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

NORTHOP. C.M. BI-MONTHLY SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETING. This meeting was held on Sunday last. The first session was at 10 a.m. Annie Jones and J. Jones, Soughton, recited Psalm 23 and Proverbs 1. The children of Northop and Soughton Schools were cate- chised upon chapter v. of "Mother's Gift." At 11 a.m., there was a meeting of dele- gates. Thirteen schools were represented. Messages were received from Llynypandy and Mold. It was decided to select the subjects for next year's Children's Catechis- ing Festival from St. Luke and "Mother'6 Gift." The Rev. R. P. Hughes, Dyserth, was elected examiner for the 1915 festival. A number of other officials were also elec- ted. At a further meeting, held at 2 p.m., Misses Blanche Owen and Annie Jones re- cited Psalm 92, and St. Matthews, chapter v. The adult members of both schools were catechised upon chapter xiv. of the "Christian Instructor." Mr. J. Elias Hughes, Gwernymjiijdd, read an instruc- tive and appropriate paper on 'The duty of the parents towards the Sunday School." Mr. E. Pritchard, Buckley, and others took part in the discussion. The examiner was the Rev. J. H. Williams, Mynydd Isa, and the secretaries were Messrs. J. T. Jones, Mold, and R. Davies, Rhydymwyn. At 6 p.m., tne examiner delivered a powerful sermon based on St. Matthew 7-16. The singing was under the leadership of Mr. Stanley Jones. Miss Jones, Tynycoed, pre- sided at the organ. Mr. Daniel Jones gave an account of the school.

For High-class PHOTOGRAPHY C/I 14, St. Werburgh Street, CHESTER. Tel. 36.

Ail communications should be addressed to "Flintshire Observer A: Newsy Hig-h Street, Mold. The latest time for receiving Ad- vertisements is Wednesday.

Agriculture and the Budget. The involved and confused proposals of the Budget with regard to agriculture, and the absence of detailed information as to their exact scope, render it impossible even for experts to say definitely what effect they may have upon our great agricultural in- dustry. The only thing that is clear is that, while it is the intention of the Government to give some measure of relief to agricultural rates, this proposed relief will not give to agriculture anything like the measure of justice recommended after exhaustive inquiry by two Royal Commis- sions. Tht: Agricultural Rates Act of 1896 was passed with the object of diminishing by one-half the then existing burden of the rates on agricultural land. The total amount of rates on agricultural land at that time was, in round figures, E2,700,000 or 2" 3d. in the £ and the amount given in relief was CI,325,000 or Is. Illd. in the E. But agricultural rates have gone up in the meanwhile to 3s. Bd. in the C, while the re- lief has remained stationary at Is. llid. so that, in spite of the Act, rural areas are worse off to-day by nearly Y.1,700,000, or lB. 5d. in the E, than before the passing of that measure. It follows, therefore, that in order to carry out the original object of the Act—that is to say, to relTeve the land again of one-half of the rates—an additional sum of about Y.850,000, equal to 8!d. in the 2 should now be contributed by the Government. But a reversion to the position of 1896 would not do justice to the claims of agri- culture. The reports of the Royal Commis- sion on Agricultural Depression and the Royal Commission on Local Taxation both show a concensus of opinion in favour of increasing the relief of agricultural land from one-half to three-quarters of the bur- den it bears at present. In order to give effect to the views of these two Royal Com- missions a total additional contribution of over £ 1,900,000 from the Exchequer would be required. This was the proposal of the Agricultural Committee of the Tariff Com- mission in 1906, and if it was necessary eight years ago there are even stronger reasons for pressing that demand to-day. I These reasons are thus stated in a Memor- andum recently issued by the Commission "(1) The serious and continuous increase in the rates. (2) The change which has oc- curred in the attitude of those who were formerly so vehemently opposed to the passing of the Act in 1896. Parliament by its action in that year recognised the force of the claims put forward then on behalf of agriculture, and in spite of the violent op- position to the passing of the Bill at the time, the justice of these claims has been finally endorsed by all parties; and in the Expiring Laws Continuance Act, the Agri- 0 cultural Rates Act has been repeatedly re- newed for many years." What are the Budget proposals with re- gard to the relief of taxation of agricultural land? One thing at least is certain, and that is that the grant of £ 1,325,000 a year under the Agricultural Rates Act is to be discontinued, and substitutes are to be found for it in proposals for other grants. These other grants are for education, poor relief, police, roads, and public health. Mr. Lloyd George has intimated that it is the Government's intention to make the in- creased grants contingent on a correspond- ing increase of expenditure by the local authorities, so that, in all probability, the rates everywhere will be forced still further upwards by the new grants. In that case the burden of the rates on agricultural land is likely to increase rather than diminish. While rightly considering the relief of agri- culture from taxation to be a simple mat- ter of justice, it must be remembered that, by itself, it cannot bring about the revival of an industry which has long been on the downgrade. The recommendations of the Agricultural Committee of the Tariff Com- mission still hold their ground as indicating the only complete and practicable policy to accomplish that end. In their Report the Committee said: "We are of opinion that, for removing the disabilities under which British agriculturists suffer, a change in the fiscal policy of the country is absolutely necessary, but if this change is to be per- manently effective it must be combined with measures dealing with transport, the en- largement of the powers of the Board of Agriculture, and taxation. We are also of opinion that the position of the industry generally would be improved if some means could be found to create further facilities for land purchase in the United Kingdom." In other words, Tariff Reform must form the basis of any effective scheme for the revival of British agriculture.

