Denbighshire Free Press

DENBIGH SCHOOL BOARD. MONTHLY MEETING. TUESDAY.—Present: Mr J Harrison Jones (in the chair), Rev H Humphreys, Rev H 0 Hughes, Messrs George Williams, C Cottom, and E Mills with the clerk, Mr R Humphreys Roberts. THE CARETAKER OF LOVE LANE. The Clerk remarked that the present caretaker, Miss Sarah Price, required the use of the gas. All the fittings were there, the gas alone having been cut off. Upon the proposal of Mr C Cottom, seconded by Mr George Williams, the re- quest was granted, the Clerk remarking that the caretaker would make an excellent woman for the position, he was sure. EXCELLENT REPORTS ON FRON GOCH SCHOOLS. The Education Department's reports of the girls' and infant schools were received and read, giving the Board much satisfac- tion. The report shewed that the average attendance on which the grants had been earned was 145 in the girls' and 172 in the infants'. Both schools had gained the highest possible grants, in the girls' 22s per head, and in the infants 17s per head the amount in the girls' being X159 10s infants 1146 4s; under article 102 for pupil teachers, girls, X7 infants, X3; the total for both schools being £315 14s, and the fee grants came to aCl58 lOd. The summary of the Inspector's reports on THE GIRLS' SCHOOL stated The serious attention of the School Board is invited to the irregularity of the attendance of this school. At the visit of the Inspector over 40 girls were absent for reasons unknown to the teachers. The school continues to be maintained in a good condition of efficiency the oral work having improved during the past year. The tone, however, would be raised if the girls were more earnest over their work. At present their attention to work is not altogether satisfactory. INFANTS' SCHOOL. The kindergarten side of the instruction in this department has been intelligently strengthened during the past year, and the whole aims of the teaching have been brought in line with the most improved methods of instruction. When the attend- ance is good the need for an additional classroom is greatly felt. The ventilation does not appear effective enough to keep the air as fresh as desirable. H.M. Inspector's remarks should receive careful attention as to the infants' premises. A I'UL'IL TEACHER. The Clerk reported that he had received a letter from Mr W J Griffiths, headmaster of the Henllan schools, with reference to Blodwen Thomas as an applicant to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Margaret Williams as a probationer. The Headmaster was quite satisfied with the applicant, who would make a good pupil teacher. Subject to this favourable report, oontinued the Clerk, from the Master, the Board had decided to accept her as a pupil teacher. THE DIPHTHERIA CASES. IS THE CLOSING OF SCHOOLS ANY USE ? A letter was received from the Town Clerk of Denbigh extending the time for closing the schools for another foitnight upon the recommendation of the Medical Officer. The Chairman remarked that it had been said that children were almost more open to injury from one another when the schools were closed, because they played with each other in the streets. The Clerk said that if the schools were opened the parents would not send their children to school; they were not obliged to do so when they were in danger of in- fection. The attendance would therefore be very bad, and the opening of the schools would be useless. A PROMISING PUPIL. Mrs Sarah Ellis, of 20, Beacon's-hill, applied that her daughter, Selina, aged 14 years, and now in the ex-seventh standard, should become a probationer. If such could be, it would be of great assistance to her. The Clerk was sorry that there was no vacancy at present in the Infants' School. He did not think they could get a better girl in Denbigh; she was an excellent girl, and her whole mind seemed bent upon teaching. The Chairman You might tell her that when a vacancy occurred she might have it, but at present there is none. Mr Humphreys asked if as they had a certificated assistant mistress they were not entitled to take another pupil teacher. The Clerk Yes. Mr Cottom said they might thus create a position for the girl; it would be a pity not to secure her and she could go into the Infants' School later if a vacancy occurred. Ultimately, upon the proposition of Mr G Williams, seconded by Mr Cottom, it was agreed to take her if she was willing to go into the girls department. THE EDUCATION BILL. THE BOARD DIVIDED: NONCONFORMIST OBJECTIONS TO THE BILL. The Rev H Hughes: Will you allow me to move a resolution against the Education Bill, Mr Chairman ? The Rev H Humphreys: Now, Mr Hnghes, there is no notice of this on the agenda before us, and I hope you, as a man of peace, are not going to raise a contro- versial subject like this ? • IT^I V Hughes, continuing, said he wished to move a resolution against the Education Bill. It was their duty, he thought, as a School Board to do so be- cause in the first place the Bill proposed to abolish School Boards. Therefore it was very natural for them as a Board to protest against it. He was not aware of any great crime against School Board education in Denbigh, but he had seen that a dignitary of the Church of England said that Board Schools had altered the tone of morality of the country aiikv increased the amount of nrlme. Mr Humphreys: And I have seen that in Convocation, where the opinion of the Church is voiced, testimony was borne to t,he good educational work done by the School Boards, Mr Hughes, proceeding, said he n'h5øøt¡",1 to the Bill because it proposed to apply money for the use of the voluntary schools, without public control, and because it was an educational disadvantage to teachers. For the last 30 years there had not been a single Nonconformist teacher in the whole of the parish of Flint, and now it was proposed to make that possible in 8,000 parishes in the kingdom. Everybody wanted fairplay. He