Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

THE GAS QUESTION. I A special meeting of the Local Board was held on Tues. day last, for the purpose of considering a resolution carried at the last meeting of the board with reference to the gas question. There were present-Alderman Jones (in the chair), the ex-Mayor (Alderman Walker), Alder- men Bury and Rowland, Councillors Rymer, Snape, Thomas, Hugh Davies, John Davies, Ankers, T. Jones. Murless and Lloyd. The Town Clerk read the following resolution, show- ing the object of the m,-etizig: That a portion of the present land and buildings forming the slaughter-house property be made use of for the erection of gas works by the Local Board; and that a committee of the whole board be formed for the purpose of forthwith carrying out the working necesssarys for such purpose." The Chairman The question occurs to me whether we can do that as a corporation, or must we go to Parliament for an Act ? The Town Clerk: We must go to Parliament for an Act. Mr Rymer: When the Local Government Act is silent upon a question like-when it does not expressly pro- hibit it, I am strongly of opinion that the board may do without an Act.. The Town Clerk In going for an Act you may make it embrace larger powers than forming a gas company. Mr Eyiner Yes, for purchasing the water works, the ■Miiiket Hall, and anything else we may wish. The Town Clerk, You have full powers for purchasing the Water Works and Market Hall now, bat not the Gas Works. I consulted Mr Tom Taylor, and he states that gas works are expressly excepted. For that reaaon the Local Board must go for a special Act. There are many powers that we are short of in the Local Act. For in- stance, when we wished to- allow a hoarding in High- street for a short time, we were summoned before the county magistrates. The Towa Clerk then read the following letter:— Wrexham Gas and Coke Company, Wrexham, September 7th, 1869. OEN't'LTStEX,—I am instructed by the directors of this Company to submit to your board the following remarks with reference to a paragmph in the IvrgJcJuiMi .Adv,:iiser, a week or two ago, stating that this company intended applying for an Act of Parliament to give them powers and privileges which they do not already possess," and with respect to the late discussion and resolution by your board on the subject. In the first place the directors beg to state that they had nothing whatever to do with the sensational paragraph referred to, which was altogether without foundation, ner, as far as can be ascertained, did it emairate from any officer of tfcs company. The directors avail ltihemsûlvûs of an opportunity of offering the following observations upon the question of competing companies. In several towns l&rger than Wrexham, opposition works have been erected, but aliter struggling for a time, one company has either had to succumb to the other or they have amalgamated, and ultimately the price of gas had to be raised in consequence of the cost which such opposition nt-cessarily entails. In comparing the price of gas in Wl-vxham with that of ether towns—similar populations and advantages for manufacture and sale of products should be taken into consideration, and not cities like Manchester; and if that is dono, the Wrexham Gas Company n:11 not suffer by comparison in the-cheapness of their prices. The company have carried on business for upwards of five-and- twenty years, and have from time to time made im, rovements in their works, and reductions in the price of gas, while the share- holders only received a small dividend on their capi-al. Extensive additions are at the present time being made to the works, and others are contemplated. The new retort house will be ready for use for the approaching winter, and is large enough to meet the demand of the public for the next twenty years at least—it is built so that it-can, at any time, bcenlarged to twice its present size. The directors have purchased several properties to provide for future extensions, and have now sufficient land to construct severd-new gas holders when required. It may here!be remarked that it is not necessary (as one of your members inferred) that gasometers should adjoin the retort houses. The directors have also paid attention to the distribution of gas, having lately put down several new mains for places not belore supplied, and laid pipes of a larger size to meetdncreasing demand. A correction should be made in a statement as r' o the number of shareholders who are neither resident in the town nor consumers. The'following are the correct figures (taken from the last report of the company), viz. :-Out of 72 shareholders and 2,400 shares there are 1,193 in the hands of-35 consumers, 339 in the hands of 12 residents, but not consumers, and the remaining 1377 shares are held by 25 persons who do not reside in the town. Thus it will be seen that nearly three-fourths of the shares are held by local rate- pa3 ers, of whom very few are non-consumers. As to the report that this company were about to apjiy for Par- liamentary powers, the directors assure .your board that the advisability for so doing'has not been in any way mentioned by them for some years. The subject has, however, been unexpectedly brought before them for serious consideration by the resolution arrived at by your board—and it now remains to be seen whether it will not be well for the company, in the face of that resolution, to apply to Parliament Tor such powers as will tend to secure their right interests, and at the same time operate for the advantage of the public generally. It was suggested at your meeting that this company wished to get an Act of Parliament so as to place the Local Board and the consumers at their mercy and under their feet. The directors assure your board that no such narrow-minded object has ever been contemplated. On the contrary-while looking to the in- terests of the shareholders, they are anxious also for those cf their customers, which is proved by the fact. of the improvements and alterations in the course of completion at the present time, end the reductions in the price- of gas which have been made. Possibly the above statements may induce your board --to pause ere they enter upon tà3 contemplated opposition. In conclusion, the directors have rvj object in thuslocmmuni- cating with your board beyond that of removing some'false im- pressions before further steps are taken in a course which, while it may prejudice this company, will, in their opinion, preve an in- creased burden rather than a relief tc the taxation of the town.