Flintshire Observer Mining Journal and General Advertiser for the Counties of Flint Denbigh

The Dictator's Threat. Mr. John Recimond, dictator, has spoken. In the House of Commons on Tuesday eve- ning he actually defied the Premier, Mr. Asquith had stated that the Home Rule Bill must go through the Commons by Whit- suntide, but he promised an ttro^nding Bill immediately afterwards, to become 1&w at I +he same tin}*, \r- Retlm0nd made his atti''l<|e unmistakable. With re- gard an amending Bill he said "That is a serious decision. If the pourparlers for peace should fail I hold myself absolutely free to deal with it when it arises." Mr. Redmond holds the whip hand and does not forget it. Mr. Asquith's offer of an amending Bill is all admi&sion that the Home Rule Bill will not do in its present form. Mr. Red- mond does not agree with 'Lliat. illi that he is concerned about is the passage of the Home Rule Bill through the Com- mons. Mr. Bonar Law urged in the course of a forceful speech that before the House of Commons parted with the Home Rule Bill for the third and last time, the House should know, and should have an opportu- nity of discussing, what the real proposals were which the Government were going to make. Why had not the Government ad- opted that natural, obvious, and proper course? "The Premier has not told us, but I think we can guess," said Mr. Law. "Mr. Redmond has made it a point that the Bill is to go through as it stands before Whit- suntitttfj and titS Government obey." That U Situation in a nutshell. The Government have been invited tq formulate their proposals for a settlement, but so far they have disregarded the re- quest. In short, the Government have not yet abandoned the policy of drift entirely. It is a dangerous game which they are play- ing. Unless they put forward a real, hon- est, and tangible offer at an early date—act instead of merely talking—they will find themselves confronted with the gravest situation which has faced a British Govern- ment since the American Revolution.

A Roman .Catholic View of the Welsh Bill. We have frequently called attention (says The Guardian") to the fact that the official policy of the Roman Catholic Church in this country is strongly opposed to the Welsh Disestablishment Bill, yet on more than one occasion correspondents claiming to be Roman Catholics have seen fit to call the statement in question. Perhaps the fol- lowing extract from a leading article in the "Tablet" of April 25th will set the matters at rest. We need hardly point out that our exceedingly able contemporary is the official organ of the Anglo-Roman hierarchy That the Welsh Disestablishment Bill leaves the democracy, whether in England or Wales, quite unexcited, is not very sur- piising. What do they gain by it, or, indeed, what does anybody gain by it? The old illusion that after the passing of the Bill the Welsh farmer would no longer pay tithe is dead and away. It was the paying of the tithe that was bitter, and it is small com- furt to know that henceforth it will support a local museum instead of a parson. It will not make the Nonconformist shopkeep- er permanently happier to know that the Welsh Dioceses of the Anglican Church are no longer represented in the Convocation of Canterbury. The services in the parish church will continue as of old, but in time the work of the parish will be hindered and crippled by failing funds. The Nonconfor- mist electors will be the better able to ap- preciate what a starved and poverty- stricken jiarsonage means, because all the Welsh sects have lately been busy trying to collect money for permanent endowments so as to secure a living wage for their minis- ters. They are robbing the parsonages for the benefit of museums of just the sort of endowments which they declare to be neces- sary for their own ministers. There are 561 Anglican curates in Wales, and for these men no provision of any sort is made. Their prospects of professional advance- ment are blasted at a stroke, and no penny of compensation is allowed. They have dedicated their lives to the service of the Anglican Church in Wales, and their years of labour go for nothing because Parliament suddenly disendows the parishes where they hoped to serve. The hardship of their case is so evident that it may be taken for gran- ted a remedy would be found if the way to justice were not barred by the inflexible provisions of the Parliament Act. The total endowment of the Established Church in Wales is 260,0001., and of this -sum 167,0001. is to be taken and applied to secu- lar uses. In addition to its en- dowment.s the Welsh Church receives an income of 300,0001. from voluntary subscrip- tions. It occurred to Mr. McKenna as an unusually happy thought to point out that if these annual subscriptions were to be in- creased by another 157,0001. then the finan- cial situation would remain unchanged. This principle seems capable of a wide ap- plication. You rob a man of funds bringing in 500/. a year, and then, for hi-s consola- tion, explain to him that if his mother's uncle will allow him an equivalent income I he will be just as rich as before.

