The North Wales Weekly News

Motorists and Penmaenmawr Roads. SURVEYOR SCORES OVER AUTOMOBILE CLUB SECRETARY. About a month ago we pwblished a letter from Mr. J. Campbell, Secretary of the Lancashire Automobile Club, Blackburn, with reference to the state off the roads in various places between I'enmaemnawr and Llandudno. A similarly- worded letter was sent by Mr. Campbell to Mr. R. John' Hughes, Surveyor to the Pe-nm:a.enmawr District Council. Mr. Campbell mow writes us (under date April 20th), saying- I find that the complaint which was made to me was incorrect, and ia justice to the Sur- veyor of the Penmaenmawr Urban District Council I shall be obliged if you will publish the enclosed correspondence which has taken pLace between us." We have much pleasure in complying, with the request. There are in all eight letters. In the first, dated March 30th, Mr. Campbell wrote to the Penmaenmawr Surveyor, stating:- I have been reque.st-ed by members of this Club to call your attention to the enormous amount of damage which is beintg done to motor tyres by the loose flints which are thickly scatte,red about (the roads in various places between Peintmaenimawr and Llandud- no, as well as in other parts of North Wales. As every set of tvres cost from f-io to .{o. you will appreciate the amount of damage which must be caused to motorists in general passing through your district. I am desired by the Roads Committee of this Club to ask for your kind co-operation, to have the matter remedied as e<arly as possible, and would re- spectively sugigest that the stones should be either removed or rolled in and the roads mended in future with much smaller stones mixed with tar macadam or some other similar material." Mr. R. John Hughes replied on March 31st: I am in receipt of your complaint of loose flints thickly scattered about the roads be- tween Penrnaenimiawr and Llandudno. This district is, considermg the recent dry weather, veay free from, loose stones, and you must have been misijnrfcxrmed in respect of the situation of those complained of. I should be glad to hear from you what part of this dis- trict your letter has reference to." Mr. Campbell replied on April Ist:- I thank you for your letter of yesterday's date, and after making further enquiries will write you further on the matter." This was followed up on April Sth by a letter from Mr. Camp)bell.- I understand that the roads referred to in my previous. letter are between LLanirhos and Pemmaenmawr. If you require any further specific information I shall, on hearing from you, be pleased to endeavour to obtain, same." The next letter is dlajted April 15th, when Mr. Hughes writes: — Dear Sir,—In reply to your Letter oi the 8th inst., wherein you state the roads your complaint refers to are between Llanrhos and Penmaeinmawr, pônmit me to inform you your complaint has no justification with respect to this district, and' to request you to make a personal inspection of the roads in Penmaen- mawr district, which terminate in an easterly direction at Penmaeabach, when I shall be pleased to arrange to accompany you. I may inform you there are several mem- bers of my Council who are motorists and interested in road metalling, and any griev- ance as to the bad state of roads would be madte locally, though not a single cominlaint other than that c-ontain-ed in your letter has been received I may also state we have been recently compllimenrted upon, the good condition of the roads in our district. I notice a copy of a letter I received from you published in the current issue of one of the local newspapers, which implies that the Penmaenmawr roads are in a bad state oi repair and unfit for motorists. re To correct the misrepresenitaition that must inevitably arise, I would be obliged if you will publish the whole of the correspond- ence between us." Mr. Campbell withdrew his complaint in the following letter, dated April 16th: — "Dear Sir,—I am in receipt of your letter of yesterday's date, and have been in, cornrr^uni- catiion again with the gentleman who lodged the complaint with me. It is qudte evident ifroim your letter that my informant is under some misapprenhensiomj as to the situation of the roads in question, and in view Off your explanation, he desires me to apologise to you for having lodged a complaint which has no foundation,, and is exceedingly sorry for any annoyance and trouble to which you have been put. I have no objection to the cor- respondence being published in, the Press, and if you wish me to have this done I will, on hearing from you, forward a copy of the cor- respondence to the paper to which you refer." The final letter of the series is dated April and is from Mr. R. John Hughes:- Kindly have the whole of the correspond- ence between us published in the local Press."