- I am, gentlemen, yvstr most obedient servant, THOMAS WALKER, Secretary. Alderman Rowland In accordance with a resolution arrived at at our last meeting, instructing the Town Clerk to call a committee of the whole board in order to carry out that resolution, I now beg to move the follow- ing resolution:—■" That instructions be given to our sur- veyor for preparations of plans, and an estimate for the construction of ,gas works on the land adjoining the slaughter-houses, and if, in the opinion of the Town Clerk, it be retired that an Act of Parliament be ob- tained for the erection of such works by the corporation, that be be directed to take the necessary steps for pro- curing the samel" It is a matter that does not require any words from me in supporting it. Indeed, as the re- solution was arrived at so unanimously, it Iwould be a work of supererogation. (Cheers.) Mr T. Jones; I beg to second the resolution. I may say with regard to what is stated in the letter, as to the information contained in the paragraph in the Wrexham, Advertiser being without foundation that I earn give that a direct denial. I can produce a person to prove that the information came from an official of the Gas Com- pany. I hope that the board will take the matter into its consideration. Mr Rymer: A.portion of :that letter contains a threat. They say that u it remains to be seen whether it will not be well to apply to Parliament for an Act in the face of our resolution." I say in reply to that-if the Gas Company is in a position to go to Parliament, the cor- I poration is in a like position, or in a better position, in- asmuch as we can get powers, not merely for one pur- pose, but for the purchase of the Market I-lill and Water Works, or any other works, and all this ccn be done under one expense. This being so I say we need not .fear any threat. As I said before, if the Gas Company .can afford to go to Parliament, surely this board can do the same. Alderman Bury: I don't see any threat in the letter. The Chairman: In what part of the letter is the threat ? Mr Rymer again read the. extract from theiletter. Alderman Bury took some -exception to the^resolution, which led Alderman Rowland to alter it to the form it is givsn above. Alderman Bury then said-I must appeal toou whether that resolution can be put. If that is passed and acted upon you will be paying money out of the rates to make works in opposition to the gas works we sew possess. Yoa will,bellttacking vested interests. (Mr Rymer: No, no-") 'You will be attaching pro- perty belonging to parties who have invested their money, and ^on will tax them as ratepayers to do this. Some further discussion having taken place on the the resolution, Mr Rymer said.: We ought to ;proceed with vasy great regularity in this matter. We shell incur expense, and probably oppcsition. (Hear, hear.) I think we ought to proceed with due regularity then. I would suggest that the Town Clerk should say what should he the order of this board, so that we should not have occasion to meet points of dispute hereafter. The Tov.-a Clerk suggested a transposition of the sen- tences in the resolution. Mr Murless: I think we should be placing ourselves in a much tetter position if we opened a negotiation with the present-company for the purchase of their works. The Town Clerk You cannot do that without an Act of Parliament. Mr AnLer-s: The capital of the present company is 212,000. T.he same kind of works that they have cootid be carried out ior less than £ 6,006. They have wasted a deal of money-they have laid down three main pipes where one would have done. Alderman Bury: The capital of the present company is £ 9,000. I ought to know-I was secretary for a long time. 0 Mr Snape: I rise to propose an amesdment to Alder- man Rowland's motion. I should be very sorry to take even the preliminary steps that are proposed in the •resolution, and incur the expenses that we should be obliged to incur. As I said here before, if the corpora- tion attempts to establish a gasworks in opposition to the present company it will be ruinous, and I will try to show you why. It has been said that we can do it on a capital of £ 3,000. This we shall have to borrow., the interest upon which will be £ 600 a year. The works must be placed somewhere. The slaughter-houses have been proposed as the site. If that be the case, a certain amount ought to be allowed for rent. The making of the works, laying of the mains, and ether incidental expenses, many of which we cannot foresee, will swamp tLe capital that has been named. It has been saul that the present company ihave spent a deal .of money, and that their rates are very Ugh. I believe we .do pay more than we ought for gas, still we may take what we pay as an approxima- tion of what gas can be made .at. rhen there is the cost of the material of which the gas is made, the labour, aud other things. We shall be :placed under very dis- advantageous eircumstances indeed for producing gas at a lower rate than the present company, and we shall have to produce it at £ very low rate if we intend to oust them. Considering the great outlay we shall require, and the disadvantages we shall labour under m every respect, I for one should not like to undertake the responsibility of spending the ratepayers' money for sueh a purpose. I believe we have no chance of competing with the present company. I have no interest in the gas company, out should like to have gas at the lowest possible rate, but not at a ruinous outlay to the ratepayers. I therefore beg to move that a deputation from this board wait upon the directors of the gas company, for the purpose of consult- ing whether they would not reduce the present priec of gas. Alderman Bury seconded the motion, and suggested that they should inquire the price ef gas from half-a- dozen towns, similar in size and population to Wrexham. Mr Rymer said he should meet the amendment with a negative. At their last board meeting a resolution was carried by a majority of nine to two in favour of erecting gasworks. They had met that day to carry out that; therefore he could not see how Mr Snape's amendment in favour of a deputation could be put to the committee at all. If there was one thing more than another that satisfied him that they could make their works cheaper, and supply gas cheaper than the present company, it was the statement made by Alderman Bury. that the present company had only invested £ 9,000. Mr Thomas Jones I at their last meeting put the capital of the present company at £ 12,000, and calculated that new works could be made for three-fourths that amount. If the capital of the present company was only £ 9,000, he would say that they would be able to establish new works for less than £ 5,000. He believed with