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Wrexham Guardian

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HINTS AND COMMENTS. j

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RUTHIN.

HOLYWELL.

RHYL.

RHUDDLAN.I

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FIFTH DENBIGHSHIRE RIFLE;…

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RUN WITH THE NEW TRAM CAR.…

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

RUN WITH THE NEW TRAM CAR. 1 It is now several years ago the first car was run over the line of the Wrexham Tramway Company, and the event which has created the greatest interest since then in connection with the company happened last Tuehdav, when the lessee of the line, Mr. Fred Jones, conveyed a large number of gentlemen from Wrexham to the New Inn in a new and magnificent car built by him. About the neighbourhood of the Swan Inn at one end of the line and the New Inn at the other, and the various stations on the route, there was considerable commotion from early in the morning until late in the evening. In the early part of the day the new car was placed upon the line and sundry operations gone through in connection with the route, amongst which were the removal of branches of trees which here and there were found to be in close proximity to the head of the new car. The great event, however, was between one and two o'clock. Ascending Penybryn the commotion began, and as the neighbourhood of the Swan was reached the people were all agog. Groups of gentlemen were assembled here and there conversing housewives, in their morning dishabille, collected at the various doors; and children, with juvenile boldness, ran here, there, and everywhere. The attraction, however, and to which all eyes were turned, was the new car, whose lively and gay appear- ance was enhanced by the tripod of horses in front throwing their heads, adorned with rosettes of red, white, and blue, and dangling their bells. A joyfulness seemed to prevail over all. Eventually the lessee and his officials, adorned with rosettes, made a few hasty manoeuvres, and the invited company gradually moved to the car. The spiral rows of steps and the lower platforms were quickly filled by gentlemen making their way to the top and the inside of the car, and in a few minutes all were in order arrayed. As the day was beauti- fully fine, there had been a little rush to the seats on the top of the car, whose height gave the advantage of peeps of grand scenery, but on arriving there those un- accustomed to riding at such a height quickly ques- tioned its safety, and whilst some looked serious the more funny heartily laughed as the nervous gentlemen shouted "Is it safe?" Some below replied that it was not, but the nervous now became sceptical and refused to change their seat to the inside. Then with outbursts of laughter, passing of compliments, waving of hands, and the shouts and cheers of the juveniles, the car moved oif at a smart pace. After a short ride more cheers were heard, brakes were put on, and the official shouted "first station as the car pulled up with a suddenness which made some of the outsiders again look serious and quietly ask" Is it safe ?" The stay however was a short one, the Cemetery was passed at a trot and the descent by Felin Pules ton at a gallop, the experienced horses feeling the advantage of this as they ascended the sharp rise ahead of them. A very pleasant ride it was on to Cooper's half way house where a little group again awaited the arrival of the new car and greeted it in a fashion peculiar to country folk—with a hesitating laugh or a smile all over their broad faces. A halt was made here to allow another car to pass, and as one of the old dark boxes approached there was general and hearty laughter. It was an excellent idea of the lessee's to bring the new car into such favourable comparison at this point. On one side was the dull, ricketty, rusty, dilapidated old car, and on the other a bright smart, well lit and cushioned carriage. The lessee was taken by the shoulder by one of the liveliest of the company who said Now Mr. Jones, you should call the directors together and say (pointing to the old car), this is what it was when I took it, (pointing to the new one), this, what it is now." But the lessee seemed to know a plan worth two of that, and he quietly, but loud enough for some of the directors to hear, replied, I will let them judge for themselves." After the old car had been well abused and the new one applauded, another move was made. On the road the question "is it safe" was again asked as the car almost suddenly stopped on a sharp decline but the explanation was that the driver was showing how speedily the car could be pulled up. Certainly the brake power is excellent and efficient. Heavily loaded as the car was, and running at a good speed, it was stopped within its length, which surely is sufficient for all pur- poses. The power of the brake was exhibited on several occasions until within half a mile of the New Inn. Then with a smack of the whip and a shrill whistle, a dash was made and the terminus reached at a gallop. Here