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

Commonsense About Social Reform. The present widespread movement in fa- vour of what is known as social reform is one of the most important and significant signs of the times. It calls attention to grievances for which remedies must be found, and to problems which have too long remained unsolved. In this country in particular a spirit of unrest has prevailed for the last few years, manifesting itself in strikes, agitations, and sometimes even in acts of violence. The root cause of such unrest no doubt is that the cost of living has risen and is rising more rapidly than wages, so that real wages have actually de- creased, but it is also due to the natural desire of the workers to enjoy a higher standard of living, to work under better conditions, to be better housed and fed, and to have more leisure for recreation and reading. Politicians of all parties are agreed as to the desirability of many such Z!3 reforms. From the year 1807 various Con- servative Administrations have brought forward and passed Acts for the benefit of the workers of this country, while Liberal Governments have also passed some useful measures. The recently issued Report of the Unionist Social Reform Committee shows that many members of tiie Unionist party are thoroughly alive to the import- ance of the subject, and are giving it their earnest and sympathetic attention. There is one preliminary problem, how- ever, which must be faced before any schemes for the improvement of the condi- tions of the workers can be brought into operation, and that is the question of finance. No social reform can be carried out without money. It is, therefore, neces- sary to count the cost, and to consider how the required money can be raised in the manner least burdensome to the taxpayer. It is evident that if social reforms can only be inaugurated by placing intolerable bur- dens upon the capital employed in industry, they must defeat their own object. If our industries cannot be conducted profitably there will be less capital employed in them, and less work and wages for our people. It will be impossible for us, under such condi- tions, to maintain our position as an indus- trial nation, and the workers must conse- quently suffer both in employment and wages. Every Budget brought in by Mr. Lloyd George has added immensely to the cost of production, has made it increasingly difficult for us to compete with other na- tions, has raised the prices of articles of every description, and has made it impos- sible to raise the wages of the workers to a sufficient extent to cover the increased cost of living. We have said that all political parties are agreed as to the necessity for certain social reforms. But there is a vast difference in the methods by which it is proposed to finance them. Free Traders in general, and the present Government In particular, can only suggest the further plundering of capi- tal—that is, of the means whereby our in- dustries are carried oil. But such taxation has already reached its limit. Look at the results of the legislation already passed by the Government. For instance, the Insur- ance Act has greatly increased the expense of carrying on every industry in this coun- try; the arrangement made by the Govern- ment with the railway companies in settling the railway strike involves increased freight charges for every bale of merchandise, and every ton of minerals. In addition, both local and Imperial taxation is increasing at an unheard-of rate. Industry, in fact, can- not be further taxed without actually frus- trating the beneficent objects for which the money is wanted. Tariff Reformens, OIl the other hand, would raise the necessary money not by handicapping British indus- try but by removing its shackles, and en- abling it to compete on equal terms with the products of protected nations. They would raise it, chiefly, by imposing mode- rate import duties upon competitive foreign goods—the surplus products of other na- tions—which, in many cases, are dumped upon our shores at prices below the cost of production with the object of capturing our market. The revenue from such a source would give us all the additional income re- quired for social reforms, while it would be paid, in great part, by the foreigner who seeks to obtain a footing in this country. Moreover, by giving a preference to the home manufacturer in the "home market, and enabling him to obtain better terms of entry into foreign countries, it would stimu- late trade and industry, and would enable the worker to obtain better wages and more regular employment. These, then, are the two courses open. By the one, industry would be further bur- dened, profits decreased, wages kept at theii present low level, and the aspirations of the workers disappointed. By the other, industry would be encouraged, the home market safeguarded, the foreign market ex- tended, wages and profits increased, and the various schemes of social reform which are long overdue would be brought into be- ing without adding to the burden at present borne by the taxpayer.

