The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

TEX ANT RIGHT. The ljiH for the Improvement of the Relation between Landlord and Tenant," introduced into the House of Com- mons by Mr HOWARD and Mr READ soon after the com- mencement of the session, is one of unusual interest to our agricultural readers, and it will be well to give an abstract of it. It provides for C jtnpensation for Unexhausted Im- provements, for seeming a sufficiently long Notice to Quit, and for other matters connected with Limited Owners, and Advances from the Commissioners of the Treasury. The improvements for which ccmpensation shall be paid by the landlord are divided into 4' temporary," durable," and permanent" improvements. Temporary' improvements (to quote from a contem- porary) consist of outlay in the purclnse and application of manures and fertilisers for green or toot crops, and out- lav for corn, cake, and other feeding stuffs consumed by live stock upon the farm durable' improvements include outlay in subsoiling, getting up and removing stones liming, chalking, marling, claying, boning with undissoived bones, &c.; and 'permanent' improvements include re- claiming, levelling, planting, draining, making or improv- pl ing watercourses, works of irrigation, ponds, wells, or reservoirs, fences, roads, bridges, and the erection or en- laigement of buildings. In valuing 'temi)orary' improve- ments, arbitrators, appointed by the two parties, are to limit compensation to the last two years of the tenancy, aud in ot manures, to the annual average expend!- ture' of the last four year3, and the arbitrators are to deduct the consuming value of hay, straw, roots, or green crops sold off, and to take into con- sideration the state of cleanliness and geueral condition of the farm, and the length of time during which high con- dition has been maintained. In awarding compensation for durable" improvements, the arbitrators are to tak" into consideration the time during which the tenant has enjoyed the advantages of such improvements, and bene- fits which he may have received from the landlord on ac- count of them, and also the rent at which the farm has been held. Such improvements must have increased the lettin; value of the holding and compensation is not to extend to works executed further back tlnn ten years. And in awarding compensation for permanent improve- ments, the arbitrators are to take into c,,ti,idera, iot, the time, the rent, benefits received from the owner on account, and the state of repairs and condition and efticieucyor such works; and no claim is to be allowed upon work* executed more than twenty years before the expiration of the tenancy. Compensation is not to be paid f,r permanent improvements made without the consent in writing of the landlord unless the arbitrators find that the tenant ap plied for such permission, and that the improvements in respect of draining and working or improving watercourses were necessary to the profitable cultivation of the farm, also suitable to the holding, and have added to the letting value. The tenant may remove buildings which are un- suitable and unnecessary to the holding, making good all damage to the estate. Before the expiration of a tenancy the outgoing tenant is to furnish the landlord with a statement of his claims for compensation, and the land, lurd to deliver to the tenant a statement of his claims for ddapidfttions and deteriorations, allowance being made for reasonable wear and tear. A twenty years' lease may bar compensation for permanent r durable improvement-, but the outgoing tenant shall be allowed for temporary im- provements. And ui apidations may be assessed during the currency of a twenty years' lease. The Biil al*o gives power to landlords to resume possession of land required for cottage building; and provides that yearly tenancies shall be subject to a twelve months' notice, and in thp, absence of an agreement to the contrary, terminate at the same time of year as that at which they commenced; and that an outgoing tenant shall not be compelled by process of la-v to quit, until the amount of compensation due to him has been secured. There is also a provision by which public money may be advanced to landowners to pay compensation, and a schedule of thirteen clauses provides for the appointment of arbitrators and umpires. Existing leases and agreements are to be exempt from the operations of the Act but-aud we have reserved this point till last, because the value of the whole Bill hangs upon it- Clause 9 provides that any contract made by a tenant after the passing ot the Act, by virtue of which he is de- prived "f his right to m tke any claim which he would otherwise be entitled to make und-r the Act, .-hall, so far as relates to such chim, be void ooth at law and equity." There will probably be some fighting over that clause, because the opponents of legislation will, of course, per- ceive that if it can be g*t rid of the measure will be rendered ineffective. Mr EEAD and Mr HOWARD, how- ever, are practical men, and will only cmst-nt to the passage of a practical measure. The B.ii they have intro- duced seems to be a just and comprehensive one, and will no doubt receive the cordial support of tenant farmers throughout the kingdom. Liberal members of the House, if they are consistent, will rally round Mr READ; and many Conservatives, Jet us hope, m spite of their cree,], will vote for this reform, needed as it is by those whom they represent as their special friends, and by the country at large. Unfortunately, some of our Shropshire representatives, ;n,;1uling Colonel COUBSIT, have already declared themselves against legislation. May we suggest that the Shropshire hamber should take aa early oppor- tunity of expressi ig their opinion upon the Bill?

LLANIDLOES. COLLEGE TToNou[t.,i. Mr M. Hamer, son of Mr 1\[. Hamer, Great Oak-street, an undergraduate of St. David's College, Lampeter, who headed the responsions list last Christmas, has further distinguished himself by gaining one of the three scholarships open to the whole college, for which twenty competed. FUNERAL OF THE MAYOR. The funeral of the late Mayor, Mr William Swancott, was solemnized on Mon- day, February 17th, in the St. Idloes Burial Ground. The remains were interred with civic honours. A funeral ser- mon was pr, ached on Sunday by the Rev. R. H. Jones.

CAERSWS. PROPOSED AGRICULTURAL SHOW.—A meeting was held at the Buck Inn, Caersws, on Thursday, February 20:h, for the pur pose of taking into consideration the desirability of holding an annud agricultural show in this neighbour- hood. It was suggested that a poultry show should (Iso be held. Mr Jones, Park, was unanimously voted to the cbair. Mr Hamer, Carnedd, was proposed treasurer, and Mr J. Pryce, Pendre, secretary. It was pi,o;,ose,l by tll,. Chairman, and seconded by Mr Davies. Red House, That a public meeting be held at the Buck Inn, Caersws, on Ttmrslav, the 13th day of ALirch next, at five o'c ock p.m., for the purpose of having the general feeling of the neighbourhood expressed on the subject," which was ap- proved of. A subscription list has been opened for carry- ing out the project, and Itas been well responded to.

