Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

A correspondent snggests the following team against England on March 7ih Goal, R. E. Turner, Wrex- ham; backll, S. Powell (West Bromwich Albion and Rhos), and D. Jones (Chirk and Bolton Wanderers) half-backp, R. Roberts (Druids and Bolton Wan. derers), J. Davies (Druids and Wolverhampton Wan- derers), and J. Parry (Everton); right wing, J. Davies and W. Owen (Chirk); left win?, J. C. H. Bowdler (Rhayader and Wolverhampton Wanderers), and R. Roberts (Rhos); centre, J. Doughty (Newton Heath and Druids.) On Saturday, Wrexham visited Leek to play what looks likely to be their last Combination match. The team was a very poor one, but it managed to win by three goals to two. Wrexham had the best of the first half, and scored two goals to their opponents' one, The second thirty. five minutes was well contested, each scoring once. Cafferty played a good game in goal, and the backs, Roberta and ElliR, were in fine form. The half-backs were also good. Amongst the forwards, W. H. Turner andj. Turner played splendidly, and P. Kyffin was hard at work all through the game. The Leek team was the strongest they have had out this season, and they expected to win pretty easily. The largest "gate," with one exception this season, came to see them score off the Welsh, but it was not to be. In the other Combination matches Chester could only draw with Gorton Villa at Chester, and Witton, marvellous to relate, beat Denton at Denton. Gorton Villa now head the Combination, and Wrexham are out of the last four if no notice is taken of the decision of the Executive, which we understand will be reconsidered. The Gymnasium did a good performance on Satur- day, when they played a drawn game with Denbigh at Denbigh. The Denbigh tiam were much heavier than their opponents, but the Gyms played up splendidly, and the mate h is described as one of the best that has been witnsssed at Denbigh. Three matches were to have been played in the Welsh League on Saturday, but only two came off, Bangor failing to turn up at Rhos. The Rhos club have been disappointed in three matches, and say that they have lost quite 220 by playing the clubs away from home, and then their failing to turn up to play the return. A general meeting of the League will be held on the 5th prox., to consider whether the League is to continue or not. On Monday Chirk defeated Ruabon in a Chester Charity Cup Tie, at Ruabon. The day was delightfully fine, and the "gate" reminded one of the time when the Druids were play- ing under the captaincy of Jack Powell. The first half was well contested, the home team, if anything, just having the best of matters. Chirk ran away with them the second half, however, and were easy winners at the finish. For Chirk, Hiles showed up well in goal, and Williams is a sturdy partner to Griffiths. The half- backs play a strong game. The combination and correct shooting of the forwards excited much praise, W. Owen and J. Davies, as usual, ahowing up well. Samuel played a sterling game for Ruabon, but he lacks experience. The back division played well, but they were wanting in the tact and judgment which characterise the play of their opponents. Amongst the forwards, the left wine, for effective work, was the best, but all played a dashing game. The combination was fair, but a love of wandering from their positions proved a fatal error. We understand that David Wier has induced J. Davies, of Chirk, to sign for Ardwick for next season. Hyde and Macclesfield have expressed their dis- approval of the action of the Combination Executive with regard to the protest laid by Chester. The Wrexham Club intend holding a concert, in aid of the funds, at St. James's Hall, on March 13th. The following are the selected teams in the semi- final at Shrewsbury, to-day (Saturday) WREXHAM.—R. E. Turner, goal; E. Ellis and R. Roberts, backs Evan Williams, A. Hayes, and A. Lea, half-backs Oswald Davies and R. Davies, right wing J. Turner and J. Roberts, left wing; W. H. Turner, centre. CHIRK.-A. Hiles, goal P. Griffiths and J. 1 acks J. Evans, J. Vates, and J. Jent-s, half-backs W. Owen and J. Diivies,, right wing Hugh Morris and Edwin James, left wing J Butler, centre. We do not think the Wrexham Committee are wise in playing R. Daviep, but otherwise the team is a strong one. We hope Wrexham will win, but we must confess that we have very small hopes of their doing so. On Wednesday a practice match took place on the Racecourse, but only six of the selected team turned up, and H. Davies was not one of the six. R. Roberts appeared to be in splendid form, as did also Oswald Davies and J. Roberts. ome of Oswald Davies's shots were startling. A special train leaves Wrexham for Shrewsbury at 2 20 p.m. A meeting of the Wslsli Selection Committee, fo the purpose of choosing the team against England, at Sunderland, on March 7tb, was held at Wrexham on Thursday night. Only a portion of the team was picked, the election of the remainder being left over until after the match, at Shrewsbury, on Saturday. As far as we could ascertain the uncertainty seems to be chiefly with reference to the goalkeeper, and a partner for J. Davies on the right. On the same evening, the following team was picked, at Derby, to represent England against Wales W. R. Moon (Old Westminsters),- goal; T. Porteous (Sunderland) and E. Jackson (Oxford University), backs J. Barton (Biackbuin Rovers), J. Holt (Everton), and A. Shelton (Notts), half-backs; E. Brann (Swifts) and J. Qoodall (Derby County) (captain), right wing J. South- worth (Blackburn Rovers), centre E. Chadwick and A. Millward (Everton), left wing, forwards.

