The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

[Continued from Page 5.J for 22 years on the estate, and was the oldest tenant. Mr Hugh Williams (Ceinycoed Isa) then pre- sented Mr Henry McLaren with a marble time- piece on behalf of the tenants on the Bodnant Estate. He said they were all gratified to think Mr McLaren was descended from such a noble and .excellent gentleman as the late Mr Pochin, who spent thousands in improving the property in the district, and they hoped that the young gentleman would turn out to be an illustrious cfe scendant. Mr McLaren, having gratefully accepted the handsome birthday gifts, the guests sang lustily "Tor he's a jolly good fellow.4* In reply, Mr Henry McLaren said:—Ladies and Gentlemen,—I am most deeply grateful to you all for these magnificent presents you have given me. They would, I think, be an ornament to any house, and anyone would be proud of them. But, ladies and gentlemen, I am doubly proud of them because you have given them to me. (Applause.) I have always remembered seeing a certain silver tray in our house, which much I'ftizF.D BY MY FATHER AND MOTHER. It was given to them on their marriage by the tenants of the Bodnant Estate. And I have always thought that, had I a gift from the ten- ants, I would prize it in a similar manner. These gifts are, therefore, valuable to me because I receive them as a pledge of the friend- liness which I hope exists between us. (Ap- plause.) I can assure you that I shall always have that friendliness for you, and I trust I shall always merit a continuance of your friend- liness to me..(Applause.) Mr Lloyd Ellis We will give you a tray next time, sir." (Laughter.) Mr McLaren Thank you, but I would rather not have a ftav instead of them. (Laughter.) These things will always be prized above all others, not only by me, but by those who come after me. Ladies'and gentlemen, I owe you a double duty to-night, because I have not only to thank you for giving me these two gifts, but to thank you for the very hearty way in which you received the toast of my health. It is the first time my health has been drunk formally—■ (laughter) and I am exceedingly glad and indeed proud that it is on this occasion that it has been drunk. I am also proud that the pro- poser and seconder—or rather the two proposers of my health, because it was drunk twice-are two of the original tenants of the estate. (Ap- plause.) A good many of you here to-night are original tenants on the estate, and I think it is a thing we should be proud of, because it shows that some of you, at any rate, ARK NOT DISSATISFIED WITH US as landlords. (Hear, hear.) I think you also should be proud of it, as it shows how steadfast and industrious Welsh character really is. Well, gentlemen, T now have a very agreeable duty to perform, and that is to propose the health of the tenant farmers and cottagers on the Flintshire and Bodnant Estates. Several people have com- miserated me on having to make a speech, but if I could have got off that speech I don't think I should have done it, because it is both an honour and a sincere pleasure to me to propose that toast. I am only sorry that part of those who are mentioned in the toast—I refer to the cotta- gers and those who are employed on the estates —are not present here to-night in this room. It is not. through lack of willingness on our part, but through lack of space. On the other hand, I am glad that both the Flintshire and -Bodnant tenants are dining together. (Hear, hear.) It is the first time that they have met together like this, and I hope it will not be the last. (Hear, hear.) We have not seen quite so much of the Flintshire tenants as we have of the Bodnant tenants, because we have lived here more than at Prestatyn, but now that Golden Grove has been renovated, we shall in future see more of the Flintshire tenants, and when the time comes when EVERY FARMER HAS HIS MOTOR CAR instead of his small trap, we may hope that the Flintshire tenants instead of driving down to see Mr Linnell at Prestatyn, will drive here in their motor instead. (Laughter.) We are very proud of Prestatyn, gentlemen. We think that Pres- y tatyn has a great future before it. Mr Pochin who did so much for that part of the country, and indeed all over this part of Wales, had great faith in the future of Prestatyn. He