The Chancellor's Waterloo. "The Chancellor of the Exchequer has come to a well-merited Waterloo," says the "Midland Evening News," "For years he has been trading on the simple device of posing as a special providence, alluring the populace by spending, or promising to spend, other people's money on them. It has been an easy journey to popularity, especially as the fare has been found by the taxpayer. But at length the Lloyd Georgian device euphemistically called national finance, has become a little too much even for some of his own party. The rich Radicals had their way, the Chancel- lor capitulated to them rather-than risk the loss of their support, the Friend of the Poor swallowed all his Saturday afternoon humanitarian bluff, and through the agency of Mr. Smuel agreed to take a penny off the increase on the income tax. It is estimated that about C3,000,000 less will be needed to be raised in revenue duriug the present financial year as the result of the postponement of the promised grants to local authorities. Having agreed that this money would not be needed, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as the friend of the poor man and the enemy of food taxes, might have agreed to remit the taxation on the poor man's tea or the poor man's sugar. But this friend of the poor man, who was shedding tears over poverty on Saturday, decided that the rich Radicals who threa- tened him were the important persons, and he intends to modify their super-tax. Un- earned incomes are to be saved. Taxes OIl the poor will remain as they are. A more humiliating exposure of political humbug has never been known."

False Security. In the "Labour Leader," Mr. A. Fenner Brockway points out :Despite Mr. Lloyd George's moving perorations, the undispu- ted fact remains that the working classes are in a less secure economic position to- day than they were before the Liberal Government was returned to power, whilst the wealthy classes have been still further entrenched in their possessions. An official Board of Trade report shows that during the la'st eight years, though the cost of liv- ing has advanced by 13 per cent., in three staple industries, which may be taken as typical, wages have only advanced by 5 per cent. A period of good trade and the en- hanced wages which full-time employment 0 and overtime have brought, together with the comparatively small degree to winch unemployment has prevailed, has led the working class to harbour a sense of false security, but depression in trade is inevi- table before many months are passed, and when that time comes the distress and des- titution will, by reason of the increased price of food, be even more terrible than during the winter of 1908"

-¡. UNIVERSITY C( >RRESPONDENCE COLLEGE. We have received from the University Correspondence College, Burlington House, Cambridge, a copy of their Calendar for 1914-15, which is published at Is net. The contents include particulars of forthcoming examinations, and of the special advantages offered by the University Correspondence College.

Men & Matters. THE term of office as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, of General Sir IV, H. illackiiiiioii, comes to all end in a few months' time. Sir Henry took over his duties at Government House on October 31st. 1910, and his regime there has been of the pleasantest character, com- bined with a very higlitstatc of efficiency. -:0:- BOTH Sir Henry and- Lady Maekinnon have during their residence in the city won the high esteem and admiration of all, and they are deservedly popular with civilians and military alike. The General has alto- gether had nearly 44 years' service in the Army. He was at one time Colonel Com- mandant of the City of London Imperial Volunteers, witn whom he served in South Africa, and from 1908 until lie came to Chester, he was Director General of the Territorial Force, a very important posi- tion. No notification has yet been received with regard to the appointment of Sir Henry's successor. -:0:- THE General does not relinquish his duties until October 31st, but Lady Alac- kinnon is going abroad early in August, and on July -7th, she will give a farwell garden Z, party. H -:0:- HIS Honour Judge Moss on Friday ap- pointed Mr. Arthur C. Preston, of Wrex- ham, to act provisionally as Registrar of the Chester County Court for a period of three months, or until a permanent Regis- trar i., appointed in place of the late Mr. John Griffiths. Mr. Preston is a son of a former Registrar of the Chester County Court. He is a solicitor, and also Registrar for the Wrexham County Court. -:0:- AN engine couple unearthed by a gang of navvies on the railway widening works on the N orth Wales coast, between Abergele and Colwyn Bay, recalls the disaster to the Irish mail near Abergele, on August 20. 1868. The relic was embedded in the earth r near the spot where the mail collided with a number of petroleum-laden trucks which broke away from near Llanddulas Station, two miles distant up the incline. The im- pact at the foot of the slope was so terrific that the trucks mounted the engine, causing the barrels to be sniaslied and the petroleum to be scattered over the train, which be- came ablaze In a few minutes nothing re- mained but the red-hot ironwork of the carriages, and the charred remains of the thirty-three persons who lost their lives. OPENI.

