Llandudno Advertiser and List of Visitors

Urtistes at the Vier Concepts. MISS NELLIE! ANDERTON (Contralto) April 1st. MISS EMILY BIlEARE (Soprano). April 2nd and 3rd. MR. FOWLER BURTON (Baritone). April 4th to 8th.

-n- LLANDUDNO ANNUAL STEEPLECHASE. BY FREE LANCE JUNIOR. TUESDAY, MARCH 29th. "Mae clustiau gan gloddiau, a llygaid gan berthi." (Hedges have ears and1 ,bushes have eyes) is a proverb of Wales. I can answer for the former, in the affirmative, but not haviingany relation- ship to the latter I am unable to say. The only hush that I can think of, at the time of writing, That interests me is the goose- berry bush during the fruit season. My reason for using the above proverb is be- cause I think it is applicable to the occasion. Spring during the last few days has made terriflic strides, and to those who study nature it must speak V ollams- beg pardon—volumes, and this brings us to "Government Official" the new ,stee,d in which Craigydon is most interested. This is not the first time that Craigydon has borne to the rescue of Llandudno, and had this rapidly rising suburb of Llan- duidno followed the general rule, there would have been no steeplechasing this season. If I were obliged to write my final notes and anticipations at this early hour lp of the week and to judge from public opinion, apart from my secret informa- tion. "Government Official' 'would romp home with "Clinkers" half a course ahead of "Knocked 'Ein." That "Government Official" ilsbeing trained to the hour is well recognised, and "Clinkers" has dur- ing the last few days put in a lot of use- ful work, but "Knocked 'Elm" is scarcely heard from. "Government Official" seems to have the knack of going through all obstacles which cannot be surmounted, and this satisfactory state of things is due to various causes, mainly strong deter- mination and absolute fearlessness; "Clinkers" has always to my mind run in a groove,' one perhaps that may have satis- fied not a few of his most ardent admira- ers, but it is not sporting enough for the general backers. The public do like a run for their money, and any in and out tactics acts as a scotch upon their betting It has been mooted that "Knocked 'Em" ils being spoken of as a, Likely runner in the suggested M.P. May Handicap. I have not heard anything official, and must therefore decline to accept this ex- planatiloll for "Knocked 'Elm's" absence from the Trial Spins. On Good Friday something like 6,000 passengers took advantage of the tram cars, and amongst their number I saw many who profess the strongest abhor- rence to Sunday trams. It may be ignorance, on my part, but honestly I can- not see that Sunday is a day to be more observed than 'Good Friday. I should have thought the latter, of all days, should have been most strictly kept, nor am I alone in this idea; and. yet, what happens, football, hockey, golf, rinking, boating, in fact everything- in the enjoy- ment line is not only permiss,aible but en- couraged. There are some conundrums that I never attempt to solve, and this is one of them, and I have therefore arrived at the conclusion that it comes under that category known by the Shakesperian term of "As You Like It," or "A Comedy of Errors." I am not quite sure which. There was, it will be remembered, a good deal of opposition to Sunday trains, and it is an open secret who have been the most consistent patrons- ever since the right to run came in force. Will the Eiaster holidays affect Satur- day's Steeplechase, I think not, indeed I fancy it will, increase the interest, and for this reason there will be more ready money backers and takers. Objection has been raised by some turfites that "Government Official" is !being run by a committee. I cannot say whether this 'Chaser is being so run or not, but even if it is, how many steeds of recent years in our local events have not been run by a Syndicate, which is exactly the same thing. What about the Ebenezer, the C-alvinistic, the Horeb and the Tabernacle Syndicates in recent years, anid who has the right to object. We ,boa,st as a nation that this is a free coun- try, but once you tread on your neigh- bour's corns and you find that it is noth- ing of the kind. I am not an admirer of Companies even when their Liability is limited; simply and solely for one reason, they have never brought me any return, but this does not say they have no right to exist, and if a company has been form- ed to run "Government Official" to victory, I icongratulate them on their enterprise, and whilst I may have a flutter on this steed, to the extent of mv Saturday penny, I have no shares in the Company of this or any other Steeple- chaser. FRIDAY. It's just about as difficult a problem in steeplechasing as I, Free Lance Junr., have had to solve. Both "Clinkers" and "Government Official" have any amount of backers, and it would really look as if these two steeds would divide the honours, but one learnt that in all cases where either of the above steeds were favoured that "Knocked 'Em" is 