initiated a great many schemes there for the improvement of the place, and my mother and father are now carrying out those schemes, and I hope that I shall be able to forward them to the best of my ability. We must remember that every addi- tional house built in Prestatyn means so much more prosperity for the farmers around it. The people will want your oats and straw, and when the farmers' wives keep their own poultry and manage their dairy, when Prestatyn becomes a big watering-place, you will find it a little nest egg. (Laughter.) I have an apology to make, and that is that so many of the company here are Welsh that I am unable to thank you properly- If they TAT'GHT ME WELSH INSTEAD of Latin and Greek, it would be a great advan- tage to me. As it is, t am afraid I cannot do it; but at the same time, although I cannot speak Welsh, although I am not a Welshman, it does not prevent me taking a great interest in all things that benefit the Welsh. (Hear, hear.) We have, I think, another bond between us, and that is that my father is in politics on the Welsh side, and I hope that I follow in his footsteps in that respect. I have now much pleasure in giving you the toast of the "Tenant farmers and cottagers." (Applause.) Mr Rogers Jones, in responding, referred to the improvement in farming, and said the ten- ants were better farmers than they were 25 years ago. As a proof of that assertion he could point to the stock they raised, which was of much better quality than anything they used to keep in the old days. Mr Pochin, when he was alive, did a lot to improve the breed. He had several farms of his own, and he farmed them in such a way that it was an incentive to the farmers to do their very best. It was not possible, of course, to expect them to raise as good stock as he did. Still, many of them learnt a lesson of how it was possible for a farmer to make a living out of it. (Applause.) The ladies of the company now adjourned to another part of the hall, where the wives of the tenants and cottagers were being entertained to tea. Mr Rowland Hughes, Esgairheulog, proposed the toast of Mrs Pochin, which was well received. Mr C. B. McLaren, in replying on behalf of Mrs Pochin, said she had been exceedingly gratified to see them all present that afternoon. It was her wish that the Bodnant estate might be carried on upon exactly the same lines as Mr Pochin carried it on. He hoped she would be spared for many years to come to see her wishes carried into effect. (Applause.)

THE HEALTH OF MR AND ;MRS C. B. MCLAREN. Mr W111. Davies, Carnychain, proposed the health of Mr and Mrs C. B. McLaren. Mr David Davies, Maesadda Farm, seconded. In the course of responding, Mr C. B. McLaren said his son had already expressed in adequate terms the feelings which inspired himself and Mrs McLaren. Their wish was to cultivate those happy relations which had always existed, and should .exist, between the workers on the soil and those who owned it. Perhaps they had little idea of the amount of thought and care wlrch Mrs McLaren gave to the consideration of all the questions, many of them complicated, which were always arising in respect to the Flintshire property as well as the Bodnant property. He, personally, wished he could give more time to the estate management, but, fortunately, Mrs McLaren had taken that into her own hands, leaving him those Parliamentary duties, which took up a great deal of his time, and the conduct of the other great interests with which they were connected. The division of labour was some- times of beneficial effect, and he was quite sure that no one could take a deeper interest in the welfare of their tenants than did Mrs McLaren. (Applause.) Mr Parry Jones, Gop, Newmarket, proposed THE AGENT AND OFFICIALS, the health of Mr J. B. Linnell, estate agent, Mr Green, Mr Saunderson, and Mr Hughes. Mr Linnell thanked the guests for the hearty manner in which they had received the toast. It gave him much pleasure to meet the tenants on such an auspicious occasion, and he hoped it would not be the last time they would meet in that magnificent room. He considered it a great honour to be agent for such an estate. It was a duty that occasioned a deal of anxiety and care, and he always tried to carry out his duty to his employers and the tenants. He was pleased to think that