SOUGHTON. CONCERT. A concert was given in the Memorial Hall 011 Thursday by the members of the Band of Hope. The Rev. E. J. Fisher presided. The following programme was rendered:- Opening chorus, "Thou'rt passing away," Band of Hope Children; opening speech, "I'm a Boy," Master Thomas Blackwell; song, "Mr. Golliwog," Amy Ellis and Babies; song, "Granny," Jenny Bateman and Band of Hope Children; chorus, "Joy cometh in the morning," Band of Hope Children; recitation, "Rich or Poor," Cis- sie Jones; song, "The Three Travellers," H. S. Jones, C. Jones, C. Blackwell; reci- tation, "Both Sides," Doris Jones; chorus, "Hammer, Hammer," Band of Hope Chil- (Irei) song, "Three Old Maids," three G.F.S. girls; song, "Oh, who will o'er," eight G.F.S. girls; duet, "Come over the garden wall," Sidney Bateman and Eva Chambers; chorus, "The Horse Shoeing," Band of Hope Children; farce, "A Singing Lesson," four boys and three girls. A musical cantata. entitled "The Rainbow Stair," Fairy Queen, Miss Irene Williams; Will o' the IV sp, Howell Jarvis; 1st Scho- lar, Jane Jones. At the close a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Miss M. Williams, Mr. T. Ellis, Mr. P. Williams, and Miss Williams, and to all the ladies who assisted in making the dresses for the children.

THE NEW HAIR GROWER. H AIREGEN is the latest scientific pro- ■ • duct for preventing the lose of hair. Buy 1 oz. Hairegen Concentrated and mix with 3 oz. of Rosemary Water. Costly and lengthy experiments have en- abled the makers to put within the reach of all a reliable article. So confident are they of the benefits of Hairegen that all their Agents are autho- rized to refund the purchase money in full, to anyone who, after giving it a fair trial, find", it does not do what they claim for it. Many people wait until it is too late be- fore using a preservative. HAIREGEN prevents the loss of hair, stimulates the growth, and makes the hair soft and glossy. TRY IT NOW — Hairegen Concentrated is sold in loz. Bottles, 16. Post free, Is. Id. Sole Agent for North Wales- A. EVANS, Chemist, Wrexham Street, MOLD.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TRIP. The Nonconformist Sunday Schools have arranged to have an united trip first Thurs- 0 day in July. All the arrangements are in the hands of the Sunday School Union.

PICTURE HOUSE. The programme at this popular place of amusement on Monday, Tuesday, and Wed- nesday was very attractive, and included pictures entitled "The Gem of India" (in four parts), a story dealing with the disap- pearance of a famous diamond and "Little Ned."

"BEAUTIFUL HOUSES." The attention of our readers is drawn to the advertisement of Messrs. Richard Jones and Co., Ltd., Chester, in which they offer to send a copy of their catalogue "Beauti- ful Houses" on request. This catalogue, which is tastefully printed, will be of great, interest to all wli- j..„ 0 tiro PUldiiüHig carpets, noor coverings, furniture, decorations, etc.

CATECHISING FESTIVAL. The C.M. Church held their annual catechising festival on Monday. The offi- cial,s were :-Catechiser, ReN-. R. P. Hu(,hes presidents, Rev. J. E. Jones, Seion, and Mr. R. Williams, Lceswood; conductors, Messrs. J. Jones and J. O. Roberts, Ner- quis; accompanists, Misses A. M. Gordon, Tryddyn, and J. P. Jones, Leeswood.

APPLICATION. At the Mold Police Court on Monday, Mr. D. R. Thomas, surveyor to the Mold Urban Council, gave evidence with regard to an application for permission to stop up a portion of a footpath near Alyn View, Lead Mills, and abutting on the river.—It was stated that this was simply the first stage of the legal formalities which had to be gone through.—The magistrates decided to view the footpath subsequently.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS. The results of the examination for scho- larships and exhibitions offered for compe- tition by the University College of North Wales, Bangor, were published 011 Fridav. The second on the list ]is tli.lt of J- I Emlyn Hughes, of the Alun County School, Mold, who has been awarded the Piercy Scholarship of the value of £30 per annum for three years. The succcssful candidate is the son of Mr. John Hughes, chairman of the Mold Urban Council.

SLEEPING OUT. Elizabeth Johnstone, of no fixed abode, was charged at the Mold Police Court, on Monday, with begging. P.S. Whitehead stated that at 11.45 p.m. on Friday night, in company with P.C. Thomas, ne search- ed the outbuildings known as the malt kiln, Penyffordd, and found the prisoner asleep in a lean-to shed. He asked Tier if she had any money, and she replied "Fourpence." Witness asked, "Why didn't you go to a lodging house?" She said, "They would not allow me in." He locked her up.—Pri- soner was sent to gaol for a week.

