Rhyl Journal

,d I". LOCAL NOTES. l \t the last meeting of the Rhyl Council there was considerable talk respecting the laying out of the "rounds at the Marine Lake, and it was hinted that this was the wrong time of the year to carry out the work. Those who feel an interest in the Lake and its surround- ings should take a walk arouud the margin at the present time. There is no doubt as to the wisdom of the course adopted by the Road Committee, which was so closely questioned at the last monthly meeting. The grounds of the lake have been planted with additional trees and the entrance has been much improved by the erection of dwarf railings at a point which had suffered in the past through being trampled on. The expenditure of a few pounds has made a change for the better in the appearance of the lake grounds. The Council should go a little further and fill up the hollow along the railway embankment. That is a part seen by hundreds of people each week, yet it is the most naked and barren portion of the grounds. Next week the first of the lectures connected with the Gilchrist Trust is to be delivered in Rhyl by the Secretary. The lecture will be an explanatory address to working men and others as to what are the objects of the course of scienti%; lectures which will be delivered during the early part of the new year. It is fortunate for this town that Rhyl has been added to the list of places in which lectures will be delivered, and it is to be hoped that the Committee having charge of the arrangements will so fix the time for the lectures that residents in the outlaying districts will be able to attend without incon- venience. The chief object of the lectures is to enable the working classes to educate and im- prove themselves, and the Trustees make it a condition in granting a course of lectures that the majority of those attending shall be admit- ted on payment of not more than one penny. It is to be hoped that there will be a large at- tendance at the opening meeting, which will be held at the Town Hall on Tuesday. The present should be a very favourable period of the year fur our new Town Surveyor to discover the spots in the pavements of the town which required attention. Pedestrians on a wet day have not the slightest difficulty in locating the pools of water which stand on the worn-out footways, but officials of public bodies as a rule do not as readily find out these un- comfortable places. A few hours spent out of doors on a wet day would give the Town Surveyor and members of the Road Committee food for reflection for many weeks to come. It is almost impossible in tine weather to place at their true wretchedness the neglected portions of the parapets in the public streets. If a little energy was shown at the present time the Council might do a great deal towards putting the pavements of the principal streets in good order by the commencement of the next season. It is a matter which calls for attention. The War Fund at Rhyl amounted yesterday to £215 18s 3d. The other evening a poor woman came into collision with a milk cart in Brighton Road, upfJusite the C. M. Chapel, was thrown down, and was soon lying in a pool of blood, with a ,aslt iLl her head. We lIlay add that for a main thoroughfare through which the bulk of the vehicular traffic is carried on towards the Gladstone Bridge and the country, this street 2C badly lighted. Whilst there are two in- candescent lamps fixed between High Street, atid Bath Street in a parallel street there is not one in Brighton Road, though the trattic is much greater. A good many of the householders have just 'ca.uw for complaint of the impudent conduct itinerant vendors of various commodities and articles The foreign onion merchants arc particularly offensive. Their habit is to jirotrude the pules on which their edibles are hanging into doorways, and prevent the person •sewering the door closiiig the same as long as the cajoler has a'mind to keep it open. Per- haps someone may be found who will give one of these fellows an efficient rebuff one of these days. The war fever appears to be now at boiling lieat, and some persons, judging from the interest they appear to be taking in the arri- val and purchase of evening editions, appear to be living for the devouring the reduudent repetitions of news from South Africa. For the time of the year the weather is re- markably fine, and what is of quite equal impor- tance is the fact that this locality is so very free from the fog which in inland district so frequently accompanies such humid atmospheric conditions.

CONNAHS QUAY. ON Wednesday a grand soiree wss held at the Liberal Club, and a local paper says that Mr Samuel Smith, M.P., graced the proceedings with his presence." The hon. gentleman spoke of his recent visit to America, and said that the Americans were temperate people; they drank less than the people of this country they lived well and dressed well, and turned out on Sundays like gentlemen.

ABERGELE. HKKK de Mersy's band from Rhyl has visited the town several times lately, and its music is much enjoyed. Oi.d W. Row!ands, a well-known and also well- spoken chimney sweeper, has entered his last home. ON Wednesday next the meet of the hounds will be at Coed Coch, and on Saturday at Bodelwyddan village.

