Prestatyn Weekly

<-<6 IJicstatim iHecklji. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1905. WITH this issue the Prestatyn Weekly" completes the first year of its existence as a local newspaper. It is gratifying to be able to state that the paper has taken a firm hold on the district, that the circulation has steadily increased, and that there is every likelihood of this increase being maintained. At this juncture we should be ungrateful were we to fail to place on record the names of some of those ladies and gentlemen, repre- senting various shades of opinion on political and social subjects, who from time to time by their literary contributions have greatly assisted in bringing the publication to its present satisfactory position. In this respect our beat thanks are especially due to Mr H. R. H tghes. Mr T. J Scott Mr Goronwy Jones, Mr T. Edwards (Chester), Rev John Kelly, Rev Ben Williams, the Misses Hickson, Mr J. P. Linnell, Mr J. Roberts-Jones (Rhyi), Rev E. Jones (Gronant), Rev R. J. Steven- son, Rev O. B. Jones, Mr Thos Jones (Ffynnongroew), Mr Hugh Thos Jones (Mansfield College), Mr T. G. Jones (Glan- rafon), Rev R. P. Haghes (Dyserth), and many others. Those Prestatyn tradesmen who have sup- ported the paper by advertising regularly in 11 Z5 its columns will have the satisfaction of knowing that in addition to the acknowledged advantages of keeping their name before the public, they have materially helped the town in assisting to establish and support a local paper of their own. Should their support be withdrawn the paper would at once cease to exist, for it is certain that the price at which it is published will never pay for its production. Within the year just past one of the news- papers which has catered for this district has stopped publication, and another is apparent- ly in diinculties. It is therefore a matter for congratulation that the "Weekly" has so far been able not only to hold its own but also to progress. We wish all our readers a happy and prosperous new year.

Christmas Day. The enstom of carol singing on Christmas morning is Dot largely indulged in at Prestatyn, although the weather this Christmas was very suitable. Very few voices broke the quietude of the midnight hour. The morning delivery of letters, usually the heaviest in the whole year, did not seem quite so overwhelmingly great as usual, pro- bably because the public had posted many of their Christmas greetings on Saturday, thus relieving somewhat the delivery on Xmas morning. The postmen had finished their work shortly after noon. At Christ -Church all the services were well-attended, and they were of a bright and hearty character, especially so the Welsh service at night. Appropriate hymns and carols were sung, Mr E. T. Williams presiding at the organ, the whole of the services being conducted by the Vicar. The services at St. John's Wenleyan and Trinity Churches were well attended, both chapels being tastefully decorated.

OVERSEERS AND THE COUNCIL. To the Editor of I he Prrstatyn Weekly." Dear Sir,—I notice in yonr report of the Prestatyn Urban District Council monthly meeting of the 18th inst., a reference made to a letter sent by myself to the Chairman, and that the chairman said" I had no right to send him such a letter, and that he did not feet justified in placing it before the Council, in fact did not know whether he ought to read it at all." As I have received no other acknowledgment of my letter, or a reply thereto. I enclose you a copy of it and shall be glad if in the interests of the public you will publish it. The letter explains the position sufficiently, I think, for the present. And on behalf of the other overseers and myself, I may say that any Charge of unfair rating must be sustained before the Assess- ment Committee. We are wishful to be fair to all ratepayers without fear or favour. Why the U.D.C. should endeavour to interfere on behalf of one property, which in our opinion was very much underassessed, and unfair to other ratepayers, I cannot understand. There may be an explanation, but the action of the Council is in strong contrast to their inaction," some time ago, when I forced a re-assessment generally, very much to the benefit of the town, and especially to many who were most unfairly rated, and could least afford it. [COPY OF LETTER.] Bryngwalia, Prestatyn, December 16th, 1905. Dear Sir,-I am much surprised to learn that the new Supplemental Valuation list for Prestatyn, duly deposited by the overseers for the inspection of the public was, some days ago, in the possession of the Urban District Councillors, and produced at an official meeting of the Council. Also that comments were made at that meeting seriously reflecting upon the work of the overseers for the St. Asaph Union. "I consider this an unwarrantable piece of interference, and on my own behalf ask for an explanation. The action of the U.D.C. in removing the list from the custody of the overseers renders it necessary to re-deposit the same for fourteen days.—I am, yours truly, J. BANKS. U NIr Thomas Jones, J.P., The Chairman Prestatyn Urban District Council." I also notice in your report of the same meeting that in adopting Linden Walk the Council imposed that in addition to the owner paying R30 to the Council to put the roadway in order, w-hich is already sewered and curbed, that he should tile the footpaths. They then adopted the new road and bridge over the Railway,—opened out to sell the building land as in the other ease,-butdi i not impose sewering, curbing, or tiling the footpaths," on the condition that such be done hotch-potch at some time by probable purchasers. Surely our U.D.C. should be the last to speak of justice or injustice, while they are perpetrating such a piece of jobbery and injustice to all ratepayers but one, to whom they toady and grovel, and as a farthing solatium to the others, I suggest that the owner, be asked to tile the footway oppo- site the Town Hall in High Street. Hoping I have not trespassed on your valuable space too far,-Yours truly, J. Banks, Overseer.