NEWTOWN. FAIR. -At the fair on February 24th and 25th, there was a good supply of pigs and sheep for the sea,on. Prices ruled hhvh. Fat sheep 10d., and pig* Gjd. per lb. Cattle a fair supply very dear. Horses fully maintained their PGOOD TEMPLARISM.—On Monday, Feb. 24th, a new lodge of t-ns Order, called the" Xtl Desperandum bodge, con- sisting of twenty-six members, was opened in the National Schooi-ro iin bv Brother T. P. Jones, S.D.G.W.C.T. (insti- tut ii" officer) "of Glyudwr Lodge, in this town. The following were elected officers for the current quarter :— L.D. Bro. VV. p. Phillips, W C.T. Bro. II. Morgan, w'.V.T. Sister Catherine Roberts, W.S. Bro. Arthur Evans, W.F.S. Bro. i ic!)ar(I Morgan, W.T. Bro. P. Pritchard, WC Bro. E. P. Morris, W.M. Bro. H. Edmunds W.I.G. Bro. AI. Phillips, W.O.G. Bro. It. Davies, W.P.C.T. Bro. H. Roberts, W.R.S. Sister Ellen Humphreys, W.L.S. Sister Elizabeth Davies. W.A.S. Bro. Bees Rickard-, W. D. M, Si,ter Hannah Xicolli. MISCELLANEOUS ErERTAIX)[ET. -An entertainment, consisting of read n"s alild singing, in connection with the Working Men's C ub and Reading-roor was given in the N: ti ma.l School-room, on Friday, the 21st February. The chair was tilled by the Rev. John Jones, Wesleyan minister, who in a very able address, compared the present advantages possessed by working men for self-improvement and social advancement, with those possessed by them in re his boyhood, and urged upon them the desirability of se.ek- ing those pleasures detivable from moral and mental culture. Part son, "ight, lovely night" (Berger), Musical Union; reading, "An angel in a saloon, Mr Rees Griffiths; song, Waiting at the well, Mr Evan Morgan (encored); reading, "How Billy Aumtage got a nr'ht's lodging/' in the Lancashire dialect, Mr A. fecho- ffeld; chorus, "Swiftly," Musical Union (encored); read- ing, '"On presents and toppers" (Old Humphrey), Mr.). C.^Gittins; song, "I'm a merry Zingara," Miss K. Roberts (encored); reading, A tradejry in two act, Mr J. C. D. Hill; part song, "Swiftly from the mountain brow," Musical Union (encored). Accompanist, Mr \V. P. Phillips. This was one of the most efficient entertain- ment of the scaso i, the readings were above the average, and the singing was very good. At the close the u-ual yotes of thanks, on the motion of Mr A. E. Francis, were accorded to the Chairman the realers enl singers, which beioa suitably res; oided to by Mr Jones, the meeting was closed by the ringing of the National Anthem. COUNTY C()UKT> WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH.— Rf-fore Mr Uomersham Cox, Judge. CLUM F'JR ATTENDANCE ON AN INVALID. The plaintiff in this case was Mrs Jane Robinson, a 11 t ividow residing at Ne.vtown, and the defendant, Mrs v Williams, was a lady of property in the same place. Ir R Williams was for the plaintiff, and Mr E. Moms .Tones for the defendant. The claim was for £ o. Sometime —o Mrs Williams, being an invalid, sent for Mrs Robinson t,) attend her, and the latter continued to give her attend- ance for twelve months, and now claime £ o for her service, which sum the defendant had refused to pay. For the defence it was alleged that the attendance was simnly given m courtesv, and that in return for it plain received her meals. The Judge did not think that such service would be given in courtesy, and gave a verdict for the amount claimed, stating that he thought it was a very moderate sum. SINGULAR CASE. Mr Jenkins, of Llanidloes, appeared for the claimant in a very singular case, which was heard upon an interpleader summons. The facts were these Mr Martin Woosnam, as administrator for Mr George Woosnam, deceased, had a claim for profe^oual services against M. T. Mdes Morris, wn Mr Mdes Mores married his preset wife a L w ;>an g ■, and S'le pos.- sied at that time about £ 1.500. She had an only brother, the Rev. J. Price Jones, who is the Vicar of two parishes in Hereford- shire. and the claimant in this case. Acting under his advice Mrs Miles Morris, his sister, executed a deed of settlement before her marriage with Mr Miles Morris, and by this deed her fortune was assigned to her brother, in trust for herself, and for her own personal and separate use, with which her then future husband bound himself not to meddle. The income of this money was to be paid to her by her brother after her marriage. Some time after this event took place, her husband, who had got into difficulties, left her, bat returned and con- tinued to live with her at their joint home. According to the statement of Mr Jenkins the credi ors of Mr Miles Morris b>gan to press him and in December last the furniture was to be sold for rent. Mrs Morris, finding that she was likely to be homeless, in consequence of the conduct of her husband, applied to her brother, the Rev. J. Price Jones, for advice. He, as his sister's trustee, told her to get someone to buy in at the sale what furniture she wanted, and to get the purchase effected in his name and also to get a house taken in his name, so that she might have a home apart from her husband, and live on the interest of the fortune settled on herself before marriage. She acted on this advice. A portion of the furniture was bought in for the sum of £ 32 10s. 6 1.; a house was taken in the Rev. Mr Price Jones' name and she went to live there. Atter this was done, the defendant in this case seized the furniture which Mr Pi ice Jones had bought in for his sister, and this seizure was made under an execution for money owing by ',Irs Miles Morris's husband to the late Mr Woosnam. The furniture was re-sold, and the proceeds of the sale were a; pli. d to the payment of Mr Miles Morris's debt. Mr Jenkins contended that this was an illegal act on the part of the late Mr Woosnam's administrator, and that Mrs Miles Morris's brother and trustee was perfectly justified in law and equity in purchasing the furniture and estab- lishing a new home for his sister when the old one bad been broken up by the creditors of her husband. Mr Jenkins also prayed, on behalf of the claimant, the Rev. J. Price Jones, thlt the Court would award compensation for the acts of the defendant in seizing the furniture after it had been legally purchased at a public sale by auction. The Judge (to Mr E. M. Jones, who appeared for the defendant)—Is there any dispute about the facts of this S:de ? Mr E. M..T nnes-I shall dispute that the things were pur- chased by r Price Jones at all, or that tuey were sold under a distress for rent. I say it is a conspiracy on the pa-t of Mr Miles Morris and his wife to defraud the hus- band's creditors. Mr Jerkins —I say that the claimant, the Rev. Mr Price .To es, is entitled to these goods in law and equity, and, as his sister's trustee, he had a perfect right to buy the furni- ture at a public sale when a distress was levied upon the husband for rent, and to place the wife, his sister, in a new home which the husband and his creditors could not inter- fere with. The .Tulg-e-Are they living apart now? Mr F. Al. Junes-X,), they are living very comfortably together. iN[r Te kins—That is not so. The wife has loeked the door against bLu, and he never comes there unless she can't keep him out. The Ju Ige—Well, I am not trying a matrimonial cause. The whole case seems to turn upon this Was it a bona fide sale or not ? Mr E. M. Jones said he would contend that it was not a bona fide sale, but Mr Miles Morris, his wife, and her trustee, the Rev. J. Price Jones, had got up the sale to prevent the creditors taking p ssession of the goods. If this was a bona tide sale, creditors would never have a chance of obtaining their own. Mr Jenkins—Th claimant is a clergyman of property, who has an estate of his own in Cardiganshire, and would sooner lose a £ 1,000 than be implicated in anything where the slig itest suspijion could be attached to him. Mr E. M. Jones- I want to know what has become of the money received for the goods when the distress for rent was made. Mr Allies Morris only owed £ 710s. for rent, and for these goods purchased, as aheged, the claimant paid, as he says, £ 'o2 10s. 61. The Judge (to Mr Jenkins)—If this was a bona fide sale are you going to show wh^t became of the rest of the lIWllev after t li,. distress for rent was discharged ? Mr Jenkins—I ca not show it. I know nothing al^mt it. Mr Jones paid the auctioneer for the goods, and that is all I can show. The Ju Ige—Then there is no evidence as to the application of the money. Mr Jenkins—We are entirely in ignorance of what was done with the money. We bought the goods at a public auction, and that is sufficient to entitle us to them. Mr li. M. Jones said the s tie was not a bona fide one, but was got up to place the furniture out of the reach of the creditors. There was not the slightest explanation given as to hov the money was applied after the alleged distress for rent was discharged. Mr Jenkin then called the following evidence :— Richard Meddins said he had been a grocer, and was clerk at a sale by auction of furniture at a house rented by Mr T. M. Morris, e were placards of the sale. Mr E. M. Jones a.