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

Births, Marriages, Deaths, &c. Announcements of Births, Marriages, Deaths, or In Memoriam," are inserted at the following charge: One Shilling if prepaid; One Florin if booked. No announcement will be inserted unless accompanied by the sender's real name and address (not for publi- cation, but merely as a guarantee of good faith). MARRIAGES. VENABLES-WILLIAMS ARMITAGE. January 28th, at St. Paul's Church, Leamington, by the Rev. John Griffiths, M.A., Oxon, Vicar of Old Colwyn, the Rev. W. Venables-Williams, M.A., Oxon, Vicar of Llandrillo, Colwyn Bay, to Alice Harriet, elder daughter of the late John Armitage, Esq., Woodville Hall, Forest Hill, London. LEWIS-* RoBERTS.-Oii January 29th, at the English Presbyterian Church, Colwyn Bay, by the Rev. John Edwards, David, eldest son of John Lewis, J.P., Eithinog, to Anna. youngest daughter of the late Ezra Roberts, of St. Asaph and Tenby.

COLWYN SAY. SUNDAY SEKVICB8. Parish Church, Llandrillo.—Knglish Services, 11.0 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Welsh Service, 9.30 a.m. Mid-day Celebration of the Holy Communion on the 1st Sunday in the month. Rev W. Venables Williams, M.A. Oxon., Vicar Surrogate. Mr. Bernard, Organist. This interesting Old Church, built in the 13th century, is li mile from Colwyn Bay, on the Llandudno Road. St. Paul's.-Sunday Services 8 a.m., Holy Com- munion, and at Mid-day Service on the 2nd Sunday in the month; 11.15 a.m., Morning Prayer and Sermon 3.30 p.m., Litany and short Address; 7 p.m., Evening Prayer and Sermon; 8.30 p.m., Organ recital. Sunday School, at 2.30 p.m. Clergy: Revs Canon Roberts, B.A., J. G' Haworth, J. Jones, B.A., R. Theophilus Jones, B.A., J. H. Astley, M.A. St Paul's Mission Church (Coed Pella Road).— 11 a.m., Morning Prayer and Sermon 6.30 p.m., Evening Prayer and Sermon. Holy Communion at the Mid-day Service on the 1st Sunday in the month. Clergyman in charge: Rev J. G. Haworth. St. Paul's Welsh Services.-IO a.m., Morning Service and Sermon; 5.45 p.m., Evening Service and Sermon. Holy Communion on the 1st Sunday in the month at 10 a.m. Clergyman in charge Rev J. Jones, B.A. 8t. Paul's Welsh Mission Services at Brynymaen.— Service and Sermon on Sunday evenings, at 6 p.m. Clergyman in charge Rev R. Theophilus Jones, B.A. English Wes1.eyan-St. John's,—The Avenice.-Next Sunday morning 11.0, evening 6.30, Rev H. H. M'Cullagh, B A., Colwyn Bay. Prayer meeting, morning, 10.15. Sunday [School, after- noon. 2.30. Wednesday evening, 7.0, Rev H. H. M'Cullagh. English Presbyterian.-Next Sunday Morning, 11.0. evening, 6.30, Rev John Edwards, Colwyn Bay Sunday School, afternoon 2.30. Monday evening, 6.15, Band of Hope. Wednesday week-evening- eervice, 7.0. Thursday evening, 7.0, Young People Bible Class; 7.45, Y. P. S. Christian Endeavour. Rev John Edwards, Pastor. English Congregational.—Morning, 11.0, evening, 7.0, Sunday School, afternoon 2.30. Monday evening, 7.30, Christrian Endeavour Society. Every Tuesday, 3.15, United Meeting for the promotion of Scriptural Holiness. Wednesday evening, 7.30 Rev Thomas Lloyd, Pastor. English Baptist Church.-Next Sunday: morning, 11.0, evening, 6.30. All seats free. Sunday School, afternoon, 2.30. Wednesday evening, at 7.30, Prayer and Bible Reading; all are cordially invited, presided over by theRevH. T. Cousins, F.R.G.S., Pastor. Society of Friends.- Meeting for Worship, every First Day (Sunday) morning, at 11.15, at a room in Central Buildings, facing Station Road, Colwyn Bay. Open to the Public and Visitors. Congo Institute.- Divine Services at the Institute's Schoolroom, Sunday morning, 11.0; afternoon, 2.30; evening, 6.30. Tuesday evening, at 7, a Prayer Meeting. The services are always short and pleasant. Several speakers take part at each meeting, including some of the African Students, and the Director, or one of the Tutors. All are cordially invited. Visiting hours every week day, from 2.30 to 3.30 p.m., when the Director will be pleased to welcome any friends or visitors and to show them a number of interesting African Curiosities. OLD COLWYN. Parish Church, Colwyn.-English Services (Sundays), Holy Communion: Every Sunday 8 a.m., and firs. Sunday in the month after morning service. Holy Baptism Sunday afternoon, 3.30. Service nnd Sermon, 11.0 a.m. and 7.0 p.m. Sunday School, 2.30 p.m., in Assembly Rooms. (Week days). Service and Sermon: Friday, 7.0 p.m. during Advent and Lent. Singing practices, Friday night. Children's Meeting: Monday night. Band of Hope Tuesday night. Welsh Services (Sundays), Holy Communion Second Sunday in the month after morning service. Service and Sermon 9.45 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. Sunday School, 2.15 p.m., National Schools. Week Days, Service and Sermon, Wednesday, 7, p.m. Singing Practice, Wednesday night. Clergy Revs. J. Griffiths, M.A. Oxon., Vicar, J. Roberts, Curate. English Baptist Chapel, Old Colwyn.—Sunday Ser. vices, Morning 11.0, Evening 6.30. Sunday School. 2.30 p.m. Prayer Meeting on Wednesdays at 7.0 p.m. Pastor, Rev. J. B. Brasted. THE SEAT OF THE FITZHUGH FAMILY.