I CHIRK V. CHESTER COLLEGE.-Played at Chirk, on Saturday, the home team winning by six goals to nil. LLANGOLLEN ROVERS V. BRYMBO INSTITUTE.— Played at Biymbo on Saturday, a splendid game end- ing in a win for the home team by three goals to two. WREXHAM GROSVENOR V. WREXHAM GYMNASIUM RESERVE.—This return match was played on the Gymnasium ground, on Saturday. The home team scored first. The Grosvenor made several attempt?, but failed to score, and the Gyms were leading at half time by one goal to nil. The second half was well played out. the home team scoring again. The final result was thus Gymnasium, two, Grosvenor, nil. WREXHAM RESERVE v. BERSE ROVERS. Played on the Racecourse on Saturday. The Rovers kicked off, but the Reserve at once took the lead and soon scored, adding another immediately afterwards. From a corner, the visitors put on their first point. The Reserve then pressed continually, and at half- time led by seven goals to one. On re-commencing, the visitors played better, and scored two goals in quick succession. This did not suit the home team, who again put on pressure, and finally won by eleven goals to three. GRESFORD V. GROVE PARK SCHOOL—Th9 above teams met at Gresford. on Saturday, in beautiful weather. Pryce-Jones kicked-off for the school, but the leather was soon returned and Tilston scored the first goal for the homesters in a few minutes. C. Davies shortly afterwards added another, and then the school roused up, H. Davies scoring a splendid goal for them. Gresford added two more goals before half-time, when the game stood—Gresford four, Grovo Parlt one. Re-commencing the visitors played up remarkably well, and Gresforri only scored ones again, the final result being—Gresford five goals, Grove Park one. ERDDIG ALBION v. FARNDON.—Played at Wrex- ham on Saturday. The Albion were the first to score, and shortly before half-time the visitors equalised. The home team pressed heavily in the second half. but could not get through. From a breakaway Farndon drew ahead, ball and goalkeeper being rwshed through the po ts. The home team made great efforts to equalise, but had very hard lines, and failing to ecore, the visitors won by two goals to one. The Albion team was as follows :-Goal, H. Edwards; backs, W. Jones and W. Richards; half-backs, J. Mullinp, C. Ellis, and W. Fidler; forwards, W. Jones. J. Hughes, J. Cartwright, F. Whitehall, and G Ed wards. ROABON V. OSWESTRY OLD BOYS. Thia match Wag played at Oswestry, on Saturday, in glorious weather. Both teams were fairly represented. The visitors having won the toss, H. W. Sabine Bet the ball rolling for the home team. In the first half the game was of an even character, both teams trying hard to score. At half-time neither side had scored. In the second half the Old Boys began to press, put. ting in shot after shot, but Samuels was in rare form, stopping some very difficult shots. R. T. Jones did good service for Ruabon, his splendid runs on the left wing heing greatly admired by the spectators. The Old Boys still pressed and just before the whistle blew for time had literally penned the visitors, although they could not get one through the uprights, the game thus ending in a draw, neither side having scored. RUAno RESERVE v. GRAMMAR SCHOOL.—These clubs met in a friendly encounter on the former club's ground, on Saturday. In the first half the visitors forced the game and scored three goals to their opponents' one. In the second portion, the home eleven had slightly the advantage, and added two more goals. The School, however, plaved a plucky game and notched another point, which left them winners of a good game by goals to 3. The teauB were as follows GRAMMAR 8CHOOL.-Goal, W Edwards backs, J. W. Ellis and Herbert Lloyd half-backs Bushby, H. Harrig, and W. Williams right wing, J. P. Taylor and E. Morris left wine, F. Lloyd and D. Roberts centre. C. Harris. RUABON RESERVR. Goal, J. Garrett backs, E Edwards and J. Stubbs; half-backs, G. Wilson. W. Nicholas, and T. Davies right wing, H. Hall and W. Stanford left wing, T. Berrington and Edwin Edwards centre, Keece Morris. GRESFORD RESERVE V, BUCKLEY ALEXANDRA, The above teami played at Buckley, on Saturday. The reserves, who have only been beaten once this season, were too good for the Buckley team, and returned home winners by five goals to two.

