Llangollen Advertiser Denbighshire Merionethshire and North Wales Journal

LOCAL & DISTRIOT NEWS. LLANGOLLEN. OUR ALMANACK.- The Advertiser Almanack will be presented to our subscribers next week. SIR THEODORE AND LADY MARTIN are spending Christmas with the Countess of Camperdown and family, at Weston House, Shipston-on-Stour. COTTAGE HOSPITAL.—Employes' collection at Railway Station, Llangollen, per Mr. G. E. Fussell, 14s. 6d.; Corwen Railway Station, per Mr. Morris, £13s. EXTRAORDINARY WEATHER.—The weather of the British Islands is in an extraordinary mixed condition. A mail train stuck fast in the snow near Halkirk, Scotland, early on Wednesday morning, and was detained for several hours, a copious rain- fall fortunately aiding its liberation. On the Yorkshire wolds, in Norfolk, and in Devonshire, there were heavy falls of show that day, intense cold prevailing while in this locality and other places the recent severe weather gave way to rain and wind, which soon cleared away all the snow. The temperature on Thursday was mild. CAPT. BEST'S ANNUAL TREAT TO HIS WORKMEN. -This event, which has for several years become an annual institution, came of as usual in the Eagles Hotel, Llangollen. All the workmen upon the estate with their wives partook of a sumptuous and bountiful spread of the time- honoured accompaniments of the Christmas sea- son, and a most happy evening was spent. The usual toasts were duly and heartily acknowledged, and the general impression prevailing was that the provision made for the comfort of the guests by Mr. and Mrs. Pugh were if possible better than on any previous occasion. CHOIR SUPPER. — On Tuesday evening, the members of the choirs of the Parish and St. John's Churches were treated to a substantial supper in the National Schoolrooms, the catering, which was of the usual excellent description, being under the superintendence of Mr. and Mrs. Pugh, Eagles Hotel. After the cloth had been removed the evening was most pleasantly spent, several excellent pieces of music being given, toasts proposed and re- sponded to, and admirable and encouraging addresses given. A full report will appear next week. RELIGIOUS SERVICES AND PREACHERS.—The jrder of the services and the preachers at the various places of worship for next; Sunday (2nd 'Uttwy KSeWCTiriwirtnore) cto mo .Wlw >— Irish (St. Oollen's) Church: Matins at 10 30 a.m.; Litany aud children's service at 3 15 p.m., and Evensong at 6 p.m. Rev. Enoch Rhys James, B.D., vicar; Rev.Robert Ellis, LLD., and Rev. D. Carrog Jones, B.A., curates. St. John's (Welsh) Church (Abbey-road) sermons at 10 30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Llantysilio Church English services the first Sunday in the month at 10 30 a.m. and 3 15 p.m., other Sundays 3 15 p.m. Welsh services at 10 30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Rev. J. S. Jones, B.A., vicar. English Baptist Chapel (Penybryn): sermons at 10 30 a.m and 6 p.m. by the Rev. Gethin Davies, Llangollen. Rehoboth Calvinistic Methodist Chapel sermons at 9 30 a.m. and 6 p.m. by the Rev. E. Jones, Bodffari. English Wesleyan Chapel (Market-street) sermons at 11 15 a.m. and 6 p.m. by the Rev. J. Darlington, Ruabon. Welsh Wesleyan Chapel: sermons at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. by the Revs. G. Jones, pastor, and W. Powell, Llangollen. Welsh Baptist Chapel: sermons at 9 30 a.m. and 6 p.m. by the Rev. D. Williams, pastor. Congregational Chapel (Church-street): prayer meetings at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Brook-street Mission Boom sermons at 10 a.m. and 6p.m. by the Rev. G. Owen, Rhosddu. LITERATURE.-The January number of Weldonts Lady's Journal, an excellent magazine, contains all the Paris novelties and designs in dresses, millinery, embroidery, &c., suitable for the present season.- I he Season for January contains sixteen richly illustrated folio pages of dress and needlework, a supplement, three coloured plates, and a large sheet of full-sized patterns and designs of embroidery.- Harper's Monthly for January is splendidly illus- trated, and the subjects treated upon are of a highly interesting character. The periodical Harper's -yo? t n Young People is growing in popularity with youth- ful readers, as it certainly deserves to do.—The National Education Union have issued an Educa- tional Almanaekfor 1886, which will be of immense service and value to all engaged or interested in the education of the rising generation. It is full of well-assorted information on all educational ques- tions, and deals with them in a pithy style. Notes on the much-vexed question of free education are given from the works of such eminent men as Dr. Rigg, cookery instruction, agricultural education, besides a mass of other interesting points, are all dwelt upon in a highly commendable manner. The price is sixpence. FUNERAL OF POLICE CONSTABLE CASH.