Prestatyn Weekly

BYGONES. Contributions to this col uron will be we corned and may be made direct to Mr T. Edwards, Brynteg, Chester, who invites residents and others to sand any information relative to Prestatyn district which they may poss;esa.

AGRICULTURE (continued). Too many farmers in several parts of the district adhered strictly to the old routine of oats, wheat, barley, without any intervening crops, until their soils become nearly too weak to produce even weeds. The rotations in the mountainous district were still more repugnant to the theories of the agriculturists of more happy climates. The fields, having no other divisions than low sod fences, and fragments of stone walls, could not well be brought under culture for wheat, or any other winter crop, as sheep had an unlimited range, from November until the Lent crops were sown. In that forlorn part of the creation, the cultivation of no grain, except the hardy black oat, was attempted. This was sown successively for three years. The first sown on one furrow, generally without manure, was seldom productive. The second, owing to the soil being brought into better tilth, and scantily manured fre- quently yielded from five to seven returns. The third produce took a retrogade tarn, and gave three to five returns. Generally, grass seeds were then sown, and the ground depastured for five or six years. Some of the most inconsiderate farmers took a fourth and even a fifth crop, but received very little more than labour for their pains. White oats have been cultivated upon a small scale in some of these black situations, and where the soil was fresh, and saturated with manure, they have yielded abundant returns but they would not do so if succes- sively sown, and were more apt to shed their seed in windy weather than the black kind, and their straw was consequently of less value as fodder. The hills which face north were called oil haul. i.e., a place forsaken by the sun, and bespeaks the proprietr of growing more oats on the hills and more barley below. An old adage current among the hillside farmers used to be,— "The shade never went to the sunshine to borrow oatmeal" Nid aeth cil haul erioed i vron haul i venthycca blawd." Oats have boon found to stand a moderate winter. A farmer who had once jeft his crop of white oats too ripe, fallowed the stubble, and hallowed it across, intending to eariy lime and sow wheat upon it. A seasonal: rain failiug, forced up the oats so uniformly" over the whole H"Id that he loft it to take its chance. The soil was naturally dry and the winter not severe and by the following July he had an excellent crop of oats ready for the scythe WHEAT. —In good wheat soils, such as that of Prestatyn,,etc., the quantity sown per acre by many farmers was not above two bushels but the soil was in good condition, and sowing took place in September or the beginning of October. Some were of opinion that the latter month was best, in that less straw and greater returns were obtained. Those who sowed later found it necessary to bestow 3ibushels, or 100 quarts to the acre. Where later sowings, bad tillage, and bleak- ness of situation combine, 3lto 4 bushels an acre were necessary. In a letter from St Asaph, on October 11th 1806. written by a gentleman farmer, on the process of drilling, remarked "that he did not expect to have such returns as that received from the fertile soil of Prestatyn." so it will be seen that even at such a short distance away the productiveness of Prcstatyn soil had somewhat of a reputation. The returns of wheat varied in North Wales in a six-fold rate some were as low as three or four, without disappointing the owner. In good soil in Anglesey some farmers procured so high as eight or ten, but the average was only four to six. At Prestatyn the returns were from eight to thirteen, with an average of nine or ten. Mr Slight (who now lies in Meliden churchyard) sowed in the year 1791 seven bushels and a half upon four acres and a half of summer fallow, and manured the ground with an extraordinary amount of lime, 731 bushels as caustic as it could be spread and the produce was 187t bushels, being 25 returns. Much of the fertile soils of Prestatyn has been under tillage from time immemorial, bearing, from four to six scourging crops for one that had any tendency to ameliorate and yet, with the aid of fallowing and manure, they were not apparently exhausted. (To be continued).

Death of Mrs. Barber. After a long illness, being confined to her bed since last March, Mrs Margaret Barber, of Havelock House, Prestatyn, passed away late on Thursday night. She experienced much suffering,- which had been borne with great patience, and death, in case, must have been a happy release. The old lady was in her 80th year.

Competitive Meeting. On Christmas Day a very successful competitive meeting was held in connection with the local Welsh Wesleyan body, and the large number present had the pleasure of listening to some excellent contests. Mr Ellis Roberts, Prestatyn, presided, and Mr Robort Jones, Rhyl, was the conductor. The awards were made as follows Reciting hymn—Prize divided between Misses Gwladys Thomas and Ethleen Williams. Essay oil the ''Life of Sainson.Islr Harold Thomas. Baritone Solo—Mr John Roberts. Penillion—Mr Rogers, Dyserth. Children's Party-Mr T; E. Hughes' party. Any solo—Miss Maggie Davies. Tenor Solo—Mr E. Williams. Recitation—Mr Harold Thomas. Party singing—Mr Thomas Lee's Party. Soprano solo—Miss M. E. Evans. Male Voice-Prize divided between Hira- ddug party (Mr Ed. Williams, leader) and Dyserth party (Mr Alfred Jones, leader). The meeting closed with the singing of C, 9 t, Hen Wlad fy Nhadau," the solo being taken bv Mr J. Roberts, the successful baritone. The accompanists were Miss Sillers, and Mr E. Lloyd Simon (St. Asaph). The secretarial duties were most satis- factorily carried out by Mr Hughes, Prengwyn Villa.

