Flintshire Observer Mining Journal and General Advertiser for the Counties of Flint Denbigh

WHITFORD CLUB NEW YEAH CELEBRATION The anniversary of Hen Glwb y Llan "— the Whitford Friendly Society, which has weathered the stress of all conditions for long over a century, was celebrated on New Year's Day. Assembling at the Mostyn Arms Hotel, the members wearing rosettes and carrying staves capped with emblematic acorns, marched to the Vicarage and escorted their chaplain, the Rev J Davies, and the Rev D Jones, vicar of Gorsedd, to the Church. In the company were Mr II A Cope, vice-presi- dent the Hon Edward Mostyn, Mr AN" II Hasler, Upper Downing; Mr J Lloyd-Price, Glyn Abbot; Mr T C Roberts, Perthyterfyn; Mr R Roberts, treasurer Mr D AY Jones, sec- retary, and others- Following the service, at which the Vicar and the Rev D Jones oliieia- tyd, the Vicar delivered an appropriate address upon the objects of such societies as the Whit- ford Society. Special hymns were sung, I Miss Mabel Jones. Saithrtynnon, acting as organist. Returning to the Mostyn Arms Hotel, the company sat down to an excellent dinner, catered by Mr and Mrs Fitch. After dinner, at which Mr H A Cope pre- sided, the Royal toast was given and duly honoured. The chairman apologised for the absence of their President, but expressed the opinion that they had a worthy substitute in the Hon Edw Mostyn, a statement which was received with applause. Apologies for absence were read by the sec- retary from Mr Wm C Pickering, Drs J Owen Jones and C E Morris. The Secretary, reporting upon the position of the Society, remarked that.during the past year the call on the sickness benefit had been very light, and he was pleased to add that no occa- sion had called for payment of a fungal allow- ance. The heaviest item of expense had been; in connection with the registration of the society under the Friendly Societies Act, and the drafting and printing of rules. The annual meeting of the Society hsi. now been changed to the first Saturday in February, and the ques- tion arose as to continuing the anniversary on the same date as heretofore. Mr Jones also explained the position of the Society in rela- tion to the National Insurance Act. Mr Robert Roberts expressed the hope that the date of the anniversary celebration would not be changed. He trusted that the President and vice-president.would continue to occupy the positions they had so long held ':ieur, hear). The Chairman, proposing the toast of our guests," said they all knew the partiality Mr Hasler had for the old institution, and pe an- ally, he should be sorry to see it diminish it: any way either as a thrift society or for the -ake of its social side (hear, hear) Mr Mostyi iiey regarded as a member, but Mr Lloyd Vice they were pleased to welcome, as that z, the first occasion on which he had honoured them with his presence. He also welcom> • Mr T C Roberts, who, however, had become well acquainted with the members in connection with the carrying out of their registration ar- rangements. The toast was received with applause. Mr Hasler, responding to the toast, thanked the company for the kind welcome given him. Last year he expressed considerable doubt as to the possibility of keeping the Old Club alive. He feared at that time they were on the point of losing an ancient and valued institution. He looked upon these old village institutions as drawing wanderers in the highways of the world back to their old homes. He was glad to find that the members had kept the club together and hoped it would continue to prosper (hear. heai. Mr J Lloyd Price, responding to the toast, said though often invited, that happened to be the first occasion on which he had been able to accept and carry out the invitation. It was to him, as to everyone,he should imagine,a source of pleasure to visit the village of Whitford, for he did not suppose there was a lovelier spot among the hills and dales of Cambria, than Whitford Village. It commanded sea and mountain scenery and had everything a village required. Its church, school and parsonage were objects of attraction, it had the roadside inn of very respectable appearance where the weary traveller could rest and all comers were received with civility and welcome. It had its smithy, where the sparks fly upward as the children gaze in at the open door, and where week in week out the smith may be seen swinging his mighty sledge with measured beat and slow. They had their schools-and he had a great respect for them. He did not know a village where the pupils of the school had prospered and made names for themselves greater than those who had passed out of "Whitford school. They were to be found in all countries and in all climes. Whitford village school may well be called one of the old time universities of Wales. With regard to the vil- lage club, he noted that it was passing through a critical period in its long and hourable his- tory, and as an institution he should be sorry the Yspryd brawdgarweh should in any degree diminish and fall low of what it had been. He should grieve to see it die a natural death. Rather would he wish the Society and its annual celebration a lengthened lease of life. He did not think the Insurance Act was much needed in AVhitford, for in the Churchyard r.cross the way he had noticed the headstone records of the patriarchial villagers showed that they died at 90 and 100 years of age. He should not say that; with such longevity the village doctor was in scant demand. It would please him to become a honorary member of the Society,and to hope for the pleasure and pri- vilege of again joining the members at their ann.versary (applause). Mr J Thomas proposed and Mi J M Owen seconded a. vote of thanks to Mr T C Roberts and the secretary for the way in which they had prepared the new rules and other work re- quired of late. The Chairman proposed the toast of the president,coupling with it the health of the Hon Edward Mostyn. Mr Mostyn, in replv, said his father, Lord Mostyn,was extremely sorry he was not able to be present, and desired him to express his re- gret. On behalf of his father and on his own behalf, he wished them all a very prosperous and happy new year and that 1913 would be as successful for the club in regard to the health of the members as he was pleased to hear 1912 had been. Mr Lloyd-Price proposed the health of the President of the day in a felicitous speech, and remarked that the other day he saw a print of the defence of Flint Castle by one of Mr Mostyn's ancestors, and the faces he saw be- fore him seemed to him to be chips of the old blocks "—lineal descendants of the gallant men who followed voluntarily the leadership of Sir Roger Mostyn in the brave days of old,when '4. f they held the historic castle of Flint so loyally. Their Chairman,as they well knew,tooki great interest in the well being and welfare of the people, and he did not know of any man who performed public duties more readily and cap- ably than Mr Cope. He was also a kindly landlord. Under the Mostyns some of the Whitford families had been in their holdings for 300 years. He did not think the County Council would be able to boast of tenants liv- ing under them for 300 years, he was inclined to doubt over 300 days (laughter). The toast having been received with heartiness, Mr Cope said he need not tell them of the interest he had always taken in the club—more .year" than he cared to count. He, however, hoped they should long be spared to meet to- gether on such happy occasions as the years roll onwards. The Chairman afterwards proposed the health of their Chaplain, also coupling the Rev D Jones with the toast. The Vicar replied in a. suitable manner, and was supported by the Vicar of Gorsedd. The Secretary intimated that having given notice of resignation in August last, he now, owing solely to his frequent absence from home, gave up the work. It was pointed out that it would be inadvisible to swop horses crossing the stream, and that until the chang- ing conditions of the club in regard to the National Insurance Act were settled he would retain the office. This suggestion was warmly supported and Mr D Jones was urgently desired to with- draw his resignation. After some discussion, Mr D W Jones agreed to withdraw the notice, and on the request of the members. Mr John M Owen agreed to withdraw his resignation as treasurer. During the proceedings Mr Mostyn gave recitation, and songs were contributed by Messrs Simon.