Mr Alderman Walker, that with the present system of making gas and the present works they never could have gas cheaper, and it would be useless to attempt to meke any such arrangements with them as Mr Snape proposed. Alderman Rowland said it would be nothing but a waste of time. Mr Ankers said that meeting was called for the purpose of carrying out gasworks and nothing else, and they could entertain no other subject. The Chairman said it appeared to him by carrying out what had been proposed by Alderman Rowland they would be making a directly hostile attack on the interests of the present company. It certainly did seem to him a somewhat unneighbourly sort of thi-i- to attack the I property of their constituents-in fact, to destroy their property, and destroy it with the ratepayers' money, which is in part their money. The most obvious difficulty that would arise was this suppose they had got half through the b isiness, and had spent six, seven, or say ten thousand pounds, the present company then reduce their rates to the lowest possible point, where Noula the corporation gasworks be ? The corpora- tion would have to do the same thing, and by so doing they would reduce their property to its lowest point of value. He was afraid that they were growing into a state I of great social discomfort. There were a very large portion of well-to-do people connected with the existing gas company. These people felt that the corporation were going to make an attack upon them—an attack amounting to a confiscation of their property. He thought it would be better to hold out some olive branch to the gas com- pany than pursue the course they appeared to be entering upon. We shall also have two local gas companies in competition against each other-cutting each other's throats; then will there be an amalgamation, and the amalgamated company will pet its foot on the neck of the consumers. The ex-Mayor said he wished to say a few words, as some of the remarks that had been made applied to him. He felt very sorry to take a course that might appear hostile to the present gas company, because there were gentlemen connected with it whom he had known for a long time, and amongst them some personal friends, for whom he entertained the highest respect. But he con- sidered it a duty that he owed to the ratepayers to vote for Alderman Rowland's motion. He was quite convinced that the present gasworks were not in the proper position and even if the board should agree to buy the interests of the gas company, he should advise that the present works be abandoned. (Hear, hear.) They were much too small for one thing, and in consequence of their mode of I manufacture a great quantity of air got into the pipes. They had inexperienced men, who, in pumping the gas from the retorts into the gasometer, pumpf d a great deal of air with it. Besides that they ought to have two gasometers-one to be at work whilst they were filling the other. They would then have purer gas for much less money. Alderman Bury-said they might as well advocate that the corporation should start a new brewery as start a new gas company. Mr H. Davies -epoke in favour of Alderman Rowland's motion, aDd pointed out that in going to other towns for information they might go to towns like Wrexham, where they had made the same blunder over the construction of their works-built them hicledy-picl-'edy—built a bit here and thatched a bit there. He agreed that the slaughter- houses was the best site that could be obtained for a gas- works. After some further discussion, Alderman Rowland's motion was carried by a majority of nine to three.

I I WREXHAM BOARD OF GUARDIANS. I TECRSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1869. Present: Mr Lester, Bersham, in the chair; Mr Poyser, Gwersyllt, vice-chairman; Mr Parry, Bieston; Mr Roberts, Burton; Mr H. Davies, Abenbury Fechan Mr Broad, Threapwood; Mr A. W. Edwards, Wrexbam Regis Mr.E. Jones, Ruabon Mr Low, Broughton Mr Kenrick, Ruabon Mr Peel, Royton Mr Chaloner, Holt.; Mr Wright, Ruabon Mr VaughaD, Eyton 4 Mr Harrison, Dutton-y-bran; Mr Beale, Marchwiel; Mr B. Davies, Ruabon Mr Humphreys, Acton Mr Weaver, Erbistock and J. H. Foulkes, Esq., ex-officio. I MONTHLY STATEMENTS. The Chairman called attention to a number of monthly I statements that lay on the table, and observed how seldom I they were looked at by guardians although they contained very valuable information. I THE VISITING COMMITTEE. The Clerk read a report made by Mr Rasbotham that he had visited the house, but as he was not met by any other member he did not go through the house. He was informed they were going on well. A similar report was made by the Rev. R. O. Burton, who had also visited the houfyeeloiae. The chairman asked for the list of the visiting committee to be read and remarked that it was a pity there should.be any misunderstanding amongst them as to visiting the, house, because on that committee the board relied as to whether anything was going on wrong. If they did not work amicably the board might think proper to appoint another committee. Mr Poyser said the 'Poor Law Board might appoint a paid committee if the present committee neglected their duties. I STRONG DRINK. I Mr Vacghan-moved for a return of the amounts paid I for wine, spirits, and beer during the past twelve months, which the clerk promised to furnish on Thursday nest. I THE TKEASCBEK AND THE BATES. Mr Peel in a long speech commented upon the last letter of the Poor Law Board, which we published on the 21st ult., with regard to the removal of the Treasurer from his office. He said it was not that they could not remove him. but simply that they would not. He concluded by asking for certain returns as to the way in which the rates were expended, showing what a large portion was spent for other purposes besides the relief of the poor over which they appeared to have no control. The clerk read an elaborate tabulated statement which supplies the information Mr Peel asked for, which was ordered to be printed, Mr S. T. Baugh again pleading for the printing to be done by-contract. I PAUPER CHILDREN. Mr Low said there were a number of pauper children attending the British schools at Coedpoeth, and he had been requested to ask whether the school was not entitled to payment from them. The chairman said it was necessary that the school should be certificated before the board could pay for them, but what certificate was meant did not seem to be very clear. I NOTICE OF MOTION. Mr Poyser gave notice that he should move on Thursday next that a list of those paupers who had relief in aid of wages, or properly, or an income from any other source be made out by the relieving officer.