begged to move the resolution. Mr E Mills I have very great pleasure in seconding the resolution. Mr Cottom What is the resolution ? So far as I have heard, Mr Hughes has not submitted any resolution, but merely spoken against the Bill. Mr Hughes Well, I move that we as a Board disapprove of the Bill. Rev H Humphreys very much regretted that Mr Hughes had introduced the subject that afternoon, especially so as there had been no notice given. He had hoped that after the criticism there had been upon moving a similar resolution in another place without notice it would have prevented anyone doing so in that Board. Anothercause of regret at introducing the matter was because they as a Board had always carried on their transactions in a straightforward and amicable manner, and had always put on one side their religious and political differences to further the education of the children in the schools to the best of their ability. The opposition to this Bill he thought was purely a political one, and he would be very sorry to see the Board engaged in starting the political machinery to further the ends of any political party. If they did deal with the matter that day they well knew how the voting would be for and against, and if the resolution was put to the meeting he was prepared to propose an amendment. Mr George Williams denied that the opposition was political; he thought the opposition chiefly was because the public money was to be devoted to denominational schools without public representation. That he thought was the chief point of opposition. Rev H Humphreys remarked that this Bill was to meet the want felt for the last 30 years. The Bill was in furtherance of co-ordinating primary, secondary and technical education in order to obviate waste and overlapping, and also with a view of providing an educational ladder by which a boy could climb from the ele- mentary school to the secondary school and then to the University and thus become an honourable citizen and a credit to the community. The Bill also sought to carry out an act of justice to the voluntary schools, which had been suffer- ing from an intolerable strain all these years. Was there any sense, or any fair- play, in the voluntary schools which edu- cated more than one half of the children of the country receiving about Zi per child less from the public money than the Board Schools ? Mr Mills: Then why not let the public control them? The Chairman, referring to Mr Hughes' resolution, thought this being an ordinary meeting of the Board, the question was an important one, and the mover of the resolu- tion might be in order in bringing it forward without notice. Rev H 0 Hughes said he had avoided any political or religious objections to the Bill and had objected to the Bill simply as a member of the Board, and not to any particular mode of tuition. Mr Mills objected to Mr Humphreys, remarks. It was not a political question at all. Mr Cottom said he did not propose to offer any arguments against Mr Hughes' proposal, for two reason. In the first place it would be a waste of time, as they knew now exactly how they they were going to vote, and he did not think anything one side might say would convince the other (laughter). Secondly he did not think any resolution of that Board would have any effect whatever in the alteration of any single clause of the Bill. The Bill had already passed the second reading in the House of Commons with a very large majority, and therefore it was certain that it would become law, although as to details they could not say what precise form the Bill would take. Mr Hughes. Well, we won't pay the rates. Mr Cottom: I am sorry to hear Mr Hughes say that, because Churchpeople have for 30 years been paying rates to support the Board Schools, which though quite satisfactory to Nonconformists, are not the kind of schools Chnrchpeople believe in, and I do not think it shows a spirit of fairness for the opponents of Voluntary Schools now to assert that they will not do precisely what Churchmen have hitherto been compelled to do. However, if they discussed the matter fully they would only get into a useless controversy one with the other, and he would only say that he endorsed thoroughly what Mr Humphreys had said. Mr Mills: I don't agree with Mr Cottom. He thinks that our resolution will only go to the waste paper basket Mr Cottom: Where else will it go to ? What other use will it be ? Mr Mills: I don't think that. Mr Cottom, as he could not move a direct negative to the resolution, said he would propose that the consideration of Mr H 0 Hughes' resolution be deferred for six months. The Rev H Humphreys said he would second it. On the Board dividing, Mr Cottom and Mr Humphreys voted for the amendment, and the Chairman (Mr Harrison Jones), Mr H 0 Hughes, Mr Mills, and Mr George Williams voted for the resolution, which was thus carried by a majority of two. HENLLAN SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. Mixed school, on the boooks 59, average 55, corresponding period last year 72 and 68 respectively. Infants, on the books 47, average 36, last year 42 and 38. There were no reports from the other schools, which were closed.

THE YEOMANRY TRAINING AND THE MOUNTAIN LAND. In our condensed report of the Town Council Committee's report as to the Yeo- manry and the unenclosed mountain land for training purposes, an error crept in which made it appear as if the use of this land was subject to the consent of Mr W G Rigby. That was our mistake. To put the matter in its proper light we now quote the Committee's report on this point, which was "That the Town Clerk reported further that he had been in communication with Mr W G Rigby as to the unenclosed mountain land between Glyn Arthur and Moel Fammau being available for manoeuvr- ing purposes, and that Mr Rigby had offered to show the Yeomanry officers over the ground, but that the latter had not yet made an appointment."

