The Weekly News and Visitors' Chronicle for Colwyn Bay Colwyn Llandrillo Conway Deganwy and Neighbourhood

Presentation to Canon and Mrs Roberts. The parish of Brymbo has during- the past few years been frequently used as an example—on the one hand of the increasing hold which the Church is gaining on the great working classes, and on the other of the position of Nonconformity. Undoubtedly the Church has made great strides in the parish, and much of the good work accom- plished there was done during the eight years Canon Hugh Roberts was Vicar. That gentle- man was appointed to the Vicariate of St Paul's, Colwyn Bay, rather more than a year ago, and, although at that time a movement was set on foot to make a presentation to him, the Canon refused to accept anything in view of the distress existing in the district in consequence of the great strike. After this was concluded, however, he was again approached, and under considerable pressure lie consented to receive a present from his old par- ishioners. It was decided that this should take the form of a portrait of the reverend gentleman, and Mr Watmough Webster, of Chester, was commissioned to paint a portrait in sepia. A beautiful work-of-art was the result, but it was discovered that there was a balance, which was applied to the purchase of a bracelet for Mrs Roberts, who was an energetic helpmeet to her husband and was as much beloved as he was. There was still a balance, and this it was agreed should be handed to the Canon in "hard cash." The piesentation of these gifts was made, at short notice, on Wednesday evening, September 19th, at the Brymbo National Schools. Mr Thomas Clayton (Brynmally) presided, and there was a very large attendance, who greeted Canon and Mrs Roberts most enthusiastically. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings (which were enlivened with vocal items), said that before entering upon the real business of the evening he had two explanations to offer. The first was to answer a question which might be put by many- What about this long delay?" He could only say that the Canon himself was guilty, and he was now at the bar to answer for himself. [Hear, hear]. At the time he left they were in the midst of the great strike, and knowing the poverty which there was in the neighbourhood, Mr Roberts did not wish anyone to be pressed to give anything, which was very considerate. [Hear, hear]. The matter was afterwards revived and taken up most enthusiastically, and the committee then had to arrange the proceedings, and as to what form the offering should take. It was ultimately decided to present him with his portrait, but the artist was not quite satisfied with the first photograph which was taken, and a second one had to be taken, which proved very successful, and from this the portrait was painted. No time had been lost, he could assure them. As to the reason for the hurry which there had been in calling that meeting, that was explained by the fact that, as soon as he (Mr Clayton) was able to get about, he communicated with Canon Roberts, and concluded to have everything completed that week, as the Canon had made his arrangements for the following week and some time to come. He was glad to see them there in such numbers to do honour to their old pastor. In most places there were differences of opinion, but he thought if he asked anyone there to put up his hand against Mr Roberts, there would not be one, and that they would all be anxious to show the affectionate regard they had for him. [Applause]. If faith were kept by the clergyman and he did his duty conscientiously, there would be less differences, and he would find fewer difficulties in his way than any man he knew. After alluding to the value of the Liturgy and Prayer Book, Mr Clayton said they were met to do honour to Canon Roberts, and no one was more anxious to do so than himself. He had always found him a bond- fide man, not splenetic, not harbouring revenge or ill-feeling, and however he might differ with a person he would go out of his way to do him a good turn. [Applause]. That was a man who desererved to be honoured, and he (Mr Clayton) was proud to do it. After explaining how the different articles included in the presentation had been obtained, Mr Clayton read the inscription on the frame of the portrait, which was as follows: —"Presented to the Rev. Canon Hugh Roberts, B.A., late Vicar of Brymbo, by the parishioners, in affectionate remembrance of the kind and effi- cient way he performed the duties of his sacred office for so many years." The Chairman, on behalf of the parishioners generally and the com- mittee, afterwards made tne presentation to Canon Roberts, the bracelet being also presented to Mrs Roberts by Mrs Clayton, who trusted that it would after remind her of the friends she had left behind in Brymbo. [Loud Applause]. Testimony to the great work done by Canon Roberts, to various pleasing traits in his character, and to the gratification felt at seeing him and Mrs Roberts in Brymbo again, was given by Messrs F. Hutchinson, J. S. Roberts, E. E. Rogers, McHutcheon, Wm Rogers, and May. Canon Roberts responding to the presentation, said that seeing them all there, and receiving all that kiudness, he felt that, after all the speeches they had heard, it was a difficult thing for him to say anything, but he would like to remark how he wished to thank them, not only