'bracketed with them this means to my reading that this steed is the favourite, and that, it is place betting which is being indulged in by the fanciers of "Clinkers" and "G.O. if I may be allowed to abbrieve. Anyhow, we are right up against it, and with the weather on its very best pos- sible behaviour, and despite my previous statement to the contrary there are rumours of Royal patronage after all. It is to be hoped Llandudno will not fall into the vulgar error of some townships under si'miilar favours. I am not an ad- vocate for "Clinkers," nor do I believe in the too free use of the spur, but for the credit of the Queen of Welsh watering places it iis to be hoped the residents will keep their heads and limit their curiosity at a respectful distance. It ils quite pos- sible to be loyal without running de- liberately into the inner circle and doff- ing your hat or making a curtsey. Enuf sed. There may be some of the sporting fraternity who will think they see an omen in this visit, "G.OL" and back their fancy accordingly. One turfite who could not get his coke stove to Light ordered its being thoroughly cleaned out, I a very ordinary precaution I admit. He was informed later that a large clinker had been removed—result he immediately sought his favourite bookmaker and put a fiver on "Clinker" for a place. Again, a hockey player was seen walking on the pier with his fingers swathed in bandages, and on inquiries from a friend he said, "I knocked 'em a a game of hockey." Well if this is not one of those signs one reads about that leads to a. fortune I'll give it up. Whether the story is true or not I am unable to say; if it isn't, it deserves to be, and apart from any other feeling and fancy I may have about the result, I can- not help but give for my final selection that previously tried and not found wanting, steeplechaser, "KNOCKED EM" for a win. And for a place, despite the real fine work "G.O. has put in, I fancy "Clinkers' previous knowledge of the course will stand him in good stead, and that he may just about gain the verdict after a neck and neck race almost to the judge's box. I am not responsible for the betting market, the latest accounts for which are as follows —■ THE? BETTING. For a win: Two to one on "Knocked 'Em" and three to one against "Clinkers" and "Government Official." Place Betting.—Ten to one on "Knock- ed 'E:m," many offers, few takers. Even money against "Government Official" and "Clinkers." Over the Craigydon course betting is heavily on "Government Offi- cial," but over that portion of the course between the Grand Theatre arid the King's Highway the race followers are proving their confidence in "Cljinkers" and taking all offers.

THE CARE OF LIFEBOATMEN. THE L.A.D.S. ESTABLISH A NEW FUND. From time to time attention has been drawn to the. lack of provision for the life- boatmen when returning from perilous lifesaving journeys. Why the National Lifeboat Institution does not provide for such being done is one of those things which the average man quite fails to understand. One would certainly have thought that the first thing done by the officials when the boat had been launched would be to get about making preparation for the welfare of the men on their return. Should the boat rescue, a few sailors the needs of the rescued would be attended to by the local agent of the Shipwrecked Mariners Society, but the rescuers would be left to shift for themselves, however wet and weary they might be. Such a state of things was absurd, and it is satisfactory to know that at last somebody has taken the matter in hand to bring about a change for the better. The good Samaritans are the members of the L.A.D.S., whose efforts on behalf of charitable institutions are thoroughly ap- preciated in the town, for there is not an institution of a charitable nature which ha,s not benefitted through the efforts of the Society, while it will be remembered that to the Society is due the establish- ment of that popular institution, the "Christmas Hot Pot." On May-Day the L.A.D.S. are to give a performance at the Grand Theatre of that most amusing farcical comedy in three acts, "What happened to Jones," and the members have decided that twenty guineas of the surplus shall be de- voted to form the nucleus of a fund to be known as the "L.A.D.S. Lifeboatmen's Fund," and will be a fund established solely for the purpose of succouring life- boatmen on their return from active duty. The local secretary and committee of the lifeboat institution have consented to act as the administering committee with three members to be nominated by the L.A.D.S. The fund will be a purely local one, and will be administered independently of the Lifeboat Institution. The L.A.D.S. will give a performance annually, or more often if needs be, iln support of the fund, and so perpetuate their own existence. The scheme suggested is that the joint committee should pay an annual rent for the use of a suitable room in a house or other place possessing a bath, and