The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

I COLWYN BAY VISITORS. I PWLLYCROCHAN HOTEL. J. S. Litclewood, Esq., resident. Mrs Littlewood, do. A. Higgins, Esq:, London. H. P. Williams, Esq., Urmston. lirs Williams, Manchester. J. D. Williams, Esq., do. W. Forsyth, Esq., Oldham. Mr-, Forsyth, do. Krs Bamford, do. Miss Bamford and maid, do. J. Bamford, Esq., do. Miss Bowker, Manchester. Miss Harrison, Liverpool. Mrs Muir, do. G. Nelstrop, Esq., Stockport. Mrø Nelstrop, do. G. Nelstrop, Esq., jun., do. E. Oliver, Esq., Manchester, J. M. Oliver, Esq., Bjwdon. Mrs Clemson, Manchester. Miss Clemson, do. Miss R. Edge, Asliby-de-lsu-Zouch. J. B. Parkinson, Esq., CSieadle. Mrs Parkinson, do. G. Meilor, Esq., Oldham. Mrs Meilor, do. Mrs Boa I ev. Bury. Master Bealey and maid, do. E. 01 egg, Esq., Rochdale. Mrs Oiegg, do. Miss Scott, Oolwyii Bay. E. O. Taylor, Esq., Ashlpy. Mrs Taylor, do. Miss Orme, Oldham. Mrs Turner, do. F. L. Rieliardson, Esq., Manchester. Mrs Richardson, do. Miss Ingham, do. A. Charlton, Esq., Hale. G. Windram, Esq., Birkenhead. Miss Windraim, Manchester. Miss Griffiths, Manchester. L. Williams, Esq., do. W. Williams, Esq., do. W. Clegg, Esq., Milnrow. Mrs Clegg, ùo. Miss Clegg. do. Sir Charles Schwann, do. 'Ladv Schwann, do. T. Lund, Esq., Bradford. OOLWYN BAY HOTEL. W. Whitehead, Esq., Manchester. T. Howe, Esq., do. Miss Hirst, Huddersfield. H. Dewhurst, Esq., and valet, Cheshire. Ouptain Higson and valet, do. J. Higson, Esq., Penmaenmawr. 2 Col. Wynne, CLesliire. Major Wilbraham and valet, do. J. de Knoop, Esq., and valet, do. Mr Littledaie and valet, do. a Rev. Nicholas, Flint Rectory. Mrs Nicholas, do. Mr Ludlam, Ashton-under-Lyne. E. Longbottom, Esq., Royton. Mrs Longbottom, do. T. E. (iaj-tside, Esq., do. Mrs Gartside, do. i J. A. Loeming, Esq., do. O. Hodgkinson, Esq., do. J. Butterwurth, Esq., do. A. S. Mellor, Esq., do. R. Hasty, Esq., do. Mrs Hasty, do. J. Bowker, Esq., Manchester. Mr Tinsley, Maghull. T. Grayson, Esq., Lvdiate. G. T. Cook, Esq., Manchester. HOTEL METROPOLE. H. Eaton, Esq., Birmingham. J. White, Esq., Redditch. A. R. Thompson, Esq., Manchester^ T. J. Hayter, Esq., Nottingham. E. Shaw, Esq., Liverpool. Mr Parnell, London. J. Green, Esq., Birmingham. A. Robinson, Esq., Stoke. J. Browne, Esq., Llandudno. J. W. Bates, Esq., Wo'l v erhampton. Mno Bates, Wolverhampton. F. Mathewman, Esq., Huddersfield. W. Cuddy, Eq., Liverpool. N. H. West, Esq., do. E. K. Fox. Esq., Ireland. IMPERIAL HOTEL. Mr Harper, Stretford. Mr Jacubsen, Liverpool. Mr Day, Manchester. J. Holman, Esq., London. Robert Ward, Esq., do. P. Alager, Esq., Dublin. W. Dayke, Esq., Stockport. Mr Stark, Wiliesdv^n. A. Hurst, Esq., Wakefield. J. Wedgewoocl, Esq., Dublin. F. Newton White, Esq., London. Tlios. Haliington, Esq., Manchester. Mr Howes, Salop. Mr Wevman, Reigr-te. J. Murray, 01dh;im. Mr Monadav, Wellington. A. Gilbert, Esq., Widnes. Mr Robertson, Liverpool. Mr O. Athertcn, Sheffield. Mr Mainwariug, Market Drayton. Mr Wimbledon, Crewe. F. Creamer, Esq., Southport. M. Nilman, Esq., Manchester. i W. Wvmstay, Esq., Nest-on. C. Biddulph, Esq., London. J. Wilde, Esq., Liverpool. IWTHESAY PRIVATE ITOTF,L. E. S. Sche-lizzi, Esq., Paris. Mea Schilizzi, do. Nurse and baby, ùo. n. Lomas, Esq., Stockport. Mrs Lomas, do. Nurse Saul, Oolwyn Bay. E. Torkington, Esq., do. Friends, do. Mr Smith. do. MrR and Master Smith, do. Alderman Brcnhall, do. T. Partington, Edq., Hevwood. W. Mcwford, Esq., Manchester. LQCKYER'S PRIVATE HOTEL. Mr and Mris Wood, OoggleshalL Mrs Tim-mis. Great Crosby. Mr Leabe Timmis. do. Mxs Hoaton, Bradford. Mrs Funnival, Sheffield. Muss Fun-nival, d<J. Mr FurnivaJ, junr.. do. Miss Warrington. HanJey- NL-M Moss, JMarwhestor. Mr and M-ns Bamfoircl, Uttoxcttcr. Patlicr Bamford, Biloxwioh. Mr CI'ark. Liverpool. Mr Walker, Bolwn.