I CRICKET. I HIGHTOWN (WREXHAM) v. SECOND ELEVEN (WYNNSTAY). I This match was pluyed at Wynnstay on Saturday lust, I and resulted in an easy victory for the Hightown te-Arcs. ) The batting of J. Strachan and the bowling of A. C. Liny I- for the Hightown were excellent. Score HIGHTOWN. A. Bra(lley, I.b.w., b Davies 0 c Edwards, b Wigrm « W. Bradley, run ont. 7 not out 11 J. Strachan, b Davies 18 c Wilson, b Wigan (I W. V. Wright, b Davies 3 c Wiijan, b W. Kdwai\ls J J. II. Davius, run out 6 c Substitute, b Wigan ii C. D. Gilder, c anil b Davies 2 c Llvvd, 1) Wigau A. C. Low, c itobcrts, b Davics it b Wig-an N J. Tomkies, c Doxey, b Wilson 6run out i J. Griffiths, run out 2 st. Edwards, b Wigau 4 C. Roberts, b Wilson 0 run ot,.t J. Fyrc, e Wilson, b Davies 11 l.b.w., b K.lwavas 32 EX:I'¡'S H Extras 32 Extras 1 + 96 WYNXSTAY. J. I") ivies, bLow. 1 J. Daniel, not O'i 1 G. Wilson, c D.ivies, b Low. 0 D^xcy, e J. Strachan, b J. Kobert-, b I.uW. Luw. K. Taiker, b Low 3 C. Lloy bLow. 7 F. Wijran, b Uii.lcr 3 j It. Jones c iycf, i> t»:ldcr t) W. Edwards, e ami b Low 0 Extras > J. Jtoberts, c J. Slraelull, b Low. 14 1

I TEGID (BALA) v. LLANGOLLEN. This match came off at Eaill on Saturday, tue i n under very favourable circumstances. Tegid winning Ly one innings and 10H runs. The lielding ou both .,13 was very good, especially the bowling of Messrs Ellis arid Davies for the Llaiigolleuites, and Mr James Thomas (or the Tegid, the latter's bowling beiu^ death to eight wickets in the first and fix in the second illnius. T ha batting of Messrs Edwards and Smith, of Llaii-oilen, yr-is universallv admired, and the w..y in which Wilhaca Morris handled his bat couid zi t be exc-Iled, making i>1 off his own bat. M'-ssrs Roberts, ndwauls, at.,1 (captain), kept their wickets well, and the Tegid c'.os- i their innings?, having ma-ic 2-*15 raiis, the largest scurft made by auy club iu North Wales, this or two preceding seasons. Score: I TEGID.. J. B. Lloyd, c uav.i s, b w. JUrris, j1),i'>s Ellis '?Gtl.Wi-.tM'.b llavi"s U> S. If. Edwar 1~, b Eiii.^ ..?. 10 T. Edw.u-ds L' Ri?, b ?:lli?    J. Thomas, c aud b Dav i ? !<- X. JoiifS not out 0 H. RubM'b, )) Fil?;? ?" j E-xras -1; W. Lewis, b Davies 3  J. E. Jones, e Davies, b Ellis (i :!J. J. Ellis, c and b Ellis 18 LLANGOLLEN*. P. Richard, b Llluvd. 0 c iiiil b Lewis X. Richards, b Thomas Ubi?''? i C. Edwards, c and b Thomas .20 c bb-. hLbytl. R? Higg, not oat 11 bil..m.? () J. Ellis, c Huberts, b Th loVis 0 !hr.?u out by TholUas. 11? G. Davies, c Edwards, b Thomas I b 'i'u.'nms. 't W. Howells, b Thomas Oct. awards, b J. Ldwar 1 & W. i[owells, 0 ;r -) J. 17,l w;li 1, 9 J. Smith, b Thomas 21 t> Th">a>as i R. Richards, c T. Edwards b J. H. Edwards l c Lloyd, b Thoniis S. Richards, b Thomas 6 b Tnomas « J. Clarke, b Thomas 0 not ou: Extras 4 Estras r fit r

CHESTER AUTUMN SPORTS. I Stewards The Right Wor'hipful 'LIle ,f Chester, Tr.omas >j. Fiost, Esq.; Earl Grosvenor. M.P. Visc.mnt C'eccr:.?-re, The l,cptl L,r(I RI.'h:n-? C??- vi.n M-P-; Sir W?tkin W. Wynn, Bart.. M.P.; H. Cecil b~q., M.P.; Lit:u?.;?ut.Culonei ii.?h?it =-  Clerk of the Course: Ed\\a.rd Dixon, Esq. Starter= W. 3laysmor Williams, Esq. Judge: James T. Po..   ?f? Ihc celebration of these annual athletic sports came off on Wednesday I?t in excellent stvle, aed to the sati:;f tion of all concerned. jr ?weej ?a? he?ol. Mo- factory, although a conp!e of  decended during the factory, although a coup ? of sh?ow?r? s?? as usual, afternoon. There was ?". ? space between the mting the stand., the ? ?,? lining the inner side of latter and the course, ?"? "The proTamrne waS ad- the course for a long a Vl i t the hS Tst race was ran hered to with .u?ch ???? ?thit?bperloagsrt amme ??s sJ- only some twenty minutes tfter the time fixed for it, which was at 5 45 p.m. The utter absence of professional runners did not seem to deh'a.ct ffom the interest evince! by sporting men, and one or two" swel f bookmakers" were  Flat Race of 120 yards for Boys ^l5~ .SrE a cup; second, 5.; third, 2s. 6d. Ti]LE?, 142 1 seconde?. 1, M' G ou- h Chester; 3, IV. l?  2, M. l\I'Gough, Chester; ?- ? 1.. Jones, Chester. Flat Race of 120 yards for Boys under 1 ^sime as former race. About 20 started. Time,  seconds. 1, J. oole, Chester; 2, S. BeU, Neston; 3, R. Collc.Y7 Trafford. h Pony Race of half a mile. for ponies not CXCeenm?