Denbighshire Free Press

NORTH WALES POOR LAW CONFERENCE. Old Age Pensions Severely Criticised. The Poor Law Conference for North Wales for the present year commenced on Tuesday, at Bangor. Among those present were Mr F J Bircham, the ex-Inspector of the Local Government Board for Wales, and his successor, Mr H H Williams. The chairman of the Guardians, Mr H Thomas, presided, and the delegates were cordially welcomed by the Mayor, Mr David Owen. Mr J R Davies, Ce;is, president of the conference, in his opening address, said that the problem of poverty and penury was a problem of vast antiquity. It loomed large upon the horizon it absorbed the time and energy of our clergy, it puzzled our statesmen, and it worried the taxpayer. The pitifulness of poverty bad appealed to the heart of humanity from the earliest days. Roman history, before the Christian era, offered two examples of the kind of remedies statemen of that great Empire tried. Four hundred years before Christ there lived a great Roman statesman Caius Licinius Stole, who, impressed with the inequalities of life, proposed to limit the amount of land that a man might hold, and sequestrated what surplus a man might have and distributed it among those who had none. Should I be wrong," asked Mr Davies, if I called it a Small Holdings Bill" (applause and laughter). Three hundred years passed away, Stolo and his law were long forgotten, but the problem of poverty and unemployment was a live question in Rome 100 years before Christ. Another tribune arose, bearing the famous name of Gracchus. He unearthed Stolo's law, and he proposed to revive it, and in the teeth of bitter opposition he carried the law once more in the Lower House, but, alas the matter was fought about in the street. Tiberius Gracchus was killed, and Stolo's oil law was buried once more, to be revived by the present Government 2,000 years afterwards (applause). A brother of Gracchus, one Caius Gracchus, came forward with a new remedy-shall I venture to call it Old Age Pensions Bill- but instead of granting a State-provided grant and instead of fixing an age limit they fixed a revised price of grain, and at last, in the year 27 B.C., grain was given away at the cost of the State to 200,000 Roman citizens-loaves without labour. Augustus Caesar when he ascended the throne of the C assars, tried to put an en I to it, but so great was its hold upon the Romans that even his power was nude- quate to the tauk, and the system continued until Rome fell. History seemed little else than a continuous effort to evade the evils of poverty and reach better things. War had something to do with the be- getting of poverty who knew that in the cassation of arraiments and the inaugura- tion of universal peace the remedy might exiit ? With our borders protected by universal peace we would be free to des- patch that near relative of war—intolerance and wauton poverty vloud applause). OLD AGE PENSIONS CRITICISED. Mr Joseph Brown, President of the Poor Law Unions' Association for England and Wales, read a paper on "Old Age Pensions and the Poor Law," contending that the Act did not inaugurate a new philanthropy; it simply changed t-te form and the method of conveying the help which the State bad all Mong been accustomed to provide. He resented the idea that there was some taint or degradation attaching to the old form of poor relief that did not attach to the new, but in the machinery of the pension scheme the Legislature had decreed that Giardian*, as such, must have no part experience might reveal this as a mistake. N J one could ever suppose that an old age penskns scheme, however liberal its pro- vision?, could ever do away with the work- house. Of what practical use would a j. nion of five shillings a week be to a bedridden parai)tic who was without relatives or friends ? Farther, the Act I did not attempt to solve the problem of poverty, much less of sickness and pain it only professed to deal with a favoured few amongst earth's stricken people. How much there was of suffering, of pitiable woe, long before seventy years were filled. And not every one even of seventy yurs of age could claim the assistance of the Act. TJe restrictions were many and c!ose. Mr Brown asked if it was not possible that s. le 11 indignity referred to consisted very largely iu the careful inquiry that was :"a:ed necessary prior to orders for relief b ;:ng made. Experience gained in con- nection with the administration of poor relief had compelled careful inquiry, as much in the interests of the poor as of the public, and was it not possible than an equally lengthy experience in the adminis- tration of the old-age pensions scheme might lead to an equally careful inquiry, which would become as distasteful as the former ? Another advantage supposed to attach to the new method was that it imposed no "disability" on the recipients of its benefits. But a stroke of the pen could abolish the disability attaching to recipients of relief under the older law. Mr Brown condemned the dealing wiih the New Act by County Councils, which would be disastrous alikcl to the Council, the p iblic, and the poor. Too often now the cUim to public office was based on any- thing but the public good, but if com- mittees of these local authorities were to be the almoners of public doles one c )uld not fail to see the public interests neglected, whilst corruption would naturally have a new stronghold and an extra impetus. In nothing was the wisdom of the framers of the Act of 1834 more conspicuous perhaps than in the creation of the union area, which formed a strong safeguard of public funds and placed a mighty embargo alike upon extravagance, injustice, partiality, and c,)rruption. It was worth remember- ing that the places noted for corruption were those places in which those safe- guards bad been conspicuous by their absence. He submitted that those who strove to preserve Poor Law Union intact would be found to have served the poor themselves, the ratepayer, and the country at large (loud applause).