-Plas Power, near Wrexham, the seat of the Fitzhugh family, has been leased for a term of years by Mr. Frederick W. Soames, who formerly resided at Llwyncwn-hall, but is at present living at Colwyn Bay, Mr. Soames, who is a wealthy man, is the head of the brewery firm of F. W. Soames & Co., Wrexham. It was near Plas Power that most of the cannon used in the Peninsular War was manufactured by John Wilkinson. A NEW MAGISTRATE. Dr M. Venables- Williams, who is a Lieutenant in the N Company 2nd V.B.R.W.F. and a general favourite in Colwyn Bay, has been placed upon the Commis- sion of the Peace for Denbighshire. MARRIAGE OF THE REV W. VENABLES-WILLIAMS. -On Tuesday, January 28th, the Rev John Griffiths, M.A. Oxon, Vicar of Colwyn, solemn- ised the marriage, at St Paul's Church, Leaming- ton, of the Rev W. Venables-Williams, M.A. Oxon, J.P., Vicar of Llandrillo-yn-Rhos, and Miss Alice Harriet Armitage, elder daughter of the late John Armitage, Esq., of Woodville Hall, Forest Hill, London. THE REV JOHN B. BRASTED'S FAREWELL SER- MON.—The Rev John B. Brasted, who is resigning his ministry at Colwyn, will (by request) preach a farewell sermon at the English Baptist Church, Colwyn, at seven o'clock on Tuesday eveniug, February 4th. The Congo Institute Coloured Choir will be present. MARRIAGE OF MR. DAVID LEWIS AND MISS ANNA ROBERTS.—On Wednesday morning, Jan- uary 29th, the marriage took place, at the English Presbyterian Church, Colwyn Bay, of Mr. David Lewis, eldest son of John Lewis, Esq., J. P., Eithin- iog,Colwyn Bay, with MissAnna Roberts, you n gest daughter of the late Ezra Roberts, Esq., of St. Asaph and Tenby. The Rev. John Edwards officiated at the wedding, after which Mr. and Mrs. David Lewis proceeded straight to the railway-station, and left by the 9.52 a.m. train for their honeymoon. DR. CYNHAFAL JONES'S NEW BOOK. The subjoined review appeared in The Man- chester Guardian dated January 18th Y Messiah. Caniadau a Hymnau ar Fywyd a Gweithredoedd ein Harglwydd Iesu Grist. By N. Cynhafal Jones, D.D. Holywell P. M. Evans and Son. 8vo, pp. 296. It is not often that latter-day Welsh bards attempt to produce a lengthy poem or collection of poems upon some great commanding subject. Most of them are content to regard a chair ode" or a "crown pryddest"extendingto some thousand lines, as their ideal of a magnum opus. Few have the courage to address themselves to a long ambitious epic, whether it be of Hades or of Heaven. This, perhaps, is as it should be. Readers of Welsh poetry, especially reviewers, would have a terrible time of it were every Welsh bard desirous of emulating Sir Lewis Morris or Sir Edwin Arnold. The Eisteddfod may not produce the highest kind of poetry; but it imposes conditions upon those who strive for its prizes which place a salutary limit upon the length of their compositions. For this we are grateful. The book before us contains, upon a rough com- putation, considerably over eight thousand lines of verse. It is true that the subject is the most sublime that any devotional poet can attempt, and Dr. Cynhafal Jones was probably aware that to write upon it at all demanded that he should write upon a scale commensurate with its epical char- acter. It is not, however, an epic that he has produced. The book is a collection of poems, some of them very brief and of the nature of hymns, upon incidents in the life of Christ. In his preface, Dr. Jones tells us that the idea of writing a connected series of poetical reflections upon the life and work of the Saviour had its origin in a series of sermons which he preached upon the subject. Yet are these poems very far from being mere homilies in verse. Dr. Jones himself would probably be the last to claim that all the poems included here will stand the test of severe literary criticism. He deprecates such purely literary appraisement in his preface. I trust the bards will understand," he writes, that to please them as bards, scarcely weighed with me at all as I wrote perhaps I could have added much to the art and to the polish of my verses had I made the attempt, but it was another object that I had all along before me." The book is thus offered as a contribution to devotional literature, and as such it will doubtless afford pleasure and profit to many. We might, had we space, quote several passages in it which give evidence of much of the vision and the faculty of the true poet. Dr. Jones has certainly a considerable gift as a hymn-writer, and on the whole we much prefer the rhymed portions of his work to the blank- verse pieces. To write good blank verse in Welsh is a most difficult art. Dr. Jones succeeds as well as most modern bards we know, but his efforts, like those of a host of others, only con- firm the view that blank verse is really alien to the Igenitis of the Welsh language. The book is prettily bound and well printed. ST. CATHERINE'S (COLWYN) LITERARY AND MUSICAL COMPETITIVE MEETING. A capital competitive meeting was held at the Assembly Rooms, Colwyn, on Wednesday, January 29th, Penfro" occupying the chair, and Gwilym Deunant conducting. In the hand- writing competition, Miss Davies (Tai Newydd- ion) was successful. For a pencil sketch of Colwyn Church, the prize was awarded to Master Richard Whitby (Colwyn Bay), Mr Bremner, the adjudicator, undertaking to pay for a course of lessons at the Colwyn Bay Art School. The solo prize was awarded to Master Alfred Oscar Wil- liams. For the poem on St. Paul in Athens," two competitors were in the field, but neither was considered worthy of the prize. Three competi- tors came forward to compete in the contralto solo, 0 rest in the Lord," for a prize of 10s 6d, and the adjudicator (Mr J. E. Pierce, Holywell) awarded the prize to Miss Pierce (Llysfaen). For the best pair of men's stockings, Mrs Williams (6, Penybryn, Colwyn) obtained the prize. The best child's frock was the work of Miss Lily