-ked for a placard announcing the sale, but Mr Jenkins said he was unable to produce one, though he had used his best endeavours to obtain it. Examinttion continu (I- It was a sale by auction, and took place on the green at Mr Morris's house. Mr Breese was the auctioneer. The Judge—Was Mrs Morris living separate from her husband then ? Mr E. M. Jones—Xo, they were living very comfortably together then, and are now. Witness (to the Judg")—I cannot say whether it was Mr Morris's house or nut, but the houe went by the name of Mrs Morris's. Examination resumed — Mr Richard Humphreys bought, so-ue furniture on behalf of Mr Price Jon s. The bill produced for goods was in his (witness's) haud writing". Mr Richard Humphreys said he was bidding for t'ie Key. J. P. J ones, and what he bought was to be booked to him. C oss-examined -Mr Breese is an auctioneer, living in Newtoun. Mr Breese said no. hing abou t selling for the Court of Bankruptcy. The bill omprised nearly the whole of the goods sold. Received the money on the night of the sale, and paid it on thi fuJ nvins, morning to Mr Breese. The amount of the s.de was £ 39 10s. G 1., and this sum he paid to Nir rreese. There were a good many people at the sale, but it was such a wet and stormy evening that people would not stand out in the rain. Other things were bought besides what was in the bill produced. The sale was open. lie-examined—There was spirited bidding, and a good deal of competition over some ot the articles. Some of the goods were soil dearly, and some cheaply. The auction was an honest public sale. To the Judge—Mrs Morris was at the sale, and she said what Mr Humphreys bought would be paid for by her brother, the Rev. John Price Jones. The f,ale began at two, and Was continued till "candle-light." It commenced o-itside the house, and was continued inside. There were thirty or forty people present. Ha seen a bill annouueieg the sale posted at the Unicorn Inn. It stated on the placard that the sale was urder a distress for rent. Could not remember any other place that he had seen bills, but he had seen them in several places. Richard Humphreys said he was the agent of the Rev. J. P. Jones at this sale, an 1 there were other people bidding at the auction. From all that he saw he would say that it was an honest public auction. Mrs Morris gave witness the money to buy the goods, and this money was required from him by the auctioneer immediately after the goods were purchased. The money was paid to him in bank notes and gold. To the Judge—Saw Mr Morris some days before the sale, but could not tell exactly when. Mr Morris was not at the sale, but was somewhere abouf; the house when wi'- ness met him the last time. Witness instructed the men to remove the goods to the new h u-e. He di(I not receive his instruction frcm the Rev. J. P. Jones, but on the inornii g before the sale Airs Morris took a house from wit- ness, and asked him if he would buy in some things on her brother's behalf at the sale. The new house was let to Mrs Morris a day or two before the sale. Witness was told by Mrs Morris that her brother would be answerable for the rent, of this house. It was taken for the Rev. J. P. Jones. Had seen Mr Miles Morris outside tbe house he occupied now. The .J u :le- He occupies, or she occupies ? Witn.ss-I mean she. The Jiid,,e-I sh 11 take it this way then. "He occu- pies, she ocupies;" that is what you slid.. The Rev. John Price Jones said he was a vicar of two parishes in Herefordshire. He was also a landed pro- prietor in Cardiganshire. Mrs Morris was his sister, an I he was the trustee of the settlenvrit produced. In Decem- ber last his sister informed him that the go..ds were to be sold by auction under a distress for rent. He passed through Newtown as he was on his way to his estate in Cardiganshire, and it was thei she said that the furniture was to be sold by auction. Witness saw the placard, and remembered that the sale was to Satisfy rent. It was in- convenient for him to attend the sale, and as she asked him to purchase some of the goods for her, he said lie. would if s!le wished it. lIe asked her to get some oue to purchase them in his name, and take a house, also in his name. He did this so that his sister should have a new and separate home. The parties who were selling wanted the money at once, and his sister procurel it. He after- wards repaid it to her. Cross-examined—His sister, he believed, told him the amount of rent distrained for. Witness paid his sister £ 37 the fi, st time he saw htr af er th' sde. He could not savwhrn this was. It Le ab,ut, three weeks ago, bl1"t he could not Hay for certai,. His sister c ime to Herefordshire for the money. The money was his own It was not the trust m,)rie.N" bee,ilig(' lie had none in his hands. He advanced the money on the understanding that it was to he deducted from his sister's income. After hearing this evidence, the Judge intimated his intention to consider his decision as to whether the sale was bona fide, or otherwise. No witnesses were examined for the defence, but Mr E. M. Jones contended that the facts elicited did not prove that the sale was bona fide. ANOTHER CASE OF ALLEGED ILLEGAL SEIZURE OF GOODS. Some time ago Messrs Lovell and Cable were the plain- tiffs in an action in which they sued John Williams, of Newtown, for a sum of money due to them. They dis- trained upon Williams's goods, and at the sale Mr Davies, of the firm of Davies and Issard, boughr, in the goods and gave them hack to Williams, on the understanding that he was to pay for them when he could, but they were to be the property of Mr Davies until they were so paid for Messrs Lovell and a.o¡" finding that Williams had these goods in his possession again distrained upon them a second time, and Mr Davies issued an interpleader summons to recover the value of them from Messrs Lovell and Cable on the ground that they were still his property and not Williams's. The following evidence was now heard John Williams said he lived in Newtown, and was a carpenter and builder. He wa4 indebted to Messrs Lovtll and Cable, and had a por ion of his goods sold under -n exe.-u,ion %aiiist hiiii. Th-' co^ds were sol i nt the m e and were bought i i 1M$JV:e i; tie?. Tlu ? art of the goods now claimed ha,l been bought by Mr Davit's and were to remain in his possession until he could pay for them. He had never paid for them. To the Judge-I am paying so much for the loan of them Cross-examined by Mr Williams—These goods were not bought for me. Mr Davies took part of them away, and the other he left in my custody until I could pay for them. I d'd not consider the goods were my own. It was agreed that I was to have the goods and pay some day. They have remained in my possession ever since, and that was fifteen mouths ago. John Williams, under bailiff, remembered engaging Mr Breese to sell the goods under an execution by Messrs Lovell and Cable. The money was paid into court. They were bought by Mr David Davies. Witness had since sold the same goods again at the instance of Messrs Lovell and Cable. The Judge said it was perfectly clear that this was a case in which the verdict should be for the claimant. The fact that the goods were still in the possession of Williams, the debtor, afforded grounds for presuming that there was fraud, if fraud was supported by evidence, but there were no grounds for supposing that in buying the goods in, the claimant had any other intention than to do a benevolent act. N'et diet was for the claimant. Mr E. M. Jones appeared for Mr Davie", and Mr R. Williams for Messrs Lovell and Cable. HORSE CASE. JEKINS V. SHADRACH JONES. Mr R. Williams was for plaintiff, and Mr E. M. Jones for defendant, and the sum claimed was L5 for a mare, hired and alleged to have died in consequence of overwork or bad usage. When plaintiff let her he said he thought she was too weak for the work, but defendant said a donkey could do it. The agreement was 8s. for a fortnight, or Bo if the mare died. The mare was returned in a fort- night, and died twenty-four hours after.—Verdict, 50s.

