The North Wales Express

NORTHOP. PETTY SEssmNs.—At the Petty Sessions, on Friday last, Mr J Scott-Bankes in the chair, Ralph Lax Fieldham, gardener, of Golftyn, near Connah's Quay, was charged with deserting his wife and leaving her chargeable to the union. It appeared that the prisoner had repeatedly deserted his wife.—Mr Bate, one of the justices present, said prisoner was a capital gardener. He had been in his employ, and there was not the least reason why he should have left him. Prisoner went to West Hartlepool, leaving his wife destitute.-The Chairman (addressing the pri- soner) You ought to be ashamed of yourself. It would serve you right to swing you up and give you half-a-dozen lashes. You will have to go to gaol for fourteen days' hard labour.

JOTTINGS FROM RUTHIN. BY OCTAVres ORACLE. The toothpick and crutch mania-which the in- tellectual youth of London "Society" put in vogue, is likely to be superseded by the "pup" mania. It is considered highly aristocratic-even by the modest youth of Ruthin-to pay the re- quisite tax of 7s 6d per annum for the liberty of keeping pups." The intellectual youth of Ruthin -which I may say is the infinitesimal proportion of the population—whether indulging in his morn- ing bitt—ale! or taking his "evening per- ambulation"—the inevitable "pup" faithfully follows his wake. The intellectual youth," 'moreover, takes a pride in making such sententious sentences as "Heel sar-He-oh-a-you he- oh Whenever he has the opportunity of ex- hibiting his despotic eloquence before a company of ladies-much to the latter's disgust as a rule as even ladies are capable of discerning the difference between a "killing snob" and a well-bred gentle- man. It was only the other evening that I saw a disgusting exhibition of snobbcrism on the Market- square in which an intellectual youth of local notoriety and his inevitable pup played a promin. ent but discreditable part.

««RTT BODFA.HI. subieotUOFRI°US ^•ELSH PREACHERS formed the deliverprl in^Ve^ e^°fluent lecture, which was fS on Tn Calvinistlc Methodist chapel, Bod- D3 T,-l!!Sd^ niSht- by the Rev 0. Thomas, and thero i' ^ev Emrys Evans presided, ciative an^r 38 r^e' attentive, and highly appre- Thomas H eUCe- The lecture was Welsh Dr 8trup*>lAa W- graPhlc Pictures of the earnest aSftiust difficulties of the subjects of his lefprra/i a Among the illustrious preachers he lauds TI° Walter Caradog, Daniel Row- "VVilliam wnr61 WrRobert Roberts, Clynog HUccpscf. ^Uiams, Wern; and John Elias. Their alludprf } labours m spreading the Gospel were feeling + ■?. ln ^erms glowing eulogy, and a devn+iv. was P^d to their self-sacrificing devotion and deep religious sentiments. A at th Vi ° w.as passed to the lecturer chair^ close, and a similar compliment to the (v. f-v ,11 terminated the proceedings. Admission reali^ Y1?'6, was tickets. A good sum was fund Bodf be banded to the Waen chapel

CONWAY. BuRLU. FEES AT LLANDRILLo.-On Friday last, V Board of Guardians, the Rev. W. DeVRnn "bams, speaking upon an application of a thp have a wife buried with her husband at the churchyard of Llandrillo, stated that he had intere + determination, so as to protect the of 30 parishioners, to charge a burial fee aSai- s''leaning it really to be a prohibitory charge etanr Persons. from other parishes. Circum- 5Q es were arising which compelled him to do as they wanted every available spot in the ,churchyard Unfortunately the Jirst person that squired to be buried there was a pauper, and, to P event a misrepresentation going abroad, he (Mr J^~battis) begged to state it publicly that the prohibition was made to protect the interest of the Parishioners.

DENBIGH. POLICE SERGEANT LEWIS.—A meeting of persons interested in the testimonial proposed to be pre- sented to Sergeant John Lewis, late of this town, !'lid now at Abergele, was held on Tuesday even- THE SEDUCTION BY A MARRIED MAN.—Contrary to general expectation, the damages of L100 and costs incurred in the case of a farmer's daughter, Wmch was recently tried before the under sheriff, in which Mr James Jones, of Pentre Du, Llan- efydd, was the defendant, have been promptly PMd. The damages and costs were paid to the sheriff's officers on Wednesday last. THE MARKET.—Wednesday's market was the one preceding the fair, and was consequently but thinly attended. Wheat and clover seed sold at «st week's quotations. There was more inquiry for barley, and seed oats were in active demands at higher rates. Vetches were also dearer. ■trices Wheat, 14s to 16s; barley, 10s to 13s oats, 8s to 10s vetches, 20s to 25s; and clover seed 8d to 10d per pound. THE GRAIG QUARRY.—The sale of this desirable quarry property has not been effected. We un- derstand that Mr Robert Foulkes, a dealer in cocka and hens, has written to Messrs Dew and Son, the auctioneers, offering to give £ 3000 for the quarry and working plant. He received a reply from the auctioneers on Wednesday stating the vendor requires X3000 for the quarry, and £ 700 for the plant. Mr Foulkes' bid is generally regarded as a jokfe. FRAUDULENT ENLISTMENT.-At the Town Hall, on Tuesday, before the Mayor and Mr Thomas Gee, David Hughes, a young labourer from Hen- Uan-street, was charged with fraudulently enlist- ing with the Flintshire militia. Prisoner surren- dered to Sergt. Vaughan on Friday last, and ad- mitted the offence before the magistrates. He was fined 40s and costs, and in default of paying the fine he was committed to Ruthin Gaol for two months with hard labour. DEATH AND FUNERAL OF MRS TTHP W. Mrs ^H°rf the We £ the .ES ingg for a considerable time ^f7 he6%f; woman, and the numerous rWpients^fhe* ktol? H?r^maSskwedre where lie also the rL • vault at Llanrhaiadr, rest of thef amil v ?T,0f Mr Home, and the Rev Wynne Edwards, vica^of ° T lSmft; the officiating clergymen o i .Llanrhaiadr> were ceded the hearse to the i? a carriage pre- lowing the hearse Were carriages containing Mr Robert Price, the brother c?ntain" £ Parry Jones, and Mr J p9n, T e deceased, Mr Pierce, who was on very fl•iiL)^^mes, sollclt?r. Dr Home, attended as a mouS ^JT ™ was followed by one contaSVh?? hiS+Ca^! deceased. The carriage?3 tffit^1serYantsAof.^e Williams, Denbigh, Was the Undertaker.