CORWEN. TREAT. The scholars attending Glan'rafon National School were on Friday bntertained to tea by Mr Lloyd, of Rbagatt. DEATH.-The death is announced of Mrs Ellen Edwards, Gall Gate, at the age of 76. The interment took place at tha Bettws Gwerfil Goch on Monday. Gabdejung.—Since the re-opening of the Council School after the summer vacation, the older scholars were on Monday aftorooon given their first lesson in gardening. i' uf this our- pose large piece of ground at the side of Lhe school has been converted into a garden, and divided into 16 plots. Boys BIRCHED,-On baturday, before Messrs W Foulkes Jones and R R Roberts, John Williams, aged 8, and David Ellis Davies, aged 11, were charged by Supt Morgans with steal- ing 4s 6d, the monies of Isaac Jones, London- road, on the 15th inst. The Bench ordered both defendants to receive six strokes of the birch, and to be bound over for 12 months, and their parents were ordered to pay 5 each costs. PHILHARMONIC SOCIETy.-The annual meet- ing of the Philharmonic Society was held on Friday evening. The following officials were appointed :—President, the Hon C H Wynn treasurer, Mr T Lloyd Jones; conductor, Mr J Davies Hughes, A.C.; hon secretary, Mr Tom Roberts. It was decided to perform Judas Maccabeus (Handel) during the forthcoming winter. RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL-The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Friday, Mr E P Jones presiding. The Clerk (Mr John Evans) reported that there was a balance of J675 Os 7d against the treasurer at the bank.— A letter was read from the Merioneth County Council stating that they could not entertain the resolution passed by the Council to prevent motor cars travelling at an excessive speed through towns and villagee in the district. It was decided to put boards outside each village r warning motorists to drive lowly.-A very I heated discussion took place with regard to a lock which has been placed on the gate leading to a footpath near the new bridge the matter I was adjourned for a fortnight, when it will be again discussed at a special meeting of the Council. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The fortnightly meet- ing of the Guardians was held on Friday, Mr W P Williams presiding. The Clerk stated that there was a balance of il595 due to the treasurer.—A vote of condolence was passed with the family of the late Mr Thomas Owen, Cynwyd, a member of the Board, and also with Mr Stephen Rowlands, Llangollen, who has been seriously ill.—The Clerk stated that Mr John Price, Trefynant, Ruabon, had not at- tended a meeting of the Board for the last 12 months, and h,-xd, therefore, disqualified himself as a member. The Clerk was directed to call bis attention to the irregularity.—The Master stated that the present number of inmates was 69, as- compared with 68 last year. Seventy-one tramps had been relieved, an increase of 27 on the currebpondinl, period last year.—A letter was read from the rubbish carrier applying for an increase in his salary from X26 to 40 per annum. The application was granted.-It was decided to send water from the well at Gwyddelwern, where there is a remarkable scarcity of water, to be analysed.

RHUDDLAN, PARISH CHURCH.—Servioes next Sunday :— 10 a.m., Welsh and Holy Communioa; 11 a.m. and 6 15 p.m., English. POSTPONEMENT OF THE HARVEST FESTIVAL. —The harvest festival arranged to be held on the 30th September has been postponed owing to the unfavourable weather preventing the ingathering of the harvest.

PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT. I Tabernacle Chapel, Ruthin. The Annual COFFEE SUPPER « ENTERTAINMENT will be held on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29th, 1908 (last Thursday in the month). J. S. Cullings "> 1056o3 Douglas Griffiths _) Bethania C.M. Chapel. A COFFEE SUPPER £ ENTERTAIHKEHT will be held at the above Schoolroom On THURSDAY, the 22nd of OCTOBER. 1076u.c.