LLANRWST POOR RELIEF FUND. THE SECRETARY'S REPORT. A meeting ot tne committee of the above fund was h"lcl in ;he Town Hull, Liaiifwst, on Tues- day night, Mr W. Hughes, J.P., presiding over a eparso atsendance. SECRETARY'S REPORT. The r.-pcrt of the Hon. Secretary (Mr J. D. Jones wa-t as Jollo,vs ;-In presenting to you mv report cf tue ebovl- fund, I think that the com- mittee has just cause for satisfaction in the good York which was done on behalf of the poor during the cold months at the commencement of this year. The difficulty which confronts one in att^mptin.-j to organise and conduct a relief fund of this kind ii, to discriminate between the de- serving and undeserving cases, but I think that tho subscribers lo this fund have no cause to fear that their contributions were utilised in charity other than which was really necessary. The total number 01 families visited and con- sidered in noed wa-- something like 120. A sub- committee was appointed 10 scrutinise the list in order that any undeserving oases might be de- leted, with the result that the .number was re- duced to 80, the majority of those struck off being persons in receipt of parish relief, which the oommittee had decided should disqualify them fror., receipt of relief from the above fund. Among those poor, 14 cw!s. of coal and 16 shilling loaves were distributed between tho 3th and 15th February. A soup-kitchen was also established on January 10th, and continued until February 23th, which proved a great boon to the poor, I and which was entirely self-supporting. Great credit is due to Miss Leighton for her incessant attention to and her sucoe>ssful organisation of this J kitchen. The soup was admitted by all to be of exoellent quality, and its prize., Id a pint, was within the reach of the poorest, and the manner in which it was appreciated by them is best testi- fied by the fact tihat it was made to pay for it- self. Miss Leightcvn wishes to express her thanks to all those who so kindly rendered her assist- ance. In addition to the above a free breakfast was given at eight o'clock in the morning to the children of the poor. They commenced on Janu- ary 8th and continued without a break until February 1st. excluding Saturdays and Sundays. The number present the Srst morning was 169, and the last morning 101. The total number of breakfasts supplied was 2419, and the average present each morning was 120. Theso break- fasts entailed a great deal of trouble and labour, and the work could never have been accomplished had it not been for the indefatigable services of certain ladies and gentlemen, of whom the fol- lowing may be particularly mentionedMiss Leighton, Mrs Griffith Jones, George-street; Mrs D. J. Rowlands, Council School; Mrs Rowlands, Grove House; Misses Jones, Tynycaeau; Miss Williams, Waterloo House; Nurse Cooke, Miss Lewis Roberts, Avondale; Miss Rogers Jones, Dale Cottage; Miss Selina Jones, Miss Morgan, i a The Rectory; Misses Williams, Regent House; Mr3 Thomas, Bodwilym; Mrs John Griffiths, Jones'-terrace; Mrs John Williams, Conway-ter- race; Mr Wm. Hughes. J.P., Gwernfor; Mr W. J. Williams, J.P., Regent House; Rev. William Thomas, Rev. J. I. Farr, M.A., Rev. R. Row- lands, Rev J. Morgan, Rev. W. Cynwyd Williams, Rev H. Jones Daviea, Messrs W. Lloyd Roberts, Avondale; W. E. Price, Brookdale, and Norman 1 Rogers Jones. The total amount of subscrip- tions; and collections is E41 13s 6d, and tho ex- penditure 226 18s lld, which leaves a balance in hand of £ 14 179 7d. The statement of account showed receipts iln- cluding subscriptions amounting to £ 41 16s 6d, and the expenditure amounted to £26 18s lid, leaving a balance of JE14 17e 7d. The report and statement was adopted, on the motion of Mr Williams, seconded by Miss Hill, a.nd Mr J. E. Jones North and South Wales Bank was appointed to audit the accounts. Votes of thanks were accorded the secretary and all th" ladies who had assisted, and P9- pecially Miss Leighton for h^ indefatigable work. LLANDUDNO GUARDIAN SOCIETY. ANNUAL DINNER. INTERESTING ADDRESS BY MR ARTHUR HUGHES. THE FUTURE OF THE TOWN. The thirteenth annual dinner of the Llandudno Guardian Society for the protection of trade was held at the Queen's Hotel, Llandudno, on Friday evening, when the newly-elected president, Mr S. R. Baxtley, presided over a large and representative gathering. Mr Alec Taylor, vice-president of the Society, occupied the vice-chair. The principal speaker was Mr Arthur E. Hughes, barrister-at law, who con- tested the Arvon Division in tlJe Conservative interest at the Last election, and he was accorded a splendid reception. The company present included: -Messrs. A. E. Hughes, J. E. Hallmark, C. Searell, S. Chantrey, J.P., Rev. LI. R. "h™ M.A. (Rector of Llandudno), Messrs. T. H. Fitzsimnions, John Roberts (chairman of the Llandudno Ratepayers' Association), J. O. Thomas, J.P., J. Winter, Howell Jones, J. H. Jones, A. G. Moy, C. II. Bcvan, W. R. Brookes, A. Junes, W. Ellis Jones, E. P. Morris, Dr. Dalton, Dr. Goody, Messrs. H. E. Bonalie, C. Hudson, J. A. S. Hassal, W. B. Briggs, L. Conway, A. Deacon, F. Dicken, R. J. Hughes, H. Roberts (junr.), O. W. Roberts, Tho- mas (Morton's), R. II. Thomas, L. A. Cocker, A. H. Hughes, A. Evans, A. Roberts, Dr. Mure, C. Green- halgh, H. W. Sheldon, J. Mcintosh, R. Greenfield, S. Roberts, H. Hughes, B. Jones, It. Owen, II. W. 