■* Men & Matters. THE University College of North Wales, Bangor, is extending the work of its agri- cultural department, this extension having been rendered possible by the establishment of the Development Fund. Those who are acquainted with the very useful work ac- complished by this department will be glad to hear that its activities are being further extended. -;0:- TWO advisory departments were set up some time ago for the purpose of giving technical advice to farmers and investigat- ing special problems connected with the land. Dr. Lloyd Williams is in charge of the agricultural botany section, and Mr. G. W. Robinson of the agricultural chemistry section, and these gentlemen, who have been provided with well-equipped labora- tories in the old buildings of the University College, have been carrying on research and advisory work for some months. -:0:- ANOTHER, development was the ap- pointment in December last of Mr. R. N. Jones as live stock officer, to organise and direct the schemes which have been set on foot by the Board of Agriculture for the improvement of live stock, and also to ad- vise farmers generally as to live stock prob- lems. Mr. Jones has this year helped to form more than fifty societies, covering practically the whole of the college area, and these societies have arranged already for the provision of eighty high-class sires for the use of their members. -:0:- AS already reported in the "Observer and News, increased resources arc now avail- able for the extension work which has for many years been carried on by the College in Flintshire and Denbighshire. This also applies to Anglesey. The grants made by these counties for expenditure on agricul- tural instruction have been increased, thus earning substantial grants from the Devel- opment Fund. Mr. W. Hopkins-Jones, who has had a long and successful connec- tion with the College as assistant lecturer on agriculture, is now organiser for Den- bighshire and Flintshire -:0:- IN Anglesey a special instructress in dairy work and poultry-keeping has been appointed, and a similar appointment will be made shortly for the counties of Denbigh and Flint. The Lleweni dairy school is be- ing carried on under improved conditions, and with the addition of the subject of poultry-keeping. The College has appoin- ted as instructor in horticulture Mr. W. Glyn Williams, whose services will be avail- able throughout the four northern counties for lectures, practical demonstrations, and the carrying out of experiments. It is hoped by this means to stimulate greatly interest in market gardening and other commercial forms of horticulture among the smallholders of North Wales. -:0:- SOME time ago the Local Government Board expressed a desire that the name of "workhouse" be done away with, as there is a taint of pauperism about the name. But what other name should be given to these—er—centres of industry? One work- house in Flintshire has had the alternative name of "Lluesty" for a considerable time. I see that an East Yorkshire Board have decided that in future their workhouse shall be known as the "Westward Home" and the new children's home as the "Norwood Home." Any day I expect to read that some other workhouse has been named "Home from Home." Verily, we are getting on OPENI.