WREXHAM GYMNASIUM v. DENBIGH. These teams met on Saturday at Denbigh, before a large number of spectators. The ground was in fine trun. The leather was sent on its errand by Den. bigh, and immediately a severe contest was com. menced. From a goal kick Farrel gained possession and rushing up passed to ??'?' who tried a shot, but kicked too bih. There was a lot of loose kicking in the middle of the 6eld. Hands were .waS Denbigh, but the attempt at goal was arrested by the excellent play of the Wrexham backs. From a goal kick soon after, the leather went into touch, and fiTerS given from the throw-in. Wrexham gained the globe and made a splendid assault on the home goal gaining a corner," but failed to score. Ra-starting, the ?a"lcl orner, is but to touch by Farrel. From the throw-in, Wrex- ham secured a 'corner" which was cleverly headed in by Harrison, but was struck out by the goal- keeper. Denbigh obtained a free kick for hands," and a bold rush was made for the visitors' goal. The attempt was frustrated, and after a quick journey up the field, a smart shot at the Denbigh goal was a little wide. Denbigh werelexceedingly unfortunate in their shot', and some pleasing play was witnessed near the viikitors' goal. The Gymnasium forwards made an attack on the home goal, but Parry blocked, and sent tne leather out of danger. It was secured by Denbigh and Farrel rushing forward delivered to Hobby, who failed to head in. From the goal kick, the ball came into dangerous proximity to the home goal. Hands" were allowed Wrexham ten yards from goal, and from the free kick R. Hughes scoted. Denbigh disputed the point, but t!ie referee allowed the goal. From the centre, there was a swift pass forward, and Stephenson made a splendid attempt. Just before half-time. from a throw-in for Wrexham about mid. tield, Denbigh gained possession, and a try at soring was made. Wilson cleared, but the ball waa returned, and Davies equalised the score. At half-time the game stood one goal each. During the second half there was some brilliant play on both sides. Time after time the home team pressed and tried to score, but with no good result. There was a goal claimed by Denbigh out of a scrimmage, but it was disallowed, The game finally ended in a draw of one goal each. The following team represented the Gymnasium I H. Jones, goal; W. Pugh and J. Wilson, backs E. Jones, Beeston, and Hunter, half-backs Shelby and R. Hughes, right wing Pugh and J. H. Davies, left win- Harrison, centre.

CHESTER CHiRITY CUP. I CHIRK v. RUABON.—Played at Ruabon on Monday before one of the largest "gates" ever seen in this neighbourhood. The weather was exceptionally fine and genial, whilst the ground was in guod condition. Ruabon won the toss, and defended the home goal.. W. Owens set the ball rolling. Chirk's left-wing made a run, but C. Gerrard met Rogers in fine style at a critical moment. A free kick for the homesters relieved the pressure. From the throw-in Mates took a shot, the ball going behind. After the home left had attempted a run Ptt-r Griffiths relieved, and W., Owen made a neat pass to Davies who shot across the goal, and Rogers put it between the posts. The point was ruled off-side. Lloyd passed to Cartwright, but Williams was watchful, and a splendid combined run was made by the visiting forwards. Price Davies promptly met and returned. A run by A. Jones and Richards followed, At the other end Gerrard acceded a corner." The ball was safely worked away by the right-wing. Owens passed to Davies, who sent across to James, Samuels saving in the nick of time. From a neat pass by Richards, Albert Jones made a fine run and shot, Hiles just saving.. Samuels admirably stopped a shot from W. Owen at close range. Richards dribbled up and shot. A struggle ensued, but R. T. Jones mis-judged his kick. Davies and Owens passed prettily, and the former tried a long shot. Peter followed with a huge kick. After C. Gerrard had successfully checked the visitors left- wing, Mates handled the ball. J. Gerrard had a chance, but made a bad pass. Mates shortly after. waras snot outsiae. At the other end Richardg lost a splendid chance through careless shooting. From the goal kick Owens and Davies were busy, a pass across the home goal being headed away by Stubbs. Richards and Gerrard rushed away, and R. T. Jones put it past Hiles. The point was appealed against, but it was allowed. From the kick-off Rogers attempted a run, and W. Owens, with a splendid leng shot, equalised the scores in less than a minute. The home left were prominent, and Albert Jones made a splendid attempt.. A free kick close to the Chirk goal enlivened matters, but the ball went through untouched. The home right made an attack, and Richards a good shot. A series of attacks were made on the home goal from both wings, but the defence was perfect. J. Davies got past the backs, but Samuel saved cleverly. At the interval the score was one goal each. On resuming play, Samuels had immediately three shots to negotiate, which he did in fine style. Cartwright did a neat pass, and Stubbs smartly robbed J. Davies. Aftjr Lloyd had made a good try, Oweus passed to Davies, who shot over the bar. At the other end Hiles hit away a nasty shot from Albert Jones, and R. T. Jones shot wide. J. Jones placed a corner splendidly, but W. Owens handled at a critical moment. Rogers shortly after- wards shot over the bar. A'ter a further corner for the visitors, Richards showed up well. Owens and Davies did some neat passing, and James with a swift low shot added the second point for Chirk. A corner kick resulted in W. Owens adding the third point for his side. Albert Jones got nicely-along the left, and Hiles put outside a shot from R. T. Jones. The "corner" kick was without result. Mates passed to the right, and Davies was checked in fine style by Stubbs. Tiw* home right mnde headway, and Richards dribbled past Mates, but Petei Griffiths checked his career. From a throw-in, M. Roberts crossed to the left, and Rogers was responsible for the fourth goal. Shortly afterwards from a bully W. Owens added another point. The home left made a successful run. Jones shot across, and Cartwright added the second goal for his side. Another^raid was made by the visitors' right, and a combined rush was made, in which Davies added the sixth goal with an easy shot. The game soon afterwards ended in a win for Chirk by six goals to two. The teams were as follows:— RUABON.—E Samuels, goal; C. H. Gerrard and Stubbs, backs Price Davids, H. Lloyd, and W. Lloyd, half-backs Cartwright and R. T. Jone-, right wing J. Gerrard and A. Jones, left "ing R. Richards, cntre. CilIRK.-A. Hile. goal P. Griffiths and J. Williams, backs J. Evans, J Mates, and J. Jones, half-bqcks J. Davies and Matthew Roberts, right wing Edwin James and Jesse Rogers, left wing W. Owens, centre. R feree, Mr James Davies, Wrexham.