TOWN COUNCIL. The Town Council met on Monday. There Were present, «ie Mayor, Alderman T J Williams, Councilors Dr Caithness, John Armor,' William Morr^, R. H. Roberts, Robert Parry, John Davies, W. 1. foulkes, and AldermanT. Gee. THE PROPOSED TESTIMONIAL TO MR THOMAS HUGHES. The Town Clerk in accordance with the in- structions of the council, had written to Mr Thomas Hughes, Ystrad, with the view of ascer- taining his pleasure respecting the proposal to Place his portrait m the Council Chamber, the cost to be met by a public subscription. A reply had been received from Mr Hughes, in which he stated that the portrait in the County Hall at Ruthin belonged to the county, and a copy of it could only obtained through a communication with the Clerk of the Peace. Much as it would gratify him to have his portrait placed in the Denbigh Council Chambers, he must say that he was de- cidedly averse to such a course unless the object could be attained by a vote out of the funds of the corporation. He would much prefer that the matter should not proceed further if the object could not be attained without recourse to a public motion of the Ex-mayor, *t was decided to ask Mr Hughes to re-consider his decision. IPROPOSED BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE VALE OF CLWYD. A letter was read from Mr Horatio Lloyd, county court judge, stating that the memorial Which had been sent to him respecting the appli- cation for a court of bankruptcy few the Ruthin, Denbigh, St. Asaph, and ^byl County Courts district, to be held at Denbigh, had been forwarded to the proper quarter (the Lord Chancellor), and no doubt it would receive proper attention.—Mr R. B. Roberta stated that there was a County Courts JBUl now before Parliament, and he proposed that Watkin Williams should be asked to move the insertion oi a clause to meet the wishes of the council.—Mr Morris seconded the resolution, which was carried. »R. PIEBCB A letter was read from Alderman Evan Pierce stating that he was unable to attend the meeting of the council. As professional business was not the cause of his absence he was willing to pay the usual fine.-Mr Morris: There is no occasion to pay the fine. THE FIRE BRIGADE. A bill from Messrs Merryweather, London, had been received for material supplied for the pur- poses of the fire brigade to the extent of JE94 2s. A discussion followed the reading of this bill, as to the relations of the fire brigade with the cor- poration. Mr Parry said he believed that the Cor- poration were liable for all expenses incurred by the fire brigade.—The Mayor: Yes, we are liable, but I do not think it is right that such an expen- diture as this should be incurred without the con- sent of the council.—Mr Armor: Have these goods been ordered without the consent of the council ? -The Mayor Just so.—Mr John Lloyd said the council about four months ago authorized him to order anything that was necessary to put the fire brigade apparatus in an efficient condition. The state of fire brigade had been made a subject of complaint, and they were now under a "new dispensation." A committee was appointed to attend to fire brigade affairs, but no resolution was taken down in writing.—Mr R. H. Roberts I remember a conversation about that, but I don't remember what you said.—Mr Lloyd: Per- haps it is convenient for you not to remember. You have put us under a new regime. Don't kick against the pricks now (laughter).—Alderman Thomas Gee recollected that after the Plas Coch fire, there was a conversation respecting the fire brigade, but he had no idea that there was any- thing then wanting. He was not aware that any order for material had been given.—Mr Parry: If the things were requiied why should we differ about paying for them ? Mr Lloyd ought to have brought this before the council in order to obtain sanction for this expenditure. Perhaps he will take this advice in future.—Mr Lloyd declined Mr Parry's advice, and contended that in ordering the hose, &c., he had merely followed the instruc- tions of the council. The committee had neg- lected their duty and that was no fault of his.- On the motion of Mr Parry, seconded by Dr Caithness, it was resolved to pay the bill in ques- tion, and it was further resolved that in future the expenditure of the fire brigade shall be incurred only with the consent of the council. DR. PIERCE'S PUBLIC WORTH AND SERVICES.-PRO- POSED TESTIMONIAL PORTRAIT. Councillor Parry said that the resolution of the ex-mayor at the previous meeting, with reference to the portrait of Mr Hughes, had suggested to his mind the desirableness of having Dr Pierce's portrait in the council chamber also. He did not propose that the council should patronise or or- ganise the subscription for Dr Pierce's picture, but he proposed that they should sanction the placing of it in the council chamber, if Dr Pierce had a sufficient number of friends to present the town with a portrait. He did not propose that resolution because he agreed with Dr Pierce in everything. He disagreed with him in many things, and had voted against him in that cham- ber as many times as he had for him. He con- sidered, however, that Dr Pierce was