The North Wales Times

OUR SUPPLEMENT. 1 PORTRAIT OF MR. GEE. ) WITH this issue we present our readers > [ with a portrait of Mr. GEE. We hope that; every subscriber will see that a supplement is given to him.

BIRTHS. BATE—Jan'ry 2oth, at Kelsterten, the wife of D'homsa Bate, E q of a daughter. OOATEs-February 7th, the wifexsf Mr. W. S. Coates, baker, Mailing's Lane, Denbigh, of a de.ugfc.ter— stil'. born. i! Hu(, RES -February 8th, the wife oi Mr. H. Hughes. labourer, 6, Abta,m'is Lane, Danbiga, (-e"a sob-tirgt- born. JOKKS— February 3rd, AT Beacon's Hift, Denbigh, She wile of Mr. J«hn Jones., plastyrer, -of a som-f-cat- torri. JONES—February 5th, at St. ThomM Street (S.L Old- ham, the wife of Mr. William Joass, of a son. RICHARDS—February 2nd, the wife of Mr. O. Piihards, hairdresser, &c., Bala, of a daughter. TATTum-February 1st, at the Oddfellows' Arms Inn, Bagillt, the wife of Mr. Llewelyn Tafcturr, of a daughter. MARRIAGES, DAVIES—HUGHES—February 6th, at the Registrar's Office, Holywel?, Mr. Jofen Davies to ESfeabeth Aao-e, daughter of Mr. William Hughes, latap-man, Point of Ayr. JONBS—MORRIS—Febru&r? 4th, at St, Mary's Clvareh, Cerygydruidion, by the Rev. J. Jones, rector, Mr. John Jones, to Miss Ke Morris—Ssoth of Ceryg-y- druidion. DEATHS. 5tb, in her 35th year of her age, Mrs. Fredrickson, the beloved wife of Mr. Henry Fredrickson, 40, Victoria Road, Rhyl. She left a husband, and one boy, to mourn her loss. ^DAVIES—February Tth, Miss Elizabeth Davies, The Storo, Bala (late of Tanrhiw), aged 63 years. EVANS—February "Sth, at Albert Street, Leeswood, Mold, Mr. David Evans, aged 71 years. 'HUGHES—February 1st, at Chester Street, Flint, Mrs. Catherine Hughes, aged 78 years. HUGHES-February 3rd, at Dee View, Gwespyr, Emily Jane, the beloved child of Mr. B. Hughes, aged 12 years. JONES—February 2nd, the beloved child of Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Bryndu, Oeryg-y-druidion, aged 9 months. JONEs-February 1st, Mrs. Mary Jones, London Road, Corwen, aged 80 yeaj-e. JONKs-February 5th, Mrs, Dorothy Vaughan Jones, Brynifao, near Bala, aged 74 years. JONES—February 3rd, Mr. W. Jones, Bodawel, Llan, Festiniog, aged 72 yeart. ..JOSE8 'February 5th,-after a short illness, Alice, the beloved wife of Mr. John Jones, labourer, Henllan Street, Denbigh. LLOYD—January 28th, very suddenly, the beloved child of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd, Coedtalog Uchaf, aged 4 months. •OWEN—February 3rd, wife of Mr. J. O. Owen, book- seller, Penrhyn House, Penrhyndeudraeth. OWEN—'February ?th, Mr. Shadrach Owen, platelayer, Fron, Denbigh, after a short illness, aged 72 years. He was interred at Whitchurch to-day (Friday). After a long and severe illness. Mr. William Parry' (Llechidon), Roe Wen, aged ?7 years. PETBF.S—February 7th, Mrs. Jane Peters, Chapel House, Rhiw, near Ruthin, and fifth daughter -of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wynne, Ty Isaf, Efenechtyd, aged 30 years. ROBERTS—Janngry 28fch. after a short illness, Mary, the beloved wife of Mr. Elias Roberts, 3, Panton Hall, Denbigh, aged 54 years. She was interred at Whitchurch, "February 2nd. WILLIAMS—February 2nd, after a short illness, Mrs. Elisabeth Williams, Vale View, Denbigh, and widow of the late Mr. John Williams, Caeau Gwynion, aear Denbigh, aged 65 years. "WRIGHT—February 6fcb, at. Yron Terrace, Denbigh, the beloved wife of Mr. Robert Wright, signalman on the London and North Western Railway Com- pany, aged 38 years. On the previous day, the deceased was confined; and although nursed by a tender husband, and receiving the best medical aid, she succumbed, as alrfeady stated, on the following day. The little one had died immediately after its birth. The deceased was a highly respected woman, an excellent wife, and a most tender mother, and -her loss is greatly mourned by her family and a large circle of acquaintances. The greatest sympathy is felt with Mr. Wright, and his five children, ia ,-their terrible afliction. The funeral took place on Thursday. The Rev. Evan Jones (W.), officiated at the house, and the Rev. E. J. Davies, curate, at the graveside. We have been requested by Mr. Wright to-express his, deep gratitude to all those who had joined him in his sympathy in the hour «f inis bereavement.