MONTGOMERY. ASSAULT UPON A WIFE.—At the Police Court, on Wednesday, Feb. 19h, John L'avies, of Church Bink, Montgomery, was charged with assaulting his wife on the 7th F bruary. He was ordered to be bound over to keep tLe peace, for three months, but no one appearing to bail h m, he was committed to prison for tbaf period. FiRES —A tire broke out in a stableof the Dragon Hotel, on Wednesday night, February 19ch. Tie stable is reaped by a timber haulier, whose horses, live in nuaiber, were left safe for the night, about ten o'clock. Early the next morning, when the men came to them, the stable was full of smoke, the iitter was burnt, and the partitions were on fire. Four of the aumials were severely injured.—On the previous Saturday a stack of hay (insured), belonging to Mr Thomas Bridgewater, was nearly all burnt, though the Lymore engine was fetched. Incendiarism is sus- pect, d.

WELSHPOOL. INFANT SCHOOL READINGS—On Tuesday evening, th' 18th Feb., Mr Samuel Powell presided over one of these readings. This meeting equalled, ;;s regarded the company and the per'ormance, any that preceded it. The Chair- man and Messrs Driver and Tvrer gave some very inter estiug selections in reading, and the choir, and Mis Farmer, Messrs Nourse, Tyrer, and Black, gavesuisfaction by their singing. Miss Gruer presided at the pianotorte. The Chairman at the close announced the time when the next meeting would be held, and stated that it would be the last this season. FAIR.—The fair on Monday, Feb. 24t,h, presented a small show of stock of every kind. The number of btyc-r., was small..Notwithstanding this the prices given were ex- ceedinly high. A cow-in-cait, trie property of Mr Williawis, i'wllyglo, sold for £24. Mutton reached 13. a lb., pur K bad., and veal J. Horses fetched a high figure. PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY, FfB. 25TH.—Before D. r. Owen, s-q., (Mayor), and Thomas Morris, Esq. (Ex- Mayor). A.ssaultx.- -Joseph Brady, a jiclcey, was summoned for assaulting Edward Oliver on the 11th Feb. The case was allowed to be compromised on defendant's undertaking to pay the costs. 7s. -NVilli tiii Symister, ropemaker, was sum- moned by..John Pilot, ropemaker, of Newtown, for assault- ing him at Welshpool on the 3rd Feb. Complainant said he was attending Welshpool market on the day in question ani h td business in the Coach and Horses Inn. He found defendant there, who wanted witness to t eat him. Wit- ness refused, and on going out of the house was followed by defendant, who caught hold of his coat collar and wanted to light him. Several witnesses were called wn both sides, and the Bench fined defendant 10s and costs. Mr G. D. Harrison for defe,i,laiit. Drunkenness-—sarah Bennett, of Guilsfield, was sum- moned for being drunk at Guilslield, on the 15th February. P.C. Rogers proved the case, and defendant was tined 7s., including costs.—John Ho wells, labourer, Welshpool, was summoned by P.C. Ellis for being drunk on the 9th Feb. Defendant did not appear, and the service of the summons having been proved by P.C. Little, a warrant was issued f >r defendant's apprehension,—Samuel Jones, butcher, Welshpool, was summoned by P.C. Evans for being drunk near the Market Hall, on the 15th February. Defendant did not appear, and a warrant was ir-sued for his apprehen- sion.-Williain Williams, of Tyddyn, Guilsfield, was sum- moned by P C. Lewis, for being drunk on the previous night. The officer stated he found defendant helplessly drunk lying at the top of the town, on the Guil,fie1fl- road. He was frozen fast to the ground. Fined 5s., and 7s. costs. The money was paid. Charge of a Whip. — Benjamin Nichols. of Tre. wern, Inttint;m, was charged, on re.nand, with stealing oil the 20th Feb., a whip, valued at Is., the property of Mr K Pryce, Glanafreti.— Prosecutor had no wish to press the case, and thought the wt ip was not taken with felonious intent.The Bench. therefore, dismissed the case.

LLANFAIR (JAKREINION. PETTY SESSIONS.—Saturday, Feb. 22nd, Before Major Davies, and J. C. Bayard, Es-q. Only one unimportant case was brought before their worships. POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT.—This very pbasant and amusing performance came off at the Board School-room, oil Friday evening, Feb. 21 st, and WflS as successful as any which have preceded it. The chair was filled by the Rev. D. S. Thomas, and the following lengthy pro- gramme was 8uccessful'y gone through, Mr Cadwalader Humphreys accompanying on the harmonium :—Address bv the Chairman: song, "The White Squall," Mr D. Jones; recitation, YmfFroshiwr," Mr E. Gittins Rong- and chorus, "Good bye old home," Mr J. Smith and party reading, Look at the clock." Mr Lloyd Gr,,tve! le song, "The soldier's tear," Mr J. Morris; reading, Mr Benbow glee, "The clou 1 capt towers," Messrs I>. Jones, J. Morris, D.Jehu, S. Evans, T. Richards, and T, Jehu recitation, The raven," Mr E. Roberts son. and chorus, Horeb choir; son; Gwenith Gwyn," Mr E. Jones soncr, "Hearts of Oak," Mr D. Jones tno, Horeb choir: song, "Beautiful isle of the sea," Mr J. Smith; finale, TiÍe land of my fathers," solo by Mr J. Morris, and the audience joining in the chorus. The Rev. W. Jones pro- posed, :mdthe Rev. J. Evans seconded, votes of thanks to the Chairman for presiding, to the performers who went through their arduous task so successfully, and Mr T. Watkins, to whom the thanks of the meeting were due for getting up this enjoyable entertainment.

RUYTON. SEASONABLE.—Last week Mr J. D. Jones gave upwards of forty blankets to the widows and some of the other poor people of Ruyton.

GUILSFIELD. GUILSFIELD CHARITIES.—On Tuesday, Feb. Igth, the-e chariiies were distributed by the Vicar, Churchwardens, and Overseers. Sheets, flannel, and other substantial clothing, were given to 230 recipients, most of whom seemed pleased but it would be useless to attempt to please every one on such occasions.

LLANFYLLIN. ELECTION OF INSPFCTOR.In our report of this election in our last, through an error at the office, Mr Perrot was made to say that Mr Dugdale considered Mr Anderson the best man. It should have been "he (Mr Perrott) con- sidered," &e.

MEIFOD. DEATH OF MR TH03. O. STURKEY.—We have the pain- ful duty of recording the death of Mr Thomas Owen Sturkey, which occurred at his residence, Meifod, on Tues- day, Feb. 18th, at ihe green old age of eighty-five. Mr Sturkey was well known throughout the county, and had gained the respect of all. Mr Sturkey formerly resided at Bettws, and was for many years Commissioner of Taxes in the district. PRERENTATJOX TO MR JNO. DANIEL, BRONYMAIN,—The annual pigeon shooting was held here on Friday, Feb. 2lst, when the friends of Mr Daniel availed themselves of the opportunity to make a presentation to him ae he is shortly leaving the neighbourhood. The birds were given by Mr Rees Williams. The following was the result of the shooting:—1st match, a silver cup, 19yds rise, two birds each, six entries, won by J. Pryce 2nd match, a silver cup, six entries, won by Rees Williames sweepstakes of 5s. each, six entries, Webster and Rees Williames divided. After the shooting the company partook of an excellent dinner at the King's Head. The chair was occupied by Mr J. Nicklin, and the vice-chair by Mr Drury Rose. Aft, --r the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, the Chairman I a silver tea service to Mr Daniel on behalf of the friends and well-wishrrs of that gentleman. The pre- s ntation was accompanied by an address, which was also read bv Mr Nicklin. Mr Daniel feelingly responded, and the proceedings of the evening, including songs and toasts, were continued with much heartiness.

TREWERN, BUTTINGTON. LECTURE —The Rev. J. Conor, Vicar of St. George's, Wellington, delivered an interesting lecture in Trewern school, which was kindly lent by Mr W. Fisher, on the 14th February. There was a very large audience. The subject of the lecture was The Post-office." During the intervals of the lecture some very suitable songs were sung by Miss Williams, Mr D. Jones, and Mr Griffiths, in a very tasteful manner. Miss Watts, of Buttington Vicarage, kindly and ably presiding at the pianoforte. The Rev. J. Lewis presided. After the usual vote of thanks to the chairman, lecturer, and choir, God save the Queen was sung, and brought to an end a very pleasant evening.

LLANSAINTFFRAID. GOOD TBMPLARISM.—On Thursday eveniner, the 20th Fe)., a Good Templar Lodge was instituted here by Bro. Evans, D.D.G.W.C.T. of Oswestry, assisted by other brethren from Oswestry and Welshpool. It was named the St. David's Lodge. The sessions, bv the kindness of the Vicar, will be held in the Church Schoolroom. Brother T. G. Jones was recommended as Lodge Deputy, and the following were elected officers for the ensuing quarter :— Brother Dr Edwardes, W.C.T., Sister Hughes, P.W.C.T., Sister Edwards, W.V.T., Brother Edwardes, W.S., Brother W. Hughes, W.F.S., Brother Tannatt, W.T., Brother Rev. H. James, W.C., Brother H. Jones, W.M., Sister Thomas, W.D. M., Sistrr M. Davies, W.A.S., Brother C dwaladr, W.T G., Brother Robert', W.O.G. There ii c y j rospi ct of a good totje, forty paying been initiated. while several others have been proposed for the next ses- sion. On the )th Feb. a degree meeting was held, when the degree of "Fidelity" was conferred all three, and the degree of Charity" on nineteen members, by Brother Evans, assisted by several other degree Templars from Oswestry.