The Colwyn Bay War Fuud stood on Tuesday last at B450. The Bishop of St. Asaph and Mrs Edwards have left the Palace, St. Asaph, for Lisbon, owing to the sudden death of Mr W. J. Garland, Mrs Edwards's father. At Penmaenmawr opposition had been offered at the Council to the fixing of sweetmeat machines on the promenade on the ground that they are used on Sundays, and so encourage Sunday Trading. But the tli) rent per annum was too great a bait, and the machines were allowed. The Law has a long arm, but occasionally it takes some time to stretch it to the gripping point. The Leicester Guardians have realised this. They for months refused, on conscientious grounds," to appoint a vaccination officer. At last a writ of mandamus was issued. They then swallowed their principles" and made the appointment. But one member of the Abervstwith Boird of Guardians spoke against giving the poor people in the Workhouse some beer with their Christmas dinner, and the drink aras allowed. There has been a good deal of writing about Wales lately. Of course, it is impossible to eclipse the monumental work raked together by the members of the Welsh Land Commission, who have davoted treatises to every subject, from a mole to a lordly estate, but the Water Bill which the London County Council intend to promote in Parliament Bext session, in order to obtain their water supply from Wales, certainly promises to be of similar magnitude to the scheme itself. The book of the plans and sections has been in course of preparation for many months, and in its complete form make a bulky volume of 8(34 pages. All the properties from which land has to be pur- chased are dealt with, and detailed surveys have been made of an area of 29,232 acres affected bv the watar scheme. An idea of the vastness of the enterprise may be formed when the length of the main aqueduct-162 miles—is considered At a meeting of the Wrexham Town Council a letter was read from the Board of Trade in reply to an application under the Corporation Electric Lighting Order, 1897, to remain in force for a further period of two years as from the 15th July last, stating that they did not appear to have power to extend the time prescribed by the order for the completion of the compulsory works, but that they would defer the consideration of the question of revoking the order for a period of twelve mouths from November 18th. The Town Clerk further reported that sanction to the loan of E20,000 for electric lighting had been received from the Local Government Board, the time allowed for repayment being 25 years. We are advancing now well into December, with the weather remaining open, pretty much as at the corresponding periods of the two preceeding years. Not only so, but the season so far has been exceedingly favourable for stock, which, wita the aid of few roots and a little bay, have been enabled to remain pretty much in the field, to the saving of the ricks. Wheat sowing has pro- gressed most favourably, and accounts from all parts describe tho young plants as looking strong nnd healthy. There is, however, plenty yet to be done on the stubbles, and finishing off wheat sowing, but with the present prospects the work should go on steadily and comfortably. The flocks of breeding ewes are reported to be doing well, having so far been spared the necessity of excessive root feeding. An extraordinary occurrence is reported at the electric light works of the Chester Corporation. Late on Thursday night it was found that some- thing was wrong with a concrete bed eight feet in depth supporting the two most recently fitted boilers. On Friday the cement became red hot, and it was evident that the bed was on fire. Apart from its mysterious origin, it was found impossible to cope with the outbreak. Every effort was made to cool the over-heated mass, but without avail, and it was found necessary to have the two boilers pulled down. The concrete contains a certain percentage of ash, which un- doubtedly gets heated, but there is nothing in this occurrence to shatter the accepted theory of rendering buildings fireproof by means of concrete walls ard floors. It is quite possible to make concrete entirely of non combustible materials. So far we have only heard of one similar case, and that occurred at the Lambeth Waterworks in London. wherp the consequences were much more serious than they are at Chester. The removal and renewal of the concrete bed will take about a month or six weeks. The Rev Canon Fletcher, of Wrexham, was invited to preach in the Eaton Chapel, on Sunday evening, by the Duke of Westminster. The rev gentleman took Prayer for his subject. A well-known local celebrity in the person of Mrs Mary Jonas died ou Monday evening, at the house of her daughter, Mrs Barnett, Queen street, Chester. Mrs Jonas bad been the mother of no fewer than a3 children. She was 87 years of age, y n and until recently had enjoyed excellent health. The ligbting-up time to-day is 4.27, and during the coming week it will be about a minute earlier one day after another. The living of Trefnant has been conferred on the Rev Thos. Williams, Vicar of Llandrillo. Edeyrnion. Mr Williams is a native of Prestatyn. In order to provide a counter attraction to the public -house, and to secure reasonable recreation for the workpeople employed at Fleet Works, St. Albans, Herts, belonging to Smith's Printing and Publishing Agency, Mr Thomas Smith, the senior partner, who is well known as a successful Adver- tising Agent in Fleet street, and also as proprietor of Great Thoughts," has bought a site and has erected thereon an attractive building, which, fully equipped and furnished as an up-to-date club and institution, has been vested in trustees for the use of the employees of Fleet Works, the sole condi. tion being the prohibition of intoxicating liquors on the premises. The management is invested in a committee of the employees, and the firm, as distinguished from Mr Smith personally, has guaranteed an endowment of 150 per annum. Thus have the interest of capital and labour been joined by another chain in the link that already binds them. Fleetville, as the little colony around the works is called, was en fete on Saturday last, when the building was declared open by the Mayor of St, Albans (H. J. Toulmin, Esq ). The Christmas number of Scribner's this year contains several striking novelties in illustra- tion. The methods are not only new, but the results are in every way artistic. Walter Apple- ton Clark's pictures, which accompany Harrison Morris's Balad of Three Kings, are as rich in colour as an old stained-glass window. The original pictures have been reproduced with absolute fidelity, so that there are none of the violent contrasts of colour so often seen when a paintiug is reproduced by modern processes of printing. The Six Short Stories are oflgreat variety in sentiment and subject. There are love stories, eccentric comedies and character studies. The whole question of Antarctic exploration is prominent at the present time by reason of several projected expeditions. Dr. F. Cook, who recently returned with the Belgica expedition, f writes of tbe possibilities of future expedition?, and Albert Whitu Vorse reviews America's past r achievements in Antarctic exploration. (Profusely I illustrated from Dr Cook's photographs.) Augustine Birrell, the English essayist and member of Parliament, contributes a review of John Wesley as a force in the development of British national iife in the ISth century Last week the Llandudno War Fund ex- ceeded £ 600, and since then it has been augmented.

FLINT. M rr.K ADULTERATION".—At Flint the adjourned prosecution of John Hughes, Maesydre Farm, Flint, for selling milk adulterated with 8 per cent. of added water was heard. Mr Bromley appeared for the prosecution, and Mr T W Hughes defended. The case had been adjourned in order that further analysis might be made of samples of milk taken from two separate cows. The certificates were now produced. The white cow's milk, which was alleged to produce the weak milk upon which the prosecution was based, showed 4 45 per cent. of fat, and 7'8 per cent. of non-fatty solids. The sample would require the removal of 34 per cent. of cream in order to reduce it to thp onalitv of the sample on which the prosecution was based in other respects it was of similar quality, i.e, it did not show the addition of any water. The sample of the red cow's milk showed 8T per cent, of fat and 9"92 per cent, of non-fatty solids. It was a sample of most exceptionally rich milk. Mr Bromley contended that he was entitled to a con- viction. Mr Hughes contended that as they were charged with adding water, and not with removal of cream, the prosecution failed. The certificate of the public analyst had answpred the charge. The bench were of opinion that the prosecution had proved their case, and imposed a fine of 203 and costs. Mr Huehes asked for a case, which was granted.

COLWYN BAY. MR PORTER'S DEATIL-This took place on Sun- day morning. ISuffering from an internal complaint, Mr Porter underwent an operation on Monday week, and though there was every expectation that his robust constitution would speedily counteract the attendant weakness the patient became worse towards the end of the week, and succumbed on Sunday. Mr Porter, who was a native of Perth- shire, was in his 73rd year. He came to Colwyn in 1865, when on the site of the present town only one house and the toll-bar stood. Consequently, his long residence in the locality, and the active part he took in the development of Colwyn Bay, entitled him to be called-as he often was-" the father of Colwyn Bay." On his advent to the district he acted as agent to Mr, afterwards Sir, John Pender, owner of Pwllycrochan estate. He occupied the house of that name, which he subse- quently purchased and converted into a hotel. In public affairs Mr Porter proved a most useful man, and though a strong Conservative, in local matters he enjoyed the confidence and respect of Liberals no less than of members of his own party. For upwards of 30 years he was a warden of Llau- drillo Church, he was a magistrate for Denbigh- shire, and a member of the Urban District Council from the time the affairs of that body were managed by a sanitary committee only. He was also chairman of the Gas Company, a member of the Cowlyd Water Board, and an ex-member of the School Board. He leaves a widow and six children, with whom widespread sympathy is felt. His sons are well known in the district. The funeral took place on Wednesday at Llandrillo, and was largely attended. The Vicars of Old Colwyn and Colwyn Bay officiated.

