Prestatyn Weekly

Record of Coming Events. Dec. 31st—Social at C.M. Chapel, Towyn. Dec. 31st — Watchnight Services at "Bethel" (Welsh). 10-30 p.m.; St. John's English Wes- leyan, and Trinity United Methodist, 11 p.m. Jan. 1st—Tea Party and Concert in connection with "Bethel" and" Horeb." 28th January.—Congregational Church Annual Test Concert. Feb. 4th.—Christ Church Schools Tea and Com- petitive Meeting. AT the end of another year it is pleasant to be able to record that, notwithstanding the almost world-wide trade depression, the pros- perity of Prestatyn has received no check. The steady increase in the number of houses being erected, not in any particular locality, but all over the district, is a token of its con- tinued popularity as a place of residence. During 1908 villas have been erected on the Mount Ida, Pendre, and Melyd estates, in Plas and King's Avenues, in Sandy Lane, Victoria and Meliden Roads, and one merchant states that more building material has been sent here during the year than to any place on the coast. For the future two big schemes are on the tapis, for the accomplishment of which Par- liamentary powers are now being sought. We refer to the purchase of the Gas Under- taking by the Prestatyn Council, and the pro- posed light railway from Rhyl to Prestatyn. Both of these will have a certain effect on the well-being of the town, and all will hope that the effect will be beneficial. In issuing the first number of the fifth volume of the local newspaper, the conductors thank their many readers, subscribers, contri- butors, and advertisers for aiding in its increased success, and wish all A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

RATEPAYERS' MEETING. Residents are reminded of the ratepayers' meeting which is to be held at the Town Hall, on Wednesday next, at 7 p.m., to consider, and if thought fit, to approve" of the pro- motion by the Prestatyn Urban District Council of a Bill in the next session of Parliament, the objects of which, according to the advertised notices, are- To transfer the undertaking of the Prestatyn Gas Company to the Prestatyn Urban District Council, to confer upon that Council further powers in relation to the supply of gas and water, and to make further provision for the local government, health, and improvement of the district.

The Passing of 1908. A rather doleful history of the past year is given in poetic language on the fourth page of this issue. In the reference to Parliamen- tary failures it is not very clear whether the author laments the loss of Asquith's Bills or whether in his opinion the bills themselves were ills."

Presentation to the Vicar. At Brynymaen on Tuesday, the Rev Meredith J. Hughes, late Vicar of the parish, and now incumbent of Prestatyn, was the recipient of a farewell presentation as a mark of the high regard in which he was held in the parish. Funerals completely furnished by WILLIAMS AND RICHAHDS, Drapers, etc., Prestatyn.

The Blizzard. In last week's issue comments were made on the mildness of the weather, and the fact was mentioned that spring flowers were in bloom and strawberries ripening. One of the severest blizzards experienced for many years has now to be recorded, the country for several days being garbed in a mantle of white. Such are the vagaries of our extra- ordinary climate. A change in the weather occurred about Christmas eve, the temperature falling several degrees, and a biting cold wind prevailed. This continued until Sunday, when sleet fell during the greater portion of the day. On Monday and Tuesday the snow and wind combined their forces making a perfect blizzard. The drifts became several feet deep in many places, and the roads were quite impassable. Especially was this the case in Gronant Road where in some places the drifts were nine or ten feet high. The road to Nant Hall was completely filled up to the top of the hedges with snow, and motors were held up on the top road while their occu- pants cleared the way. Matters were almost as bad on the Meliden Road. Vehicular traffic between Prestatyn and Meliden had to be entirely suspended on Wednesday, the drift, especially in the hol- lows, being several feet high. Fortunately, the wind had left a narrow path for pedes- trians. The Council workmen had a, busy time, and under the superintendence of the Surveyor an ingenious plough was constructed, which proved very useful in making a road through the drift.