'Lance, R. E. Davies, F. Holland, F. J. Sarson, T. Swinner- ton, Foster, W. Jones, W. T. Newman, A. Sumner, J. B. Jones, Hugh Jones, C. Boudage, F. Lyne, L. Mudd, W. M. Williams, T. R. Hughes, J. Eaton, J. Forrester, Fred Williams, W. M. Hopper, J Adey Wdls, J.P., E. E. Bone, G. A. Humphreys, A. G. Pugh, Dr. Richards, Arthur Hewitt, John Roberts (Stanley Hotel), J. H. Roberts, T. O. Morgan, Sutton Jones, W. Higginbottom, E. Brereton, John Owen, R. T. Owen, John Williams, J. Hobson, G. Hobson, R. Pierce, John Roberts (junr.), J. E. Edwards, Isaac Williams, William Hughes, T. Hughes, W. T. Brockle- hurst, O. Llwyfo Roberts, D. Clwyd Griffith, T. A. Jones and A. R. Hughes. THE MENU. The spacious dining-room was tastefully decorated for the occasion, and the catering throughout re- flected the highest credit upon the management of the hotel and their excellent staff. The following was the menu:— Soups. Clear Turtle. Hare. Fish. Turbot. Holiandaige Sauce. Fried Smelts. Entrees. Calves' Sweetbreads. Chicken Quenelles. Roasts. Saddle of Mutton. Turkey. Braized Ham. Stewed Celery. Brussels Sprouts. Potatoes. Game. Pheasants. j Sweets. Plum Pudding. Brandy Sauce. Trifle. Ca.ramel Cream. Strawberry Ices. Anchovy Toast. Dessert. Coffee. The Chairman gave the loyal toasts which were musically honoured, the solo in the National Anthem being well rendered by Mr Denbigh Cooper. ARMY, NAVY, AND AUXILIARY FORCES. Mr G. A. Humphreys said that in submitting the toast of the "Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces" there was a phase of the subject to which he should like to allude, viz., the relations of the general pub- lic to the 'Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces.' Whether fortunately or unfortunately, it was nevertheless a fact that these Forces were essential to their very ex- istence as an Empire, and if viewed from a compre- hensive standpoint, they should come to the conclu- sion that there were duties and privileges attached to the general British public, no less than to the members of these Services. He ieared that the British public were too much inclined to accept the privileges and ignore t-he duties-all except the paying. Most of them, if not all, deplored the necessity for such a large annual expenditure of money on the Army and Navy. There would be no difficulty in finding money for old age pensions and rudony other schemes, if oniy ten per cent. of this vast outlay could be safely diverted. But it could not.. This was shown by the way the British proposal at the Hague Peace Conference was received. Granted the necessity for the Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces, and the necessity for the British public paying the annual bill for their maintenance, the arrangement between these two factors should be confidential. He used the word 'confidential' in the sense that between the Services and the public there should be mutual confidence, otherwise the result could not be advantageous to our country. If on the one hand they had thorough efficiency in their officers and men, they could depend on the British public finding all the funds reasonably essential to retain the services in a state of readiness. He could not refrain from remarking that it was quite impossible to ex- pect efficiency while changes were taking place, and, therefore, they must all sincerely hope that the system of army and navy organisation recently insti- tuted would be found workable. Personally, he was grateful to read last month ^he words of General Sir John French, when he said "So far as my experience enables me to judge, the present system of Army organisation has proved an unqualified success, and appears thoroughly adapted to the heeds of the Army as it exists to-day." He hoped an equally eminent authority in the Navy could say the same of that branch of the Service; With particular respect to the Volunteers—their change is about to come, and pre- sent interest centres in the important pamphlets re- cently issued by the Army Council dealing with the organisation of the Territorial Army, which will come into being in Ma.rch next. The placing of the Force under the control of the County Associations seemed to introduce quite a new principle. They were told that this was done to 'familiarise the civic community with military matters, and afford them practical ex- perience in dealing with questions of military ad- ministration. He did not pose as a military critic, but if the authorities could gain that end, he thought it would (111 tend towards that co-operation and co- ordination which was a condition precedent to arriv- ing at that stage of "mutual confidence, which was earnestly desired—confidence, which was necessary to ensure thorough efficiency—a,nd efficiency which was necessa.ry to safeguard their own people, and, finally, to enable them to take their part in keeping the peace of the world. He coupled with the toast the names of Surgeon Major Kendick-Davies, and the Rec- tor, chaplain to the R:W.F. (applause). The Rector, in responding, said the Army always acted and seldom spoke (hear, hear). Soldiers listended to politicians talking about increasing and reducing the Army, and also about increasing the soldier's pay, which they never did (laughter). There was, however, one thing which the Armv and Navy had done in the past, and would do in the future, they had always done their duty, and it was their simple intention to do their duty in the future as they had done it in the past (applause). MR ARTHUR HUGHES ON COMMERCIAL CONDITIONS. Mr Arthur Hughes, upon rising to propose the toast of the "Town and Trade of Llandudno," was accorded a splendid reception. He congratulated the Guardian Society upon tneir report for the past year. The Society, he undelrstsod, did not exist to advance the interests of the tradesmen alone, but the interests of Llandudno as a whole (hear, hear). The Society were certain to winnow out bad credit from the good, and the existence of such a Society in the town of Llan- dudno for such an object would be the means of keeping prices down. In a town where there was a large amount of credit, the prices would be above the average. In large business towns where they issued bills of excliange--ond it did not matter whether' they were good or bad bill-and if there was an undue floating of these bills, there was certain to be a