The Rhos Herald

WALES AND THE COMING FIGHT. EAST DENBIGHSHIRE. Candidates Mr E. G. Hemmerde (L) Mr David Rhys (C). The campaign has opened in East Denbighshire. Both Mr Hemmerde and Mr Rhys have held meetings in the divi- sion. Wherever he goes Mr Hemmerde is received with great enthusiasm, and nowhere more so than in Rhos. Mr Rhys on the other hand, is having a very mixed reception. In a few of the outly- I ing districts he is hailed with cheers, but in all the popular centres he is severely heckled. He has already addressed two meetings in Rhos, and is to address another very soon. In the meantime we read of Mr Hemmerde fighting the good fight in other parts of the country. His brilliant oratory and forceful personality are being claimed on every hand, and everywhere he goes he touches into life the Liberalism of the district he speaks in. We, in East Denbighshire, however keen may be our desire to hear our mem- ber, should sink our inclinations in that respect, in order to advance the cause. We should with a cheerfel heart strike off the leash, and allow him to rush on the toe. Mr Hemmerde is at his best when he is fighting with his back to the wail, o wheo, with shining sword aloft, he is storming a citadel. In Liberal East Denbighshire he finds there is not much work of the aggressive type to do, ard like the young heroes of old, he must perforce, buckle on his armour and sally out in search of adventure. Presently he will come home covered perhaps with the scars of battle, and then it will be our duty to see that he receives the welcome he deserves In his absence we can, however, amuse ourselves at the futile attempts of Mr Rhys. DENBIGH BOROUGHS Candidates Mr Clement Edwards (L) Hon Ormsby Gore, (C). Up to the last general election the Den- bigh boroughs had nearly always been represented by a Tory. In 1906 the elec- tors returned Mr Clement Edwards with a majority of 573. The new candidate, Mr Ormsby Gore, is the son of Lord Harlech, and stands for everything that tpakes for the perpetuation oi the inter- ests of the landowning aristocracy. Wre<ham, by far the largest of the con- tributory boroughs, is declared to bemore strongly Liberal than it was in 1906. even apart from the popularity of the Budget and the gratitude of the old folks for the granting of pensions. The Liberal party organisation is in an excellent state of efficiency, and the miners have appointed a special committee to assist in Mr .Ed- wards' candidature. Denbigh is espec- ially enthusiastic in its attitude towards I the great Finance Bill because Mr Lloyd George received his political baptism in I that town under the late Mr Thomas Gee. To sum up the general situation, every- I thing points to another Liberal triumph, with a majority approximating the four figures upon which Mr Edwards had set his heart. FLINT BOROUGHS. Candidates Mr J. W. Summers (L) Mr H. A. Tilby (C). There is every probability that in the Flint boroughs, political history will re- peat itself. It is true that for many years past the Liberal majority has never been d very startling one, but it has always been steady and sufficient to prove that the electors are Liberal. At the last elec- tion Mr Idris was ejected by a majority of 376 votes. Mr Tilby, the Conservative candidate, is a retired schoolmaster, and by some of the party he is regarded as possessing high ability. In several dis- tricts however his candidature is not thought to be at ail promising. As a, striking contrast the Liberal party have selected Mr Summers, who has been identified throughout his life with the par- ty, and he is typical of all that qualifies for the best interests of Radicalism. Mr Summers has fjr years occupied the posi- tion of chairman t)f the Flintshire County Council. He is a member of the firm of Messrs Summers and Sons, who employ thousands of men and no one could be more versed or better qualified to speak upon the industrial problems which are before the country. A Free Trader of the first water, his public speeches have been couched in thoughtful and admirable terms. The abolition of the House of Lords' veto is the battle cry in the bor- oughs, and it is being ably sounded by Mr Summers and his party. 