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

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. -(Engli-ih Services).- Next Sunday: Morning 11.0, evening 6.30, Mr Marshall, Conway. A GOOD PLACE FOR Bo rrs.—For the best and cheapest of all classes of Boots and Shoes go to Joseph Jones, Berry Street, Conway. Best Shop for repairing. adv. loq- FOOTBALL AT LLANDUDNO JUNCTION.—On Saturday afternoon, February 1st, the Llandudno Junction United Football Club met the Penmaen Swifts, at Llandudno Junction, before a good gate. The game was well contested up to half- time, when the score stood at one goal each. Ten minutes from the re-start, the home team scored again, and had the best of matters, but met with a sound defence, the game ending in a win for the home team, by two goals to one. Two Boys ADRIFT ON THE RIVER.-On Sunday morning, February 2nd. two young men from Llandudno Junction rowed in a borrowed boat up the river to Talycafn, taking with them two small boys (aged four and seven respectively) to mind the boat whilst the grown-ups should be indulging at a neighbouring hotel in that species of liquid refreshment to which through their voyage they would have become more or less legitimately entitled as so-called" bona-fide travellers." However, as the young men were rather long in returning, the boat somehow got adrift, and luckily kept afloat until the two little lads (none the worse for their perilous adventure) were rescued opposite the town of Conway. The young men, who had to return to the Junction as best as they could, will probably not get the loan of that boat next time they are desirious of going to Talycafn to qualify as bona-fide travellers." LORD LEIGHTON'S FUNERAL.—At the obsequies, on Monday, February 3rd, in St. Paul's Cathedral, of Lord Leighton. P.R.A., R.W.S., H.R.C.A., the Royal Cambrian Academy was represented by its Vice-President (Mr. Cuthhert C. Grundy) and Hon. Treasurer (Mr. G. Swinford Wood). The whole of tne ceremonial was extremely well ordered, the aspect of the assemblage being most striking and impressive. As the sun burst through the various windows of the cathedral it lit up the long procession, which made its way to the open- ing under the dome, through which the body of the illustrious dead was lowered into the crypt below. The solemn pealing of the organ, the sweet singing of the choir, the procession of the' clergy, the municipal dignitaries, ambassadors, and representatives of Royalty, the large body of Royal Academicians and Associates, and others of distinction, made up a scene which, for impres- sive solemnity and grandeur, must long be remembered by all those who were present on the sad occasion. YOUNG MEN'S GUILD.- At a well-attended meeting on Monday evening, February 3rd, the Hon. Sec. (Mr Charles F Farrington) gave an interesting paper (with lantern illustrations) upon "The Story of Our Railroads," and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks, on the motion of Mr A. G. Kaye, seconded by Mr John Roberts.—On Monday evening, February 17th, the President (Rev. J. P. Lewis) will give a magic-lantern lecture on "Switzerland". MR SARSON'S FIRST PROPERTY AUCTION AT DEGANWY.—We understand that Mr F. J. Sarson, auctioneer, of Llandudno and Prestatyn, has received instructions to lay out Mrs Ayling's Deganwy estate, preparatory to offering the same by auction at the Deganwy Castle Hotel, a most desirable locale for the sale. Only a few evenings ago, Mrs Ayling bought, by private treaty, through Mr Sarson, the eligible house known as Thirkleby," Deganwy. CARNARVONSHIRE POLICE CHANGES.—THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT.—Inspector T. S. Rowland, of Pwllheli, was on January 31st (Friday) officially notified by Colonel Ruck (Chief-Constable of Car- narvonshire) of his appointment to the Superin- tendentcy at Conway, vacant through the death of Supt H. D. Williams. The consequential changes are the appointment of Police-constable 22 Thomas Jones (Criccieth) to the Sergeantcy at Bangor, whence Sergeant Thomas Owen pro- ceeds to Bethesda, vice Sergeant Thomas Jones, promoted to the Pwllheli Inspectorate. Last month Inspector Rowland received a handsomely illuminated certificate of election as Honorary Serving Brother of the Grand Priory of the Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in England, given from the Chancery of the Order, under the hand of Lord Lathom (Chancellor) and the seal of the Order. The St John's Ambulance Class at Conway, has sent Inspector Rowland a congratulatory letter upon his appointment to the Superintendentcy, and expressing a hope that he would assist them in further popularising the Am- bulance work, which, it is understood, he was the first to introduce into the Principality. The new Superintendent's career has been a successful one all along. From being a seafaring man he has now become a Police-Superintendent. He was a Sergeant at Llanberis during the strike, and a Sergeant at Portmadoc and at Llandudno, and from the last-named place he was promoted in September 1894 to the Pwllheli Inspectorate. On January 31st last, the Bench at Portmadoc warmly congratulated the Inspector, whilst expressing keen regret that they would be losing him from that Court. At Pwllheli, all are glad at his pro- motion, whilst regretting to lose such a smart officer from amongst them. THE BENEFIT-CONCERT IN THE MARKET HALL. -On Monday evening, a concert was held in the Market Hall, for the benefit of Mr Ed. Bather (Mount Pleasant), who has long been ill. The chair was taken at half-past seven by the Mayor (Councillor Humphrey Lewis, J.P.),and Councillor John Williams (the Conductor) promptly pro- ceeded with the following programme, in a very able manner;-Triple tongueing polka, by Mr Wallace Parish, with Band accompaniment (Mr W. J. Roberts. Conductor); address by the Chair- man song, Star of Bethlehem," Llinos Conwy; recitation, Master Harry Evans; song, "Hen brocer bach gloeyw fy nain," Miss Jeanette E. Hughes glee, "Y Gwanwyn," Male Voice Party; song, Fy Ngeneth Wen," Mr Jonathan Hughes; recitation, Cartref Plant," Miss Miriam Owen quartette, Mae Breniniaeth," Mr Moses Parry's party song, The Fisherman's Child," Miss Kate Jones, and, as an encore, Gwerthiant y Caethwas recitation, Mr E. C. Williams song, Merch y Gof," Mr Edward Griffiths (Regent House), and, as an encore, Hen brocer bach gloeyw fy nain pianoforte solo, Canadian Barn Dance," Master Tommy Brown. The cus- tomary