rise in price. If the trade of a town was a credit trade, prices must be higher than if a cash trade was done. If not, then lie would say that it was not an honest trade (hear, hear). He therefore contended that the Guaxdiin Society by their efforts were working in the best interests of the town by seeping down prices (applause). The dangerous per- son was the man who promised to pay, but couldn't. SHOPPING OUT OF TOWN. Referring to a system of shopping out of town, Mr Hughes said tha.t the practice was to be abhorred. Shopping in town created and increased confidence between man and man; they could also hope to get fairer treatment by dealing with their fellow citizens. They might send to Grimsby from Llandudno for a. basket of fish, a.nd when it came find that it contained a prime cut from the back of a porpoise (laughter and applause). He thought that their Society were carrying on their work on the proper lines, but no good would come of a nice report unless it was car- ried into legislation, which was the main force of the idea of commercial men. With regard to the hire purchase system, Mr Hughes said that it had been decided in a court of law that a hire purchase agreement was not a bill of sale. He contended that hire purchase agreements were an unmitigated nuisance and were responsible for an incalculable arnjunt of harm. A man could fill his house with furniture and get credit from all trades- men in the district on the strength of possessing a houseful of furniture, a.nd when the poor tradesman sued and got judgment in the county court, the bailiff upon going to enforce the tradesman's just claim was met by the hire purchase man (shame). All hire pur- chase agreements should be registered in the same manner as a bill of sale, and then the tradesman would know where he stood (applause). The lawyers in the early nineties, endeavoured towards this reform, but the House of Lords decided against them. If a poor woman wanted to borrow £.50, sho must have the fact registered as a bill of sale (hear, hear). Another great diffieufiy which tradesmen had to con- tend with was the agreements between husband and wife. Very often when a tradesman got judgment against the husband, the wife turned round and said that the furniture had been transferred to her, and the tra-desman was again defeated. If such an agree- ment was a bonafide one, it should in all fairness be registered in the same manner as a bill of sale (ap- plause). With regard to the railway rates, Mr Hughes said that the difference between the charges at owner's risk and those at Company's risk was ridiculous, and such charges were out of all proportion to any insur- ance rates (applause). Having thus spoken of trade, Mr Hughes eulogised the town. He defied anyone to find any air in Great Britain or Ireland to com- pare with it. The invigorating lips of the sea could never drain from them the Great Orme whose haughty brow frowned o'er old Conway's foaming flood (applause). He was pleased to know that, the Council were a happy family working together in the best interests of the town. He was firmly convinced that the future of Llandudno would be even greater than its past or present. They ought to feel proud of their glorious bay, for it was impossible to find a more mangificent spectaelo than that from the top of the Great Orme. There was one thing he hoped that they would never do at Llandudno, and that was to put up a pier in the centre of the bay. The pier was now in its right place, therefore let them treasure that glorious curve which was undoubtedly one of the most priceless possessions of the place (loud applause). LLANDUDNO'S REQUIREMENTS. Mr Samuel Chantrey, in responding to the toast, said Llandudno had just come through a fair season. He did not think they could look for much improve- ment under the present circumstances. They lived in a time when people worked hard for their money, and therefore 'spent it carefully. They should all bear that fa-et in mind, and not expect to get the exorbitant prices of the good old days when they could ask for fifty or a hundred per cent, more than they were en- titled to. They should give the Council every en- couragement, to improve the condition of the town, a.nd make it more attractive. There were three tilings which would prove valuable additions, namely, golf links, public baths and a kursal or winter gardens (hear, hear). On the Conway shore Llandudno had the best links possible, but they were soon to be done away with. He was of opinion that the Town Council ought to acquire these links (hear, hear). The baths and a kursal were mentioned by the Chairman of the Ratepaj ers' Association last year, but no definite step had yet been taken with regard to either of them. Continuing, Mr Chantrey said that it was high time they did something towards prolonging the season at Llandudno. They wanted something more than visi- tors in July, August and September. They had an excellent winter resort, and something should be done to make that fact known (applause). With regard to the Council, he thought that they had been a pro- gressive, but economical body. Seven years ago their improvement rate was 4s 6d in the 2, but this year it was only 3s 3d in the £ COUNCIL COUNCIL EXTRAVAGANCE. The Poor Rate had been kept at a standstill for someiime, but in consequence of the extravagance of the County Council, the rates had gone up by leaps and bounds /applause). The present improvement rate at Llandudno was lower than the average for the past 29 years' by 2d in the £ (applause). Most of the poor rate went into the county exchequer. Llandudno had paid to the County Council £4,084 more than she received back (shame). Ii 'Llandudno was incorporated they might minimise that amount considerably (hear, hear). The trade at Llandudno was divided into three elates, viz., builders, shopkeepers and hotel and lodgiiij.