I HEWITTS, I Bootmakers, Abbey Gateway, CHESTER, Have a 60 years' REPUTATION for making and selling Goods 3 that are Stylish, Reliable, and Moderate in price. All the L.ATEST STYLES are now in Stock. Agent for the" K" and other leading specialities. Telephone 400.

MOLD. WILL. The late Mr. Robert Morris, of the Red Lion Inn, Wrexham-st., Mold, left £ 1819. PICTURE PALACE. The principal pictures at the above on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings were "The Fighters of the Plains," and "Picturesque Greece," which were greatly appreciated by large audiences. Several otehr interesting pictures were also shown. EMPRESS OF IRELAND FUND. Capt. IIugh C. Jones, master for Messrs. Lamport and Holt, Ltd., has decided to occupy the time at his disposal before his next voyage by opening a local fund in con- nection with the Empress of Ireland disas- ter. The total amount received will be for- warded to the Imperial Merchant Service Guild (British captains and officers), of which he is a member, from whence it win be transmitted to augment the fund opened by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool. EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Mold Education Sub- committee was held at the County Build- ings, Mold, yesterday morning, Mrs. llo- bert Jones presiding.—Mrs. Jones was re- appointed chairman for the ensuing year. It was reported that during the month there had been a slight improvement in the attendance of children at the schools. It was decided to adopt the use of duplicate registers in connection with school attend- ance. The Sub-Committee considered a communication from the Flint County Teachers' Association with regard to co- opting a teacher as member of the Mold District Sub-Committee in connection with school attendance work, and decided not to do so at present. MOLD GOLF CLUB. An approaching and putting competition was held on Saturday, when about 60 cards were taken out. The competition was for ladies and gentlemen, and prizes were given by Mrs R. E. Jones and Mr. Buckley. The following are the prize winners:—Ladies: Class 1, Handicaps under 28, Miss Morgans, 32; Class 2, Handicaps over 28, Miss Lloyd, 37. Gentlemen: Class 1, Handicaps 16 and under, Dr. Frazer, 33; Class 2, Handicaps over 16. Mr. J. C. Hartley, 36. Putting Competition—Ladies: 1st, Miss Lewis, 23; 2nd (divided), Miss Lloyd Parry, 25, and Miss G. Jones, 25. Gentlemen: 1st, Mr. J. Bradburne Price, 20; 2nd (divided), Mr. F. Cooper, 23; Mr. J. C. Hartley, 23; Rev. W. J. Hicken, 23;-and Mr. W. S. Marston, 23. Mrs. R. E. Jones kindly entertained all present to tea and afterwards the prizes were distributed by the lady president, Miss Wynne Eyton. Votes of thanks to Miss Wynne Eyton, Mrs. R. E. Jones, and Mr. Buckley were proposed by Mr. P. E. Ro- berts, Bromfield Hall, and seconded by Mr. J. Bractburne Price. A SERIOUS CHARGE. A special police court was held at Mold on Monday afternoon, before Mr. Thomas Parry and Mr John Hughes, for the hearing of a charge against Alfred Pollard (65), of Broncoed Cottages, Mold. The charge was of indecently assaulting a girl aged four Defendant, who had been remanded on bail from the previous Wednesday, did not ap- pear. A son of the defendant was present, and said that his father had not been at home since Wednesday night. His father did not tell them anything in connection with any charge pending against him.—Mr. F. Llewellyn-Jones, who prosecuted, asked the Bench, after they heard the evidence which would be given, to issue a warrant for the apprehension of the defendant.— William Crocombe, 13, Gladstone street, Mold, stated that on Wednesday last, short- ly after one o'clock, he was driving an oil- tank to the company's depot. He happen- ed to turn his head, and was then able to see over the wall into Grosvenor street. He saw the accused oil the grass at the opposite side. A little girl and a little boy were with him. Witness gave further evi- dence as to the alleged offence, and said that in view of what he saw he gave infor- mation to the police.—The Bench ordered that a warrant be issued for the apprehen- sion of the defendant. MUSICAL FESTIVAL. The Calvinistic Methodist annual musical festival (Mold district) was held on Monday last at Bethesda Chapel, Mold, in the pre- sence of good congregations. The afternoon meeting was presided over by Mr. David Arthur, in the absence of Mr. Owen Wynne, J.P., Cilcen, through indisposition. Mr. D. Evans, of Cardiff, conducted. The Rev. 1. C. Roberts, of Gwernymynydd, de- livered an appropriate address. The an- thems "On Jordan's bank" and "God of all wonders" were sung. At the evening meet- ing Mr. G. W. Jones, of Abermule, presid- ed over a large gathering. Mr. J. P. Jones read the names of the successful competi- tors in the scripture examination. The conductor adjudicated on the composition of a tune to words by the late Rev. Roger Edwards, Mr. William Morris, of Buckley, being the successful competitor. Miss Sarah Catherine Pugh, Cileen, passed the second-grade staff notation and secured the first prize. The accompanists were Miss M. J. Parry, AR.C.M., and Miss C. Arthur, of Wrexham street. Great credit is due to the local conductors for their services in pre- paring for the festival. These were Messrs J. F. Davies (Mold), Peter Evans (Sardis), Llewellyn Powell (Llynypandy), and John Davies (Nannerch). Mr. Robert Davies (Rhydymwyn), had charge of the arrange- ments, which gave great satisfaction. It may be mentioned fliat the singing throughout was above the average in quali- Z3 ty, feeling and expression.

