Wrexham Guardian

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. e cannot undertake to return rej ected communica tions, or take notice of anonymous communi- cations. Whatever is intended for insertion must be authenticated by the name and address of the writer not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith.

OUR ALMANACK FOR 1878. With this week's issae of the Guardian we pre- sent a Handsome Sheet Almanack, containing the ssual Lists of Ofilcers of Local Institutions, Justices el the Peace (with dates of appointment), and a variety ef ether information.

A RETROSPECT. The time has once more arrived for as to pause and consider the events of another year. It was ushered in with dark forebodings, and it will leave us in great unoertamty as to the future. There are still wars and rumours of war, and no one is sage enough to inform us kow great and momentous may be the destinies ef nations and powers in the coming year. Foreign affairs have chiefly absorbed our atten- tion. Since the Crimean war the European prospect was not so disturbed as in the year that is now dying. Our own Empire and its dependencies have shared the blessing of peace. We have had our little troubles: trade has been bad, strikes numerous, and industry almost paralysed. But these troubles might kave been borne with comparative equanamity -were it possible for us to cast our eyes across *e silver streak and gaze upon an horizon illuminated by the tranquil glow of peace. 1.1te Turks and the Russians may seem well yigh exhausted themselves; there may be signs that the savage conflict which continues to nge in south-eastern Europe and Asia Minor las spent its chief fury. But when we ask irhat are the terms on which the struggle can fee concluded, there is little to make us antici- pate the immediate future with satisfaction or hope. The programme of Russia has become Hoce openly ambitious as the war has proceeded And her arms become victorious, and at the present moment there is a very general con- viction in England, as well a. throughout the ) Continent, that the Czar will not make peace before he has "rectified" the Eastern frontier of his Empire by the annexation of Armenia, secured an abrogation of the laws which now exclude Russian ships of war from the Medi- terranean, and virtually denuded Turkey of her European provinces. These are the breakers ahead. It is not to be supposed that these changes can be accomplished without en- dangering the European equilibrium. The Eastern Question may develope into the European Question, and that contingency, of which we have heard so much throughout the year may be realised, and British interests may be seriously affected. The year opened with much talk of a Triple Alliance." War broke out, and the Alliance was said to be a phraae and a phantom. Since then there has been reason to consider that it is to some extent a potent reality. It is now quite clear that be- tween Russia and Germany there exists a definite understanding, that in this understand- ing Austria participates, that Italy will follow the lead of Germany, and that France, agitated by internal political troubles, will not interfere to spoil the arrangement. There is an uneasy feeling that European diplomacy has been more active than usual during the past twelve month, and not less unscrupulous. A few weeks must decide whether British in- terests are jeopardised at any given point, and meanwhile the British naiion may well continue to repose their confidence in a Government which has exhibited a consistently anxious desire to consult and act in accordance with British feeling. Upon the failure of the Conference and the London Protocol it will be recollected that the Czar issued the declaration of war on April !4th. But Russia was not then, as subsequent events have proved, fully prepared to under- take the war. Not more than 150,000 men actually crossed the Danube though the mobilisation of troops had commenced towards the end of 1876. Dilatoriness from the onset characterized the Russian movements. The delays, inevitable in the absence of careful previous organizasion, were increased by the lateness of the season. Roads continued im- passable, and the swollen water* of the Danube did not subside till long after the usual date. Not till the end of June was the Russian army aafely transported across the great river, and they still halted and hesitated, even when in full strength upon the Bulgarian soil. The result was that the Turks secured, under Osman Pasha, a footing at Plevna. But they were as negligent and slow as the Russians and made no use of their success, contenting them- selves with merely rendering their entrench- ments impregnable. The desperate onslaught on Plevna by the Russians on the name-day must be green in the memory of all. With murderous prodigality the Russian columns were hurled against the Turkish re- doubts to fall back decimated and unsuccessful. Only on one flank General Schobeleff carried a portion of the works, but he was also ex- pelled, and this second attack failed more completely than the first. Upon the advice of Todleben, the hero of Sebastopol, it was resolved to reduce by investment what had been im- possible to carry by storm. In the early stages of the seige, several convoys reached Osman Pasha, and the gallant garrison held out to the last. Various efforts, for the most part half- hearted and all unsuccessful, were made to succour Osman, but he was ultimately com- pelled by failing supplies either to surrender or break through the ring of iron that enclosed his brave army. He choose the latter and failed. What may result from the fall of Plevna it is difficult to divine. The main Russian army is now left free to advance to the Balkans, and if the weather and roads permit, may yet exercise a very material in- fluence upon the issue of the campaign. In Asia Minor too fortune has favoured the Russians. At the first their advance was a sort