Mail Van "Held Up." The mail driver who travels each morning between Rhyl and Prestatyn had a fruitless journey on Wednesday morning. With the greatest possible difficulty he had got as far as Llys Farm, about a mile from Prestatyn, when he found that the drifts were so deep there it was impossible to proceed. He had therefore to take his letters back to Rhyl, from whence they were sent to Prestatyn by train, arriving nearly four hours late.

The Milk Supply. Some of the milk-purveyors have had a rough time of it, more especially those who come to Prestatyn from a distance. In one instance a farmer had to pull down a wall to get his cart past a drift, and in another place he had to take his horse and cart across a field, the road being impassable. A milk- carrier from Gronant had to be accompanied to Prestatyn by a couple of farm hands, who at various intervals shovelled a way for the cart. The storm has been the most severe for many years. In fact very few people can remember seeing such a spectacle as has been produced by snow drifts. The weather was so bad on Tuesday that business was practi- cally at a standstill, those who desired to shop being unable to venture out. Thursday.—A rapid thaw has now set in, and the snow is disappearing faster than it came. Under the influence of the warm westerly breeze little vestige of the blizzard will soon remain.

PRIZE DAY AT THE COUNCIL SCHOOLS. The annual distribution of County Council prizes and certificates took place on Wednes- day afternoon last week, when most of the managers and several parents were in atten- dance. Mr Goronwy Jones, Chairman of the Managers presided. Several songs were beautifully rendered by the children in Welsh and English, and the Rev Ezra Jones, Messrs Robert Jones, Peter Ellis, and Capt. McDonald in appropriate terms highly praised the children and complimented the staff upon the excellent work accomplished during the year. The headmaster, Mr G. W. Jones, in pre- senting his report, referred to the loss sustained by the school through the promotion of the assistant master, Mr T. R. Roberts, to the headmastership of Gwaenysgor School. At the same time he wished to congratulate the managers in their very happy choice of a successor in the person of Mr Wynne, who has taken up his duties with energy and enthusiasm. Special mention was made of the little girl, Margaret Ellis, who has not once been late or absent for four years, in recognition of which she was presented with a bronze medal: also two handsome books and a certificate. Names of scholarship winners, 1908 :— 1, Cyril Wright £12; 2, Elsie J. M. Wynne j64 3, Samuel T. Roberts £ 3 4, Kate Jones £2; 5, Florence Jones £2. Following is a list of prize winners for regular attendance for 1907-8 :—Margaret Ellis (books, medal, and certificate), William Ellis, John E. Pritchard, John Bloxham, Thomas J. Ellis, Edward Bloxham, Samuel Jones, Robert E. Jones, Florence Jones, John Edwin Jones, Cyril Wright, Ada Hughes, Thomas J. Roberts, Gertrude Crossley, Charles Jones, Gethin M. M. Wynne, Margaret Hughes, Thomas C. Williams, Harry Edwards, Lily Blodwen Jones, Gwendoline Lewis (certificates). Infants.— Gwladys Pritchard, Peter R. Jones, Lizzie Davies, Cissie Pritchard, Cassie Owen, Teddie Ellis (certificates).

Local Prize-winner. Mr R. Thomas, of Brooklands, Prestatyn, was highly successful with his birds at the West Cheshire Dog and Poultry Society's Show held at Birkenhead ou Boxing Day. He carried off the first and second prizes for black orpington cockerel, and first and second for orpington pullet. He also had the coveted honour of securing the Society's medal for the best bird exhibited.

Golf. On Boxing Day an eclectic" competition took place on the links for a medal presented by Mr Hugh Hughes (Rhyl). The rules were that 36 holes should be played of which the best 18 could be selected for the score. The winner was Mr Drake, seur, whose card was returned at 71 nett.

School Club. The Clothing Club associated with the Church Day and Sundaj Schools has had a very ilcurishing year. The number of depositors was fifty-six, and the average amount deposited by each member reached the sum of 11/6. Last week the distribution of the money, together with the bonuses, was made by Mr Williams (School), and Mr L. Nanney Williams. Altogether, X36 were distributed. The Vicar and Curate have acted as joint treasurers of the Club, which has done much to encourage habits of thrift among the scholars.