Chester Historical Pageant. The plot of the coming Chester Historical ifc-geant is now completed, and necessitates 3,54° performers, 1,305 of whom will be men, 1,144 women, and 1,093 children. We have been asked to dispel a wrong impression that is being spread that only Cestrian/s will be allowed to perform. No such limitation is being im- posed on the contrary performers and helpers from everywhere are being welcomed. The duties entailed will be attendance at the re- hearsals of the episode in which the performer is to take part. The performers will be divided amoogst the Episodes as follows Introduction Chester, Dee, four gates, four Walls, four Pinnacles, 12 attendants, 50 nymphs, 550 Fairies, 6 Tritons, and 12 Baby Soldiers. Episodes 1. Agricola returns to Deva after defeating the Ordovinces, A.D. 78 Agricola, Garantus, Deuccas, Felix, l'iso, Prica, Ledicca, Aufidius, Decius, Valerius, Cunobarrus Military Tribune, 2 Signifiers, 2 Trumpeters, 12 Lictors, 9 Sutlers, S Britons, 120 Roman Soldiers, and horses. Episode II. King Edgar on his Imperial pro- gress, with Oueen Elfriaa, receives the homage of the Tributary Princes. A.D. 973 Edgar, Edward, Aethelred. Kenneth, Donald, Malcola, Magnus, Jevan ab Idvval, Hywel, Iago, Siferth, Aelfhere, Aetbelvine, Aethelvard, Brithnoth, Aethelmar, Leofwine, Ordulf, Oslac, Archbishop Dunstan, Archbishop Oswald, Bishop Winsyg, Queen Aelfryth, Queen Aetheliflaed, Aelflaed, Provost of St. John's, Provost of St. Werburgh's Thanes, Gesiths Warriors, Bodyguard, Canons, Attendants on the Queen, Burgesses, Ladies, Townswomen, Children, Slaves and all the per- formers of the Introduction re-assembled. Episode III. Hugh Lupus with St. Ansekn founds the Abbey of St. Werburgh, A.D. 1093 5 Hugh, Ermeotrude, Boy, Roberts FitzHugh, William the Constable, William Malbanc, Ran- ulf, Hugh YÜz Osbert, Richard Banastre, Hamo de Masci, Gilbert de Venables, Richard de Vernon, William Fitz Nigel, Hugh Fitz Norman, Ralph Fitz Norman, Anslem, ChapLain. Eustace, Baldwin, Monks, Nuns, Novices, Knights, Men-at-Arms, Dogboys, Falconers, Huntsmen, Forresters, Dogboys, Page, Mes- senger, Tenants, Wives, Children. Episode IV. Archbishop Baldwin preaches the Crusade at Chester, A.D. 1189; Baldwin, Earl of Chester, Countess, Gerald de Barri, Brereton, Dutton, Young Gentleman, Dickon, ^Alison, Officers, Prisoner, Harper, Quack Doc- 'lor, Bishops, Canons, Monks of Episode III., Ecclesiastics, Barons, Knights, Ladies, Palmer, Archers, Citizens, Minstrels, Farmers, Wives, Young Women, Jester, Pedlars, Pikemen, j Children, 37 horses. Episode V. Prince Edward first Royal Earl of Chester, and Princess Eleanor visit Chester A.D. 1256; Edward. Earl of Chester Eleanor Countess of Edward, Lady Venables, Baron Vernon, Llewelyn, Davydd, Gwdlym, Gryffydd, Abbot of St. Werburgh\s. Abbot of St. An,law, Abbot of Combermore, Prior of Norton, Prior of Rhuddlan, Prior of Birkenhead, Prioress of St. Mary's, Bishop of Lichfield, Archdeacon of Chester, Baron Maldebeng, Baron Venables, FitzHugh of Malpas. Lacy Earl of Lincoln, Justiciary A. DeZouch, Dean of