interval here supervening, Mr J. P. Griffiths proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman, for presiding to Councillor John Williams, for conducting to Mrs Brown, for her kindness in lending her pianoforte for the evening and to all the artistes who had taken part. The motion, duly seconded by Mr William Roberts (" Bangorian "), who strongly supported Mr Griffithss' remarks, was carried nem. dis.. The second part of the programme was as follows :— Grand fantasia, Pride of Wales," Conway Castle Brass Band (conducted by Mr W. J. Roberts); trio (encored), Little Farm Well Tilled," Mr John Roberts's Party glee, Welsh Airs," Male Voice Party Gwraig y meddwyn a gwraig y dafarn," Mr Joseph Evans's Party; song, Rocked in the cradle of the deep," Mr R. T. Hughes; piccolo solo, Dream Faces," Mr H. R. Emmas song, The Better Land," Llinos Gele song, Mr Roberts (of St Mary's Church, Bangor); pianoforte solo, Miss M. E. Jones (Llandudno Junction); glee, Bwthyn ar y bryn," a Party finale, Hen Wlad fy Nhadau," the solo being taken by Mr Jonathan Hughes. TABERNACLE (WELSH WESLEYAN) BAND OF HOPE.On Tuesday evening, February 4th, a meeting was held, in the Welsh Wesleyan Chapel, for the purpose of distributing prizes for good attendance at the Band of Hope meetings. In response to the earnest invitation (on Sunday) of the Pastor (Rev O. Evans) and friends, a very large number of the parents and friends of the children were present. The prizes (which com- prised of books) were presented by the Rev O. Evans, assisted by Mr Thomas Jones (Railway Terrace) the recipients (including the Union children) numbered 182, and were classed as follows :-For 1st Prizes, 82; 2nd, 32; and 3rd, 68. The proceedings were interspersed with music, dialogues, and recitations, by the children, and a song was also given by Mr Roberts (Bangor), the musical portion of the programme being under the superintendence of Mr T. W. Hughes, while the dialogues and recitations were under the superintendence of Mr Thomas Jones, and the Misses C. M. Jones and A. A. Evans shared the duties of accompanists. The proceedings were greatly enjoyed by both adults and children. COLLEGE OF PRECEPTORS.—At the College of Preceptors' certificate examination at the Llan- dudno Centre last December, 31 candidates entered,—four boys and 27 girls. Of those successful, J. R. Jones (Conway Grammar School) was first among the boys, obtaining a place in the Second class (second division), while Miss Maud Ousey (Fern Bank, Penmaenmawr) was first among the successful girls, with a place in the Second class (first division) and a special certificate in Scripture. Miss F. J. Saunderson (Glanavon, Deganwy) was placed in the Third class (third division). THE GWYNEDD LADY ARTISTS' SOCIETY. The first annual meeting of the above-named Society, was held, in the Round Room, Conway, on Saturday, February 1st, the President (The Right Hon. The Lady Augusta Mostyn) in the chair, and Mrs. G. Swinford Wood occupying the vice-chair. The resignations of Miss M. Harrison (A.R.W.S.) and Mrs. Stolterfoth, having been accepted with regret, the President, rising, addressed the meeting. Her Ladyship said It is with feelings of much pleasure that I meet you all here to-day, the first annual meeting of the Gwynedd Ladies Art Society. The opening years of a Society, resembles, in many respects, a young child's life. It is full of interest, and is watched with consider- able anxiety, mingled with feelings of pleasure and pride. We have not been without our sorrows, for very early in its career, this Society had the great misfortune to lose one who felt the deepest and keenest interest in its welfare, and whose unexpected death was a severe blow, this came at a time when the greatest care and watchfulness was needed. I allude to Mrs. McEwen, our late lamented Honorary Treasurer and Secretary, in whom the Society lost a most earnest, sincere, and valued friend. This unexpected trouble left us in great perplexity; it was absolutely necessary to have a Secretary who not only resided in or near Conway, but one who understood something of the duties necessary to such an important office, and—through the great kindness of Mrs. Furness, our present Hon. Secretary and Treas- urer pro. tem, who came to the rescue in our time of need,—we wereable to overcome our difficulties, and she has, as you all know, managed the affairs of this Society throughout the year in a most able, energetic, and businesslike manner. Her experience was of the greatest value to us, she has fulfilled the duties of her office, and has done all the work in a most satisfactory and gratifying manner, which must have been—with a new Society,—no light or easy task. I believe I am expressihg the opinion of all present, when I say how much we regret losing Mrs. Furness as our Secretary, to whom we owe so much but, before accepting her resignation, we wish to trespass still further on her kindness, by asking her to allow us the pleasure of presenting her with a small token of our gratitude and appreciation, and which is contained in this packet, which I now present on behalf of the members." Here, Her Ladyship handed Mrs. Furness a small mysterious-looking packet, and some amuse- ment was caused at the difficulty she had in forcing her to take it in this, Her Ladyship eventually succeeded, and, when the merriment had subsided, resumed her address as follows The Gwynedd Ladies Art Society was fouuded in October, 1894, and, through the kindness of our friends and supporters who sent subscriptions, we were enabled to furnish the Round Room and make a start. In response to our letters, we were honoured with a number of influential names, which were placed on the list of patrons these letters contained such expressions of good wishes and encouragement, that we all felt there was a brilliant future in store for the Society and I am sure we are all deeply indebted to our Patronesses for their donatio is, their good wishes, and for the support they have otherwise given us. Our first Exhibition was opened on the 4th of June, 1895, and was closed on the 5th of October it contained one hundred and twelve pictures and one piece of sculpture. The room was visited by some hundreds of people, and twenty-three pictures were sold. [Applause.]