There are several barges on the Thames over a hundred years old, said Mr. H. M. Robertson, a barrister, at the City of Lon- don Court yesterday. Seven persons, including four women, were killed and twenty-eight injured in a fire in a tenement building in New York yesterday. Several leaped to death from the windows.

To Sheep Dippers. Obtain Your Supplies on the Best Terms from A. EVANS, Chemist, 14, Wrexham St., MOLD «. « ( COOPER'S DIP. Agent for | UN|VERSAL DIP. PROFESSIONAL DIPPERS SUPPLIED. LOWEST CASH PRICES. 7 7 10 Chocolates, Cakes and Sweets. 27 Eastgate St., CHESTER.

GREENFIELD. HEIFER'S PREDICAMENT. On Tuesday morning a heifer belonging to Mr. W. E. Jones, Greenfield street, got into difficulties, while grazing in the field overlooking the reservoir (empty) of the Ilolywell Waterworks, and by some means slipped down the sloping side and became imprisoned in a sort of arena. There it was found and not until the men and ropes were obtained could the animal be rescued from its imprisonment. WORKMEN'S PROMPTITUDE. Early in the morning of Monday last in the Wileow-room (Upper Mill) of the Welsh Flannel Mills, a fire was discovered, and but for the smartness of the men on duty might have had serious consequences. The appliances provided were brought into use, and with a good supply of water the danger was in a few minutes averted, and the fire successfully extinguished. The cause of the outbreak seemed to be attributable to friction from the machinery. Fortunately the damage caused was but slight. LITTLE BOY'S PERIL: A PROMPT RESCUE. When the reservoirs in the valley were being emptied the other day for the annual clearing, a little boy, between 3 and 4 years of age, son of Mr. Wm. Lloyd, Mos- tyn-road, had a narrow escape. The child was on the edge of the stream by the old lock up when the flood of water poured down the channel and rising quickly, swept the boy off his feet and into the water. His sister playing near by, saw him swept into the culvert and cried out. Llewelyn Hughes, of Bagillt-road. asked the cause of the crying. On being told that the boy had gone under the road, Hughes ran to the opposite side, and dashing into the water got hold of the little fellow just in time, and rescued him from the perilous plight he was in. Llew Hughes is to be highljr complimented upon the promptitude wifli which he acted. FUNERAL OF A CHORISTER. One of the most impressive and pathetic funerals that has taken place at the new cemetery, Greenfield, was on Wednesday afternoon last, when the remains of Mr. Augustus Jones, of Railway terrace (whose death was reported in the "Observer and News" last Thursday) were laid to rest., Deceased was a member of the choir of Holy Trinity Church, the C.E.M.S., and of the Oddfellows' Society, and the funeral was given all the honours. The C.E.M.S. members were bearers, the surpliced choir- met