WEilSH MARKETS. DENBIGH, February 8th.-The attendance wae not large, ewing to the monthly fair being held next week. Quotations: Wheat, from 9s Od to 9s 3d; barley, 9s Od to 9s 3d; oats, 5s 6d per hobbet. Fresh butter, from Is 5d per tb; small tubs, Is 2!d; and large diito, lid per lb. Eggs, 13 for a Is. Fowls, from 2a ta £ s 6d per couple Potatoes, from 5s Od to 6s Od per hobbet. Oatmeal, 2d per lb. LLANGEETNI, February 2nd.-Oats, from 13a. 6d. to 14s. 6d. per quarter; potatoes, 2s. 3d. to 2s. 6d. per cwt; fresh butter, Is 6d per lb; wool, 7d to 7id per lb fowls, 3s 6d to 4s Od per couple; ducks, 4s Od to 4s 6d per couple. Eggs, 14 for a Is. Young pigs, 13s to 16s each; fat pigs, from 3d"to 311 per lb. RUTHIN, February th. Prices were as fellows- Wheat, froce 9s Od to 9s od per hobbet; barley, 8s Od to 10s Od oats, 5s Od to -6s Od. Fresh butter, from Is 2d to Is 4 i per lb; salt butter, Od to Os Od per ? fowls, 3s to 4s 03 per couple. Ducks, 4s Od to 58 Od. Eggil, from 12 to 14 for a i s. Bacon Digs, 3d per lb porkers, nd stores, 31'1; and sows, 21d per lb.

THE EITUAL CONTROVERSY IN THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. THE crisis in the Church of England arising tirom the Ritualistic controversy, has im-vitably drifted into the political arena, The question may peacefully settle itself, but on the other hand it may easily lead to a great schism, and when a religious: feud is once entered upon, no one can be sure where it may end. It is the one un- certain issue which is likely to occupy a good deal of attention, iboth in and out of Parliament this session. The subject has been discussed by leading politicians, but none have suggested a sufficient remedy. The Churchmen suggest plans, but most of them fight shy of the only real remedy that is possible-the Disestablishment and Dis- endowment of the Church. Lord Salisbury has said that clergymen who are not pre- pared to stand by the Prayer Book, ought to have no place in the Church. That is a self-evident position to all outside the ranks of the advanced Sacerdotalists, but it does not deal with clerical disobedience. Mr. Balfour looks to the bishops, and deprecates a recourse to further legislation. He is not in favour of rigid uniformity, and says that there is a very wide latitude of ritual permitted by law. It is quite true that the Ornaments Rubric allow a free use of Catholic ceremonial, but latitude within the limits of the Prayer Book is not the lawlessness which is the subject of discus- sion. It is the variety which goes beyond that makes the trouble. Mr. Balfour looks to the forbearance of the different sections of the Church towards one another but the clergy, against whom complaint is lodged, show neither forbearance or discretion, and the bishops have mostly pleaded their own helplessess. Sir William Harcourt does ,not hesitate to put the blame for the present trouble upon the Episcopal Bench. Many of the bishops are in active sympathy with the High Church party, and their attitude in regard to clerical excesses, has been to neither put the law in motion themselves, nor allow others to do so. Sir William Harcourt believes that the bishops have sufficient power to put down the illegal practices, if they were so minded. He therefore does not advise further legisla- tion, and is not favourably disposed towards the bill, which, it seems, the bishops intend to bring in for the reform of the Ecclesias- tical Courts. Mr. Balfour is opposed to the interference of Parliament in Church matters, composed as it is of Nonconfor- mists, Roman Catholics, Jews, and Agnos- tics of various degrees. This doctrine may, however, reach farther than it is intended, because, whether it is fit or not, the House of Commons must remain the final autho- rity. If there is no State control, or if the authority of Parliament is to be denied, there can be no State Church. The Ritu- alist clergy reject the right of. the State to dictate, as they say, to Churchmen, what they shall practice and believe. Moreover, they will only conform to the ruling of the bishops so long as it coincides with what they choose to consider their duty to the whole Catholic Church of Christ. If this opinion is to prevail, there can be only one answer. There can be no State Church independent of the State, so, of course, that means Disestablishment. Who then is to settle this problem? We have firstly an admitted state of lawlessness which by general consent must be remedied. The clergy are told that they ought not to break the law and their Ordination vow, by illegal practices; but they will, in many instances;, neither desist or depart. Se- condly, we have the bishops who will not, or cannot take effective action, and 80 long as they persistently refuse to come to close quarters, with definitions and decisions, it is hopeless to look for any real church re- form in that direction. Finally, there is Parliament, but here again the prospect of a solution is remote under the theory that the House of Commons is not a fit and proper authority to deal with ecclesiastical matteis. Can anything prove the need for disestablishment stronger than this We believe that men have a right to adopt what creed they like, and to indulge in any cere- monies that do not injuriously affect other people, asid so long also as they pay what- ever is necessary to uphold their creeds and ceremonies, But so long as they are sup- ported by the State, so long must they obey the laws of the State, and disobedience should be punished in the same manner as. if they were transgressors of other laws or by dismissal.