-1-ci se keepers. The building trade this year was in a bad state, and consequently the unemployed were numerous. The Council, however, had come to their rescue and provided work for them (hear, hear). The shopkeepers of Llandudno were as go- ahead a body of men as could be found anywhere. They sold their goods at a fair profit, and if it were not for the system of credit that prevailed in the town they would get on much better. With regard to the lodging-house keepers, it was a great pity that they cut the prices so much. Shopkeepers knew what their goods cost them and would not sell under oost juice, but lodging-house keepers took people in at ridiculously low prices, and consequently came off badly at the end of the season. Several had been letting their rooms for a guinea and a guinea and a half when they ought to be getting at least double (hear, hear). The 'Light Railway was now an accomplished fact and would certainly increase the advantages of Llan- dudno, especially in the summer season. The run- ning of the trams would prove an incentive to capitalists and others to build on the outskirts of the town (applause). HIGH TRIBUTE TO LLANDUDNO COUNCIL. Mr Alfred Ehydwen Jones said that great thanks were due to the committee of the Society for the at- tention they paid to the cases that came before them, and tile way they were so ably supported by the solicitors (Messrs. Henderson and Hallmark), not for- getting Mr Searell, who was heart and soul in every- thing for the success of the Socie.ty. Only a few years ago the members of the Society numbered fifty, out now it had increased to oonsiderably over 100 (applause). Respecting the Urban District Council, Mr Jones said that he often felt a sense of great gratitude to the members, their gifted officials, and their entire staff for their spirit of loyalty. He did not know where such a public body of men and the officials oould be found, and they deserved every praise for what- they were constantly doing for the well-being of Llandudno, its inhabitants and its visi- tors (cheers). No doubt they were probably more criticised than praised, but what body was not when concerned with great movements of progress (hear, I hear). With a population of over 10,000, with a rate- able value of over £100,000, a penny rate produced nearly £400, and the total county and Urban Council ra.tes were not more than 5s lid in the t. All this meant that there was a responsibility upon the local authorities to see that the local rates were not un- necessarily increased. The local authority paid about: £6,000 per annum of the capital charges of the town, besides contributing most extensively, as heavy ratepayers, in connection with their properties. Yet in addition they handed over an amount well into four figures towards a reduction of the ratres from the profits they make from their municipal undertakings (hear, hear). They kept well within their annual estimates. In fact, more often than not they received the congratulations of the Government Auditor upon their annual surplus of unexpended revenue (applause) Within recent years the Qiuncil had expend,)d upon public undertakings an ainojant exceeding over zC350,000, which sum had been reduced to £210,000, showing that they had made R140,000, which repre- sented.£14 per head of the population (cheers). Continuing, M Jones said that he had been sur- prised to learn that over 60,000 persons walked, cycled Or drove round the Great Orme Drive, besides over 9,000 carriages and brakes. This fact spoke well of the Cbuncii's decision in aequring so valuable a pro- perty for the town (applause). What other seaside resort within the British Isles had, according to popu- lation, sucto a record of enterprise, perseverance and success? (hear, hear). Mr J. 0. Thomas in 1904 stated that the amount paid to local, county and Imperial taxation by Llandudno was from X33,000 to £4.û,G,JO per annum. The opportunities offered of securing land for residential properties from Lord Mostyn, the Ecclestical Commissioners, and the Craig-y-don Land Company, ought to lJ.e an inducement for gentlemen to become residents. Again, the train service was much that those from Yorkshire, Lancashire and other English centres were practically enabled to attend to their duties at their respective places, and still en- joy the bracing air of the town. No doubt the run- ning of the tramcars would also greatly improve the future of Llandudno, so that its prospects were indeed of the brightest. MR FITZSIMMONS' PROPHECY. Mr T. H. Fitzsimmons proposed "The Visitors, and coupled with the toast the name of Mr W. Ellis Jone«. After an amusing reference to the fluency of the speech of the last speaker, Mr Fitzsimmons, flowing on in his best and raciest post prandial style, de- clared that he was asked to submit a toast. for which there should be no justification. There was nobody present who should be regarded at all as visitors. The guest of the evening, Mr Arthur Hughes, surely ought not to be considered a visitors, and for one he (Mr Fitzsimmons) hoped to see that gentleman ere long the member for the division, when he would be expected to make his home at Llandudno (laughter and applause). Of course, he had no wish to turn that enjoyable after-dinner function into a political meeting, but he thought Mr Hughes should be i member for the division for the reason that all the members for Wales were of one way of thinking, and unanimity was almost proof conclusive of wrongness (laughter). Assuming that Mr Hughes was a visitor, he was the only bona-fide visitor present, and the Rector himself should bacome a member of the Guard- iall Society. Mr W. Ellis Jones, in replying to the toast, said that he had been a member of the Society, but had I not been asked to subscribe for some years. After some amusing references to Mr Fitzsimmon's