of promenade but a few Turkish victories compelled the invaders to beat an ignominious retreat. But these Turkish successes were due rather to the errors of the enemy than their own good generalship and superiority in the field. The Russian advance had been rash and reckless, the troops available too few to execute the wide plan of operations propounded by the Grand Duke Michael; hence its complete collapse. They now strained every nerve to retrieve their misfortunes, and bring up forces more commensurate with the difficulties of the campaign. They renewed the attack and met with supreme success. The Turkish army was cut in two one-half laid down their arms and the other Had in disorder. Mukhtar Pasha fell back rapidly and endeavoured to show a Raw front, but position after position was turned by the direction of the Russian advance, and Erzeroum alone remained. Next came the startling surprise of the capture of Ears which completed the discomfiture of the Turks. Thus the Russians are victorious in Europe and Asia and the prospect ia favourable to their arms. In England the war has been studied with much eagerness, the partisans of the belligerents exhibiting great desires for the triumph of the nation espoused. The Ministerial policy, of course, has not altogether pleased either, since it was altogether *Butral. Lord Derby, at the outset of the war, took grave exceptions to Prince Gortchakoff's Circular, setting forth the circumstances which had preceded the outbreak of the war, and defining the part played by Russia before Europe. Lord Derby declined to admit that the action ef the Czar was justified by facts, disputed and denied the pretensions of Russia to act as the mandatory of Europe, and informed the Czar that he had separated himself from the European concord. The Houses of Parliament were informed by 1 Her Majesty's Ministers that the attitude which England would adopt would be one of neutrality, and that no attempt would be made to interfere until the opportunity for mediation arrived, or until British interests should be threatened. Subsequently different members of the Cabinet defined in what British inter- eats consisted. The freedom of the route to India, via the Sues Canal, was a. paramount British interest, and the interest would be inadequately protected unless the Persian Gulf were also kept free. England was not prepared to allow the occupation of Constanti- nople by a foreign force, nor to suffer any menace to be made to Egypt with impunity f nor to regard favourably any attempt to alter the existing laws which govern the navigation of the Turkish Straits. Thus far Her Majesty's Ministers have faithfully adhered to the line of action marked out. There has been an absence of any formidable agitation against their policy, and even the rumour, which in July obtained some credence, that the garrisons at Gibraltar and Malta were to be raised to a war footing—the fleet having been again dispatched to Besika—produced no considerable aentimenf of alarm. The recent utterances of the Foreign Secretary, the Home Secretary, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, have tended in the same reassuring direction, and the country is satisfied that, if a praiswortby anxiety and determination to keep England eut of war can ensure success, England will be kept out of it. Next to the war France has attracted the attention of other Powers during the year. A severe struggle is going on there for Parlia- mentary Government against the arbitrary rule of Marshal MacMahon. In May the Presi- dent dismissed M. Jules Simon, and the rest of the Cabinet immediately resigned. It was at ence replaced, and the Chamber of Deputies, on assembling after the change, passed what amounted to a vote of want of confidence in the new Ministry by 353 to 154. The ques- tion of confidence was again raised in a series of debates, one of the most remarkable fea- turee in which was the appearance of M. Thiers, and the extraordinary reception given him in the Chamber as the saviour of France. The result was that the Senate decreed the dissolution of the Chamber by a majority of twenty votes. Ministerialists and Republicans professed to anticipate the result with equal confidence. The elections went against the Marshal-President, and after considerable hesi- tation he waived his claims to certain Minis- terial appointments, and M. Dufaure formed a Ministry composed of moderate Republicans. It only remains to be seen whether it will satisfy tha Republican majority of the Cham- ber. But the principle of Parliamentary Government may be said so have been estab- lished in France, and that is a slight advance, although it has taken an entire twelvemonth to accomplish. The history of the political year at home may be summed up in the words:—The com- plete disintegration and disorganisation of the Opposition, and the gradual accession of strength to the Government. What has hap- pened since the prorogation of Parliament is identical in spirit and tendency with what occurred during the session. The Liberal party have successively endeavoured to make capital out of every topic that has presented itself for public consideration. The Liberal chiefs have endeavoured to rally their followers to the tune of half-a-dozen cries. But no sooner is one of these proclaimed in audible notes then a voice is raised—a Liberal voice, too—to the effect that it is a delusion and a snare. Mr Gladstone advocates household franchise in counties on a popular platform; Mr Lowe denounces the perverted senti- mentalism and folly of the proposal. Lord Hartington goes in conditionally for disestab- lishment; the Duke of Argyll protests against the data on which Lord Hartington's demand is based. As it is with domestic policy, and there is no doubt that even among the Opposi- tion a majority is satisfied with the conduct of Her Majesty's Ministers in the past, and quite prepared to repose confidence in it for the future.