RUTHIN. Other Ruthin News will be found on Page 6. OFF TO THE WHITE CITY. Several Ruthinitea took advantage of the excursion run on Friday night by the London I and North-Western Railway to London, the attraction being of course The White City." OBITUARY. On Friday the death occurred of Mies Mary Hughes (formerly of Prior-street) at the age of 69 yea:s. The funeral took pluce on Monday at bt Peter's Church cemetery, the Rev D Howell Griffiths officiating. A CLEAN SHEET. As a rule there are a number of cases of one sort or another to be heard at Ruthin Police Court, but on Monday a clean sheet was presented, and there was not a single prosecution of any description. THE WESLEYAN CHURCH. The annual preaching meetings of the above Church were held at Bathafarn Chapel on Sunday, and on Monday and Tuesday evenings, when the Rev R Garrett Roberts, Ruthin Mr W Roberts, Maentwrog; and Rev Daniel Williams, Manchester; officiated. The meet- ings were very well attended, the Chapel being packed on Tuesday evening. The sermous were most eloquent and effective. Two pro- fessed conversion. THE RUTHIN TERRITORIALS. At the Battalion shooting competition, held at Llangollen on Saturday, Sergt J Humphreys, who formed one of the members of the D Company cup team, which won the Battalion cup, made 44 out of a possible when shooting for the cup, and also won second priza in the Westminster competition. Sergt R H Jones made 38 in the cup shoot and won the 5th prize in the Westminster competition. Sergt Humphreys was the top scorer for his Company in the Battalion cup competition. See score- page 6. RUTHIN GOLF CLUB. Some keenly contested games were played on the hnks of the Ruthin gjlf olub on Saturday last. The results were as follows Singles 1st, Mr R V Johnson, 86, 14,72; 2od, Oapt Crosthwaite, 109, 25, 81.L:idies: Mri Byford, 120, 35, 85 2nd, Mrs Glover, 1U9, 15, 94. In the mixed foursomes played off in the afternoon, Mr and Mrs Vincent Johnson cam? 1st with score 97, 11, tl5 2nd, Ilr C, tmith and Miss Mary Jenkins, with 106, 20, 86. All the prizes were kindly given by Mrs Frodaham Lund, Plas Isaf. SPECIAL POLICE COURT. A special police court was held on Tuesday, before the Mayor (Mr T J Rouw), and Capt Jenkins, when Hugh Lloyd Roberts, cattle drover, Llanrwst, was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and assaulting the police on Monday night.—Police-constable Arkinstall proved the cafe, and said that he had to lock tbe defendant up. He was mad drunk and created quite a scene.—Defendant was sentenced to 14 days' hard labour without the obticn of a fine. BUTHIN FOOTBALL CLUB. A trial match in connection with this club was played on Saturday on the club's ground in Ruthin parks, under the referaeship of Mr Christmas Jones. It ended in a win for the regular forwards of 3 to 1 against the regular defence. The game was exciting, and some I juniors shewed very good form.At a meeting of the Football Committee, held on Monday night, it was decided to have a supper at the I Castle Hotel on Thursday, October 1st, after which the cup and medals won by the players as champions of the Second Division of the North Wales Coast League, will be presented. —The draw for the preliminary round of the Welsh Amateur Cup was made at Wrexham on Wednesday evening, when Ruthin was drawn against Denbigh, on the ground of the former. The ties are to be played otf on or before the 31st October. SUCCESSOR TO MR. SLINGSBY. At a meeting of the Ruthin magistrates on Monday, Mr Hugh Williams, an ex-warder of Ruth?n prison, was appointed as probation officer for the district in successor the to late Mr Sliiigaby.-At the ordinary monthly meet- ing of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, held on tbe 7th inst., Mr Hugh Williams, of Park-place, Ruthin, was appointed local agent to the Society, vice the late Mr J Slingsby. Mr Williams, like his predecessor, is an ex- ¡ prison official, with a very wide experience, f his first connection with prisoners being his appointment, in 1876, by the Merionethshire Quarter Sessions, as a warder at the county goal at Dolgolly. Soon after his superannua- tion, about three ago, Mr Williams was presented with the Imperial Service Medal, conferred upon him by His Majesty the King, for long and diligent service; he is also highly respected locally, and the Society is fortunate I in securing tbe services of a person so well adapted for the position.

Agricultural Hall, Ruthin. GREAT ANNUAL SALE OF PEDIGREE RAMS. Following the usual weekly supplies of fat and store stock on Monday last, Messrs Leatbes conducted with success their great annual Ram Sale. There was an IAnasual large crowd of the most important and influential floekmasters and agri- ¡ culturalists of the whole Yale, represented as both vendors and purchasers. The entry comprised 306 pedigree Shropshire, Southdown, Leicester, Welsh and sires of almost every breed in existence. Prices on the whole proved most satisfactory, and an excellent clearance was effected. It will be read with great interest to the breeders of Welsh sheep, that the highest price attained throughout the sale was for a Welsh lamb, bred and the property of Mr T H Roberts, Hendre, Bodfari, which was purchased by W C Bell, Esq, for £ 4 17s 6d. The following are a few of the prices:—W C Bell, Esq., Welsh shearling rams up to £ 4 10s; ram lambs, £3 2s Set; Southdown ram lambs, ie3; Mrs Roberts, Dyserth Hall, Welsh shearing ram, £ 2 r Mr T Jones, Hafodwen, Welsh rams, £ 2 6s; Messrs Jones and Sons. Llandudno, Wiltshire; ram lambs, £ 3; Mr T Leathes, Leicester f ram lambs, k2 17s 6d; Mr J H Jones, Southdown ram Iambs, 24 2s 6d ;„Mr Powell, Ffynnon milgi, Shropshire ram lambs, 33s; Mr Owen, ditto, 33s; Mrs Williamson, ditto, £2 23; Mr Davies, Prospect House, Southdown ram lambs, 35s Mr T H Roberts, Hendre, Bodfari, Welsh rams lambs up to £4 17s 6d; Mr Roberts, Waen Rhydd, Shropshire ram lambs, 1;2 6s t Mr R Joues, Hafod-y-coed, ditto, £1 10.,j; Siiearlings, R2 48 Mr Williams, Brynchwarel, £ 2 3s; Mr Owen, Nantyrhendy, 37s 6d; Mr Gratton, Abergele, Welsh ram lembH, 42; Mr Evans, Golli, Shropshire ram lambs, R2 10s Mr Kellett, Plas newydd, Leicester ram lambs, X2 7s; Mr J Williams Plas enion, ditto, aC2 10s Shearlings, 13; Mr It White, Plas yn rhal, Leicester ram lainbs ap to Q3 7s; Ditto, Shropshire lambs, Rt 17s; Mr Hughes, I-leahlAs, Shropshire ram lambs, £2 29.