LOCKOUT AND STARVATION. Over 1,000 loaves and 500 parcels of gro- ceries were distributed to the families of builders' labourers, who are suffering ter- ribly from the prolonged lockout in Lon- don. There are believed to be 4,000 build- ers' labourers' families throughout London in a state of starvation, and 500 families received parcels of food.

A number of men who were fined at New- castle last week for having matches in their pockets in the mine expressed the in- tention of having their pockets sewn up for the future.

URBAN COUNCIL. A report of the monthly meeting of the Holywell Urban District Council appears 011 Page 3.

All communications should be addressed to 44 Flintshire Observer & News," High Street, Mold. The Iatestltime for receiving Ad- vertisements is Wednesday.

JT, -r.T-- Men & Matters. TWO cases of especial interest to the agricultural community were heard at the Flint Borough Sessions yesterday, when two farmers were summoned for selling ? containing an infinitOMmal quantity of sedi- ment. It was urged On behalf of the defen dants that everything possible had been done to secure absolute cleanliness. The offence, it was stated, was a purely techni- cal one, as the analysis showed that the milk was of good quality. -:0:- THIS question has arisen on several oc- casions in Flintshire recently, and it is one of grave importance to farmers and milk dealers. The cases were dismissed on pay- ment of costs. Everyone must agree with the comment of the Mayor that it is time a specific regulation was made for the protec- tion of the public and also of the farmer and dairyman. — :0 :—• BOTH the Flint Town Council and the Holywell Urban Council are keeping to the fore the important matter of railway facili- ties in their respective towns. Both autho- rities have one grievance ill common, and that is the fact that tourists' tickets are not issued frolil either the Flint or Holywell Town Stations. It is to be hoped that the railway company will grant this concession, as the request is a most reasonable one. — :o: — THE question of especial importance at Flint concerns the station. At the present time the platforms are inconveniently low. For a considerable period the Council have been urging the company to raise the plat- forms—or, alternatively, to make a new sta- tion. The people of Flint have shown con- siderable patience in this matter, and I would suggest to the company that the time has arrived when some improvement should be effected. — :o:— FROM statements made at the meeting of Flint Town Council on Monday evening, it appears that the borough is better situated with regard to tile housing probISm than other industrial communities in the county. Admittedly the problem exists in Flint, but new houses are being erected, and ac- cording to Councillor Powell, the situation has been considerably alleviated by private enterprise. OPENI.

MOLD CATTLE MARKET: SPECIAL PRIZE STORE STOCK SALE. On Friday last, Mr. Frank Badham, auc- tioneer, of Mold, held his first great spe- cial prize sale of breeders' stock and couples. The market presented a very busy appearance, as there was an exceptionally large entry of stock in all classes, the quality being greatly above the average. A large number of buyers from Cheshire, Ruthin, Wrexham, etc., were in attendance, and an exceptionally fast trade prevailed, prices for the best quality sorts being very high. A grand clearance was effected. The show of dairy cattle was very line, the prizes in these classes being awarded as follows:—Best dairy cow; Mr. David Ro- berts (sold for £ 22); reserve, Mr. T. LI. Hughes (sold for X22). Best heifer in or with calf: Mr. Kendrick (sold for £ 21); re- serve, Col. Philips (sold for £ 18 12s. 6d.). The feeding cattle, yearlings, stock bulls, and barrens were all excellent lot, and prizes were awarded as follows:—Best four feeding cattle: Mr. Jno. Kellet (sold for IL63). Best yearlings sold (8 in a lot) for £ 80. Be8t. stock bull: Mr. Jones, Llan (sold for £ 14 10s.). There was good com- petition in the sheep section, but supplies were not equal to the demand. Mr. Wat- kin won the prize for couples other than Welsh, those making 61s. 3d. per couple. Other prices noted were 10 Welsh couples, making 35s. 8 crossbred couples, 70s.; 18 Scotch couples, 42s. The judges were Mr. T. C. Holland and Mr. E. Price, their awards giving general satisfaction. The auctioneer announces a eteond special sale for. Friday, May 22nd.