NOTES OF THE WEEK. By the opening of a public cemetery at Wrex- ham, at the expense of the ratepayers, full religious liberty has been granted to all denominations to inter the bodies of their own followers without let or hindrance. As we have previously pointed out, the large amount laid out in its construction, and the zeal of its promoters to make it pay," have prescribed the charges to be made for inter- menta, and these are very oppressive upon the poor. Oanon Hilton, of the Roman Catholic Church, has broken the ice by addressing a letter to the Town Council on the subject. He points out that there is no medium between the pauper's common grave, for which the charge is very moderate, and the private grave, which is costly and beyond the reach of poor and respectable persons, who shudder at the thought of a pauper funeral. Canon Hilton's flock, as a body., belong to the poorer classes, and the is therefore entitled to speak as their representative, and we know that his views are the views of a large number of the inhabitants, and therefore worthy of consideration. Itshould be the object of all Burial Boards to make pro- vision for the interment of the dead on such terms as will allow the surviving relatives to have a decent funeral without unduly taxing their resources. This has invariably been the jocactice of the Church of England, and to some ertent the pre- ference for the old Churchyards is due to the moderate fees which the ministers demand for their services, and for the allotments of ground. The Council cannot compete with the Church on thiB score, but they ought, in their eagernetw fer dividends, to bear in mind that the poorer classes will profit little if the Cemetery is made to pay, compared with the tax that is imposed for t.be burial of relatives and friends. Sir Watkin's scheme for the conversion of the I old Militia Barracks into a police depot for Wrex- ham secures popular favour the more it is studied. Ou Saturday the Mayor introduced the subject to the consideration of the Town Council, and, with the exception of one or two Councillors, who seem to have a erase for great schemes," regardless of expense, it met with very ready support. We have previously pointed out the reasons, and they are now well-knowu to all, for utilizing the present building. for the purposes named, so there is no I necessity to go over the ground 3.uaia. The one telling argument against Sir Watkin's proposition was the probability of the town shortly erecting a Town Hall, and providing suitable rooms for the transaction of the public business of the town. Such a project has been talked of, but it may be said to be a mere chimera in the minds of am- bitiously inclined Councillors. The town is already too heavily tajced to submit to so large an outlay of money as the undertaking would require. And it may be safely predicted that the resolution passed some time ago in favour of the propOBAlwill be allowed for some years to slumber peaceably with others of considerable import, on the minute- book of the Corporation. Meanwhile the chance of obtaining such public accommodation as the Bar- racks should not be lost sight of. and the action of townsmen and the Council should be directed to the support of Sir Watkin at the next Quarter Ses- sions, when the proposal will ba finally disposed of. Next Tuesday the Act passed in the late session will come into force for regulating the examinatioa of persons applying to be admitted solicitors of the Supreme Court of Judicature in England, and for throwing open the ecclesiastical courts, which have hitherto been confined to proctors. One object of the new law ia to vest in the Incorporated Law Society aa to the preliminary, intermediate, and final examinations, powers which had been vested in certain Judges of the High Court of Justice. The future examinations are to be held under the management of the Incorporated Law Society. The Masters of the three divisions of the Common Law are to be ex officio examiners, aud the fees payable are to be determined by the presidents of the three Divisions and the Master of the Rolls. With respect to ecclesiastical courts, it is enacted that any solicitor may practise in all courts and before all persons having or exercising power, authority, or jurisdiction in matters ecclesiastical in England, and shall be deemed to be duly quali- fied to practise and may practise in all matters relating to applications to obtain notarial faculties, aud generally shall have and exercise all the powers and authorities, and shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges, and may fulfil all the functions and duties which appertain or belong to the office or pro- fession of a proctor, whether in the provincial, diocesan, or other jurisdictions in England." The Commissioners for taking oaths in fhe Supreme Court of Judicature in England are to be Commis sioners in the ecclesiastical courts. With the exception of the enactments now repealed, the new statute is to be construed as one with the Solicitors Acts of 1843 and 1860, and with the other enactments in force. The Act only extends to England and Wales, and forms are set forth in the schedules annexed for carrying the new law into execution.