1t FLINTSHIRE. Candidates Mr J. Herbert Lewis (L) Col Lloyd Howard (C), The political history of Flintshire has constituted one long and unbrok o record of staunch Liberalism. Peer n-rame of Mr Herbert Lewis is vener ,d. ami bis kiD. rt tiring and zealous endeavours on behalf 11 of temperance and other social reforms, have won him the highest possible esteem. The electors aie convinced that the hon-i our conferred upon him as the Parlia-I mentary Secretary to the Local Gevern 1 ment Board was deserved and well-earn- ed for his astuteness in the Prriiamentary 1 life of the country. Everything augers well for a victorious campaign the elec- tors are keenly alive respecting the great issues before them. The venomous abuse which has been recently heaped upon their fellow-countryman, Mr Lloyd George, by the Tory emissaries, has kindled a tire of indignation and disgust in the ranks of the County Liberals, and it is asserted that there will be adequate retaliation. ANGLESEY. Candidates: Mr Ellis], Griffith (L) Mr R. O. Roberts (C), Mr Ellis Griffith has for many years represented the constituency in Parlia- ment. He is, next to Mr Lloyd George, the most brilliantly witty ahd effective speaker in the Welsh party. A perfect! example of his ability in this direction was given in his trenchant reply to Mr F. E. Smith, the day following that gentle- man's memorable visit to Carnarvon. Mr R. O. Roberts, the Tory candidate, has nursed the constituency for a considerable time, and cherises hopes of reducing Mr Ellis Griffith's tremendous majority of 2,718 recorded at the last election. These hopes however are not well founded, for so thoroughly has Mr Ellis Griffith edu- bated the electorate on the question ot Tariff Reform, that few of the Anglesey farmers now attach the slightest weight to that nostrum. f ARFON. Candidates Mr William Jones (L) Mr Alfred Hughes (C). Every Welshman knows William Jones" and his bubbling and infectous optimism, his torrential eloquence, and, his unfailing good temper. He has an excellent Parliamentary record, though one which does not come so prominently before the public eye as that of some of his colleagues. A constitution of iron, an exhaustless fund of energy, and a mag- nificent Welsh diction enable him to per- form extraordinary feats of electoral teats with marked success. His constituents almost worship him. The principal land- ed interests in the constituency are those of Mr Assheton-Smith and Lord Penrhyn. in whose quarries between 5 000 and 6.000 men and boys are employed These large landed proprietors, it goes without saying, are out and out Unionists and will throw the weight ot whatever in- fiuence they are possessed into the scale in favour of the Tory candidate. In years gone by the influence of these two houses was a deciding factor. It is not an alto gether negligible quantity in these days. but it is so much diminished by various causes, that it causes the Liberal party very little anxiety^ EIFION. Candidates Mr Ellis W. Davies (L) Mr Lloyd Priestley (C). Mr Ellis Davies literally sank into the seat vacated by his Honour Judge Bryn Roberts. The young Welsh solicitor has done nothing to diminish the confidence then reposed in him by the electors, but, on the contrary, has done a very great deal to strengthen and increase that con- fidence. During his four years tenure of the seat, Mr Ellis Davies, who is a fluent speaker in English and Welsh, has quiet- ly but steadily achieved a position in the House of Commons which always secures for him an attentive hearing. He bases. tablished himself as an authority on the question of the taxation of land values, even in the House of Commons. He is a master of 44 Yr hen iaeth and that fact alone is worth hundreds of votes to him. He is an ardent patriot. In fact it is in this connection alone that Mr Davies ev- er flames up, and when he does his con- stituents flame up with him. There is not a single one of the great questions of the day upon which Mr Ellis Davies is not at the shortest notice ready and wil- ling to meet the doughtiest opponent that mav nresent himself. t n- 01 &" CARNARVON BOROUGHS. Candidates The Right Hon D. Lloyd George (L) Mr Hugh C. Vincent (C). In the Carnarvon boroughs will be fought one of the most important fights in the whole kingdom. The election in fact, will be in a sense in which a general election has seldom, or never been, a per- sonal one. It will be in a very real sense "Lloyd George versus the House of Lords." For the Chancellor there is ev- ery prospect of a sure, certain, and bril- liant victory. For Mr Vincent an equaJly í sure and certain defeat. Nevertheless both sides are working as hard as if the í I result were doubtful. The Chancellor has I put in a lot of effective work, and he is a man who is bound to fire his constituents j with the most burning zeai and enthusi-j asm. In the Chancellor's absence the Liberal workers are preparing for the fight in a calm, cool, and methodical man- er They reaHze that Mr Lloyd George's defeat at the forthsoming election would be a disaster to the Liberal party, and in the opinion of thousands outside his con- stituency y a disaster for the action. This, of course, is due to the fact that his ex- traordinary political succeeses have con- stituted him one of the forem. st leaders of the party, but in a more especial sense, because the election throughout the whole country turns mainly, almost entirely, upon the question of whether his policy or that of others shall be adopted by the nation or not.

