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Extracts from
The Wrexham Trader
1916
The Trader or Wrexham Trader was a free weekly paper in which advertising was dominant. However there was other content in the form of articles of local or general interest, and brief items of news (local, national and of the war), which is being reproduced here from 1916 issues of The Trader, together with a selection of the adverts placed by local traders.
For a little more detail, see the index page where you will also find
a list of other issues available so far.
Issue of Thursday, 20th January, 1916
WITH THE "PALS"
Writing from France to the Welsh Coast Pioneer, "R.A.E." thus describes the experience of the "Pals" Battalion with which many Wrexham men are connected:-
The dawn of the New Year finds us in the fortunate position of a "rest" from the trenches. But I fancy this is only the lull before the storm. Nevertheless we are becoming profound philosophers, and grasp the sweets which the gods give to us. We celebrated the New Year as becomes soldiers, Englishmen and gentlemen. Curious, isn't it, that a soldier is at last becoming recognised as a gentleman? That evolution of thought would in itself form quite an interesting and romantic story.
During our peregrinations hither and thither one has had many opportunities of witnessing the devastation caused by war, and contrasting it with the peace and serenity which reigns at home. As we plodded along the rain-sodden roads from the trenches I reflected upon the silent tragedies which are to be seen cold and naked on every hand. Here are little farmsteads with only the bare walls remaining, windows and roofs have been shattered to pieces by the enemy's guns. I picture the wreckage, only a few short months ago, as the cosy little home of a French farmer – they are all farmers in this part of the country – and his wife. In the winter evenints they would sit around the stove drinking their eternal coffee; the lights would twinkle from the windows, speaking of cheer and comfort to some way-worn traveller as he made his way across the flat stretch of country. There was nothing to perturb the even tenour of life for these venerable old couple. Then on a terrible night their little home was destroyed and they disappeared – no one knows whither. A portion of the garden which they had tended with such loving care still remains, but when the flowers bloom again there will be no one to pluck them. What a tragedy is there!
Here again is a homestead where the old farmer still clings on desperately, despite the fact that his house is open to artillery fire. Yonder he is tilling the ground with an old fashioned plough, drawn by oxen. His good wife is by his side aiding him in this hour of their distress as she has succoured him during the years they had been together. Everywhere the same sadness envelops the land.
In the cities life would be extremely dull were it not for the ever-exuberant "Thomas" who plunges headlong into the pleasures which come his way during the few days he is resting from the trenches. The old cobbled streets resound to his irrepressible mirth. "Tommy" was ever a boy for innoncent fun with the dear girls, and even the difficulty in coping with the language does not prevent him from fraternising with Madesmoiselle. There is no getting away from the truth that the chic little Marie loves a British "Tommy" even though perhaps he is not quite sor gorgeously arrayed as his French brother. In the evenings the cafes are crowded, and we hold high revel. Thus the days of rest fly by, and then back again to the trenches, where Tommy is just as thorough in doing his duty.
We are becoming quite inured to life in French billets. A bed of straw is just as comfortable as a feather bed, but there are times when one longs passionately for spotless linen. It is amazing how easily etiquette slips from one's fingers. The conventionalities which have been the growth of centuries disappear almost without a pang of regret. One returns to the state of primitive man almost unconsciously. Where men are crowded together it is impossible to retain one's tackle for long, no matter how methodical one may be; and ere long one is faced with the difficulty of eating meals without either knife, fork or spoon. It is in such circumstances that the truth is brought home to you about fingers being made before forks. But when a man is ravenously hungry, a breakfast eaten under the most squalid conditions is as relishing as if it were served within the luxurious precincts of the Savoy.
It is all part of the great adventure in which we are playing our part and we do our best to bear these hardships and discomforts cheerfully.
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INVENTIONS IN 1915
During the year just closed, as regards patents applied for in the United Kingdom, according to a report made by Messrs. Hughes and Young, patent agents, of 55-56 Chancery Lane, London, W.C., there has been a distinct falling off. In normal times the number of applications approximates to 30,000, but the number in 1915 has fallen to a little over 18,000. Applications from women have also materially declined, the number being 280, which is 70 less than was the case during 1914.
The ingenuity of inventors has been largely devoted to the production of armament devices, and among these may be mentioned contrivances for arresting torpedoes, submarine locators and means for enabling one submarine to communicate with the other under water. There have likewise been applied for a number of patents for inventions designed to afford protection against Zeppelin raids.