CONWAY. POLIn; COURT.—Mack Hurietz, a Jewish com- mercial traveller, of 24 Clarence,street, Man- chester, was charged with travelling without a ticket from Llandudno Junction to Deganwy with intent to avoid payment of the tare. The defendant did not appear, but sent a letter stating that he was ill. Mr Fenna appeared to prosecute on behalf of the Railway Company. Edgar S Swann, special ticket examiner, stationed at Rhyl, said that on September 11 he was examining tickets of passengers by the 10-30 a.m. special from Llandudno Junction at Deganwy, when the defendant offered to pay the fare from the Junction. The witness refused to accept the money, as defendant could not produce a platform ticket or a ticket from some other station. The defendant said he had lost a retnrn half of a ticket to Rhyl. William G Hudson, special ticket examiner, of Bangor, also gave evidence, and the Bench fined the defendant 40s and costs, together with advocate's fee and costs incurred at the previous Court, the total being £ 5 14s,Thomas Parry, Bangor-road, was fined 5s and costs for selling fireworks to a child under the age of 13 year. -N,lagnits Hendricksen. Sigurd Simmensen, unl Andrew Johansen, sailors from the barque Ruth in Conway Harbour, were summoned for drunkenness and disorderly conduct in the town on November 25. In consideration of this being their first offence and of their being foreigners the summonses were withdrawn on their agreeing to pay the costs.—For riding a horse to Llaubedr Fair on October 3 when it was suffering from a wound under the saddle, Hugh Parry, farmer, of Bettws-yn-Rhos, was fined 10s and costs. The ease was proved by Inspector Toyne, of the R.S.P.C. A.

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WREXHAM. THE MARKET.— Being the annual Christmas fat stock show and sale, the Market on Monday was full of stock. The beef was of exceptional quality, and the demand was wonderfully keen, the best beast making X32, while the average all round was very high, Over 250 fat beasts were shown in one auction, and neirly every one changed hands. The sheep were also of excellent quality, although the Welsh wethers shewed a slight falling Off. Some good dairy cows were exhibited, and ten of the best averaged quite £19. A number of two-year-old heifers realised Cl9 10s each, while ten yearling bullocks averaged £ 19. Calves sold remarkably well, making up to £6 7s 6d, Welsh wethers ranged up to 41s each, Scotch wethers up to 61s, and other breeds up to 58s. The show of beef was the biggest ever seen in Wrexham Smith. field, and the clearance was a grand one.

LIST OF VISITORS. Pen-y-Don—W H Longmore, Esq, Bournmouth; Mrs Lee, Southport; W H Ryland, Esq, B'iiam Mrs Ryland do Dr E A Trevelyan, Leeds. The Grosvenor, 12 East Parade—-Ceo Bakewell, Esq, Nlrs & j\LIasters!Bakeivell, Miss Toft, Longton; Miss Parkes, Longton MissesBakewell (3), Stoke- on-Trent Miss Kate Bakewell, do Miss Booth, London; Mrs Rolands, Rhyl J Hollins, Esq, Mrs Hollins, Master Hollins, York. 68 West Parade—Rev Henry and Mrs Lee.

DEATH. EVANS.—At her late residence, 32 Kinmcl Street Anne, relict of Evan Evans, for many years (iood a Manager at Rhyl Station, and subsequentl Y Manager of the Rhyl District Water Company, passed away in her 82nd year on December 6th. [IN MKMOKIAM]. In loving memory of Nellie, eldest daughter of H. and E. Jones, 15 Ffynnongroew Road, who died December 2nd, 1895.

PRESTATYN. THE NEW Towx HALL.-lr Thomas Jones, builder, has commenced the erection of the Town Hall. The building will be erected on the east side of High-street, opposite Penisa'r Dre. RAILWAY IMI-KOVKMENTS.—The London and North Western Railway Company are erecting more buildings near the Railway Station, between the main line and the loop to Dyserth. The Stationmaster's house is also rapidly progressing towards completion, and between Prestatyn and Rhyl extensive widening operations are going on. The Railway Company are spending a lot of money in this district at the present time. ENTERTAINMENT IN AID OF THE WAR FUND.—; In these days when almost every town of any importance is raising funds to help the suflerers by the War, it is felt that Prestatyn should not be behind in doing something in that direction. Recently a movement was set on foot to hold an entertainment in aid of the funds, and Lord Mostyn on being approached readily gave his patronage. Mr Martin O'Connor also placed the Victoria Hall at the service of the Committee. Many ladies and gentlemen volunteered to help. Mr Warfolk (Secretary). The entertainment was held last evening. The interior of the Victoria. Hall was handsomely decorated for the occasion by the lady members of the Committee, flowers, flags i &c, being lent by many friends. The room was 1 crowded, and the proceedings were of a most en- thusiastic character. The programme opened with the National Anthem, after which the instrumen- tal trio Habanera was given by tho following Violin, Miss Sharon Helsby 'cello, Miss Winifred Helsby; castanets, &c, Miss Hilda Howell Roberts; accompanist, Miss Minna Williams. Mr Randell Harries then sang" lily beloved Queen,' and was followed by 11 iss g Briggs. who sang with splen- did voice" Vainkas Song," for which she was re- called. Mr Howcroft Dawson contributed a humorous song It does go," which was much ap- preciated; the trio Serenata-de (Jonrloliore was then given by the Misses Palmer and Smith (man- dolines), Miss Sharon Helsby (violin), and Miss Briggs (accompanist). Afte Miss \V Welsby had I y sang, "On the Zuyder Zee," Mrs McLennan and Mr J Banks gave with fine effect the quarrel scene from School for Scandal." The second part opened with a trio Overture des Marionettes." by Miss Sharon Helsby, Miss W Helsby, Miss H Howes-Roberts, and Miss Minna Williams. Miss W Welsby having sung Farewell, 0 dream of mine," Miss H, Briggs and Mr Percy Ashfield per- formed the sketch" A pair of Lunatics." This was received with outbursts of appreciative applause, the local fi hits in particular being well received. The piece was capitaly acted, Mrs McLenean next recited in an able manner Kipling's poem, "The Absent-Minded Beggar." It was received with much applause, and a sub- stantial sum was afterwards collected in aid of the War Fund. Mr Dawson was very successful in Soldiers of the Queen," and Miss E. Briggs was encored for her rendering of "Home Sweet Home." After the passing of votes of thanks, the proceedings closed with humoious selections by Mr Howcroft Dawson.