entitled to the small mark of respect contained in this resolution. The worthy doctor's exper- ience in the Town Council extended over a period of forty years, and during that time he had been very active in looking after the interests of the public. He was, like many of them, getting into years, and his activity must in the ordinary course of,things, abate somewhat; but his past career was before them,and his forty years of valuable services were before them all. He was not the first mayor of the borough, but he had occupied the civic chair longer in succession than any mayor who had gone before him, and had occupied it with ability. As mayor Dr Pieroe had been very liberal, and had shown his interest in public affairs in many ways. They were indebted to him for two public fountains, a clock in the butchers' market, and other things, and although those gifts were not equal to gifts of parks, museums, or art galleries, they were very useful in their way. In many ways Dr Pierce had furthered the interests of the borough, and not the least of his services was his visit to Belgium in his civic capacity when Denbigh was recognised as the metropolis of Wales. On the grounds he had mentioned he based his very modest resolution.—Mr Armor seconded the proposition, and paid a tribute to Dr Pierce's worth, mentioning the fact that the worthy doctor was known and respected all over the Prin- cipality. Mr Morris in supporting the resolution said: I heartily endorse the observations of Mr Parry and Mr Armor. I do not know that a more modest appeal has ever been made to us. The other day we were readily prepared, and we are still so pre- pared and very anxious to allow Mr Hughes' portrait to lodge in this room, and to subscribe a guinea each towards the expense of the same. I do not know that comparisons are always odious and while no one can gainsay the ex-mayor's re- marks I think that Dr Pierce's virtues are equally valuable and equally extensive. As a neighbour, I do not know a man that is a better neighbour in existence than he is as a supporter of Christian religions and civil institutions I do not know one that can excel him as a medical man his services are invaluable, and as a sincere friend I never knew a person apply to him in Tain (hear, hear). As a Christian gentleman, and as one that supports science, and all useful institutions, religious and otherwise, he is in every way entitled to our deep- est respect and regard. He does not confine his philanthropy to the sect he belongs to,but he sup- ports the Church and other sects-one day the Baptists, another day the Wesleyans, then the Church and the British Schools, and in fact all de- nominations and religion, and all worthy objects have met with a ready response from his kindness and liberality. I do not think we can select a man more deserving of this modest mark of respect, and I therefore support the resolution with all my heart. The Ex-mayor: Dr Pierce is a man who has worked his way up. I remember him a very young man in Denbigh. He was then a man with a good part of determination, and applied himself de- votedly to his professional studies, and he has risen entirely by his own efforts to the position which he now occupies. I shall be very glad to see Mr Hughes' portrait hanging on one side of that of the Earl of Leicester, and that of Dr Pierce on the other side and if that portrait of the Earl of Lei- cester had not been placed there as the gift of Mr Mainwaring I should have had no objection to see it removed from there, because neither his public nor his private character justifies his being placed there as the sole occupant of the wall. I think we can very easily find ten times the amount of real worth in the character of Mr Hughes, of Ystrad, and a great deal more in Dr Pierce s character than in that of the Earl of Leicester; and I shall be very glad to see their portraits placed on that wall. As long as the Earl of Leicester is there, let him remain there, as a person who represents olden times and old habits, and as a man who has held a very prominent position in this town many years ago; but I think we had better say as little as pos- sible about him. I think Mr Hughes and Dr Pierce will very much better adorn that wall, and therefore I cordially supp°rt the r^ol^n- Mr John Lloyd also supported the resolution. The resolution was carried. PROPOSAL TO RELIEVE THE DISTRESS IN IRELAND. Mr Morris, in accordance with notice previously given, rose to move that a fund should be set on foot to relieve the Irish distress. He said that neither life nor property were at present safe in Ireland, and the greatest distress now existed in that country. In 1845 there was terrible distress in the country, but the present distress w;as greater; and it was not the fault o the people, but was on account of the failure of the craps. The state of the sister island had moved the whole of the civilised world, and charitable responses to the calls of the famine-stricken population were universal. He understood that there was a surplus remaining from the fund started to relieve sufferers by the Abercarn colliery explosion, and he proposed that it should be appbed to the relief of the distress in Ireland.