Ruthin County School Governors. The monthly meeting of the Ruthin County School Governors was held yesterday (Thursday) when there were present Mr Ezra Roberts (chairman), Mra L G Thomas, Mrs E Stephens, Mrs Hughes, Mrs J C Davies, and Mrs Williams (Llanynys),Canon Basil Jones, Rev W G Owen, Messrs T H Roberts, R Harris Jones, and Dr T 0 Jones, with he clerk (Mr A 0 Evans), and the head mastriss (Miss Rowlands, B.A.) The Committee considered the estimate of Mr Rice Jones for certain improvements at the Lodge. The amount of the estimate was X42, and this was adopted. There was a very lengthy report from the Scholarship and Bursaries Committee, which was dealt with at length, and the matter was deferred until the next meeting. Owing to the illness of Miss Williams, the science teacher, Miss Gallaghar was appointed to take her place.

ST. ASAPH. DRAW POSTPONED. The draw which was to take place at the Farmers' Arms, Waen, St Asaph, on Thursday, has been postponed until October 8th, owing to the books not being returned. GRAND SPORT. I Yesterday (Thursday) was an exceptionally fine day, and Col Johnston and party visited the Llannefydd Reservoir un a fishing expedi- tion, and had excellent sport. The catch numbered 31 beauties. PjtEACHINU MEETINGS. The anniversary services were held at Bethle- hem Chapel on Wednesday evening and Thursday last. The special preachers were the Rev D Stanley Jones, of Carnarvon, and Rev John Hughes, of Blaenau Festiniog. The services were well attended. PRAYER MEETINGS. Prayer meetings have been held nightly during the week at the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel for such weather as that we may receive the fruits of the earth in due season. The weather has fortunately improved during the last few days. MUSICAL SUCCESS. At a recent examination of the Royal Academy of Music, held at Rhyl, Miss Lilian M Evans, the youngest daughter of Mr William Evans, Glyndrian, most successfully passed the pianoforte playing examination. She is a pupil at Rhyl County School, and has done exceedingly well in her musical studies. FOOTBALL MATCH. Yesterday (Thursday) the first match of the season was played au Elwy Grove Park, between St Asaph "Thursdays" and Mold Villa. The latter were victorious by 11 goals to nil. The Thursdays are mostly shop assistants, and piayed their first game with absolutely no pre/ious practice. Better results next time. COMING EVENT. The school children's concert fixed for the 8th October is looked forward to with great anticipation. Children's entertainments are always well attended, and it is regrettable that they are so few and far between. However, a grand treat is in store. The proceeds will be devoted as the children's contribution to the Church House funi, which is slowly, but surely, taking material hape. We hope there will be no counter attraction on the same day. THE TONTINE CLUB. This society—though voung in years—had greatly increased in membership during the past year, and it is an pxcellenb sign of the times that working men are becoming more and more alive to the prudent course of making provision from times of sickness. The twin- sister of prudence is temperance, and when these two virtues g1) hand in hand-those who follow them are on the safe road to success. The majority of the members ara pledged abstainers. HARVEST HOME. At the annual festival on Thursday, the fire-is prox., the afternoon preacher will be the Rev E J Evans, M.A., vicar of Llandrillo-yn-Rhos. The rev gentleman is a past vicar-choral and afterward, rector of Cpfo. He is an excellent preacher. The evening preacher will be the Rev J H Vaughan, vicar of Glyndyfrdwy, and formerly curate of Rhyl, where he left his mark as one of the finest parish priests who ever held a curacy there. He was one of the special preachers at the Parish Church during Lent last year. The preacher at the evening Nonconformist united service will be the Rev J Wesley Hughes, who will also deliver an address at the annual meeting of the British and Foreign Bible Society on the following Monday. AN IMPRESSIVE SERVICE. At the Cathedral on Sunday evening last, those ordained at the early morning service, over 25 in number, robed in the Chapter Room and jmrched in procession to the stalls above the choir, while the choir and congregation sang with much feeling the processional hymn, w When I survey the wondrous Cross," and this gave the keynote to the impressiveness of the service throughout. The exceptionally large number ordained on the same day is a record oue-at an/rate for many years past. The special preacher was the Rev Mr Ogle, one of the Examining Chaplains to the Bishop of Bangor. TItS ORDINATIONS. A Daily contemporary says Bishop Edwarda ordained no fewer t"n twenty-six candidates for holy orders at hid cathedral church on Sunday, several of them being by letters dimissory from the Bishops of Bangor and. LlandafL Of the twenty-six eleven only were graduates, seven B.A. from St Asaph, two from; Bangor, and two from Llandaff three licenciates in divinity from St Aaph and one from. Llandaff, whilst there were four literates from St Asaph, one associate of King's College from Llandaff, whilst six out of the eight can- didates from Bangor were litarates. Of the total number nineteen were from St David's Colleges, five from the older universities, and three had spent some time at St Michael's." DIOSESAN TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. The annual report of the St Asaph Diocesan branch of the Church of Eugland Temperance Society for the year 1907-190& iust issued by the Diocesan secretary, the Rev J Hamer Lewis, for the Diocesan committee, shows that much excellent work is being done throughout. the diocese in the cause of temperance. The total number of parishes having some kind of temperance organisation is S7, and the total number of members, adult and juvenile, is 3,211, as compared with 8,061 last year, an inarease of 200, roughly speaking. In addition to this it is shown that much good work has been done by way of lantern lectures and sermons in parishes which have as yet formed no definite branch. We also find that the financial position enabled the diocese to send a larger contribution up to the Central Society than in any previous year. RE OPENING OF THE ROE BEADING ROOM. The Roe Reading Room after enlargement and improvement generally was formally opened for the winter season on Saturday last The ladies had been bu-sy for several days getting the room spick and span by cover- ing and numbering the library books available for the members. Several handsome pictures had been framed and hang up in the room, and the room looked warm and cosy. There were present Mrs Brinkly ip-resident), Mrs Richard Davies, Miss Brooke Cunliffa, Col Johnston, C.M.G., Rev Herbert Evans, Messrs Mostyn Davies and Wynne Tavies. After a. song by Mr Mostyn Davies, entitled the Holy City," the Rev Herbert Evans delivered an address, and congratulated the members on the enlarge- mant of the room and the success of the venture during the past season. The success of the room was the mark for all its members, and he hoped those present would each do their share in assuring its success. Mr Wynne Davies delivered a brief temperance address, and a musical evening by the members followed. THE LATE MAJOR LESLIE. I The funeral of Major Leslie took place at the cemetery on Saturday last, and was of a private character. He was the youngest surviving son of the late James Edmund Leslie, Esq., D.L., 4 J.P., of Leslie Hill and Seaport Lodge, co ] Antrim. He was a Major late 4th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles and formerly of H.E. I.C.S. and Her Majesty's 105th, 103rd and 63rd Regimenta. He went through the Indian Mutiny. In politics he was a Conservative and a member of the Constitutional club; but as a fisherman he was best known locally, aod what he did not know about anghng was not worth knowing.