THE WELSH LEAGUE. I uoais P. W. L. D. For. Agst. Pts. Druids .9.6. I 2 32 lb J2 Ruabon 9 5 4 0 29 23 1U Rhostyllen Victoria. 9 3. 4 2 19 30 8 Rhos 8. 3 4 1 17 16. 7 Rhyl. 7. 3 2 2 15 14. 6 Bangor R. 2 2 4 16 21 6 Mold 5 0 1 4. 5 12 4 Westminster Rovers. 2 3 4 16 17 2 (Druids, Bangor, and Rhyl have each had two paints I deducted, and Westminster Rovers 6.)

RHOS v. BANGOR—A return League match between these clubs was fixed to take place at Rhos, on Saturday, but Banger failed to put in an appear- ance. RHYL v. DRUIDS.—Played at Rhvl on Saturday, a very fine game ending in a win fur the home team by one goal to nil. WESTMINSTER ROVERS V. RHOSTYLLEN VICTORIA. -Played at Stansty Park on Saturday. Samuels started the ball for the home team, And at first Rhos- tyllen had a slight advantage. The half-backs fed their forwards well, and from a long shot Tomkins put the ball through. The Rovers ultimately by the efforts of Powell and Davies equalised matters. The Rovers pressedj for some time, and the Rhostyllen backs played a good defensive game, especially Edwards. At last, however, the home team managed to get the hall through aaain, but the point was dis- allowed. As the reeult of another run by the Rovers, Wilding shot, and gave the Rovers the lead. Nothing more was done until half-time, and the teams croesed over with the score, R,)vers, two Rhostyllen, one.- Un the teams again facing each other the Rovers quickly put in a couple of goals, both by the aid of Powell. The Rovers had the game in hand, and completely out-played the visitors. Rhostyllen made one or two efforts, hut were seldom dangerous. The Rovers finally won by five goals to one.

THE COMBINATION. GulIs P. W. L. D. For Agst Pts Gorton Villa 14 9 3 2 52 21 20 Macclesfield 13 S 3. 2 41 22 18 Chester. 12 8 2. 2 34 20 18 Northwicb Victoria. 12 4 2 6 25 25 14 Denton 13 6 7. 0 31 25 12 Wrexham 1:; 4 5 4 23 34 12 Hyde. 14 4 7. 3 29 36 li Burton Svvifti 9. 5 4 0 14 18 10 Leek I'1 .2. 10 1 21 47. 5 Witton 10 2. 8 U 15 59 4 DENTON V. WITTON.-At Denton before a few spectators on Saturday. The game was evenly con- tested, the only point ecorcd up to the interval being by Miller for Witton. Half-time Witton, 1 goal Denton, nil. In the second half play was rather rough, and Denton scored two points to Witton's two. Score Witton, 3 goals Denton, 2. WREXHAM v, LEEK.-Played at Leek, on Satur- day, before a good gate." Leek kicked-off down- hill, against the winf1, and the first shot at goal was made by Vickerstnff, who run the ball down the centre, and shot weli in. A corner," which came to. nothing, resulted. The ball was taken up, and Wardle allowed the visitors a throw-in close to goal. W. H. Turner secured and scored for Wrexham, with a long shot. From the kick-off, the Leek forwards took the ball down, but the Wrexham backs re- turned, a corner" being obtained, which did not come to anything. Cafferty saved directly afterwards, and Vickerstaff headed over the bar. Wrexham were dangerous on several occaqions, and only the food play of Wardle at back prevented them from scoring. Vickerstaf fequalised the score. After some pressing, W. H. Turner put on the second point for Wrexham. At half-time Wrexham led by two goals to one. On r€"?tsrtin(3[ Leek pressed, and Cafferty had a lively time of it, saving well on several occasions. The Wrexham defence was perfect, and the home team could not get through. The Wrexham forwards got away, and W. H. Turner and J. Turner passed the backs, the latter player notching the third point for Wrexham. After this reverse Leek played up desperately, and H. Wardle scored for them. Nothing further was done, and the final result was thus Wrex- ham three goals, Leek two. CHESTER V. GORTO. li VILLA.-Played at Chester, on Saturday, before a good number of spectators. Cheater kicked off, and the Villians speedily had the game in the home goal, gaining a corner, which was barren. The visitors exhibited neat passing, and aft3r several exchanges in front of goal mouth, the visitors scored easily. The Villians kept up the pressure and called upon Dixen to throw out. Chester livened up slightly, smart play being performed on Taylor's part, and a shot of Ben Lewis' was saved. The Cestrians now pressed" their opponents, and a complete bombardment of- the -Allians'eitudel enaued. Murray equalised. A run by Lewis and Davies ended in the latter cleveily defeating Jenkinson. Play became exceedingly fast and exciting, and from a corner Dixon permitted a soft shot to take effect. The home forwards were again aggressive, and after splendid passing Murray sent to C. Jones, who placed his team once more ahead. Half-time arrived with Chester 3 goals, Gorton Villa, 2. Resuming play, the Villians scored. Bobby Davies, of Cheater, bad to retire through being hurt, but soon came on again. Playing with ten men, Cheetar put on severe pressure, but nothing further was done, and the result was a draw of three goals each.