THE rKBE CHURCH COUNCIL AND THE RECTOR'S INVITATION FOR CORONATION DAY SERVICE. To the Editor of THE FBEI: PISLSS. t Dear )ir.-I do not think that what appeared in your issue of May 17th, 1902, siiuuld be aiiowed to pass without a word of explanation, and I fully expected some- one would have replied on behalf of the Free Church Council in your last issue. I offer the following explanation in the simple spirit of fairplay, fully appreciating everything of the nature of greater unity among religious bodies. Yet, the Rector's own letter, as printed in the Free Press, bears its own reply on its very surface. It will be noticed that the invitation is given for a united service, with a condition, viz that the service should be held in St Mary's Church. That alone prevented the Council from entertaining the latter as an invitation to hold a united service for religious unity's sake, because they knew that no Nonconformist Minister would be asked to take any part in the service other than could be taken by any layman on any occasion he may be asked. This would suggest religious inequality, which we have no desire to discuss. However, it was decided that the Revs James Charles and Robert Griffith (chairman and secretary of the Council) should see the Rector, and to find out whether it was not possible for us to meet on common ground. Before we proceed, however, let it be known that the Free Church Council had decided to hold a service at least a fortnight before the Rector's letter was received, as the follow- ing letter to the Mayor will show :— Denbigh, April 14th, 1902. Dear Mr Mayor,—In reply to the communication received through you from the Rector of Denbigh, we beg to inform you that the Council of the Free Churches of Denbigh decided about a fortnight ago to hold a united religious service at Capel Mawr on the Coronation Day, and the Council would suggest that a course similar to the one adopted last year at the Queen's Memorial Service would be very appropriate on the Coronation Day. At the same time the Nonconformist Ministers are quite willing to meet the Rector to discuss the whole question in a Christian and brotherly spirit.—Signed on behalf of the Council, JAMES CHARLES, Chairman. ROBERT GRIFFITH, Secretary." Since no reply to the above was forth- coming, the Chairman and Secretary wrote the following letter to the Rector him- self Denbigh, April 25th, 1002. To the Rector. Dear sir,—We presume that the Mayor has conveyed to you our reply to your letter concerning religious services on the day of the Coronation, in which we ex- pressed our willingness to meet you to discuss the question in a Christian spirit. Should you agree to that course, please mention where and when it would be con- venient for you to meet two representatives of the Council of the Free Churches.— Signed on behalf of the Council, JAMES CHARLES; Chairman. ROBERT GRIFFITH, Secretary." This resulted in a meeting between the Revs James Charles and Evan Jones and the Rector, and it transpired that it was impossible for the Rector to join in a united service unless it were held in St Mary's Church. That is to say, the Non- conformists are very nice people, and the Rector should like to see them at St Mary's, with two of their fully ordained Ministers taking just what part any two laymen may take, but the Rector himself said that he cannot take part in a service held within the precincts of a place held most sacred by Nonconformists, though he is asked to join in the fulness of religious equality. Can any fair minded man be surprised that the F.C. Council decided that they would hold a service of their own ? Besides, how many will St Mary's hold? 800 at the utmost. Capel Mawr will hold 1,500 with ease, and even 2,000 people have been seen inside the commo- dious sanctuary. Would it be fair, then, for us to agree to confining our Coronation Day service to one place, which cannot hope to accommodate more than a third of those who will seek admittance to a service on that day ? The very existence (to say nothing of the harmony of action) of the Free Church Council proves the genuine- ness of the Nonconformist desire for religious unity, but we cannot seek it at the sacrifice of sacred principles, which Christ himself has taught us to hold dear. Every J attempt for unity of action on the part of the Rector will receive the fullest sympathy, provided it be on the lines of religious equality, and it may be that the system rather than the Rector is to blame that we have failed to be of one mind on this occasion. While Nonconformists have a free hand in this matter, it is evident that the Rector has not. We know an "olive branch" when we see it, and this is not one.—Yours, in the interest of a good understanding and religious concord, D E JENKINS. Vale-street Presbyterian Church.