—Mr G- 1.^ Smith, the borough accountant, said the surplus in question amounted to £2 7s 6d.—The motion found no seconder, and it therefore fell to the ground. THE SUNDAY CLOSING QUESTION. A temperance society in Manchester had for- warded a petition for adoption by the council in favour of the closing of public houses on Sundays, accommodation being reserved for commercial an4- bona fide travellers. Mr R. H. Roberts proposed, and Alderman T. J. Williams seconded that the petition should be entertained. Mr Morris was averse to the acceptance of the petition, and remarked that Manchester was a place where drunkenness abounded, but Denbigh was a sober town. The Mayor: This is an Imperial question. Mr Morris But why should they come to a sober town like Denbigh ? Mr Thomas: Denbigh is a drunken town. Mr Foulkes: What about the policeman? Mr Morris Better one man die than the whole nation perish. This town is not drunken it is a sober town, and the innkeepers keep their houses with the greatest possible respectability; and I appeal to you, Mr Mayor, whether you have found drunkenness abounding in this town. Mr John Davies Denbigh would be more sober a great deal if the public-houses were closed on Sundays. Mr Morris: It would be more drunk a great deal, because people would take drink home on Saturday nights. I will move an amendment. Mr John Lloyd asked what would become of the commercial travellers if all the publicans took out six days' licenses. If they would consent to open the Castle grounds on Sundays, he would support the closing ef public houses. The public ought to have something better than dirty footpaths to walk on Sundays. The resolution was carried by six votes to three. A resolution in favour of the adoption of the petition was then moved and seconded. Mr Morris, in proposing an amendment, said that if they closed the public houses the labourer would have no means of getting his beer or any- thing else to cheer and comfort him on Sundays, whereas those who were better off had their cellars, bottles and bins to go to. They ought to give fair play to all, and the poor man ought to have the same privilege of drinking his pint of beer as any of them had. Mr John Lloyd seconded the amendment. They ought to be very cautious before passing the resolution. The greatest curses, in his opinion, were the grocer's licenses. They were starting at the wrong end altogether. They were not acting fairly in meddling with tradesmen, and he contended that the licensed victuallers were as legitimate traders and as highly rated as any- body. It seemed, however, that the keepers of licensed houses were the football for everybody. If they closed public houses on Sundays, the consequence would be that beer would be carried into the houses of working men, and would be drunk in the presence of women and children who would participate in the drinking of it on the Sabbath-day. If they were to have free trade, why not have it in the sale of drink P The motion was "all humbug." He concluded by seconding the amendment. Mr Foulkes thought it was a great mistake to bring in the names of working men and mechanics, because in Henllan all such were in favour of Sunday closing. Mr Morris: Yes, when Mr Chambres and the squire of the village go about canvassing. Mr Foulkes: He had nothing to do with it. Mr Mainwaring and Mr Heaton were the only two who objected to it. Mr Gee said that while canvassing on that question he had not asked for the opinion of a single person with the exception of the licensed victuallers. Nineteen twentieths of the people in the town were in favour of the measure, and the great majority of the licensed victuallers were also in favour of signing the petition. Not more than five or six of the publicans refused to sign. In that case the majority of the population, and the majority of the persons engaged in the trade were in favour of Sunday closing, and he thought they ought to adopt the petition. The Sunday Closing Act had worked well in Ireland, and he did not see why they should not have such a measure in Wales. Mr Morris: When the first consul wanted to conquer a country he always took the chief cities, and the humble peasants soon threw down their arms. Mr Gee therefore went to the publicans first, when the Devil wanted to proselyte a sub- ject to his empire, who did he attack? St Petp.r and then the Apostles! The status of crime, as shown by the police, proves that the sobriety of the people in Denbigh is remarkably against that petition. Mr John Lloyd asked why the petition had not been mentioned in the agenda. Mr Morris: It will be a stain upon you, Mr Mayor, if you pass this now. You will stand or fall by it. The Mayor: The council have agreed that the question can be entertained at this meeting. After a little further discussion, the resolution was carried by seven votes to three, Mr Morris and Mr Lloyd having previously urged that the question ought to be adjourned so that they might have a larger attendance of members for its con- sideration. The other business before the council was of a routine character, and uninteresting to the public.