THE NEW SESSION. THE moat remarkable thing about the open- ing of Parliament is the distinct revival of the Opposition. Nothing could be more encouraging ^aa Sir Henry Campbell Ban- nerman's brief, but excellent speech at the Reform Club when he undertook to lead the Oppositi IEJ in the House of Commons, at the unanimous request of the Liberal members. He then warned the Unionists that there von Id be fighting. Ministers have, been .complaining in tho country, that toey cannot go on kicking against a body that oSors no resistance, but Sir Henry made it ciear, iu his speech on the Address, that the Government has little reason to be dissatisfied on that score. By general con- sent Sir Henry's first efforts in his new apacity, was one of the best speeches of ts kind ever made in the House of Com- nons. It showed great clearness and -lactical shrewdness, while its hard-hitting )owers were at once acknowledged by the act that Mr. Balfour was unable to answer t, or at least made no serious attempt to do o. What we want from now to the next ;eneral election is a strenuous Opposition, nd there is every promise that Sir Henry Sannerman, with his great experience, and 1 is general popularity, will succeed in re- I rganising tho Liberal party, as an effective t fighting force. A new development in the grouping of political parties Iras now been brought about by Mr. Dillon's resignation of the chairmanship of the Irish Parlia- mentary party. Mr-. Tohn Dillon has had great difficulties to contend with, and he seems to have taken this step in the interests of peace. Turning to the legislative programme for the session, we find no new or startling an- nouncement. The Queen's speech is dull and commonplace, and more remarkable for its ommissions than its contents. It con- tains no note of emphasis upon our im- proved relationships with America. It says nothing about the prevalent lawlessness in the Church of England, or upon the pres- sing problem of Old Age Pensions, or the Irish University question. Amongst the dozen measures mentioned, there is only one not previously announced. This is a bill 'for dealing with the Usury Laws, presum- ably under the recommendations of the com- mittee which reported last July in favour of checking the abuses of money-lenders. Only three others may be said to be new measures. These refer to Workmen's Dwel- lings, an Anti-Anarchist Bill, and an amendment of the Factory Acts, applying to dangerous trades. The Anarchist mea- sure is probably only a new cover for a Destitute Aliens Bill. With regard to the Dwellings Bill, this is understood to do nothing more than afford new facilities for obtaining loans. If a workman wants to buy a house, the municipality will oblige him with a loan, which he could probably obtain upon equally good terms from any respectable building society. The eight re- maining bills are all remnants from previous sessions. The London Municipalities Bill, will be the first business taken. Ever since the Government came in, it has been going to deal with the London water supply, and at last it produces a bill to enable the different companies to connect their mains, a simple measure, which like the proposed Workmen's Dwellings Bill, merely makes a pretence of a solution. The other bills refer to Secondary Education (England and Wales only), Irish Agriculture, Food Adulteration, Scottish Private Bill Proce- dure, Companies Acts Amendment, and lastly Agricultural Holdings, which usually brings up the rear. There is nothing am- bitious in this programme. It is possible that the London Bill may be of a reaction- ary character, but it would almost seem as if the legislative programme was arranged so as to avoid trouble and controversy. It mvke-s no mention of the I dole' to the clergv of the Church of England which is obviously in contemplation from the emer- gency report of the Royal Commission on the rating of tithe rent-charge. It is clear that this has been hurried out under poli- tical pressure, and it savours too much of the proceedings which led to the relief of the landlords in 1896 to hope that it will not be made an excuse for a further contri- bution of public money to the privileged friends of the Government. The unusual phrase in the Queen's speech that the esti- mates have been prepared with the utmost economy that circumstances permit, points to additional taxation next April. Not even the unexampled expansion in the Re venue, can keep pace with the-Govemment's extravagance. Unless it reduces some of the expenditure in the navy, which the Government has declared to be necessary, it is more than probable that fresh taxation will be imposed, in spite of the great in- crease in the national receipts. Lord Salis- bury was not so hopeful as everyone would wish, in dealing with the reference to the Czar's message in the Queen's speech. He I evidently does not believe that it will result in an arrest of armaments, though he thinks the principle of arbitration may be extend- ed, and the horrors of war mitigated. In the general survey of foreign affairs, which always marks the opening of Parliament, there is little that is new. The Unionists look upon Lord Kitchener's victory at Om- durman, as making up for all political failures, but this is not evidence, and there ,if¡ none, that the Government have any real policy in China any more than a year ago. ;The only difference is that other Powers are taking a rest without any assurance that a permanent settlement is insight. Sir Henry Bannermati emphasised the point, and it is perfectly true, that the excitement of this country over Fashoda, was not so much an outburst against France, as a protest against Lord Salisbury's wobbling and er- ratic diplomacy which has led to so many humiliating surrenders. If Lord Salisbury bad always acted with the vigour and de- cision which was successful at Fasheda, many disaster would have been prevented, including the war between Greece and ¡ Turkey, as Mr..Morley iliJimself declared ,an his speech at Afbroath, -an the 28th of Sep- i tember, .1897. I