EAST DENBIGHSHIRE. -0- MR HEMMERDE'S CAMPAIGN. MEETINGS AT° RHOSTYLLEN, ACREFAIR, AND RUABON. Following upon an eminently success- ful series of meetings in various parts of the country, Mr Hemmerde resumed his campaign in East Denbighshire on Thurs- day evening, when he addressed crowded meetings at Rhostyllen, Ruabon, and Acrefair. The hon. member delivered ad- dresses at each place, and was everywhere enthusiastically received. The meeting at Rhostyllen was held in the Assembly Rooms, Mr Thos Rogers presiding. Mr Hemmerde, who was en- thusiastically received, said he was spead- ing all his time helping wherever he could and wherever a seat was in danger, to do his best to smash Tariff Reform. Mr Hemmerde pointed out that the sugar and tea taxes had been reduced and he hoped in due course these taxes would be re- moved entirely. The present attitude of the Tories regarding Old Age Pensions was merely electioneering hypocrisy. If the Tories were not going to abolish pen- sions, they were going to reduce their value by increasing the cost of the neces- saries of life. How was the coalminer to gain by Protection ? If the purchasing power was reduced, the consumption of coal would decreaee, thus causing less work. Miners had nothing to gain but much to lose by Tariff Reform. In deal- ing with the land question, Mr Hemmer- de said they could immediately develope East Denbighshire if they valued the land as embodied in the Budget. The more industries they developed in the district the more purchasers there were for the goods they produced. At Acrefair, the same evening, referring to the Old Age Pensions, he S lid that many aged men and women in that dis- trict were made happy by that Act. Mr GaUand had just given him the figures for Ruabon district, from which it appear- ed that 380 aged people were getting their pensions (cheers). They had in that Parliament done more for Labour than had been done in many preceeding Par- iiaments put together. The Army was stronger that it had ever been before. As to the statements made of the Navy, he said they were so unBritish to be always crying out in terror about what some other nation was going to do. Btitain would hold her own as bhe had done in the past. (Applause) At Ruabon Mr Hemmerde said that for the life of him he could not undetstand how any man could at this election vote anything but Liberal and Labour. Refer- ring to the legislative measures passed by the Government, Mr Hemmerde said Holdings and better houses could be ob- tained providing they sent men to the County Council who wanted to demon- strate those Acts. They would find land rated at £ 2, but if they wanted to buy it they would have to payct,ooo an acre. (Shame). The Government said it was a shame, and if they once valued the land they would kuow what to pay for it They must have the land valued first, and put on a tax in a sensible way, and not in a hap- hazard way like at present. Buildings which afforded employment for brickmak- ers and others was impossible unless land was cheap and easily got at.