the company descended, the horses were stabled, and after a little fun and a little business the lessee led the way to a large room in the New Inn where the hostess, Mrs. Roberts, had served an excellent luncheon. Laurel, flags, &c., decorated the walls, and the mottoes, "Welcome" and "Success to the Wrexham District Tramways Company" faced each other. The party were quickly seated with the Hon. Geo. Kenyon at their head, and ere long the clatter of plates and knives, the popping of champagnes, laughter, jokes good and bad, and a little wit were mingled in enjoyable confusion. Invitations were sent to the whole of the directors of the Tramway, Gas, and Water Companies, the Mayor and Corporation and a number of other gentlemen, and amongst those who were present were the Hon. G. T. Kenyon, Messrs. Edward Evans (Bronwylfa), Thomas Rowland (The Groves), Rev. T. Jones, Vicar of Rhos, and Rev. J. Williams, curate the Mayor (Isaac Shone, Esq.), Messrs. J. Beale, J. C. Owen, R. Lloyd, G. Bradley (Wrexham Advertizer), Richard Jones, J. Jones, W. Jones, J. F. Edisbury, Thomas Roberts, J. Williams, J. W. M. Smith (borough surveyor), Thomas E. Jackson, J. A. Hughes (magistrates' clerk), D. LI. Williams, M.B., E. Morris (Highfield), S. R. Bishop (Llanerehrugog Hall), T, Eyton-Jones, M.D., F. E. Roe (North Wales Glwrdian), George E. Woodford, E. T. Fitch, J. Bate, Howel Davies, LI. Davies, C. J. Gibbons, J. Edgar, R. Lee, R. C. Fearnley, Henry Woorall, R. Gornall, Thomas Gilmour, and Thomas Gerrard (late of the Liverpool Tramcar Works). The following sent notes apologising for their absence :— Messrs. Peter Walker, John Bury, Overton, Edward Smith, A. W. Edwards, J. Milligan, and W. Lester. Luncheon over complimentary and other speeches followed. The CHAIRMAN proposed the "Health of the Queen," which was enthusiastically drank. Mr. EDWARD EVANS (Bronwylfa), proposed "The Bishop and Clergy and Ministers of all Denominations." He believed they could not have a better or more God- fearing Bishop, and of the Clergy they had a good specimen amongst them. (Hear, hear). Mr. Jones had been amongst them but a short time, but he had secured the respect and esteem of all. In regard to the Non- conformists, he believed that had it not been for them in the past Rhos would have been nowhere, but perhaps in the future the Church would make up arrears. (Ap- plause). Rev. THOS. JONES (vicar of Rhos), said he was much obliged to Mr. Evans for the way in which he had spoken to the toast. The Bishop was a hard-working, conscientious man. (Hear, hear). He had not done that which pleased everybody, but he had done that which he thought best for the diocese. (Applause), He believed that the Clergy were doing their work well, and that if the Clergy of the earlier times had worked as hard as those of the present, the Church would hold a higher position that it now did. (Applause). The CHAIRMAN* said he would now ask them to drink to the toast of "The Mayor and Corporation of Wrexham." (Cheers). As one interested in the management of the tramway, he tendered his sincere thanks to the Mayor. and Corporation for being present. (Hear, hear). He thought the fact of their presence was a sign that they took an interest in all works which were being carried on in the neighbourhood of Wrexham—(hear, hear)— which tended to develope the trade of the town. They had been passing through times of great depression, and he must say that when he had a heavy bill to pay he felt a little depressed himself, but he hoped and believed that they had seen the worst of those times. (Cheers). They had it on the best and most reliable authority that American trade was gradually reviving. That may be a distant, but it was a sure, forerunner of a revival of English trade, and he was not quite sure that the hard times through which they were passing might not more rapidly terminate than they had reason to suspect. (Hear, hear, and applause). He thought the Mayor and Corporation did quite right in giving their countenance and support to such a work as they were there to celebrate that day. He coupled with the toast the name of their shrewd and enterprising Mayor, Mr. Shone. (Cheers). So long as a town could find gentlemen of such genius, power of invention, and energy for their mayors, they need not despair of prosperity. (Cheers). They also had another amongst them who was a man of energy and enterprise, and that was he who had taken them there that day from Wrexham. (Cheers). They must confess that Wrexham was not without men of genius, enterprise, and talent so long as they could find men who were ready to invent such a work as that they had witnessed, and who could carry them on with efficiency and skill. (Cheers). He thought, also, that he might claim for the directors of that company that they were men of enterprise. (Laughter). And he would tell them why they had endeavoured for a long time to carry on a gigantic business without any capital—(laughter)—and that they had done so to the general satisfaction of the public was, he thought, a proof that they possessed amongst them a number of men who were very shrewd. (Laughter). It