-l-??;. h?nds; gentlemen riders. Winner, a suver cup i stakes; second, lulf stakes. Besides those placed, ?e- !man Bonnet, Tclcp?ph, and Cymro rlu,: Betting; to 1 IIon 'UCY. Won e?aily by four lengtlis. r -L.JOf?? Lucy; 2, Mr J. Wamwright's Little Wonder. Flat Race of 120 yard?9 for compettor" resident within ?l a radius of ten miles from Chc?tGr. Winner, a silver me?. j Six lan. Almost a dead h°at between first and s^couu^. ) Ttme, 13 seconds. 1, W. Williams, Chester; 2, D..Scouc? j Chester; 3, P. Pixton, Cheacer. Welter Donkey Race of a quarter of a mile. Gentlemen riders. Winner, a tankard and Xl second. 1,5s.; third, 10s. About eight ran. The hitherto redoubtable Leam- ington was beaten by his so Jim. 1, Mr E. Snelson s d' L. B Jim; 2, Mr E .wards's Leamington; 3, Mr S. Bowyer 3 Huxley. Amateur Bicycle Race. Once round the course (about a mile). Winner a silver cup. Messrs Richardson, Rock Ferry T. Over, jun., Saltnev D. Barber, Chester inil T. Johnson, Nantwich, started. Over lost about 50 yards in starting by awkwardness in mounting. He afterwards got nearly up to Richardson, but dropped behind about half-way round and made no further effort to win. John- son and Barber were nowh-re throughout the racu, and came in 3rd and 4th. Richardson won by 2CO ynrJj- Time 6J: minutes. Cavalry Cup Race, for horses ridden by members of Earl of Chester's jeomanry cavalry during the annun\ training at Chester this year. Members ot the regiment to ride. 14st. each. Two and a quarter miles. Witinera, silver cup and half stakes. In the first round of the course Queen of Spades led by a distance but during the seeoml she was overhauled by Necromancer. who wou by several lengths. Mr T. Briscoe's Press and Mr \V. Hil'yard'3 Catherine also ran. 1, Mr T. Griffiths's Necromancer; 2, Mr S. Shaw's Queen of Spades. Flat Race of 120 yards. Winner a cup and one sove'-eign second, 10". third, 5s. About 16 ran. Ti'ue seconds. Won by half a yard; twice that distance between second and third. 1, J. Jones, Birkenhead; 2, C. CorJiiiy, Chester 3, D. M'Nicol, Liverpool. Pony Rice. Once round the course. For poniai not ex. ceeding 14 hands. Gentlemen riders. Winner, a silsti- cup and half the stakes; second, half stakes. Besides placers Mr A. Whitworth's Pillbox also ran. 1, Mr W. Miller's Fairy Queen; 2, Mr F. Barker's Gentle Ihood 3, Mr Anthony's Dot. Flat Race of a quarter of a mile. Winner, a tankard and Jcl; second, 10s.; third, 5s. About eight started. Time, 56 seconds. 1, D. Sconce, Cheater; 2, C. Cordery, Chester; 3, C. Bryan, Liverpool. Flat Race of 120 yards, for gentlemen amateurs. N- a, silver cup or plate. Time, 13i second- 1, M<- D. M'.Nicoll, Liverpool; 2, Mr T. A. Hewitt, Atlas C.C.. Liver- pool. Mr Hartely, of London, and Mr Kenrick, of \Vi<!1>£"3, also ran. Donkey Race of a quarter of a mile. Winner, £: 11). second, JJ1; third, 10s. About twelve started. Leaming- ton cleared the jumps in good steady style, and retrieved his defeat. 1, Mr Edwards's Leamington: 2, Mr B. Snelson's Jim 3, Mr S. Bowyer's Huxley. Fiat Race of half a mile. Winner, a tankard and £ 1 second, 10s. third, 5s. About ten started. Time, 2 minutes In seconds. 1, C. K. Cave, Atlas O.C., riverpooj j 2, T. A. Hewitt, Atlas C.C., Liverpool; 3, S. tribaoa, Chester. Pony Race, once round the course, for ponies not ex- ceeding 14 hands 3 inches, not thoroughbred. Gelltldw: riders. Lowest weight lOst. Winner a silver cup. Ten started. Irish Mary kept the lead throughout. By the castle turn Lapidary bft the ruck, and drew up tow.u-vls Irish yarv, but too late. Won by several letitiis. 1, Mr H. Calvert's Irish Mary 2, Mr Giilieoe's Lapidary 3, Mr W. Hughes's Are You Ready. Soldiers' Race, of 250 yards, for the 4th (King's 0-*n) regiment, stationed at Chester Castle, to be run in uniform. Winner, « £ 2; second, .21 third, 10s. There were ek-ven entries, but only five ran, in very undress" uniform, con- si,ting of tiousers and shirts. No. 2 was only just Ik-Aten by Boothe. Time, 33 seconds. 1, Private Boot he j 2, Drum-major Dimmer; 3, Sergeant Millis. Hurdle Race, of 250 yards, over six flights of 3ft. hurdles. Winner, a silver medal; second, 10s. third, s. Eight ran. Time, 30:} seconds. 1, M, J. M'Gough, Chesxei-^ 2, VV. Williams, Chester; 3, B. Hewitt, Broxtor.. Welter Race for Half-bred Horses. One mile and a half. Gentlemen riders. Lowest weight 13st. Winner a Sliver cup or piece of plate. Six started. 1, .i i r Moore's Acrobat; 2, Mr W. Hancock's Prince Alfred; 3, Mr J. D. Beard's Little Wonder. Flat Race, once round the course, about a mile. Winner, a tankard and a sovereign; second, 10s.; third, 5s. Abo lit a dozen ran. Gibson won by 20 yards. Time, 5 minr.tes 4;t seconds. 1, S. Gibson, Chester; 2, C. Kenyon. Wirst Derby; 3, C. Bryan, Liverpool.