BETHEL CHAPEL CONCERT. Last evening, at the Town Hall, a concert was held in connection with Bethel C.M. Chapel, Vale road, Rhyl. There was a large attendance. Mr Edward Roberts (Cefndy) and Alr T. J. Williams (Golden Boot) had charge of the arrangements, and they carried through the concert most successfully. The following ladies had done all that was possible in the selling of tickets to ensure a good attendance:—Mrs Griffiths, 23 West Parade, Miss Hughes, 27 West Paade, Miss Parry, Fron Alun, Miss Edwards, Meddock Villa' Miss Jones, 5 Prince's street, Mrs Williams; Chapel House, and Mrs Roberts, William street. Mr E. P. Jones had been announced to preside, but, being unable to be present, his place was filled by Mr. J. Roberts-Jones, who dis- charged the duties of chairman with ability. In opening the proceedings he expressed regret that Mr. E. P. Jones could not be there, and added that he felt that he could not refuse to end a helping hand, when asked to do so, to the old chapel in Vale-road, (applause). They should not forget what Methodism in Rhyl owed to Bethel. One face they missed at that gather- ing that night, and he was sure that the friends at Bethel one and all deeply regretted the death of their old friend Mr Edward Morgan.-I he programme was ably sustained, several of the items being evidently much appreciated, and encores were demanded. Miss Nellie Owen was the accompanist. The programme was as follows Violin solo, Washington Post March." Mr Harvey Davies, (Rhyl) song The Sailor's grave," Mr Allen Davies (Newmarket) song Bid me to love." Miss Loui Williams, (West Parade) song Yr Ornest." Mr W T Parry, (Newmarket) glee Star of Descending Night." Mr Isaac Jones and party; song "The dashing White Sergeant (encored) Miss Mary Lacgdon (Liverpool); song, "Y Plentyn a'r Gwlith," Mr Allen Davies song, Gwraig y lxlorwr" (encored) Miss E Williams (Holyhead); song, "The song that reached my heart" (encored), Miss Ada Wil- liams (Newtown) song, Merch y Cadben," Mr W T Parry; duett, Ar lan afonydd Babel," Messrs Davies and Parry sonsr, Minstrel Boy," Miss Mary Langdon song, Gwlad y Delyn" (encored), Llinos Clwycl (Newtown); violin solo, Welsh Airs," Mr Harvey Davies; song, "Oh, Happy Young Heart" (encored), Miss M Langdon; glee, Yr Haf," Mr Isaac Jones and party song, Y Penill Adroddai fy Nhad," Miss Williams song, Neges y Blodeuyn," Miss Ada Williams duett, "When peace like a river" (encored), Misses M C and A Hughes. During the interval Mr Hugh Jones proposed the usual votes of thanks.