. Regarding the quality of our Exhibition, we may flatter ourselves that it was much beyond our most sanguine expectations, but, like all similar institutions, it will take time to become known and to get firmly established. Our present headquarters are certainly not in a very prominent position, for it is rather like "searching for a needle in a stack of hay," or playing at a game of "hide and seek," to find our little Round Room in the midst of this populous old Town of Conway But we must look forward to having before long a fine building in a more conspicuous place. [Cheers]. It is said that Little beginnings have often great endings," and I quite believe that this Society, now in its infancy, will, with energy and perseverance, become one of the most popular and interesting institutions in North Wales. [Hear, hear]. But, whilst rejoicing over our present success, you should not forget the value and great importance of keeping up the quality of the work exhibited, and the members should be most careful not to admit pictures the painting of which will not do credit to the Society. [Applause.]. Mrs. Wood, and Members of the Gwynedd Ladies Art Society, I congratulate you on your success. I now call upon Mrs. Furness to read the financial state- ment." Her Ladyship resumed her seat amid cheers, and the balance-sheet, which had been duly audited and certified, was read. It showed that the Society was in a very fair position,—the accounts had been 3II paid, there were no liabil- ities, and there was in the Bank a balance to the credit of the Society.—The statement was accepted. The election of President was the next business, and, on the proposition of Mrs. G. Swinford Wood, seconded by Miss Rose Magnus, the Lady Augusta Mostyn was unanimously re-elected President. Her Ladyship then resumed the chair, and thanked the members for the honour they had again conferred upon her, and expressed a hope that the Vice-President and Council would assist her in the duties of the office during the coming year, as freely and as ably as the retiring officers and Council had done in the past. Her Ladyship then re-appointed as Vice- President Mrs. G. Swinford Wood, who, in acknowledging the appointment, said that she "accepted the office with much pleasure," and expressed confidence "that not only the Honorary Secretary and Council but all the members would do everything in their power to assist Her Ladyship and to promote the interests of the Society." Miss C. Colyer was unanimously elected Treasurer and Honorary Secretary, in place of Mrs. Furness, who retired from office, the follow- ing ladies, with the officers, forming the Council for the current year :-Miss Rose Magnus, Miss Perrin, Miss Salmon, Miss Walmsley, Miss Whaite, and Miss Woodcock. The election of Associates then took place, and at the close, the following were declared duly elected :-Miss C. Colyer, Miss Edith Hughes, Miss Mary Mason, Miss Rose Ridgway, and Miss Dora Thomas. A unanimous vote of thanks was passed to the Lady President and officers for their services during the year. This was appropriately res- ponded-to by the President, who then declared the meeting closed. At the next Council meeting, the date of open- ing the next Exhibition will be fixed (also the Receiving Days), and the Hanging Committee will be appointed. PRESENTATION TO MR. W. RATHBONE. At noon on Wednesday, February 5th, there was a goodly, representative, and influential attendance at the Guild Hall, Conway, on the oocasiou of the presentation—by Mr Robert Hughes (Llanfairfechan), who presided,-Of a testimonial (from his late coustituents) to Mr William Rathbone, on his retirement from re- presenting in Parliament the Arvon Division of Carnarvonshire. The presentation to Mr Rathbone took the form of a massive silver bowl standing upon an ebony pedestal. The design was that of the Italian Renaissance period of Art, and in shape it partook of the character of the Benvenuto Cellini vase in Rome. It was neatly rapped by hand in rdpoussd chasing of a floral pattern divided into fluted panels, and was gilt inside. It bore the arms of Mr W. Rathbone in full heraldic emblazon, and the following inscription:—"Presented to William Rathbone, Esq, Member of Parliament for Car- narvonshire, and subsequently for the Arfon Division of the County, from 1880 to 1895, by his Grateful Constituents. February, 1896." The bowl was the production of Messis Elkington & Co., Church-street, Liverpool, and was a beautiful work of art. The bowl was accompanied by an address, and by a book containing the names of nearly two thousand subscribers. There was also, for Mrs Rathbone, a gold bracelet set with pearls, and manufactured by Messrs Oldfield & Co., of Liverpool; the bracelet bore the inscription Presented to Mrs Rathbone by the Liberals of Carnarvonshire, 1896." After letters of apology had been read by the Secretary (Mr R. D. Williams), the chairman said that Mr Rathbone's late constituents had been unwilling to see Mr Rathbone's representation of the constituency in Parliament cease without a public recognition of his public services to them. County-Councillor C. H. Darbishire, J. P., read the following address:— To William Rathbone, Esq., Green Bank, Liver- pool —Dear Sir,—Your connection with Carnarvon- shire, since 1880, as the Parliamentary Representative —first of the whole County, and subsequently, on the passing of the Redistribution Act, of the Arfon Division-has been so intimate that we cannot let the occasion of your retirement from Parliamentary life pass without expressing to you the deep feelings of admiration and affection your high-minded character, unselfish devotion to public duty, untiring liberality to every good object, and generous sympathy with all who worthily sought your assistance, have ever commanded. We remember that, when our sitting Member- Sir Watkin Williams-accepted a Puisne Judgeship, you had but recently contested South West Lanca- sliire,-a Tory stronghold,—at the request of the Liberal Party, in preference to your safe seat in Liverpool, your native City and, having been un- successful, were enjoying well-earned leisure in the South of France, and that, on being appealed to, you threw aside all other considerations without hesitation to champion our cause, and accepted the invitation to become our Parliamentary candidate. We are proud to think that, although you con- tested three Elections successfully, and were returned with overwhelming majorities, the Arfon Division, on the last occasion, returned you unanimously; and we venture to say t!iat, had you any wish to continue your Parliamentary duties, it wouid have been un- necessary