that a man should be appointed to see to it that the room was ready for the reception of the men on their return, with plenty of hot water, towels, dry clothing and a good substantial meal in readiness. In the case of a strange lifeboat putting into the bay or being driven there, (as was the case some years ago when the Bull Bay Life- boat was stranded here) the procedure would be the same, with the addition that the men would be" dlilrected to suitable lodgings subsequently. Possiibly it may be urged that it would be better if the men went straight home and to bed. In some cases no doubt the men could go straight home and find the same provision made for them, but in the majority the reverse would be the case. Not all of the men have homes of their own, and very few would be able to get into a hot bath immediately and so ward off the effects of the cold. The wives of of the married would not be at home, for with tiheir husbands out in a storm and their lives in danger they would remain on the beach to get the first glimpse of the returning boat. Whether the landladies of those in lodgings would be better pre- pared and have things ready for their lodgers is very doubtful, not from lack of goodwill but of forethought. That such provision will be appreciated by the men goes without saying, and it only remains to add that should anybody desire to augment the fund by a sub- scription they can do so with the assur- ance that the fund will come into opera- tion when the occasions arrive that the lifeboat crew goes out to succour "those in peril on the sea."

THE ADVERTISER SAYS j That the article published in the "Adver- tiser" three weeks ago giving a com- parative return of the rates paid in different health resorts has attracted considerable attention. That the returns were worked out to show the amount an occupier of a house rent- ed at L50 would have to pay in rates (including water charges). & 7T That of thirteen towns with populations ranging from 15,500 to 6.000 only two towns were lower than Llandudno. f- n That the occupier of a £ 50 house in Lian- dudno would have to pay JE14 10s. in rates Last- year. if That in all probability the amount will be a little less this year. That the reduction, however, is hardly likely to be more than a penny in the £ That the article referred to has been re- printed for the Urban District Council and copies sent to the different house agents in the district. That so far as the Council is concerned the financial outlook is very en- couraging. That one very big loan will be paid off during the next three years. That as the annual instalment of this loan means a rate of about 5d. in the £ its liquidation will be heartily welcomed. •x- That if the County Rate can only be kept within reasonable bounds Llandudno will) be in an enviable position as com- pared with many other pleasure resorts. That except in the Eastern Ward very lit- tle interest has been taken in this year's Urban Council Election. t That, in the Central and West Wards the old members have been returned un- opposed. That in the Eiast however, Messrs. T. W. Griffith and Pierce Jones will have to fight for their seats. That four candidates are contesting the three vacant seats on the Conway Board of Guardians in the Western Ward. That they are Messrs. David Jones, Wil- liam Williams and J. Roger Dawson, and Mrs E. H. Jones. That the Lady representative from the Ward on the last Board was Miss Parry, Ty Gwyn. That Miss Parry did not seek re-election this year. That the retiring members in the other two wards were all returned unopposed. That there was more boating in the bay this year at Eiaster than for some years. *• That the sea was so calm that the pastime was a most enjoyable one. < < That a few anglers plied rod and line with more or less success at the Pier Head. That the catches were not very large. That those in boats met with better re- sults. That the motor traffic to and from the town was very heavy. That drivers as a rule were very careful and considerate. That there were, however, one or two ex- ceptions, notably of one car which came through Mostyn Street at a speed which at least doubled the speed lmitt. That a motor cyclist nearly brought about an accident on the far side of Penrhvn Hill. That a four-in-hand coach was travelling down the hill in the direction of Rhos- on-Sea. That coming behind was a large motor- car, an open landau and two or three pedestrians. That when the coach got towards the foot of the hill at a very narrow portion of the road one of the horses kicked over the traces. That the coach was pulled up for things to be put right, and naturally the vehicles behind were also brought to a standstill1. That the pedestrians referred to stopped between the coach and the motor car. That just at this juncture a motor cyclist on his nerve-shaking abomination came round the corner at a good pace. That he had a clear view of the position of the vehicles in front, and also that the horses of the coach were a little