1ST D.R.V.—This company will assemble at the old militia depot on Tuesday next, at 7.30, for a march out. THH PRICE OF GAS.—A correspondent writes that the public should know that the Wrexham Gaa Company took too much credit to themselves when they announced the reduction of gaiJ te the extent of 3d feet, equal to fire per centl Previously a discount of per cent. was allowed .off amounts paid within the quarter, and this rule has new been aet aaide. In point ot fact, therefore, the redaction is not more than 2i per cent, off the original price. TltBAT TO ST. JAMBS' CHURCH CHOIB.—Through the liberality of Mr Evan Morris, solicitor, Wrex- ham, the choir of St. Church, Rhosddu, to the number of 25, were entertained on Thursday evening, in an unoccupied house in Rhosddu, to a subst ntial supper of roast beef and plum pudding, &c. Mr Williams, churchwarden, and Mrs Thomas undertook the arrangements of the spread, which was greatly enjoyed. Expressions of thanks to Mr I' Morris for his kindness were made during the evening. AWFULLY SUDDEN DEATH. — On Wednesday morning, an inquest was held at the Turf Hotel, before B. H. Thelwall, Esq., touching the death of Richard Roberts (74), farmer, of Eglwyseg, near Llangollen, who died under the circumstances enumerated below, at the booking-offiee of the Great Western Railway Company, at Wrexham station, on the previous Monday. Mr Brooker, chief inspector of the northern division of the Great Western Railway, and Mr Martin, stationmaster at Wrexham, were present during the proceedings. The son of deceased, Mr William Roberts, identified the body of the deceased. He left home on the morning of Monday, to go to Wrexham to see his sister-in-law. Was in his usual health when he left home. Deceased had not been under the doctor's care for long. He had a cancer on his head five years ago.—Mr Thomas Martin, stationmaster, stated that at about 3.45 p.m., on the day in ques- tion one of the porters told witness that a man had fallen down in a fit. On entering the waiting-room he found deceased lying on the floor. Dr. Evans was sent for, and on his arrival, in a few minutes, he pronounced life to be extinct. The police were then sent for. Deceased had taken his ticket to Llangollen. The jury, after a brief consultation, re- turned a verdict to the effect that the deceased a Died from the visitation of God." ADVANTAGES IN JOINING THE ROTAL DBNBIOH AND MERIONETH MILITIA.—According to instruc- tions contained in auxiliary and reserve forces circulars, dated War Office, 25th October and 26th November, 1877, every militia recruit will be en- listed for a period of six years, and it' he re-engage during his present engagement will be re-engaged for the unexpired portion ot it, and for foar years in addition. Men joining the Royal Denbigh and Merioneth Rifles will receive 108 on enrolment, and an annual bounty of .£1 (for six years) on the ex- piration of each training, or on the termination of his preliminary drill if he is required to attend pre- liminary drill only. Men who re-enrol in future will be paid an annual bounty of -61 10s, and those who have now completed four years' service, and are eligible to re-enrol, will be paid the balance of their bounty and an enrolment bounty of J81 10s, making in all .£2 16s. Men re-enroling during the period of training will be entitled to 303 re-enrolled bounty for that training, in addition to the enrol- ment bounty of Ws-total. J63. Men discharged on completion of service, and who join again within one year will be deemed re-enrolled men and 10s. A militia reserve man will get.£1 in addtion to the sums already mentioned The daily pay will be as follows:—Sergeants, Is corporals, Is 2td; privates, Is, with a free ration of bread and meat; and in addition every man can take away with him at the end of the training his boots, shirts, and socks, valued at Jil. Militiamen who become good marksmen can obtain valuable money prizes; they have alsa the benefit of a regi- mental sehool, where a sound and useful education is obtained, as deserving and educated men have a prospect of speedy promotion to the various ranks of non-cosimissioned officers with increased pay. This regiment having been lately augmented from four to six, and subsequently to eight companies, is now much below its established strength, and it should be borne in mind that the inducements now offered to young men to join this well-disciplined corps are more advantages than formerly, and that the well-known popularity of its colonel (Sir R. A. Cumliffe, Bart.) and the officers, together with the