Jones (3, Leicester Terrace, Colwyn Bay). In the quartette competition, When hands meet," for a prize of jQi is, the successful party was that of Mr E. T. Davies (Colwyn). Mrs Morgan (Glan Conway) read her adjudication on the essays on The Influence of a Mother on her Children;" the prize of 7s 6d was awarded to Mrs Williams (Bryn Siriol, Colwyn Bay). For the best rendition of the tenor solo "Old Memories," the prize (ios6d) was awarded to Mr Ed. Davies (Colwyn). In the impromptu speech-making (on "The Telegraph"), the prize was awarded to Mr J. O. Davies (Colwyn Bay). The best birch-rod was made by Mr David Jones (Llysfaen). For the best render- ing of the duett, Bydd bur i Gymru fad," the prize of 12s 6d was awarded to Messrs J. O. Davies and Ed. Davies. In the speech-making competition on Truthfulness," the first prize went to Owain Maenan." In the soprano and contralto duett, Let us gather bright flowers," the prize was carried-off by Mrs Roberts and Mrs Owen (School House). Mr E. T. Davies (Colwyn) obtained the prize of 10S for an essay on The Perils of Youth." Miss Sarah Elizabeth Owen (Rhyl) was awarded half the prize for the soprano solo The Holy City"; and for an essay on "Temperance," "Abstainer" took first prize, and Mr Rhys Price (Llysfaen) second. Three Parties entered for the singing of the congrega- tional tune Cynddelw," and the prize (£1 is) was awarded to Mr Edward Davies' Party, Colwyn.The adjudicators were as follow :— Essays, Rev T. H. Vaughan, B.A. (Rhyl), and Mrs Morgan (Llansantffraid); poetry, Rev G. Jones (Vicar of Mostyn) and "Penfro" (Rev W. Morgan, B.A., Glanconway); music, Mr J. E. Pierce (Holywell). Miss Jukes (Colwyn Bay) was the accompanist. The Revs J. Griffiths (Vicar) and Meredith Hughes were most actively engaged throughout the evening. The Treasurer was Mr George Sanderson (The Sun, Colwyn), and the able Secretary was Mr John Edward Evans (Esk Dale), who performed his arduous duties capitally. Owing to the lateness of the hour, the meeting terminated somewhat abruptly, and before the competition in reciting had taken place, a circum- stance which naturally went against the grain of those who had studied the pieces and had entered their names. The prize for reading an unpunctu- ated piece, was, in the first place, awarded to Mr J. E. Evans (Eskdale), and, secondly, to Mr John Jones, (Ty Capel, Hebron). The prize for the baritone solo The Silent Singer," was awarded to Mr J. O. Davies (Colwyn Bay), pupil of Dr Parry. The subjoined letter has been sent us in con- nection with the Competitive Meeting reported above:— "Colwyn Bay. To the Editor. Dear Sir,—Kindly allow me to publicly answer two questions put to me at the close of St Catherine's Competitive Meeting on Wednesday evening last, respecting the Competitive Meetings to be held at the Assembly Rooms, Colwyn, on Wednesday, the 19th of February. Firstly, the Secretary is excluded from competing (or taking part) in any of the competitions. Secondly, every subject on the programme will be carried-out to the letter, whereby intending competitors at a distance, may, with the fullest confidence, prepare for these competitions, as there will be no disappointments. Hoping that this explanation will be effectual, I remain, Yours, WM. LLOYD EVANS, Secretary." THE N CO. 2ND V.B.R.W.F. BALL. The annual Ball of the N Co. 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was held, at the Public Hall, Colwyn Bay, on Friday, January 24th, when, by the aid of the scenery upon the stage, the Hall was converted (or rather transformed) into three spacious rooms, which for size and comfort could not be beaten anywhere else in Wales, the scenes being utilised on this occasion with marvelous effect. On the Hall being entered from the front, the ladies' cloak-room, which was ably supervised by Mrs Chaplin, was on the right-hand side; the arrange- ments of the gentlemen's rooms, which were on the left, being ably supervised by Mr E. H. Chaplin, aided by Mr H. Jones, these two young men also rendering Mr and Mrs Chaplin every assistance in the preparations, which were com- plete, and must have found ample scope for the exercise of much patience, skill, and labour. On emerging through the next entrance, each party as they arrived found themselves in a comfortable drawing-room set-out in a manner that none but experts would be able to accomplish, for in this room there was every article of furniture that conduces to the speedy restoration of energy after fatigue which might happen to be felt by any after the ball was well-nigh over. From the drawing-room, two entrances (guarded by heavy damask curtains) led into the ball-room, square in shape and spacious indeed in size, for later in the evening it proved large enough for the participa- tors in no less than nine sets of quadrilles (four couples in each, seventy-two people in all) to "trip it on the light tantastic toe" at the same moment,—these figures may convey a slight idea of the immense space in the ball-room, which, (although the drawing-room was most elaborately furnished) was so perfect in its decorations, that those present could not help admiring the taste of the decorator. Of this room, a brief descrip- tion must suffice. White lace curtains alternating with choice exotic ferns, relieved the windows, immediately above which were placed shields surmounted by vallances of yellow and blue bunting. Ivy and evergreens decorated the walls between the window recesses, the lower portions of the walls