for the g-athering that night, but for all the kindness he had received at their hands. He and his wife would value those presents, not only for their intrinsic worth, but also because they would remind them of their friends in Brymbo. [Applause.] Looking at the portrait they would see something more than the face of his humble self; they would see also the faces of their dear friends, and it would call up to their minds events which occurred during his eight years' stay in Brymbo. As tor the bracelet, they might be sure that his wife would always wear that, and he could tell them that no heart ever beat kinder for Brymbo than did hers. The money they gave him would be almost sacred he felt that he could not spend it, and it came to his mind when their children asked him to give their love to all of them, that the money should be given to them. [Cheers.] As to the reason for the presentation being delayed, he thought when he left that three would be leaving at the same time, and as Mr Lewis and Mr Hughes had not received the same recognition from the Bishop, and the strike was on at the time, and he thought they deserved something from the parish, he refused to accept anything. When it was brought up again most kindly, he consented to receive something which would not cost much, and he was almost sorry that their presents were so costly. They should remember that their excellent work had been done in Brymbo before he came there. A Church had been built, and there were Sunday and Day Schools in excellent order. There was a kind feeling towards the Church, and Mr Jones had baptized many of them, and the influence of the parishioners, especially that of Mr Clayton and his family, who had done so much, had been at work. He hoped that the good work in the parish would go on, that they would not weary in well doing, and that everything would be done to the glory of God. He had had a good deal to do with Mr Clayton, and he was not the only one that he could not see eye to eye with, but he was not altogether sorry, for they were friends still. With regard to the Church herself, the time would soon come (he did not think she would be disestablished, the tide was turning rapidly) when she would have to reform it had been felt that she was top-heavy, that one man had too much power. The time was coming when she would have to be put on a broader basis, when the people would have greater power, and when the wishes of the parishioners would be more consulted. He had a great work before him in Colwyn Bay he felt it a call as it were from God, and he thought that things would receive a fresh start in Brymbo through fresh energy being introduced. [Applause.] He thanked them for the kindness he had received from them at all times, so hearty, so forgiving. He hoped the lesson he had learned there would remain with him, and he trusted they were all trying to strengthen their weak points. That they might be happy, was the wish of himself and his wife and children. [Applsuse.] The Rev D. Lewis proposed a vote of thanks to the committee for the excellent manner in which they had carried out their duties. He agreed with a previous speaker that as long as the churches stood in Brymbo there would be a memorial of Canon Roberts's services, and he trusted that they would continue to be used by large congregations of fervent church people. [Applause.] Major T. H. Clayton, who seconded, said he was sure Canon Roberts could have had no better helper in that parish than Mr Lewis. [Hear, hear.] Before the vote was put to the meeting, the Chairman mentioned the interesting fact that more than a thousand persons had subscribed to the testimonial. The resolution having been unanimously ac- corded, Mr Mumford the secretary to the com- mittee, responded. Of the many prominent features of Canon Roberts's character the one that struck the speaker most was his tender heartedness, and as proof of t'his he mentioned that during the eight years he was at Brymbo there were only two persons (and those known imposters) who were refused relief at the Vicarage. The prayer of those Canon Roberts had left behind should be that the good work he had done might remain, and that the God who had opened the hearts of the people to build and maintain those Churches would also open the hearts of those among whom he would work in the future. The proceedings ended with the singing of "God save the Queen," the solo being sung by Miss Powell. The presentations were organised by a large and willing committee.

Conway Board of Guardians. At the Conway Board of Guardians' meeting on September 21st, the Chairman (Rev W. Venables- Williams) presided, and there were also present County-Councillors John Davies and John Porter (Vice-Chairmen); Mr Morris Jones, J. P., ei -ovicio; County-Alderman Edward Jones, and Messrs A. Borthwick, R. Lloyd Jones, J. Cutts, David Jones, John Roberts, and W. F. Jones, and the Clerk (Mr T. E. Parry). THE PARISH COUNCILS ACT. It was announced that the number of Parish Councillors for Denbighshire rural parishes would be as follows:—Llanelian, seven; and Llansant- ffraid-glan-Con way, seven. A resolution was passed desiring the Carnarvon- shire County Council to defer, until March 31st, 1895, the operation of the section of the Local Government Act referring to highways. THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HOUSE. Mr Bircham, Local Government Board Inspector, reported having visited the Workhouse. The beds and rooms generally were in good order, and he heard no complaints from any of the inmates. He had no complaints to make, but would suggest to the Guardians the advisability of appointing a trainer to look after the girls and infants especially. Such an officer would be a great aid to the matron generally, and, if she took a mixed class of boys and girls out of school hours, and taught sewing and other useful instruc- tion, her salary could be repaid two-thirds to the Guardians upon a favourable report.