HUSBAND AND WIFE NEW POINT OF LAW Stephen Goulding, collier, Golden Hill, Staffordshire, foimerly of Mold, was brought up on a warrant at Mold police court on Friday —before Messrs Peter E Roberts and H J Roberts—and charged with non-payment of arrears of maintenance due to his wife, Annie Goulding, Alun Bank, Mold, under an order of separation. It was explained that in July last, on the application of defendant, the court reduced the order to 7s. per week, but almost immediately afterwards Mrs Goulding resumed cohabitation with her husband in Staffordshire. She now alleged that on the 28th October, owing to the cruelty of her husband, she was compelled to return to the home of her parents at Mold, and she now claimed the sum of 7s. a week from that period up to Saturday last. Recriminations followed, both stating that the fault lay on the other side. The Chairman expressed regret that his efforts to effect a permanent reconciliation be- tween the parties had failed. They were still young, and it was one of the saddest cases the court had ever to deal with. Defendant said that he had no money, nor was any due to him from the colliery at which he was employed. The wife interposed 'with the remark that that was due to the fact that her husband had been drinking. The Bench decided to send defendant to prison for a month for non-payment of the arrears, and he was informed that if upon his liberation he would apply for a summons the order would be adjourned. Defendant said he would do the month, but did not want the order discharged. It appeared that a High Court case had recently been heard (Matthews v. Matthews) in which the judge held that an order for maintenance did not cease automatically when the parties resumed cohabitation, but must be formally discharged by an order of the justices.