to have undergone the turmoil of a con- tested Election again, because your long and great Parliamentary experience, your sympathetic and peculiar appreciation of the Welsh character, aims, and ambitions, are recognised to the full throughout the length and breadth of the constituency. We believe it is due to you, and men of a like dis- interested character, that Wales has held so high a position in Parliament, and has been able to place her claims for special legislation so prominently forward; and we further believe that, had it been possible for you to continue to advocate her cause in the future as in the past, our best hopes would have the sooner approached realization. Your service to the cause of Education, in which the Principality was very much behindhand when you came amongst us, are so great that they are apt to eclipse all else you have done for, and been to, us. We are glad, therefore, of this opportunity of publicly recording how deeply sensible we are of your unswerving loyalty to the great cause of progress generally. Your services to the principles of Local Self- Government, in collecting and arranging facts and statistics, have been invaluable to the Government and country and have materially assisted in the success of recent legislation. Your long and intimate association with Ireland, and sympathy and knowledge of Irish character, helped and guided public opinion and Parliament in dealing with the Home Rule Bill, and the other important Bills which have already become the law of the land, and which have proved of so much material benefit to the well-being of our sister Island. With regard to Religious Equality and the Dis- establishment of the English Church in Wales, you have ever been an earnest and consistent supporter ot the highest and noblest enthusiasm for this great Reform. Again,—you have never lost sight of the evils connected with the drink traffic; and the careful research you lately caused to be made into the different methods adopted in the United States is only one more instance of the care you are ever ready to exert in dealing with public questions, no matter at what personal labour and cost. Indeed, wherever we look, your honesty of purpose, sound judgment, and sympathetic interest, lend a lustre to all you have undertaken that can never diminish or lose its brightness. But above all that you have done for nSither publicly or privately,—which, in this humble manner we have so inadequately endeavoured to recognise' you have ever set us the noble example of how truly to live for others, and how to devote the Powers and opportunities God may have endowed us with, for the welfare and benefit of those around us. In realising this, we see again the high ideal it is passible to attain to manifested in your life and actions. We trust that God will spare you many years of health and strength, in which to see the fulfilment of the great objects you have spent your life in working for, beoause we humbly believe we can wish you no graater happiness than to realise that the result of your labours is the increased welfare and happiness of your fellow men and women.—On behalf of the Liberals of Arfon, we are, your obedient servants ROBERT HUGHES, President; C. H. DARBIBHIRE: Treasurer; RICH. D. WILLIAMS, Hon. Secretary.— Dated this 5th day of February, 1896." Mr Rathbone, who was received with applause, said,—Though I can no longer address you as my constituents, I am much gratified that you deter- mine that I shall still retain you as loyal and I affectionate friends,-which, while life remains, it shall be my endeavour to deserve. You had already given me the highest and most gratifying testimonial which a Member can hope for, when you elected me without opposition to the last Parliament, and were willing to do so for the present one. I owe to you the happiness of being able to work for 14 years in the honourable and influential position of your Representative. I do not know how I am to answer such an Address as you have presented to me. It reminds me by contrast of the man who, hearing in a Court of Justice, a statement of the injuries and sufferings he had been subjected-to, burst into tears, saying that till he heard his advocate, he did not know how great his injuries or sufferings had been And until I read your Address, I certainly was entirely unaware what an "example of light and leading" your most kind over-estimate of every- thing I had done, made me out in your opinion to be You seem to have sought out every good object that you and I had aspired to promote every effort in the cause of progress, moral, intel- lectual or material, in which we had been engaged, —and absolutely to have forgotten all my many failures in attaining to the ideal set before us, all my mistakes and shortcomings in your service, though I am constantly humbled in remembering them It brings very prominently forward a very noble and attractive part of the Welsh character. When once a man has gained your confidence, and you know that his sole aim is to serve you faithfully, you stick to him through thick and thin, and shut your eyes to his failings. This makes it very easy to serve you heartily, cour- ageously, and with effect. You have treated my colleague, Mr Bryn Roberts, with similar generous confidence (which he has fully justified), and you have thereby enabled him to take a position in the House of Commons, and exercise an influ- ence which I trust you will long well derive the benefit of. For the more you encourage and enable your Representatives to take a broad (and not narrowly selfish) view of national and Imper- ial interests, the better will the interests of Wales be served, and the greater her influence in promo- ting both those interests. We may together be proud of the progress of Wales during the last 14 years but it is not on the past but on the future that we must fix our attention and to which we must devote our efforts. We have still to show how we can complete the administrative part of our educational system for, without continuous effort and sacrifice, much of the legis- lative progress we have attained will be useless, if not injurious. It has been a great happiness to me to see that Carnarvonshire is conscious of this, and is determined to make the county a model of practical education in all its stages. Your great- est power as Welshmen is your devotion to educa- tion and I can hardly repeat too often that by it Wales may exercise an influence