HIGHTOWN iWREXHAM) v. GRAMMAR SCHOuL (WllEXaAM). 'L .1, This match was played on Wednestt:1,f litZiL, • D.C.C. Ground. The Hightown til,st to,;k the bz', a-z.d succeeded in scoring 1-37 runs before the list wicket fell. The extras formed an unport?t l?m. rhe ?'? àr School for the loss of ume wicker scored 42, .?Len time was called. llIGlrLU\C\. rm???tAK "iciiuu?. W niGi[T(?-x. 18 T. ?'- llr ?. b J,?iie » W. ROg'crs, b {..¡¡oler 15, T. 1.1. II"]" h J"II< ,j J.H.LV?ci?r.cHc.?;.b ? ?'?j?,ti., b Ku?rs n- Low. g cr-?;?.rs & -r T i »«; 0. B. Robertsi'ii'stniclum 3S t> J. H. 1) Luw b J.ne4 J. Tomki?, thrown out l> C' b Roberts. It. 1'.t,t LUt J. H.D.?i?-. H„t out .7 f 'r '1l.i..¡!.J. t: l('t 1<0. 2 0. (?, Jones, j, .iilder 2 i'. Ii ite, e Mi-a- ban, <J-1 j i;, i, J; s T. 1;  ?uJ.<?,'?. !„)'{' ?.J.,n?.ct.?bS:?. L1. J:t.I.1U: ùut ?. U: ilti!h. "UI1 ..1l 2: ,L¡¡;;Il, u J,,¡¡ei {t W..L;r:tl;ll: ,f u.r:.ô J ?? 32 1 Oi

 erefore, h,mbl, pray th?t "ur worships wUl not grant any new licen+s?ef s for the di 'sti ct in wb eh t?ey reside, and that you will exercise the power conferred upon you by the Wine and Beerhouse A "y'?smg certificates to houses tie holdrs of wl"c" have ,l'a ty d the tenor of the: "oenses, &ad in every way posstMe decrease the number. The whole of the old licenses were renewed, no one appearing to make a complaint against any partieclar house. The corrt then proceeded to BEERHOUSES. A number of these were renewed, 77 we believe, w?th? I' out any objection being made to them. i THE GROSVENOR INN.—THE THREE MILE HOUSE.—AND THE DOLPHIN. The Rev. J. H. Symond said he had a petition to pre- sent against the renewal of the license of three beerhouses near Adwy Chapel. Mr Acton If the petition includes the Dolphin I wish to object. I object on an important question4 principle. The Clerk: People who come to object to the renewal of licenses most come prepared to substantiate their allegations on oath, and cn the other hand the applicants must give evidence on oath. When one of the three applicants opposed in the petition (Joseph Evans, Grosvenor Arms), came forward to make his application, and Mr Symond again attempted to present his petition, Mr Acton said, I object on the ordinary principles of evidence against a petition being taken as evidence in any case. You are now engaged in a judicial investigation of great conquence, not oldy to the person affected, but to the public generally, and it is l almost an insult to offer these petitions to you. No evidence ought to be tendered but evidence on oath, and no evidence ought to be received but evidence on oath and those who bring forward that evidence ought to be ready to submit to a personal cross-examination. Mr Symond I am prepared to support the petition by witnesses who are present—I only want to read the petition. Mr Acton I object to the petition being reea or put in as evidence. The Clerk You see no man would be safe, Ur Symond, if hearsay evidence, or a written statement of that kind could be taken as evidence against him. What are the grounds you go upon ? Mr Symond That the house is not wanted. The Clerk: Those are general grounds, and could only be taken if it were the first time of applying for the license. This is an application for a renewal. There are only four objections that you can take against a renewal. (Here the clerk read the four objections from the act, none of which Mr Symond said he could sub- stantiate, and therefore withdrew his opposition, and the license was confirmed.) THE .T.£REE MILE HOUSE. I Thomas Wilcoxon applied for a renewal of the license of this house, upon which Mr Symond again showing signs of preparation for action, Mr Acton said: Do you appear to give evidence in this case ? Mr Symond replied, I am here present representing a few friends in 'the Adwy. Mr Acton I say it with all courtesy, Mr Symond, you cannot appear here as an advocate.; and the bench'have already ruled that they can take nothing in the shape of a petition as evidence. I shall ask them to apply the Pales of petty sessiops, and if you wish to say anything you must give it as evidence on oath. Can you give any evidence ? Mr Symond I can give evidence as to the position of the house. The Chairman If it were a new application that would stand. But unless you can give evidence on any-one of the four grounds read to you by Mr Lewis you must be EJlent. After some further remarks this license was confirmed. THE DOLPHI. Mr Lester said he was prepared to give evidence in this case, and after, at the request of Mr Acton, being put upon oath said I have seen young men drinking, drunk, quarrelling, aud lighting at this house. I cannot: t'll the dates, but I can fix one scene within the last month. I speak within compass when I say it was within the last mouth. I was passing, and saw four people cocae out drunk, and commence fighting in the road. I was on horseback goiug to the works. One had been down befort, I reached the spot; another was knocke d down just as I reached the s pot. I called out for them to.-cease, and they did for a moment. They then surrounded the horse, and expressed some warm wishes that.I.might be sent on a visiz to his satanic majesty. I have also seen the landlord himself very drunk Eeveral times within the last few months. Cross-examined by Mr Acton.: I did not report the matter to the police. I did not inform the landlord of it. Thomas Lewis next offered to give evidence. Pro- ducing a pocket book he said: I have a few dates here. On August the-Sth, between ten end eleven o'clock there was a row in this house, and some singing. Then two or three commenced to dance. The dancing went or- very well for a while then they got rather hot and began to fight. They were then pushed out of the house--tt can name the parties if necessary. The police came there. On the Tuesday night previous to this, the 24th, our members were in chapel at what is called a society meeting, and were very much disturbed. This would be from half-past seven to half-past eight. They had music and dancing at this time. About seven or eight months ago there was a row when we were in chapel; and -after we came out a few of us went into an adjoining-shop. "Mrs Evans, the landlady of the house, was there. I told her it was a great pity they should allow all that dis- turbance when we were in chapel. She said, We did Bbut the door." I asked her why she did not stop them ? She said, We could not stop them. Then she added, It serves you right-you are all against us." -On Sunday, the 15th of August, there was fighting in the house between ten and