A large proportion of the applications relate to chemical processes, utilisation of waste product, internal combustion engines, automatic machinery, labour-saving tools, aeronautics, electrical appliances, toys and games, life-saving devices, agricultural implements and tobacco pipes.
A striking fact is the considerable number of applications for British patents that have been filed by Germans.
The war inventions include a projectile for which it is claimed that when it explodes there is scattered in every direction molten metal at a temperature high enough to burn a hole through steel or melt down solid concrete walls.
For hospital purposes a stretcher has been contrived with a hydraulic mechanism which enables it to be adjusted to various heights without subjecting the patient to painful shocks. A simple but effective invention is a muzzle support for a gun intended for use by soldiers when lying down.
With the object of protecting infantrymen during offensive operations there has been devised a body shield on wheels. This contrivance is so constructed that bullets strike the surface at an angle and glance off without causing injury. The rear is open, while the interior is large enough to accommodate one soldier, who rests on his hands and knees. The device is propelled by pushing against the ground with one foot. A slit in the front forms a look-out and also a loop-hole through which to fire. When within a few yards of the enemy's position the soldier leaves the armoured shell and charges.
There has recently appeared a new kind of aluminium solder which bids fair to prove of great value in connection with automobiles and aeroplanes. Its virtue consists in the fact that it renders unnecessary the usual tedious process of welding broken aluminium parts. No soldering iron is used with this material, which melts at a comparatively low temperature. When in place it is said to stand the hammer test better than the original aluminium.
A new semaphore for the regulation of the street traffic has been invented. The contrivance is built on an upright standard, and consists of two pairs of semaphore arms at right angles with each other. These arms are lowered after the style of an ordinary signal when the road is clear. They are controlled by interlocking levers. Owing to this interlocking a policeman at intersecting roads cannot give both streets the clear signal at one time.
As might be expected, a number of war toys and games have been invented, many of which are quite "money spinners," one in particular, "The Trench Game," which bids to surpass as a popular novelty the famous "Pigs in Clover," the inventor of which it is well known amassed a large fortune.
One of the most interesting toys for boys is a warship that buckles amidships and slowly sinks to the bottom of the bath-tub when its vital spot is struck by a swift torpedo. Another device designed for the young is modelled on the plan of the old crossbow. The arrow has a small parachute attachment, which the descent causes to open, and the slow fall prevents injury to bystanders. An invention also prepared for the young is an india-rubber doll, which can be inflated with hot water. This provides the juvenile wth a realistic warm baby.
Other striking inventions are a sanitary drinking bag made of paper for horses; a needle threader with a magnifying glass attachment, which makes the eye apparently much larger; a sunshade equipped with an electric fan; a kitchen alarm clock which indicates to the cook the moment for attention to the oven; and a water signalling device.
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SCRAPS
It is not only in the fees of Law Officers that we might economise. On Wednesday Mr. Justice Ridley, Mr. Justice Lush and Mr. Justice Low (each receiving £5,000 a year) sat for half a day to decide whether a man should not be fined 5s. for buying threepennyworth of sweets on Sunday. The momentous judgment must have cost £50 in public money.
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Heavy taxation, and the prospect of heavier, still finds the country with a certain amount of spare cash. The papers recently mentioned the following items as having changed hands at the following prices – items which, if not "luxuries," are certainly superfluities:
Theodore Hook's armchair: £25
Rope of Pearls, "described as the property of a duchess", £1,450
Millais picture, "An Idyll of 1745", 1,000 gns.
Queen Anne needlework carpet, 200 gns.
A Kelmscott Chaucer, £60
Series of astrological and other almanacs (1629-1881), £38
Diamond hair ornament, £75 16s.
Panel of old Brussels tapestry, 165 gns.
Penny stamp of New Zealand 1872, £10 10s.
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WAR NOTES
France and Flanders
On Sunday night the enemy about Givenchy annoyed the British troops opposite them with trench mortars and bombs. On Monday the British replied by making a combined attack, which produced excellent results, with rifle grenades, bombs, and mortars. During the day British artillery effectually bombarded the German lines from the Armentières region northwards. Near Ypres the enemy's guns returned a violent fire.
The Russian Front
Russia reports that the Germans have been making air raids in the northern districts, and that there have been artillery duels also, the Russians gaining some success north-west of Dvinsk. Berlin's report from the Russian front is that snowstorms have hampered the fighting, and only a few patrol actions have occurred. From the Caucasus the Turks report that near the Ida Valley they have been forced back by the Russians, and have abandoned positions some kilometres south of Aras. Petrograd states that two Turkish attacks on the Arkhave were repulsed. On Saturday the Russians seized a depot north-west of Horossan, with about 1,000,000 rounds of rifle ammunition and several thousand shells.