in this great Empire, and derive benefits far out of proportion to its numbers, its area, or its wealth. You kindly alluded to my efforts for the improvement of local self-government. Here, I regret to say, I am not satisfied with results. It was a mistake, on the part of the Government, to touch the admini- stration of the Poor Law, without going more carefully into the whole question. There is great danger at the present moment of drifting back to careless administration of the Poor Law, which, previous to 1834, had nearly demoralised and ruined, especially, our agricultural population. This question is one to which I hope to be able to continue to devote constant attention, even more for its effects on character than on material pros- perity, for it is on character more than on any- thing else that the happiness, welfare, and safety of a nation depend. That maxim, I hope, in your administration of the Poor Law, you will never forget. We have not been able to do all we could wish for Ireland; but what has been done has produced very great effect and I do not believe that Ireland was ever so prosperous as it has been during the past year. The improvement in her Land Laws, as far as it has gone, is mainly to be credited with this. It is admitted that we have still to complete these improvements to carry out the intentions of Parliament but I think this is a point on which both Parties are so much agreed that I cannot but hope that the most serious defects will be removed in the coming Session; so that the Irish may devote themselves to making use of what they have gained, without being so much absorbed, as they have hitherto necessarily been, by political agitation, to the injury of their material interests. I greatly regret that the op- portunity which I believe to exist for bringing about a system of religious equality in Wales, and thus removing one of the great barriers between classes here, strengthening, as I believe, the religious influence of all the Churches, largely, I fear, from the division, into sections, of the Liberal Party during the last Parliament, has been lost, probably for many years to come. With respect to the Temperance Cause, I, as I think you know, do not believe that legislation ever will be thorough or effective, till it is taken up as the principal measure of the Session, with the determination of the Government of the day to carry it through both Houses. But there is one portion of the question which any Government might deal-with, and this ought to be done in the coming Session, if Temperance reformers would but concentrate their efforts upon it,—I mean the absolute prohibition of the sale to children under 16 years of age, of intoxicating drinks for con- sumption either off or on the premises. In America, the sale to minors under 18 years of age is prohibited in nearly every State in the Union, and opinion is unanimous on this point and there is no part of the American legislation dealing with drink, which is more stringently enforced or with better results. It strikes at the evil at its source, and we ought to bend our whole efforts to get this reform carried in the approaching Ses- sion. It is hardly possible to speak in public just now, without a word on the threatening state of foreign politics. I trust we may avoid war, but, if we are to do so, our statesmen must be wise and our people must act with the utmost forbear- ance and consideration. A foolish speech might bring on a war, the limits of which it is impossible to foresee. It is very sad to find ourselves unexpectedly the objects of envy and hatred to so many-as we thought—friendly nations. But we should consider that, while the Channel preserves us from the pressure of conscription and large armies, we have, by the density of our population and its enterprise, been driven to take possession of an extraordinarily large portion of the most desirable parts of the world, suitable for white emigrants and foreign nations forget that, owing to Free Trade and our liberal institutions, all these advantages of trade and emigration are open to them, equally with themselves. I am afraid also that we are too arrogantly conscious of (and are ready to express our sense of) the vast- ness of our Empire and our own good qualities, to be altogether pleasant to our neighbours, or safe for the peaceful maintenance of our dominion. I think I have touched upon the points which you emphasised in your most kind address, and, while you greatly over-estimate any services I have been able to render, you rightly deal with sub- jects in which you and I have felt a deep interest, and on which I have aimed at rendering to you and the country faithful service. I have been very ambitious for Wales, and am very hopeful of her future, if she will only return to her policy fol- lowed under the leadership of Mr Henry Richard, —under whom I first served as a Welshman,—and substitute, for narrow and selfish divisions among Liberals, the union into one Party bound together by devotion to the great principles of civil and religious liberty. I have now only to repeat to you the expression of my warmest gratitude for your having given me the opportunity of trying to serve my country for 14 years in Parliament. This opportunity of active public work is rightly valued, by our fellow-countrymen, above rank, wealth, or honours. This opportunity and happi- ness you have given me; and I shall ever wish for Wales a continually increasing prosperity, cul- ture, and happiness—welfare,—which your devo- tion to religion, to education, and to family, coupled with your industrious prudent habits, fit you, as I am rejoiced to believe, to secure.—In conclusion Mr Rathbone warmly thanked the subscribers, on behalf of Mrs Rathbone and himself. Mr William Jones, M.P., rising, said that he was delighted to be able to say a few words as to the worth of Mr Rathbone's services. Foreign policies might come and foreign policies might go, but there was one policy that would continue, that of education, and with that policy Mr Rath- bone was identified.