At a meeting of THE NEW LIBERAL the Liberal mem LEADER. bers of Parliament held on Monday last, at the Reform Club, Sir H. Campbell Bannerman Iwas unardmouslyelected Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons. Sir llenry has already justified ibis selection by the able speech ke delivered in the debate on the address.

SLINGS AND AR-ROWS. "r \F" IBY A YEOMAN OF THE GUARD]. I have just seen a circular issued on be- half of the Ruthin Conservative Club, asking for support of a financial nature. I and others have been given to understand that the Conservative cause in Ruthin was in a most flourishing state, and therefore this circular has come upon me as a bit of a surprise. The club is in debt to the cut e of £120, anj it is unable to pay that debt. These are the words of the circular on the point. The club is now thoroughly self- supporting, providing the debit balance can ] be cleared off.' Well, most of us would be self-supporting if we could get others to j pay our debts. Surely this is a new defini- s bion of the word self-supporting.' £ < 0 2 I The circular also states that the mem- 13 bership has more than doubled during the aBt year.' I am informed, however, that ] ihere are not more than fifteen members I who are voters, and that most of the others are boys. There are over twenty young men who are known as extreme Radicals who are members of the club, to the extent of frequenting its billiard-tables. What a flourishing political club, to be sure w < < In view of the forthcoming May-day, the secretary of the Denbigh Demonstration has sent out post-cards, inviting the opin- ion of the general committee, on the ques- tion whether a demonstration should be held this year or not, and also whether such a demonstration, if held, should in- clude a Brass Band Competition. Person- ally, I have some doubts whether such a demonstration should be held this year. There are only three weeks between May- day and Whit-Monday-and Whit-Tuesday is only one day further off. I do not think it is possible to have two successful gala days, within three weeks one of the other. One is bound to affect the other Besides, there are too many competing towns having similar events on May-day. But I do not want to do awav with the es- sential features of May day. My suggestion, therefore is, that no celebration of any kind should take place in Denbigh on May-day, but that the principal features of that day should be observed on Whit-Tuesday. At present the morning of that day is devoted to a parade of Friendly Societies, but these are not what they used to be, and could, I believe, without the slightest less to the so- cieties, either be dispensed with, or worked in conjunction with a sort of May day parade. m 9 9 n Then the Castle Committee might take the Brass Band Competition under its own wing, being responsible for all the expense, and taking all the gate-money. The weather, of course, is uncertain, but it is a I' little more certain on the 23rd rather than on the 1st of May. If the Castle Com- mittee does not care for this, a Brass Band Competition between the two harvests might easily, and I believe, profitably be arranged.