LLANDRILLO. COURSING MEETING.—By the kind permission of Mr H. Robertson, Pale, a. day's coursing was granted to Mr White, Ilhydglaves, and his friends, on Wednesday, Feb. 19Lh. As the weather was exceedingly tine there was a very large company present. The following gentlemen had dogs runningMessrs R. White, Rhydglaves, Roberts, Bryndedwydd, Owens, N. P. Bank, Bala, Jarrett, Plasyufardre, White, The Court, Llandegla, Jones, The Gaol, Ruthin, Davies, London House, Ruthin, Dr Hughes, Llangollen, Jones, I eather Inn, Corwen, Jones, Plastre- geirog, Jones, Cyfffc.y, Bala. The hares were not so numer- ous as on some previous occasions, but one or two splendid long runs were witnessed in Hendwr Fields. Nine hares were bagged. After the coursing a large company sat down to a sumptuous dinner which was provided by Mrs Evans, The Drovers' Arms, and presided over by Mr White, Rhydglaves, with Mr E. Jarrett, Plasynfardre, in the vice-chair; The health of Mr Robertson was drunk with three times three, and that of Mr Roberts, Bryn- dedwydd, the oldest sportsman in the neighbourhood, was drunk with enthusiasm. Several good songs were sung bv Mr Oswell (The Station), and others. v

WREXHAM. BOROUGH MAGISTRATES COURT, MONDAY, FEB. 24TH.—Before T. C. Jones, Esq., E. Tench, Eso., and A. W. Edwards, Esq. Inebriates-—Thomas Wright, of Warrington, was charged with being drunk on Thursday night, Feb. 20th, and was discharged on promising to leave the town.—Edward Griffiths, of Buckley, was brought up in custody on a similar charge, and was fined Gd., and 4s. 3d. costs.—Amos Pugh, Buckley, Henry Lloyd, Lower Berse, and Samuel Rogers, The Vron, were likewise charged with drunkenness, and each was fined Gd., and 4s. 3d. costs. Donkey Strayinp.—Robert Samuels, a butcher, WHS summoned for allowing his donkey to stray in Grosvenor- road, on Saturday, Feb. 15th, and was ordered to pay the co, t 4s. 01. Extension of Thne.-Permission was granted Mr Lova'.t. landWd of the Old Swan Inn, and Mr Manley, of the F, athers Inn, to keep their houses op"n on Monday night, March 3rd, until twelve o'clock, as they intend giving dinners in celebration of St. David's Day. TOWN COUNCIL, TUESDAY, February 25th. -Present The Mayor (J. C. Owen, Esq.), Aldermen Thomas Jones, P. Walker, J. Beirne, W. Rowland; Councillors J. Beale, Robert L'ovd, Samuel Griffiths, H. Davies, Y Strachan, Wdl'am Slierratt, J. B. Murless, E. Smith, W. Connor, and J. M. Jones. A Chain for the Mayor.— Before the ordinary business was commenced, a discussion took place as to the advisability of purchasing a chain for the mayor, in an- ticipation of his vis t to London to dine with the Lord M'iyor. The pri position met with great favour, and £1:50 was at once promised. It was then resolved to send for 1) Ll tern,, of chains, through a local jeweller. The Ftiirs—Mr S. Griffiths proposed that the fai s be altered from Thursday to Tuesday, and that there be 'ortnightly fair. inste.d of those held at present. Mr Griffiths referred to the success of the Oswestry fairs, and the benefits that had been derived from having fairs at shorter internali, and contended that Thursday was too late in the week, because dealers buying cattle could not sell them until the next week.- -Alderman Beirne seconded the motion, but Alderman Jones spoke again&t it, anl said before they h .d fairs oftener they should provide a proper smithfield. He proposed that the subject be adjourned.—31r Strachan seconded the amendment, an produced letters from sixteen of the largest breeders of stock in the neighbourhood, thirteen of whom were ag-iinst any alteration, while the other three were in favour of Mr Griffirh.s's suggestion.—Mr H. Divies and Mr J. M. Jones oppn-ed, awl Mr Murless. supported the motion- -Ultimately the motion was carried by eight votes to seven. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, THURSDAY, FRBRUAKY 20. Present-Captain Griffith, Chdrman, Mr S. T. Baugh, Vice-chairman, the Rev. R O. Burton, Messrs J. Rogers, J. Burton, Thomas Jones, F. ]>ig<rin«, D. Rasbotham, B. S. Roberts, A. W. Edwards, Edward Rowland, J. Beale, S. Griffith, W. Lo w, NVirt. Lester. J. K. Birch, J. D. Beard. G. M. Marsh, and J. M. Jones. -Tile Chairman proposed that the vaccina- tion officers be authorized and directed, subject to the rules and the- regulat ous of the Locd Government Board to take all necessary legal proceedings against all persons who rendered themselves liable to the pendties imposed by the Vaccination Act, by default in reg<rd to the vaccination of their children.—Mr Beale seconded the motion, which was carried. Vagrants' and Infectious Wards.— The Visiting Com- mittee, in reference to the vagrant wards, recommended that plans, & be at once advertised for, and that the old pumps and tanks bj disposed of and that a tank should be procured and placed in the tower for the purpose of holding water to b heated by the exhaust steam from the steam pump, so that hot water might be distributed throughout the house.—Mr J. M. Jones proposed, and Mr Baugh seconded, that an advertisement be inserted in the P local newspapers asking for plans, and stating that all par- ticulars would b furnished by the master.—The Chair- man said it would be be-t for the committee to decide upon a plan, and then lay the result of their deliberations before the Board.—Mr Lester observed that they had not before them even sufficient information to decide upon an adver- tisement. He would suggest, as a first step, that the com- mittee should inspect the ground, understand prope ly what was required, and then report to the Board. — Mr Jones withdrew his motion, and it was agreed that the committee should meet on Tuesday, February 25th, and report to the Board. It was also resolved that the COIll- mittee should report on the subject of selling the old pumps and tank, and purchasing a tank for the tower.

PEN YCAE- RUABON. THE SCHOOL BOARD EXPENDITURE. INDIGNATION MEETING.— A large meeting of the ratepayers was held in the School-ro.mi, on Tuesday evening, February 18th. to take into consideration what course could be adopted to withstand the action of some of the nlPm bers of the School Board. Among those present were -Nir S. Roberts, Plasu- cha, Mr R. Jones, Trefech m, Mr W. Jones, Trefechan, Mr Pierce, Trefechan, Mr Mille, Pentre, Mr W. Roberts. Black Horse, Mr Griffiths, Cross Foxes. Mr Pugh, Cross Street, Mr Price, Chnstionydd, Mr H. Jones, Mr Hughes, Mount Pleasant, Mr W. Edwards, and up- wards of thirty more ratepayers. Mr John Green, Pentro Farm, was voted to the chair, and opened the me* t rig with a hort account of what the hoard had done during the two years they had been in office, and of the great wish now of a few of the extravagant members wishing to plunge-the parish into an expense of £ 15,000, to buFd schools which were not all really wanted, those mem- bers of the boird really being either no ratepayers at all or else only to a very small extent. Facts were brought out to show that the rate would be much greater than any- one anticipated, when all these schools had been built and had to be supported by the ratepayers, and it was said there was no doubt that in a few years the Government would withdraw the grants, and burden the ratepayers with the whole expense. Each of the new schools would require a master at JS130 a year, an assistant at E60, a mistress at £70, and pupil teacher, at X40, hence one school would require over 2300, the four new ones and one the board had already would thus require over 21,500 a year. The pence and Government grant would only pay part of this, leaving the rest to eome out of the rates. One gen- tleman present spoke very strongly as to the balance sheet of the School Board, not beinc published, thus trying to keep the ratepayers in the dark Another spoke of the high salary paid to the School Board Clerk, for attending one meetmg about every fortnight for about an hour, al- though at Wrexham and other 1>laces£10 only was paid. All present, without exception, protested most strongly against the waste of public money, and pledged them- selves to their utmost to lessen the expenditure. A deputation was formed consisting of Messrs Green, Roberts, Pugh, Pierce, and Mdle, to join the Ruabon deputation, and to wait on the School Board and express the wish of the ratepayers, and their utter detestation of such needless expense being saddled on them. A vote of thanks was passed to MrGreen for his kindness in taking the chair, and the meeting terminated. Another meeting was to be convened to receive the report of the deputation, and to consider what action shall be taken in the matter.