St. John's, Ladies, Nobles, Knights, Mayors, Sheriffs, Councillors, Citizens, Townswomen, Children, Welsh Tribesmen, Welsh Women, Bards, Soldiers, 46 Horses. Episode VI. Richard II. is brought a prisoner to Chester by Bolintbroke, Earl of Salisbury, Peter Legh, John Legh, Robert Legh, Shipman, Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury. Bishop of Carlisle, Earl of Northumberland, Gloucester, Old Woman, Girl, Burgesses, Archer, Nobles, Soldiers, Townsmen, Women, Children, and 30 Horses. Episode N'll. King James I. visits Chester, A.D. 7617 Midsummer Revels, King James I., Earl of Derby, Lord Strange, Bishops, Justices, County Gentlemen, County Sheriff, County Member. Sergeant of Eastgate, Pages, Heralds, Sword Bearer. Mace Bearer, Clerk of Prentice, Mapr, Recorder, John BLngley, Stick Bearers, Sheriffs, Sheriff's Peers, Prebendaries, Arch- deacons, Chancellor, Dean, Bishop, Leave- lookers, Messengers, Aldermen, Heads of Guilds, Witch, Citizens, Prentices, Officer, Woman, Boy, Girl, Puritan, Puritan's Wife, Puritan's Friend, Beggar, Pikemen, Holiday makers, Keepers of the Way, Queen Anne, Charles, Princess Elizabeth, Earl of Buckingham, Sir John Done, Gentlemen-in-waiting, Ladies-in- waiting, Secretaries of State, Lord Keeper, Lord Privy Seal, Lord Treasurer, Maypole Dancers, Garland Children, Dairymaids, Fairies, Elves, Merry Andrew, Jack in the Green, Guilds, Bearers, and 44 Horses. Episode VIII. Siege of Chester and visit of King Charles I., A.D. 1645 Charles I., Colonel Shakerley, Lord Byron, Sir Francis Gamul, Alderman Cowper, Lady Gamul, Cavalier, Ladies, Attendants on Charles, Parliamentarv Soldiers, Citizens, Wives, Daughters, Mounted men. Stragglers. The chorus will be composed of 100 men and 150 laddes, under the direction of Dr. Bridge. The Band of the Royal Marines will supply the instrumental music.

Roose's Lively Experience. L. R. Roose, the Sunderland and Welsh inter- national goalkeeper, had a hostile reception, at Stoke.on Saturday during a match between Stoke Reserve and Burslem Port Vale to decide the championship of the North Staffordshire League. Stoke played a reserve team, but Port Vale had the assistance of Roose and other well-known amateurs. The crowd appeared to recent the presence of Roose, who played right at the top of his form, and after Port Vale had scored two goals, and Roose kept keeping out all sorts of shots from the Stoke forwards, the incensed crowd broke on the ground. The Stoke players and police endeaoured to persuade them to return, but they refused, and crowded round Roose, who was swayed towards the River Trent. The Rev. A. E. Hurst, chair- man of the Sto,ke club, appealed to the crowd to desist, and Roose was eventually escorted to the dressing room, by the players/ assisted by the police. The game came to. a summary con- clusion, the crowd refusing to allow the match to proceed.

Lord Penrhyn's Bonus to Workmen. At the last monthly pay day at the Penrhyn Quarries Lord Penrhyn again supplemented the earnings of each workman by a bonus off 5 per cent., by way of compensation for the partial stoppage of work through bad weather in the early part of the year.