CYCLING NEWS & GOSSIP. ) Cycle polo is now becoming a, very popular turn at the London Halls, and also at many important variety houses on the continent. During the past few weeks the International Bicycle Polo teams have given some excellent shows finishing up at Collins's Music Hall Islington. The teams consist of the brothers Watson representing England, and E. Greenfield and H. Harding representing Australia, and so evenly are the teams matched that on many occasions they score the same number of points. The marvellous way in which they avoid spills on the small space provided for their play and the ingenuous method they adopt in the use of the back wheel as a means of scoring difficult shots draws forth no end of applause from the interested spectators. Cycle racing looks like being particularly slack in Europe during the off season, even Paris the home of the professionals is without an indoor track; consequently the different cracks are spread- ing themselves out in different districts where rmall indoor meetings are held. Three of the best European sprinters viz Tommaselli (the Italian oil and winner of the Paris Grand Prix) Meyers (the champion of Holland) and G. A. Banker the ex-mile champion of the world, recently sailed for America, their intention being to com- pete in a series of matches and races in the princi- pal towns. As showing the popularity of Dunlop tyres it is of interest to note that of 1194 machines exhibited at the National Show at the Crystal Palace, no t-ss than 751 were fitted with the first and fore- n)ost tyre. One of the marked features of the recent cycle Shows was the comparative absence of long cranks and big gears. To those who recall the long and highly technical controversy which arose out of Mr. Crompton's advocacy of the long crank and heightened gear last season, it is remarkable that the matter should have quietly petered out in this fashion. The truth is, practical cyclists of the hard road-racing school never favoured abnor- mal length of crank or height of gear,and although a challenge was thrown down by the long crank advocates, for a practical test of their efficacy, over one hundred miles on the road, by means of a race between selected long and medium crank riders, it was fenced about with so many onerous conditions that it fell through—much as the practical adoption of this combination appears to have done. Motors are now demonstrating in remarkable fashion, the vast improvements in design and mechanism, which have taken place within the period since the first motor show at Sydenham, in the Spring of 189(5. These three and a-half years have been productive of a wonderful advance and the popularity of the motor is becoming every day firmer rooted. Many of the carriages seen about now. convey some of the most delightful ideas of luxurious ease, coupled with efficiency, and when the high rate of speed at which these cars can travel over long distances-some of the motorcars in the recent celebration of the anniversary of Emancipation day, did the journey from London to Brighton under three hours-it is pretty evident that motors, like cycles, have come to stay. The motorist seems now to secure a good share of attention from the often too zealous constable. In all parts of the country the chauffeur" is now a familiar figure in the police courts. The other day at Grantham two motor drivers were fined 20s. each including costs for furiously riding motor tricycles. The usual police evidence was of course brought forward, when one officer swore that the machines were travelling at fully eighteen miles an hour and despite the evidence by the defence which proved that the riders slowed down considerably when they entered Grantham, in order to look for a certain shop, which they could not expect to find if they went at a rate of eighteen miles per hour, the police evidence pre- I vailed and the mayor said that the bench were determined to put down this dangerous practice. It is stated on'very good authority that our three English racing motorists,—Messrs Edge, Jarrott and Wridgway, intend to devote their attentions to road racing in Paris and district next season. All the three are to have special racing cars built, the horse-power being somewhere in the neighbourhood of twenty. The race of the year on the Continent, the Paris Roubaix, should prove exceptionally interesting in 1900 and the time of the winner will in all probability be a startling one. Wridgeway is well accustomed to rl the Parisian roads and having spent a couple of years in Paris, he is well accustomed to the tricki- ness of the fast road work, while both Messrs Edge & Jarrott have had a little experience over the same route. „ Sydney Jenkins the one and five miles N.C.U. professional champion has won 10 firsts 11 seconds, 12 thirds and eight fourths, not being placed below the last named position during the past season— j He rides Duulops. j Undoubtedly this year will be known in cycling f history as the free-wheel and brake year.\ Never I since the institution of the pastime has so much I intelligent attention been bestowed upon brakes. The brake in former years was simply an acces- sory, and for years the old weak plunger brake which drove a rubber-lined spoon down upon the tyre to the injury of the tread, and to the weak brake-rod if much pressure was used, sufficed. It was, at best, a poor contrivance, and besides putting a great strain upon the hands on a long hill, was never really thoroughly reliable as an adequate braking force. Now it is doomed to extinction, and rim and band brakes, foot and hand actuated, of the most powerful class and marvels of ingenious mechanism, are found in quite bewildering profusions fitted to machines. Unquestionably, among rims the rim brake of the Bowden system is the most popular and uni- versal, just as among free-wheel devices, the Morrow roller clutch gear seems to be the accepted pattern for free-wheels. But there are some very clever contrivances in band brakes, and after the practical disuse of band brakes for so long, the revival is remarkable. There is no doubt that < hnnd brake is one of the most, if not the most effective types, but the old objection was that when the len fher band became impregnated with oil which from the hubs, and when its flexible steel support lost its "life" and became stretched and worn,the leather band became worthless as a retard- ing force.when brought in contact with the friction polished surface of the drum face. In semi-rural West Ham an amount of en- lightenment, not always associated with extra- mural districts, has been displayed. The West Ham Gas Works Company has mounted all its tamp-lighters on bicycles. These men have proved themselves apt pupils, and now it is quite a com- mon thing in this particular district to see these useful servants careering along at ten miles an hour, extinguishing the street lamps en passant. The lamp-lighter has grown so expert that he can extinguish the lights without dismounting. Two cyclists on tour recently had a strange-ex. perience. The shades of night had already fallen, and the heavy ground-mists associated with the open country in early winter stole white and silent from the sodden earth, enveloping them in its mystic folds. The yielding soil gave forth no reasonance, and the dreary outlcok was such as was congenial to the growth of an eerie train of thought. These two wayfarers were, in fact, benighted. They had lost their bearings, and the leaden pall overhead did not allow them to steer by the stars. Suddenly, they emerged upon a small hamlet—a little belated aggregation of cottages. On all sides their vision was bounded by the same mist-enshrouded country, and the horizon was hidden in a wraith-like pall. As they dismounted and one of them removed his lamp, for the purpose of consulting the map, it almost fell from his chilled fingers as a succession of piercing shrieks came from the cottage farthest from them. Then there was silence, and once again the awful cries rang out upon the heavy air. Each wheelman sought to hide his trepidation from his companion. A hurried consultation and then they determined to demand admittance and thrust their vigorous personalities between the victim and the perpetrators of what might be, happily, anuncon- summated crime With vigorous hand-shakes they battered upon the flimsy door demanding instant admittance. A ruddy,shock-headed youth cautious- ly opened, and fully conscious of what was expected of them, they did not blench at the dark crimson stain which flowed from beneath the doorway. To gain the inner space was the work of a moment, and there, lying cold and motionless in the weak glamour of the waning light, they came upon the white corpse of a recently-slaughtered pig. On Saturday November 25th, Teddy Hale, the English Century rider, had completed 10,200 miles. Hale says that now he has got seasoned to his "job" only accidents will prevent him completing his self-imposed task. His Dunlop tyres are serving him admirably. When one considers how many facilities are afforded the ready and resourceful thief, it is marvellous that cycle thefts are not more rife than they are. It is nothing to the credit of many thoughtless wheelmen that crime does not stalk rampant through the length and breadth of the land. It is that the pastime of the wheel engen- ders an unbounded belief in the integrity of our fellow men? It must be so, and, if all were cyclists, no doubt Utopia and Arcadian simplicity —when, as in mythical times, choicest diadems were hung, or might have been hung, it's all the same, on bramble bushes, as there were none to confiscate—would become a possibility. But it is the old theorem which may be modernised thus. Some has machines, and no brains, and some has brains and no machines." The transition is Dbvious, without the corrollary. These reflections are kindled by the observation of the remarkable ease with which a cycle may be purloined. Only recently, on a Sunday morning, outside a hostelry, where cyclists mostly do con- gregate, a singularly impudent theft was com- mitted. A famous rendezvous Streatham way, is noted for the excellence of its cheer, and machines, literally in dozens, bestrew the approaches, what time the thirsty wheelmen slack their thirst, and talk about friction-clutches and things, inside. From the East there arrived, little noticed, a cyclist faultlessly dressed but possessed of a sorry old crock which he negligently placed in among 11 171 the others. He then went in to have a drink, and having noticed a party of well dressed riders come in clamouring to be served, he silently stole away, appropriating the best mount that was handy, and, with an air of monchalance, giving the ostler some loose coppers, he rode off with a sixteen guinea mount. His derelict crock still awaits an owner. Another case of a somewhat similar nature has been recently reported from the Birmingham Quarter Sessions. A careless cyclist made a call and left his mount in the custody of two small boys. *A needy adventurer, having observed this, came out wiping his mouth, and having tipped the lads a copper each, mounted the machine and rode away in the most unconcerned fashion. But, we are glad to relate in this case, Justice laid him by the heels. A. E. Walters, the Polytechnic professional has been the most successful of the English racing cracks during the season, and strange to say he has won all his races on the Continent— £ 2000 is the amount of his winnings, all of which have been gained on Dunlop tyres. The Bath Road Club are making an appeal to cyclists to open their bountiful purse and subscribe liberally to the Ripley Roadmencler's fund. This fund has been in existence for a number of years, and its object is to provide the men employed on the llipley Road with a good dinner and a pleasant sing song afterwards. Of late years the appeal of the club has been so well responded to, that after covering the expenses connected with the feed, sufficient money has been left over for sending a lumber of roadmenders to the Surrey Convales- cent Home at Seaford, should they be unfortunate enough- to meet with illness. More especially to those who enjoy a spin over the splendid surface of this famous highway is this appeal made. -=-=-==-