the efforts of the late Air Pochin to introduce good class stock had pro- duced successful results. Some of the best stock in North Wales was bred near Llanrwst, where the best bullocks in the county could be purchased. He wished every success to the farmers (Applause.) During the dinner several excellent glees were rendered by the Talybont and Roewen choir, con- ducted by Mr Win. Jones, and also by the Male Voice Choir, which sang capitally. Miss Potter acted as accompanist, and songs were given by Mr G. Williams, Mr E. Jones, Mr Richard Williams, and Trebor Glan Eigia, and others. Whilst the foregoing proceedings were going on, the wives of the farm tenants and cottagers, upwards of one hundred in number, were being entertained to tea in another apartment, and the ladies adjourned to join that party during the after-dinner speech-making. Later in the even- ing the house was thrown open, and the visitors were permitted to view most of the stately apart- ments, the magnificent frescoes and paintings being much admired. In the hall, a number of handsome presents made to Mr H. D. McLaren were on view, of which the following is a list: Silver inkstand Employees of the Flintshire estate. Field-glass Mr Walter McLaren (uncle). Silver teapot and carriage clock, Mrs McLaren, Newington House, Edinburgh (grandmother). Silver sugar-basin, Mr Francis McLaren (brother). Silver ring, Miss Elsie McLaren (sister). Cigarette box, Miss Fay McLaren. Silver fountain-pen, Miss Ransby and Mrs Smith, of the household at 43, Belgrave-square. Silver tray, servants at Bodnant. Silver Norwegian cup and cheque, from his father and mother. Silver inkstand, Mrs Robagliati (aunt). Silver vases, Mr and Mrs J. P. Linnell. Silver card-case, Mrs S. Bright (aunt), also complete set of Waverley Novels. At dusk, the whole party adjourned to the terrace, in order to witness the magnificent dis- play of fireworks, supplied by Messrs Pain and Sons, and which were on the same plan as was adopted for illustration at Holyhead on the cc- casion of the Queen's visit there lately. A huge bonfire was lighted on Aloel Cyffylog, a lofty hill about a mile distant from Bodnant, on Wednesday evening. This hill can be seen plainly from Flintshire, and a similar blaze was lighted the same time on the summit of Ochr-y- Gop, near Newmarket, which can be seen plain- ly from the hills above Bodnant.

Festivities at Prestatyn and Golden Grove. Presentation by the Urban District Council. Interesting Speech by the Heir. His Parliamentary "Pedigree." THE festivities in connection with the coming- of-age of Mr Henry AIcLaren were continued on Wednesday on the Flintshire estates at Prestatyn and Golden Grove. Fine mild weather fortu- nately once more favoured the proceedings, and everything passed off without a hitch. In cer- tain parts of Prestatyn there were some effective decorations. The noble dimensions of the Vic- toria Hotel looked gay with its unaccustomed garb of numerous streamers and flags. In High- street several fluttering lines of flags crossed the road, and many private houses sported flags and bunting. The only event that transpired in connection with the festivities at Prestatyn proper, and cer- tainly to those who participated, it was an occa- sion FRAUGHT WITH UNUSUAL INTEREST, and one to be remembered for vears to come, was the banquet to which Air C. B. McLaren kindly invited the members and officials of the Prestatyn Urban District Council and School Board at the Nant Hall Hotel. The following gentlemen took part :-Mr C. B. AIcLaren, Q.C., M.P., Air Henry Duncan McLaren (the heir), Alaster Francis McLaren, Air AI. A. Ralli, J.P., Dr Lloyd Roberts (medical officer of health), Rev Francis Jewel, Mr Foulkes Roberts (solici- tor), Councillors Thomas Williams, Thomas Hughes, Goronwy Jones, J. E. L. Jones, John Pritchard, J. B. Linnell (chief estate agent), P. Ellis, Ellis Roberts, and R. Davies, Air John Hughes (clerk), Air C. W. Bell (surveyor), Alt J. W. Jones, Mr J. S. Edwards, and Mr J. D. Polkinghorne. The table looked very pretty and inviting, the decorations being ingenious and artistic, and the catering reflected the greatest possible credit upon Mrs Thomas, the hostess. The following is a copv of the menu — FISH. Boiled Salmon. Mayonnaise Sauce. ENTREE. Vol-au-Vent of Sweetbreads. ROAST. Sirloin of