Death of The Rev. R. O. Williams, late Vicar of Holywell. We regret to announce the death of the Rev Richard Owen Williams, M.A., of Rose-hill, which took place at his residence on Wednesday morning last after a brief illness. About two months ago he had a slight paralytic seizure, from whiob, how- ever, he had almost completely recovered. Early in the week symptoms of pneumonia developed, and acting on a weakened con- stitution proved fatal. Born at Denbigh 70 years ago he was the youngest son of the late Mr Richard Williams, formerly town clerk of Denbigh. His brother survives him, and during the summer of 1907 the rev gentleman visited him at his home in Canada. He was ordained deaoon in 1861 and priest the following year by Bishop Short, and his first curacy was that of Hope, which, however, he only held for two years. In 1863 he became curate of Holywell, and five years later he became vicar of Holywell, a post held by him for a period of 36 years, as well as that of chaplain to Holywell Workhouse. In 1896 he became rural dean of the Holywell deanery. On his retirement, five years ago, he came to reside at Rosebill. His old parishioners at Holywell marked their appreciation of his long and faithful service by presenting him with a tangible testimonial; the fund reached the handsome sum of J686. His retirement was not one of entire cessation from ministrial work, for his services were in demand up and down the Vale, in parishes where the incumbents were temporaliy incapacited from fulfilling their clerical duties, and in lending a helping hand in large parishes. He seldom had a Sunday at home. During his comparative short stay amongst us, he took great interest in the Church Defence League, and was past president, and, holding the opinion that the office of president was one to be filled by a layman, be did not desire to be re-elected to the post. He is survived by his widow and daughter, with whom much sympathy is expressed in their sad and sudden bereavement. The funeral, which was of a private character, took place at Cefn churchyard to-day (Friday).