DENBIGH. -r, The Storm.-On Thursday evening, a piece of the roof of the Horse Market, was blown cl-ean off by the gale. The Police.—On Tuesday, the police of the B (Denbigh) Division assembled in the town, and were measured for their new uniform. Superintendent Jones, and In- spector Roberts (Abergele), were in com- mand. Organ Recitals.—On Monday afternoon, and evening, Mr. A. H. Allen, gave two organ recitals at St. Davids Church, the afternoon one being well attended. These were Mr. Allen's last recitals before leaving the town. Capel Mawr Literary Society. At the weekly meeting of this society, held on Thursday evening, Miss Parry Williams, head-mistress of the Fron Goch Girl's School, read a paper upon The Bronte3.' Needless to say the subject matter of the paper was exceedingly interesting and in- structive. The Rev. Evan Jones presided. Pure Milk.—We understand that Super- intendent Jones has taken about 15 samples of milk sold in the Borough of Denbigh, which he sent to the County Analyst. We are glad to be able to state that the analyst has guaranteed that every sample sent was pure milk, with no adulteration. Of course, the samples differed in their richness. This speaks well for our milk dealers. Entertainment at the A.ylum-A most interesting entertainment was given to the Asylum patients by Dr. Herbert, and Mr. C. M. Humphreys, on Friday evening last. The first part consisted of a series of Scot tish scenes celebrated in History, and Romance. Miss Charlotte Jones, provided the musical part of the programme, and gave selections from favourite composers. A laughable sketch entitled Look at the clock' concluded a very pleasant evening's enjoyment. r County School Library.—This library is growing slowly. During the past week, the Rev. James Charles presented it with Macaulay's History of England in six vol- umes, which will be most valuable for pur- poses of reference. He also gave a volume of the works of Carlyle, and of Dickens. Another gentleman who wishes to be styled A friend,'has contributed five shillings to procure books. It is greatly to be hoped that other friends of the school will give their help to secure a useful library for this institution. Magic Lantern. --On Thursday evening, Mr. E. J. Roberts, head-master of the Love Lane Boys' School, gave a magic lantern entertainment at the Swan Lane Iadepen- deet chapel, illustrating the travels of St. Paul. The spacious building was well filled with an enthusiastic audience. The differ- ent views were explained by Mr Roberts himeelf, and the Rev, James Charles. During the evening, Miss Hattie Salusbury sang, On the raft,' with much effect. The proceeds were devoted in aid of the Sunday School. The large audience were well pleased with the interesting entertainment. Irl l'emp.erance.On Wednesday, the Rev. J. Eiddon Jones, Bangor, secretary of the. North Wales Temperance Association paid j a visit to the town on behalf of the associa- tion, and with the view of eliciting the progress made amongst us with temperance work. At five o'clock, the representatives of the various temperance societies met at Capel Mawr schoolroom, and in the evening j a public meeting was held under the presi- dency of Mr. D. H. jDavies, B.A., head- master of the county school. The devo- tional services were conducted by the Rev. Joseph Evans, and addresses were delivered by the chairman, the Rev. J. EiddonJ ones and the Rev. T. Jones, pastor of t'1e Green and Llangwyfan Congregational churches An interesting dialogue was given by Diana Ann Owen and Cassie Davies. Marriage of Mr. T. Lloyd Jones-As an nounced in our columns last week, the mar- riage of Mr. T. Lloyd Jones, Apothecaries Hall, with Miss Catherine Harrison Bun- ford, was solemnized at the City Road Wesleyan chapel, on Thursday, the 2nd inst. The service was conducted by Rev. Evan Jones, Wesleyan minister, Denbigh, and Rev. E. T. Davies, Rhyl, The bride was given away by her uncle, Mr. J. Harrison Jones, Denbigh. She was attired in a green travelling costume, with hat to match, and was attended by one bridesm,id, Miss Lily Bunford, Rhyl. Both carried handsome shower bouquets, the gift of the bride. room. Mr. J. Harrison Jones, Mold, acted is best man. Appropriate selections of nusic were played on the organ before and ifter the ceremony, by Mr. Butterworth,