Constitutional Club Dance. The Cinderella dance held at the Town Hall on Tuesday night in connection with the Constitutional Club passed off very success- fully. There was a large attendance, and among those present was Mr Harold Edwards, the newly-adopted candidate for Parliamen- tary honours in this county. An excellent programme of dances was arranged, with the result that a very enjoyable evening was spent. The ladies' committee, with Captain Miller as their chairman, are to be congratulated on the manner in which they carried out the details. The hall had been prettily decorated for the occasion, the effect being very pleasing. Mr J. R. Tickle carried out the duties of M.C.

Gifts for the School Children. Before the National Schools broke up for the holidays on Friday last, each scholar was presented with a packed of sweets and an oraoge, these being the gift of Mr and Mrs Williams, Rose Buildings.

Social Evening. The members of the Christ Church Literary Society are commencing the new year with a social evening, which is to be held on Monday in the Town Hall. A programme of vocal and instrumental music is being arranged, after which refreshments will be provided, the evening to finish up with a dance for those who desire it. Members will be allowed to bring their friends, the charge for admission being members 1/ non-members 1/6.

Watch-night Services. These will be held on Sunday night both at St. John's Wesleyan Church and also at Trinity Church, the services in each case commencing at 11 o'clock and concluding a few minutes after midnight.

WESLEYAN COMPETITIVE MEETING. On Christmas Day the members of "Bethel" and Horeb combined to hold their annual eisteddfod at the Town Hall. The meeting was attended with great success, in fact it is looked upon as the most satisfactory yet held by this body. There was a large attendance, and the entries for all the competitions were very numerous. Mr John Cunnah presided, and the Rev. J. Kelly acted as conductor, and Mrs Yeoman as accompanist. The adjudicators were :— Mr Thomas Owen, Moliden; Mr Robert Jones, Rhyl Rev Wm. Hugh Evans, Rhyl Rev M F Wynne, Rev B Williams, Rev Ezra Jones Mr T. R. Roberts, Prestatyn Mr J. Jones, Newmarket; Mrs Jewell, Grey Mount; Mrs Banks, Bryngwalia Mrs J. Lloyd Jones, The Pharmacy; Mrs J. M. Hughes, Wrexham House. The awards were as follows :— Children's choir—Horeb Party (Mr E. Lewis leader). Party of eight—Bethel Patty (leader, Mr T. li. Roberts). Quartette—Horeb Party (Mr C. Williams, leader); Tenor Solo-Mr A. Nicholson, Gwespyr. Baritone Solo-—Mr J. Roberts, Pen-y-cae, Prestatyn. Soprano Solo-Miss. Eunice Williams, Prestatyn. Solo for children under 15-Miss Gwladys Williams, Prestatyn. For an ode to To-morrow," and also four verses on the Prestatyn Competitive Meeting," Mr J. R. Williams, Prestatyn, was the winner. Recitation for those under 16-Miss M. Ellis, Gwaenysgor. Recitation for those under 12^— 1st Caradoc Williams, 2nd Miss N. Williams, Prestatyn. Impromptu address—Messrs R. Williams and Louis Hughes. Welsh Dictation—Master J. Parry, Meliden. Handwriting—Mr P. Jones Williams, Prestatyn. Translating English to Welsh—Mr J. Simpson, Prestatyn. Drawing—Mr Ernest Jones, Rhyl. Knitted Tam-o-Shanter-Mrs Jones, Mor- ley Terrace. Crochet Tie-Miss P. McDonald, Gwaen- yegor. Marking on Canvas-Miss S- Jones, Aled House, Rhyl. The secretarial duties were very satis- factorily carried out by Messrs Morley Jones and Oliver Proffit. Mr Cunnah said that owing to the very lengthy programme they had to get through 0 ro g he would not trespass on their time by deliver- ing a speech which he had prepared, but he advised the audience to procure a copy of the "Weekly," to which paper he intended to send his remarks for publication (laughter). [We have received a lengthy communi- cation from Mr Cunnah, but our limited space will only permit of a few extracts therefrom. —Ed.] Mr Cunnah had come across a short history of the religious aspect of Prestatyn as it was many years ago, and he was very glad that matters had changed so much for the better since that time. At that period Prestatyn was looked upon as a most irreligious place, and ministers were very badly treated. The only place for public worship in the vicinity was the old church at Meliden. There was an account of a Methodist preacher holding services in the barn at Pydew Farm a great number of years ago, who was occasionally assisted by James Buckley from Caerwys. These preachers experienced ill-treatment from the natives." The Wesioyans had nobly done their share of work in Prestatyn, the commencement of which is said to have been brought about by a young man named Gilpin, the only survivor of the crew of a vessel which was wrecked on these shores. Gilpin who was sheltered by a Mrs Parry, Penisa'rdre, was the son of a Wesleyan Minister in England, who also came to Pres- tatyn. Gilpin got the support of Mrs Parry, and it was stated that the great work accom- plished by Wesleyaos here was commenced in that way. Bryan Bach was credited with being the first to hold a Seiat here in 1801. In 1824 a movement was started by John Hughes and Roger Pritchard for the erection of a chapel in Prestatyn, and with the co- operation of willing helpers the building was completed the same year. In 1841 the old building was pulled down and a more commodious one erected in its stead. Wesleyanism had made rapid strides since then, and this building had to give way to a still more commodious chapel, since the erection of which another one bad been built by the same body on the shore side of the railway. I JOHN CUNNAH, YSW. Nid os cwyn os cawn Ounnah-Mae e'n llywydd Ar Haw rhwydda; Cywir yw mae'n caru'n gyrfa, Cawr 'mhob cwr pwy a'i cura. ? GLWTDOG.