being covered with dark baize. On each side of the room were disposed here and there numerous easy-chairs, couches, and other comfortable lounges. In the midst of these were placed two flower-stands draped with art-muslins, and upon them were displayed a well-selected assortment of choice plants. Upon these plant pedestals, were placed by Mr E. H. Chaplin twenty-three fixed bayonets displayed in the form of a star (the number of bayonets coinciding with the regimental number of the R.W.F.),-in the centre of the star was a wreath of blue and pink (black crape, also, being not omitted), a device which was freely designated as the" Trilby Frill." The floor was covered with a champion cloth, which was rendered more comfortable by an appliance of Mr Chaplin's (who was always to the fore, when entrusted with arrangements of this kind). A carpet placed along the length of the hall, on either side, proved not only useful, but also a capital relief to the appearance of the floor, which, after being used a little while, pre- sented the appearance of ice. The dining-room, which also was equally up to the mark in decora- tions, consisted of a lower and upper chamber, two tables having been placed on the ground floor and on the platform respectively. Between them were decorations, including three fans formed of fixed bayonets, these being interspersed with evergreens, ferns, and art muslin drapery. Almost every portion of the decoration was sup- plemented with either a bow, tiarette, or rosette of crape, as a memento of the death of the late Prince Henry of Battenberg, and each officer and private wore a crape band during the even- ing. None less, however, were the table decora- tions by -Mr Eaton (Boston House), on this occasion was entrusted with the supper arrange- ments. The tables were set out in the most superb style, and reflected great credit upon Mr Eaton. The decorations were enchanting and the theme of general admiration. At one end of the ball-room were the orchestra, the harmony of which was supplied by (and under the direction of) Mrs Haselden (of Rhyl), who, we are happy to be able to note, gave every satisfaction. Officers and men appeared in their uniforms, whose glistening and flashing scintillations under the gaslight made the appearance of the room brilliant in the extreme, an effect which was further heightened when the harmonious strains of the band awakened all present to a sense of duty, and then, by the addition of the varied hues of the delicate textures worn by the ladies, the serenity was made complete. The following is a list of ladies and gentlemen present:—Lieut M. Venables-Williams and Miss Morris, Lieut and Mrs Clough, Lieuts Dew (2nd V. B. R W.F.) and R. M. Docking (1st Herefords); Surgeon-Captain Fraser; Miss Helen Barlow, Mr and Miss Parry, Mr and Miss Hopwood, Miss Clough, Chaplain the Rev J. Griffiths, Mr Wright (Tanllwyfan), Miss Whitle, Miss Amy Coultate, Miss Coultate, Miss J. Pierce, Miss N. Pierce, Mr J. Jones, Mr and Mrs Hignett, Miss E. Lloyd, Mr Sweatenham, Mr C. W. Smith, Mr Antrobus, Mr S. Pendlebury, Miss Pendlebury, Mr J. T. Amphlett, Miss Johns, Mr F. M. Porter, Mrs Earp, Miss Earp, Miss Alston, Miss Shaw, Mr Irwin, Mr and Mrs Jenkins, Mr P. Williams, Miss Boulton, Lance-Sergeant Hatton, Mrs Hatton, Miss M. A. Evans, Sergts Morgan and Evans, Miss Greaves, Sergt-Instructor and Mrs Carpen- ter, Mr Stanley Wood, Miss Wood, Miss Rowley, The Misses Kennedy (2), Miss L. Rowley, Miss M. Rowley, Mrs A. Sparrow, Mr H. B. Rowley, Miss E. Kennedy, Corpl A. G. Allen, Miss Allen, Private D. Allen, Miss Edwards, Lance-Corporal Wil- liams, Miss Davies, Miss Burrows, Private Bickers, Private L. Jones, Miss Ford, Miss Long, Corporal Wallis, Sergeant-Instructor Wraight, Lance-Corporal Leach, Private J. Burwell, Pri- vate T. O. Griffiths, Private Massey, Miss Bur- well, Miss Davenport. Mr Leamy, Capt and Mrs Stubbs, The Misses King (2), Mr Flemwell, and the Rev Theo Jones. The M. C.'s were Surgeon- Capt Fraser and Chaplain the Rev J. Griffiths, the secretarial duties falling upon Sergeant T. H. Morgan. The programme, which was a capital one, was as follows 1, Polka, "Kettle Drum" 2, valse, "Louisiana Lou"; 3, lancers, "Gaiety Girl"; 4, valse, Dolau Welnen"; 5, barn-dance, "Go Bang"; 6, valse, "Vision"; 7, quadrille, Arabian Nights" 8, schottische, Auld Reekie"; 9, valse, "Trilby"; 10, valse, "Beauty's Eyes"; I I, lancers, "Songs of London. At this point, an interval intervened, when about eighty of the company sat down in the dining-room to supper, a capital arrangement which far excelled anything previous, thanks to the caterer. The menu included roast turkey, pheasant, lobster salad, chicken, game pie, York ham, boiled beef d TAnglaise, tongue, trifle, tipsy- cake, vanilla, Nozeau cream, strawberry cream, jellies, French and English pastries, and dessert. The second part of the programme was as follows :-12, Polka, "Tin Gee-Gee"; 13, mazurka 14, valse, Whisper, and I shall hear"; 15, valse, Estudiantina"; 16, lancers, "Shop Girl"; 17, valse, "Mandacht am Rhein"; 18, barn-dance, Looking for a Coon"; 19, valse, "Acclamation"; 20, lancers, Round the Town"; 21, valse, "Linger longer, Loo"; 22, valse; 23, gallop, "Cloister and John Peel." Three "extras" were added to the programme, which wound up with God Save the Queen." This is the most successful Ball the N Company has ever held, and the Secretary has fulfilled his arduous duties with commendable energy, the success coming as the fruits thereof.