Beef. Macedine of Vegetables. Potatoes. Boiled Capons and Ham. Broccoli Roast Chickens. Potatoe Croquettes. SWEETS. Apricots en Surprise. Trifle. Chantilly Baskets. Cornets a la Creme. Sponge Snow. Darioles a la Creme. Gorgonzola Cheese. Cheese Straws. DESSERT. Pineapple, Filberts, Almond and Raisons. Oranges and Apples. French Plums. C O F F F. F During the "dessert" course a short toast list was proceeded with. Air C. B. McLaren proposed "The Queen." They could not, he said, look back upon Her Majesty's reign without thinking that both in her regal and domestic life she had been a model Queen. Although her visits to Wales had not been so frequent as they liked, Her Majesty re- cently stayed a night under the shadow of the Welsh mountains, and would probably, if she were able, pay a prolonged visit to Wales on a future occasion. (Applause.) Air AIcLaren then announced that he had re- ceived a letter from Mr John Jones (Sefton), chairman of the Council, saying that an impor- tant County Council engagement would prevent him from attending, and sending his heartiest congratulations to Mr Henry McLaren upon his attaining his majority. The Rev Thos. Price, Vicar of Prestatyn, also wrote apologising for non-attendance. He would have been pleased to be present at the lunch if two funerals—a most unusual occurrence there -had not kept him at home. He wished Mr Henry McLaren many happy returns of the day. (Applause.) Mr McLaren, in referring to religious and educational institutions, said in Prestatyn they had gone through the throes of their first edu- cational contest. He was sure all parties-would do their best to promote in Prestatyn THE CAUSE OF REAL EDUCATION. They desired to possess as high a standard as they could afford, and to have the best results. Whatever the new form of grant would be, he was afraid it would tend to lessen their power of comparing their schools one with another, but he had sufficient confidence in the raw material in Prestatyn, the boys and girls, to believe that the results would be excellent. (Hear, hear.) The Rev F. Jewel responded, and referred to the friendly relationship which existed between the vicar and himself. He thanked Air AIcLaren for the efforts he had made in times gone b}*, together with Mr l'ochin, in helping them to get their British Schools, and although, as time went on, they hoped to have a new and enlarged building, yet the present one had done much work in promoting educational matters in the parish. (Applause.) Mr John Hughes (clerk of the Urban District Council) then read the following official address, which it is intended to have illuminated:—"To Henry Duncan McLaren, Esq. (Gwlgre).—-Sir,— The members and officials of Prestatyn, county of Flint, respectfully beg to offer you their sin- cere congratulations on your attaining your ma- jority, and trust that, with increased responsi- bilities and opportunities, you will be able, by the blessing of God, to further all efforts, which may be put forth for the betterment of the vari- ous classes you will in future be associated with as a citizen, LANDLORD, AND EMPLOYER OF LABOUR, particularly in this neighbourhood and county, where your esteemed grandfather, the late H. D. Pochin, Esq., laid (as it were) the foundation for the material development of a town, which now promises in the near future to become a watering- place of some importance, when more exten- sively known for its pure mountain and bracing sea air, second to none on the North Wale s coast.—Wishing you every prosperity, both tem- poral and spiritual, we remain, sir, yours re- spectfully, etc." Here followed the names of the chairman, members, and officials of the Council. Air Hughes then handed the address to Air Henry AIcLaren, who gracefully acknowledged it. Mr Robert Davies said he had great pleasuie in proposing the health of the heir to the Golden Grove estate, Mr H. D. AIcLaren. Prestatyn was gradually developing, and during the last six years the rateable value had doubled, and the population considerably increased. There was a possibility of the population being still further increased. It had occurred to him that in the present dilemma of the North Wales University College, who were cramped for room, it would be admirable, as a stroke of policy, to entertain the question seriously of offering the college a