i'IG WITH A TRUNK, Mr. G. Jackson, of the Port Admiral Hotel, near Preston, has (says the Liverpool Post) a sow which lately gave birth to a pigling with a trunk over 2in. long, and resembling in shape exactly the trunk of an elephant.

Lord Roseberry has forwarded £2õ for the Metropolitan and City Police funds as a mark of appreciation of the police arrangements on the occasion of the wedding of his daughter. James Baker, a waterman, and his wife, of Devonport, were quarrelling in drink, and Bakei stabbed the woman in several places about the neck. Mrs. Baker was removed to the hospital, and he husband was arrested.

Rhyl Tide Table for December. Morning. Evening. H M ft. in. if. Al ft. in. 8 Friday 210 16 2 -2 34 17 3 9 Saturday 0 I;) 3 3 28 19 2 10 Sunday 3 58 14 2 4 31 ]."> 4 11 Monday 5 8 13 S 5 45 15 I 12 Tuesday 624 13 9 ();í7 15 1 13 Wednesday 7 30 14 4 8 0 15 7 14 'Thursday 8 29 15 (i 8 5(5 1(5 15 Friday 9 21 19 (j !) 41j W <) ) f) a.turday 10 9 17 1 10 31 J7 0 17 Sunday 10 53 J7 4 11 H 17 5 18 Monday I I 30 17 -1 11 Ii.) 17 S 19 Tuesday II 55 17 2 ]•_> 14 17 (i 20 Wednesday 12 33 16 7 12 51 17 21 Thursday I 8 15 11 1 25 16 4 22 Friday 43 15 1 2 1 15 9 23 Saturday 2 14 2 37 15 2 24 Sunday 2 55 13 4 11) 14 25 Monday 3 40 12 7 4 ti 13 4 26 Tuesday 4 33 11 10 5 6 12 8 27 Wednesday 5 42 11 8 6 20 12 8 28 Thursday 6 55 12 3 7 28 13 2 29 Friday 8 I 13 8 S 27 14 5 30 Saturday 8 ."4 I -) I 9 19 15 8 31 Sunday m 9 16 10 10 £ 4 16 9