RHOSLLANERCHRUGOG. CONCERT.—A grand concert, the last of the season, was held on Monday evening, Feb. 17th, in the National School-rooma, the proceeds being towards the augmentation of the lihos church organ fund. The following artistes took part :NTi.,s Bennett, of Liverpool, Eos Morlais, and the Summer Hill Glee Party, accompanist, Mr F. Owen (Alaw Maelor.) Mr Turner, of Gardden Lodge, had been announced to preside, but was unable to attend. In his absence the vicar ably presided. The follov/intr programme was gone through :-Glee, Come Fairies," Summer Hill Glee Party; tsong, "The blind girl to her linrp," Miss Bennett; comic son?, That's just the thing for Frank," Mr Price song, Cymru Anwylaf i Mi," Eos Morlais glee, Where art thou, beam of light, Summer Hill Glee Parfcy song, Marjorie's Almanack," Miss Bennet; song, "Mi Gollias y tren," 1. Powell; song, "Anita," Eos Morlais; comic song, J. E. Davies; duet (pianoforte), Messrs F. and D. OtVen; song, "Oh! how delightful," Miss Bennett; song, "Os gwadaf byth fy ygwlad," I. Powell; song, "Once again," Eos Morlais; catch, "A little farm well tilled," Summer Hill Glee Party song, Kitty Muldoon," Miss Bennett glee, Fair Flora Decks," Summer Hill Glee Party; duet, I've wandered in dreams," Miss Bennett and Eos Morlais; son, Mr Powell; song, "Yr Ehedydd," Eos Morris; finale, "God save the Queen." The singing was on the wnole good. The glee party was applauded at the clos" ot each of their performances, the best of which was the rendering of the beautiful glee, "Fair Flora Decks Mr Powell also received an encore after his song" Os gwadaf byth fy ygwlad." But the great feature of the concert was the singing of the popular Welsh tenore, "Eos Morlais. He was encored in each of his songs, but only twice re- sponded. Mr Owen ab'y performed his pait as accom- panist. There was a numerous and respectable audience. At the close, Mr Jones, the vicar thanked all for their attendance and support, and announced amidst cheers that the building of the organ was nearly completed and would be finished and put up in church by ablout the middle of March.

RUABON. RUABON WATER COMPANY.—The sixth half-yearly ordi- nary general meeting of this company was held at the Wynnstay Arms on Wednesday, February 19th. There were present: Mr B. Davies (chairman), Mr Isaac Rogers, Mr J. S. Lavcoek, Mr John Jone> Mr Henry Dennis (engineer), Mr Tbonns Ya^dley, Mr Houghton, and Mr Geo, B, W Q ¡Jfvnl, alui kit tr) directors' and eng- neei-3 reports were read and passed. A dividend at the rate of three per cent per annum was declared .Messrs B. JJavie3 and Isaac Rogers were re-elected directors, and Mr 1. uliar was re-appointed one of the auditors of th-' company, It was also agreed that £ 5 be paid to each of the auditors for their services during the oast year, and that be voted to the directors. A vote of thanks to the chairman ended the meeting. SCHOOL BOARD.-A special meeting was he'd on Wednesday, Feb 19th. Present Mr Morris (chairman), Mr Pullar, Dr Roberts, the Rev. R. Ll. Owen the Rev. A. L. THytor, and Mr Thomson; Air J. b. Jones clerk, and Mr Sherwin, architect. The Proposed Expenditure.— The meeting had been con- vened for the purpose of considering the plans of the pro- posed new schools at Cefn and Acrefair. A deputation of ratepayers was in attendance, and wished to have an inter- view with the Board on the subject of the meeting. The Board, however, decided that they could not receive the deputation.—Mr Sherwin laid on the table estimates for the Acrefair and Cefn schools. He said that since he was oefore them previously, he had gone very carefully through all the matters connected with the schools, and he must say that the estimates came to more than JM per head, although not much more. He had gone through all the different items, and he found he could make a reduc- tion of £ 1,000 on hi3 former estimates, although he would not say that he recommended the reductions. He referrel to the fact that the price of labour and materials had risen very much. The cost of the brickwork would be con- siderably dearer than at Manchester, Liverpool, or Ches- ter. After the reductions, the estimate of Acrefair school would be e3,030, and the Cefn school, £ :?,200. These amounts did not comprise the in i--tprs' residences, but they included the buildings and all the nece-eary fittings. The detached masters' hou3 at Cefn would cost X410, and at Acrefair £ 360. The o dy way to reduce the cost of these houses wouI,1 be to diminish the size, hut he was of opinion that they were not any too large. His original estimate for the two masters' houses was 0 0, and he had reduced the sum by making the walls thinner, and other miscel- laneous matters, but without decreasing the accommodation or size. According to his plans the schools would accom- modate 600 children each —Mr Pullar said they only re- qaired a school in Acrefair for 500 children, and that Board had passed a resolution to that effect.—Mr Sherwin h id understood that the Board were in fa-vrur of erecting a scho d at Acrefa'r to accommodate 600, on account of their expec ing an infl.ix of population to that place. If tie number was to be 500, the cost would he reduced £ 550 or £ 600.—Mr Thompson remark- d that he did not think they wanted accommodation for 1,lOu at that end of the parish.—He was interrupted by the Rev. R. Ll. Owell, who siid he had no right to discuss that question at that meeting.—Mr Sherwin, in reply to a question, ftiil the plans allowed ten and a-half cubical feet for each child, the department only ri quiring eight feet. The excess Was ciused by th> ir having two class-rooms, a LI if they took them away they would save E200 or £ 300 in each school, but the ifficiency of the schools would be greatly interfered with.—After some remarks upon the increased cost of the work, which was attributed t" the lla. lfiy which there had been, Mr Pullar sugges'e 1 that the plans should be shown to Mr Rhy, the Government in- spector, who might point out h"w tee cost could be in some points be reduced. It was finally resolved that a committee of the whole Board should have an interview with Mr Rhys. oi the following Friday, for the purpose of going ovjr the pi ins.