North and South Wales Bank, Limited. The 60th annual meeting of the proprietors of the North and South Wales Bank, Limited, was held at Liverpool, on Tuesday, January 28th, Mr T. Brocklebank presiding. There was a crowded attendance.—The directors reported that the absence of profitable employment for money during the past year had had an unfavourable effect on the bank's profits. The gross profits, including the balance of £ 15,139 7s gd from last account, after deducting interest due to deposi- tors, rebate on bills not due, and making provision for losses, were £ 185,952 4s 5d deducting the total expenditure of the head-office, 62 branches, and 12 sub-branches, including salaries, directors' fees, rents, taxes, and other expenses amount- ing to £85.818 is 4d, and there remained £ 100,134 3s Id. Less dividends paid to pro- prietors, &c., viz.:—Half-year ended 30th June, 1895, dividend at 10 per cent per annum, £ 30,000, and bonus at 2! per cent. per annum, C,7,500 half-year ended 31st December, 1895, dividend at 10 per cent. per annum, £ 30,000, and bonus at 21- per cent. per annum, £ 7,500 income tax paid by bank, £4,399 6s. 4d.; written off bank build- ings, L2,000 leaving to be carried to next account, L18,734 16s. gd.-The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said Since I last had the pleasure of addressing you no notable event has happened in the banking world. We, in common with other banks throughout the country, have had the same difficulty in employ- ing our funds as we had in recent years, having, up to a few weeks before the close of the year, had large sums lying in London ol such unre- munerative rates as to f per cent., and it is melancholy, but it is true, that the average rate of discount for banker's bills has been only 16s. 3d. per cent., so the prediction I ventured to make at our last annual meeting has been amply verified by the subsequent course of events.—Mr Bulkelev Price seconded the motion. Mr R. W. Pearce congratulated the directors upon being able to pay so good a dividend out of the earnings of the year.—The report and balance-sheet were then unanimously adopted.—Mr John Bibby moved a hearty vote of thanks to the managers and officers of the bank, and declared that no institution had a more zealous or devoted body of officers.-Dr. Jones (Ruabon) seconded the motion, which was adopted and briefly acknowledge,l. -Messrs. William Watson and George Rae were re-elected directors, the latter to continue as managing director during his term of office.-Messrs. Har- mood, Banner, & Son, were appointed auditors. d Printed and Published by R. E. Jones & Brothers, at their Printing Works, 3, Rose Hill Street, 0mrr and Published at the Central Library, Colwyn BiLy.

AN ATTRACTIVE SALE NEXT TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY.—There is likely to be a good attend- ance at the sale of furniture and effects Mr F. A. Dew is conducting by Auction at Morannedd, Marine Road, Colwyn Bay, next Tuesday and Wednesday, February nth and 12th.—Mr Dew's two-days auction-last week, at the Public Hall, -of the furniture and effects from Bryndinarth, was a conspicuous success.-On February 20th, Mr Dew is holding at the Public Hall, one of his series of sales, for which he is now soliciting further entries. WELSH MEMBERS AND THE EDUCA- TIONAL QUESTION. THE ARMENIAN ATROCITIES. A public meeting was held, at the Public Hall, Colwyn Bay. on Wednesday evening, when speeches were delivered on the above question, by Mr J. Herbert Roberts, M.P.; and Mr J. C. Humphreys-Owen, M.P. At the hour announced for the commencement of the proceedings, 7.30, there was only a moderate attendance, which, however, subsequently was in- creased. The chair was occupied by the Rev Thomas Parry, J.P., A.C.C., who was supported, in addition to the two Welsh members, by the Rev Dr Cynhafal Jones, John Ed- wards, W. Evans Jones, and T. C. Roberts, and Messrs James Wood, John Roberts, and H. O. Hughes. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, said that during the last few weeks public attention had been very much occupied by events occurring abroad. Black clouds had been hanging in the North, South, East, and West, but (thank God) there were now prospects of sunshine, and they were able to look at home. They had not met there that evening for the purpose of attacking the policy of the Government. They were there entirely on the defence, because as Mr Asquith had said, they did not know what their policy was. [Laughter]. That day they found the Church of England and the Church of Rome united to compel the State to pay for the education of the young. He thought that they would all agree that they already had too much of the ratepayers' money to do as they liked with. The Church Party had over a thousand Schools under their control, and they would all agree that that ought not to be, and he hoped that they in Colwyn Bay would raise their voices against it that evening, and that at Rhyl, the following day, the whole of North Wales would do the same. [Applause]. They should raise a cry which even Lord Salis- bury and the Duke of Devonshire could not withstand. [Applause). He hoped that they might be made to listen. They certainly would be compelled to listen at some time or other. Even if the clouds were now black, they must not be discouraged, for sunshine would be certain to exist. Before the close of that meeting, they will have heard the views of their worthy Member and Mr Humphreys-Owen on the great and important questions at issue. In conclusion, the Chair- man remarked that it would be a great injustice to England to allow those two parties-the Church of England and the Church of Rome-to have sole control over the Eleinentary Schools. The Rev Cynhafal Jones then proposed the following resolution :—" That, inasmuch as an attempt is now being made to set aside the arrangement come to in 1870 on the subject of elementary education, in order to secure additional grants for sectarian schools, this meeting solemnly protests against extending any further aid, either from local rates or from the Exchequer. to any schools not under public control that we cannot but regard any proposal to extend further support to so-called Voluntary schools, and towards paying the salaries of teachers whose appointment or dismissal rests with denominational bodies, as an attempt to create a fresh endow- ment to religious denominations by the State, and therefore as being directly contrary to the principles of religious liberty and we therefore bind ourselves not to rest until our system of elementary education is perfected by placing all schools sup- ported from public funds under public control and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Education, and to our honourable member for this county." The reverend gentleman, in moving the resolu- tion, spoke briefly in the