CONWAY. Parish Church (Sunday Services): 8.0 a.m. Celebration of the Holy Communion. 9.45 a.m. Welsh service. 11.15 a.m. English service. 6.0 p.m. Welsh service. 10.30 a.m. daily, Matins. St. Agnes: 6.0 p.m. English service. Wesleyan Methodist Chapel.-(English Services).- Next Sunday: Morning 11.0, evening 6.30, Mr H. Heap, Llandudno. A GOOD PLACE FOR BOOTS.—For the best and cheapest of all classes of Boots and Shoes go to Joseph Jones, Berry Street, Conway. Best Shop for repairing. adv. IOC)- FLAGS FLOATING HALF-MAST.—Pending the funeral of H.R.H. Prince Henry of Battenberg, the interment of whose remains will probably take place on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, flag-s are floating half-mast from the tower of Conway Castle and at the Trinity House Stores on Conway Quay. CONWAY IN TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION WITH CHESTER.—On Wednesday afternoon, January 29th, a representative of The Weekly News was present at the new Telephone Call-office and Exchange at the Blue Bell Hotel, Conway, when communication was established (via Llandudno) with the Chester office of the National Telephone Company, a conversation on service matters taking place and being distinctly heard. Instal- lations at the houses or offices of twelve Conway subscribers take place this week, and it is hoped that before the month of January expires public business will have commenced at the Conway Exchange. For telephonic purposes, Conway, Llandudno, and Colwyn Bay form one District or Local Area. NORTH CARNARVONSHIRE LIBERAL ASSOCIATION. —A meeting of the Executive Committee was held, on Wednesday, January 22nd, at Bangor, Mr. Roberts Hughes (Llanfairfechan), presiding. The subject of the testimonial to Mr. William Rathbone, the late parliamentary representative of the division, came under discussion. Mr. C. Darbishire, who has acted as honorary treasurer, and Mr. R. D. Williams, the secretary, notified the closing of the subscription list, to which there had been a liberal response. It was agreed that the presentation should be made at Conway, on February 5th, and that it should take the form of an address and a silver centrepiece. THE CHIEFBARD POSITIVE.—In a brief interview respecting a recent attack, by Professor Morris Jones, upon the antiquity of the Gorsedd, the Chief Bard Positive ("Gwilym Cowlyd"), whilst main- taining great reticence, stated that he still held that he was justly entitled to be the primary bard, the honour, he said, having been conferred upon him by Sir George Osborne Morgan, at Conway Castle, THE CONSERVATIVE CLUB ENTERTAINMENT.— On Friday evening, January 24th, the Conway Conservative Club-room (nicely decorated for the occasion) was the scene of an enjoyable entertain- ment arranged by the energetic Secretary (Mr. Robert Davies), and patronised by a large audience, the programme, which was much appreciated, being as follows :—Pianoforte solo, T. Brown opening trio, "Mixture," Messrs. Parnham, Edwards, and Ball comic song, Molly Riley," S. W. Parnham comic song, Music Master," Owen Edwards comic song, One Legged Family," J. A. Ball pianoforte solo, T. Brown Harry Pleon's dramatic sketch, On the Brain," the characters being taken as follow :—Mr. Green (acting on the Brain), Owen Edwards; Frank (a Draper's Assistant with Song), S. W. Parnham Sarsaperalla Jones, Baron de Wormcakes, The Earthquake, His Jaggs, with Song, J. A. Ball Lucy Green (in Love with Frank), Miss F. Moore Jane Jones (the Slavey), Miss Theresa Vaughan. Part II,—Pianoforte solo, T. Brown comic trio, Talkative Man," Messrs. Parnham, Edwards, and Ball comic song, Gilligan's Black Cat," Owen Edwards song, On the Road to Kimberly," J. A. Ball comic song (encored), Latest Medley," S. W. Parnham; negro song, "Dandy Coloured Coon," Owen Edwards pianoforte solo, T. Brown F. Milner's negro farce Dog in a Coal Cellar (by permission of Messrs. Heywood & Sons, Manchester), the characters being taken as follow :—Betsy Ann Perkins, Miss Theresa Vaughan Miss Mac Stinger, Miss Florrie Moore Joe Bruiser, S. W. Parnham P.C. Sergeant Wackum, Owen Edwards Bob Tackle, J. A. Ball. The proceedings concluded with the singing of God Save the Queen," led by the accompanist (Mr. T. Brown). A SNOW SCULPTOR AT PANT-y-TAN.-The Picture Magazine for January contains a photgraph entitled "A Snow Lady", to which the following note is appended:—"This clever piece of snow- sculpture is the work of Mr. J. H. Travis, of Plas Tirion, Pant-y-Tan, near Conway, North Wales, who says in his letter to" us that "the only tools used were a spade and knife, and the time oc- cupied was just under an hour." A very credit- able performance indeed."—We understand that the statue was carved during the hard weather in February, 1895. LOCAL FOOTBALLERS AT HOLYWELL. On Saturday afternoon, January 25th, at Holywell, the Llandudno Junction Railway United Football Club beat Holywell St. Winifred's by 4 goals to 3. Mr John Williams (Junction) captained the local team. SALE OF THE MOUNT PLEASANT ESTATE.— On Wednesday evening, Mr J. W. Rogers, auctioneer, Llandudno, offered for sale, at the Castle Hotel, Conway, the eligible freehold resi- dential property and building-land known as the Mount Pleasant Estate. The attendance was large, and, after spirited bidding, the property was knocked down to Mr Thewlis (of Llandudno) for £ 950. CONWAY LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.