Ploughing Society. The Cwm and District Ploughing Society held a meeting on Friday night last week at the Cross Keys, when it was decided to hold a match at an early date. It was arranged to try and procure a suitable field, and another meeting is to be held to-night (Friday) when further details will be gone into. Mr Frank Bibby (Plas-y-Voel) has been elected president.

Local Charity. On Thursday the proceeds of the Edward Jones Charity "were distributed among the poorer residents, close upon 150 sharing in the fund. The Vicar and two representatives of the Parish Council took charge of the work.

Church Services. The three services held at the Parish Church on Christmas Day were very well attended At 8 o'clock there was communion; at 11 English service and sermon and at 6, Welsh service and sermon. At both of the latter carols were sung, and the services were bright and hearty. The yicar (Rev J. Owen) and Rev W. L. Williamg officiated all day. 4y

The Motor Service was very extensively patronised on Boxing Day, the car being crowded on almost every journey—in fact it is stated that the accom- modation was insufficient, many passengers being unable to find room in the car. We have received the following letter on this subject :—- There were very many travelling by the little train on Tuesday. On one journey the car went down crowded from here, and there were about 10 persons waiting for it at Meli- den, but there was no room for them. The car went on to Prestatyn, and, greatly to the disappointment of these Intending passengers, did not return for them. If there were any among the deserted on Meliden station that wantod to go to Chester by the cheap train they were left to take their chance. Now this is very unfair, and if this route is to be made popular then more facilities will have to be afforded the public, during holidays at any rate. Another complaint A traveller from be- yond Rhyl going t) Dyserth one day this week arrived at Prestatyn at 9-29 a.m., and when he and four others inquired about the Dyserth train they were told there wasn't one until 10-27. An, hour to wait and no later train from Rhyl available to meet the 10-27 motor. If you come from beyond Rhyl you must get there by 10-43 and wait until 12-15. Mr Elwy Williams (Rhyl) called the train a little tin box, "but a friend remarked to me that the little tin box is right enough -it is the time table that is a bungler's work. When this train is only plying between Prestatyn and Dyserth, a distance of but three miles, surely the time-table could be re-arranged so as to make the service more convenient for the general public.—Yours truly, TKAVFXLER."

Gwaenysgor. Christmas Tree. On Saturday last a Christmas Tree and tea party was held in the schoolroom in connection with the Church. The event passed off very successfully, each of the children present being handed an appropriate gift from the tree after tea. Later on the children sang carols, hymns, etc., these being greatly appreciated by those present.

Christmas Lamb. To Mr Humphreys, Gop Farm, Newmarket, must be placed the credit of the nrst la-mb of the season.

Robert Owen, Ffynnongroew. SUITS, OVERCOATS, &o., to Measure, at Short Notice. PERFECT FIT AND STYLE GUARANTEED.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) The Coming Election. The political organizations of' the district are beginning to bestir themselves in view of of the near approach of the general election. A public meeting was held on Wednesday in support of the candidature of Mr Herbert Lewis, Junior Lord of the Treasury when that gentleman was announced to address the electors.

Funeral. On Sunday afternoon the funeral of Miss Elizabeth Hughes took place at Mostyn Cemetery. The services at the house and at the graveside were performed by the Rev W. Evans. Holywell. A number of scholars were present, and by the house they sang the y 11 deceased's favourite hymn "Jesus loves me."