vernacular. The Rev John Edwards (Colwyn Bay), in seconding the resolution, said that he did not agree with all that had been published in the newspapers upon the question of Voluntary Education, and the articles which had from time to time appeared in the daily Press, had created a wrong impression in the minds of the public. In Colwyn Bay, while they had only one elementary school, they had many other schools, their town being considered one of the most important centres of education in North Wales. [Applause.] However, they had only one school available for the education of the children of artisans, and they must be very sensible or charitable, otherwise they would not be able to get along so well. Their Board and Infant Schools were second to none in the Princi- pality. [Applause,] They had a Higher Grade School at Colwyn Bay, and they were prouder of that than any. They had lost the Intermediate School, but they had got the Higher Grade. [Applause.] They had in their Board Schools a plan of religious instruction, and he would venture to state that there was no better plan in the whole of Wales. [Applause.] Furthermore, they had not experienced the least difficulty in getting the children to agree to that plan. There had only been one exception, and that was in the case of a Protestant's child brought up by a Roman Catholic. He expressed himself proud of the religious instruction given to the children attending the Board Schools at Colwyn Bay. The following resolution was then moved by Mr James Wood: That we regard with feelings of the deepest humiliation the failure of the British Government^to put an end, by diplomatic action, to the ruthless massacre of our fellow-Christians in Armenia. We feel it the more in view of the treaty responsibility undertaken by us. We call upon Ministers to join with the Powers of Europe, in giving a mandate to the Government of Russia [cheers] to enter Armenia and put an end to the foul cruelties perpetrated by Turks is that unhappy country." Mr Wood said that there was not a man, woman, or child, knowing anything at all about what had taken place in Armenia, who had not wept in secret and been troubled at heart to think that human beings should be subjected to such horrible cruelties at the hands of their fellow-creatures. The Rev T. C. Roberts having seconded this resolution, the Chairman called upon Mr Herbert Roberts, M.P., to address the meeting. Mr Herbert Roberts, who was received with loud and enthusiastic cheering, expressed the pleasure it gave him to find that they in Colwyn Bay had decided to take some definite action with regard to the Armenian question. He had had an opportunity lately of travelling in the East. He had seen a great deal, consequently it was likely that the horrors of the situation had been burning most vividly in his mind. He himself felt most strongly on this question, and he hoped that those present that evening held an equally strong feeling with regard to it. Most of his hearers had no doubt read the astounding remarks made by Lord Salisbury a fort- night ago, on the occasion of a banquet. They also must all remember his words when speaking in the Guild Hall, Lon- don, in November last. Both speeches were in an entirely different note, and the meaning of the first had been entirely whittled away by the last. It was not only Lord Salisbury who had noticed this, and brought the fact before the public, but it had been stated in a leading Unionist organ. The Observer, that the change of attitude of Lord Salisbury tended to lower the prestige of Great Britain. [Applause]. The speaker also could not agree entirely with the utterances of Mr Balfour at Bristol, on Monday evening. What did he say ? He said that, if Europe had failed to procure protection to outraged Armenians, we in England, at all events, were not to blame. Was that not the language and feeling of a coward school bov when afraid of the lash ? Such an utter- ance could hardlv have been expected from one of Her Majesty's Ministers. But Mr Balfour had said still more. He had said that were he a Turkish statesman anxious for the perpetuation of the empire of wh'ch he was a citizen, there was no part of contemporv history which he should regard as more full of omen for the future of his country than the change which had taken place in English public opin- ion on the subject of Turkey, in consequence of the events that had taken place in that country. Was that the way in which to settle the Eastern question ? Oh, no! Thousands and thousands of our fellow-creatures in Armenia, were dead and dying. Where they to stand unmoved and see all this going on ? It seemed to him that they were, under treaty, obliged to interfere. But, even if they were not, now that they had gone behind technicalities and diplomacy, it would be a lasting disgrace to Great Britain if they did not interfere. [Applause.[ Yes. and it would be a disgrace to the humanity of our country also. [Applause]. Speaking in support of the second resolu- tion. Mr Herbert Roberts said that he was pleased that that meeting had been held on the eve of the important demonstration at Rhyl. That evening they hoped to light a torch which, on the following day, would blaze at Rhyl. [Applause]. He hoped that the fire, when once lighted, could never be put out. [Applause]. At Abergele, the previous week, he had taken advantage of the opportunity afforded him of dealing with two aspects of the educational question. With their permission, he would deal with the religious aspect. In the first place, he wished to point out that Scotland had had great advantage over England and Wales. Scotland had had a start of about 250 years. They had passed a law whereby it was necessary to establish a school in every parish, and also imposing a tax 0 on land in each parish, in order to maintain those schools in working order. What, he asked, would be the present condi- tion of VVales if an elementary school had been established in every parish for the last 250 years ? If they had spent their money in maintaining these schools, instead of it having been wasted upon an institution which they could only regard as al en, and one which failed to do its duty. [Applause.] A few years ago he had found, upon referring to a Blue Book, that the number of children, aged over seven years, in elementary schools in Scotland, who were sufficiently well advanced in scientific subjects, was 100,000, out of 381,000, whereas, during the same year, in