THE DENBIGHSHIRE HUSSARS IMPERIAL YEOMANRY. IN CAMP AT DENBIGH FOR 16 DAYS TRAINING. One of the most interesting sights in the borough of Denbigh at present is to be found at the camp of the Denbighshire Hussars Imperial Yeomanry who are under- going their annual training extending over 16 days. The camp is pitched in a field adjoining the Whitchurch road, known as "Middleton Park," and was some years ago occupied as a camping ground by the Militia. The camp is prettily situated, the beautiful scenery of the Vale and the surrounding district forming a delightful scene, and the white tents are conspicuous from many directions. There had been great preparations during the previous week in geetting every thing ready for the arrival of the regiment. A large fatigue party of the members of the regiment has been busily at work under the supervision of Regimental Sergt-Major David Williams, acting quarter-master, preparing the men's tents, etc. The work of preparing all the stabling for the horses, the catering for the men and non-commissioned officers, the provision and carrying out of the canteen, and the construction of all other departments, had been entrusted to the well-known firm of army contractors, Messrs Dickeson & Co, Ltd, Mathew-street, Liverpool, also of London, Dover, and Aldershot. They have carried out the work excellently, and gained great praise for the efficiency and completeness of all their arrangements. Each of the men's sleeping and living tents will accommodate six men, and each officer's tent is nicely fitted up with a small spring bed, chest of drawers, table, J chair, washstand, etc. The non-commis- sioned officers' mess is fitted up with long tables covered with green cloth and decorated with floral and other plants, and there is a splendid piano for the use of the occupants. The dining room accommodation is most ample, and it is completely fitted. The canteen is most commodious, and everything provided there is of the best quality. The men's room is supplied with < J a piano, so that when the work of the day is over music and song enHven the even- ing hours. Adjoining these canvas apartments are tho stores, cooking I kitchens, and such-like necessary buildings. Amongst the noticeablo erections is that of the officers' mess, which has been most beautifully got up; it is in wood work and I nicely draped inside with red cloth and fitted with the necessary requisites in the best possible manner. As we have in- timated, the catering throughout will be carried out by Messrs Dickeson and Co., who have got their cooking apparatus well fitted up for the occasion, whilst the cater- ing for the officers has been entrusted to that well-known firm of Messrs Bolland, of Chester. Messrs Dickeson and Co, are obtaining there local supplies amongst others from Mr David Evan Hughes, greengrocery; Mr John Edgar, junior, poultry and fish; Mr Thomas Davies, meat; and Messrs E B Jones and Co, bread. There are two enormous stables erected, covered with canvas, for the accommodation of some 500 horses. Messrs Dickeson and, Co. are to be congratulated upon the manner in which everything has been so conveniently and well arranged, the firm also supplying the fodder for the horses. The saddler during the camp is Mr Lloyd, Vale-street, Denbigh, and the tailoring work is entrusted to Mr J Evans, 18 and 20, Park-street, Denbigh, whilst the hairdresser is Mr Robert Williams, Vale- street, and the blacksmith is Mr John Jones, Vale-street, Denbigh. The camp has been well supplied with water from the town water mains, a special service having been put on by a connection with the mains by the cottages at Yseybor Wen. On the ground all the appliances for a good water supply for the cooking and canteen purposes, as well as for the stables are provided. The men were due in camp by one o'clock on Tuesday morning, and by that time the larger portion of the regiment had arrived, a good number being conveyed by special trains together with their horses, and the afternoon and evening was devoted to getting things straight and serving out the clothing and accoutrements for men and horses. A large number of horses, for men who were unable to procure horses for themselves, arrived at midnight on Tuesday from Aldershot. The regiment is formed of four squadrons, namely: A Squadron, Wrexham B Squadron, Denbigh; C Squadron, Bangor; and "D" Squadron, Birkenhead. The total strength of the regiment is 580, and the number at camp is 450. The officers present are In command, Col Parry, D.S.O., who served with the Welsh Imperial Yeomanry, with distinction, in the South African campaign Major Buddicom, Major Omrod, Capt Wynne Eyton, Captain Piercy, Capt Owen J Williams, Capt Cotton, Lieut Wrigley, Lieut Griffith, Lieut Lloyd Edwards, Lieut Priestley, Surgeon-Captain Williams, and Capt and Adjutant Holford, D.S.O., who has also served with distinction in South Africa. Sergt-Farrier Davidson, Carnarvon, will act as veterinary surgeon throughout the traning. The following is a list of the non-com- missioned officers "A Squadron :-Staff Sergt-Major Brand, Squadron Sergt-Major John Lloyd, Sergt Morris, Sergt Evans, Sergt W Jones, Sergt D B Jones, Farrier-Sergt J H Edwards, Corpl Ingleby, Corpl Bellis, Corpl Ooleclough, Corpl Woodman, Lance-Corpl Cooper, Lance-Corpl Prytherch, Lance- Corpl Slawson, Lance-Corpl Roberts. Lance- Corpl Jones, with Trumpeter S D Hughes. B Squadron: Regimental Staff Sergt.