[TNFERMENTED XXTINES, for Sacramental U use.—Sold by fY A, ANDBSWS, Wine ferchant, Denbigh,

COUNTY POLICE COURT. Wednesday, before Mr. T. J. Williams (in the chair), and the Mayor. GAME TRESPASS AT DYFFRYN ALED. John Hughes, a young lad 18 years of age, residing at Minffordd, Llanfairtalhaiarn, was summoned by Walter Payne, game- keeper on the Dyffryn Aled Estate, with trespassing on land in the occupation of one William Jones, on the 19th ult., in search of game. Defendant admitted the offence. The bench fined defendant 5s. and costs, and warned him not to appear before them again on a similar charge. Mr. A. O. Evans prosecuted.

a SPECIAL BOROUGH POLICE COURTS. Monday, before Mr. William Mellard. Catherine Da,vies, widow, Henllan st., charged her son John Davies, with having stolen a pair of trousers. Sergeant Farrell stated that the prosecu- tor came to him and told him that during her absence from the house, the prisoner went in and took a pair of trousers away. He arrested him, and charged him with hav- ing stolen the trousers, which he had on at the time. In answer prisoner said he had taken them, but he had a right to them. He (witness) believed that the mother did not wish to press the case. Catherine Davies said she only wanted to give her son a lesson as he was a very bad boy. She promised to give him the trousers if he would be a good boy. The trousers had belonged to his father. Prisoner was let off with a caution. On Wednesday, at a special meeting of the Borough Magistrates Court before Mr. T. J. Williams, and the Mayor, John Murray, a tramp, was charged in custody with beg- ging in the streets on the previous day. P.C. Pierce said that whilst in Mr. E. P, Jones' shop on Tuesday, the prisoner came in and asked them to help him on the road. Prisoner was discharged, and ordered to leave the town in half au hour.

PERFORMANCE OF ELIJAH. On Tuesday evening, the Philharmonic Society, gave a performance of Elijah at the Drill Hall. The Elijah has been given in Denbigh on two former occasions, the first time by the Philharmonic Society (conducted by the late Mr. Watkins), over twenty years ago, and afterwards at the Denbigh National Eistedavod in 1881, by the Eisteddvod choir, also conducted by Mr. Watkins. Very few of the present members of the Philharmonic 'society took part in either performances. On the present occasion, the committee, relying upon the public for support, and knowing the hold Mendelssohn's Elijah has upon musical people, spared no expense to render a worthy performance, and it must at once be admitted that the public fully realised the expectation of the committee the Drill Hall being packed to its utmost capacity, all the reser, ed seats having been taken, and the cheaper seats being equally well filled. The choir numbered close upon eighty voices drawn from all the different churches and chapels of the town and neighbourhood. The orchestra numbered twenty, and con- sisted of professionals and several amateurs. The latter included Miss Sharon Helsby (St. Asaph), Miss Muriel Marsden (Chester), and Miss Tallent (BrynHithrig), violins. Mr. Ffoulkes (Erriviatt Hall), and Mr. Moore (Chester), violincellos. Mr. Johnson (flute), and Mr. E. H. Williams (oboe) both of Mold; Mr. Haslam (Southport), and Mr. E. G. Pugh (Rhyl), bassoons; Mr. Hall (Rhyl), clarionet, and Mr. Vaughan (Rhyl), trumpet. Mr. Horace Haselden was the leader. Mr. A. H. Allen presided at the organ, and the whole performance was under the baton of Mr. J. Ll. Williams. The principals engaged were Madame Mary Owen, soprano, Miss Annie Parry (Mrs. Fred Owen), contralto, Mr. T. Barlow tenor, and Mr. Ivor Foster, baritone. Un- fortunately, late on Monday afternoon, Madame Mary Owen's agents wired that she was suffering from influenza, in Paris, and could not possibly come. Under these circumstances, the committee had to make every possible effort to secure a substitute, and succeeded in engaging the services of Miss Jennie Foulkes, of Cardiff, who bad to travel from that town to Denbigh, on Tues- day-a most fatiguing journey. But Miss Foulkes proved herself a capable artist, and a conscientious singer, although evidently suffering from a severe cold. Her rendering of Hear ye Israel' was magnificent, and evoked hearty applause. In the exacting recitatives she was equally successful, except in one, when a wrong note played upon one of the instruments put her out, but this was not in anyway her fault. Miss Annie Parry is a decided favourite with Denbigh audiences, and her rendering of o rest in the Lord,' was succeeded by most hearty applause on the part of the audience. Mr. Barlow's two solos, and his other con- tributions were marked as much by the carefulness of the experienced singer as by beauty of expression, and careful phrasing. To Mr. Ivor Foster, however, fell the hard work of the evening. He is in reality a magnificent singer, with more than the ordinary share of a vocalist of declama- tory power and histrionic ability. Not soon will be forgotten his rendering of 4 Is not his word like a fire.' Still more lasting will be the effect of 'It ia enough.'° His! many other contributions were b all suc- cessful, and we state no more than the bare truth, when we say that rarely has an artist given so much satisfaction to a some- what critical audience. In the quatettes, &c., valuable assistance was given by Miss Jennie Jones, Mrs. Fred Roberts, and Mr. R. G. Jones. I The orchestra was a thoroughly capable one, and but few faults could be found with its most exacting task. Taken as a whole, the choir acquitted itself well. Perhaps their best effort was 'Thanks be to God,' which was really magnificently sung. The series of choruses descriptive of the prayers of Baal's worship- pers were also excellently sung. Too much praise cannot be given to the hon secretary, Mr. E. J. Swayne, for the admirable performance of his arduous duties. In Mr. Swayne as secretary, and Mr. James as treasurer, the society have ideal execu. tive officers.