eleven. Cross-examined: I have not complained to the police. Mr Acton: Why did you not send for the police ? Doc't you know it's the duty of the police to keep good 'order in these houses Witness If it is their duty they don't do it. Mr Acton You thought it would he more convenient to keep the matter bottlsd up. Do yoa think music and dancing is a crime ? Witness Xo, I think dancing is an amusement. There are seme shutters that have been kept,up to prevent us tearing the noise. The music was something that a man was playing with his mouth. I believe it was the police- .officer .Fowell who turned them out of the house. I am a member of the chapel, alld Jive in the house. Mr Acton at this stage a iked for an adjournment. The Chairman: Do you purpose attempting to deny the facts/- Mr Acton: I purpose trifin to explain them. It is very unfair and very uu-Euglish for any one to bring forward charges like these without any complaint having been made to the police or any investigation having taken place before your worships. These are matters on which you can proceed to summary conviction. J may state that I know the wife of the landlord to be a ruoct respect- able person. Had this not been so I would inot have taken the case. I am not instructed as to the charges that have -been-made. I ask for an adjournmentior that purpose. The Chairman You have heard the evidence. lUr Acton; But I am not prepared to answer ct. It may be a great incongruity to have this house -situated where it is, but there has been no speetfic charge made against it. There are some charges, hit there ace no dates. Mr Humble: Datea have been given. Have you any .reason to suppose that tile evidence given can be disproved ? Mr Acton I say these charges are brought forward without notice, and hew is an advocate to come here and sustain his case ? The Witness (Lewis).: I believe they hexe been with Mr Acton since PriJay, so he has had time. | The Clerk: I think there is a good deal of saisunder- staitling in this case. The witness Thomas Lewis has made a specific charge in -zach a way that, if I were a magistrate sitting there, I should refuse to grant the licenee. On the other hand St is maintained thai there has been no opportunity of getting up the evidenee-that they haye been taken by surprise. Now, we know that if a man is charged with theft or anyoffence of that nature he must hear all the evidence, and is entitled to a copy of the depositions to get up his defence. Mr Acton's application is Bomethicg analagous. Mr Acton: No harm can possibly come out of a short adjournment. As to the music and dancing, that is no crime no fault in the eye of the law. The Chairman If we adjourn it, eae you bring evidence to disprove the drunkenness and the iigihting ? Mr Acton: I have had no instructions yet. I leally cannot tell what I shall be able to do. I will call Mrs Evang now if yon like. Mrs Evans was then called. She said there was no music only their boy playing a concertina. She remembered the Sunday night spoken of. One man came drunk from the Three Mile House and another from the Grosvenor Arms. They drank one glass and went off. They had been having words at the Grosvenor Arms before they quarrelled at their house. Mr Acton again asked for an adjournment. The Chairman The bench think there is no adjourn- ment necessary. Mr Acton begged to be heard farther, and addressed the bench at considerable length. He commenced by observing that he must say, with great deference to the bench, that if such a course of procedure were to be adopted, it would be fraught with very great evil. If persons could come there and make a charge in that way against a landlord without ever complaining to the police, without ever having the matter investigated before the bench, without ever giving any notice of the charge to the person accused, or giving him any information whatever, he must say such a course of procedure would really be fraught with very great evil. He was placed in such a position that he felt unable to do his duty—he felt quite powerless in the matter. He felt that he had not done in-'ice to his client for want of information which, without an adjournment, he could have no opportunity of obtaining, lIa c;iect hvl a right before coming mto court, to know, the specific charge that was to be made against him. Without that he could have no chance of meeting the charge. He utterly and entirely disapproved of such a mode of procedure, and must press for an adjournment. The Chairman If all apply for an adjournment who are similarly situated, we shall have to hear every case twice over. Captain Griffith; We have heard the woman of the house, aDd I suppose she knows more about the matter than any one else. She ought to be prepared. Mr J, H. Foulkes: And she admits all. Mr Acton: I think she admits nothing. The only Specific charge is that of fighting. Mr Foulkes She admits the fighting. Mr Acton Surely you will not lay it down as a rule thati every fight that occurs in a man's house is a sufficient -ma-son for depriving him of his license. A consultation here took place between the Clerk and e magistrates, which resulted in another consultation in the private room. On returning to court, the Chairman said We have agreed to adjourn the case for a fortnight; but it must be understood that this is not to be drawn into a precedent for others. EX SBANDS TO APPEAR IN PERSON. I The Chairman, in granting a license to a house in which case the wife and not the hosband appeared, said that in future sach licenses would be refused unless a very good excuse indeed were given for the absence of the husband. LICENSES REFUSED FOR WLIT OF THE PROPER NOTICES. The following houses were refused in consequence of the proper notices not having been given, as proved by D.C.C, Erlldshaw :-JohR Cheetham, Ridley Wood.; John Michael, Royal Oak, Broughton; Robert Grarbet, Rock Inn, Broughton; Peter Capper, New Inn, Moss; John Smith, Mount Pleasant, Cerney; Thomas Thomas, Hare and Hounds, Byton (this applicant appeared to have forgotten to give notice for his beer license in his anciety to obtain a spirit license, for which be had been* biisily engaged in giving notice) Henry Pearce, Cross Lanes. Mr Lester cbjected to the notice of Mary Jones, Jolly Collier, Nant, because it was only signed with her mark, unattested. The Clerk said the notice was good if she said it was her mark, which she did. These licenses will be applied for next licensing day, the .first Monday in November, but persons must cease selling on the 10th of October. BEERHOUSE KEEPERS SIUMMONED. I There were two beerhouse keepers who had or would have summonses taken out against them, whose licenses were ordered to stand over till theircases were heard- David Jones, Mount Pleasant, Brymbo, and Seth Roberts, Gladstone Arms, Coedpoeth. In this last case, there was an application for a spirit license, which was also ordered to stand over. APPLICANTS NOT OCCUPIERS OB HUSBANDS ABSENT. I D.C.C. JEtradsbaw objected to the application of Isaac Williams, Royal Oak, Coedpoeth, on the ground that he was not the occupier of the house. The cross-examination of the applicant showed this to be the fact. Application refused.