HOLYHEAD. BRITISH AND FOREIGN SAILORS SOCIETY.—A visit to Holyhead Harbour will at once convince the most sceptic of the vast magnitude and import- ance of the work devolving upon our devoted and energetic sailors' missionary, John Ellis. Being as it were a great junction to the boundless ocean, and where in stormy weather thousands of vessels run for shelter, and where, under the protection of that noble structure the breakwater, many a storm-tossed and weary mariner finds shelter for his frail craft-Holyhead may well be included in the category of stations belonging to this all important branch of Christian work. A synopsis of the missionary's Sunday work may be interest- ing to many:-Sunday, February 1st.—Through the kindness of the master of the ship Irish, the Bethel flag was hoisted at the peak of that vessel at 9.30 a.m, and a meeting was held in the cabin. All hands joined in singing hymns and praising God. I was invited to this ship in the evening. Moored alongside another large vessel, and was welcomed on board by the second mate, who knew me and introduced me to the crew, who were mostly foreigners. I supplied them with tracts, gospels, &c., and a Testament for one. The master of a very large ship solicited me to attend a meeting on board his ship, and said that he regu- larly held diviue service on board with his crew. I thanked him for the kind invitation, but said I would rather go to a ship where there was no preaching captain. Saw a Bethel flag hoisted on a three-masted schooner in the roads. This was something new to me to see a Bethel flag besides my own. I steered my boat towards her for feai they expected me to conduct the service. This I found to be so. Invited many from other vessels to attend this service. The captain and myself delivered the message, which was received with unspeakable joy. An old man and his son entered very earnestly into prayer, shouts of joy and gladness ascended up to heaven. Tears were visible in many eyes-the Lord God of Israel was working mightily upon the souls of men. Surely the ocean is ripening for a great harvest of sailors to the Lord.-Sunday, February 15th.-Large fleet of vessels in front. Hoisted the Bethel flag at 9.30 a.m. on a schooner. Invited crews of other vessels to attend. Had a glorious meeting. Held 11 short service on deck to enable crews of other ships hearing the good news. Afterwards conducted service in other ships. In one of these e nice young man (a Greek) seemed to be deeply effected and concerned respecting his soul—gave him encouragement and left him in the hands of his Maker. Held a meeting at 2 p.m., not many present owing to the glasses lowering and a gale springing up. Nevertheless this, was a happy gathering. Several of the sailors prayed, and the captain was shouting for very joy, and expressed thankfulness for what the Lord had done for him. Returned on shore rejoicing in the Lord, and thankful for his grace and sustenance during that day. Tuesday, February 10th.—Visited a great number of ships and held a meeting on board of a large vessel, whose crew was composed of different nationalities. All of them knew a little English, and were glad to hear the word of God. Read and spoke upon it, and some of the men were deeply meved. As soon as the service was over all hands were ordered to man the windlass rnd get under weigh. Had a private conversation with the captain, and he said in tears that he would like to serve the Lord. I also met with a young man (a Portugese), and gave him a Testament in his own language. Met this young man soon after,—he was so glad to see me,—to let me know how he liked the book, as he called it. I asked him where it was, and he placed his hand upon his breast and said, "Here it is." One of his shipmates informed me that he carries the book about with him when going on shore in order to read when waiting for the skipper. Dis Booke," he said, tell of Jesu Cristo-very good," tapping his breast the same time. Thus a Sailors Mission may have the privi- lege of opening the door of Faith unto the Gentiles, Acts xiv. 27.— W. Thomas. THE FREE AND OPBN CHURCH MOVEMENT.— At the February Council of the Free and Open Church Association, held at the offices, 33, South- ampton-street, Strand, London, is was reported that an attempt was being made at Holyhead to obtain a faculty from the Bishop's Court (Bangor) to appropriate nine pews in the parish Church to the Hon. W. O. Stanley, of Penrhos. A numter of parishioners had, however, addressed a me- morial to the court, objecting to the proposal, which had been favourably received by the late chancellor, Dr Stephens, and it was hoped that his successor, Dr Jeune, would be equally inclined to preserve the common rights of the whole body of the parishioners. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, 25th February. -Before Major-General Hughes, Rev J. Richards, Mr H. Edwards, and Mr G. Williams. Charge of Allaulting a Servant Girl.-Mary Jones, Mountain, was summoned by Elizabeth Lewis, of Harp-street, for assaulting her daughter who had been in service with the defendant, and was sent home very peremptorily on the previous Friday. From the evidence of the girl it would appear that defendant had grossly ill-used her, beaten and kicked her, and then sent her home, but from the evidence of another witness it appeared that the quarrel had actually taken place between the girl and the witness, and that proceedings were taken against the defendant in order to try and bring on another action for wages due owing to the dismissal of the girl without notice. The summons was dismissed. Horses Straying.-Thomas Bryan and George Bryan, travelling hawkers, were summoned by P.O. D. Jones for having on the 19th February allowed their horses to stray on the high road. Fined Is and 8s costs each. Drunk and Assaulting a Police Constable.—Tho- mas Owen, Harp-street, was brought up in custody, charged with being drunk, and assaulting P C. Robert Davies, while in the execution of his duty. To the former charge he pleaded guilty and "not guilty" to the latter. P.C. Davies said he saw defendant near the market at 9.30 p.m. on the 21st. He was very noisy and cursing and swearing. Witness told him not to swear but go home quietly. Prisoner shouted out more and became violent. He struck witness several times, and got him down while trying to put the snaps on him. His discharges were handed to the bench, and as they all shewed that he kept a good character aboard ship, and taking into considera- tion that he had been in custody four days he was let off upon payment of a fine of 2s 6d and costs. Disobedience of Bastardy Order.