the cortege at the church gates, and the- Oddfellows headed the mournful procession, to the church and the grave, while follow- ing the family and relatives were an excep- tionally large number of the employees of the Abbey Paper Mills, where the deceased was engaged to within a few weeks of his death. The immediate relatives were Messrs. W. Charles Jones, Jos. Jone6, Tom Jones (bro- thers) Miss Lizzie Jones, Mrs. Nellie Mill- ward, Mrs. Charlotte Davies, ffi. Beatrice Edwards, Mrs. Edith Foxall (sisters); Mrs. T. Jones, Rhyl, Mrs. W. Jones, Flint, Mr. J. T. Foxall, Mr. E. Davies, Mr. Godfrey Edwards (sisters and brothers-in-law), Capn W. F. Jones, Capt. S. Jones, and others- Mr. J. Petrie, manager of the Abbey Paper Mills, was also present. The Rev. J. W. Thomas, vicar, and the Revs. G. D. Jones- and D. Rees, eurates, took the service, and the Rev. U. Rees, vicar of Bagillt, wa6 pre- sent. The hymn "Thy will be done" was. sung in church, and "0, God, our help" at the graveside. After the committal service at the graveside, the members of the Lord Mostyn Lodge of Oddfellows paid their last tribute of respect, and the service was read by Mr. John Roberts, the secretary of the Lodge. The following is the list of floral tributes :—With deepest sympathy, from his sorrowing Mother and Sister Nel- lie With deepest sympathy, from his dear Brother William Charles and Family; In loving memory of my dear brother, from his affectionate Sister Lizzie; In loving mem- ory of my dear brother, from Charlotte and Evan; With deepest sympathy, from Geoff and Beat; In loving memory of our dear brother, from Edic and Joe (brothers in- law) With loving sympathy from Organist and Choir of Holy Trini- ty Church, Greenfield; A token of the deepest sympathy from the Church of Eng- land Men's Society, Greenfield; With deep- est sympathy, from fellow-workers at Abbey Paper Mills, Greenfield; In affectionate re- membrance, from Capt. Francis Jones and Family; With deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Davies and Family, Church View, Greenfield; With deepest sympathy from T. Lloyd and R. B. Roberts; With deepest sympathy from Mr. Hughes and Family, Crown and Anchor, Greenfield; With Mr. and Mrs. Shields' sympathy; With Mr. and Mrs. Tudor's deepest sympathy. On Sunday evening, at Holy Trinity Church, a memorial service was heM There was a large congregation present, and She service was very impressive. The Vicar (Rev. J. W. Thomas) officiated and preached from the words "For so he givetli His beloved sleep" (Ps. 127, 3 v.) and referred in a. touching manner to the sincerity of their late chorister's Christian life and upright character. His devotion to the Church and the organisations connected with it, and the life he led in every way was an example and pattern to all. The hymns selected for the service were "Fathers of Heaven," "0 God,