-The funeral of P.C. Cash, whose premature death we recorded last week, took place on Saturday last, in St. John's Cemetery, Llangollen. The mournful cortege left the house of deceased, in John-street, at 3 o'clock, and all along the route the manifestations of respect and sympathy were general. The coffin was borne by members of the Denbighshire Con- stabulary who had been on intimate terms with their departed comrade, and large numbers of the inhabitants also joined the procession. The funeral service was impressively read by the Rev. D. Carrog Jones, curate. Deputy Chief Constable Wilde, of Wrexham, whose uniform kindness towards the men under his charge in times of grief and affliction is so widely known and acknowledged, was in atten- dance, as were also the following :-Inspector Jones, Ruthin, Sergeants Hugh Jones, Llangollen, and Bound, Wrexham, and Constables MacLaren, Gal- braith, Williams, Chas. Evans, Griffiths, Pierce, Brellisford, Robinson, and Lee, of Wrexham, Thomas, Ruthin, Jones, Penycae, Austin, Ruabon, Harvey, Rhosymedre, Corbett, Cefn, Brookes, Vron- cyssylltau, Burgess, Glynceiriog, Dobson, Llanty- silio, and Worthington, Llangollen. At the grave the men were placed in a line on each side, the scene being most imnressive. THE PARISH CHURCH.—The Parish Church was most tastefully and appropriately decorated for Christmas, the following ladies having kindly under- taken the duty :Seat and choir stalls and pulpit, Mrs. Smith, Llangollen Fechan font, Miss James, Vicarage reading desk, Miss Edwards, Maesmawr Cottage altar, Miss Tanqueray, Penybryn Hall. At 8 a.m., on Christmas Day, there was a choral celebration. At 10 30, matins, service, and proces- sion, followed by holy communion. At 7 p.m., evensong anthem, Sing, 0 Heavens," Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, Bennett in F. At 8, a special carol service was held, the congregation being very large. The service was conducted by the Rev. D. Carrog Jones, curate, and the following carols were £ reudered by the choir, under the direction ox Mr. Frank Ketcher, the organist of the Church —•'The First" (Nowell), "Christmas Morning Hymn," Carol for Xmas Eve," Waken, Christian children," "To us a Child is born," "Come, ye Lofty. These carols were interspersed by solos, which were exceedingly well executed by Master Harry Tehbuts, one of the principal choristers of St. Albans Church, Halbom, London. Master Tehbuts gave the following choice selection in magnificent style :—" Comfort ye (Handel), Angels ever bright and fair," and He shall feed His flock." His clear and melodious voice resounded through every corner of the sacred edifice, while his masterly execution of the several parts was the theme of general admiration. We understand that for this rare treat, as well as for others enjoyed on two previous occasions of a similar nature, we are indebted to Mr. Arthur Tanqueray of London, whose unremitting zeal and unflagging interest in the various departments of Church work in Llangollen is so well known and so justly appreciated. It is a fact worthy of note, and one which cannot help to be highly gratifying to the Church congregation, that a vast improvement has taken place in the choral part of the services since the choir has been under the careful and able training of Mr. Ketcher, the present organist and choir-master.—On Sunday evening the carol service was repeated, and a large congregation had assembled, an announcement having been made that Master Tehbuts would give some solo selections. Great disappointment was, however, felt that, though present in the service, he was unable, owing to a severe cold, to take any prominent part therein. THE WELSH BAPTISTS' TEA PARTY & LITERARY MEETING.—On Friday last (Christmas Day), a tea party and a literary meeting were held in connection with the Castle-street Baptist Chapel. The tea was laid out in the spacious schoolroom adjoining the chapel, and was served from 3 to 5 p.m., under the superintendence of Mrs. Hughes, Dolhiryd, and Miss Ellis, Church-street, who for many years successively have done this work most faithfully. It is gratify- ing to state that a good number of members, friends, and visitors sat down to partake of a well-provided repast. The following ladies presided at the tables in a most efficient manner :—Mrs. Gomer Rowlands, Greenfield-terrace; Mrs. Thos. Roberts, Castle-street- square Miss Annie Roberts, Castle-street; Miss Jones, Talbot Inn; Miss Jones, Red Lion Hotel; and Miss Jones, Berwyn-street.