Mr. Rhys at Brynteg. Mr. David Rhys, the Conservative can- didate for East Denbighshire, addressed a meeting at Brynteg, on Thursday night. A large par t of the audience was hostile, and he was frequently interrupted. At the close of his speech numerous questions were put to him. In reply to the question, If we adopted tariff reform, could this country raise the extra revenue required ?" Mr. Rhys s^id, I don't see why it could not. If the imports of Germany are two-thirds of the imports of this country, and Germany I derives revenue 37 millions, we only want 16 millions." A Voice Don't you think it possible for the Budget to raise the 16 millions ? Mr. Rhys I think it perfectly possible. The Voice: Well, let us have it then. (Cheers.) When asked what the royalties in Germany amounted to, as compared with those paid in this country, Mr. Rhys was unable to say. "Well, I can tell you," responded the questioner, It is is. 8d., as compared with 6s. 8d. in this country."

COLORED PICTURE POST CARDS of Rhos on sale at the Herald Office <

FOOTBALL. I 2ND ROUND WELSH SENIOR CUP. RHOS RANGERS v. BUCKLEY I These teams met for the second time j in the above competition on Saturday last J New Years Day at the ground ot the j Rangers, Cae Enion. A record crowd had lined the ropes when the teams lined up I at the centre under; the whisle of Mr Jones I Holywell. Rhos won the toss and elected to kick against the wind, which was very I strong. Buckley attacked rather strong but the Rhos backs were not found nap- ping and successfully tackled all attacks and cleared the leather with fine judge- ment. Rhos played a fast game, and were continually forcing the game, a nice bit of combination Bob Williams net- ed the opening goal with a swift low shot which completely baffled the goal-keeper. The Rangers after this lead the homesters put more dash and energy into their play, and even helped the half-backs when the visitors tried their penetrating power. Roberts got away on the right and raced away and successfully evading all would be robbers and crossed over on to the toe of Davies who drives the leather into the well guarded citadel. From now to the interval Rhos were well masters of the situation. The tricky play of the home left wing gained for them rounds of ap- plause from the spectators. No further scoring took place and when the interval arrived the home team were leading by two clear goals. After the interval both sides made hard attempts but the Rhos men had the wind in their favour and soon had the Buckiey men penned in their own half and com- menced a severe attack on their goal a pass from the right came the way of E W Jones who with a rising shot netted the third goal. There were occasions when the Engineers' dash looked like scoring but they failed to beat Hughes and Joe Griffiths on the defence. Roberts the Rhos outside right with Mathews on the inside played a hard and plucky game throughout, the former scoring from a difficult angle. The half backs of the homesters were a hard-working trio, and j there was little to choose between them. j All three played well and Alf Mathews has rarely been seen to better advantage, he fed his forwards with capital passes. The out-side left was two fast for the visitors right half and full back and his center- ings were usually excellent. The visitors were now completely fagged and shot in fact anywhere from their own goal, the forwards also playing on the defence. The home forwards rushed their goal time and again and the cusodian brought off some of the luckiest saves ever seen on Cae Enion. A pass trom Jones came the way of burly Bob who with a low shot crashes the ball into the net. When time was finished the Rangers had completely routed a team whose hopes were to win by five clear goals.