Primrose League Fete. In continuation of the account in last week's paper of this entertainment held by the St Asaph Habitation of the Primrose League on September 17th, the following are the names of the winners of the various evo-,nts Pole Jump (for youths under 21): 1st, James Jones, 7-ft. 101-in.; 2nd, David Hughes, 7-it. 81-in.; 3rd, Thomas Parry, 6-ft. 6 in. Wheelbarrow Race: 1 J Deed, 2 E Hughes, 3 D 0 Jones. Potatoe Race 1 Fred Meakin, 2 J Deed, 3 W Jones. Sack Race: 1 J Tomkinson, 2 H Parry, 3 W Jones. Egg and Spoon Race: 1 Miss M J Williams, 2 Miss M L Williams, 3 Miss Jess Jones. Thread ithe Needle Race: 1 R Clarke and partner, 2 W Clarke and partner, 3 C Jones and partner. Three-Legged Race: 1 C Jones and partner, 2 D Thomas Evans and partner, 13 T Parry and partner. f: Driving Blindfold Race: 1 C Jones and | partner, 2 G Matthews and partner. Mr W Watts, Bronwylfa, who acted as starter, Colr-Sergt Jones, as judge, and Mr H A Graves, Bryn Polyn, were of active assistance in getting the programme of sports through to a successful termination. Tie competitors were numerous, 24 couples entering for the thread and needle race, causing many of the racea to be run in heats, and all the events were keenly contested. The games ended at dusk, when a move was made to the ball room at the Plough Hotel, where, in the absence of the Dame President, Mrs Howard, who had to leave earlier, the prizes, 23 in number, were dis- tributed by Mrs Johnston. God save the King" was played by the Llanddulas Band, the audience joining heartily in the singing, and a most enjoy- able day was brought to a close. 0

Lay Clerks1 Annual Concepts. The Cathedral lay-clerks" aonual morning I and evening concerts took place in the National Schools, St Asaph, yesterday (Thursday), the artistes being: Mis, Mesham (Pontruffydd).; Mr Percy Hall, the renowned cell'ist (of Birmingham); Messrs Seymour & Barrett, humorists (of Liverpool). Acqompanista: Mr W E Belcher, M.A., JP.R.C.O. 60rganist and I master of the choiristers, St Asaph Cathe- dral) Mr Vernon Harriss. The duties of hon secretaries were-discharged by Messrs J Aikens and Vernon Harriss. The concerts were under the patronage of the Bishop, the Dean, thy Archdeacons, the Countess of DundonaLd, and many of the local gentry, and both of the concerts were well patronised, as they deserved to be, for musically they were at a very high i rder» One of the most popular artistes was Miss Mesham, of Po&truffydd, who was re- I. peatedly encored for very excellent rendering of the songs she sang. Soo has- a remarkably fiae soprano voice, which ha* evidently been carefully trained. Mr Percy Hall, tlae renowned cell'ist (of Birmingham;, was given a very hearty reception for the admirable way in whiah he rendered the different sololi he play ad. The Lay Clerks, Messrs H A rentage, J Aikens, Thomas Gordon, and Vernon Harris also scored a great success and were loadly encored for the really splendid renderings they gave of different quartettes. Indeed they would be a great acquisition to any concert, and we are given to understand that they are open to engagements. As will be seen from the programme, Messrs Vernon Harris and Thomas Gordon eang I some excellent solos, which were loudly encored. The duett by Messrs Aikens and Whiteside was also warmly encored. At the evening performance some humour- ous entertainment was introduced into the programme, and Messrs Seymour and Barrett were loudly encored for their wonderfully ingenious and funny perform- ances. At the morning concert the programme was :-Part I: Quartette, the Lay-Clerks; so.ng, Beloved, it is morn,' Miss E M,-sharn song, • Se il Rigor o la vendetta,' Mr Vernon Harriss quartette, the Lay-Clef ks song, Farewell in the Detert,' Mr Tho oas Gordon; duett, 'Tenor aid Baritoae,' Messrs Aikens and Whiteside; cello solo, Reverie,' Mr Percy Hall; quartette, the Lay-Clerks. Part II: Quartette, the Lay Klerks; song, Largo ombra mai Fo,' Miss E Mesham; cello solo, (a) 'Romance,' (b) 'Gavotte,' Mr Percy Hall song, recit Deeper and deeper still,' air 4 Wait her Angels,' Mr John Aikens; doett, 'The Moon hath raised,' Messrs Gordon and Harriss quartette, the Lay-Clerks. At the evening concert the Lay-Clerks gave three very pretty glees and a quar- tette, and the remainder of the programme was as follows :—Part I: Song, Bredon Hill,' Miss E Mesham; song, I Glorious Devon,' Mr William Whiteside; song, Tbe Last Watch,' Mr John Aikens; duett, I Watchman! what of the night,' Messrs Gordon and Harriss; sketch, 'An Erratic Interrupter,' Messrs Seymour and Barrett. Part JI: Song, 4 Lascia ch'is Piasga,' Miss E Mesham song, Speed on my bark,' Mr Vernon Harriss; duett, 'Tenor and Bari- tone,' Messrs Aikens and Whiteside; song, Star of the Dessert,' Mr Thomas Gordon sketch, A Disorderly Orderly,' Messrs Seymour and Barrett. The concerts were a thorough success throughout.