—Robert Jones, Ty'nylon, Llangwyllog, was brought up in custody having been apprehended at Quirt, Llangeinwen, by P.O. Owen Owens; charged by Margaret Owen with having omitted to comply with an order made to maintain his illegitimate child. He was sentenced to one month imprison- ment. Charge of Stealing a Ring.-Robert Pritchard, 3, Williams' Terrace, surrendered to his bail, having been remanded on the charge of stealing one ring, the property of Alfred Harris, College Lane. Mr Allanson, of Carnarvon, prosecuted, and Mr S. R. Dew defended the prisoner. Mr Allanson said this was a case of theft of a ring from a stall in the market. Information had been given to the police and the prisoner arrested. He was informed that a receipt would be produced to show that prisoner had paid for the ring, but when offences were committed and the assistance of the police called, he hoped the Bench would show that it was not for other people to step in and make arrangements between themselves. If the prose- cutor did such things as these he may be charged with attempting to condone felony, as it was a very serious thing to attempt to tamper with justice.—Alfred Harries, a Jew, was sworn, and said that he lost a gold ring one day last month, and gave information to the police. The de- fendant was by his stall in the market on that day (Saturday). He left and returned in about half an hour. Witness questioned him about the ring that was lost, and he denied all knowledge of it. The ring produced was like the one lost, but he could not swear it was the one missing. He had some like it. He sold him two rings about two months ago, and he had partly paid for them. On the Saturday when the ring was lost, prisoner denied all knowledge of it. On the following Monday he met prosecutor at the coffee house. There had been no communication between them between those days. Defendant handed him a ring before saying anything, and said that prose- cutor had exposed him, and accused him of taking the ring. Sergeant Toohil came to the house in a few minutes. Prosecutor first said that they transacted nothing in the course of those ten minutes, but when questioned he admitted that prisoner paid him 5s. He sub- sequently took the 5s to the police. Prisoner did not give him the 5s to stop further proceedings. It was part of the money owing on the two rings he had bought. In course of cross examination by Mr Dew, prosecutor said the ring lost was of the same value as those produced. The receipt pro duced was for a sum of 5s on account of one of the rings prisoner bought. It was after saying that prosecutor had exposed him, that prisoner produced the ring, but he did not say that was the ring he owed five shillings on. His goods (prosecutor's) were exposed for public sale in the market and hundreds came to examine the goods. He had no reason to suspect that the ring pro- duced was the one he lost.—By Mr Allanson: Did you not suspect when the ring was handed back to you P-Yes I did. I don't remember say- ing I did not suspect. I always give receipts for goods sold over the counter and settle them re- ceived with thanks," &c.—Sergeant Toohil said he had received information from the last witness, and saw the prisoner wearing a ring answering to the description given by the prosecutor. He went to the coffee house and there saw prisoner and prosecutor. I was looking,for a missing ring. Prisoner told him that Harries would take 5s if witness would let him. Witness got one ring from Harries, and on searching prisoner's house, found another. Prisoner admitted, when cautioned, that he had found one ring on the floor in the market and that Harries would take payment for it if he (witness) allowed him.-P.C. Robert Davies gave evidence as to a statement made by the prisoner whilst in custody!^—After hearing the evidence prisoner pleaded not guilty and Mr Dew re- served his defence. The prisoner was then ad- mitted to bail in two sureties of j630 each and himself in J660.

HOLYWELL. ADDMSs.—Last evening (Thursday), in connec- tion with the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society, the Rev Edward Evans delivered an ad- dress upon The moral aspect of the world in the present age," at Pendref chapel. On Tuesday, Anthony Stephenson, Penybryn, near Holywell, was fined 37s, inclusive of costs, for assaulting Edward Parry.—John Stewart, Chester, was fined 12s and costs for working a donkey having two large old sores under its collar. —For a similar offence, William Henry Wilkes, Milwr, was fined 18s inclusive of costll.-Peter Owens, grocer, Lloc, was mulcted in 8s costs for having a pint measure in his possession un- stamped. CHORAL UNION.—A meeting, over which Mr J. J. Williams presided, was held nt the Per ? Schools, Holywell, on Tu-s.Ja-/ eve to c sider the desirability of forming acl: =i un f Holywell, under l)r Harry Deval, hv who,, tl, meeting was convened. The attend a "wa ir-. meeting was convened. The attend a < "wa ir-. and encouraging. The chairman, dui u-soi. L propriate observations, advocated the formation o: a choral union, and recommended the :1. union as one peculiarly deserving of support inas- much as it was to be a strictly unsectarian move- ment, and concluded his remarks by calling upon Dr Deval to address the meeting.-Dr Deval, who was cordially received, spoke at some length upon the advantages of a proper cultivation of the voice, of the value of a good -musical knowledge, and of the utility of a choral union of the kind sought to be established. Hs also stated the terms of mem- bership (which were very moderate), and spoke of the special advantages in learning the musical art which would be afforded to all the members. Among these were lessons by himself on the proper cultivation of the voice, on vocalization, and in the rudiments of music, instrumental music not being forgotten. On this latter point, he mentioned that it was his intention to form an orchestral band in connection with the society.—Mr Goronwy Evans, The Strand, and MrT. A. Lambert spoke in favour of the movement.