HOLYWELL. MUSICAL FESTIVAL AT REHOBOTH. The annual "Cymanfa Ganu" in connec- tion with the Calvinistic Methodist churches in the Holywell district was held at Reho- both Chapel, on Wednesday. There was a very large gathering from all parts, and two very successful meetings were held. Dr. D. Jenkins was the conductor, and Messrs. J. E. Roberts and E. A. Hughes the orga- nists. The presidents of the meetings were Mr. T. Alun Jones, Rhosesmor, and T. W. Jones, J.P., Penrliyndeudraeth. EARLSTOWN EXCURSIONISTS. Last Saturday a party of about 800 ar- rived in the town from Earlstown. Fortu- nately the weather held fine, and they were enabled to enjoy their visit to St. Wine- fride's Well, where a service was held at noon, and also Pantasaph, where religious provision was made for them. The party had luncheon at the New Hall, catered by the Misses Schwarz, and at Pantasaph Mr. Yates, of the Feilding Arms Hotel, pro- vided tea. The excursionists left for home at half-past six in the evening. SUDDEN DEATH. On Wednesday evening week, Mrs. Mar- garet Rees, wife of Mr. Edmund Rees, of 19, Greenfield street, died suddenly. Dur- ing the afternoon Mrs. Rees, who was 75 years of age, had been out to tea, and was apparently in satisfactory health. She re- turned home nd retired to bed about half- past eight. Soon afterwards she complain- ed of being ill. Medical aid was obtained, and just as the doctor entered the house the old lady passed away. Mrs. Rees had been liable to heart failure, and from this cause death was attributable. The deceased, who was a native of Montgomeryshire, had, with her husband and family, resided in Holy- well about 30 years. She leaves a family of four sons and two daughters, all married. She was a faithful member of the Welsh Congregational Church, Chapel street. r, BAPTIST SINGING FESTIVAL. The annual singing festival in connection with the Flintshire Baptist Union was held at Holywell on Monday. By the kindness of the authorities of Rehoboth C.M. Cilapel, the building and organ were placed at the disposal of the Festival Committee. About twenty different congregations were well re- presented at the festival, and completely filled the large edifice. Mr. W. A. Jones, Bagillt, was the conductor, and the orga- nists were Mr. J. E. Roberts (Rehoboth) and Mr. E. P. Edwards (Bethel). In tne afternoon Mr T. Griffiths, Brynteg, pre- sided, and the Rev. R. E. Williams, in the absence through indisposition, of Mr. Jos. Jones, Frondeg, was the chairman. The singing was very fine throughout, and in- dicated careful preparation. Mr. Jones proved an able and effective conductor, and gave every satisfaction. The anthem was "Yr Arglwydd yw fy Ngoleuni." The selec- ted hymns were pleasing, and the 23rd Psalm was chanted to a single chant of Dr. Hughes'. During the festival solos were rendered by Miss Williams, Llanefydd; Miss Bellis, Holyhead; and Mr. Williams, Denbigh (now of Gorsedd Schools). At the close of the evening meeting thanks were accorded the conductor, organists and solo- ists, and the kindness of the Rehoboth offi- cials was acknowledged on the proposition of Mr. R. O. Williams (Cymry Cybi), Rhyl, seconded by Mr. G. Williams, St. Asaph. Between the meetings tea was provided in the schoolroom; the ladies of Bethel Chapel were in charge and the catering was by Messrs. Edwards and Lloyd, Compton House. The next singing festival will be held at Rhyl. EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Holywell District Edu- cation Sub-Committee was held at the Town Buildings, Holywell, on Monday. Present: Aid. Trevor Eyton (chairman), Mrs. Hum- phry Williams, Canon Jennings; Rev. Dr. Oliver, Dr. J. Humphry Williams, Mr. D. E. Hughes, Mr. Elford Roberts, Mr. Bevan Evans (director of education), and the At- tendance Officers.-The Director of Educa- tion reported that there was a g neral im- provement throughout the district for the past month—Flint, 3 per cent.; Holywell, 2 per cent., Whitford, 1.7 per cent. The At- tendance Officers submitted th reports, which were duly received. A discussion took place on the suggestion made at a previous meeting that there were children of over five years of age running about the streets who did not go to any school what- ever. The Attendance Officers reported they had inquired into the matter, and could not find any proof of the statement. The attendance of children was satisfactory. There were children who were physically unfit to attend school.—The question of the use of duplicate regititers in connection with school attendance was considered. This matter was deferred from a previous meet- ing for further discussion. It was stated there was considerable opposition to the proposal by teachers and attendance officers who held that the system of their attend- ance at the schools was preferable to the use of duplicate registers. It was decided that the resolution be adopted for use in all parts of the county, and to refer the mat- ter to the School Management Committ The committee decided to fix the summer holidays for four weeks commencing from the Friday before Bank Holiday.