v RHOS. PERSONAL.—We are glad to understand' thst M.. I H OrR<?n. A beedprfon, last week underwent an operation at YVrexiiairr Infirmary,) is progressing favourably, and the operation has been entirely successful, Mr Green's numerous friends will be glad to hear. of his splendid progress. LIBERAL ASSOCIATIO.- The Election Committee of the Rhos Liberal Association for the Rhos District met on Monday night, and made arrangements for the- carrying on of the work of the forthcom* ing election. Canvassing has commenced in real earnest. Mr Cadwaladr Morgan' was appointed Chairman of the election Committee, and Mr Joseph Rogers and: Mr Samuel Rowley as the Eiection Agents" for Rhos and Pant Wards, and Ponkey Ward respectively. THE LATE MR JONATHAN THOMAS — The remains of Mr Jonathan Thomas, Campbell-street, were interred in Ponkey Cemetery on Monday. Mr Thomas, who had reached the advanced age of eighty, died on the previous Thursday. He was the senior deacon of Bethlehem Chapel, of which he was a member for sixty years, and a deacon for thirty. He leaves a widow, three sons, and three daughters. The funeral was largely attended. The Revs R. Roberts, T. A. Thomas, R< Jones, E. Isfryn Williams, E. Mitchell, R. Williams, J. W. Humphreys and E# Williams took part in the service, and Mr" Caradog Roberts played the Dead March. An appreciation of the late Mr Thomas- appears in our Welsh columns. BIBLE CLASS SOCIAL.-Tlie members of of the various Bible Classes connected1 with the Church of England in Rhos ac- cepted the invitation of the Vicar (ReV J,- W Thomas) and Mrs Thomas to an enjoy- able social held at the National School 00' Thursday evening. The following assist* ed with the arrangements :-Mesdameq, Wm Jones, Jos Owen, J Powell, Phillips, Jones, Price, S Hughes, the Misses Go Davies, Pollie Hughes, Annie Jones, A Evans, M Ingman, and Mr Elias. Songs were rendered by Mr Edward Jones, 1ft J A Davies and Mr Bache. The vicaf and his wife were heartily thanked iof providing such a pleasant evening. HILL STREET LITERARY SOCIETY.—The* annual supper and watch-night service in connection with the above society ioclfr place on New Year's Eve, The lady member of the Society provided a splen*" did repast, to which over a hundred satf down. A very interesting entertainment followed, the pastor (Rev R Williams), presiding. The programme included 50JO.' by Messrs Harry Edwards, Em'yn Evginsp- Robert Jones, (Cefn), Wilfrid Davies, the Misses Sarah Williams, Maggie Pritchard' duets by Mr Harry Mills and Miss Jennie' Mills. Recitation, R A Jones, E Pran r dle,, and Robert Edwards dialogue by Missetf Nesta and Enis Jones, Jenny and Mabel Mills, and Nellie Duce. In a competition for the reading of an unpunctuated piece of prose, Mr Richard A Jones proved suc- cessful. The ladies who provided the supper were heartily thanked on the pro- position of Mr E Davies. At the close of the entertainment a short religious service was held to greet the New Year.

1 JOHNSTOWN. i WATCHNICHT SERVICES.To greet the' New Year a social followed by a watch- night service was he'd under the auspices* of the Young People's Guild at the Eng- lish Congregational Church, on Friday evening. A large number assembl,ed, The following programme was well reo. dered :—Pianoforte solo, Master Harold' Smith solo, Miss Hilda Johnson solo, Mother's favourite hymn," Mr Robert Thomas reading, A Quiet Holiday," Mr J Griffith solo, The Storm Miss Ethel G Edwards solo, Dolly's- Re- venge," Miss Hilda Johnson duet, H The ,Miller's Daughter," Miss Annie Thomas and Miss Ethel G Jones solo, Sars arc ever Bright," Mr J Edwards selectiong, on the phonograph, manipulated by Mr R D Evans. The Rev T Arthur Thomasf pastor, presided. .j.1.

I Denbighshire Pensions. The number ot pensions allowed in Den-" bighshirc up to the 30th September wag- 2,190, made up as follows :-1,973 at ss" per week 90 at 4s. per week 81 at 3s, per week 31 at 2S. per week 15 at is, per week. This includes pensions granted^ as the result of appeals either to grant a pension or to increase the amouht originally allowed bv the Committee. -o

No Cases at Ruabon Court There was not a single original case it* the cause list at Ruabon Petty Sessiocs" on Friday. This petty sessional division includes the extensive mining villages of Rhos, Cefn ahd Penycae, and there are probably fifteen colleries. brickworks and other industrial undertakings in tb0 district. It is most satisfactory to find that at the end of the Christmas season, there was not a single case to be heard iir the police court of such a thickly populated" neighbourhood. Some years ago, when monthly courts were held, it was no un- common thing for the magistrates to bø' engaged throughout the day hearing- criminal cases.