MINERS' EXAMINATION FLINTSHIRE RESULTS In connection with the Coal Mines Act of 1911, another examination for firemen, kc., was held by the FJintshire Education Committee (who have been approved by the Secretary of the State for the purpose of granting certificates under section 15 of the Act), on Monday, December 30th, at the Mold County School. The examiners ware Mr Thomas Jones, of the Mold Collieries, and Mr W. O. Collin, o the Buckley Collieries. The results were as follows:— Passes in hearing, gas and air measurement test:—William Phoenix, Edwin Edwards, Matthew Wasley, Edward Davies, John Owen Roberts, Charles Davison, Thomas John Rogers, Thomas Jones, Bromfield Colliery; William Hopwood Iball, John Thomas Hop- wood, John Wilcock, Edward Roberts, Elm Colliery; James Jones, Mount Colliery; lid. Bellis, Galchog Colliery; Edward Hewitt, Richard William Johnson, William Burrows, Robert Evan Jone, Daniel Williams, Phoenix Colliery; Joseph Dingley, Coed Talon Colliery. Passes in hearing and gas tests:—John Jones, Frederick Evans, Bromfield Colliery; Charles Henry Tomlinson, John Jones, Thomas Davies, Elm Colliery; Thomas Lloyd Jones, Enoch Roberts, Phcenix Colliery John Totty, James Williams, Bettisfield Colliery Benjamin Jones, John Garbutt, Englefield Colliery David Hughes, West Bucldey Colliery.; William Bellis, Thomas Ellis, William Beavan, Queensferry Colliery; Harry Saint, Main Coal Colliery; William Arthur Davies, Standard Colliery. Hearing and air measurements test only :— William Griffiths, Bromfield Colliery. Hearing test only: George Iball, Mountain Colliery John Williams, Elm Colliery. Gas test only:—John William Heywood, Bettisfield Colliery; Edwin Smith, Robert Gray, Bromfield Colliery. Air measurement test only: John William Jones, Elm Colliery. Another examination will be held at Mold on the 27th January, at which the same gentlemen will act as examiners.

WHITFORD. JQHE AGRICULTURAL SHOW.—Intimation is given of a public meeting to be held at Witford School, on Wednesday evening next, convened by the Agricultural section of the Whitford-Mostyn Horticultural and Agricul- tural Society, the object being, primarily to consider the advisability of extending the area of the agricultural show. The meeting will be held at 6-30, and it is pointed out how urgent it is that there should be a large and representa- tive attendance.

11 ■enaMBawMMMw————^o—■——— WHAT DYSPEPTICS SHOULD EAT. A PHYSICIAN'S ADVICE. Indigestion and practically all forms of stomach trouble are, nine timps out of ten, due to acidity; therefore stomach sufferers should, whenever possible, avoid eating food that is acid in its nature, or which by chemical action in the stomach develops acidity. Unfortunately, such a rule eliminates most foods which are pleasant to the taste as well as those which are rich in blood, flesh and nerve building properties. This is the reason why dys- peptics and stomach sufferers are usually so thin, emaciated and lacking in that vital energy which can only come from a well- fed body. For the benefit of those sufferers who have been obliged to exclude from their diet all starchy, sweet or fatty food, and are trying to keep ap a miserable existence on gluten products, I would suggest that you should try a meal of any food or foods which you may like in moderate amount, taking immediately after- wards half a teaspoonful of bisurated magnesia in a little hot or cold water. This will neutralise any acid which may be present, or which may be formed, and instead of the usual feeling of uneasiness and fulness, you will find that your food agrees with you perfectly. Bisurated magnesia is doubtless the best food cor- rective and antacid known. It is not a medicine, and has no direct action on the stomach but by neutralising the acidity of the food contents, and thus removing the source of the acid irritation which inflames the delicate lining, it does more than could possibly be done by any drug or medicine. As a physician 1 believe in the use of medicine whenever necessary, but I must admit that I cannot see the sense of dosir.g an inflamed and irritated stomach with drugs instead of gettink rid of the acid—the cause of all the trouble. Get a little bisurated magnesia from your chemist, eat what you want at your next meil, take some of the bisurated magnesia as directed above, and see if I'm not. right. x687

CAERGWRLE. STREET LIGHTING.—The Hope Parish Council is considering a much-needed scheme of lighting Caergwrle streets, and Councillors Hugh Rogers & Wm Roberts have issued a circular to the principal in- habitants outlining the scheme, and sug- gesting that subscriptions might be raised to meet the initial cost, after which the annual cost of maintenance, which would be only A.10 or -012, might he net by a rate levied on the lighted area The scheme comprises ten electric lamps distriubted over the village. It does not -(-,em un- reasonable to expect that the ratepayers would be willing to raise the above small amount, should the cost of installation be met by private subscription.