was his earnest hope and desire that he may in the future be connected with other companies who were able to effect such very desirable results. (Laughter). He would commend the idea to the Mayor and Corporation in connection with the works which they had a desire to carry out in Wrexham, and which they were prevented from doing by want of capital. (Laughter). He would commend the idea to the Mayor, and he hoped they would see the result of the exhorta- tion in the construction of new streets, &c., which the depression of times alone prevented from being carried out. (Cheers). In responding the MAYOR said the Mayor and Corporation of Wrexham wished success to the Wrex- ham District Tramway Company. (Hear, hear and applause). He was quite sure that anything they could do to facilitate that success would not be wanting. (Hear, hear). He was somewhat surprised when he received an invitation to attend that meeting because he had personally objected to the introduction of the tram into the town, to the extent to which at the present moment they were entitled to come. He did so conscientiously, believing that it was not for the interest' of the general public that the trams should proceed further than its present terminus. He could 1 not, however, help admiring the pluck and energy of the lessee, whose invitation he interpreted in this way Although the Mayor declined to support the extension of the tramway into the town he wished us success, and will invite him to the luncheon." He felt quite sure the Wrexham tramway, whatever might have been its disadvantages hitherto, would succeed in the future under the guidance of Mr. F. Jones. (Hear, hear). He only wished they could manage affairs as the com- pony had managed theirs, that was without capital. He hadsuggeste J some improvements for Wrexham, butthey had not been carried out for want of capital. Perhaps if he joined the Board they wculd inoculate him with that kind of "capital genius" necessary to carry on an undertaking. (Laughter). He would say emphati- cally that there was not a single member of the Cor- poration who did not wish Mr. Jones success. (Ap- plause.) He had had an idea for a long time in connec- tion with this tram, and it was that a nucleus concern might be formed, called the" North Wales Narrow Guage Railway Company." He held an opinion long since that in this district there was an opening for what they called narrow guage railways. (Hear, hear, and applause). He hoped that the Tram Company would eventually make a narrow guage railway which would be suitable to the traffic of the district, say for six miles round Wrexham. (Hear, hear). He was quite sure, that with Wrexham as the centre, they could reach Rhos, Minera, Moss, Brymbo, Holt, and other places by a system of narrow guage railway, that would be as convenient to the public and the traffic as any that could be created. (Hear, hear). He hoped that under the lessee they would not only be enabled to pay a return on the capital, but that they would also make extensions. (Hear, hear). Dr. EYTON-JONES said he was sure he had only to mention the next toast to ensure its receiving a warm and most cordial reception, it was the health of the gentleman to whom they were indebted for the treat they were enjoying, and also for the ride they had had from Wrexham. (Hear, hear, and cheers). They were there to testify to the energy and enterprise of the gentleman who endeavoured to give to Wrexham and the district the benefit of a tramway car which was worthy of being patronised by any person of any position. (Hear, hear). He was sure they all wished him every success in his enterprise, and hoped that he may be enabled ere long to carry his cars into the Rhos, and also into the centre of Wrexham. (Hear, hear}. He hoped also that by the time he endeavoured to do that the highway authorities would assist him by widening the roads. Those who drove much in that neighbourhood knew what it was to meet that tram at some nasty corner. The first time he drove over the ground he was tempted to swear right lustily at the way in which it took the paint off his wheels, but since then he had learnt to improve his manners and morals— (laughter)—and he now, like Baalam of old, passed the car with a blessing. (Laughter, and hear, hear). J\1r. F. JOXES, who was received with loud applause, said he had had the tramway about three months. About the second week after he had it, he found himself short of cars. Heat once commenced to build one, and they saw the result. (Applause). Further, he had had great difficulty to find men to do the work as he wished it done, and he had had a great deal of anxiety to get it finished. He had asked several times for permission to take the car into the town, but there seemed to be some amount of prejudice against it, and some also thought that it would be a nuisance and obstruction. After all this, he determined that so soon as he had a car fit for people to ride in he would invite the gentlemen of the Council and others, so that they might see whether the car was an obstruction or not to the town. (Laughter and cheers). Besides, he