Competitive Meeting. Thu annual competitive meetings in connec- tion with the Welsh Wesleyans were held in the Schoolroom on Christmas Day, there being a good attendance both afternoon and eveuing, Mr Lewis E. Williams, Point of Ayr. conducting. The adjudicators were Mr J. H. Jones, Llanfairtalhaiarn Revs. O. B. Jones and E. C. Turner, Ffynnongroew; Mrs E. Davies, Llinegr Farm and Mrs A. Hughes. Epworth House. Rev. E. Tegla Davies presided at the afternoon meeting, and the programme was opened with a pianoforte duet by Messrs W. Nuttall and J. Spencer. The awards were as follows :—— Recitation (under 14 years)—1, Master J. Ellis; 2, Miss Dorothy Ellis, Ffynnongroew. For the best Rosette—Mrs Dickinson, Ffynnongroew. Children's Solo (under 14)—1, Miss Hannah Griffiths, Ffynnongroew 2, MissK. Roberts, Gwespyr. 0 IS Soprano Solo.-—MisaM. E. Evans, Dyserth. Duet.—Messrs Alun and Frank Nicholson, Gwespyr. Recitation for Adults.—Mr Esaiah Pearson, Ffynnongroew. Tenor Solo.—Mr Thos, Williams, Ffyn- nongroew. D'Oyley Competition.—-Miss Nellie Parry, Gwaenysgor. Male Voice Choir Contest.—Ffynnongroew United Choir, conducted by Mr Thomas Williams. The evening meeting opened with a solo, is Baner ein Gwlad," by Mr Thos. Williams. The winners in the various competitions were: Recitation for Adults. — Miss Lizzie Pearson, Ffynnongroew. Baritone, Solo. Mr J. D. Williams, Dyserth. Part Song.—Betha.nia, Party, conductor, Mr 0 r R. A. Hughes, Marsh. Challenge Solo. — Mr J. D. Williams- Dyserth. —— —

SUDDEN DEATH AT MORFA. A painfully sudden death occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning at Morfa Farm. Ann Jones, youngest daughter of Mr John Jones, platelayer, Tanlan Cottages, who was in the domestic service of Mr Whiteford. had been at home for some days with a trifling ailment for which she was attended by Dr Evans. On Christmas Day she returned to the farm, apparently quite recovered, went about her usual Work, and on Tuesday visited with a friend the Eisteddfod at Rhyi, where, fear- ing to miss her train on returning, she ran a short distance to the station. At supper she complained to her elder sister, who is also at the farm, of being very thirsty, and of having a pain in her eiiest. No notice, however, was taken of the latter, and the two sisters retired to bed at the usual hour. At two o'clock in the morning Anne rose from the bed, and before her sister could procure a light, had fallen heavily to the floor. Assistance was immediately forthcoming, but Mr Whiteford only arrived in time to see the poor girl breathe her last. r She was but eighteen years of age. Great sympathy is felt for the sorrowing parents and sister in their sore and sudden bereavement. The funeral will take place on Saturday. The Inquest. On Friday the Deputy coroner (Mr J. Roberts-Jones) held an inquiry at the Wesleyan Schoolroom, Ffynnongroew, touch- ing the above. The jurymen were Messrs. Robert Owen (foreman), Is,tac Hughes, John Williams, Win. Neilson, Rd. Williams, J. W. Dickenson, Peter Black well, Win. Hughes, E. E. Davies, Rev. n. J. Stevenson, Messrs. Wm Spencer, Ishmael Jones, and Rev. E. G. Turner. Mr John Jones, father of deceased, said his daughter enjoyed good health, and never complained of haviug a weak heart. A fort- night ago she cama home ill with a sore throat. She consulted Dr Evaus, and stayed home till Christmas Day, when she had apparently recovered. Miss Mary Emma Jones said her sister on coming from Rhyl complained of being tired, and partook of food—bread and butter and currant bread, with milk. About ten o'clock she again complained and looked pale. She said she felt her heart queer, and it hitrt her when she moved. At two o'clock she woke witness by getting out of bed. Witness asked what was the matter, but her sister did not answer. She then gave the alarm to the house. Miss Elizabeth Ann Jones, Morfa Cottage, stated she accompanied deceased to Rhyl at 1-30 on Tuesday. They went to the eistedd- fod at the Palace, and stayed till 4-80, and afterwards walked about. They had nothing to eat nor drink during the time. Deceased was quite jolly, and did not complain. Returning at 6-30 they ran to catch the train. Mr A. Whiteford said deceased had boen nearly two years in his employ. In the middle of the night he was called to deceased's bedroom and found her lying on her. back on the floor, about a yard from the bed, just expiring. He sent at once for Dr Evans. Witness added that the mother had told him deceased had eaten very little when at home, but he understood she had eaten heartily on Christmas Day. Dr E. R. Evans testified to having attended deceased the week before last for an inflamed gland due to absorption from decayed teeth. She also had enlarged tonsils, and was feverish for some days. Under treatment the gland recovered without gathering, and on Tuesday she was convalescent. With this exception she was otherwise healthy. The only opinion he could offer as to cause of death was as follows. In all cases of feverishness the heart suffers, also the liver and kidneys. Granting that this is so, the strain on the heart induced by rising from the bed would account for the sudden stoppage. There was no evidence of disease or of violence. In his opinion death was due to heart failure. The jury found a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. The foreman of the jury (Mr Owen) pro- posed it vote of condolence with the family and all cmnectod. This was seconded by Rev R. J. Stevenson and carried.