site on the slope of their beautiful hills. (Laughter.) If they had such an institution amongst them, houses would spring up by the hundred, and the success of the place would te ensured. He hoped their young friend would bear his remarks in mind, and he now wished Air Henry Duncan McLaren many happy re- turns of the day. (Applause.) Air Goronwy Jones said they were proud of Mr Henry AIcLaren's connection with Prestatyn. On his father side he was connected WITH THE IMMORTAL JOHN BRIGHT, one of the great champions of the people, and on his mother's side he was related to one of the greatest pioneers of commercial enterprise in the person of the late Mr D. H. Pochin. (Cheers.) He hoped the son and heir would unite the two characteristics of those two great men. (Hear, hear.) He wished Mr Henry AIcLaren long life and prosperity. (Applause.) Mr Henry AIcLaren delivered a fluent address in reply. He must thank them for the kind way they had drunk his health and for the apprecia- tive address they had presented him with. It would have been a great honour to receive such an address from private people, but coming from the members of the Urban District Council it was a still greater honour, because they were the representatives of the people of Prestatyn. He should always rejoice to think that it was the people of Prestatyn who, through their represen- tatives, had presented him with his first address. (Applause.) It .was appropriate perhaps that it should be so, because he thought that what work he had to do in the future would begin at Pres- tatyn. (Applause.) The interests which his femily had in the neighbourhood were very varied, and in their management even the rnr. inexperienced was of some help. Therefore, attending to some of the details of their interes in Prestatyn he hoped to be able to take somehe the duties off his parents. The work yet to accomplished in Prestatyn centred round Urban District Council. The late Air Pocn1 laid the foundation of the material DEVELOPMENT OF PRESTATYN, and it now remained for the Council to carry 10 that development. (Applause.) Thev had be endowed with the greatest of powers, far Srea than those possessed by any landowner,althou0 at the same time the land was a power, a a if both worked together they would present combination of far greater strength than if 0° worked separately. (Hear, hear.) They ha one common object, and that was to work 1 the prosperity of Prestatyn. (Applause.) & now wished to propose the health of the bers of the Urban District Council and officia and to couple the names of Dr Lloyd and Councillor John Pritchard. He felt that tn^ Council consisted of a body of men who we £ l 3y capable as any on the North Wales coast. TlW might not spend as much money as some c°u., cils did on marine lakes and piers with Pavl ions—(laughter)—but at the same time the Pre tatyn Council had a much harder task before 1> because it was the only Council on the Coast which had had charge of a watering-place fro the very beginning. The others had taken the reins when their towns were in an advance^ state of development. They could take an ample from other watering-places, but in tatyn the Urban Council had to go on without a example before them. He had 110 fear of tn result. (Applai-ise.) Air John Pritchard, in responding on of the Council, said he was pleased"to hear tH remarks of Air AIcLaren. As he said, there was a good deal of work before them, and they COULD NOT PLEASE EVERYBODY. { lie hoped the young heir would go at a quicfce pace than they did as regarded improvement' The town commenced to develop 30 years agOt and the first steps taken to improve the place a that time was to lay three or four miles of pipeg to carry water from Marian Alills, and he wad glad to think that their supply had been go from that day to this. The name of the 1>oC, family had helped to develop the town consiaer^ ably, and he hoped Air AIcLaren would contin" to look after the interests of the town. (• plause.) Dr Lloyd Roberts (medical officer) said the were always supported by the Council in carr^ ing out suggested improvements. He belieVL there was a big future before Prestatyn, wished long life and many years of happinesS to Mr Henry McLaren. (Applause.) c Air Thomas Williams proposed the health Air and Airs C. B. AIcLaren. The town, he saf' lay