CORRESPONDENCE. A X TI-TU F> E Ii CU LOS IS EXHIBITION AT HOLYWELL 1 To the Editor of the "Flintshire Observer. Dear Sir,—As a Holywellian, and as one who has the health and welfare of the town at heart, I had with a considerable amount of interest the proceedings of the several meetings held in connection with the above-named exhibition recorded in your paper. Although we now live in the 20th century, it seems strange that nothing short-of a calamity will stimulate the State and public to action. A serious calamity, of no recent origin, has been existing in our midst in the form of tuberculosis ravages, and it is suprising to realise what little has been done either by the state (in the form of legislation) or by the people in the direction of preventative measures. Surely such a state of affairs is not keeping pace with the advance made in medical science ? Fifty years ago, as stated by Dr James Williams, heredity was assumed to be the main cause of the spread of tuberculosis- This serious error was first connected by Dr Bang, a Danish Veterinary Surgeon, who proved beyond dispute that contagion and not heredity was the main factor in spreading this disease. The veterinary profession has played no small part in tuberculosis research work up to the present, and their several important discoveries made are included under the heading of 1, advance made in medical science." To include such discoveries under this heading is quite correct, as the principles involved in human and veterinary medicine are the same, but I often wonder what such a heading conveys to the minds of the general public, and whether the latter, for instance, realise that the downfall of the heredity theory was the outcome of the research work of a veterina ian ? The Vicar of Holywell informs us in his very able address that the Council have vetted the cows that supply milk to the town. I infer that he means all cows supplying milk to the town are being clinically examined periodically, and subjected to the Tuberculin test by a veterinary surgeon. Now I consider the above examination and test to be of paramount importance in this great crusade, especially in our aim to keep infants free from this terrible scourge, as milk forms their main diet, and children are particularly susceptible to the action of the tubercle bacilli (bovine type), which produce in them the glandular and intestinal affections. < The problem of the prevention of human tuberculosis from bovine sources involves a further consideration, namely, the prevention of human infection through the consumption of unsound meat, or meat contaminated with the tubercle bacillus, and by no means an infrequent occurrence. I haven't had the pleasure of reading a detailed account of the proceedings of the exhibition at Holywell, but I am inclined to think that this question was left untouched, and it cannot be regarded as other than a serious menace to health, being a frequent source of infection. It is a well-known fact that a very high percentage of cattle and pigs in this country suffer from one of the many forms of tuberculosis, and these infected cattle must of necessity be slaughtered at one y time or the other: the question arises where does the meat of these infected carcases get to '? I think it would be unfair and unreasonable to suppose that the butcher, however conscientious he may be, would condemn such carcases on his own initiative, and on the other hand he may be working in the dark as these dangerous post mortem appearances are only observed by experts in the majority of cases, and even then only after a bacteriological examination. I would here state that I fully appreciate the good work at present being done by your medical officer of health in this direction, but under present conditions and facilities a systematic inspection of all carcases intended for human consumption is out of the question. I don't intend here to advance a scheme for remedying this source of danger, but I think the time has now arrived for some preventative steps to be taken in this direetion, and what I strongly advocate is, briefly, abolishing private slaughter houses, which are insanitary, to say the least about them, and the erection of a public abattoir as a substitute, when all earcases intended for human consumption could be submitted to a veterinary examination before being exposed for sale. Thanking you, Mr Editor, for the use of this valuable space. I am, Yours faithfully, WILLIAM A. DYKIXS, M.R.C.S Government Veterinary Surgeon, Kokstad, S.A. 5)2/12