Colwyn Bay Cabmen and Outside Porters. COUNCIL AND THE RAILWAY OMNIBUSES. The annual licensing meeting of the Colwyn Bay and Colwyn, Urban District Council was held in the Council Chamber on Thursday morning. There were present Councillors David Gamble (Chairman), T. H. Morgan, Huglh Hughes, Edward Allen, T. E. Purdy, George Clare, George Bevan, William Greenfield, Win. Davies, J. Berth Jones and the Rev. Wm. Hughes with the Clerk (Mr. James Amphlett), the Deputy Clerk Mr. Jos. H. Roberts), Police- Sergeant W. A. Thomas, Inspector Smith, and Inspector Woods. The Chairman, addressing the assembled applicants for drivers' licenses, impressed upon them the necessity of wearing their badges in a conspicuous position. The plates on their carriages must be displayed prominently, and the men must take the first fare that offered and not "ick or choose. If a driver declined a fare or made an untruthful statement that he was engaged, he was liable to have his lic-ens-e with- drawn at once. There had been complaints of drivers taking up stands in the main road, and offenders in this respect would lose their licenses. The Clerk informed the applicants that it was a serious offence for a man to ply for hire with another's badge, and rendered the offender liable to prosecution for obtaining money by false pretences. One of the applicants stated that it was a com. mon thing for one man to lend his badge to another, but later it appeared that the badge in question was the one given by the Railway Com- pany. In explaining the matter the Stationmaster, Mr. Noble, said that the Company appointed a certain number of men to act as outside porters, .and when those men's services were required in- side the station care was taken that their tem- porary successors should be reliable men. THE MOTOR BUSES. The London and North-We stern Railway Company applied for the renewal of the licenses of their two motor buses which plied between Colwyn Bay Station and the Queen's Hotel, ( oiw-yn, and aI-so for the renewal of the licenses of the four drivers. Mr. Allen asked whether there was any hope of the tyres of the motor buses being changed to pneumatic ()n,es? The Chairman said he thought not. The solid tyres were certainly knocking the roads to pieces. Mr. Allen wondered whether the Company would be liable if their motor 'buses shook any houses down. (Laughter). The Company's representative said that the double-deck buses were similar to those in. use at Holywell. The single deck cars were not much lighter. The 'buses were at pre,sent carry- ing four hundred people a day. After discussion it was decided to renew the licenses, and warn the drivers to draw up when approachinrg restive horses. At the suggestion, of Sergeant Thomas they were also requested to avoid stopping at the top of Station-road when- ever possible, as when an electric car and a motor bus were together stationary at that point traffic was greatly dislocated. It was decided to write to the Company and ask them to adopt all the means in their power to minimise the damage that was being done to the roads. COMMERCIALS COMPLAIN. A long discussion took place regarding the advisability of renewing the licenses of certain outside porters who were in the habit of quaffing freely of the flowing bowl, and afterwards perambulating the streets in a state of hilaritv. Mr. Morgan thought that sentimelnt should find no place in the question, but that drastic methods should be adopted. Mr. Davies was in favour of giving the men another chance, especially one of them who was well in the running for being the oldest inhabit- ant. The men," said Mr. Davies, axe very decent fellows when they keep away from the drink." Mr. Morgan hardly thought that an argument, as they brought great discredit on the town, and the place would be well rid of them. Eventually their licenses were renewed, the men being warned that at their first lapse they would be forfeited. A letter was read from a commercial traveller, who, writing on behalf of a number of his fellows, declared that in respect of out-door porters Colwyn Bay was the worst town in North Wales, and years behind Rhyil, Llandudno and Bangor. There were never any men there with barrows, and the charges of those with horses and carts were exorbitant. From the remarks of Sergeant Thomas, it appeared that the very men whose cases the meeting had been considering were those who were the most reliable from the commercials' point of view. Sergeant Thomas stated that if the men were not granted licenses they would continue to tout, and there would be friction be- tween license holders and non-license holders. Upon the question of reducing the number of outside porters (23), Sergeant Thomas suggested that those who earned their living at that occu- pation should receive consideration, before the casual half-timers, who only worked in that way in the season. (Applause). Mr. Greenfield suggested that there should be a rank for the exclusive use of outside porters at the present cab rank outside the station, and he was supported by Sergeant Thomas. It was decided to appoint a sub-committee fully to consider the matter. Mr. Thomas, boat builder, Conway, was appointed to inspect the pleasure boats at a fee Of f.2 2S. The meeting adjourned to Thursday morning.