THE WORKINGMEN'S FREE READI^I AND RECREATION ROOMS. 1 ANNUAL MEETING. .!| The annual meeting of the above instituti01*! was beld in the Reading Room on evening. In the absence of the President (^r* T, Gold Eiwarrts) the Mayor presided, a"' there were present :—Miss Gold Edwards. Jli"' Griffith (Pins Pigot), Miss Townsend, W. Parry, T. C. Jones, C. Cofcfcom, E. J- g berts, Jauies Hughes, W. Keepfer, and Rev. Dan Davies, with the Hon. Secretary H A. Rowbotham).. r Letters of apology were received from M. T. Gold Edwardsand Colonel Lloyd Willialp" The Ch lirman read the annual report, Nvbilh was as follows :— The Committee have pleasure in presents j the Subscription List and Statement of t counts for the year ending December 3 s 1898, from which it will be seen that the Su scriptions and Donations amount to £25 í This is the largest sum received from source for many years past, and it is *v gratifying to find that the number of scribers has correspondingly increased.. of i During the year a concert was held in 301 01 the funds, and through the kind assistant several ladies and gentlemen who took par^ ( the programme the sum of £ 10 10s. lOd. placed to the credit of the institution. Committee desire to thank all who so kin contributed to this result. 1 It is with great satisfaction that the COI mittee announce that this year they have able to fully maintain the work of the inS«l8( Pv tion in all its departments, and yet for the W, time for several years meet the expenditure 8°, ij close the year with a small amount in boll J' ( notwithstanding that there was a balance £ 10 .103. 5d. against the institution at the & ginning of the year. ír I Shonld funds permit in the ensuing y:¡r Qf would be desirable to renovate the exterior the building generally, and carry out ot necessary improvements. j, During the past year the Drill Hall aut^ ties covered in a passage between the Hall and the garden belonging to the xnstJ tion. The work entailed building upon a Parj, wall between the two properties, in which > windows were formed overlooking the Rea r& Room property. The attention of the o^1 of the Drill Hall having been called to fringement of the rights of the instituFCI<L they expressed regret for haying put the t j, dows in without permission, and an f is about to be entered into with the Pr"-L> I authorities to protect the rights of this in3'' I tion. ge. I. The attendance in both the Reading and fe creating Rooms has shown a marked increa„seB and a pleasing feature has been the greafcer made ot the Recreation Rooms by meD'e9l(R whom the rooms are evidently a source °f df B pleasure and comfort. The excellent supp'J.JJgH papers and periodicals provided for the Re^o B Room has fully maintained its popul&jj,, 4 especially with the working men. The^^ef « mittee decided to meet the wishes of a k of young men by opening the Reading K0 j I during dinner time, viz., from 12 noon 9 p.m., which has been much appreciated. ,08 It is with great sorrow that the Comm^L record the death of one of their number, A E. T. Jones, who was connected with the 1 stitution from its formation, and took a U interest in its welfare. A vote of condoleo I has been passed by the Committee with »' I family in their sad bereavement.. oj The Committee recommend the re-election I Mr. and Mrs. Pierce, the caretaker and hotisc I keeper. ■ T. C. TONES, Chairman. r H. A. ROWBOTHAM, Hon. Secretary The Mayor, in his opening address, st»' ( that the subscriptions and donations of 1 year amounted only to about £ 25, bub ^nl year he hoped that the ladies and gentle ,f who subscribed would be able to double t subscriptions. There was a concert last S # and ben guineas were made,out of it, that s was raised by the kind ladies and gentlemoo who had assisted. He should like to see all »' bookcases filled, and he was sure that people had over-filled libraries, and they coiL supply the institution with one book "withoj damaging their