-Major Bruton, D.C.M. Staff Sergt.- Major Meredith, Regimental Sergt.-Major David Williams (acting Quartermaster), Regimental Quartermaster Sergt J Scott, Wrexham Squadron Sergt.-Major R Lloyd, Denbigh; Staff Quartermaster-Sergt R H Jones, Sergt J B Jones, Sergt A Davies, Sergt Oldfield, Sergt J 0 Jones, Sergt W Flint, Sergt Gritliths, Sergt W Jones, Farrier-Sergt E Davies, Corpl J 0 Lloyd, Corpl Owen, and Corpi Robinson. C Squadron :-StafI Sergeant Major Jones, Squadron Sergeant Major Dum- phy, Quartermaster Sergt Ted Owen, Sergt Conlan, Sergt Williams, Sergt W J Roberts, Sergt Hughes, with a full staff of corporals and lance corporals. "D" Squadron: Staff Sergt.-Major Bateman, Squadron Sergt.-Major F Turner, Quartermaster Sergt Tyrer, Sergt Benson, Sergt Mulligan, Sergt Gillmore, Corpl Anderson, Corpl Postlethwaithe, Corpl McLay, Corpl Harley, Corpl Hind, Lance- Corpl Owen, and Lance-Corpl Jones. The drill ground is Gwaynynog Park, that spacious park at the back of the man- sion, and which has been rented for the purpos e by the Town Council, from the tenant* Mr Houghton, Broadleys. The scouting, out-riding and manoeuvring are being carried out around Moel Arthur, near Llangynhafal. On Wednesday morning work commenced in earnest. The battalion marched in different squadrons to Gwaynynog Park, about ten o'clock, where they were for about two hours. The drill, which was without arms, was devoted to increasing and diminishing the front, which was carried out successfully. We may remark that the work of the horses was most excellent taking into consideration that it was their first appearance in the ranks. In the after- noon, there was considerable extra work in the stables in getting the horses and appliances into thorough order, but all the military details were gone into, and the work was efficiently carried out. On Thursday morning the whole regi- ment turned out soon after 9 o'clock, and marched in squadrons through the town to Gwaynynog park. Though they were some in Khaki, some in the old Hussar uniform, others again in plain clothes, and others in a mixture of both, and therefore did not present the military appearance which would ensue from uniformity of dress, they looked an exceedingly smart body of men, and it was generally remarked that they were particularly well mounted, the horses being uniformly good. The drilling at the park was similar to that of the previous day's—squad drills—which was carried out in a most efficient manner. In the after- noon the men were given a lecture by Adjutant Holford, which was exceedingly interesting and consisted of the duties of the men in camp, also the stable duties, &c. The men paid every attention to the lecture, and it was greatly appreciated. Thursday night proved anything but comfortable; it rained all night rather heavily, and life under canvas during heavy rain is anything but pleasant, particularly during the night time. We understand that at the close of the camp Messrs Clough and Co will sell by auction the timber which has been useck for the stabling, and whatever fodder, &c., that is left will also be sold by them.

THE VALE OF CLWYD MONTHLY MEETING. STRANGE CONDUCT OF A MINISTER. Considerable sensation was caused at the monthly meeting of the Vale of Clwyd Calvinistic Methodists, held on Thursday at Prion, Denbigh, by the reading of a letter from the Rev J Bennett Williams, B.A., who until recently was minister in charge of the Prion and Glyn Churches, I requesting the meeting to restore him fcc i his former position in the denomination. In January last Mr Williams caused nc i little surprise in religious circles by re- 1 signing his position as a minister in the denomination, and stating that hid reason for taking this step was That he had become a convert to the Church cf England. His resignation war accepted, by the Calvinistic Methodists. He now, however, seeks re-admission to the full privileges of the denomination, and desires to be re-in- stated in his previous position. A com- mittee was appointed to consider the case, which will ultimately be decided at the next monthly meeting. It will be remembered that whilst he was a C.M. minister at Prion he went in for and won an exhibition at the Church College, Lampeter, of 970 a year, and then offered himself for Holy Orders, being sent to the hostel at Hawarden for preliminary Church work and training. What has caused this second change in his religious views" we have no informa- tion.