adjutant (Captain R. F. Williamson), with whom they will especially have to deal, are gentlemen who have gained the greatest esteem of all who know them in the counties of Denbigh and Merioneth, as well as the borough and neighbour- hood of Wrexham. We hope that previous to the assembly of the regiment next training the young men of both counties will come forward and fill its ranks, as their forefathers did when they embarked with Sir Watkin Williams Wynn at Portsmouth for Bordeaur, in 1813, and marched from there to Toulouse, but unfortunately were too late to take part in that glorious engagement. Afterwards, in 1854, the regiment gave 272 volunteers out of four companies to the regular army during the Crimean war, most of whom joined the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers and Grenadier Guards. The gallant, deeds of those regiments shed a lustre on the I Royal Denbigh and Merioneth RiBas-the nursery of so many of their heroes. WKEXHAM FREE SCHOOLS.—Tho annual meeting Df these schools is fixed for Friday next. We hope a.11 friends of this institution will attend. HOSPITAL SUNDAY is fired for the 6tn proximo, when it is hoped the miniRer3 of the various places of worship will plead for the Infirmary funds. ORDINATION.— At St. Asaph Cathedral, on Sun- day, the Rev. John Jenkins, B.A., St. D ivid's Col- lege, Lain peter, was ordained a deaccn, and licensed to a curacy of Wreshnm. WATCH NIGHT SERVICES.—On reference to ,our Church column it will be observed that there will be a watch-night (service on New Year's Eye as usual. The Wesley?.ns also will hold one. CHBISTMAS CHEER.—Mr Peter Walker, with his accustomed liberality, presented, at Christmas, a goose to each of his workmen, numbering about 70. The Mayor (Alderman J. C. Owen) gave a goose to each of the police officers in the borough. LEGAL —Mr George William Sherratt, of Wrex- ham, and Mr Frank Warren Sherratt, under graduate of London University, have just completed service under articles of clerkship, as notaries public and conveyancers. The former has also passed his intermediate examination as a. solicitor of tho Supreme Court of Judicature in England, and those articles expire in January. GRJlAT WESTERN RAILWAY.—JANUARY TRAINS. —With a. few exceptions, not affecting this diRtrict, there will be no alterations in the passenger trains on the Great Western Railway for the month of January, and the present issue of all the time bills will remain in force. The following alterations have already come into force by special notice:— The 7.15 a.m. train from Chester to stop at Bas- church regularly, on Wednesdays, and on other days when required only, to pick up passengers for stations sonth of Birmingham. This train also to call at Albrighton to pick up passengers for Reading or London only. The 9.45 a.m. train from Welling- ton to Crewe to call at Audlem at 10.21 a.m. How GOOD TUSTPLARS KEEP CHRISTMAS.—On Christmas Eve and Christmas night the members of the Hope of Wrexham Lodge" met at tho Temperance Hall for an evening's amusement. On Monday a short concert was given, but this lasted but an hour. Mr Crompton, Miss S. A. Jones, Miss M. Lewis, and Mr Dodd were the principal contributors. Dancing and drawing-room games were afterwards kept up till the small hours of morning. Tuesday night was passed away in a somewhat similar manner as the previous jollifica- tion. It was late before the party broke up, thoroughly tired with their teetotal Christmas. On both evasions freedom was given to all, and a com- pany of gentlemen made the platform a smoke- room. much to the amusement of the ladies. ANOTHER CHILD KILLED.—An inquest was held on Wednesday morning at the Black Horse, in Yorke-atreet, by Mr Thelwall, on the body of a baby, one year old, named Thomas Flanaghan, son of a. labouring man of the same name, living in Yorke-street. The child, which was a very fine one, was playing in the top room of its parents' houe, on Sunday, where the stairs lead straight to, with- out a wall between them and the room, and, though there is a barrier round, there are no spokes to prevent a child walking or crawling under. This the deceased seems to have done, and fallen from the room on to the stairs, a dis'ance of two yards, from the effects of which it died. The blow was sustained on the temple, but it did not so much as break the 8kin.