LLANGOLLEN. FIKE ENGINE.—The fire engine, which arrived in Llan- ollen on Thursday vr-ek, was on Tuesday, Feb. 13 th, taken out for practice f r the fir-t time. The brigade was under the superintendence of Mr Hiram Davies, confec- tioner. &c., and Mr Richards, of was also io attendance managing. Tile hydrants of the town w-re tested bv the B mk Buil lings, the Hand Hotel Mill End Miils, the Bull Inn, !iri,l the Thecngi ieat the commencement did not work very well, but the prac- tice by the Bull and ihe Royal showed that it was capable of throwing the water a t/ood distance. GRAND CONCERT.On Wednesday, Feb. 19ih, a concert in connection with the Welsh Wesleyans, Llangollen, was given in the Assembly Room. The artistes were Miss Phillipps, Miss M. Phillipps, Mr A. Y. Fletcher, and Mr T. J. Hughes, of Liverpool. The Llangollen Philhar- monic Society, under the conduotor.-hip of the 11-v. Gethvn Davies, sang a grand chorus, and Miss J. A. Pugh and Master Levi Pugh, gave two duets in good style. The following was the progiamtne <jr-ature, pi inoforte, Miss Phillipps and Mr A. P. Fletcher; ehoru-, For unto us a child is born," Llangollen Philuarmonic Society; us a child is born," Llangollen Philuarmonic Society; duet, "Peace to thy spirit," J. A. Pugh and Master L"vi Putrh ballad, Thadv O'Fiynn," Miss Phillipps recitation and air, lf:irli hark methiuks I hear" (cor- net obligato. Mr MrT. J. Hughes; trio, "Blow, gentle sales," the Misses Phillipps and Sir T. J. Hughe' dust, When shall we meet," the Miss- s Phillipps quar- tette, "Ever trulv," the Misses Phillippa, Mr Fletcher, and Mr T..T. Hughes W-Ish song, "Fy Mgwlad fy hun," Mr T. J. Hughes song, Esmeralda," Miss Mari. Phillipps duet, As it fell upon a day," Miss J. A. Pugh and Master Levi Pugh song, "I may or may not," Miss Phillipps; duet, ''Old and young," Miss Maria Phillips and Air T. J. Hughes song, Miss Phillipps; song, "From rock to rock," Mr T. iJ. Hughes; trio, The Gipsy's laughing trio," the Misses Phillipps an 1 Mr T. J. Hughes finale, God save the Qu'-en," the solo by Miss Phillipp*. The sonjj-3 of Mr T. J. Hughes were encored. The atten- dance was exceedingly good, ti e room being WV"11 we understand the receipts amounted to nearly £ 25. The profits will be paid to the chapel lut-d. PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25th.—Befora J. R. Barnes, Esq., G. H. Whalley, K,q., ani G. LI. Dickin, Esq. Transfer of Licence.-The licence of the Cros-i Keys Inn was transferred from Mr George Blake to Mr Evan Jones. C errying a (hm without a Licence.—John Roberts, Eglwyseg, was charged with carrying a gun on the 17th of December, not having a licence.—The defendant was tined t2 10s., be lowest possible penalty that could be inflicted. St¡-aZ/inr¡. -Tohn Jones, Lluitvsilio, was fined for alio .ving four of his IVs to stray on therta.d neir Pen- cfawdd, on the 3rd of February.-The c,ise was proved by P.C. Richard Morris. Drunkenness —Lly welyn Lang ford was charged with being drunk and riotous on the 10th of February, in bridge-street, in the town of Llangollen.—P.C. Williams proved the case, and the defendant, not, appearing, a warrant was ordered to be issued. Trespass in Pursuit of Ocone and Larce,iy.-G,ot"e Straton, gamekeeper to J. Dickin, Esq., Ty'ndwfr, charged David Roberts, farm labourer, with trespassing in pursuit of game, on the 12th of Fe ruary.anda.Isi with stealing three rabbit traps, the property of J. Dickin, E^q.— l'he charge was admitted by the defendant, and the Bench orde; ed that a penalty of S2 and costs be inflicted. Drunkenness. —John Jones, Trevor, was charged by P.C. Phoenix, with being drunk on the 17th of Fbruary.-The case was proved, and the defendant was ordered to pay the costs, 2s. GJ., no line beinu inflicted.

CORWEN. MISCELLANEOUS AND DEBATING MEETING.—On Monday, February 18th, another popular and successful meeting was held at the British School-room, when Mr R. P. Roberts, Rbydyfen, presided. The programme, which was lengthy and included many interesting subjects, was gone through amidst general appr,)vt;; taking part in the singing we noticed, Mr W. Edwards, Mr J. Hughes, Mr J. Thomas, Tydu glee party and several others reading and recitations, ?dr C. Roberts, Master Appleton, address was given by Air J. Jones, Anghorad House, on "Self Government" (Heman-ly-wodraeth); and one on "the events of the week," by Air J. Hughes, Solicitor. The following were successful competitors. Impromptu sing- in from the Tonic Solfa system; (Adudicator Mr H. Davies), Master Edward Roberts, rea ing, Mr W. Ed- wards; for the best address on Fire." Master R. Jomes Jones. The National Anthem, led by Mr H. Davies, closed the proceedings.

CHlrslv; FATAL COLLIERY Accll)F-NT.-Aii inquest was held at the Royal Oak, on Monday, Feb. 24th, before Mr B. Thelwail, and a jury, of whom Air Joseph Edwards, Penter farm, was foremui, on the body of Thomas Roberts, aged fifteen years, who met his death by drowning at the Black Park Colliery, ou Saturday morning, February 22. Deceased, with another, Was employed at the eye of the pit, at what is termed "hooking on." A tub got off the rails, and in endeavouring to lift it on again, he slipped backwards into the" sump," or store for water, and was drowned before his body could be recovered. The inquest was adjourned until Alonday next at two o'clock, to await the Government Inspector, I