DENBIGH SANITATION AND THE HEALTH OF THE TOWN. AN APPEAL TO THE TOWN COUNCIL TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION. A feeling of intense anxiety prevails amongst a large section of the inhabitants of the town respecting what is admitted to be the deplorably defective condition of the Corporation system of drainage, and the apathy and indifference with which the Council treat the whole question. The prevelance of dyphtheria and other sickness in the town, more especially amongst the children, of whom quite a number have succambed, has aroused a strong feeling, not only amongst those whose families have suffered or whose children have been taken from them, but amongst others who have the welfare of the community at heart and who see also that the trade of the town is severely suffering by the exaggerated reports spre&d about the country, which magnify the evil, as to the ill-health prevailing and increase in quite alarming proportions the number of cases of disease and death said to take place. All this of course tends to injure the town in every way. There is a general feeling that the Councii-or at any rate a section of the Council —is primarily responsible for this state of things that instead of promptly and resolutely tackling the question of the drainage system and the evils now prevail- ing consequent on the bad state of the main drains, a certain number of those whose duty it is to safeguard the interests of the town and promote the health and social well being of the community, employ their time in committee and council meet- ings in useless controversy and idle squabbles as to the precise method to be adopted, during which the evil increases, the health of the pejple suffers, and even the warinngs of their own Medical Officer and sanitary officials as to the necessity for immediate action are disregarded or left in abeyance. The feeling aroused amongst the rate- payers has at length found expression and during this week a petition has been formu- lated and is, we are informed, being numerously signed, appealing urgently to the Council in the interests of the com- munity and for the sake of the health and safety of the townspeople, as well as to prevent further damage to the trade of the town, to take immediate steps to grapple with the evils of the defective drainage system and so make the town what nature evidently intended it to be, one of the healthiest places in the Principality. We shall be greatly mistaken and extremely surprised if oar Representatives in the Council—who are themselves, of course, deeply interested in the health and welfare of the town—do not receive this petition from a number of their constitu- ents in a proper spirit, and resolve to deal with the question in a public spirited and manly manner, determining that without further delay, the drainage of the tow J shall receive their whole-hearted and earnest consideration, followed by prompt action. One thing is certain, these indefinite delays and postponements, these squabbles as to rival systems must cease, experienced expert advice must be obtained, and the work must be done. That, the Council had better understand clearly.

THE CHURCH CHORAL FESTIVAL. A GREAT SUCCESS. Yesterday (Thursday) the Vale of Clwyd Church Choral Union held its annual Choral Festival. There was a very large congregation, the Cathedral being crowded, and seldom, if ever, has there been such a complete and successful festival. The day baiag exceptionally fine, people were pre- sent in large numbers from the following deaneries :-St Asapb, Denbigh, Dyffryn Clwyd, Rhos, Llanrwst, Penllyn, Caerein- ion, Edeyrnion, Holywell, Llangollen and Llanfyllin. The choirs were trained in four districts and were brought up to a high pitch of excellence by the following gentlemen — Mr Belcher, M.A., St Asaph; Mr Lloyd, Ruthin Mr W M Pierce, Denbigh and Rev LI Ellis, Bettws. The choirs were well arranged in the nave of the Cathedral. The choirs were conducted by Mr Belcher, M.A., organist ot St Asaph, and the work was most creditable to conductor and choirs alike, the singing being ex- quisitely balanced, the different voices being ranged together, so that there was no confusion as to which were treble and and bass, as has happened sometimes at previous festivals. The organist was Mr F Walton-Evans, organist of Ellesmere College, and SOIt. of the Archdeaeon of St Asaph. He accom- panied the singing with true musical precision and great ability, which lent much charm to the services and aid to the singers. The officiating clerey were Canon Basil M Jones, M.A., and Canon Hugh Roberts, who read the lessons. The Rev W T Williams, St Asaph, read the first part of the services, and the Rev \V D Williams, St Asaph, the second part. The Very Rev the Dean of St Asaph pronounced the blessing. Amongst the clergy present were Canons Trevor Ower Roberts, and Basil M Joaes: Revs • ,;ams, » Llandyrneg L J Evans and D Williams. Llandrillo W T Williams and W n I Williams, St Asaph Waiter Jenkins, Rutbin David Williams, Llanynvs L i Ellis, David Jones, Abergele Thomas | Lloyd, Rhyi, Thsains Williams, Tref j nant H Humphreys. M.A., Henllan: T i W Yaueh*r: t" Vicar "f Llanychan Jehn Griffiths, Colwyn I) W Evans, St George D Davies, Denbigh: E Evans, Ruthin Humphrey LI >yd, Bod- el wyddan J H Hope, Colwyn Bay T Jenkins, Holywell R Rsberts and D P Phillips, Llandrillo the Vicar of Pres- tatyn J F Rees, Caerwys; J Jones, Llanbedr; Lewis Williams, Prion Dr Ellis, Llansannan J F Reece, Llan- fwrog H Trevor Hughes, Llanrbaiadr David Morris, Derwen. The hon secretary was the Rev J Silas Evans, Gyffylliog, who carried out his duties most carefully,, and the hon