THE NATIONAL RESERVE. To celebrate the gift of a flag-pole (pre- sented by Mr. P. T. Davies-Cooke) and a flag (presented by Mrs. Alletson of Bod Derwen), the "A" Company of the Flint- shire National Reserve paraded on Satur- day afternoon in the paddock at the rear of Plasyndre, Mold, and afterwards, head- ed by the Buckley National Reserve "G" Company Band, marched to the Armoury, where an interesting ceremony took place, the new flag being unfurled. Capt. T. B. Hardern (officer commanding the Flintshire National Reserve) made a few remarks, in which he said that he considered that was • a veiry auspicious "occasion, because al- though they were but one of the units of the Flintshire National Reserve, still the Armoury was the headquarters. He wished to apologise for the absence of Capt. Allet- son, to whom he paid a tribute for his en- thusiasm in the organisation and further- ance of the National Keesrve. Continuing, he said that on January 1st last no less than 217,000 men had registered themselves as members of the National Reserve. A new- development had just taken place, 110 les>s than 37,000 men having signified their wil- lingness to defend the Empire, either at home or abroad if ever required. He urged every man andwoman in Flintshire to do their utmost to bring men forward to be registered members of that great movement for the defence of hearth and home, country and king. There were a few things that every Englishmen ought to be taught—one was to swim, and the second I was how to use his fists (hear, hear). Let a man use his fists, and he gained respect; let a nation be armed and other nations would take their hats off to that nation. Every man ought to do his best to uphold the flag of England, which had braved the battles of a thousand years. If they did all they could, then the flag would look down upon a nation prepared for war, which ensured peace, success, and prospe- rity to the nation, and must maintain our supremacy among the mighty nations. ofilit world (hear, hear).—Mrs. Alletson, Bod Derwen, then unfurled the flag, the band playing "God Save the King," and after- wards three cheers were given for the King ■—Reservist F. Cooper, honorary secretary, presented a bouquet of flowers to Alrs Alletson, on behalf of tfie Company. After- wards tea was served in the Armoury.

URBAN COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Buckley Ur- ban District Council was held on Tuesday evening. A report of the meeting appears on page 7.

DEATH OF MR. JOHN NEWTON. We regret to record the death of Mr, John New ton, of Rliosddu, Wrexham, which took place at a hospital in Liverpool on Tuesday morning. Deceased was a son of the late Mr. Joseph Newton, for many years a collier manager residing in Buckley. He was the brother of Mr. Wm. Newton, a member of the Buckley Urban District Council, and Mr. James Newton, The Laurels, Mold. For many years he was manager at Rhosddu Colliery, and previous- ly he was engaged in a like occupation at Buckley. At one time he was a member of the old Buckley Volunteers, and was re- garded as a "crack" shot. Indeed, he fig- ured 011 more than one occasion in the rifle contests at Wimbledon. He was in the choir at St. Matthew's Church, Buckley, and his services as a baritone vocalist were in great demand for some years on the con- cert platform in Buckley and neighbour- hood. His interest in his native place never abated, and he generously subscribed to various local objects from time to time. He was greatly respected throughout the district, and the news of his death was heard with profound regret. Much sym- pathy is felt for the "idow and family in their bereavement.

MYNYDD ISA. MUSIC SUCCESS. Miss Maggie Hewitt, of Mynydd Isa, has passed the examination for A.L.C.M. She is a pupil of Mr. Albert Butterworth, of Chester.

ULSTER OUTPOSTS. "9 COUNTIES THE HOMOGENEOUS WHOLE." What Ulster loyalists mean when they refer to Ulster is the subject of an article by "Flambeau" in the Belfast "Evening Telegraph." The writer criticises "much loose talk of the four counties," and after lightly touching on the historical signifi- cance of the northern province he says: "That homogeneous whole may be rightly claimed for much more than the 'four counties,' even for more than the six counties, with units of Unionist parts. It may and must be claimed for geographical Ulster—that is. the nine counties of Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Down, Donegal, Ferma- nagh, Londonderry, Monaglian, and Tyr- one. "From inquiries made and information obtained in what may be termed the out- posts of Unionism, I am enabled to put the case for the inclusion of the counties of Monaghan and Tyrone from the point of view of prominent Unionists resident there. They hold that as brother-Covenanters they are entitled to be considered in any settle- ment that may be arrived at." After reviewing the work of these two counties in connection with the Ulster vol- unteer force, the writer proceeds:— "It is unthinkable that such a splendid body of loyalists should be deserted or left to the tender mercies of their antagoir is. They know exactly where the shoe pii lies at the present moment, but no man can foretell how hardly the Home Rule boot would bear or how terribly the heel would press upon them. "A most important point which they make is that if Home Rule is to be granted to the other three provinces it is urgently necessary that there should be a number of Roman Catholics in Ulster as a guarantee for the preservation of the liberties of the Protestants in the south and west of Ire- land. Many people, indeed, hold strongly that even if Ulster were to remain under the British Government at the expense of the sacrifice of the other three provinces it would read suspiciously like an act of treachery for northerners to forget the claims of their co-religionijts in Leinster, Munster, and Connaught. But it certainly would be an assurance of the due safe- guarding of their rights if in the northern province there remained a number of Roman Catholics. "For all these reasons one can hardly entertain the idea that these outposts would ever be deserted."