THE LEAGUE GAMES. I Preston have improved their position 80 much in the League that there is just a possibility of their, again heading the list. If they win all their matches, they » ill in all probability beat Everton by their goal average. Of course they have to deal with BLackburn Rovers, who can beat both North End and Everton, if they win the rest of-, their League fixtures. Thus North End's match at Deepdale on Saturday with Sunderland was III ore. an usually interellting.. The defence of each was-, keenly tested, and the match ended in a draw, no points being scored. On either side good combination was shown, and there seenied little to choose between the players.

THE ALLIANCE GAMES. There were various Alliance matches on Saturday. Sheffield Wednesday and Newton Heath played a drawn game of one goal each, Notts Forest beat Crewe Alexandra by seven goals to none, and Grimsby I beat Small Heath by two goals to one.

FOOTBALL FIXTURES FOR FEBRUARY 28xa. WELSH CUP.—SEMI-FINAL. Wrexham Y. Chirk, at Shrewsbury. CHESTER CHARITY CUP. Rhos v..Chester St. Oswald's, at Chester.. Rhos Reserve v. Westminster Rovtrs. THE COMBINATION. Ghester v. Macclesfield, at Chester. Burton Swifti v. Gorton Vita, at Burton. Denton v. Northwieh Victorij, at Denton. W £ LSH LEAGUE. Rhyl v. Rhostyllen Victoria, at Rhyl. Ruabon v. Gresford, at Gresford. Diuids.-x. Nantwich, at Kuabon. Westminster Rovers v. Saltney, at Saltney. Holy well v. Brymbo Institute, at Brymbo. FJint v. Hoole Athletic, at Chester. Mold. Albion v. Ashton Hall Rangers, at Mold. G.W.U. Y. W.M. &C.Q., on the Racecourse.