— On Tuesday evening, January 28th, the Society held a well-attended popular concert, in the Guild Hall, the chair being occupied by the President (Mr. T. B. Farrington, C.E.), who, before unavoidably leaving, soon, after the com- mencement of the second part of the programme, in-talled as his deputy Vice-President J. Roger Dawson. An attractive programme was rendered as follows, few encores being permitted lest the proceedings should be protracted to an unduly late hour: -Address by the Chairman pianoforte solo. Miss Pollie Jones song, Mr J. Thomas Jones; song, 11 Di, Di, Di," Miss Pooley; piano- forte solo, Welsh Airs," Mr Moses Parry; recitation, Mr J. Roger Dawson song, Mr John Arthur Hughes song (encored), "At five o'clock in the morning," Miss Jennie Jones (" Llinos Conwy"); recitation (encored), The Charge of the Light Brigade" (with variations), Miss Pooley; part-song, 11 Ilac Brenhinoedd," Mr Moses Parry's Quartett Party. Part 2,Pianoforte solo, Mr Moses Parry; song (encored), Miss Pooley; song, Llinos Conwy; recitation, The Show- man," Mr Carlton Grant, R.B.A.; song, Mr Roberts (of St Mary's Church, Bangor); song (with chorus by audience), "Gwnewch bob peth yn Gymraeg," Mr R. LI. Jones; reading, Bachelor's Hall," Mr J. Roger Dawson vote of thanks to the artistes and the Hon. Secretary (Mr E. Brown Jones), the concert having been arranged by the Hon. Secretary,—this was passed (nem. dis.) by acclamation, on the motion ot the Chairman, seconded by Mr Kingston; finale, "God save the Queen," the solo being excellently taken by Llinos Conwy. Next Tuesday evening, February 4th, the Society's ordinary weekly meeting will be held in the Guild Hall, when the question for debate will be Ought Cyclists to be taxed." YOUNG MEN'S GUILD.-A well-attended meeting of the above Guild was held on Monday, January 20th, the President (Rev J. P. Lewis) in the chair. An entertainment was given, when the following programme was much enjoyed by the members —Pianoforte solo, "March of the Brotherhood," Mr Moses Parry; song, Mr O. Rowland comic song, Mr R. Williams quartette, Messrs Robert Davies, J. G. Jones, J. Lloyd Jones, and Owen Trevor; recitation', Mr Robert Roberts; pianoforte solo, Mr T. Brown song and chorus, Mr Robert Davies song, Mr J. T. Jones pianoforte solo, "Welsh Airs," Mr Moses Parry; song, Yr Eryr," Mr Owen Trevor; song and chorus, "Gwnewch bob peth yn Gymraeg," Mr Robert Davies song, Mr O. Rowland comic song, Mr R. Williams; pianoforte solo, Mr T. Brown; song, Mr Humphrey Hughes; comic song, Mr E. Williams piccolo solo, Mr H. R. Emmas.—A hearty vote of thanks which was accorded to the performers, brought a pleasant evening to a close. —Next Monday, Feb. 3rd, the Hon. Secretary (Mr Chas F. Farrington) will give a paper, with lantern illustrations. CONWAY HORSE SHOW COMMITTEE. At the Conway Horse Show Committee's meeting, at the Guild Hall, Conway, on Friday afternoon, January 24th, the Vice-President (Mr W. F. Jones) in the chair, it was announced that Colonel Platt had consented to be the Society's President for 1896; and that the ex-President (Alderman the Hon. H. Lloyd-Mostyn) had sent the Society a subscription of two pounds, together with an expression of regret that he would be unable to attend the meetings of the; Committee. It was decided to offer a ^40 prize for the best agricultural shire stallion; and a £ 15 prize for the best roadster stallion. The conditions were read and revised. District Secretaries were appointed as follow:— Creuddyn, Mr Dearden and Mr Jesse Roberts (Wern Bach); Colwyn Bay and Llanelian, Mr Richard Morris (Pilws)and Mr John Jones (Pentre- ucha, Colwyn); Glanconway, Mr Robert Williams (Bwlch) and Mr Robert Hughes (Dolwyd); Eglwys- bach, Mr Rowland Hughes (Esgreulog) and Mr Williams Davies (Cyffylog); Bettws-yn-Rhos, Mr Owen Williams (Waen) and Mr John Parry (Ty- isa' Inn); Abergele, Mr Thomas Roberts (Bryn- ewyn); and Mr Hughes jun. (Bronheulog); Gyffin, Mr William Hughes (Cyffredin), and Mr Robert Owen Williams (Bryndowsi); Tynygroes, Mr Rowland Williams (Smithy) and Mr William Williams (Glyn Ucha); Talybont, Mr Samuel Hughes (Tyddyn) and Mr Elias Jones (Farchwal); Penmaenmawr, Mr David Foulkes (Pen Dyffryn) and Mr David Jones, (Llan); Llandudno, Mr Fred- erick Roberts and Mr William Davies (carter). CONWAY SCHOOL BOARD. At the Conway School Board's monthly meeting on Wednesday afternoon, January 29th, the Chairman (Councillor Dr. R. Arthur-Prichard, J.P., C.C.) presided, and there were also present Councillor Dr. M. J. Morgan and the Rev. Owen Evans, together with the Clerk (Mr. James Porter) and the Attendance-Officer (Mr. Robert Edwards). A Precept for L30 was ordered to issue. The Attendance Officer reported that the attendance at the Boys' and Girls' School, was good but the attendance at the Infants' School, indifferent. The Rev. Owen Evans called the Board's attention to the fact that he had been informed that the schoolchildren had been let out earlier than usual on the afternoons this week (being Mission week in connexion with the Church), so as to enable the children (most of whom were Nonconformists) to ask their parents whether they should attend" Church. He thought that it was using undue influence. The speaker's own son had come home at three o'clock the previous afternoon, and wanted to go to Church. The Chairman ruled that the question could not be dealt-with until after a notice had duly been placed on the Agenda. FUNERAL OF THE LATE SUPT. WILLIAMS. ADDENDUM. In addition to those mentioned in our report last week, the chief mourners at the funeral of the late Superintendent Williams, included the following :—Masters C. Lloyd A. Elias (Bangor) and Gwilym H. Williams (Maiichester), grandsons; and Miss H. M. Williams (Manchester), grand- daughter. Among the ministers present, was also the Rev. J. Williams, of Colwyn Bay. LOCAL COMPARATIVE STATISTICS. Turning, in the Board of Trade's recently issued annual return of Gas Undertakings, to the statistics relating to Conway, we find the fol- lowing variation under three heads, and for three periods Coal carbonised Gas made No. of Years. Tons. Feet. Consumers. 