—At 6 o'clock in the evening a literary meeting was held in the chapel, when a most interesting programme was gone through. Mr. Phillips, student (in the absence of the Rev. David Williams, pastor), occupied the chair. Address, chairman. Pianoforte duet, Misses Nellie and Maggie Jones. Anthem, "Molwchyr Arglwydd," choir. Recitation," Y Pwn ar Gefn yr Awen," Rd. Hughes. Solo, Gweddi'r Teithiwr," Geo. Thomas. Dialogue, Trip mewn Trap," J. R. Humphreys and Geo. Thomas. Carol, 0 Arglwydd, cofia fi," choir. Dialogue, Dewis Gweinidog," Robert Lloyd, Thos. Roberts, J. C. Roberts, Aneuryn Davies, T. Edwards, J. R. Humphreys, Seth Roberts, and E. M. Parry. Solo, "Anchored," Llewelyn E. Jones. Competition in reading at first sight best, Edwin Hughes, Queen-street. Recitation, "Clefyd y Sul," Seth Roberts. Carol, Gogoniant i Dduw," choir. Song, Yield not to Temptation," Miss Kate Green Hughes and party. Song, True till Death," Saml. Roberts. Recitation, Modryb Modlen," Rd. Hughes. Song, Farewell," E. M. Parry. Impromptu speechifying competition best, Thos. Roberts. Dialogue,"Noah," R. Lloyd, E. M. Parry, J. C. Roberts, J. R. Hum- phreys, Aneuryn Davies, Thos. Edwards, and Seth Roberts. Anthem, Eiddo yr Arglwydd," choir. The meeting was very well attended, and the audience seemed highly pleased with the proceed- ings. Great praise is due to Mr. Gomer Rowlands, Mr. Thomas Roberts, and Mr. J. R. Humphreys, to whom had been entrusted the greater part of the arrangements, for their diligence and activity in carrying out the same in so satisfactory a manner. MRS. MORGAN'S TREAT TO THE AGED POOR.— According to her usual custom at this season of the year, Mrs. Morgan, Willow-street, treated a large number of the aged poor of the town to a substantial tea on the afternoon of Christmas Day in the Rehoboth Schoolroom. It was a most enjoyable treat to witness the beaming counten- ances of the aged, and most of them infirm guests, as they were heartily partaking of the generous and unstinted hospitality of their kind- hearted benefactress, and to feel that for the time at least they seemed to forget the cheerless character of their own homes, and the poverty to which they had been incurred during the year which was rapidly drawing to a close. Mrs. Morgan was kindly assisted in the distribution of her charitable and substantial gift by her daughter Miss Walker, who, it is a pleasure to see enters so fully and heartily into every good work "wmca fs "being carried oas by tier inorrier in r-tie town and also by a number of ladies, who are I at all times ready to lend a helping hand in this good work. After all the guests had been amply satisfied with the good things laid before them Mrs. Morgan presented each of them with a quarter of a pound of tea, and some oranges, and as might be naturally expected, they all left thoroughly satisfied with their treat. At six o'clock in the evening they re-assembled in the same room, the company now being greatly augmented by the attendance of a large number of poor children. An entertainment of a varied and miscellaneous character was then held under the presidency of the Rev. W. Powell, who, in his opening address, and during the progress of the meeting, drew some very practical lessons from the proceedings of the day. Mr. Frank P. Dodd, of the North Wales College, Bangor, ably presided at the pianoforte, and a number of excellent and most appropriate selections of music were given by Miss'Walker and Mr. Wm. Williams, whose praiseworthy efforts to entertain their audience were each time greeted with the most hearty applause. Mr. Powell being com- pelled to leave at an early hour, the chair was subsequently filled by the Rev. Wm. Foulkes, who, it is hardly necessary to state, contributed largely to the success of the meeting. The music was interspersed by some capital addresses, specially adapted to the occasion, among those who spoke being Mr. James Clarke, Mr. Rees, Church-street, Mr. John Davies, Cilynmedw, Mr. John Davies, Ty-coch, Mr. Price Evans, Mr. W. C. Dodd, Birmingham, Mr. Wm. Williams, and others. Mrs. Morgan, in response to the hearty votes of thanks which were accorded her, dwelt in the most feeling and grateful terms upon the motives which prompted her to alleviate as far as she could the hardships which the poor of this town endured. All through her life she had taken the deepest interest in poor people, and especially the aged poor. When a mere girl at home, she had many times washed the floor for a poor woman, or