jocular allnsions, Mr Ellis Jones concluding, said he felt hon- oured by being asked to speak at the annual dinner of a Society which was of general benefit toO all con- cerned (applause). Mr Alec Hughes quoted Mark Twain's doggerel "Punch, brothers, punch with care." And said he was tempted to allude to it, "Because our tdams have come at last, and they punch in the presence of the presence of the passenjare (laughter). THE PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT. Mr John Roberts said be had much pleasure in pro- posing the toast of the President and Vice-Presi- dent. They were both worthy men—(applause)—and quite capable of fulfilling the duties which the So- ciety might give them to do. Mr Bartley was so well known that he need not dwell upon his good personal qualities and capabilities. Their President's father was a very respected townsman, and the late Mr Samuel Bartley's establishment was quite an in- stitution in Llandudno when the place was quite a little village (applause). His son was a worthy suc- cessor, Mid one of the most straightforward trades- men in the town to-day (applause). He was also use- ful to the community as meimber of the Board of Guardians, and in other respects (applause). The President, in responding, thanked all the mem- bers of the Society for the cordial reception they had given to the toast, and trusted he would always de- serve the good opinion of his fellow townsmen. He esteemed it a great honour to become the President of the Society, but he accepted the office with fear and trembling, because they had such an exceptionally able president in Mr Fitzsimmons last year (ap- plause). Now that Mr Fitzsimmons' term of office was over, he might say that they thanked him very much for the valuable services he had rendered to the Society (applause). The Society represented almost the whole of the successful, capable and energetio, business men of the town. Without the tradesmen and professional men of the town, Llandudno would have been still a little mining village, notwithstand- ing its natural beauties. It was the enterprise of capable business men that had made Llandudno what it is to-day, the Queen of Watering Places (applause). He hoped that their present dinner would help as the others had done to promote good feeling and good fellowship amongst them as a Society, strengthening the mutual feeling and respect for one another, and bringing them into closer contact with one another, for he felt sure they had not realised to what an ex- tent thev stood or fell together (applause). The Vice-President (Mr Alec Taylor), who also re- sponded, thanked the members of the Society for electing him to the olBec. ,ie had any claim at all upon the business men oi Ludldudno. it was simply because they were all bound together for the pro- tection of their trade. Besides the collection of debts, the Society had a nobler and wider reaching object, .at of mutual benefit and support. In a place like a seaside resort, where nearly all the busi- ness of the year had to be done in one half of it, the bonds of the trade should be strengthened bv the allegiance of each member of it in that Society, so that they might all make successful business men, and through their own personal success, they could brii g about the success of the whole community (applause). Mr Arthur Hewitt, in humorous, >ut k'rtllmt 'criit- proposed the toast of "The Ladies, ai d ilr It. Wood- ward replied in a similar strain. The President then proposed the toast of "Mr Hall- mark," the newly elected solicitor and secretary. Last year, he said, Mr Hallmark was a visitor, but now he was one of them, and to the solicitor and secretary they owed a great deal of the success of the Society. Mr Hallmark had taken to himself a wife-(applause and laughter)—and he (Mr Bartley) was sure they would ail join in wishing Mr Hallmark and Mra Hallmark health, happiness and prosperity (applause). Mr Fitzsimmons said that the presidents, vice-presi- dents and committee all meant well, and did their best, but, after ail, it was the secretary who really did the work. With all that the President had said as to Mr Hallmark as their secretary, he heartily agietd. He wished Mr and Mrs Hallmark many years of hap- piness (applause). Mr Hallmark thanked the President and the com- pany heartily for giving him so unexpectedly that toast. He thanked them for the confidence they had reposed in him by electing him as their secretary, and he also thanked them on behalf of his wife and himself for their kind congratulations (applause). He would like also to express the thanks he felt to Mr Searell--(appl&use)-- for the way in which he had carried on what might be called the slave work of the office. It was none the less important, and in that work nobody could have an abler assistant than he had (applause). Mr Hallmark then proposed "The Host," which was briefly responded to by Mr Ambrose Roberts. Mr Searell thanked Mr HaffinaWc for his kind re- marks, and said it gave him great pleasure to do all he could for the Society (applause). The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem.

