks, and gold Balance of bonus under life and sterling bonds 11,090,547 13 §' policies reserved for distri- Loans on County Council, Muni- bution ••• ••• 90,902 3 6j cipal, and other rates 14,859,330 17 1 ] Freehold ground rents and Scotch feu duties 4,934,552'13 Freehold and leasehold property 3,908,495 10 7 Mortgages on property within the United Kingdom 9,488,630 11 1 Railway, Gas, and Water stocks 6,799,751 12 IJI Suez Canal shares 160,217 7 7 Telegraph and other shares 100,839 15 4 Leasehold ground rents 8,153 11 IS Metropolitan, London County Consolidated, and ,Port of London Authority stocks, and City of London Corporation „ bonds 253,696 1 Metropolitan Water Board stocks 435,263 10 1 Bank of England stock 203,724 2 Indian, Colonial, and Foreign corporation stocks 2,980,960 14 V Foreign Government and pro- vincial securities 3,138,078 0 11 Reversions and Life Interests 1,372.361 10 Ijy Loans 011 the company's policies 2,967,472 15 W Rent charges 312,084 12 4' Outstanding premiums and agent?' balances ••• 494,838 & 9 Outstanding interest and rents.. 596,891 9 9 Cash-In hands of superinten- dents .I. 34,754 13 J' do. On Deposit, on current accounts, and in hand. = 458,939 11 tI 1 -n -r~f £ 74,201,701 10 11 £74,201. 701 11) U. •fcvDUTw anwnnT ttmo 1 H. A. HARBEN, Chairman. 3TREDK.. SCHOOLIING, jnin+ Tifdnaaers A. C. THOMPSON, )Jomt Man"^rs- TH0S. C. DEWEY, 1 ?■ S^BLE' !'»»< *•*H0RNE' 1 '• J. SMART, J We report that with the assistance of the Chartered Accountants as stated below ,{e hay"" examined the foregoing accounts and have obtained all the information and explanations th«* we have required, and in our opinion such accounts are correct, and the foregoing Sheet is properly drawn up so as to exhibit a true and correct view of the state of the Com" pany's affairs according to the best of our information and the explanations given to us and as shown by the books of the Company. PHILIP SECRETAN W. H. Audftlln. We have examined the Cash transactions (receipts and payments) affecting the account* of the Assets and Investments for the year ended December 31st, 1909, and we find the sanW in eood order and properly vouched. We have also examined the Deeds and Securities, Cer. tificates & representing the Assets and Investments set out in the above account, and w*" certifv that"the? were in possession and safe custody as on December 31st, 1909. DELOiTTE, PLENDER, GRIFFITHS ft Co., Chartered Accountants. 14th February, 1910. T

Prudential Assurance Company Limited. It will be impossible for anyone to reatl the report of this wonderful Company io( 1909 which we submit elsewhere, without at riving at the conclusion that the Com" pany is in a most prosperous condition. In the ordinary branch, the number of policies issued was 76,087, assurine. ;67,044,603, at new annual premiums of ^"415,015. The total premiums received were ^"4,710,107, being an increase of £ 93,770, and the claims amounted to' ^"3,018,981. The number of deaths was- 8,375, and 17,629 ^Endowment assurances matured. In the Industrial, branch the premiums received were £ i7r»77°> being an increase of ^246,015, and the amounted to ^2,877,978, including £1761 401 bonus additions. The total number of policies in force at the end of the year was 18.375,226 their average duration exceeds II years. The assets of the Company in botri branches, after deducting the amount written off securities, are ^74 201,701, being an increase over those of 1908 ot ^"2,243,862. But what perhaps is of most importance to policy-holders of this magnificent com- pany is the increase of bonus of both, branches, and altogether, the Company did remarkably well last year.

practcally useful but also the means of exciting thought and unajuration. The syllabus was a wide one, and about 600 lantern slides, specially made to illustrate the lectures were used. The class in Building Construction was taught with much ability and enthusiasm; and although the number in the class was not large the attendance was very good, some of the students coming long distances which testifies to the value and interest of the work. Much care was taken over home work of the students. Altogether very much careful thought is given to the work Z, and arrangements of this school." The Teachers during the session were :—High- er English, Mathematics and Drawing, Mr Ernestjones, Commercial Arithmetic and Correspondence, Mr Elias Jones, Geography, Mr E S Price, Building Con- struction, Mr Ivor H Jones, A.I.S.E.