treasurer was the Rev J Fisher, B,D., Cefn, St Asaph. The service most appropriately com- menced with a processional hymn Through the night of doubt and sorrow," which was heartily sung by the different choirs and congregation. Then followed the singing of the National Anthem, which was sung with becoming fervour. The responses were sung and the 145th psalm chanted excellently. The anthem was "In humble faith and holy love." It commenced with a slow movement, and the soprano solo was most sweetly sung by the Cathedral choir boys, and the tenor soleists were Mr Walter Williams, and Mr Part- ington, who rendered their parts most creditably. The grand old hymn, Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire," preceded the sermon. The Rev G H Hylton Stewart, M.A., vicar of New Brighton, an authority on choral music, was the special preacher, and delivered a most appropriate and eloquent sermon, taking his text from the first chapter of the revelations of St John, the divine, fifth and sixth verses, namely, Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father." In the course of his remarks he reminded the choirs that their duty as lay priests was to render unto God a spiritual sacrifice—to render divine wor- ship to the Triune God. In the beautiful words of Charles Kingsley who said that music and singing was a divine art," given unto us by Christ Himself to make us behold the beauty of God and the beauty of things that God has made. The days had gone past when they used to have people going to sleep during the litany, and the services had become more enthusiastic and better attended. They had often had the charge brought against them by anonymous letters and newspapers that the services were not congregational, but they could not say that now. The Choral Union had done away with all that, and had created more enthusiasm in the congregation. They could not have in their small parishes such magnificent services as they had enjoyed that day, but they could evince the same devotion This day was a day when the mother church welcomed her children from the adjoining parishes, such singing as they had enjoyed was worth 150 sermons, and he hoped they would carry home with them a resolve in the words of lioly Writ, Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." The Welsh people were called "Masical Wales," and he hoped they would persevere in the spirit of unity, and t carry out their vaiioas duties in their respective parishes, whether high or low. The beautiful hymn For all the Saints who from their labours rest," was sung after the sermoa, and the blessing having been pronounced, the recessional hymn, "At the name of Jesus," was sung. The collection, which amounted t& £8, was devoted towards the Choral Union expenses. The Welsh service commenced at 6 p.m., and the special preacher was the Venerable the Archdeacon of Bangor, who preached a most powerful sermon to a crowded congre- gation. The singing was better, if possible, during the evening, and the anthem was Cydgenwch i'r Arglwydd." The bass solo was sung by Mr Slater, St Asaph, who acquitted himself excellently. A collection was made in aid of the ChoraL Unian.

Social and Personal. Lady Trevor has been elected a Fellow of tha Royal Horticultural Society. Lord Kenyon will be Lord-in-Waiting to the- King during Ascot race week. Lieut AWL Butler, 1st V.B. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, is gazetted instructor in musketry. The Archdruid of Wales, Hwfa Mon, who is- lying seriously ill at Llangollon, is consider- ably better, but remains weak. The wedding of Eatl Beauchamp with Lady. Lettice Grosvenor will take place at Eccleston Church, Chester, on July 2Gth. Lady Lettice (Jrosvenor and the Earl oiL Beauchamp have been among the guests at Eaton Hall of the Duke and Duchess of West- minster. The Marquis of Anglesey, on Tuesday, ar- rived at Anglesey Castle, Menai Bridge, from Dinard. He recommences his theatrical season on Monday. Mr Richard Llewellyn Mytton is gazetted second lieutenant in the Montgomeryshire Im- perial Yeomanry. Mr and Mrs Lloyd of Rhagatt were among those invited to the gathering at Ruthin Castle last week. Mr Lloyd has written a letter on I this subject in our columns. The Hon Mary Hughes of Kinmel is to act as lady-in-waiting and general compaiiioli. to Princess Louise of Schleswig-Holstein. Sir Alfred Jcnes, Llanddulas, has been elected an Honorary Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford, in recognition of his liberality in aid of educa- tion, and especially of medical science. Second Lieutenant (now Lieutenant) E E Hutton (temporary major in the army) Den- bighshire Hussars Imperial Yeomanry, is seconded for service with the Imperial Yeomanry in South Africa. The Mayor of Denbigh's office is no sinecure* for instance, he had a busy day of ib on Tuesday—Meeting in the morning, special meeting of the Council is the afternoon followed by two committee meetings at four and five o'clock, and winding up with a Coronation festivities meeting in the evening. The Duchess of Westminster, who arrived by motor car from Rufchin Castle, on Thursday has been a frequent visitor to the Cheshire Yeomany Camp, accompanied Lord Chesham's staff in the field on horseback. Her Grace has evinced a keen interest in the training of the Yeomanry, in which the Duke holds a captaincy. The Duchess of Westminster's ball (says th« World ') will take place during the Corona- tion festivities, as it has only teen postponed from the 1st to the 2nd July. Those who remember the charming balls givei kv Katherine Duchess of Westminster will look forward to the re-opening of Grosvenor dOUSI% by its present owners.