carried tinfuls of water for another, when these were unable to perform those simple household duties for themselves. In this respect at least she was humbly endea- vouring to copy the example of their Great Master, "who went about doing good." She thanked God that He had given her the means and opportunity of helping others in this way, and she was amply rewarded by the conscious- ness that her humble efforts were appreciated, and by the inward consolation that she felt that she was simply doing her duty. She might add, that while she had been in Llangollen she had received nothing but kindness from all classes of the people. She liked the place, and loved the people, and nothing could ever induce her to leave the neighbourhood. She heartily thanked all those who had assisted her in this instance, and, indeed, on every other similar occasion, and wished them all a Merry Christmas and a happy new year." She could not help noticing that two or three old people who were with them last Christmas had departed this life, and gone, she hoped, to a far better world; but whatever happens in the course of the coming year, she prayed that they could all meet at last in that happy land where all sorrow and parting shall have fled away. At the close, the usual votes of thanks were accorded to all those ladies and gentlemen who had contributed in any way towards the success of that most interesting meeting.-From reports which have reached us from several sources, we are gratified to learn that a number of ladies and gentlemen resident in the town and surrounding district have this year been exceptionally generous in their charitable bequests to the local poor. For reasons which we need not explain, we forbear even to mention the names of these kind and generous benefactors but it is hardly necessary to acknowledge that their bountiful and disin- terested generosity is none the less appreciated by those who are thus the objects of their constant care and solicitude, nor do their charities, although not publicly recognised, exercise a less salutary effect upon the com- munity at large. PETTY SESSIONS, Tuesday, Dec. 29th.-Before Major Tottenham and Capt. Best. Inportant Prosecution under the Coal Mines Regulation Act: The Black Park Colliery Company, v. Wm. Makers.—Mr. LI. Kenrick, Ruabon, said he appeared on behalf of the above company, in support of an action charging defendant with committing a serious breach of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, by having, on the 12th Dec., un- rammed a hole in the coal pit, which had ceased firing. This was a most dangerous practice, as it not only in this instance endangered the life of defendant himself, but also the lives of his fellow- workmen. Mr. Kenrick added, that the company might have preferred a second charge against him for going to the hole within the space of an hour after it had missed firing. They did not, however, wish to press the case unduly against him, but, at the same time, they desired to make these men understand that they could not violate the law with impunity. In reply to the Bench, Mr. Kenrick, explained that the men were tempted to commit this breach of the law to save the trouble of boring a fresh hole. The charge having been read to defendant, he admitted his guilt.- Richard Morris said he was fireman at Black Park Colliery. Copies of the clauses of the Act are duly posted up at the pit bank. It was his duty to inspect that portion of the pit where defendant worked. He (witness) fired the hole which defendant had made, and which missed fire. He went from that spot for a time, and when he came back he found defendant had unrammed the hole. He charged him with having done so, and he admitted it. The Bench severely censured defendant for his recklessness, and said that as the company did not wish to press this charge against him, he would be fined 10s. and costs. Game Trespass.—Thomas Jones, Garth, was charged by Mr. J. W. Hall, Wenffrwd, for having, on the 28th Nov., trespassed on the Gronwen Farm, over which Mr. Hall had the right of shooting. Defendant said he was on the field twice with the consent of Mr. Robert Roberts, the tenant. He had had no written consent.—John Sheldon, gamekeeper, proved to having seen defendant on the land with a ferret. -Robert Roberts said he had given permission to catch rabbits at any time on that field. lIe could not write, the consent was a Verbal one. Did not know he had no right to give such con- sent, as he knew very little about such matters. Defendant worked for him occasionally. Fined 5s. and costs.