The Local Eisteddfod. Already arrangements are being made for this annual event, which takes place at the Town Hall on Whit Monday. The committee has been appointed, and the officers are: President, Rev Ben Williams Vice-President, Mr Trevor Roberts hon. treasurer, Mr E. D. Jones hon. secretary, Mr J. M. Hughes. The list of subjects is to be issued shortly.

Coal Famine on the Hillside. Those residents on the hill side who had not laid in a store of coal fared badly this week. In some instances wood fires bad to be resorted to, the coal merchants being unable to execute their orders. On Wednes- day afternoon, however, the difficulty was solved so far as some were concerned, the services of a donkey being requisitioned for the purpose of carrying bags of coal to the more isolated houses.

Much Appreciated. A lady who has recently come to reside at Prestatyn has given a nice Xmas present to each of the workmen (about a score in all) employed in the erection of her residence. This thoughtful act has been much appreciated by the men.

Christ Church. The services held on Christmas Day were well attended. The Rev. Meredith J. Hughes (vicar) and Rev. A. Gray Jones, B.A. (curate) officiated, and appropriate addresses were delivered in English and Welsh. Several lady members of the church had tastefully decorated the edifice, the work being carried out by the following -Mrs Hughes (The Vicarage), Mrs Jones (Summerfield), Mrs Gratton, Miss Jones (The Croft) Misses Miller, Miss Linnell, Mrs Marlow, Miss Livesey, Miss A. Livesey, Miss Lloyd, Misses Thornton, Miss Pownall.

The Free Church Council have arranged for a series of Welsh prayer meetings to take place at the various churches during the next fortnight, commencing on Monday next. In addition to all the local Welsh ministers, the Rev D. Stanley Jones, of Carnarvon, is to take part.

Trinity Church. The watch-night service at this Church will commence at 11 o'clock.

THE LATE SURVEYOR 5 TESTIMONIAL. To the rid dor of the Prestatyn Weekly- Sir,-Kindly convey through the medium of your paper my sincere thanks to the many friends and well wishers who so generously and spontaneously subscribed towards the cost of the beautiful watch just received. I find it impossible to express in suitable words my appreciation. I shall always value the gift, but far more shall I treasure the friendly thoughts and feelings of which the gift is only an expression. In leaving Prestatyn it is a great encour- agement for me to know that my slight labours during the period of my appointment there have been appreciated. Wishing you and all a prosperous New Year,—I remain, sincerely yours, CHAS. L. ROBERTS. -———————————" I

I BELL_BENSON. —December 2.6th, at Chrisi Church, Prestatyn, N.W., by the Rev Meredith J. Hughes, vicar, James Bell of Belfast, son of Walter Bell, Tyrone Ireland, to Edith Benson, younges daughter of late Robert Smith Benson Liverpool.