Mostyn. English Congregational Church. A concert was held at the English Con- gregational Chapel, Mostyn, on Boxing Day when Mr R. Owen, Ffynnongroew, presided over a very large audience. The following artistes took part:—Miss Bessie Evans, of Dyserth, who sang five times and was encored in each, but was unable to respond to all on account of the lengthy pro- gramme. The others who took part and were loudly applauded were as follows :— Miss Jenny Price, Miss L. A. Roberts, Messrs John Brown, Chas Williams, Edward Davies, G.T.S.C., T. Williams, Misses Ada M. Jones and J. Dawson (piano duet), Miss N. Weir, Liverpool (piano solo). The Mostyn Ironworks Male Voice Choir, conducted by Mr Chas Williams, gave remarkably good selections, and a brniss band quartet was given by Mr Joseph Parry and party. The reciter was Mr Thos. Edwards, and a concert phono- graph was manipulated by Mr Robert Davies. Mr Ben Parry undertook the duties of accom- panist. The Church wish to extend their thanks to all who so willingly gave a helping hand to t carry on this good cause for another twelve months. i

J&tisceUanecntsu pHONOGRAPH and 20 Records for Sale, Cheap. -— Apply, A.B.C., "Prestatyn Weekly Office. gMALL HOUSE or Cottage (unfurnished) Wanted, with Garden preferred, from middle of January, in or near Prestatyn.- Mrs F. Lewis, 4, Gwyndy Terrace, Rhuddlan. WOOD-CARVING Classes to be held in Prestatyn.—Apply .Miss Bevan Davies, Victoria Studio, Colwyn Bay. pIANO WANTED on hire for January' February, and March. State terms to X.Y.Z., Prestatyn Weekly Office. WALLIS AND SCOTT, Auctioneers and Estate Agents, have houses to Let at the followiug rents kI. £21. £28,and £ 35; also Modern Villas and Building Land for Sale privately. Offices: High St., Prestatyn, Pendre House School, PRESTATYN, NORTH WALES. Softool and Kindergarten. Principal MISS ETHEL HICKSON (Teachers' Diploma University of Cambridge). MR. BRYAN E, WARHURST, Professor of Maiio. Member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, Prepares Pupils for the Axsoniniei Board of the Royal Academy of Music, tn« R->yal C >'1*4* of Music, the Trinity College, Loudon, and the Incorporated Society of Musicians Organ, ttanoforte, Singing, Harmony, Tlisory, &c. LAT3ST SUCCESSES: April, 1904, Advanced Senior, I'iauoforte, R.A.M. )' I Th-ory „ Jaty. M Advanced Sun., Viauo. (Honours), Trin. Coll., London „ Advanced Senior, Oivan, I.8.M. „ „ „ „ Pianoforte. I.S.5C. Dec. M Third ftrade, M „ Second Orade, „ » Singing Jalyf190S, Third GrafU, „ u „ M S'nd Grade, Pianoforte (H'ni), M » „ „ (Pass) It II „ First Grade, „ „ „ Mr. Warhnrst makes a Speciality of preparing Candidate* id the above ;ExatninaticmR, find visits Prestatyn on Tuesdays, Wedue-days and Thuradayn. Organ Keoltala, Concerts, Biausddfodau. For term*, Address—Haydn House, Brighton Road, Rhyl. HENRY DOWELL, Coal Merchant, Office: Station Yard, Prestatyn, Orders promptly attended to. Best House Coal always in Stock. J. R. Williams, BOOT & SHOE MAKER. Repairs neatly and promptly executed. Boots made to order with Best English Leather. High Street cSS.). Prestatyn, A. E. WILLIAMS, Pastry Cook and Confectioner, HIGH STREET, PRESTATYN. Wedding & Christening Cakes made to order. Tea. Rooms. Luncheon Rooms. Pic-Nic Parties catered for. Thomas & Walkley, Architects and Surveyors, PRESTATYN. Preliminary Sketches Free. Reasonable charges. For Regular Supplies of Farm Produce Fresh Milk and Butter, ■' New-laid Eggs, cte.t 0 send Postcard to R. AND J. WHITEFORD, Kelston Farm, Gwespyr, Holywell. J. P. Linnell, CIVIL ENGINEER, Architect and Surveyor, Land and Estate Agent, WELLINGTON CHAMBERS, RHYl.