1892 6IO 4563000 159 1893-4 680 6120000 195 1894-5 700 6300000 195 INCOME, EXPENDITURE, AND PRICE. The total receipts from the Gas Undertaking during the year 1894 was L1284 total expendi- ture, including the capital charges, j £ ,II07- The price of gas charged to private consumers was 4s 6d per thousand. MAINS AND LAMPS. The mains in use for the distribution of the gas to consumers measured about 2! miles, and in 2 addition to supplying the private consumers above mentioned, there were in use for lighting the streets 44 public lamps. CONWAY WORKINGMEN'S CONSERVA- TIVE CLUB. At the Club's annual meeting, at the Club-room, on Wednesday evening, January 29th, Councillor Dr R. Arthur-Prichard, J. P., C.C.. who presided, introduced to the meeting, as the General Secre- tary of the Carnarvonshire Constitutional Asso- ciation, Mr Lloyd Carter, of Carnarvon. Mr Lloyd Carter, whose name was received with applause, in the course of a somewhat lengthy address, throughout which he kept the attention of his audience, referred to the death of his predecessor (the late Mr George Owen), in whose footsteps he hoped to tread, and that sup- port that had been accorded to Mr George Owen the speaker trusted might be accorded to him also. In a brief summarised electoral history of the constituency in which Conway was situated (the Carnarvon Boroughs), he drew encourage- ment from the fact that the Conservative poll was heavier in 1895 than on any previous occasion, and that at a time when the Radical majority was less than 200. Perhaps if the Radical candi- date was fought next election a little harder than last time, they might convert a minority to a majority. Politically, their opponent (Mr Lloyd George) was the greatest humbug in the House of Commons, and he (Mr Carter) thought that many moderate Liberals would not continue to support him. Furthermore, should Mr Lloyd George lose the Irish vote in the Boroughs through antagonism to the Voluntary Schools, the speaker would give very little for his chance of being again returned to Parliament, if the Irish voters in the Boroughs numbered as many as one hundred, and it they were Catholics first and Irishmen afterwards. The next business was the presentation, by the chairman, of the prizes won in the Club's New Year billiard handicap. To Mr Samuel Hamer, were handed Councillor Wallace's challenge-cup and a gold medal given by Councillor Tosdevine, while the second prize (a gold plate value £1) was presented to Mr Robert Jones (Watkin- street). The Secretary (Mr Robert Davies) presented a very satisfactory report and financial statement, which were received with applause and adopted. Mr Robert Davies consented to accept the secretarial office for another year, and the meet- ing unanimously re-elected the other officers as follow :—President, Alderman the Hon H. Lloyd- Mostyn, J.P., A.C.C.; Vice-President, Councillor Dr R. Arthur-Prichard, J.P., C.C.; Hon Trea- surer, The Mayor of Conway (Councillor Hum- phrey Lewis, J. P.). The meeting having ap- pointed as Hon Auditors Councillor A. W. Jones and Mr Jordan Jone. the election of Executive Committee was proceeded-with, the following nine (with power to add to their number) being duly nominated and approved seriatim :—Mr Joseph Williams (High-street), Councillor Edward Roberts, Messrs Robert Johnson, S. Hamer, and Braggins, Councillors Tosdevine and A. W. Jones, and Messrs Elias Evans and Pollitt. The meeting ended with enthusiastic votes of thanks to the chairman for presiding and to Mr Lloyd Carter, for his attendance and address. CHARGE AGAINST A BOOKSTALL MANAGER. ACQUITTAL AND REPEATED APPLAUSE. At the Birkenhead Quarter Sessions, on Thurs- day, January 9th, the Recorder (Mr Clement Higgins, Q.C.), in his charge to the Grand Jury, said that, in the case of John Wade, who was charged with falsifying the books of his employ- ers, Messrs W. H. Smith and Son, the accused had admitted, in the fullest way, that he had fal- sified the books, and, if they were satisfied in this particular instance set out, or even in one case set out in the indictment, that would be enough to enable them to return a true bill. What they had to determine, was whether the books were falsified with intent to defraud. -The Grand Jury returned a true bill. John Wade (36), a bookstall clerk, formerly in the employ of Messrs W. H. Smith and Son, sur- rendered to his bail on a charge of having made false entries in the books of his employers, with intent to defraud. There were 14 counts in the indictment.—The prisoner admitted falsifying the accounts, but denied that he had doneso with intent to defraud.—Mr Graham and Mr T. F. Lloyd prosecuted, and Mr E. H. Lloyd defended.-Mr Graham said that the prisoner had been employed by Messrs W. H. Smith and Son for over 20 years, and for the last few years was in charge of the Woodside Station bookstall, Birkenhead, at a salary of 5s a week and a commission of 5 per cent. on the sales, with a minimum guarantee of Lxio per annum. In November last it was discovered by Mr Richards, an Inspector in the employ of the firm. that the prisoner had falsified his accounts by putting down certain sums as owing by customers which had already been paid, and by showing accounts as being due by libraries and other institutions which had ceased to exist. In this way he had succeeded in presenting correct balances, whereas there was a large deficiency.- Mr Richards was called, and stated that when he discovered the discrepancies he had a conversa- tion with Wade, who admitted that he had falsified the books since the first week he came to Birken- head, nearly six years ago. The deficiency he calculated at over £300. He then dismissed the prisoner, who said, I suppose you will prosecute me I am ready to pay the debt to my country." In explanation of the deficiency, the prisoner said that it was due to the dishonesty of the Biitish public and the boys employed at the stalls.-Under cross-examination by Mr E. H. Lloyd (who was instructed for the defence by Mr H. F. Neale), the witness admitted that there were several entries in the cash books for 1893, 1894, and 1895, showing sums credited to "Wade" or "self," of the existence of which he had previously been unaware. The servants of the firm were responsible for debts incurred under them, but where deficiencies were shown, the firm, 0:1 investigation, made a liberal allowance to th assistant. In re-examination, the witness con- sidered that if the sums above alluded to had been put-in (as suggested by the defence) to cover deficiencies, the deficiency at some time must have been much greater than the £300 now alleged.