own libraries, and if the cases were filled, it would be a greatly advance9 institution. He had to refer, with deep regreJ? to the death of their late friend, Mr. E- Jones, who was a very able hsaded gentle*11.9' He wag yery glad to say that the Work* J Committee had passed a vote of condole11 with the family. He had great pleasure proposing the adaption of the report. r, Mr. James Hughes seconded, and it was c ried. io Mr. W. Parry said he had great pleasu, fd. proposing there-election of Mr. T. Gold wards as president of that institution for j, ensuing year. He was very well known, had a very long connection with that insH.at tion, and there was nobody who could fiR office as well as he could. J it Miss Griffith, Plas Pigot, seconded, and was carried. Mr. Cottom proposed the re-election of J* Vice president (Mr. E. A. Tumour). course of his remarks, he said that the Turn our and Gold Edwards had been 00 list since the foundation of the institution'$ Miss Gold Edwards seconded, and the na^1 was carried. b The Mayor, in returning thanks, said thst ø1' should like to add another name to Turno t, and Gold Edwards, and that was Mostyn (ba9 hear). j Mr.E. J. Roberts proposed the re-election Mr. E. Hughes, of the National Province Bank, as Hon. Treasurer.. 1 Mr. T. C. Jones seconded, and it was carri0 On the proposition of Mr. James Hngbe' seconded by the Mayor, Mr. W. James, of North and South Wales Bank, as Ho,orarf Auditor, was elected. The Mayor proposed that Mr. H. A. bofcham be re-elected as Hon. Secretary. Mr. T. C. Jones seconded, and the mo^ was carried, t- Mr. E. J. Roberts said that the amount 9.25 5s. wae due to the energy of the Secretary who had collected illl the subscriptious 8,11 donations. f Mr E. J. Roberts proppsed the re-electioo. the General Committee. Mr. Cottom seconded, and it was carried. The Kev. Daniel Davies proposed, the election of the Working Committee, Vl$., j I Messrs. T. C. Jones, J. H. Palmer, W. Keopfe", James Hughes, W. H. Evans, William Prie-e" JoF3eph Roberts, C. Cottom, E. J. Roberts. Ashford, James Green, and H. A. RowbothM* Miss Townsend seconded, and it was carried' Mr. E. J. Roberts proposed the re-electi0": of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce as caretaker and hOllSe keeper. Mr. Keepfer seconded, and it was agreed t"' Mr. Keepfer proposed, aad the Chairm8,1; seconded, a vote of t hanks to the ladies tlemen who supplied the institution. periodicals and papers, and it was carried. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminat the meeting.

FLINT. NONCONFORMISTS AND THE CONSCIENCE CLAUSE. At a, Committee meeting of the Nonconfo"" mist Union held on Monday night, it wa5 unanimously decided to ask Nonconformist parents who send their children to the :Flint National schools, to take advantage of the conscience clause in the Education Act of 1S70». and to claim exemntion for their chitdren from learning or repeating the Church of England Catechisms. Hitherto the clause has been a dead letter in Flint, as far as Nonconforinists are concerned. We consider this to be aD important move Jn the right direction. Mr. E. A. Hughes was elected president for the ensuing year, ana- Messrs. R. W. Knighton, and J. Willi a108 viee-preeidenti, ] i A

the able organist of the chapel, concluding with the well-known Wedding March by Mendelssohn. After the conclusion of the wedding service, the relatives and friends of the bride and bridegroom were invited to the Westminister Hotel, wnere a sumptuous wedding breakfast was served in a manner reflecting great credit to the management. The usual toasts were proposed and res- ponded to, and the young couple received the sincere felicitations of all on their union. The happy couple left Chester by the 2.20 p.m. train to spend their honeymoon in London and Somerset. We regret that our space does not permit us to print a list of the wedding presents, which were numerous and most suitable.