—Maria Flanaghan, mother of the deceased, stated that a lad living with her went with the child to the room in question. He left him playing whilst he looked at a book or something, and all in a moment the child got mnder the rail and fell. She ran upstairs when she heard the '• bump," asking what was being thrown about, but found that it was her child that had fallen. It was never sensible after. Three doctors were called—Drs Williams, Palin, and Angel—but they •ould not save it. — Richard Horton. the boy spoken of above, said the child was very fond of crawling up the stairs. On the day in question he followed it, and when he got to tho room he put it between the bars of an empty bed- stead. He then looked at a book, and all in a moment he heard the fall.—This was the whole of the evidence, and the jury returned a verdict of 1/ Accidental death BBOVOHTON HALL IRON WORKS.—On Monday last the members of the Broughton Hali Iron Works Beneficial Society held their annual fe*3t at the King's Head Inn, Penybryn, Wrexhar*. Mr Chadwick, Eagle Foundry, occupied the chair. After the cloth was removed Mr Knight read tha balance sheet for the past year, showing that after paying their sick members and funeral expenses, there a large balance left to carry forward for the next year. Th# members expressed their approba- tion of the statement without a dissentient voice. The chairman then proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toast, which was duly honoured; followed by that of the health of Mr Pjant, and prosperity to the Broughton Hall Iron Works." He stated that it was the intention of Mr Plant to be present on that occasion, but in consequence of ill health he regretted that he was unable to do so, a. circum- aranstance no doubt ail would be sorry to hear. His friend, Mr Plant, was so well known to them and the neighbnurhood for his hearty and genial kind- ness to all that it wa.s needless for him to say much upon the subject. He had been affected with a severe illness, but he (the chairman) with those present rejoiced to know that by good nursing he was spared to them, and he hoped for many years. It would be a. sorry day for them and the neigh- bourhood when it should please Providence to call him from amongst them. Men of Mr Plant's sort were scarce. He wished there were more in the country. In conclusion he hoped they should yet see him at their festive board for to come. He gave them the health of Mr Plant and pros- perity to the Broughton Hall Iron Works in a bumper, which was honoured by a hearty three times three, and a good un" for Mrs Plant. Mr Knight responded to it in a neat speech after which Prosperity to the Beneficial-Society of the Works," was proposed by the chairman. The host and hostess were thanked for the bountiful spread which was got and served up in their usual excellent style. Other toasts, interspersed with some good songs, brought the proceedings to a termination. COUNTY COURT.—A court was held on Friday, before Horatio Lloyd, Esq., judge, when one case occupied nearly the whole of 1 he day in its hearing, so that no other case of interest was gone into. Previously to the sitting of the judge a large number of judgment summonses were disposed of by the Registrar, Mr Reid. The case to which we allude was a litigation between Jonathan Mathews, plaintiff, of Brymbo, and William Parry, defendant, also of Brymbo. Mr Sherratt appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Bennion Acton for the defence. The dispute arose out of the action of the defendant taking up some boundary posts on the land in question, 120 yards in area. The damage was put at 123, and this was done for the sake of asserting right to ownership. Many witnesses were called. Plaintiff's argument was that his father and his grandfather had lived on the ground for many years and never paid rent, but he had received rent daring his time from a person named Sarah Rogers for the property, up- wards of 30 years. A host of plans and parchments, will and titles were then gone into, and examined by the judge. The plaintiff's title was dated as far back as 1806, but the defendant put in some receipts more than a century old, in which an annual rent had been paid to the Crown for the land. Defendant stated that he had acquired a right by time, he himself having retained possession upwards of 20 years.—An old man said he had always lived there and his father lived there before him. He had known the cottage ever since he could recollect, and he was now over 70 years of age, and he had occupied the property for fifty years. As the evidence was so conflicting and the deeds so numerous, his Honour wished to have time to inspect them, and he said he would listen to the speeches of the solicitors at the next court, as it had got so late.—This was ultimately agreed to.