RHYL'S CONTRIBUTION TO COUNTY EXPENDITURE. INTERESTING DETAILS. It appears from the report of tho Co-nferenoe held as to the maining of roads in the oounty, that Mr Arthur Rowlands, clerk to the RJhyl Urban Distriot Council, said he felt that Ribyl had been very unfairly treated in the paat. TSheir case had been explained in a very able stateanent prepared by Mr Tilby, and supplied to the oommittee, to whicth fchetre could be no answer, except a confession that Rhyl "siuffers a finianoial disability in the disposition of county funds-" Before any proposals for maining or dasmaming throufgihout the county generally were Qonta-diered, tho Urban Council were of opinion that an earnest endeavouir should be made to ad- just the great inequality which, they alleged, exists between St. Asaph and the other Unions; and n such readjustment they wished it borne in mind that Rhyl pays the "lion's share" of the ooet of county expenditure. When the county authority realised the grea-tness of Rhyl's oon- tribution as ooffrpared with that of ottheir dÆ- tiriofcs, is was hoped that eteps would at once be talsen to a.t loa&t partially redress tihe injustice win ah had so long continued. Mr Rowlands furCher pointed out that Rhyl with a rateable basis of £ 49,100, had but a mile- age of main roads of 4f. 130 yards, the highest rateable value and the smallest amount of main roads. Continuing, he saidReference to grants for district reads also show that Rihyl is not receiving its due share or at ail events far from enough to be on an equal footing with tiho grants for main roadis and district roads in the other districts. Out cf a total girant of £ 1523 in 1905, and 1906 Rhyl received £ 500. On care- ful calculation, adding that to the E695 for main road, it will transpire tlliAit the £ 14 2s would be increased to £ 24 5s, still below the sums allowed to the other authorities for roo-in roads onlv. I Ouir Council beg to apply for tihe maining of their district reads, as recommencLed by the county hui'TCyor and main roads inspector. They are named or described as follows: Gran-e- road*, BlrighitonMrioad (plvit ot), KinmeLsbreet tf1*' u Bodfru'-street, Wellington-road (part of), tihe throu-gfh road from the boundary at Dysertih-froad to Foryd Bridge (and directly lead- ing from both ends to the railway station), re- pdjesenting a mileage of 1 mile 5 furlongs—Which J added to the existing main road, namely 4 fur- longs 130 yards, would make only a total of 2 miles 1 furlong 130 yards. I^his is a thirouigh road from Prestatyn to Abergele and Colwyn Bay. In all otbea- urban districts, together WIth the rural districts, about one nkile out of every three is already mained, where we in Rhyl have oniy at the rate of one in eveiny 22 miles! Oonnah's Quay has Is miles more main roads than district roads. But above all let not tihe preponderance of the assessable vaJue of RJhyl be lost eight d, in substantiation af our claims. The total assessable value of the whole county (on the new basis) is £436,027, of whioh-Rhyl on one. seventh part. Holywell pays on one- fifty-oeoondi part, Mold pays on one-thirtieth part, Flint pays on one-twenty-aixto'h part, Coonah's Quay pays on one-twenty-third part, Buckley pavs on one-twenty-fourth part, Prestatyn pays on one- t\vonty-seventh.„ part-

SMITHFIELD SHOW. NORTH WALES SUCCESSES. The Srnithfield Club, the most venerable of our agricultural institutions, opened its annual show at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, on Monday. The meeting occupies five days of the week, and it represents what is best of English breeding and feeding. The entry of live stock is slightly in excess of last year's total. The fat stock ex- hibitions which have been held prior to the great gathering at Islington must be regarded as tri- butaries of the Smithfieid Show, which gathers to- gether what is best from our local shows and welds them into one homogeneous whole. Yes- terday the public wore present in large numbers to witness the judging, and extended a hearty welcome to his Majesty the King, King Haakon, and the Prince of Wale3, who visited the sliow late in the afternoon. Their Majesties and his Royal Highness were received by Mr James Honnaby, the President of the Club, and pro- minent members of the Council, including the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, the President- elect. The Royal visit lasted about an hour, during which an inspection of the leading exhi- bits was undertaken. A special word of commendation is earned by the fine show of Welsh cattle. Thp, wiener of the breed championship is as great a Welsh steer as any that have laitherto carried off that dis- tinction. He was shown by the Coed Coch trustees. Generally speaking, breeders and feed- ers of the cattle of the Principality are looking for deeper fleshing and more symmetrioal form than at one time characterised these cattle. THE WELSa. CLASSES. Class 23.—Steers not exceeding two years old: 1, Hon. F. G. Wynn (Glyn Commodore); 2. R. Hughes (^ron-y-Maen); 3 and r, University Col- lege of North Wales. Class 24.—Steers above two years old and not exceeding three years old: 1, Coed Coch Trustees (Pedr); 2, Coed Coch Trustees (Glyn Fardd); 3, R M. Greaves (Worn Bounce); 4, Hon. G. Wynn (Glyn Chief); r. R. Hughee. Class 25.-Heifers not exceeding tthree years old: 1, Hon. F. G. Wvnn (Lady Glyn); 2, W. Evans fMeeha); 3, Coed Coch Trustees (Myfan- wy); r, R. Hughea. Best Welsh: Coed Coch Trustees, Fecir; r, Hon. F. G. Wynn's Lady Glyn.

CHESTER AND NORTH WALES COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS' ASSOCIATION. The Chester and' North Wates Commercial Travesli'ars' Association held tibeir annual gene- ral meeting on Satuird'tW ait the Blo^ggioinB Hotel, Chester, Mr R- Mills, the president, in the dhair. Tfbe -foikwiiffir officers were elected xor 1908; — The fotlowima- officers were elected for 1908.: Pireoi'd^t'T, Mr L)* Enniest Evans; VIOB- president,' Mr Heniry Price; hon vioe-pre- eidecilts Mr John Evacs, Bangor; Mr E- Jack- son, Coiwyn Bay; Mir J. M. Owen, Carnarvon; Mr W. T. Roberts, Wrexham; Mr J- E. aim- on, Oswestry; Mr J. WilbantM Rhyl: Mr Tho- rn-as Francis, Slurewooury; Mr W. J. Watkins, Builtb Wells; Mr T. ll Evans. Aberystwyth; and Mr L. W. Roberts. Barmouth; ban, soli- citor, Mr W. H. Barnee, Chester; hcoi. trea- surer, Mr Thomas Owen. Chester; hon. secre- tary, Mr H. M- Stone, Cheater; election rapre- sentative, Mr M. C. Sunter (pro. bem.) Chester; oomamtt-ee, Mesefns R- Mill K- H. Juler, J. W. Wardeilt, J. HiU Jones, R. H. Watson, G. E Sharpe, 'Thomas Sanaom, and George Da- vies.