WREXHAM, MOLD, AND CONNAH'S QUAY KAIL WAY. The half-yearly geaeral meeting of this company was held in London on Tuesday, Mr Wm. Pollitt, chairman, presiding. The director?' report stated the tra?c receipts for the half-year had been £ 27,395, an increase of £ 2.576, and the working expenses £ 14,044, an increase of 21, 409. le-.tving the net receipts 1:13,350, or an increase of £ 1,167,. This increase was partly due to the opening of the Hawarden line, and partly to the increased tonnage of mineral traffic. The directors, however, regretted to say that the working expenses had continued to increase,, owing to the ad vance in the price of coal and other materials. After providing out of the balance for Buckley rent, rent charges, and interest on all classes of debenture stock, there was a balance available of 22,482, out of which the directors recommended a dividend at 4 per cent. per annum on the preference stock, carrying forward 2231 The branch for connecting the wharves at Counah's Quay with the Hawarden loop-line was approaching completion. The directors had heard, with much satisfaction, that steps were being taken to raise the capital required tor construction of the Wrexham and Ellesmere Railway, and they hoped that, before hnglo the work s would have been com- menced. Negociations were opened duiing the early part of last year with tha Wirral Company in the hope of coming to an agreement as to the price they were to receive for the transfer of their powers. In the course of the negociations the Wirral Company suggested that they should take the place of the Wiexhatn Company, under the Acts of 1889. and lSJO. as joint owners, with the Sheffield Company, of the railway to be constructed between Bidston Junctiin and the Sl.effidd Company's railway near the Hawarden Bridge. The directors would not be un- willing to give place to the Wirral Company if terms could be arranged, and in the hope that this might be done a Bill had been deposited by the Sheffield Company under which the Wirral Company would be substituted for the Wrexham Company. As the terms had not been arranged, the Sheffield Company's Bill would, no doubt, be withdrawn, and the arbitration to effect a settlement would ba pushed forward in order that the construction of the line might be commenced without further delay. The Wirral Company had also deposited a Bill to enable them to take the p lace of this Company, in the event of satisfactory terms being made with the Sheffield Company, and also to limit the time for the com- pletion of the purchase of the Wirral line under the Acts of 1889 and 1890. A petition had been lodged against this Bill, and if it was not withdrawn it would be necessary to oppose it in Parliament. A claim had been made upon this Company by the contractors for extra work said to have been done in the construction of the extension line into the Wrexham and some of the colliery branches. The directors were of opinion that the Company were net liable for any payment beyond the contract sum, but the claim had been referred to an arbitrator, who had power to settle the matters in dispute. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, adverted to the satisfactory increase in traffic, and said that passengers exhibited an increase of nearly 120,000 in the half-year, and merchandise and mineral traffic of nearly 47,000 tons. Notwithstand- ing that increase, however, the net available profit was scarcely larger than it was last year in conse- quence of the continued increase in the price of coal and other article". Under ordinary circumstances railway companies benefiud by a prosperous condition of trade, but unfortunately the large increase in wages and serious increase in the price of coal had prevented them from getting the advantage of that condition of business. They had also to face another unpleasant question in connection with railway working, and that was the revised rft s of maximum charges and the classification which were beinf put upon the railway companies under the Act of 1888. He did not think any railway director could contend that the time had not arrived when there should be some more uni- formity in the scales of maximum c-iar^es which pre- vailed, but he did not see why in making that uniformity Parliament should take advantage of the opportunity for cutting down to such a serious extent the powers to charge which the companies had hitherto enjoyed. Hail way sflarehoJders had subscribed some- thing like eight hundred millions of capital for the construction of railways for the encouragement and development of trade, and he did not understand why, after conferring such very great benefits upon the I whole community, the shareholders should now be compelled to suiter to a large extent by the loss of their 111 t profits. It was very likely that if the Bills presented to Parliament by the Board of Trade were passed, railway shareholders would lose a million and a half of their annual profits. lie could only assume that the powerful organisations of the traders who made these attacks upon the railway companies, backed up by the great influence in Parliament, had induced a condition of feeling that railway companies were fair game for anybody to shoot at, but he did not think that was the way they should he treated by Parliament or the public. He hoped sincerely that when these measures came before Parliament the com- panies would be treated in a spirit of fairness and equity rather than of spoliation. Lord Salisbury recently assured a deputation that he would nùt be a party to confiscating railway property, and he sincerely trusted that that pledge would be redeemed. There had been a downward tendency in railway rates for the last thirty years, and turning the depression up to two years ago, they reached the lowest point yet the proposed rates in some cas-s actually went below those. He was afiaid, however, that there was nct much chance for the Wrexham Com- pany exercising much influence on the Board of Trade and the traders where the powerful companies had failed. Since the last meeting neps had been trken by the Wrexham and Ellecmere Company to carry out the works authorised, and he was glad to be able to say that that railway had been organised, and that the directors had entered into an agreement with the Cambrian Company for working their line with the Sheffi Id, Wrexham, and Cambrian Companies for guaranteeing a reasonable r'"t of interest upon the capital which would be required. Under these circumstances it was apprehended that there would be no difficulty in raising the capital in a short time. Then with regard to the Wirral Company, he must express his disappointment that something practical had not been done as the result of the negotiations with the old company. Under these circtiin,tances he feared there was nothing t > be done "ut for the companies to 1.:0 to arbitration for the settlement of the terms to be paid for taking over the powers of the railway. Until that was done they could hardly expect any very ereat increase of traffic for the present line. The London and Northwestern Company were asking powers in the present session to run over the Wrexham syst m. That meant inflicting upon them a great amount of inconvenience, and they felt it their duty tl oppose it. (H-ar, hear.) Mr E. ltoss seconded the resolution which was carried, and a dividend at the rate of 4 per cent. per annum was declared. Sir H. B. Robertson, Mr J. Fraser, and Mr E. Ross htvirig been re elected directors, the meeting terminated. ————— -—————-

COLMAN'S SINAPISM.—The improved patent Mustard Plaster \Vholly of pure flour of Mustard. Cleanly in use safe for young children and delicate women. Does not scorch or blister, and ready at a moment's notice.—Sold by all Chemists and Grocers, or Post, seven penny stamps for packet of three, to COLMAN'S 108, Cannon-street. London. 1608 In answer to inquiries, we wish to state that the PEKOE BLEND advertsed by PHILLIPS AND Co., is an Indian Pekoe Tea. It is superior to the old-fashioned Orange Pekoe of China in being stronger and richer in flavour, besides being absolutely pure. It is sold in wrapper printed in red ink at Is 81 a pound, for net cash only. 99 "CADBLRY'S COCOA has, in a remarkable degree those natural elements of sustenance which giv3 the system endurance and hardihood, building up muscle and hodily vigor, with a steady action that renders it a most acceptable and reliable beverage. "-Health. 2459 The Editor of the Medical Annual for 1890 poinli out that potash is largely used to add to the solubility of many of the Cocoas at present sold, but that, in marked contrast MESSRS. CADBORY eupply an ) absolutely pure Cocoa of the highest quality and that the name CADBCRY on any packet of Cocoa is a guarantee of purity. 2459