In the old days in Wales teeth were kept in excellenit condition by rubbing them with "°Teen hazel and a woollen cloth." Giraldus has a reference to this custom in his writings.

WHAT OTHERS SAY. James Swift. Attercliffe, Sheffield. says :—" The first dose grave me great relief. I can confidently sav that one box of these Pills has done me more good than all the medicines I have taken." Mrs. A. Wilkinson, of Nelson, states :{" sister, who suffered from weak kidnevs. took one box, and it has done her more grood than pounds spent on Medical Men." HOLDROY D S GRAVEL PILLS, a positive cure for Gravel. Pains in the Back, Dropsy. Bright's Diseases of the Kidneys, Gout. Sciatica, is. ltd. all Chemists. Post free 12 id. stamps, HOLDROYDS MEDICAL HALL, Cleckheaton. 35

Roller Skating in North Wales. INCREASING POPULARITY OF RINKING. RHYL, COLWYN BAY, AND BANGOR PROSPECTS. A writer in the Rinking World" says: A pleasant run along the west side of the estuary of the Dee brought me to Rhyl, and here I halted to renew acquaint- ance with my old friend Mr. S. Thornley, who not only manages the Queen's Skating Rink, but the popular Queen's Hotel. Vhe keynotes at this hotel are comfort amd good catering, and it can confidently be recommended. Mr. Thornlev, in spitte of his many duties, is a keen rinker and hockey player, filling the responsible position of centre in the hitherto unbeaten Rhyl team. They have this year beaten all comers over a wide area, and a general challenge re- cently issued has induced the Crystal Palace Engineers, who won the Rinking World Cup in the Southern Counties Championship, to enter the lists, and they will no doubt be seen at Rhyl in the near future. They ought to prove a big draw in this sport-loving centre. The class of the Rhyl men, with some of whom I made acquaintance, may be judged from the fact that during the present season they have scored rio goals to 31. The Queen's Rink was formerly a popular bazaar, but it was cleverly converted into a rink about a year ago, and has been open ever sance. A good maple floor with an area of 40,000 square feet was put down, and this is now receiving special attention with the view of getting it into, first-class condition ,for the holiday season. The rink is illustrated in this issue, and it will be, noted that a spaci- ous gallery is carried on pillars let into the floor, a fact which the Crystal Palace hockey men should ibear in mind. The gallery is util- ised for the purposes of a roof garden, and on this garden, overlooking the rink, dancing can be indulegd in, the band which occupies the stage shown in the photograph serving both for rinking and dancing in the roof garden. Excel- lent refreshment and cloak rooms are provided. The same proprietors owned the fine Queen's Hall which used to adjoin the building which is now the rink, but this, one of the largest public halls in North Wales, was destroyed by fire in 1907. Another large entertainment hall is to be erected on the same site. I have said that the residents at Rhyl have shown sufficient interest in the rink to enable it to remain open throughout the whole winter -v season. At present it is open every- day for morning and afternoon sessions and on three evenings each week, and the floor has often been let for private parties. There have been a R,oodt many 4compettdtion nights, which have proved very popular, and another will take place on April 21st. At Easter, of course, the rink was open each evening, and was well pat- ronised. The summer season will begin at Whitsuntide, and rinkers visiting Rhyl during their holidays wil find their needs admirably catered for. In the summer it is also possible to skate in the open. air on the asphalte surface of the pier, but this, although pleasant enough for those in holiday mood, will scarcely satisfy the ardent rinker. Thols.e visiting the skating surface on the pier should note that last season it was necessary to take your own skates. At the Queen's Rink, Win slow skates are stocked. It may be added that the prices asked at the Queen's are reasonable—you can get on the floor for a shilling, and the rink is so well ventilated by powerful electric fans as to be pleasantly cool on the hottest days. And then there is always the roof garden. Rhyl, by the way, has old association with rinking, a-id over 20 years ago the asphalte roof and gardens at