CHRISTMASTIDE IN WREXHAM. Another Christmastide has come and gone, and ere our next issue will have been published the present year of grace will have passed away to swell the list of those that have gone before, and another page will have been added to the history of the world, another milestone in the journey of life passed, significant of the transcient condition of all things temporal. One delights to read of the Christmastide rejoicings of by-gone ages, and to think what happy times they must have been, and it is that knowledge of the festivities indulged in by our ancestors a.t this particula.r season of the year which leads us to regard it as a period of re- joicing, and a time when we can banish dull care, and for a time robe ourselves in the comforting garb of jollity and humour, not forgetting, also, the graver duties which our existence at all times de- mands of us. The first thought of the festive sea- son has reference to the weather, for, somehow or other, unless nature is clad in her snowy garments, and robed ia spotless white, Britons cannot regard Christmas with that veneration which attaches itself to the records of the past. This year every- one was wishing for snow, but up to Monday there was not the least signs of any, but cn Christmas- eve, the long wishw-for robe of white tenfolded the .tand, and we have had a regular Christmas of the oMen time in point of weather. Owing* the great, and almost unprecedented depression in the general trade of the country the working classes were compelled, to a. no inconsiderable extent, to study the strictest economy; but it is a question wheth, r: they did not enjoy their Christmas better than when money is cheap with them, and they can feast by day and night unceasingly." On Christmas eve the town was tolerably lively; but there were not nearly so many therein as we have seen on pre/ions years. The shops, with very few exceptions, looked very enticing, as our readers will know from the account we gave of them in our last issue. The principal feature of the 25th was the services at the various churches in the town and district, where largo congregations assembled te devote the first hours of the festival of the Nativity in prayer and meditation, and we shall now present our readers with a de- scription of each place of worship; but be" fore proceeding to do so it should be stated that although on this day the generality of the Noncon- formists have not held services, the Wesleyans have done so, and this year they had one at eight o'clock in the morning.

THE PARISH CHURCH. As usual the flue old church of St. Giles wore its festival robes on Christmas Day, its decorations being very neatly executed. The beautifully-carved reredos was festooned with holly, ivy, and flowers, whilst the east, north-east, and south-east windows of the chancel wera surrounded by neatly-con- structed wreaths of similar materials, the north and south windows of the chancel being likewise treated, with the addition that the sills contained tho text, in gold on a red ground, Emmanuel, God with us." The front of the stalls in the chancel were neatly trimmed with holly and ivy, the carving being tilled in with flowers. A beautiful star sur- mounts the altar. The corona was encircled by a red band inscribed on which, in gold, was Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peac", good will towards men," being in a frame of ivy, yew, and ferns. The chancel screes and gates were adorned with a profusion of ferns, holly, and flowers, as also was the reading desk, at the base of which waa a small quantity of holly laid upon a ground of white, the centre of the front being occupied by the text," We have seen His star in (tho East and have come to worship Him," the star being symbolised. The pulpit was surrounded at the summit, in straw, by Behold, I bring you. glad tidings of great joy," on a red ground, with a border of green. The miniature pillars of the niches are environed with wreaths, the Gothic arches bearing borders of yew, the base being prettily surrounded by flowers. In front of the lectern is a banneret, suspended from the mouth of the eagle, with a cross, the base being embedded in moss and flowers, over which is the inscription, "Salvation, Oh Salvation!" The pillars of the church are festooned with ivy, holly, and ferns which hang from the capitols and has a very im- posing effect. Over the pulpit and reading deak are a cross and crown respectively, worked in straw on scarlet velvet banneret with gold border. The sills of the windows are occupied with the text Unto us a child is born," &c in gold letters on orimson ground. The front of the organ gallery is prettily festooned with wreaths, a couple of bannerets occupying positions on either side. The panels of the font are filled in with red cloth, the carving being adorned with evergreens, the base being, like tho lectern, embedded in moss, with a. profusion of chrysanthemums, similar flowers also being placed at the top togetherwith an assortment of holly, ivy, and everlastings. In the niches are white crosses and ecclesiastical monograms. The sacred edifice presents a very pretty appearance te the visitor, and reflects great credit upon the following ladies and gentlemen who assisted in thus adorning it:—Mrs and Miss Howell, the Vicarage; Mrs and the Misses Williams, Plastinon; Mrs Sisson, Mra Walter Jones, Mra and Miss Manley, Mrs Heywood, Miss Bailey, Miss Grover, the Misses Boden, the Misses Iron, Miss Harvey Williams, Miss Humphreys, Miss Wiiliam& (Holt-street House), Mrs Llewellyn Williams, the Misses Yaughan, Miss Jones, the Misses Hughes, Miss Davies, Mias Whiting, Miss Pugh, and Mrs Mason. On Christmas Day there was Welsh Plygain at and a celebration of the Hcly Communiou at 8.30 a.m., with Christmas hymns. Matins, with Holy Communion, was said at eleven o'clock, the preacher being the Yicar; and evensong, with sermon by the Rev M. Hamer, took place at 6.30. Throughout the day the congregations were toler- ably large.