PRESTATYN NATIONAL SCHOOLS. A very interesting function took place at the National School on Wednesday after- noon last week, when, on the invitation of the managers and teachers, several ladies and gentlemen assembled to witness the distribu- tion of prizes awarded to the scholars for regularity'of attendance during the past year; The room had been very tastefully and seasonably decorated with evergreens by the teachers and elder scholars. The Vicar occupied the chair, and was supported by the Revs. M. F. Wynne and A. Gray Jones, Messrs T. J. Scott and Nanney Williams, and Capt. Jones, Drakelow. Whilst the visitors were arriving the scholars sang a selection of National Airs, concluding with the Welsh National Anthem, Maggie Jones leading with the solo. Appropriate and encouraging speeches were made by the Vicar, Rev. M. F. Wynne, and Mr Scott. Mr Williams, the head teacher, in the course of his remarks, referred to the loss the school had sustained by the death of the late Vicar, and expressed a hope that the new Vicar would enjoy as happy associations with the school as did his predecessor. The speaker also expressed his gratitude to those ladies and gentlemen who assisted the teachers in securing prizes supplementary to those offered by the Education Committee. It is noteworthy of remark that Winnie Kelly, one of the prize-winners, has made perfect attendances for five years, and was presented with a bronze medal, whilst Phoebe Glass has made perfect attendances for two years and 10 months. As the scholars filed out each child was presented with a small parcel containing an orange, nuts, svveets, and biscuits, which had been sent by a few ladies and gentlemen in- terested in the school. The National Anthem terminated a very successful and interesting meeting. II Prizes for perfect attendance were awarded to: Gresley Jones, Winnie Kelly, Lillian Massey, and Phoebe Glass. Supplementary awards were secured by Matthew Hughes, G. Hughes, E. Saunders, S. Massey, Arthur Jones, C. Parnell, Elsie Smith, W. Hughes, B. Beer, A. Jones, Marjorie Smith, Gladys Parnell, and Daisy Bennett. The prizes awarded for attention to studies, etc., will be presented early in the new year.

CHRISTMAS DAY COMPETITIVE MEETING. The annual Christmas Day competitive meetirg held by the Welsh Wesleyan Churctes was as usual a great success this year. Much interest was taken in all the events, and that they were enjoyed by the large tudiencecannot be doubted. The successful competitors were as follows — Singing: Challenge solo (for silver cup given by Mr Kerfoot Hughes, Rhyl). won by Mr Thomas Roberts, Gwaenysgor. Miss Eunice Williams (Prestatyn) was awarded the prize for a solo for those under 16, while Miss Victoria Wilson (Gronant) was first, and M'ss Ellen C. Jones (Prestatyn) second in a solo for those under 12. Miss E. Davies (first) and Miss M. E. Parry (Gwaenysgor) and Master Albert Davies (divided second) were successful for those under 9. Gwespyr Children's Choir (conductor, Mr Alun Nicholson) had the honour to divide the prize with the "Horeb" Choir (conductor, Mr Charles Williams), the latter choir having tak<n the prize in this competition four times in succession. There was a medal (presented by Vlr O. H. Hughes) for the conductor, and as the prize was divided, another medal will be supplied from the funds. Four Friends and Eight Friends coiducted by Mr James Roberts, were suc- cessful in the quartette and double quartette. recitations The prize for the chief recit- ation was awarded to Mr Thos. Hughes (Ryiiiau), Master J. E. Parry (Prestatyn) bøng second. Miss Nellie Ellis (Nant Mill) g3:te the best recitation for those under 17. Fq- children under 12, Miss M. A. Parry (fist). Miss Maggie Ellis (second), and Miss E C. Jones (third) were the winners. The prze was divided between Miss M. E. Jones aid Master Ed. Ellis in the recitation for tbjse under 9. Mr J. Simpson and Mr Geo. Jones divided tie award for the translation from English to Yelsh, the former also winning the one from Velsb to English. Mr George Jones was the successful com- Jjser of eight verses on "Old Age Pensions." In the drawing and handwriting competi- tons Master Ivor W. Williams was first in loth, and Master T. Caradoc Williams second n the latter. Mr J. Cunnali, who was to have presided, 'ailed to be present through illness, but sent i donation of £ 2 2/- Rev. E. Mostyn Jones conducted the proceedings. Mr J. Benn proposed, and Mr Parry Williams seconded, a vote of thanks to all who had worked so indefatigably for the success of the meeting. The adjudicators of the various competitions were: Music, Mr John Jones (Glas Alaw) recitations, Rev. M. F. Wynne and Mr Robt. Jones poetry, Rev. T. O. Jones (Tryfan), Rhyl; translations, Mr T. R. Roberts handwriting, Mr Thomas Owen (Moliden) drawing, Mr Robt. Thomas. Miss Pascall was the official accompanist. The energetic secretary was Mr T. H. Thomas, and the treasurer Mr P.J. Williams,