—Jonah Davies, Llantysilio, waS charged with trespassing on lands belonging to Major Tottenham at Llantysilio. (Major Totten- ham retired from the Bench during the hearing of this case.) Frank Hall, gamekeeper, deposed to having seen defendant take a rabbit out of a snare. Defendant being totally deaf, and also unable to read manuscript, it was with consider- able difficulty he could be made to understand the nature of the charge brought against him. This was ultimately accomplished by Mr. James Clarke, the interpreter, who had to write down in bold Roman characters the leading features in the evidence. Defendant admitted that he had taken a rabbit out of a snare, and put the latter in its place again. He had craved pardon from Major Tottenham for having done so, but that gentleman had refused to pardon, alleging as a reason that he (defendant) was catching rabbits and selling them. That was untrue, and he should like them to try and prove it.-Major Tottenham here rose, and having been duly sworn said that the reason why he had refused to pardon defendant was, how- ever,because he had been caught trespassing twice before, and been forgiven. However, as he kneW him to be very poor, he would not press this case against him. Defendant was fined 7s. and costs, and on his alleging that he had not a penny in hIS possession, he was allowed a month to pay the fine and costs, which amouutod to 14s. ZicrrtUs'Tyf tke 12faction.—Richard charged by John Ackers with assaulting him on the 8th Dec., the day of the Election. ColIl- plainant stated that lie was standing near the Board Schools on the afternoon of the Election day, when he saw defendant, who was quarrelling with Mr. Seeley, in the act of striking the latter. He went between them, and remonstrated him, when he struck him a violent blow in his temple. Complainant afterwards followed him down the street and struck him again.-Charles Roberts and George H. Seeley corroborated the above statement.—W. A. Thomas said that he was present at the time. In his opinion Ackers was the aggressor, for he went up to defendant and put his hand on his throat.—Llew. Jones said he saw Ackers going between Seeley and Edwards* but did not witness the assault. Defendant In defence said that while he was having some words with Seeley, Ackers came between then1) and took hold of his throat; he did strike hllIl, but it was in self-defence. Edwards was fined 6d. and costs, in all 12s. 6d. Assaulting a Police Officer.—P.C. Rowlands charged Wm. Roberts, stonemason, BryneglvvYOI with having assaulted him on the day of the Election. Complainant said he was on duty that day at Bryneglwys Polling Booth. In the after- noon he went to a public house to get sonic refreshments when defendant came in. He was very drunk in fact he was the only drunken man in Bryneglwys that day. He used very abusive language to him, and when he got out he gave him a violent blow in his chest. He after- wards followed him in the direction of the Booths and attempted to trip him up. Defendant in reply to the Bench expressed his sorrow for wba had occurred. He could not tell why he bftCl acted in this manner, but, being drunk at the time, he bad but a faint recollection of it. The Bench said hfe had rendered himself liable to a fine of £20, or 6 months' hard labour withoU the option of a fine. He would now have to pay a fine of 11 and 10s. costs. Drunkenness.—T.Attwell, junr., for being drunk and disorderly in Bridge-street on Saturday laS was fined 5s. and 4s. 6d. costs. Transfer of Licences.-On the application of Mr. L. Lloyd John, solicitor, the following transfers were granted :—Hand Hotel, Llangollen, to Miss Edwards Royal Hotel, Llangollen, to Mr. ShaW; The following also were granted:—Foresters Inn, to Mrs. Humphreys, widow of the late tenant; Swan Inn, Church-street, to Mr. Ed. Rees. Extension of Hours.—Mr. Windsor, Inn, was granted an extension of hours from lv to 12 o'clock on that evening, on the occasion o the annual dinner in connection with his house. The Explosives Act.—Mr. Henry E. Tayl°r^ Chester, applied for a licence to store explosive at Oernant, Llantysilio, and Mr. Price Evana, quarry manager, made a similar application a regards the Wynne Quarry, Glynceiriog. Su]?j Wilde, of Wrexham, reported that he ba inspected the stores at Oernant that day, an that they had been constructed in conformity with the Act. As to the latter case, he ^a satisfied with that also, on condition that t lightning conductor, which had not arrived, shou of course be fixed up before the place was use > In reply to the Bench, the inspector said that the company was liable to a penalty of t20 if they used it without the lightning rod.