under a great debt of gratitude to the faClU^ They all hoped that some day Air Henry s Laren would be seen in the House of CofflU10" —(applause)—when his voice would not only heard throughout Flintshire and Denbighslllr" but throughout England. (Hear, hear.) ,e In responding, Air C. B. McLaren said it of" Mrs AIcLaren and himself the greatest gratis. tion to see the kind reception that private n viduals and public bodies gave to his son his attaining his 21st birthday, and it was a the more gratifying because it was so c spontaneous. (Applause.) He personally ka been associated with North Wales for lTia years, and his mother, who was the only SURVIVING SISTER OF THE LATE MR joli, BRIGHT, S could remember travelling through North vvai by coach when he (Air McLaren) was only se^e^ years of age. He might sav that that afterno01 u her he had received a telegram from his Ot er, Mrs McLaren, to the following effec,t the occasion of your gathering be richly blesse > may God bless each one gathered at your ta-tJ and may His blessing ever rest 011 beautn Wales. — Priscilla Bright AIcLaren." J speaker then referred to the renovations they h carried out at Golden Grove, and said that ed view of the fact that many places were requllIe where the wounded troops coming back fro lJe war could recuperate, they thought it would a nice thing if they offered the hall for a yeartal, so to the Government as a convalescent hosp1 a The War Office had accordingly sent J high official from the North-Western district, a he had reported favourably as to its situati No doubt the War Office had a great many 0 ae( of a similar kind, and it might be that their o would not be accepted. Still the house was at DISPOSAL OF THE GOVERNMENT for or any local association who might require it be such a purpose. (Applause.) Speaking of t 0 friendly relations which existed between_ ^e tenants and the landlord, Air AIcLaren sa*Cj.eiii believed the cordial relations between 0{ would be knit still closer by the the past few days. They felt in reality that t so were amongst friends and neighbours, HJS N'11. took a keen interest in the fortunes of the to all and understood so thoroughly the beariilg-o f to the questions which arose," especially relatival the physical development of the foreshore^ he would have the most perfect confidence^ relinquishing the management of the estates t his hands when necessity desired it. At pre pt he was at the Oxford University preparing entry into Lincoln's Inn, and thus so far fotbqt his father's footsteps. It was even possible til1 some day he would even emulate his lather -W, further by obtaining a seat in the House of at mons. (Applause.) If he did enter that assembly he would not be by any means the of his family to do so. (Laughter.) Two ofela, uncles and two great uncles, besides other tives less closely connected, had had sea jy the House of Commons, so that he was cet a man with a Parliamentary pedigree. vja 0 ter). This terminated the proceedings. Mr and Mrs McLaren, accompanied sons and daughters, then drove to Golden rthe to welcome the tenantry and employees estate, who were invited to tea. It is a fo' celids drive to the house, and as the road aSltain> higher and higher on the slope of the ffl°ul ONE OF THE GRANDEST PANORAMAS of earth and sea it is poss.oie to c0I1VL tfa gradually unfolds itself to the view of tn ^$sc veller. At one portion of the drive the sea from the Great Orme to the Cheshire hi clearly depicted, the towns of Rhyl and tatyn lying in a golden flood of sunlign* jg 0' From five o'clock onwards several huncu IoVf! people, including tenants, cottagers, and enic1 on the estate were entertained to an elabor^ in the large entrance hall. During the & Mr Carroll, the head gardener, presented with a handsome silver tea caddy and fish cil" on behalf of the workpeople. The tl1^ grounds were thrown open to everybody. jl3pp; latter were thronged with an excited anf pel crowd of adults and children. The -j {li^ Brass Band played selections of music, 'lV 0 festivities wound up with a magnificent ro\^°?'[ fireworks, supplied by Messrs Pain, ot .el-e'' At dark, the sky and surrounding countiV up by two huge bonfires, one the to[, Afoo rO 5 Arthur's Bowling Green, and another c 0 Cyffylog, the latter being answered bv^ 0 of a third fire above Bodnant, in the { Conway.