England, out of 2)467,000 children, only 56,000 were well advanced. The percentage was thus 28 per cent. in Scotland and only I per cent. in England. These figures clearly proved what abundant ser- vice 250 years of good sound elementary education would wT provecJ to the children of the land. However, they in Wales were rapidly making up for lost ground [Applause], and it was of the greatest importance that they should do nothing that would in any way interfere with the progress of elementary education in this country. Up to the beginning of the present century very little had been done as regards elementacy education. In 1798, a man, whose memory ought to be cherished in our hearts,—Joseph Lancaster [Applause], founded.a British and Foreign Schools Society, and in 1811 the National Society for the teaching of poor children the principles of the Church of England, was also founded. In the year 1883, the first Parliamentary Grant was made. From 1833 to 1870, the Grants increased from year to year, and they swelled until the thousands became millions. But, during the year 1838, a Bill was actuallv passed through the House of Commons, enabling localities to build schools out of the rates, thus anticipating by 31 years the great Act of 1870. but it was thrown out by the Lords. The more they examined the records of history the more numerous appeared the instances of injurious and retrogressive action by that Assembly in legislation. When they contemplated the revolution brought about in a quarter of a century by the Act of 1870 in the condition of the country, what would have been the result now had the principle of the Act been passed thirty-one years before ? [Cheers.] He contended that the moment State aid was called in there was created a right of adequate public control in the management of the schools. [Cheers.] The passing of Mr Forster's measure proved the failure of denominationalism to perform the duty of educating the children of the country, and the marvellous expansion of educational facilities during the last twenty-five years was a striking tribute to the power of national responsibility in education. But, in spite of all this, the compromise of .870 had more than once been broken in favour of the Chnrch Party, and it was proposed to break it again. For his own part, he could not agree to the view that even the compromise of 1870 could be allowed to stand for ever, and as war had been proclaimed by the other side, let it be war until every elementary school in the land was free in every sense of the word. [Loud cheers]. Alluding to the religious difficulty, he had not a little sympathy with the spirit of the utterance of the Duke of Devonshire, Hang I theology" [Laughter], but. as it held a leading place in the controversy, they were compelled to face it. Personally, he (Mr Roberts) thought that the Bible should be read and taught in its matchless simplicity and grandeur in all schools. [Hear, hear]. Their objections as Nonconformists lay only to the teaching of any particular creed or form of religion at the public!expense. It was alleged that the Voluntary Schools taught religion, and that the Board Schools did not. The Cowper-Temple clause in the Act of 1870 was, according to Canon Daniel, "an abiding and shameful monument of the sacrifice of principle to the exigencies of party," and Dean Gregory, a leading spirit of the National Society, had said that Nothing has done more to sap the religious faith, to injure the moral condition, and to lower the social status of the country than the Act of 1870." A truly Christian sentiment forsooth [Laughter]. In reply to these discreditable state- ments, he quoted the opinion of the Archbishop of Canterbury and ther leading Churchmen, that the religious education in Board schools was satisfactory. But there was something to be said on the other side. Was it a fact that religion, pure and undefiled, was always taught in the Church schools? That was not the opinion of a leading Liverpool clergyman, who said not long ago that the teaching in many Church schools is religious so far as its title goes on circular reports and so forth, but as given by the teacher and received by the children it is too often purely academic, not to say grossly irreligious." And yet the clerical party had the hardihood to agitate for an up- heaval of the whole system of elementary education on the plea that the country was becoming Godless, because the principles of the Church of England were not taught in the Board schools of the country. In conclusion, hclsked which party had proved itself most worthy to speak in this name of religion. which side had done most for religion and morality in Wales during the present ceutury. He answered without hesitation that it was those who, under Divine blessing, through the principles of Dissent, had raised the country from the shadow of spiritual death, had awakened it to a sense of its self-respect, and had taught it to tread the ways ot freedom. Let them be true to their principles, and their final triumph was assured. [Loud Cheers.] Mr Humphreys-Owen, M.P., followed, and said that Colwyn Bay might be proud of the fact that they were the first who had passed a resolution casting aside all- apprehension of the power of Russia, and calling upon the Government to stop the misrule of Turkey in Armenia. [Cheers.]. Referring to the education question, he remarked that the bishops made a point of the terrible number of children in Wales who grew up without any religious teaching in schools, and that statement was believed in England, where it was thought the Government would hit Wales hard on the point. He urged that the people of Wales should not be content until they had done their utmost to strengthen the hands of those within the Government who might perhaps have some power of checking the hands of Lord Salisbury, but they must have the voice of united Wales to effect any good. [Cheers] They must fight hard, and insist upon absolute and complete equality in the schools, as they wished to have it for the nation at large. -[Cheers.]. The resolutions were then put to the meeting and carried with acclamation, and copies of them were ordered to be sent to Lord Salisbury, Mr. Chamberlain, and Sir William Harcourt. Upon the motion of Mr. John Roberts, seconded by Mr. Nunn, a vote of thanks was accorded the Members of Parliament present, for their addresses. The usual vote of thanks to the chairman, closed the meeting.