WELSH LEGENDS.-We have received a copy the new and revised edition (the third) of Welsh Legends, in humorous verse, by "Edward Johns" (R. J. Edwarls, of Ruthin). The Legends narrated are tHe same as in previou I editions, viz. :-The Devil's Bridge (Aberyst- wyth), The Monk's Bridge (Aberystwyth). Shenkin's Cave (Bettwsycoed), The Demon Palfrey (Llanberis), Golden Pippins (Llan- can'afal), and Idwal and Gwen (a Romance). The publishers are Messrs. Evans Bros., Aber- ystwyth, who also pubiish the same author's "English Legends," in humorous verse. The price of each set is sixpence, by post seven pence. RESIGNATION OF THE SANITARY INSPECTOR. Mr Windsor, the Borough Sanitary Inspector, has placed his resignation in the hands of the Council, Denbigh, having, as we intimated in last week's Free Press, decided to accept a more lucrative appointment at Prestwich. During his four years' tenure of office, he has done much to improve the sanitary condition of the borough, and his thorough experience and advice in all sanitary matters, will be a severe loss to the town. He has earned the good wishes of the (reneral public lor his past services, more especially, the scheme of household refuse removal, which was inaugurated during his term of office. We wish him every success in his new district, and congratulate the Council of Prestwich in securing the services of so able and efficient an officer. THE CHURCH SUNDAY SCIIOOLS.-Last Sun- day the collections throughout the day in both churches were devoted to the funds of the above schools, and amounted to 4:11, being larger than for several years past; indeed that at 8t David's in the evening was a record collection" for. this object. In the morning the Rev J Hamer Lewis, diocesan inspector of schools, was the preacher, and paid a passing tribute to the excellent work done in the two Church Sunday Schools of Denbigh. The state of the Sunday Schools he regarded as a sure indication of the state of Church life in a parish, and in Denbigh they had two excellent Sunday Schools, ot which any parish might well be proud. He exhorted them to help on the work by liberal contributions and generous sympathetic interest in the work generally. The Rector preached at 8t David's Church in the evening on the subjeo t of "wisdom," pointing out that the higiaest scientific and political knowledge was comparatively value- less without religion, which was the true wisdom, and illustrating his argument by the cultured Greek, famous for wisdom and the fine arts, but utterly devoid of patriotism, thoroughly unchaste and corrupt, and in religious matters far inferior to the most ignorant pagan who bowed down before his fetish of wood or stone. Coming to our own day, when education and civilization were at a high state who could say that dishonesty, crime and vice were one whit less now than in the days when half the people of the country could not write their names f He did not wish to decry education, but without religion it was valueless, and it was because the Church of England realized this that she had put forth such efforts and made such sacrifices to maintain her schools, so that a sound and Sod secular education might be imparted, based upon religious principles. As an instance pLtoSt Whilst. doing: *inh.y could to give the highest tages, they should remember t demands and the cravings of nature the Divine revelation wa and in times of distress, sorrow, bereavement, or mortal sickness, education, g satisfied not, but to meet the soul s c 8 they must tell them the old, old story of Jesus and His love." COSONATION FESTIVITIES.—The May»*> A u Evans, Esq., presided over three committees.on Tuesday in connection with the Coronation Festivities, all the meetings being well attended. As regards the feasting of the ohildren, it was agreed that the precedent of the Diamond Jubilee be followed that the children at ai- the elementary schools in the town, estimated at about 1250, have a good tea given them in their i wpective schools, that invitations be 1614' out to the local caterers to tender for the uppl; that Coronatiox mugs, with suitable '/war ration and design, be pvasented to the children, aBd that a sufficient number o fflags be provided for them so as to make the child- ren's procession a gay one. It was decided Henllan ohildren and aged people hare their treat at Henllan, and that the matter be left in the hands of the Henllan committee to carry out. As regards the aged people it was agreed that all person a over 60 be invited to a good meat tea, which will bo provided in the Urill Hall, and for which the local caterers are [ to be asked to cator according to a bill of fare. | The Church District Visitors and the Secretaries of a1! the Nonconformist Chapels were to be allKed to send in the names of persons to whom tickets of invitation should be seat, and a sub- committee, consisting of the Rector and the various Nonconformist Ministers and the Catholic Priest, were elected to deal with the applications and any other cases under the age which it might be desirable to include amongst the guests. Other arrangements were made for giving old and young a right good time of it. The festivities committee dealt with the pro- cessions and other public modes of celebrating the event. There is an earnest desire on the part of the Mayor and of the committee that the town should be decorated as fully, as prettily, and as completely as possible, and we have no doubt this desire will be gratified, and that all classes of the townspeople will decorate their residences or business premises and so make the town look worthy of the great occasion. To this end our readers should begin to secure their bunting, whilst it is to be had. There will be two processions during the day, the Mayor's special procession in the morning to service, and the children's pro- cession in the afternoon. There will be a huge bonfire on the Castle hill, and also one at Henllan to be contributed to by the committee. The fireworks on the Castle will be ample, but with a view of all seeing them they will be principally rockets, and similar fireworks will be sent to Henllan. The Volunteer band has been engaged for the day, and the Castle will, by permission of the committee, be thrown open for the whole day to all comers. These and other arrangements are in progress.