THE DENBIGHSHIRE AND FLINTSHIRE AGRICULTURA.L. SOCIETY. th  our ?ers "? D"?;? not aware that thfs TeL annual ?h,ow of the D?nb?hs)..? and £ Flint h! A ?'?'?y will be ?!d in Wre?. ham. ?- '? T* ,d at how ?'"?' ? held in Ruthin last year, aruJ %t the same time Sir Robert Cunliffo R was elected pre8ident for the year. It is of interest tn note that th.. ahow WaR last held in Wrexham on Aug Jt 6 h 1SS6 sT waltki,-n 7™ the present, and Mr A Sutt .n?f ?"' ?? president In accords ^fwl^ dec!J"*r?" that a meeting of the general committe^ha? H meet in the month of February in the town 1 is to be held, the meeting of the e l >1"^ the 8,10W' at th.Wynn.tay Arm  H ,t I P!? at the Wynnstay Arms H>>tM nn M J &y' under the al"° present—Col. Mesham, Messrs J Qp f1,, ;J Roberts, Well House Farm, Salt,Pev T W^B' J* dage, Cotton H?tt. Denbigh J T ?'n "? ('?-tdent of last year), Job Lea. GwersyHt.. Roberta Higher Berse; Thomas Jones, Alo'ld W. ??' W. Richards, Ruthin; T. R. Parrv H?' ?'?". Roberts, Stryt Issa, &c. Mr Frank Be His, 8cre. tary. CORRESPONDENCE. 'LiDENCE. After tne mmutes of the previous 1 committee had been read and confirmed, the JrrL read the letters he had received. Messrs V w Lloyd and Mr Dutton, the Beechea. Sa tn? re? their inability to attend. Oa the aKend????? ??' ?ted "appl.c?tionwni be made bv St Aunh n:m trict members that the show may be hold Asaph in 1892." Relat.ing to this a letter w?ei?d by Mr M.aley Power of St. A-ph..tX/tTa deputation would wait upon the committee becau.. the St. Asaph representatives felt that Rhyl would be f able to have a good show, and they did not wish to take it from that tOWII. THE WNANC £ 3. The Secretary, in accordance with notice, moved— "That a circular, signed by the Patron, President* and Chairman of the Finance Committee, be issued. asking the leading gentlemen of the two counties and all those interested in agriculture, to assist the. work of the Society by becoming annual subscribers." He believed if this were done the Society would be able to obtain help from those who would be quite willinir to help if they were asked. Mr King seconded the motion, but feared that it would not do much good. He thought it would be the old story- What is everybody's business ill nobody's business." He considered that the only way to ensure a good income from subscriptions was to get each member of the committee t-l interest himself in the welfare of the Society, and help to get monetary aid. In reply to the Chairman, the Secretary said the Society had no deficit, but the balance in the bank was only RIO. There were outstanding subecriptions amounting to £SO. Mr King Then the Society as a society Ï8 practically valueless. Mr Scott Bankes thought the circulars would do no good. When ha was chairman of the Finance Com- mittee he wrote many private letters,, and by that meana had succeeded in obtaining a considerable amount of arrears of subscription". waitedChairmaD asked if m"rC 8ubscriPtiona were wanted. Mr Scott Bankes said if th3 subforiptions now owing bad been paid, the balance in favor of the Society would have been £90 instead of £10. Mr John Roberts said ho had seen all the sub- scribers in his district, and all the money had been paid up. Mr King suggested that the Secretary might aid to his motion the recommendation that appointed members of the committee would be preuared to receive subscriptions on behalf of the Society. This was accepted, and the resolution was agreed to. THE LOCAL GOXMITTEES. rw. The Secretary called the attention of the meeting to the unsatisfactory position of the society in rela- tion to the local committee, and pointed out t?t bJres of ? by p<>- and •»»« ™' as £ 90, were handed over b?y th?a 0i, oc?t committee to the society wherp.? for the last four years there had been no balance at all handed over. He thought, that this condition of thillRS, and the unpleasant relations which had existed .beWeen the "ociety and the local comm.ttee?. were dm to m.amana?ment. He co?. mented very strongly upon the way local maera were managed at Ruthin last year. He thought i would be better to have only one secretary^ although that was of course a matter for the local committee- to decide. It was to be regretted that Buch matters arose for comment, hut he did not think that gentle- men should pay a guinea then walk away with five. and afterwards do nothing for the society. I,1B K'ngaaid a8 president last year he had done all he could to br.ng about a fusion of the local committee and the socipty. The Secrehry wished to except Mr King from hiIs remarks, and said he did not wish to work ?th?? better president than Mr King. The matter then dropped. REVISING THE SOCIETY'S AFFathh Mr 1. W. Bowdage proposed that the whole of the rules and prize list of the society should he reused A few years ago they had a balance to credit o?S) and he wanted the committee then to invest?500o? this sum in safe keeping. They did not apreewiX him, however, and now things were very S?rent He thought that a part, at any rate, of the remedy for the extshng unsatisfactory condition of th? society's affairs might be found in the amendment of the rules and pnz.hst so as to bring them more in?o accord with the spirit of the times. Mr King seconded the resolution, and subsequenftl?y the follow? comm.ttee was appointed to consider the question, and report to a future meeting of the General Committee --The President, Messrs J. Scott Bankes, P. P. Pennant, Ash, Ruthin; T W. Bow- dage, W Kellett, jJh„ Roberts Saitney Jesse Roberti, Higher 86 Prank Doyd. and Job Lea. ?he following notices appeared on the agenda in the name of Mr Bowdage That Rule 9, 6xi? the towns for holding shows be rescinded and redrawn so that the applications from districts anxious to h? the show, and wiHing to fulfill ? necessary  SiSrs. ss. That it be y' to the Local Committee that their prize list shouldbe embodied with and form part of the Society's list • ocat pnzea being d?tinguished by an asterisk That al1memberB w.?hin? to withdraw their name*! as members, must ive notice in writ? to the secre- tary on or before the lt February in any year, n? ing therewith the subscription then in arre?" '?'{'h.? the Rules shaM be so drafted that greater encou? ment should be Riven to tenant farmers soldy dependent on farming." Mr Bowdage ?d he wX w.t.ngtoreerthese resolutions to the special com- milte already appointed, but he shou!d like t) point out that the general committee ought to be placed in a position to entertain the applications made by representativeii from various towns for the holding of the show, and decide upon euch applicatioM. For instance, St. Asaph was anxious to have the show held in that town and Fo also, he was told, was Abergele but until the rulPS were amended these applications could nut be acceded to. As to his second resolution that it be an instruction to the local com- mittee that their prize list should be part and parcel of tile Society's list, he had rpceived a letter on the subject from Colonel West M.P., dated from the Wjndham Cjub, St Jamea. London, which he should like to read. Colonel West tl,ought his (Mr Bowdage's) proposal hardly went far enough. He was or opinion inac tne society should be paramount in the matter of the prizj list. Last year he gave 25 toward s the priza fund, and he found that this 25 was appropriated by the local committ'e and merged in tiie general local furd. He was strongly of opinion that the prize list IIhouJd he taken in hand solely by the Society, or, if the (flcal committee had anything to do with it, that they should act in conjunction with the Society. Mr King said Col. West waq entirely mistaken in saying that the local committee had acted contrary to precedent ni making use of the 25 in question. That 2.5 was paid in the same way as by other past presi- dents of thi, Society, and that money had always gone to the local fund. Mr Bowdage said he hoped that the gentlemen who would ftlrm the local committee would not think that the general committee were interfering with them too much but he did hope that they would draw np their local priz-i list in conjunction with the Society's general priZl list, and endeavour, if possible, to work the whole show satisfactorily and harmoniously. Col Mesham, Pontruffydd, had given notice of his intention to TnOv, "That the following clause be added f to rule added to rule 7: I If an appeal be made from a decision (-f the Protest Committee, it shall be decided at a meeting of the Finance CommitteeBut he agreed to refer the matter to the Revision Com- mittee. At this point the secretary read a letter from Mr P. P. Pennant, which had just been received, suggesting for the consideration of the Committee, the adviaa- bility of dividing the Society's district into two divisions, one to be called the Vale of Clwyd district and the other the district east of the Vale of Clwyd show should be held in eachdivSo? a!tPrnately U timatety the appointment of jndgea local com- mittee. and the fixing for the day of show was Dost- poned pending the revision of the rules and prize list. he?d ol MaSKSIh. of the Revision Committee will be held on M%rch 12'?h.