GWERNYMYNYDD. OBITUARY. Mr. John Davies, Minffordd, late of Bryngoleu, died on Sunday last after a protracted illness. The deceased was an office-bearer at the C.M. Church. He leaves a widow but no children. The funeral took place OIl Wednesday at the Mold Cemetery.

PENYMYNYDD. GARDEN PARTY. A garden party was held on the St. John's Vicarage lawn on Wednesday week. Tea was served in the schools. In the eve- ning the Buckley Band played for dancing.

SOUGHTON. The members of the Soughton Co-opera- tive Society were entertained to a substan- tial knife-and-fork tea, on Saturday last at the Memorial Hall After tea sports were indulged in by the members and their chil- dren. The manager, Mr. George Hewitt, and the secretary, Mr. W. E. Chambers, made all the necessary arrangements. The whole affair was a great success.

A WELSH MILLIONAIRE. One of the richest peers in the kingdom, by the way, is Lord Tredegar, who is to be the host of Prince Arthur of Connaught when that most useful of royalties goes to open the new docks at Newport next week (says the "Tatler"). It is said that some- thing like a million a year is derived by him from his Welsh properties alone, and practically the whole of flourishing New- port also belongs to him. It is expected that Prince Arthur will be entertained by its chief landlord not at his seat in Newport but aboard his yacht Liberty.

0000 JUDGE WANTS WORK. "If they would send me all the undefend- ed divorce cases, I could do them with the greatest ease. I don't get enough to do," said Judge Cluer at Shorediteh County Court.

DRIFTING. I JOHN BULLFor heaven's sake stop that noise and look where we're going! 1 wo' going I