United Command at Salonika
General Sarrail has been appointed to the supreme command of all the Allied troops at Salonika. General Sir Bryan Mahon, the British leader, will act under his orders. The change, which is meant to introduce unity of direction into the defence, is welcomed by everyone concerned, its wisdom being obvious and the Commander-in-Chief being a man whose record and known abilities inspire complete confidence. Considerable Allied reinforcements have been landed recently, but snowstorms have stopped all operations. The weather is terribly cold throughout Macedonia.
The Succour of Kut
Some facts about the position in Mesopotamia were communicated to the House of Commons on Monday by Mr. Austen Chamberlain, Secretary of State for India. The rearguard of the Turkish force which is attempting to prevent General Aylmer's advance up the Tigris to Kut is now only six miles below the town. In the last fighting, which began on January 13, some twenty miles further down the river, General Aylmer forced back two enemy divisions, while a third was held in check on the other bank of the Tigris by General Kemball. Bad weather seriously impedes the British advance. Lieut.-General Sir Percy Lake is expected to reach the Mesopotamia theatre of war during the next week or ten days. Pending his arrival General Sir J. E. Nixon continues to exercise the chief command. General Nixon, whose health has broken down, is about to return to England on leave.
Swedish Charges against Belligerents
At the opening of the Swedish Riksdag the King referred to the effects of the war on neutral nations. He said that the belligerents had neglected in an ever-increasing degree the written international laws for the protection of neutrals and for limiting the violence of war. It was necessary for Sweden to keep in readiness increased forces by land and sea.
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There is a sinister coincidence about the German Crown Prince which is not generally remembered. He was born on the day of the Phoenix Park Murders, May 6, 1882, and under extremely unfavourable astrological conditions: "Sun in conjunction with Saturn and Neptune in Taurus, which rules Ireland." The astrologists predict a bad end for him.
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SELECTED ADVERTS
READ THE
"BORDER COUNTIES ADVERTIZER"
EVERY WEDNESDAY.
All the Latest News of the District.
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Electric Pocket Lamps & Batteries,
Game Rifles 12/6, Air Guns 3/9,
Meccano Sets 3/- upwards.
WALTER ROBERTS,
Hope Street, Wrexham.
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Incandescent Mantles,
Glasses, Rods, Globes, &c., at all prices.
W. HUGHES, Ironmonger, Bridge Street.
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BUTT'S SALE NOW ON.
Ladies' Underwear Bargains.
10 doz. Ladies' Directoire Knickers, fine Fleece and Dye in Saxe, Lemon and Cream. Usual Price 2/11½, Sale Price 1/11½.
130 pairs Ladies' Cream Combs., winter weight, soft finish, high neck, short sleeves. Usual Price 2/11½, Sale Price 1/11½.
Large Stock of Children's and Infants' Underwear at reduced prices.
SALE OF BLOUSES. 96 Ladies' Jap Silk Blouses (10 momme), good size. Usual price 4/6, Sale Price 3/9.
BARGAINS IN STOCKINGS. We are offering Special Lines in Ladies' Black Ribbed and Cashmere Hose. 8½d. to 1/11½.
PLUME AND FEATHER BARGAINS. Large collection of smart Feather Mounts, Wings and Buds in good shades. Worth 1/6 to 2/11, Sale Price 1d. to 1/-.
30 & 31 HOPE ST., WREXHAM.
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What is I.S.S.?
BENT'S IMPERIAL STONE STOUT
Recommended by the Medical Faculty.
2/4 Per Dozen Half Pints.
Can be obtained at any of Bent's Brewery Company's Establishments in Wrexham.
Also at:
Rhos, Ponkey, Cefn, Bangor-on-Dee, Isycoed, Holywell, Chester, Holt, Farndon, Shocklach, Malpas, Rhyl, Ffrwd, Penyffordd, Mold, Northop, Queensferry, Connah's Quay, Churton.
Note: In some cases where Stone Stout cannot be obtained locally, prepaid orders for 2 dozen and upwards will be forwarded to nearest railway station carriage paid.
District Office and Stores:
WYNNSTAY HOTEL YARD,
HIGH STREET, WREXHAM.
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R. P. TIDDY,
Fancy Draper and Ladies' Outfitter.
WINTER SALE
From January 13th to February 3rd.
32, REGENT STREET, WREXHAM.
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