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RHYL POLICE COURT. AN UNCOMMON RAILWAY CASE. WELL-KNOWN RHYL MAN FINED. JElia Rbyl Petty Sessions were held on Xue*. da- before Dr. A. Eytoo LLoyd (presiding), M-eestrs W. Elwy Williams, R. M. Hugh Jones, J. H. Ehis, M. A. R-alii, G. A. Tavenneir, rinos. JOIXJS, J. B- LinnjeJJ, Jacob Jones, T. D. Jones, John Williams, and R, C. Enyon. LICENSING BUSINESS. On the application of Mr Ambrose Roberta, the Bench granted an extension of hours to the Westminster Hotel, lor December 27th, oo the occasion of a private danoe. Mr 1 lint, of the Lorne Hotel, was granted a sipecdal laconce for the Drill Hall for Thurs- day, 12th inst., on the occasion of tihe rvnn.naJ volunteer puuze dfatributioin, A CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR- Mir Joseph EvarC,, of 22, Quoen's Court, was granted a vaccimatiotn exemption he having a conscientious objection. RAILWAY PROSECUTIONS. William Good Story formerly of the Clare.. mont Hydro, Rhyl, and now of -Alexandra Iloibel, Saltburn-by-Sea, was summoned by Detective Sergt- R. J. Owen, Chester, for transferring to Aiioe Smith a rail-way ticket n Gatabeir lat. ALtce Smith, formeriv of Rhyl, and described as of Weston House, Oroct-road, Hastings, was charged with hav- j,11g on October 19th travelled from Mold to Rhyil without having paid her fare. and' with imtenit to defraud the Railway Company. Mr Lambert, solicitor, Euston, who prosecu- ted. stated that the oases were peculiar, and he proposed dealing with thai agairuat M:"e Smith first. It appeared that on tbI9 day in question she travelled from Mold to Rhyl. aiDId on passing out of tihe stairiongave up a plat, farm ticket deted October 2nd. On being chal- lenged by the collector, eihe said she gave up the ticket as 9ho did not want her tourist ticket from Llandudno to Soho-road, Birmingham (wflittoh was dated June 25th) napped. It waa pointed out to her tihat the ticket was not available on ihe Deftingb tine, and phe then produced a ticket from Moid to Tretnant, dated July 25fch, which, had it been in order, was no good on that date, but it had actually Ixieo previously used. Miss Smith said she had beea told to use the ticket to Trefftant, and then "to pay on.' By thai she waa guilty of travelling fooro Trefnant to Rhyil without paying, ana the Company fther contended that she waa I afeo liable for the dtlher portion of the journey- When taken to the staticmiaraster's office sbs proc&iced a handful of otsbor return halves of tickets, which øhe said bad been given to her by a gentleman friend' whose name eihe could not give without his permission- Evidence was given by Nicholas Parry tickss collector, and by Deteotire Owen- The latter stated tihiait he saw Miss Smith at Ash G rov&. Ribyl- She said She thought her t-ouirist ticket was available beween Moid and Rhyl, and when asked why she did not produce it instead of an old platform ticket, she said she did not know. Mr Lambert then stated the case against Mr Story, but before going into details he said toere was a tetter to the Magistrates' X'lerk, which be asked should be read. Mr Gamtlin then read the letter in which A* Story said that Miss Smitih was a lady who had stayed ajt Rhyl. He knew her through a Birmingham doctor, who bad1 asked permission far her to waJk in the grounds of the Clare- moont Hydro. When he was leaving for Salt* bunuby-Sea this lady was a per by the same train, and in course of conversation tho subject of Rickets oame up. He had a few r, torn tickets w'hich he had not used, and coo. sideaing thai once he had paid far them h. could do wthiat lie liked with tiiem-—either give them away or destroy tihe Company's bye-laws, he gave Miss Su,. the tickets, and he submitted that by doing so he was in the same position as a person Ouy- xnig a ticket for another, and afterwards hand- ing1 it to him. He could not imagine tho.- the Company had any aLaim against him, although they might have against Smith, who he bad not seen since- He also submitted that he Rhyl Bench had no jurisdiction, inasmuch as what he did was done in a train traveiling to Chester at 40 males an hour (laughter)- Ho did npfc sell the ticket, merely bana-od t'-xita to Miss Smith. Mr Lambert said that even if Mr Story had merely handed the tickets over be would have been guilty of an offence under the bye-laws, as the taokeste were not transferable but mat- ters were worse than that. Mr Story had given, his consent to the lady to divulge hip name. It seerrrod that Mr Story was a gentleman who had business connections at Rhiyl and Birming- ham, and he was in the habit of taking tickets from Birmingham to Corwetn, using them so far as Rhyl, and then banded them to Mias Smith. Hoe offence in tbis case was cihiefiv that of the journey f.rom Mold to Rhyl, as Mr Story had actually used the ticket from Moiid to Tfcefnant- He put temptation in tibe way of the lady to defraud the CompaJlY. but she did it with her eyeci open. He (the advocate) sub- mitted that ahere was deliberate fraud on Ile Story's part as he had given the lady five ,tickets, one of which bad been ujsed by the person to whom it had been issued- Mr Story bad winitten asking that Miss Smith should not be prosecuted, as she "bad had a terrible fright, and woudd not offend again." He sug- gested that she might be let off by paying 108 to the Benevolent Fund. He (Mr Lambert) consid-etred that the penalty of 40s and eoeta against Mr Story would not be adequate pun- isLhtmeat. Evidence was given by Detective Inspector Rogers, of Leods, who said lie saw Mr Story, who admitted having used the Trefoawt ticket, and said that on the occasion he lnut have driven home from Trcfnant with a friend- Mr Story oouidnotf: say how he got out ot Trefnant Station w-itlhoutt a ticket. He admitted that he migtbt be wrong in transferring a ticket, but it was a daifty occurrence. The Bench fined Alice Smith 5s and 19s 6d costs, and Mr Story El and 19s 6d ooKts- NO FINES. Ethvara Jones, Vale-road, was sent to prison for 14 days ividmt the option of a fine far crating drunik aisd disotrdearly, and threatening two polaeeuxm with a poker- P.S. Demsey proved1 e,-o case. Defendant was reported to mvø had 16 previous ccaivietions- Isaac Joroep, Vale-road, who said be w<is fcffoHber to tine Last defendant, waa aJao sent to ptiom for 21 days for a like offence. He had ó5 pawicua con notions, Defendant said that as soon as he got work the pcffice stopped in and "put him away-" ANOTHER OLD OFFENDER. Echvaard Burke, Victoria-road, who had 18 previous convictions, was fined 10s and 6s oosts. He asked few a summons against a policeman, amd was-told to go to the Magistrates' CkrkM officio Car it. A BAD CASE. For not sanding his child to school, Thomas Huigmes, 48, Victoria-road. was fined Is and 6a ooøta. Ttho child had only attended 15 times out of a possible 90. and although 12 veara ol age iv4u butt in Standard I.

The" Pioneer" ia recognised as one of the moat popular papers in the Principality. Splendid medium for advertisers.

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