built the car to fill his own pockets—(a voice I hope you will)—and if this one succeeded, he hoped to build two or three more. (Ap- plause). He thought he had but little brains, and he knew he had but little means, but what he had he was using. (Hear, hear, and applause). He was very much obliged to them for coming up, and he hoped he would take them safely down. (Applause). Mr. JOHN JONES proposed" Health and prosperity to the Tramway Company." He thought there never was such a company who had had such a career, survived it, and developed into such a lessee as Mr. Fred. Jones. It was a bold stroke to have projected that tramway. The railway company formerly had a station somewhere near Rhos, and the name of the station always caused a laugh and a joke at the expense of Welshmen. The railway company might have reinstated their former station, but they had not done so, and thereby allowed the tram to run unopposed. He understood that that festival was to inaugurate the new car, and the consent to extend the line, and he must say that his friend did not seem ignorant of the way to reach an Englishman's heart, which way it was said was down his throat. (Laughter). He hoped he would conquer all future town councils in a similar manner. (Hear, hear, and laughter). He begged to couple with the toast the name of Mr. Edward Evans, who was a gentleman of generous sympathies, neighbourly in- stincts, and patriotic aspirations, and who took every opportunity to advance the moral, intellectual, and social condition of those around him. (Hear, hear). Mr. EDWARD EVANS briefly responded, wishing Mr' Fred. Jones good results for his enterprise, and that he would be a much wealthier man at the end of five years than at present. (Hear, hear). Dr. EYTON-JONES proposed the "Health of the Chair- man." (Cheers). He would say what one of Mr. Walker's workmen said of him, that the more they saw ¡ of him the better they liked him. (Applause). He was quite sure that to know him was to appreciate his genial disposition and generous-heartedness, and real love of doing good to every person he knew. (Cheers). He would say this that he numbered amongst all classes and all grades and shades of politics an immense num- ber of friends and admirers. (Hear, hear). He could sincerely say that no toast which he had ever given in Wrexham or its neighbourhood had been received with greater cordiality than that of their Chairman. (Hear, hear). He knew they would all join in wishing him long life, and health, and happiness, and that he may be spared for many years to continue his useful activity. (Cheers). The toast was drunk most cordially, and hearty cheers were given for Mr. Kenyon and family. The CHAIRMAN, in responding, said he could only say he was very much obliged to them for the very kind and cordial manner in which they had received the toast. He hoped he had got out of the rather disagreeable duty of returning thanks for himself by getting Mr. Jones to couple the name of Mr. Evans with the last toast—(laughter)—but Dr. Eyton-Jones had not allowed such to be. He must therefore thank them, as always, for the very kind reception they had always given him. when he came amongst them. He could honestly says, without wishing to disparage any of his own particular f political friends, that it gave him very great pleasure to come amongst Wrexham people when he could meet parties of all sides. (Hear, hear). Of course they all believed in their own particular views, that was taken for granted, but he did think, and he had expressed such before, that the oftener they could throw them aside, and join together for the good and benefit of their common town, the happier and better they would be for it. (Cheers). It gave him therefore particular pleasure to be present that day, and to meet many who he knew were his political opponents—but who did not owe him any ill-feeling—and to unite with them in prospering a cause which was for the benefit of Wrexham. (Cheers). He thanked them all, and whatever may be their respective opinions he should always be glad to meet them, and many more also, and join with them for the benefit of the town. (Hear, hear, and cheers). The MAYOR thought they should not separate without drinking to the health of the solicitor of the company, Mr. Evan Morris. (Hear, hear). He could bear testi- mony individually to his energy and talent and real ability. He was a gentleman who was au fait in all railway matters and he did not think he had a compeer in the county of Denbigh, which he had abundantly testified. In this particular department he had been a witness of his energy and talent, and he did not know that a company situated as that one was could possibly have had a gentleman who was better able to manage railway matters, and who was so familiar with Acts of Parliament regulating the construction and working of those institutions. (Hear, hear). He had very great pleasure in proposing that they drink to the health of Mr. Evan Morris. (Applause). Mr. EVAN MORRIS, in responding, thanked the Mayor for proposing and all present for the kind manner in which they had received the toast. He