—An objection was taken to the application of Thomas Roberts, Talwrn, because he was absent from home. His wife said he had been at Dalton in Yorkshire working for the last five months, but came home often. The Clerk said the applicant was the occupier in the eye of the law, and the license was granted.—Joseph Hoosoc, Rock Tavern, Minera: In this case D.C.C. Bradshaw said the applicant had gone to America, and there was a conviction against the house in 18G6. Applicant's wife said her husband had been in America two months-he had gone to see his friends. (Laughter,) The Clerk said it was rather a short trip to see friends. (Renewed laugh ter.) Granting of license adjourned for a fortnight.— David Roberts, Miners' Arms, Brymbo, was said to be in America. His wife said he didn't like there and was coming back. License refused. BEERHOUSES KEEPERS COMPLAINED OF OR CONVICTBD. I Most of the information in these cases was furnished by .B.C.C. Bradshaw. Evan Watkin, White Lion, Coed- poeth, wa3 the first case. P.C. Powell said the house had been frequently complained of as a house where drinking was carried on during Divine service, but he never could catch them, although he had tried often. License granted and the beerhouse keeper admonished.—Hugh Edwards, British Arms, Talwrn: D.C.C. Bradshaw said this was a simiier case to that of the 'White Lion.; there were many complaints, but they were of a general character, and could not be proved. License granted. —Richd. Williams, Four Crosses D.C.C. Bradshaw said the keeper of this house had been three times .convicted, the last time being September 16tb, 1867. Mr Lester said the kouse was very badly conducted. He never passed without seeing drunken people there. The Chairman said he hoped from the faet that it was two years since there had been a con- viction that the house was better conducted. The license was, therefore, granted, with a reprimand. — Edward; Edwards, White Lion, City Land, had been convicted in: 1-866 for having a disorderly house. License granted' with a caution.—George Moreton, of the Globe, Brough- ton, was reported by P.C. Henshaw to have boys in the, house playing dominoes, but he never could catch them playing for money. License granted, accompanied by an admonition that the house would be strietly watched. R chard Davies, Masons' Areas, Cerney, was complained i of, and the license granted with a caation.—A conviction ] was proved against Sarah Clark, Old English Gentleman, I Cross-street, but the license was granted with a caution.— Mary Lee, Mount Pleasant, Llay: This house was much complained of by Mr J. H. Foclkes. The Chairman said he wished they had the power .to refuse the license, but he did not see that they had, as Mr Fonlkes's evidence was only hearsay. A BIT OP A,DODGE.- Ehas. i: ones had given notice for a license for two houses-one he occupies at present, which he rents, and one of his own which he had just built. He preferred the license being granted to his house, but the bench did not see with him altogether, as this would leave the other house without a license, and that 'through no fault of the owner. They, therefore, granted the license to the old house. LICENSES NOT APBJJIED FOR. I No one applied for the renewal of the license of the I Gate Inn, Rhosnessney, nor the Golden Grove, Bcrton. I AHPLICATION FOR SPIRIT ;ICE:s'SES. I Mr Acton appeared on behalf of John Jones to apply for a spirit license for the Prince of Wales, Brymbo. He said there were circumstances in this .ease worthy d!. their most serious consideration. He did not think it was iliecessary to travel over the general argnments urged against granting spirit licences, but would simply say that iu Brymbo there-was a very large population, and a_great camber of houses had been built since a.-spirit licence had been granted in that locality. But the facts he hiefly read on in making that application were, in the iiirst place, that a railway was in course of construction and nearLy .finished between Wrexham and Mold, giving a new route between these'two places, and no doubt there would be a large Brymbo traffic. The new station would be neitr-tle house of the applicant, who now had a beer- house, which he had .held for a great member of years. He had gone to considerable expense in makisg the house suitable ifwi* travellers, end during the construction of the rail way many persons connected with it had been in the habitat staying there, bat there was always;an objection on the part of travellers to stay at a house where there' was no spirit license.—The Clerk said he might mention' that notices had been served by the railway company, stating that the Black Lion Inn, Brymbo, wouldibe wanted for the new-station. There .would, therefore, be-one house less of the houses license to sell spirits. There was a long argument between the advocate and the bench, ending in the application being refused. The following application fer licenses were also refused —Thomas Daniels, Three Jolly Miners, Bwlob^jwyn; William Hughes, Clayton Arms, Broughton Sinah Jones, <> dD 1-r Westminster Arms,, Bwlchgwyn.; Edward Daviee, JOiig's Head, Bwlchgwyn (supported by Mr Acton) 5 John Roberts, Walnut Tree Tavern, Rhosddu (supported by Mr Rymer) John Clay, Cerney; Jane Evans, Old Black Horse, Rhostyllen Thomas Thomas, Hare and Hauuda, Eyton David Rogers, Welsh Harp, Eyton. THE ORDINARY BUSINESS 'I Was then proceeded with, but did not include any eaeee of importance. In a ease of mothers quarrelling about their children, the Clerk said these cases had become such a nuisance that he had given positive orders to his clerk not tc issue a summons unless the parties- came with a request from a magistrate.—Edward Jones was fined Is. 6d. and .costs for an assault upon Thomas Driver.—John Hoskins was fined 5s. nnd 9s. costs for ridiag in his cart drunk. P.C. Dutton was the informant. The bueijness concluded a little before six o'clock, most of the magistrates having sat nearly eight hours.