-I WALES AS A SOURCE OF WATER SUPPLY. The capital of the Midlaads, Birmingham, is about to follow the example of Liverpool in securing a per- manent supply of pure water from Mid-Walee. The proposed source is the lovely valley of Cwm Elan, one of the largest tributaries of the Rive- Wye. At a point soma five miles from Rhayade the river Elan passes through a narrow gorge, whim the dam would be made, and the wild country above for many miles would thus become a lake Eurpassin? even the Vyrnwy in extent. Mr Bateman, C.E., F.R.S., some twenty years ago, proposed this valley as one of the sources for supplying London, and well for London it would hav6 been had they then taken bit advice. Engineers are now engaged upon the pre- liminary plans, Mr J. E Thomas, C.E of Wrexham being one of them. It is rumoured that the London County Council are now looking to Wales as the safest source of permanent supply-probably the Severn Valley. Thus "gallant little Wales" not only supplies the best minerals in the shape of steam coal, &c but also the best of water, and bve-and-bye the best of whisky from Bala, shall we eay ?

?Y?P??S.—When ym "*? for REOKITT'S BLUh M< that you get it. The m??hctM,, b<? to caution the public against imitation square Blue of very inferior quality. The Paris Blue in squares ?."RSSf'?"? thei' •—  Mark, Refuse all others. 2459 Try it! Worms dislodged in Children and Adul".  Liverpool. 1642 Nothing to anybedy! Pamphlet on blool taints skin diseases, bathing, &c., P0.3t free,-Banner, 56 Bo»Ur.etre,t.Liv;p&l. 1642 To LADIES! Banner's Female pills clear all ob- structions. Post free..2 ^Banner, 56, BoaUt-street  1Ga 1"2