the west end of the town were a popular resort. After a pleasant day at Rhyl I took the coast line for Colwyn Bay, a pleasant resort which grows more popular year by year. At the moment it lacks, the facilities for rinking, with- out which in these days no holiday spot can be deemed complete. Last summer an open-air rink was instituted on the pier, and this asphalted surface sufficed for the need of the moment. I gathered during my visit that this space will for various reasons not be available for roller skating (this summer, but I am happv to be able to inform readers that a scheme is in process off inception to put up a first-class rink at Colwyn Bay, which it is hoped may be available at an. early date. There is no doubt that an excellent opportunity presents itseltf for running a pleasure palace, skating rink, and winter gardens, and the Company which is be- ing formed has the option of some excellent sites for such an establishment. Mr. Robert Blackburn, the managing director of the little rink at Bangor, is taking a leading part in the Colwym Bay scheme, and I hope that success may attend his efforts. The scheme he outlined to me suggests that Colwyn Bay mav not un- likely have the best rink in North Wales this summer. From Colwyn Bay I went on to Llandudno, but here I drew a blank. There is, as might be expected, a fine rink in existe-nce at this. the most popular and populous of the North Wales resorts, but at the time of m.v visit it was closed, not owing to the Lack of patronage in Llandudno, which can easily support a riinik in winter, but for reasons arising out of the re- arrangements which have been in progress in connection with various' American, rinks in this country. However, it is good, news that the shutters are not to be up for long. The an- nouncement that the rink was; closed not un- naturally had the effect of eliciting many offers to lease the rink, which, I believe, is quite the largest in North Wales, but the latest informa- tion is to the effect that the rink will re-open at the end of the present month. The sooner the better for all concerned, for Llandudno, of all places, is bound to provide the necessary facilities for roller skating. One of the first acquaintances I met on reach- ing Bangor was Mr. Blackburn, to whom I re- ferred as the prime mover in the Colwyn Bav enterprise. The little rink at Bangor, which is being run with so much success, is a converted chapel, so, to speak, and the storv is told that Mrs.' Lloyd George, coming to Bangor to open a chapel bazaar or some such delirious orgie, found herself at the Bangor Skating Rink in- stead. I will only add that the wife of the Chancellor would 'have found herself ion. good company at the Rink, which from personal ob- servation I am able to say is patronised by the best people, and the recent carnival was quifte a notable social function. I went over to the rink with Mr. Blackibum in the evening and tried the floor, which is beirii,, kept in good order. Bangor is so populai- a centre for ex- cursions in North Wales that a rink was clearly needed, and one can foresee that during the holiday season those will call for a larger stat- ing area. At the present time Bangor is almost without a rival in the area which the rink serves. There is nothing ope:1 nearer than Rhy-l going east; .there are no rinks in Anglesey, nothing at Car- narvon, and indeed it is not until Pwllheli is reached that the tourist again gets within reach of a skating floor. Here the town hall has been pressed into the service.

The Chancellor's Uncle. Mr. Richard Lloyd, uncle of Mr. Lloyd- George, left Criccieth for London on Friday on a few days' visit to Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd George. Mr. Lloyd, who is aged 76, rairely makes a rail- way journey. Nearly twenty years have elapsed since his last visit to London, on which occasion he was summoned to give evidence in a law- suit. In his capacity of unpaid minister of the local Baptist Church he has preached nearly every Sunday for 51 years. He undertooik Friday's journey with great reluctance, because it took him away over the Sunday from home and from his church. When Mr. Lloyd George was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer be remarked, My dear old uncle will be so proud to come and stay at the house in which Glad- stone, his great hero, at one time lived."