CORRESPONDENCE. Ws Jo not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed in this column. Oar eolumns are open to all persons, no matter what may be their religious and political opinions, or what view they may take on local and general topics. Write clearly on one side of the paper ONLY. Keal name and address must accompanyevery communication to secure insertion of the letter. Letters MUST reach the Editor not later than THURSDAY.

A SUGGESTION TO DENBIGH AND RUTHIN TRADESMEN. THE FRANCO-BRITISH EXHIBITION. To the Editor of the FREE PRESS. Sir,-Through the medium of your columns I should like to throw out a valuable suggestion to the tradesmen of Ruthin and Denbigh. The Llandudno tradesmen have organised a capital day trip to the Franco-British Exhibition, which will, no doubt, prove both edifying and enjoyable. They will leave Llan- dudno by special train at five in the morning, and arrive at Euston at 10-30 a.m. The return journey will be made at midnight, so that they will have a full day's outing. It has been suggested to me that Ruthin and Denbigh tradesmen should follow this example and amatga.mate to carry out such a trip. The railway fare would oe about lOs, and this would be an opportunity for those WHO could not afford to spend much time or money on the Exhibition.—Yours truly, TRADESMAN.

RECENT ATTACK ON A DENBIGH CHILD PARENT'S TRIBUTE TO THE POLICE To the Editor of the FREE PRESS. Dear Sir,- Upon reading your report in last week's Free Press of the trial of the b!ackguard, Michael Cleary, who assaulted aud carried away the little girl, Laura Catherine Price, I felt that the Borough Bench, in sentencing him to six months imprisonment had persued a course which the public highly commended, at the same time freeing the district of a most shameless and dangerous character, and a tti, old resident of the town, and a pareut, I would like, through the medium of your paper, to congratulate ourselves that we have a staff of police of the right stamp, who are always alert, and anxious about the morals of our in- habitants, as evidenced at the above trial, < well as on many other occasions. The way P.O. Rogers went about this case, in following the miscreant and bringing him to justice deserves more than a passing comment. That he showed a considerable amount of pluck atd perseverence was very evident in the manner in wbicb he got up bis case. I think the police deserve every encouragement in their endea- vours to carry out their duties.—I am, dear sir, yours obediently, RESIDENT.

-U London Zoological Gardens Open week-ckys !) a.m. till dusk. Admission 1/ on Mondays 6d. Children always 6d. Excursion parties of 50 or more at cheaper rates. Apply to Secretary, 3, Hanover Square, London, W. The Collection oi Animals from Australia and New Zealand on view in the North Gardens from July till October next 1,1 I; MAY WE r COLLAR L ¡: AND II CUFF YOU. JOSEPH LEWIS, I 39, High Street, ( DENBIGH.