MARRIAGE ENGAGEMENT LADY BEATRICE CECIL AND THE HON W. ORMSBY-GORE, M.P. A marriage is arranged between the Hon William Ormsby-Gore, M.P., only son of Lord and Lady Harlech, and Lady Beatrice Cecil, elder daughter of the Marquis and Marchioness of Salisbury. The Hon William George Arthur Ormsby- Gore will be 28 years of age next April, and has sat in the House of Commons as the Con- servative member for the Denbigh district since January, 1910. He is a lieutenant in the Shropshire Yeomanry, and a member of the Canterbury House of Lawmen. Mr Ormsby- Gore has taken a considerable share in the work of the House of Commons, and has gained the esteem of his follow-members as a good debater, especially in opposition to the Welsh Church Disestablishment Bill. He is expected to speak at Flint to-night (Thursday), at a meeting in the Town Hall. His financee, Lady Beatrice Edith Mildred Cecil, only came of age last August, and since her entrance into society has become very popular in a large cirle of friends. At Hatfield, where she is best known, she is held in affection by all round, and in her marriage she will have with her the best wishes of the residents in the I district.

RABBIT Netting, long Field Nets, with lines JLL top and bottom, from 10s. 6d. per 50 yards; also special Nettin Twines. List samples free.—E. PARNELL & Co., Netting Works Bedminster, Bristol. I t

I THE LATE MR HENRY I HURLBUTT, J.P. HIT We regret to announce the death of Mr Henry Hurlbutt, J.P., of Queensferry Hall, near Chester, which occurred on Wednesday morning last, at his residence. The deceased gentleman was SO years of age, and had been ailing for a considerable time. His wife predeceased him about eighteen months ago, a blow from which he never recovered, He had resided at Queensferry Hall for a long periocil and was a magistrate fo- the county of Flint for a considerable number of years. He also held the office of High Sheriff for the county, and it was while holding this post he hac; the honour of proclaiming Edward the Seventh as King. For many years he was the principal of Messrs Charles Davison and Co., Ltd. (Buckley), and though having retired from business for some yeais he still retained the chairmanship of the company. He owned a considerable quantity of land in Queensferry and Hawarden AU his life be has been a regular worshipper at Hawarden Parish Church, and had held the office of churchwarden, and had been a munificent donor to the church. He was greatly .interested in the restoration of the Whitley Chancel, and in everything appertain- ing to the church. He was one of the founders of St Ethelwold's Church, Shotton, to the funds of which he and his family ''ere large donors. Mr Hurlbutt was a life-long friend and neighbour of the late Mr W. E. Gladstone, and they frequently exchanged visits. In politics, heever, Mr Hurlbutt was quite opposed. Itr.iig a strong Conservative. As a intsh:.e magistrate Mr Hurlbutt sat at awurden, and was chairman of the Hawarden Petty Sessional Bench. Four sons and five daughters are left to mourn his loss, and to them general sympathy is extended in their bereavement. The deceased was medically attended by Dr Elliott, and Dr Newbolt, of Liverpool. The funeral of Mr Henry Hurlbutt took place at St Deiniol's Church, Hawarden, on Saturday. The officiating clergy at the service, which was choral, were the Hon and Rev A V Lyttelton, the Rev Stephen Gladstone, and the Rector fthe Rev S M Bennett). The other clergy present were the Rev Canon Joyce, D.D., warden of St Deniol's Hostel, the Rev J J Robinson (Shotton), and the Rev W Speight. The family grave was beautifully lined with narcissi, chrysanthemums, maiden- hair fern, and yew. The principal mourners were Harry, Frank, Charles and Percy (sons), and Mary, Lilian, Frances, Ethel, and Hilda (slaughters). Others present included Mr W G C Gladstone, the Hon Mrs W II Gladstone, Mr Horace Mayhew, Mr J Mayhew, Mr C B Toller, Major Gibson (Buckley), Miss Thorn, Miss 13 Thorn, Mrs Wickham, Mr H Hancock, Mr Kenneth Taylor, Mr Robert Parry, Mr Thos Williams, Mr A Tilney Bassett, Mr S Hancock, Mr F W Prince, Mr T H Haswell (representing the Hawarden District Council), the Rev Williams (former vicar of Connah's Quay), Mr H S Gardiner (Hawarden estate agent), Mr W Newton, Mr W H Fox, Mr Samuel Dunne, Mr D Jones (representing the Hawarden Institute), Miss Rowley, Mr Geo Spencer, Mr H Moore, Mr T G Raeigh (manager of the London City and Midland Bank, Chester), Mr G Greenhouse (Chester), &c.