restive. That this is proved by the fact that he "shut off steam." That, however, instead of pulling up altogether he allowed his machine to j travel on its own impetus, although there was scarcely a yard between the horses' heads and the wall. That one of the pedestrians had a very narrow escape of being run over. That- he had to jump out of the way to avoid the accident. That it is such reckless methods which the responsible section of the motoring community is endeavouring to check in their own interests. That the Electric Tramway created a new record for Easter. That the Lianaudno Electric Tramway Company carried over six thousand passengers on Good Friday. That the traffic on other days was also very heavy. That the behaviour of the crowds was all that could be desired, there being not a single case of drunkenness or dis- orderly conduct, That the comparison of a Bank-Holiday to-day and only a decade ago proves how great has been the improvement in the lives and character of our workers during that short period. That the Great Orme Tramwav also created a fresh Easter record. That this is a good augury for an excel- lent season. That many believe this tramway has a bright future, and has passed the most C, critical period of its career. That notwithstanding Tihe early Easter holiday-makers have enjoyed a spell of the pleasantest weather within their re- collection. That golfers have had a glorior~ time on the Links. That to get a game it was necessary to book a time the previous day on both the West. Shore and Great Orme Links. That on Friday, 'Saturday and Monday players were booked to start every five minutes from nine in the morning till late in the afternoon. That many who had never visited Llan- dudno before were charmed with the town and the golfing courses, and That they enthusiastically declared their intention of returning as often as pos- sible to renew their acquaintance with the town and links. That the test piece for Male Voice Choirs at the Carnarvon Eisteddfod on Easter Monday was the work of a Llandudno composer, Mr Osborne Roberts. That the title of the composition was "The Battle of the Baltic." That the first prize of P,30 was awarded an English Choir from Burnley, the second prize of 210 going to Llanberis. That a fair number of prizes at Conway Horse Show were awarded to Llan- dudno exhibits. That Messrs. H. and J. Owen, grocers, obtained first prize for tradesman's turn-out in single harness. That Mar-rs. John Jones and Sons were awardea several firsts in various classes for some exceedingly fine animals. That Mr E. B. Barnes, of the American Roller Rink Co., Ltd.. one time manager of the Hippodrome, Llan- dudno, paid a flying visit to Llandudno on Wednesday. That he has arranged for the Hippodrome to be opened on the 23rd of this month (Saturday). That meanwhile the skating surface is being attended to by a specialist. That the painters and decorators will shortly take charge, and a thorough overhauling; is being instituted. That the Rink orchestra will again ap- pear in the May-Day procession. That this will be the third occasion that this orchestra has given its services free, thanks to the generosity of the American Roller Rink Company. That Dr. Richards, the eminent Bir- mingham Doctor, is staying at the Im- perial Hotel. That he is suffering from pneumonia, but it is hoped that he will regain his health and strength. That an amateur performance in aid of the Nursing Association will be given in the Grand Theatre on Wednesday evening. That the selected piece is Mark Ambrent's comedy, "A Snug Little Kingdom." That the characters will be represented by Mr R. E. Hyslop, Mr A. N. Wills, Mr C. J. Montgomery, Miss Peers, Miss Olive Elakin, Miss Myra Wright, and Miss Winifred Foster. That the scene of the play is "A Garret in Soho." That the object of the promoters of the performance should be sufficient in it- self to assure a brisk demand for tickets. That the L.A.D.S. will on May-Day give a performance of "What, Happened to Jones." That the proceeds on this occasion will be devoted to the establishment of a fund to be known as the "L.A.D.S. Lifeboats men's Fund." That the fund will be established for the purpose of succouring lifeboatmen on their return from active service. That although the fund will be kept apart from the ordinary funds of the Lifeboat Institution the co-operation of the local committee has been secured. That fuller details are given in another column. That the death of Mr A. G. Rogers. De- ganwy is generally regretted. That the deceased gentleman was one of the most kind-hearted of people. That as a member of the committee of the Llandudno Cricket Club he had a great deal to do with the placing of the club on a secure footing. That he captained the first eleven for one season. That he also frequently acted as judge in connection with the May-Day Proces- sion and Sports. That the members of the committee passed a, vote of condolence with the family At their meeting on Thursday night.