-—— For High-class PHOTOGRAPHY I )5 C!f PØÝ C 14, Sf. Werburgh Street, CHESTER. Tel. 36.

I' VISITATION. Last Wednesday afternoon the annual visitation was made by the Venerable Archdeacon Lloyd, Rhyl, at Holywell Par- ish Church, when the churchwardens made their presentments, and an address was given by the Archdeacon.

MOTOR COLLISION. The Rev. Alban Thomas, vcar of Forden, Welshpool, son-in-law of Mr. Edward Foulkes, Bron Holway, Holywell, and for- merly of the National Schools, Bagillt, and one of his children received severe injuries to the face and head in a motor collision; on Monday evening. Mr. Thomas was motor cycling to Welshpool with his child in a side-car, and was on a steep decline and at a bend in the read, when the cycle collided with the near side of a motor from Messrs. Norton's garage, Welshpool. The child was hurled from the side-car right over the radiator of the motor car, and Mr. Thomas was thrown from his machine. The cycle was wrecked and the motor-car extensively damaged.

DEATH OF FORMER SCHOOL BOARD CLERK. The funeral took place privately on Tuesday last at Brynford Churchyard of Mr. Edward Morris Evans, whose death took place in London last week end. The deceased was for many years clerk to the y Holywell School Board. He was for along. period assistant to the late Mr. E. J. Da- vies, clerk to the Holywell Board of Guar- dians. There were few more capable men in Poor Law and Local Government Board work, and also in educational matters in those days than the deceased. He was a very intelligent and capable man, and at one time a member of the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel. Except for brief inter- vals lie lived out of Holywell for many- years past.

DESERTER FROM THE ANGLESEY ENGINEERS. At a special police court on Thursday, before Messrs. J. Carman and H. Vaugiian. Lloyd, Wm. Mason was brought on a charge of being a deserter from the Royal Anglesey Engineers, Kingsbury Camp, Beaumaris. Police Constable Wasley said that on Wed- nesday afternoon he was on duty in Whit- ford street, when he saw Mason in the street. He asked where he was a native of and he replied "Liverpool." Telling him- lie thought lie was in the Army, he denied it and said they would not have him in the Army on account of his teeth. Having suspicions, he told defendant to accompany him to the police station, and on the way he admitted that he was a deserter and told him to what regiment lie belonged.— Inspector Hill said the authorities had been notified, and an escort was 011 the way to take charge of the defendant. He applied that the usual allowance granted by the War Office, be allowed the police officer.- The Chairman said the police officer was to be congratulated upon his smartness, and the Bench would be pleased to grant the application for the allowance.—The defend- ant was remanded to await an escort.

PROPOSED CRICKET CLUB. A movement has been initiated to form a cricket club for Holywell, and on Thursday evening a. meeting was held in the Town II all to discuss the proposal. There seem- ed to be considerable feeling in favour of the proposal, judging by the large response to the general invitation given. Mr. Edwin Roberts, N.P. Bank, was appointed chair- man, and in his opening remarks expressed the pleasure it gave him to see such a number present. There was no reason why they should not be able to form a good cricket club in the town. Mr. Parry, Maes- vdre, had suggested the formation of & club, and would give it his support. It was between Mr. Waterliouse, Mr. Parry, and himself that that meeting had been con- vened, and he had asked Mr. J. D. Wil- liams to act as secretary pro. tern. It was the desire that the club be formed as re- presenting the town generally, and not as- sociated with any other organisation. He was pleased to say that Mr. Watson, who for some years was the professional and groundsman of the Mostyn Park Cricket Club, was now resident in the town, he having taken over the Penyhall Gardens lately held by Mr. Travers. Mr. Watson him if a club was formed he would be pleased to coach on two or three Dighte a week and would be able to play when not too far from home.—Mr. T. Waterhouse, supporting the Chairman's remarks in fav- our of forming a cricket club, said h& thought there should be no difficulty in forming a club, the only drawback was that of a suitable ground. If they could secure a field favourable to the purpose, they would have no difficulty from a financial standpoint or in getting players. The pro- mise made by Mr. Watson would be a great incentive to young cricketers. As to a ground, the suggestion had been made that inquiries be instituted respecting Green- field Ilall Park. The distance from the town would be no obstacle, and he would suggest that a deputation be appointed to make inquiries.—Mr. George Hughes, one of the old Holywell cricketers, said he fav- oured the field below the County School groHiid. If that ground could be obtained