MOLD. IN MEMORIAM. On Wednesday the police in the Mold division placed a beautiful wreath on the grave of P.C. Blythin in Rhosesmor Churchyard. Constable Blythin was fatal- ly injured while on point duty in High street a year ago. OPEN AIR SERVICES. Open-air meetings are held every Wed- nesday evening at different points, under the auspices of the Free Church Council, and a service is held every Sunday evening in the open space in Conway street. The Rev. Thomas Morgan and the friends of Ebenezer take charge of this service. PICTURE HALL. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday the principal picture presented at the Picture Hall was "The Wastrel," and a more pathe- tic story could hardly be imagined. The programme also included "Teddy's Flirta- tions," and "Love and Dynamite"—two comedies which made the audiences laugh heartily. MR F. LLE WELLYN JONES LIBERAL CANDIDATE FOR PRESTON. Mr. F. Llewellyn-Jones, of Mold, ad- dressed the executive of the Preston Libe- ral Association on Friday evening, and was adopted as prospective Liberal candidate for the borough. Mr Jones will address a full body of the Liberal Association on Monday next. COLLIERY ACCIDENT. About 11.15 on Monday morning a pain- ful accident happened to Abraham Jones, 23, collier, of Maeshafn. While he was at work at Bromfield Colliery a fall of roof occurred, and he received injury to his back and also sustained severe shock. He was removed to the Mold Cottage Hospital and Z, detained. He is progressing favourably. QUARTER SESSIONS: NO BUSINESS AND NO PRISONERS. The Quarter Sessions for the county of Flint were held at the County Hall on Tuesday, but there was no business and there were no prisoners. Notice had been issued a few days previously to jurors and others, that their attendance would not be required. FREE CHURCH COUNCIL. The annual meeting of the Mold Free Church Council was held last week at Bethesda Schoolroom The secretary, Mr. John Owen, Pentre, read his report for the year. The President for the year, the Rev. Hugh Evans (Cynfor) gave his vtlctictory add ress. Mr. Evans is leaving Mold for Rhyl in August. He was heartily thanked for "his services during his period of office. Mr. John Davies, Cemetery Lodge, was elected president for the ensuing year, and Mr. John Owen was re-elected secretary. VISIT OF THE REV R. E. DAVIES. The Rev. R. E. Davies, M.A., pastor of the Knox Church, Dunedin—one of the largest churches in the southern hemisphere —and son of Mr. Evan Davies, High street, Mold, arrived home on Thursday last for a holiday, which is to extend to December next. He is accompanied by his wife and young daughter. His visit has been awaited since lie took his degree at Cambridge. with interest by numerous friends, who have watched his career with great pleasure During his stay here he will fulfil several ministerial engagements. 0 THE "EMPRESS OF IRELAND" FUND. In connection with the local "Empress of Ireland" fund, Capt. H. C. Jones has re- ceived a communication from the Secretary of the Imperial Merchant Service Guild (British Certificated Captains and Officers) acknowledging his cheque for L10 as the first instalment of the collection. "It is extremely gratifying," writes the Secretary, "to think that you have found so many will- ing subscribers to this most excellent 0 cause. Please assure them of our sincere obligations for helping those bereaved in such a terrible manner." SUNDAY SCHOOL .FESTIVAL. The annual festival in connection with the Church Sunday Schools of Mold (Eng- lish and Welsh) and New Bright at was celebrated on Sunday evening. A-jmbling at the National Schools, the teach 1 is and scholars were lllaTiialled in process :i, and headed by the members of the b; i. band of the Church Lads' Brigade proceeded to the Parish Church The Rev. Evan Jones, vicar, and the Rev. W. J. Hiekin, curate, took the service, and the preacher was the Rev. H. R. Hughes, vicar of Cileen, who delivered an appropriate discourse from the text, "Thy word is a lantern unto my feet and a light to my path" (CIX Psalm). The usual children's hymns were sung, Mr W. H. Adams presiding at the organ. FLINTSHIRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY. At the annual meeting of the Flintshire Historical Society, held at Prestatyn, Mr. Henry Taylor, F.S.A. (Chester), who pre- sided, gave a very satisfactory account of the society's progress since its inception, three years ago. The finances were sound, and they had just, completed their fourth publication. As the result of a report in the Press, he had received a communication from a Belgium Dominican Father stating that he had some manuscripts relating t Rhuddlan Castle, and offering to send them if the society cared to have them. Need- less to say, the offer was accepted, and on the proposition of Mr A. Foulkes-Roberts (Denbigh), it was decided that these manu- scripts, together with others that lirXl come to hand later, should form the ba-iti of their next publication. B.P.'s BUDGET.-B.l's Special, Lemon Squash, 41d and 7id Chiver's Fruit Salad, Is 2cl per bottle Lard, 634; Danish Bacon, from lOd; Soda, 31bs. for Id.—B. Powell and Co., Ltd., Mitcham House, Mold. TENNIS TOURNAMENT. A tennis tournament held on the Vicar- age lawn in aid of the Parish Church Re- paration Fund was brought to a conclusion on Saturday. The presentation of prizes took place In the evening as follows :-list prizes: Mr. Harold Shaw (silver cigarette

I I Chocolates, Cakes and Sweets. 27 Eastgate St., CHESTER. I

LEESWOOD. CHORAL FESTIVAL. The final rehearsal of the combined choirs of Pontblyddyu and Lee-swuod was held in the National Schools on Tuesday, by Mi'. Pringk'. Hawarden. ODDFELLOWS. The annual festival of the members of the Maesgarinon Lodge of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows was held Oil Saturday. A meat tea was provided in the Co-opera- tive Hall. ENGLISH WESLEYAN CHAPEL. The anniversary services were held on Sunday, when the pulpit was occupied at the morning and evening services by Mr. Hughes, Shotton. In the afternoon a P.S.A. service was held, under the chair- manship of Mr. Isaac Williams. An at- tractive programme was rendered by the following :—Miss Evelyn Hayes, Miss Hilda Hayes, Miss Katie Hayes, Miss Margretta Jones, Miss Xora Jones, Miss Muriel Jones, Miss Gunning, Mr. G. H. Davies. and a choir under the conductorship of Mr Arthur Prydderch. On Monday the annual school festival was held in the chapel. An excellent tea was provided, the caterer be- ing Mr. William Drury. The tea tables were presided over by Misses Dingley, Mrs. Dessington. and Irs. Peter Roberts. In the evening games and sports were held, in Mr Drury's field.