could assure them that nothing gave him greater pleasure, nor was more in accord with what he conceived to be his duty, than at any time to give effect to any idea he may possess which was likely to be of public benefit. (Hear, hear). It was his lot early in life to become acquainted with men of enterprise in railways, and he had their confidence and trust, shown by placing into his hands the conduct of certain undertakings. In carrying these out he gained an amount of experience which he had since tried to apply in smaller concerns. From 1802 to 1866 he was he thought favoured as much as any young man could expect with the charge of con- cerns which involved a great amount of railway enter- prise, and which was the means of his gaining a large, amount of experience. It would be impossible for him in that room to say as much as he would of the great advance which had been made in that country by railway com- petition which had almost entirely diminished distance and brought within their reach materials which other- wise it would have been impossible to have in their markets, and which gave them all an opportunity of dealing at the very best place and getting the very best articles for their money. (Hear, hear). The people of the Rhos seemed rather jealous at their enabling the people there to come to Wrexham to buy their goods, but his reply was that if the people of Rhos could deal better in Wrexham it was a good thing for them that they could come there. (Hear, hear). It was, as it were, bringing free trade to their hearths and homes. In any country where they had monopoly they slept, where they had competition they had activity. (Hear, hear, and cheers). He would venture to say thatthe Tram- way Company came into existence partly from an idea of his own, and he thought that Wrexham, the centre of a population of over 40,000 people, should have communi- cation with them. (Heal, hear). He did not know any town in England—and he had travelled over it a great deal—where there could be found more honest, more enterprising, more deserving tradesmen than in Wrexham. (Hear, hear). What he thought was this, if they could bring that population of 40,000 to deal in Wrexham, they would benefit them and Wrex- ham also, and these people should have the means of coming to the town comfortably instead of being jolted < about in carts. He mentioned the matter, and the result had been what they saw the company had been formed, and the tramways were built. Those interested in tramway companies had been surprised at the small amount of money spent on that tramway, and he had ( explained it in this way, that before they cut a yard they had the capital, and the whole line was made for cash. (Applause). However, to do this some gentle- ( men had to increase their subscription, and their chairman (the Hon. George Kenyon), Mr. Barnes, 1 Mr. Edward Evans, Mr. Peter Walker, Mr. Low, and 1 Mr. J. Sparrow came forward with support, and to them 1 they owed much for the tramways. (Hear, hear). In It regard to the scheme of the Mayor's for narrow guage r railways, he did hope it would one day be carried out. t If they increased the means of transport, they increased the prosperity of the district. There was a large amount of capital in the district, but as yet he thought a very little had been subscribed to railway and tramway enterprises. (Hear, hear). The speeches over a general exit was made to the road, where a large number of Rhosllanerchrugog boys, with their black faces and cans on their arms, had assembled. The top of the car was again the favourite spot, and every seat here was quickly occupied. There was a little time to wait, however, and the merriment of the luncheon-room still clung to many, who, mounted on the top seats, passed the time very joyously by scatter- ing coins to the boys around, who raced and scrambled with an alacrity quite unexpected. Cigars being well lit, all comfortably seated, and everything in readiness, the homeward journey was commenced. The infectious laugh of a well-known gentleman, and the funny ways and sayings of another occasionally interrupted the quiet chat of the Liberal Mayor and the Conservative M.P. of the future, and sent a smile to every face. Cordiality, courtesies, fun, and laughter were the accompaniments of the homeward journey, which was concluded ere the hour of* five had struck, and if there was one of the whole company who had not thoroughly enjoyed himself the fault was his own. The company quickly dispersed after congratulations and thanks to Mr. Frederick Jones (the lessee) for his enjoyable out- ing, and the driver, Thomas Giller (who was selected for his ability as a whip "), for his safe conduct of the tram. The enterprising lest-c-e has issued a new series of tickets and made the following arrangements for fares :— From the Swan Inn to the Cemetery and Felin Puleston, Id.; to the Black Lion, 2d. to the Smithy, 3d, to the New Inn, 4d. to the New Inn and back, 6d. Mr. Fred Jones is also prepared to make special arrange- ments for large parties.

DENBIGH.

CHIRK.

LLANGOLLEN.

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