WISE AND OTHERWISE. He TCtMtrned his job in the dynamite fae- tory." "What is he doine: now?" Nothiril;, He hasn't come down yet." Adams: "Well, Jones, been getting drunk again?" Jones (angrily): "That's my business. Adams: "So I understand." I feel bad this morning. Sis. There was tlMJ 'usual lark' at the club last night." Yott mean the usual swallow.' George! Mrs. Bricabrac: And what is your objection, Edward, to buying a piano for Muriel? Brica- brac: I'm afraid she might want to play it." In a battle of tongues between man and wife. I find that a woman can generally hold her own." Yes. I know; but she never does. Mrs. Agar: "My husband always takes a day off when he has a birthday." Ir". Kuting: When you have one I reckon you take a couple of years off." „ I How 6hall I have my new hat trimmed? asked Nellie. If you want it to match you'j face, have it plain," replied the nasry spiteful thing Harriet. Soldierly-looking Man; I've spent fifteen years of mv life in the service of my country- Low-browed Individual: "So have 1. Whfl» were you in for?" "Does Bliggins enjoy life?" "Not exactly- He's the sort of man who measures the goõd time he had yesterday by the size of hi> head- ache this morning." Smith Well, but if you can't bear her, what- ever made you propose?" Jones: well *we had danced three times, and I couldn't think 0* anything else to sav." Wife: Why. George; dear, what is the trouble?" Husband Oh. there was something I was going to worry about, and for the life of me I can't think what it is." The Author: "Unless my novel succeeds once I'll starve to death." The Publisher- Great idea, my boy! Start in at once; it would advertise your book wonderfully." He: You appear to be angry with my frienff from the Colonies; but you mu-tn't mind what he says. He's a roiigh diamond, you know- l'a She: "Then I .-hall assist in cutting him." Mrs. Getthere Somehow That woman next door got a hat just like mine." Mrs. Wanto Knowitall: "What did you do?" Mrs. Get- there Somehow: Gave mine to the cook." Fenton: "At first he was simply crazy ahout her. but now he neglects her shamefullv. Sloanes: I see. At first he wont out of hiS mind, and then she went out of his mind." Children's Society Agent: Before I carl allow you to go on as little Eva in this perform- ajice I must see the manager." Little Eva: am sure he can satisfy you. He is my so n. Suffering beneath the razor of an ineompeten barber, a gentleman signalled to the operator to halt. "Yes, sir?" inquired the barber, inclining his head. Give me gas! said the customer- What do you think of my execution on the piano?" "No better place for your execution could be chosen. I have always been in favo« of punishing criminals on the scene of ta crime." Visitor (to servant who answers the doof)- Is your master in? Servant: No he s frO_ homo, sir." Visitor: "Gone away on a holi'la.,} I suppose?" Servant: "No, sir; on a bicycle- Ascum (after the performance): "I shouldn't' think you'd care to rake part in amateur tricals." Sinnickson (one of the cast): I don't' but if I didn't I'd probably have to sit in tha audience." I don't remember your name. said the sweet, young thing, but., really. I think I hav^ met you somewhere before." j You have. sa' the brute. I'm the druggist who sells you yolit face paints." First Freak: "Did you know that the strong lady and the contortionist were going to bj married? Second Freak: On. a.re they. suppose she'll be able to twist him around her finger now? A widow of the name of Rugg having take" Sir Charles Price for her second husband. wag asked by a friend how she liked the change. dOh," she replied, I parted with my old Rugg for a good Price." I say, old chap, have you heard the ta about the young lady that poured a jug of watS in a straw hat?" "No," replied his fr,n j Neither have I." said the wit, as he wafkc away. It has not leaked out." Are you not not glad to f-er foot on terr^ [' firma '?" asked a lady of an old friend who ha*j just landed from an American liner. 'L'erlt just landed from an American liner. -,I-,err f firma? was the response. "Dear me! I though this was Quoenstown! "Gracious! The way you are all eating nj? cake! exclaimed Mrs. Baker. "At this ra ,t I there'll be none of it to last over Sunday Huh grunted her dyspeptic husband, bet the little piece I ate will." j French Railway Official: M'sieu. your V3 has been run over and cut into a dozen pieces- Languid Englishman Ha w Be good cnou;:II. please, to bring the piece t,iat haw coiit"iof the key of my—haw—hat-box. He (trembling) I have one last wish to a"Ie before we part in anger for ever." She binglv): Wli-what is it. Geo-George? Wi-will vou mo-meet me next Th-thursdaV a usual?" She: I will. George." Professor Stone: "To the geologist a tholf" sand years or so are not counted as any time all." Man in the audience: Great Scott! to think I made a temporary loan of two pound I to a man who holds such views! Brother: ó, Yes. I like Jack well enoulb, Madge but why did you marry a man a hell I shorter than you are?" Madge: "I had to choose between a little man with a big sala" and a big man with a little salary. "Bridget." Mrs. Housekeep called to h £ servant, i see Mrs. G add is coming across tlj 6t,reet. Run out and turn that doormat up51", down." "Which one. ma'am?" a.-ked Bridgc "The one that has "Welcome' on it." "The one that has 'Welcome' on it." One, important thing about these c'Sarf':9 said Kioseman. after handing a weed to b19 friend, "is that they last so long." "Do tnc^ really?" asked the Visitor, holding his at ar»° length, "or does it merely seem long?" Papa: "You were up late last night., daug; I ter!. Daughter: "Yes. papa; our Fresh-a Club met on the verandah." Papa: "Who » longs to your Fresh-air Club?'" Daughter (s'°wn3 and somewhat reluctantly): "Well—Jack—a° —and—me —and—me Motorist's Friend: "Oh, I say! Goodne^, gracious, we'll be smashed up in a In inuic- Motorist: "All right, mv dear fellow, don't citc yourself. Tho firm I bought this motorjr0 have agreed to keep it in repair for a year." You're looking for new quarters, I hear? said Kidder, at the broakfast table. "\es. iplied the talkative boarder. \Vhy?' I h rC^, an ad. in the par>er that should interest you V: ticularly: To let, nice room for a gent. wl gas.' ¡

IRISH BACON (FROM FARM FED PIGS). The Irish Pig is the Irish Party we especially Admire. Come and see him in his primest Quality and you'll like him The Emerald Isle is noted for its production of Rich, Sweet, JuicY, Delicious Bacon of an appetizing flavour. Mild—WITHOUT INSIPIDITY. FOR ————————— BREAKFAST AND FOR EVERY MEAL" A Relishing Luxury that suits all Palates. j NOTE E. B. JONES &. CO.. Bacon Specialists, People's Purveyors of Primest Provisions St. Asaph, Denbigh, & Ruthin. I