—The movement was also favour- ably spoken of by Mr W. H. Davies, who formally proposed the formation of the union, on the terms offered by Dr Deval.—Mr Goronwy Evans seconded the proposition, which, being put to the meeting, was unanimously agreed to.—Capt Woolcock, Mr Dunn, Mr Warrener, and others having spoken, a committee was formed, and Mr G. D. Edwards ap- pointed secretary.—The meeting was terminated by a cordial vote of thanks to the chairman, moved by Dr Deval, and seconded by Mr Dunn. Several persons enrolled themselves members in the room. LOCAL BOARD.—An adjourned meeting of the board was held on Monday, Dr James WilliamE presiding, the other members present were: Messrs San key, Garner, Carman, and Holgate.-A letter was read from Mr John Musker, of Liverpool, re- specting the shop he occupies in the market hall. He stated that unless the board consented to keep the market open until eight o'clock the first four nights of the week, and until eleven o'clock on Saturday night and find the gas for those extra hours, he would have to leave the market and pay the rent when it became due. He also asked per- mission to put up a bar to dry hams, &c., in front of the markej;, aud to put in a stove to dry the side of the market he occupies. After consideration it was unanimously resolved to keep open the market until eight o'clock the first four nights of the week, but the board refused to extend the hour of closing on Saturday night. Permission was granted to put up a bar on the side of the market and to put in a stove as requested. Plans were submitted of proposed works for fitting the sewage at the outlet, and they were referred to the special drainage committee, who proceeded to examine the site of t he suggested work. MONTHLY SESSIONS, TUESDAY.—Before the Rev T. Z. Davies (in the chair), Mr Richard Sankey, Mr John Henry, and the Rev Walter Evans. Alleged Assault.—Anthony Stevenson, Penybryn, was charged by Edward Parry with having assaulted him on Saturday, the 10th January. The case was adjourned from the last sessions. Several add^ional witnesses having been called, defendant was fined £1 and 17s costs. Unstamped Measure.-Peter Owen, charged by Superintendent Hughes with having in his pos- session an unstamped pint measure, was mulcted in 8s costs. Drunk and Disorderly.—John Roberts, charged by P.C. Robert Jones with being drunk and dis- orderly in Whitford-street, Holywell, on the 2nd of February, was fined 10s and 8s costs.—For a similar offence near the Boot Gate, Bagillt, on the 20th February, Shadrach Jones was fined 10s and 8s costs, on the information of P.C. Knight. Cruelty to Animals.- William Henry Willis was charged by P. C. Knight with this offence. The officer stated that on the afternoon of the 30th January, he saw the defendant in charge of two donkeys and a cart loaded with coal. The de- fendant put his arms across the second donkey's shoulders on noticing the approach of witness, who thereupon became suspicious, and examined the animal, which he found to be suffering from a series of ugly bleeding wounds. The donkey, which was the property of defendant's father, appeared to be in great pain.-Defendant was fined 10s and 8s costs.—The same officer sum- moned J. Stuart for a. similar offence on the 1st of February, the donkey in the present instance being a hired one. From defendant's statement, and the evidence of Thomas Jones, of Flint (the owner of the donkey), it appeared that the former was ignorant of the donkey's condition. The defendant was fined Is and 12s costs, and the police were ordered to summon the owner for the next sessions. 1Yon-maintenance of Mother.-Mr E. J. Davies, clerk to the guardians of the Holywell Union, applied for an order upon William Williams, a collier working at Bettisfield, for the mainter ance of his mother, who was 76 years of age, and who had for many years been chargeable to the Holy- well Union to the amount of 4s per week. Defendant said he only earned, upon an average, 11s per week, and the case was adjourned till next sessions for further information on this point. This was all the business of interest. SCHOOL BOARD MONTHLY MEETING, WEDNESDAY. — Present: Messrs R. Gratton (chairman), J. Brittain (vice-chairman), E. P. Jones, James Hughes, Thomas Hughes, E. M. Evans (clerk), and Eliseus Jones (attendance officer). The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Supply of School dpparatus. -Tenders were received for the supply of books, stationary. &c., for the use of the Board Schools, from Messrs Phillip and Son, Liverpool; Mr John Heywood, Manchester; Mr Abel Heywood, Manchester; and Mr F. L. Scotcher, Holywell. It was decided to obtain samples from each of the firms named of the books, &c., proposed to be supplied by them. A "Scene."—A "Devilish Insinuation lIt-The well-known Laurie transaction came before the boaid, and gave rise to an unusual scene." In the transaction named, the board consider that they have been deprived of a certain amount of discount, and some of the members were in favour of writing to Mr Laurie demanding the discount alleged to be due. and threateniug legal proceed- ings in the event of a refusal. The Vice-chair- man, however, whilst agreeing that the letter of demand should be sent, deprecated going to law for such a small amount, especially as he was not quite clear whether they could obtain the money by legal proceedings.-A "scene" followed, which, for obvious reasons, we suppress. Mr Thomas Hughes made certain observations, and asked questions, which reflected upon the integrity and honesty, of the vice-chairman—observations which called forth the strong condemnation of the members present, and which the chairman characterised as "devilish insinuations." After a considerable lapse of time, during which Mr Thomas Hughes declined to retract, the vice- chairman insisted that the words used by Mr Hughes should be taken down, but, as no one was prepared to give the exact wards, the clerk took them down at the vice-chairman's dictation, but Mr Thomas Hughes said the words taken down were not those he had used. The Board, however, adopted the words taken by the clerk as those spoken, on the motion of the Vice-chairman, seconded by Mr E. P. Jones, and they were ac- cordingly entered upon the minutes. The attitude taken by the vice-chairman left it beyond doubt that he intends seeking a remedy by law. The Second Attempt to "gag" the Press.