CEFN. PROPOSED AMALGAMATION OF THE CEFN AND WREXHAM WATER COMPANIES. On Thursday evening, February 20th, a public meeting was held in tbe Cefn M.a.rket. ■ c Mr WHALLEY, on ua,king the chair, saul—My friends and neighbours, the object of this meeting will be best ex- ,,Wd hv this little bill wnicu we had primed t:us morn- |n r and Whichl wdl r,^dto you r oe»,. Water Company: a public meeting will be heUf tins evening, Thursday, the 90:h of February, the Cefn Market Hall seven o'clock to heir any objec ions to the Cefn Water Company Bill now before Parliament and to answer the same. Mr Whalley, M.P.* will take the chair. A petition has been suddenly get up against this Bill, and •ignatures have been obtained tnereto by misrepresentation and statements by those who have solicited signatures wholly untrue and without any cause or pretence whatever. All persons in- terested are requested to attend the meeting, THOMAS As DAVIES, Secretary." In addition to that I should like to read to you the copy of a letter which I addressed to Mr J. Lloyd (Bod Llwydd), because I understand he has signed the petition. Mr WHALLEY then read the letter in which he stated that he heard the agents of tfie Ruabon Water Company were soliciting signatures to protest against the proposed amalgamation of the Bill, and as he (Mr Lloyd) had signed the petition, he wished him*to be present at the meeting to state his objections. He (the Chairman) had seen Mr Lloyd that day at the station, and he told him he would make an effort to attend but he was sorry to find he was not there. SCAlr WHALLEY continued-Before I go any further, I should like if anyone would state their objections, assuming that there is some one to object. T Mr CHATHAM said—I signed that petition because 1 was given to understand by different parties that the brook we have our supply from would run through a half-pint glass. I know that many days we could not have water, and con- sequently it delayed the work. Mr BKADLEY said he had lived near the brook for fifty years, and he had never seen it sa low that the water would even run through a nine inch pipe. Mr Whalley was vt-ry much obliged to lur Chatham for being present, hoped ivt-iiiu^ (Mi* Whalley) k would say would offend, because he had no such feeling in his mind, but he thought he should be aole to satisfy his friends and neighbours that the proposed amalgamation would benefit them. It was racher too bad of Mr Dennis, on account of his^ tferesta in the Ruabon Water Company, to circulate sucii state- ments as to which he had circulated. He (the chairman), wished to live in a neighbourly manner, he certainly had derived great pleasure from having been to a great extent in con j unction with his friend Mr Bradley, the means of bringing to Cefn a plentiful supply of pure water. He had thQ authority of the doctor of the parish, that the place had been greatly benefited by having the water. It had diminished sickness and death to the extent ef one third. Now having done all th :s, did they think he should he so very foolish as by making arrangem-nts with the Wrexham Water Company, to deprive the district of the water they had obtained ? He thought he would be able to show that the proposed arrangement would afford them a better supply. Mr Wiialley then referred to the cost of this previous petition and stated that the result was, its being dismissed, and the other parties having to pay the oostg, because the juiare said it was a most frivolous petition. Mr Whalley said he was surprised to hnd that the petition was again going around the parish with all sorts of nonsensical statements. This Company, as they were aware, was formed with no little difficulty. It was now seven years 'ince he was in. vited to attend a meeting to consider the best way of obtaining water for the district. A committee was formed, an Act was obtained, but the shares could not be disposed of, and he himself had to fird the money. But surely he had done enough. He did not want to continue to be a water merchant, for he had only taken it in hand because nobody else would do it Having gone so far he thought he might ask his neighbours to allow him to retire, pro- vided that he could .secure to them the fu I benefits they had hitherto enjoyed. Air Whalley then proceeded to point out that some of the objections to the proposed amalgamation were that the rates for the water would be raised, and explained how he had taken the precaution to secure the present rates remaining in force. Mr CHATHAM said he saw a notice that the Water Company would have the power to raise the rates. Trie CHAIRMAN said that he (Mr Chatham) had been misinformed by persons who had been going round with the petition who deluded the people of Cefn. (A Voice But Mr Dennis has not got up the petition, and I beg you will Dot make use of his name.) The Chairman then proceeded to explain the benefits which would result from the amalgamation, pointing out that Cefn would have the benefit of a larger storage of watt-r. Mr WO'ODFOKD said that Mr Whalley had been very profuse in his abuse of Air D nnis. hut that gentleman had effectively answered all Air Whalley's obj ctions at a meeting held at the Rhos. He asked was it not a fact that the Aew Unttsh Iron Company had a clause in the Bill that they should be supplied with water before anyone else ? The CHAIRMAN*—It is not a fact nothing of the kind, A lively discussion then ensued, in which Mr Woodford, Mr hatham, Mr Davies, and others, took part. Air JOSEPH DAVIES asked if there was anyone present from the Plaskynaston Company or the New British Iron Company who objpeted, to which there was no response. In the meantime a voice shouted Supposing Tich- borce was to come over here, would there be enough water to supply him." After some further discussion, Mr JOSHUA ROBERTS addressed tha meeting, and said he had been in connection with th Cefn Water Company Since it had been in existence. He was sui prised when a man calie 1 at his house the other day with a petition to oppose the Bill. He said that Air Whalley bad sold the water to the Wrexham Water Company, and by amalga- mation they were going to raise all the rates.* He (Mr Robert-) said he was surprised 'hat Mr Wiialley should have done that, but if so he would sign the oetition. He did sign the petition, but now having heard Mr Whalley's remarks he heartily proposed the resolution That this meeting approves of the proposed bill, and that a petition to that effect be signed." Mr JOSEPH DAVIES seconded the resolution, which was put to the meeting and carried by fifty-two list thirty. five. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the pro. ceedmgs. THE MASTER AND SERVANT ACT. Miner—If proper reservoirs are -ma le., tF:'e is no doubt at all that there is water enough ir> this district to supply Wrexuam twenty times over. Shall we leave the water schemes now. an hear what you have got to say about the Master and Servant Act. Dout Lux—The Alaster and Servant Act was passed in the year 18G7, and was intended to alter in some re- spects the then existing enactments relative to the (leter. mination of questions arising between employers and em. pi ived under contracts of service. Miner-It; was under this Act that the gas stokers were convicted, I believe, -md we want to know how it happened that; they were punished so heavily. Dout Lux- We will begin at the beginning, and we shall come to the part which affects cases like the gas stokers'in due time. The first tiling to notice is that the Act is equally binding upon woikmen an! employers, and if it seldom happens that emoloveis are proceeded against, we must conclude that it is either because they adhere to their contracts better than workin men do, or else it is ftec uise work; ng men are more willing than employers to suffer in silence. Miner—It is perhaps .,win: to tny tact that working men are more ignorant of the law than t'leir masters. Suppose you wanted to take proceedings under the Act, how would you set to work ? Dout Lnx-The Act says—Whenever the employer or empÕoyed shall neglect or refuse to fulfil any contract of service, or the employed shall refli-e to enter or com. mence his service, according to contract; or any dispute shall arise under any contract, the party feeling aggrieved ia-y lav an information in writing before a justice or magistrate, Setting forth the grounds of eom]>laint and the amount of compensation claimed; anl the magistrate shall cause a summons to be issu d against the party com- pia'ned of. These cases can be heard before two justices of the peace, or before a stipendiary magistrate. Miner—Suppose the party summoned neglects to ap- pear ? Dout Lux-Then a warrant can be issued for his appre- hension. Miner—What are the penalties? Dout Lux—Of course the first step is to prove the con. tract; and then, on the matter complained of being proved, either an abatement of all or a part of any wages then due to the employed may be made or the fulfilment of the contract may be ordered, with a direction to the party complained against to tind security by recognizances or bond; or the contract, may be annulled; or a fine not exceeding £20 may bs imposed. There are also other psovisions, and if either party refuse to comply with the decision of the magistrates, the offending party may be sent to prison for a period not exceeding three months. Miner When an offender is fined and is ordered to go to prison because he won't or can't pav, does he still owe the money when he comes out of gaol ? Dout Lux-No; imprisonment in this case, like death, pays all debts. Miner—What becomes of the tines. Dout Lux—When the magistrates impose any fine, they may, if they think fit, direct that a part, not exceeding one-half, be employed to compensate an employer or em- H pl».ved for any wrong or damage sustained by him. H Aliner—As far as you have gone it seems to me that H everything has been settled by fine. H Dout Lux-The Act provides that in cases of an aggra- H vated character the magistrates tMay, by warrant, commit the offender to gaol for any term not exceeding three months. H Miner Who settles whether a case is aggravated or not ? H Dout Lux-The magistrate or other person who acts as H judge. H :\Iiner-TiJea3 stokers got twelve months, Dout Lux—I don't see anything in this Act that goes H beyond three months, so I suppose some other Act was H brought to bear upon them. :Miner-How about a workman's wages while he is in gaol ? H Dout Lux—No waze" shall become payable to, or be recoverable by, any party for or during the term of his im- prisonment under any warrant of committal under this Act. iiiiiier-It seems to me that we ought to know more than we do about Acts of Parliament. Dout Lnx—So you ought; but I think you have heard as much as you will remember for one day, and in fact you have heard all there is in this Act. -N,Tit)er-Tli-.re is a good deal more about punishing the workman, than about punishing the masters. Dout Lux-Well, I don't know. The Act seems to me to be very fair, and any man, with ordinary care, need never render himself liable to an action. DOUT Lux.

TREFLACH. ■ PRICE OF LAND.—On Thursday last, Mr T. Whitfield H sold, at the Royal Oak Inn. a piece of land adjoining the Primitive Alethodnt Chapel, at the high price of 2172, bein r at the rate of 1;")0 pounds per acre. The purchaser was Mr William Lloyd.

WELSH FRANKTON. I CONCERT.—A concert given here on the 20th February passed off very pleasantly. Some glees by the Church choir and several members of the Frankton Choir wepfc very well. The blisses Ward gave much delight to the audience by their singing of two du-ts, and Miss Feilden, though suffering from a bad cold, favoured the company with several songs, and, with Aliss M. Oswell, played a ■ duet on the piano, which elicited loud applause. One of the most pleasing items in the programme was a solo played by 1rss Al. Oswell, and received with loud marks of approbation. A song by Miss Freeman, and a duet in wrnch her brothtr joined her, and song3 by Mr W. Venahles, completed the list of performers known to a Frankton audience, but the comic songs contributed by Mr T. St. J. Oswell added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening.

WEM. ■ THE HALL SCHOOL.—UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE LOCAL EXAMINATIONS.—Amongst the successful candidates at the examination held in December last at the Newport Centre, Salop, we find the names of Richard W. Batho, Warming. ham, Cheshire, Henry F. G >ffe. Wera, Salop, and Alfred W. Phillips, Bateley Bridge, Yorkshire, all of the Hall School, Wem. It appears that only three went in, all pa-sed snecess'ullv, and Batho is specially mentioned as distinguished in English,