RHYL DISTRICT. I 2/6 PER DOZ., 4/- FOR 25, PRIVATE GREETING CARDS for Xmas and New Year. Books now ready. Order at once to secure best designs. No extra chance for initials A. & H. Sandoe, Bodfor Street, and High Street, Rhyl. JONES BROS, Prestatyn, still lead with the 'Challenge Blend Tea and are ucsurpassedwith their Bread and Cakes. For Home-made Bread" and Confectionery, you can't do better than call at JONJSS BKOS'S Llverpoo House, Prestatyn. ABOUT 50,000 square yards of land fully one-foutth ill the available central building land in Rhyl to be sold. Apply to Mr R D Roberts, Regent Villas, or to any of the local auctioneers. THE HOSPITAL FOR BROKEN PIPES is at EISISKI'S Queen Street and High Street (opposite the Post Office) All repairs promptly carried out. A large assortment Walking Sticks, Tobaccos, and Pipes always in tock. First Prize Rhyl May Day, isig-,rlie Grosveno Hotel Restaurant Dining Car. The popular place is the GROSVENOR for Parties, Wedding Breakfasts, Dinners, Teas, Suppers, Balls, Social JEvenintcs, &c. Special catering under the personal supervision of Mr and Mrs Snowden. Large and small rooms let for club meetings evening classes, social gatherings, balls, private concert, &c., with use of piano, at reasonable prices. SPECIAL NOTICE.—F. Hubbard begs to announce that having decided to give up his branch establishment, now so well known as The Bon Marche, 24 High Street, he will make a great clearance SALE of the whole stock of General Drapery Goods, commencing Saturday, Dec. 9th. The Goods will all be marked in plain figures and piled on the counters for inspection. THE GREATEST SHOW IN N.WALES.—Robert Lloyd, Confectioner, Bodfor Street, Rhyl, begs to call attention to the magnificent Show of Cake and Christmas Novel- tie, which lie will hold next week at his NEW PBEMISES 5 BODFOR STREET All cakes made on the premises. Call and see the Greatest Show in Rhyl, which this Christmas will be at Lloyd's. Alrzs Williams and familv, 10 West Parade, thank their many kind friends for expressions of sympathy shown them in their recent bereavement. Advent. On Sunday evening at St John's Church an or- chestral accompaniment was provided for the ser- vice. Mr J D Asher was the conductor, and Mr Arnold, St Asaph, presided at the ortran. The service was Tours in F, the anthem being Hark the glad sound (King Hall). The sermon was preached by the Vicar. Church Missionary Society. On Tuesday evening at the Church House the Rev Dr Weitbrecht, Missionary of the Church Missionary Society in the Punjaub, delivered a lecture on "Islam." There was a large attendance. The Rev J Griffiths opened the proceedings and explained that the Vicar was unable to be present that evening owing to indisDosition. While on a recent visit to Rhyl Dr Weitbrecht had promised to return at an early date to give a second addreas on missionary work, and he was present that even- ing to fulfil that promise. Dr Weitbrecht pro- ceeded to give his lecture, which was of more than ordinary interest, and in a clear and concise man- ner he gave the audience the history of Islam, explaining the causes which gave it birth, and traced its progress from its early stages. At the present time there is at least one-eight of the population of the whole world who are Moham- medans. The lecture was both instructive and interesting, and Dr Weitbrecht was listened to with iniucii attention. The collection of lantern slides with which the lecture was illustrated in- cluded many excellent paintings aud photographs. As a result of the lecture interest will no doubt be quickened in missionary work among those who were present. Mr R M Hugh Jones operated with the lantern. The R. S, P. C, A. The annual meeting of the Rhyl Auxiliary of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will be held at the Grosvenor Temperance Hotel, Rhyl, on Wednesday next, December 13th, at 3 p.m. The committee cordially invite all interested in the work to attend. Presentation. At the Rhyl Post Offioe on Tuesday afternoon Mr 1. Batho presented Mr Hugh Jones, mail porter, with a handsome Dinner Cruet on behalf of the Post Office staff, on the occasion of his marriage. The Postmaster made some most com- plimentary remarks, and gave excellent advice, and Mr Hugh Jones suitably responded. The Dramatic Performance at the Grand Pavilion. We understand that Mr Percy Ashfield has han- ded over to the Vicar the sum of £ 24 3s, jwhich is the nctt result of the dramatic entertainment given in the Grand Pavilion on Thursday, November 30th. In the list published last week of those who undertook the sale of tickets, the name of Mrs Talbott was inadvertently omitted. Late Footaafl. A meeting of the North Wales Coast Football Association was held at Conway on Weduesday evening, Mr R J Hughes occupying the chair. The following clubs were represented Llandudno, Bangor, Llanrwst, Rhyl, Carnarvon, Holyhead, Mr Farringdon, President; Mr C W Berrie (Rhyl), I Treasurer and Mr J C Jones (Bangor), Secretary, were also in attendance. The result of the draw for the Coast Senior Cup was as follows :—Llan- dudno v Bangor to be played at Carnarvon, Buck- ley v Flint to De played at Rhyl, on February 10th, kick off not later than 3 p.m. The meeting deci- ded that the Junior cup match, Flint Reserves v Flint Athletic, which had been stopped owing to fog, be ordered to be replayed. The draw for the semi-final of the Coast Junior Cup was as follows Carnarvon v Rliyl, Flint Reserves or Flint Ath- letic v Llanrwst. to be pbyed on the ground of the first-named club on February 17th, kick-off not later than 3-15 p.m. Mr W A Thomas, Rhyl, was chosen to referee in the Flint v Llanrwst match.— A meeting of the North Wales Coast League was afterwards held, Mr Farriugdon presiding. Ban- gor, Llandudno, Rhyl, Holywell, Holyhead, and Colwyn Bay Clubs were represented. The balance sheet for the past year was passed, and the dona- tion of JC5 received from the North Wales Coast League was accepted with thanks. Colwyn Bay had protested against a match played with Holy- head being considered a League game, owing to the late hour at which it was started. The meeting dismissed the appeal, but cautioned the Holyhead Club as to the future. The referees for the month were also appointed.—On Saturday Rhyl Reservoa will meet Holywell in Saomes' Cha ity Cup at Belle Vue grounds, and on the 16th instant the Combination team will play Aberdare at Rhyl in the third round of the Welsh Cup. Church Workers' Union. On Monday evening, at the Church House, tha monthly meeting of the above was held, the pro- ceedings consisting of a lantern lecture by Mr J L Muspratt, J.P., entitled" A Tour in Italy." The delivery of the lecture lasted nearly two hours, and the tour embraced visits to numerous places of interest, including Florence, Rome, and Venice. The lecture was illustrated by a splendid collection of photographic lantern slides, many of the views having been taken by members of A] r Muspratt's party and now produced for the first time in Rhyl. iNIr.Ernest Jones operated with the lantern, and the views were splendidly illuminated by limelight. At the close of the lecture the Vicar proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Muspratt for the time and attention he had devoted to his subject, adding that he was pleased to find that the prominent laity of the parish were taking a deeper interest in the meetings of the Church Workers' Union. He had pleasure in announcing that Mr W J P Storey had consented to open the Christmas Tree and Sale of Work in the Church House on the 14th inst, and he hoped that the result of this year's sale would be of a record character. Volunteers and the War. It is reported that it is likely that the services of the Welsh Border Volunteer Infantry Brigade will be accepted for duty in the garrison hospitals of England. The local companies of volunteers form part of the above brigade, and it is stated that members of the C' Company will in all probability be represented among those selected for duty. Horse Training. At the Grand Pavilion this week Professor Nor- ton [Smith is giving daily exhibitions in horse training. The audiences have been large, and the entertainment unique and interesting in character. Professor Norton Smith claims to do fa great deal with horses, and judging by the exhibitions he has given this week he possesses wonderful power and ability in dealing with bad tempered animals. Princes Street Literary Society. On FridayGcvening at the meeting of the Princes Street Presbyterian Literary Society, Professor J 10 Lloyd, M.A., North Wales University Col- lege, Bangor, delivered an illustrated lecture entitled A twelfth century circular tour, or the journey of Archbishop Baldwin and Giraldus through Wales, There was a large at- tendance, and the Rev J Verrier Jones occupied the chair. The lecturer dealt with his subject in an able manner, and by means of lantern slides described many placea of historical interest in Wales. Mr Barnett, Becchwood-road, operated with the lantern, and at the close a vote of tbanks was passed to the lecturer on the proposition of Mr Bromley, seconded by Mr Llewellyn Jones. On Tuesdey evening at the weekly meeting of the Society the Hon Secretary (Mr E Parker-Davies) read an interesting paper on Steveusou," f Princes' Street Chapel. Yesterday Mr Llewellyn Jones, C.C., gave an excellent treat of tea, &c., to the Sunday Scholars, on his retirement from the office of superintendent, which he had occupied for three years. Mrs Llewellyn Jones at the table was assisted by Mrs Verrier Jones, Mrs Millward, Mrs Bromley, and others. At the conclusion the Pastor (Rev Verrier Jones) proposed a vote of thanks to the donor, and spoke of Mr Llewellyn Jones' invariable interest in the young, and of his able discharge of the duties of the office just vacated. The Sunday School during his term of office had largely increased, and was prosperous in its work. Mr Jacob Jones seconded. The new superintendent is Mr Lewis Evans. Smoking Concert. Last evening the smoking concert at the Queen's Hotel was largely attended, and during the evening a collection made on behalf of the War Fund realised £ 1 2s 6d. The programme was as follows :—Character song, Mr Geo Moore solos, Alice where art thou," Mr T Dunkerley East and West," Mr J Llynch The latest," Mr James Auld Lang Syne," Mr F Beech Sons of the Sea," and Jack's the Boy." Mr Smithson The Great Cake Walk, and Macbeth," Mr Will Knott; duett, "Larboard Watch," Mr Dunkerley & Mr George; recitation, "Kiasinf Cups's Race," Mr Smithson; bone solo, Mr E Homan songs, "Big Ben," I happened to be there," Mr Moore That was enough for me," Ir J Charles; "The Wolf," and the "The Absent-minded Beggar," and reading A Real Trier," Mr Hubbard. The Convention. Last week we gave a brief account of the con- vention held in the English Baptist Chapel, Sussex Street. A series of well attended meet. ings were held from the Monday night to the Friday night, which we are glad to learn have bsen of great spiritual benefit to many. We are a little surprised to find none of the local ministers with the acception of the Rev D G Lewis associ- ated with the work. The Convention was organis- ed by a small committee composed of the Rev T Lloyd, of Colwyn Bay, Mrs Lloyd, and Miss All- day, of Rhyl. This! committee was responsible for the speakers, the printing (which included posters and some thousands of invitations), and the building, the Baptist Chapel being willingly lent for the occasion. The Rev. Thomas Lloyd 'acted as Secretary, and Miss Allday as Librarian, the latter '^having got together a quantity of religious literature. We must say the meetings haye been a great success. Christ Church Mutuai Improvement Society. At the meeting of this Society on Thursday, December 7th, Mr P Mostyn Williams gave an analysis of Isabe Carnaby, by Miss Ellen Thorny- croft Fowler, which was much enjoyed. The Rev E E Ingham proposed, and Miss E Phillips second- ed a vote of thanks. MESSRS OWENS AND SONS, Butchers. Water street, and High street will hold their CHRISTMAS SHOW of Meat, on Friday next, 15th inst, and the list of their purchases will appear iu the Journal of that date.