ST. MARK'S CHURCH. It is hardly necessary to say that this chureh was prettily decorated, because no great festival passes without its being marked here by an ap- propriate and temporary beautifying of the interior of the sacred edifice. XJpon entering the porch the command, Ye shall Revarence My Sanctuary," is seen on a ground of blue. The altar bears the usual central cross and vases, the former being covered with choice greenhouse flowers, and the latter filled with beautiful bouquets. A magni- ficent silver star, bearing the monogram, "I.H.S. appears on the altar frontal, and at the base of the east window, surrounded by evergreens, is the text, The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us." The rails leading to the sanctuary are sur mounted and entwined by ivy and holly, the choir stalls being similarly treated, and also the orna- mental iron-work in front of the organ, holly berries adding much to the aspect, of the whole. The panels of the reading-desRs are occupied with the Angel's Song," in scroll work, with border of evergreens, on either side of which is a neatly- constructed cross. At the front of the lectern is a. banneret of white silk, with border of gold, bearing in coral letters, "Now ia come salvation and strength," beneath which is a cross of the same nraterial. The base of the lectern is encircled with holly, evergreens, and flowers on white ground. The pulpit is festooned with holly and flowers, the gasaliers bearing neatly-arranged bouquets, in the panels being the usual Greek and Latin monograms. On either side of the entrance to the chancel the wall bears a large Roman cross constructed of evey" greens and holly, whilst each column has a banneret suspended from its capitol, bearing a Scriptural text. Tho silla of the windows are filled with holly neatly arranged on scarlet ground. The font is mounted by aspire with red ground-work, variegated with green lines, at the summit of which is a. floral cross. The base is surrounded by moss with a profusion of choice flowers. At the west end is a banner bearing the exclamation, "Thoa art the King of Glory, 0 Christ LIt Whilst thare is not so much floral decoration as we have seen in years past, it must be admitted that those who took part in thus adorning the sanctuary strove hard to make their place of worship look as beautiful as it has done hitherto, and in this they were successful, for what was lacking in quantity was fully made up in the quality and nattiness of the work. On Christmas Day the services were as follows:—Holy Communion (with Christmas hymns) at 830 a.m.; morning service, with Holy Comrauniou and sermon by the Rev. G. Jones, at 11 o'clock. Tiie following is a list of the ladies and gentlemen who assisted in the decorating with the part taken by each :—Pulpit, Mrs Reid and Miss Lewis, Salisbury Park reading desk and choir stalls, Misses Beach and Miss B. Broughton altar, Mr Scott (for Mrs Overton); chancel rails, the Misses Glascodine; the lectern, windows, and pillars, the Misses Heywood; font, the Misses Low aud Miss Pilkington; devices on buttresses, Mrs Walker; text under east window, Miss Potter; organ chamber, Mra Acton and Madame Lafon. Evergreens were kindly given by Sir W. H. R. Palmer, Bart.. Mr Peter Walker, Mr Low, Mr Tench, Mr Bennett, and the churchwardens.

ST. JAMES', RHOSDDU. This neat little church. was treated similarly to those in the other parts of the parish. The altar bore in its centre a bouquet of flowers, the rails being surrounded by holly, yew, and ivy inter- spersed with clusters of holly berries, the pillars on either side being wreathed with similar garlands. The pulpit waa neatly festooned with ivy, holly, and flowers prettily arranged, and bore the text, For unto us a child ia born." The reading desk was decorated with flowers and evergreens, and the lectern was trimmed with yew and ivy and white and red flowers, and on a banneret was the text, His name shall be called Wonderful, the mighty God," in whito letters on a ground of light blue. The window sills were filled with varied texts neatly arranged, and over the chancel arch was, Glory to God in the highest," at the end being "Lord of Lords." The font was surrounded by beauti- fully arranged evergreen decorations, in the front being a Roman floral cross. The building looked very neat "nd pretty, and was in no way behind its contemporaries in point of excellence. The names of the ladies and gentlemen who assisted in the decorations of thia church were-Miss M. Whiting, Mrs Thomas, Miss Thomas, Miss Lafone, Miss Morris, Spring-road; Miss Morris, Highfield; Miss Retemeyer, Mrs Roberts, Miss Edmonds, Mr Williams, Mr J. Hughes, Brynedwin; and Mr Clapham.

HOLY TRINITY, ESCLUSHAM. This new church, like the rest, showed proof to visitors of the attempts of some of the members of its congregation to add to its beauty by artificial aids, nor had their efforts been in vain, for the floral and other decorations of the place added greatly to its appearance. Under the east window was & neatly executed medallion bearing the song of the angels, Glory co God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men," while underneath were a couple of scrolls with Alleluia thereon, and suspended frotn above was Emmanuel"