—Mr Thomas Hughes gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that the reporter to the North Wales Express be disallowed from attending the meetings of the board !—Mr Thomas Hughes further wished to know whether the reports sent to this jourtoal were submitted to the vice-chair- man for approval or revision. Of course, this I query had no other effect than f 'lat nf pwlriirtg to the amusement of the meei;^b -L,.y ludicrous enough. Monthly Reports.—Mr D. Pierce, of the Halkyn- "treet Schools, reported the average attendance for the month to have been 110 9 admitted, 3; left, 3 remaining on registers, 145.—ilrs Pierce eporfH the average attendance in her depart- em '!Ave beep, 79-6; admitted, 2; left, 6; remaining on registers, 120.—Mrs Emma Parry reported the average attendance at the Spring Garden? Infant School as 57 admitted, 8 left, 4; remaiuicg on bocks, 128. The repcit goes on to say You will no doubt think it strange that the attendance was so thin the first week after the examination, but the only thing that I have to account f or it is-tbat 31 r and Mrs Pierce asked a number of scholars on Sunday evemrin- to attend their schools on the following Monday morning, promising to give them tea if they did so. A number accordingly went, some "of whom were under age, and some were allowed to remain there, until I went to inform Pierce of his error, alsa that we were not authorised to do anything with- out instructions from the board."—MrW. Jones, of the Board Schools, Bagillt, reported the average attendance as 107 admitted, 1; left. 2; remain- ing on registers, 131. The report complained strongly against the continued nuisance caused by the bad state of the chimneys.—Mrs Jones re- ported the average attendance in her department to have been 107 admitted, 1 left, 3 remain- ing on registers, 145.-Miss Susannah Owen, of the Infants' Department, reported the average to have been 94; remaining on registers, 125. Miss Owen (as well as Mrs Jones) complained of the smoke nuisance.—Mr Eliseus Jones, the atten- dance officer, presented his report and diary for the month.-Referring to the latter part of Mrs Emma Parry's report, the Chairman said They are very liable to quarrel.—A letter from Robert Thomas, Downhill, Bagillt, was read stating that a sealskin jacket had been stolen from the poieh of the Bagillt Board Schools. „Tlie letter was re- ferred to the mistress of .the school named.

LLANRWST. NEW INDEPENDENT CHAPEL.-By the 1,'ndness of Lady Willoughby d'Ersby, a ninety-nine years' lease of a piece of land in the Henar Field, Denbigh-street, has been granted to this body, for the purpose of erecting thereupon a chapel. A temporary iron structure will be im- mediately placed there, pending the erection of a larger and more commodious edifice. The iron chapel will be completed in about three weeks.

RUTHIN. On the first of March, the Rev J. Cadvan Davies, Wesleyan minister, Ruthin, delivered a most intelligent and instructive lecture to an in- terested audience at Salem chapel, Llanarmon- in-Yale, upon his new subject "J erusalems." His abilities as a lecturer and the success which had attended his other subjects, had created an amount of expectancy rather more than usual, especially when it was understood that his subject would be a new one. Rev O. Morgan Jones took the chair. Mr Davies introduced his subject by saying that it required no apology from him for having selec- ted Jerusalem as the subject of his lecture that evening, asits associations were woven in a manner more or less with the most tender sympathies of the majority of the civilized human family, both Jew and Gentile were alike interested in its past and present history. He felt anxious that the young should be tought its geographical and national characteristics, in order to better under- stand the different allusions made to it in Scripture. He continued by drawing attention to its early history and glory, with a vivid description of its present deserted condition. Its type of the church —Heaven. A strong recommendation to the lecture is the absence of details where not necessary while the subject is so arranged as to give every facility to understand it. The element of monotony is kept at a respectable distance by occasional anec- dotes, which, without descending to the ludicrous, are highly amusing. The lecturer sustained his established celebrity, and it is evident that his new subject will not suffer by comparison with his former productions. MILITARY FUNERAL.—The 6th D.R.Y. paraded at the head quarters, Castle-street, at 3 p.m. in full dress on Wednesday, the 3rd inst., for the purpose of attending the funeral of No. 126, private Charles W. Jones, who had been a faithful and efficient volunteer of Her Majesty's auxiliary forces for a period o 12 years and 87 days. The deceased was a very respectable tradesman, and native of the town of Ruthin, and was very popular and much respected by the inhabitants and the members of the corps. There were present on parade: Capt. LI. Adams (in command), Lieut. R. G. G. Ellis, Quarter-Master S. W. S. Ellis, Sergt. Major Watts, Quarter-master Sergt. Evans, four sergeants, and 67 rank and file, with the brass band under Sergt. John Edwards, the drum and fife band under Sergt. R. Lloyd, the corps proceeded to the deceased's residence,lwhere they were formed up in front, and as the corpse was brought out, the firing party presented arms, reversed arms, turn to the right, and stepped off at slow time," Corporal Gill heading the party. The remainder by two-deep at four paces interval. Col.-Sergt. Thomas Davies was in command of the firing party; then followed the brass and fife and drum band, headed by Drum Major Lloyd. The proces- sion, the corpse, the relatives of the deceased, the remainder of the volunteers, two deep, the non- commissioned officers, and the command- ing officer, with swords and reversed, under the command of Capt. LI. Adams, brought up the rear of <jie procession, the friends and the well-wishers of the deceased following in two deep. There were present about 1500 people. The procession proceeded to the cemetery of St. Peter's Church, and after the funeral seivice was im- pressively read by the rev the Warden of Ruthin, the firing party fired three volleys over the grave. The large attendance of the general public at tfhe funeral showed the great respect in which the deceased was held.