RHUDDLAN. PENNY READING.—A very successful gathering was held at the Reading Room on Thursday evening, ISlov. 30th. The chief feature in the programme was a musical exhibition on the gramaphone by Mr William Hall, Rhyl, who very generously gave his services. The various itema performed by him on his wonderful instrument were very amusing, highly entertaining, and greatly puzzled many of the audience. The other items were pianoforte solo by Misa Vaughan, recitations by Lucy Griffiths, Willie Roberts, and Edgar Roberts and two songs by Mr Robert Evans, which were very amusing, and much appreciated. The next entertainment is fixed for Dec 21st, when it is expected that a number of kind folks from Rhyl will take part. CONSTITUTIONAL CLUB.—On Monday evening next a meeting of members of the above Club will be held, at which an address on The Transvaal Question" will be given. Last evening, in the billiard match between Rhuddlan and St Asaph Clubs, the former were defeated by a few pointa after winning four out of six games.

SCRAPS. A young gentleman, who had been acquainted with his girl two nights, attempted to kiss her at the gate. Afterwards, he told the doctors that just as he kissed her, the earth slid from under It is feet, and his soul went out of his mouth, while his head touched the stars." Later dispatches show that what ailed him was the old man's boot. The absolute ignorance of the American parvenus who infest the Continent i wen, typified in the following: Tlie other night a. man told me he had met a couple of our Yankee cousins in Southern Europe, who inquired where he was going. To Venice next," liis reply. The American lady and gentleman eagerly remonstrated. Say, don't go there, anyway. Why, tha whole place is flooded You have to take boats through the best streets Take one pair of eyes as big as saucers, a vocabulary greater than Dr. Johnson's, limitless quantities of flesh, the pedestrian capacity of a walking-match winner, and intelligence greater than the most learned Greek philosopher. The result will be the average baby as its mother sees it. English Toiirist Waiter, bring me some sugar, please." Arizona Waiter: There ain't but three lumps in the house, sir. You kin liL%-e'ein as soon as them gents gits through with 'em. They've got 'em marked, and they're playing dice with 'em." "It's very remarkable," said Mr. Younghus., band, with a satisfied smile. What is it ?" asked his wife. "Whenever I sing to the baby it immedi- ately becomes quiet." Yes, the little darling is so easily frightened. Doctor: I'm grieved to say, sir, that I can- not save you; but I might be able to alleviate your sufferings by calling occasionally." Miser: "Don't talk nonsense, man! Do you. think it would alleviate my sufferings to know I was running up a heavy doctor's bill ?" Said One Shopper: "Oh, I saw just tfrft loveliest, sweetest, prettiest baby a minute ago." Said the Other Shopper: "What! Do you. mean to tell me that stupid nurse has dared to bring out my little darling such a day as this ? Clerlc I am to be married shortly. Could not you manage to increase my salary a little ? Employer: "Couldn't really. But I'll tell, you what I'll do for you, my hoy. I'll shorten your hours during the first three months, sO that you can spend your evenings at home, and after that I'll lengthen them again, so that, you will have an excuse to stay away." Bobby Pa, what is reason ?" Fond Parent: "Reason, my boy, is thafr' which enables a man to determine what ia right." Bobby And what is instinct ? Fond Parent: Instinct is that which teIIs' a woman she is right when she is not." A schoolmaster recently offered a prize to the pupil who produced the best aphorism.. Ilere is the wise advice that won the prize: "H you have a good temper hang on to ity and if you have a bad one don't lose it." She: "Of course I love the Princeioit eleven; thoy all (rented 1110 so sweetly." He: "I hadn't hoard that you Ilet them." She "I ha\en I, but I won 10 pounds ul candy on the game."

j" smoke"| I NICHOLLS' I UNION JACK" 1 S (SHAGG). 1 M (Dacco Goreu). el 8 A perfect Smoke and Chew. 1 Q Manufactured bV- a Tobacco Manufacturers, CHESTER, |