Early Flowers. Tea roses grown in the open air, wallflowers, primroses, etc., are in bloom in Prestatyn, at present. In one garden f We know of there is also honeysuckle to be seon-the bee is expected shortly.

The Impending Election. The Government have lost no time in making -their arrangements for the great struggle. It is curious to note with what confidence the Liberals contemplate the result. But there is a danger in this, as it may lead to over confidence. The Liberals, if they wish to secure a great victory,—one which will make them independent of the Irish vote,- must work energetically, one and all. There must be no laggards in this fight if it is intended to gain a brilliant victory.

Cabinet Ministers. Mr John Burns has signalised his entry into the Cabinet by an act on Christmas Day in visiting and cheering the inmates of Wands- worth Workhouse that will endear him still more to the working classes, and it is a prac- tical proof that he means to do all in his power to improve the condition of the toilers. Mr Lloyd George has mapped out for him- self some useful legislative work. He has already intimated his intention to bring i. a bill which will place foreign ships coming to our ports under the same regulations as to overloading, etc., as British ships. This is a very good beginning.

Date of the Election in Flintshire. I am informed that the polling in this county will be as follows The Boroughs on Saturday. January 20th, and the County on Saturday, January 27th.

White Lead Poisoning. As a result of a recent congress of scientists and workmen, held in the great hall of the Trocadero, in Paris, to consider the evil of lead poisoning among painters, a Bill has been prepared, the chief provision of which is to entirely prohibit the manufacture of white lead in France.

New Cruiser for Japan. An armoured cruiser, the first to be built entirely in Japan, was successfully launched this week, and speeches were delivered by Japanese officials on the occasion admitting the debt Japan owed to British tuition in shipbuilding.

The Poor in New York. Christmas dinners were given to 60,000 .? poor in New York.

Sudden Death. OH Saturday afternoon the death occurred with painful suddenness at Meliden of the 15 year old daughter of Mrs Kendal, Prestatyn. It seems that the deceased. was out so late as Wednesday last week, but the same evening y 49 she was taken ill and had to be medically attended, when it was found she was suffering from appendicitis. It had been arranged to remove her to the hospital at Rhyl on Satur- day afternoon, but she passed away before this could be done. Deceased was always of a bright disposition, and was well-known by all the villagers. She was a chorister and a member of the Sunday School, and there was a very large attendance at the funeral, which took place at Meliden on Tuesday afternoon. Mrs Kendal desires to return thanks to the very many kind friends who have shewn their sympathy with her in this great bereavement.

The General Election. [FHOM A CoRKHSPONDENT.j A political meeting to support Mr Herbert Lewis's candidature was held at the C.M. Chapel on Wednesday, when the chair was occupied by Mr T. Pennant Williams who gave an address on the coming election and the prospects of the Liberal Party. Rev M. F. Wynne gave a short speech on necessary arrangements and preparations for the coming fray. Rev J. Kelly gave a lengthy and interesting address with figures and comparisons tending to show the fallacies of Mr J. Chamberlain's statements on the necessity of fiscal reform, in order to main- tain the commercial supremacy of this country. Mr Goronwy Jones, in an interesting and effective address, shewed the guarantee that working men and nonconformists have that freedom and justice will be given them by the presence of stalwart representatives in the Cabinet. Mr Ralli, C.C., spoke of the injustices the late government were guilty of, etc. Mr T. Williams, C.C., also gave a rousing address, reminding the audience of the past, and impressing upon them their duties in the immediate future. After a vote of thanks to the Chairman and speakers, proposed by Mr D. Roberts, seconded by Mr T. Hughes, a most enthusiastic, successful, and popular meeting was closed by appointing canvassers for Meliden.