case, the gift of Mr. Peter E. Roberts, J.P. Bromfield Hall), Mrs. Barlow (cut-glass 0 flower vases, given by Miss Emma Davies- Cooke. Bryn Alyn); 2nd Prizes, Mr. Harold Rowlands (silver-mounted walking-stick, the gift of Mrs. Evan Jones, The Vicarage), Miss Marian Jones (spode china bread boat given I)N- Davies-Cooke, Bryn Alyn). The prizes were presented by Mr. H. R.. Smith, who, before the close of the proceed- ings, proposed a vote of thanks to the Vicar- for placing the Vicarage lawn at the dis- posal of the competitors. This was heartily carried. SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNNTVERSARY. The English Wesleyan Sunday School an- niversary was observed on Sunday at the Chapel, when two interesting 'and appro- priate sermons were preached by the Rev. A. Shipham, superintendent minister- There were large congregations. In the z) C) I afternoon there was a bright and inspiring service for children. Many friends from, other places of worship attended. Mr. S. Reynolds, of White House Farm, Buckley, presided. An excellent programme was. gone through by the scholars, assisted by Miss G. M. Smith, Miss G. Eaton, Miss S.. Jones, Miss D. Pt. Roberts, Miss M. A- Shallcross, Master Enilyn Pritchard, Mr. T- L. Thomas, and Mr. P. Manley. The ac- companist was Miss A. M. Shallcross, whose sister played a solo on the violin. The collections, which were in aid of the school funds, were in excess of last year. THE BISHOP OF MENEVlA AT MOLD. The triennial visitation of the Bishop of Menevia (the Right Rev. Francis Mostyn, D.D.) to St. David's Cathslic Church, Mold, took place on Sunday last, when the building was crowded. At 11 o'clock St. Cecilia's Mass was well rendered by the choir, the solos being taken by Miss Nolan and Messrs. Wilson, Geraghty, and R. E. Thomas. Mr. Sharp, of Preswylfa, presid- ed at the organ. Subsequently the Bishop delivered an address, in the course of which he spoke of the aids which the church pro- vided for the living of a good life, and ap- pealed to his heareis to avail themselves of the means of grace afforded' by that church more frequently. They should present themselves oftener at Mass and at Holy Communion than they did. Once a year was by no means sufficient. They ought not to be content to come there once on a. Sunday, and then on the Monday put their religion on one side till the following Sunday. He told them plainly that a re- ligion of that sort was not the sort of thing to get them to everlasting happiness. He urged them to make their religion a thing, of daily life. The Bishop also spoke 011 the subject of sick calls. How often it happen- ed, he said, that they went for the doctor out neglected at the same time to go for the. priest. It was not to be taken for granted that the priest knew of the illness of a per- son. They should also let the priest know as early in the morning as possible, before- the daily routine commenced, as it might happen when he was sent for that he was- in another part of the district. The Bishop went on to ^plain the object of the visita- tion, which, lie said, was to see that every- thing that could possibly be done was being, done for the members of that little mission, on which he prayed that the Divine blessing might rest.—In the afternoon the Bishop confirmed between 40 and 50 children and one adult. Mrs. Sharp, of Preswylfa, acted as godmother to the girls, and Mr. P. Ger- • aglity officiated at godfather to the boys. Subsequently the Bishop delivered an ad. dress, dealing with the benefits derived from the reception of the sacrament, and pointing out that they would realise the benefits of confirmation in after life more than they did now. He exhorted all pre- sent never to neglect morning and evening prayers. The Bishop subsequently dealt with the catechism. The church was crowd- ed in every part, and the singing was beau- tiful.