—Mr William May, librarian, Birkenhead, deposed that certain accounts shown him as due by the Library Committee were not owing. With regard to the amount of debt alleged to have been incurred last year on behalf of the Oxton Road Library, that institution ceased to exist more than two years ago.—Other evidence of a similar character was called.—For the defence, Mr E. H. Lloyd submitted that the deficiencies had arisen through no fault of the prisoner's, and he, instead of boldly acknowledging them, had tried to cover them by altering the books in the way he had done. When bookstall clerks were held respon- L sible for all the stock under their care, the T ordinary leakages of trade in such a large stall as that in charge of the prisoner must be consider- able. The learned counsel dwelt upon the fact 1 that the prosecutor had not dared to charge the prisoner with stealing or embezzlement, and said the jury must be fully convinced that Wade did these things with a fraudulent intent before they returned a verdict of guilty.—The jury found the prisoner not guilty, and he was discharged. The verdict was received with an outburst of applause, I again and again renewed. LOCAL GOVERMF.NT BOARD INQUIRY. j At the Guild Hall, Conway, 011 Friday morning, January 3rd, Colonel W. J. B. Clarke, M. Inst. C.E., held an Inquiry, on behalf of the Local Government Board, into an application, on the part of the Conway Corporation, for permission to sell the Ty Mawr Corporate lands, at sun- dry minimum sale-prices. Evidence was given by the Town Clerk (Mr T. E. Parry) and the Borough Surveyor (Mr T. B. Farrington, C.E.) The Inspector asked what the Corporation proposed to invest the proceeds in. whether they had any suggestion as to obtaining leave to in- vest in any security other than Consols. The Town Clerk said that the Corporation had not invested heretofore in other securities than Consols, but he would mention the matter at the next meeting. Mr W. Williams attended to claim title to part of the property, and the Inspector said that he would make note of the matter. The Town Clerk saying that the matter had been before the Court. The Borough Surveyor adding that he and the Town Clerk would be glad to see the claimant take steps to establish his claim. The Inspector advised the claimant to consult a solicitor. The Inquiry then ended. CARNARVONSHIRE GOLF CLUB. The annual competition for Caddies' prizes, sub- scribed for by the Members of the above-named Club, was played for, on the Links at Conway, on Thursday, January 2nd, when twelve of the best were chosen to compete for three prizes (the first being 22/ second, 12/ and the third, 6/6), the losers each receiving 1 as consolation prizes. Play was by handicap, the winner turning up in Philip Wrench. The following were the scores of the first three:— Gross. Handicap. Net. 1st, Philip Wrench II9 12 I07 2nd, David Jones II4 6 108 3rd, J. R. Jones II] Scr., 113 After the play, the Caddies and Players (to the number of 22) sat down to a splendid dinner in the Club House, kindly given by Mr Albert Wood, J.P., D.L., of Bodlondeb. Conway, and provided by Mrs Stuart, the Stewardess of the Club. After dinner. songs and other amusementi were indulged-in, and a most enjoyable evening was spent, the party breaking up about 10 p.m., all having thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Three cheers were given for Mr Wood and Mr and Mrs Stuart a word of praise is also due to them for the manner in which everything was carried out.

Colwyn Bay and District Gas Works. LOCAL COMPARATIVE STATISTICS. Turning in the Board of Trade's recently issued annual return of Gas Undertakings, to the statistics relating to the Colwyn Bay Gas Company, we find the following variations under three heads and for three periods;— Coal carbonised Gas made Number of Year. Tons. Feet. Consumers. 1890 800 6319000 155 1893 1127 9438000 205 1891 1278 10445000 224 INCOME, PROFIT, AND PRICE. The Company's total receipts during the year 1894, from the sale of gas, residuals, etc., was -C2434, and, after deducting the expenditure on wages, fuel, and maintenance of works, there was a profit balance of £826. The price of gas charged to private consumers, was 6s per thousand, subject to a discount of 5 to 30 per cent. MAINS AND LAMPS. The mains in use for the distribution of the gas to consumers, measured about 10 miles, and, in addition to supplying the private consumers^above- mentioned, there was in use for lighting the streets 120 public lamps.

Llandudno Eisteddfod Executive Committee. At the meeting on Friday evening, January 17th, the Chairman (Mr John Jones, J.P.) presi- ding, it was decided to allocate a further £60 to the Musical Committee, and that the following should be engaged as solo vocalists :—Miss Macintyre, Miss Gertrude Hughes, Madame Wil- son, Miss Maggie Davies, Mr Ffrangcon Davies, Mr Ben Davies' Mr Hirwen Jones, Madame Belle Cole, and Madame Hannah Jones. The Musical Committee further reported that they had not yet decided upon what lady vocalist should take the soprano solos in the Messiah." Lord Mostyn, who was present, offered a silver harp for competition, and the offer was gladly accepted, the donor being asked to decide for which competition the harp should be given. It was decided to ask the Queen of Roumania to attend the Eisteddfod, and to invite the following to preside over the various meetings :— Lord Mostyn, Mr Gladstone, the Duke of West- minster, the Marquis of Bute, Lord Carrington, Mr Balfour, Lord Penrhyn, Principal Rhys, Sir Watkin Wynn, Sir J. H. Puleston, and the Earl of Derby (Lord Mayor of Liverpool). COURAGEOUS, intelligent, persistent advertising means the largest possible success in any particlnar line." Printed and Published by R. E. Jones & Brothers, at their Printing Works, 3, Rose Hill Street, Conway, and Published at the Central Library, Colwyn Bay. | u