—In a sup- plementary report. Mr Bircham recommended instead of a trainer the appointment of a trained nurse, with reference to which he should com- municate with the Local Government Board. He considered the House under-officered. The Chairman said they had 50 children in the House, upwards of 40 of whom went to School. Mr J. Roberts said that a trained nurse would be a costly officer. It was decided to defer action until an official communication had been received from the Local Government Board, in the meantime the Clerk to get information as to whether in the case of the appointment of a trained nurse, the Guardians could recover two-thirds ot the salary. The Rev E. Roberts, Deganwy, and the ReV Barrow Williams, Llandudno, wrote in eulogistic terms of the management of the workhouse. FINANCE. The Board's balance-in-hand was reported to be j £ 8oo. Mr Robert Rowlands, Manager of the National Provincial Bank, Conway, was appointed Treas- urer in succession to Mr Hugh Owen, who IS becoming Manager of the Bank's Bala Branch. THE HALF-YEARLY CONTRACTS. The Board proceeded to consider the tenders received for the supply of the groceries, meat, &C-t needed during the ensuing six months. The Chairman, who had to leave to catch his train, in- stalled the Senior Vice-Chairman for the remainder of the meeting. THE MEAT CONTRACT. For butchers meat, &c., three tenders had beert received, namely, from Messrs Roberts Brothers, 1, Queen's Buildings, Llandudno; Messrs Johill Jones and Sons, Central Buildings, Llandudno; and Mr Thomas Foulkes, Conway. The Board accepted the tender of Mr Foulkes, which was as follows: -Beef, 4d per lb; roasting beef, 6d; mutton, 6d; beef and mutton suet (half and half). 4d; beef suet, 4d; leg and shin bone, free. The other tenders were as under:- Messrs John Jones and Son, Llcindiedno. -Beef, 3t; roasting beef, 8d; mutton 8d beet and mutton suet.si; beef suet, 3td; leg and shin bone free. Messrs Roberts Brothers, Llandudno.— Beef, 4d and nine-sixteenths of a penny per lb; roasting beef, 6d; mutton, 6xd; mutton suet, zJ,d: beef suet, 4d; leg and shin bone, free. -.c BREAD AND GROCERIES. For the supply of bread and groceries, five tenders had been received, the tenderers being Mr Maurice Roberts, Conway; Messrs TetleY Sons & Layton, 3 Mincing Lane, London; Mr Hugh Hughes, Ivy Buildings, Colwyn Bay; Messrs E. P. Jones, Son and Co., Conway; and Mr Stephen Dunphy, Llandudno. The prices quoted were as under, the quotations being per pound unless otherwise stated:— Mr Maurice Robe,-ts.- Bread, id, also at seven- eighth of a penny (two samples) Hour (per 240 lbs), 205; oatmeal (per 240 lbs), 23s 6d; cheese, Sid; best hard yellow soap, 2±d; tallow candles, 4d; salt butter, is and IIA; tea, is 4^d and is 6§dj sugar, 2d; coffee, is 3^1 and is 6^d; rice, if and 2 2 rid; treacle, id; split peas (per pint), Id. Messrs Tetley Sons and Layton.-Tea, is Id; Coffee, is 3; sugar, 2d; rice, ifd. 2 Mr Stephen Dunphy.— Bread, thirteen-si*' teenths of a penny per lb; flour, ditto; oatmeal* 1 id; cheese, 6d; best hard yellow soap, 2t; 4 2 tallow candles, 3d; salt butter, iod; tea, is Sd, and is 2d; sugar, 11; coffee, is 6d rice, Ii, and 2d; treacle, id; split peas (per pint), ii. Messrs E. P. Jones, Son, and Co.-Bread, id, flour, (per 240 lbs), 205 6d; oatmeal, (per 240 lbs). 23s 6d; cheese, 6d; best hard yellow soap, 2d; tallow candles, 3|d; salt butter, "1 ifd tea, is 2d, and is 4d; sugar, if; coffee, is 4d; rice, igd and lid; treacle, id; split peas (per pint), id. Mr Hugh Hughes, Colwyn Bay.-Bread, seven- eighth of a penny per lb; flour (per 240 lbs), 23s' oatmeal (per 240 lbs), 23s; cheese, and 5d; best hard yellow soap, 2^; tallow candles, 4d;salt butter, is £ d, and is id; tea, is 3d and is 5 £ d> 2 sugar, 2d; coffee, is 6d and is Sd; rice, 2d, and ii; treacle, id sp:it pes (per pint), Il, After the samples and prices had been com- pared at some length, the Board accepted E. P. Jones's tender for the supply of bread and all the articles named other than flour, oatmea'» cheese, and salt butter, for which four items gr Maurice Roberts's tender was accepted, in every alternative instance at the lowest price quoted. COFFINS. The Board accepted the only tender for the ? supply of coffins, that of Mr Robert Jones, joillort Chapel-street, Conway, at 16s. Chapel-street, Conway, at 16s. -fl MILK. « The Board accepted the only tender (that ft Councillor Tosdevine, Conway) for the supply 0 milk, the prices quoted per quart being :-Sweet milk, 3^d; butter milk, fd. 2 COAL. For the supply of coal two tenders were receive4'' that of Mr Maurice Roberts, Conway, being accepted, at the following quotations per ton Wigan coal, 155 3d best North Wales, 13s 9d. be The other tender was unsigned, and quotations were as follow:—Wigan Pembeft0 coal, 16s Welsh main coal, 14s "]d stack IOS.