The North Wales Express

AMENITIES OF CORPORATE LIFE. Whatever may have been the case in the good old times, the position of a gentleman called by his fellow-citizens now-a-days to fill the honourable position of a town councillor is not such a bed of roses as to justify or even excuse the vulgar ungentlemanliness exhibited by an alderman of the Carnarvon Town Council towards a fellow-councilman at a recent meet- ing of that august body. However disagree- able Dr Kirk may have proved himself to be,by .persistent reference to economical reforms in the gas department and elsewhere, such remarks as "Dr Kirk had better keep his oration till the end of the meetiug in order that those y who chose to stay behind to listen to him could do so," and Dr Kirk has wasted fifteen minutes in talking about a matter of which he is com- pletely ignorant," are entirely uncalled-for and useless. To meet argument, or what at least is honestly meant as argument, by coarse abuse is so well-known as the contemptible --clevieb of an advocate who has no case that Alderman G. R. Bees, by resorting to it inevitably raises the suspicion that behind the abuse which evidently he cannot defend there is something which he wishes to hide. We do not say that this is so. We only point out the fact that the loud- mouthed blaster and swagger in which he has recently indulged has a ten- dency to raise such a suspicion. j The insult flung at Dr Kirk in the council is in reality an insult to Dr Kirk's constituents outside that chamber, and will, we have no doiibt, be resented by them in proportion to their intelligence and self-respect. If legiti- mate,and courteous, and intelligent inquiries as to the condition of anyone of the corporate de- partments by a duly-elected member of the corporation are to be met only with sneers j which we can only characterize either as in- Insolent or impudent, then an end of gentlemanly representation in the coun- ] oil. Gentlemen cannot possibly cope with I an alderman of Mr G. R- Rees s calibre. i In order to hold their own in corporate affairs j the ratepayers had better secure as their repre- sentative a person of the Billingsgate type, | who in every respect, on equal terms, would be ( able to meet the worthy alderman whose witti- ] cisins are the subject of our remarks. The "worthy alderman jeered Dr Kirk's remarks as i being the remarks of a person who did not know what he was talking about. We should not be surprised to find that Dr Kirk, or I even Alderman Rees, were really in the 1 dark concerning much of the subject discussed, { inasmuch as a satisfactory statement of the finances of the gas committee is apparently j extremely difficult to obtain. In this respect, Dr Kirk, and with him most of the council, in- j abiding the sarcastic alderman, may be said to speak of something which they do not under- «tind.. There are one or two points on which it would be desirable to have clear and explicit information. Is it true, for instance, that up to last month the pay sheets of the gas works were never examined or checked by the gas committee before being signed ? Have the accounts been audited under these circum- stances ? Why have the auditors made no report till the last year, 18S3 ? Is it true also that for several years after the purchase of the gas works, in spite of the Act imposing a penaltyfor not pub- lishing the annual statement of accounts, no such accounts were published ? We ask these questions plainly and mean to have them an- swered. In this ease, the illriat ired boorishness of Mr Alderman Rees will not avail him. We will have an answer and publish it. In concluding this article we would express our surprise that so little interest is taken by the ratepayers in the affttirs of the borough as that no single ratepayer, as such, ever attends the meetiugs of the council. This is not a healthy state of things, and augurs 11 for the success of anyone bold enough to act the role of reformer. We will deal fully with this matter of the gasjworks in future issue, and trust that the publicity we mean to give to the proceed- ings of the council will arouse the interest of the ratepayers in matters which after all con- cern them more than anybody else.

DENBIGH. THE TOWN COUNCIL. A meeting of the council was held on Monday last, when there were present: U. R. B. Clougb, $2sa., mayor (in the chair), Alderman Dr Fierce, T J. Williima> E. T. Jones, Thomes Gee, Coun- cillors T. Willia^ras» Robert Parry, R. H. Roberts', J E Wynne Edwards, James Caithness, J. Har- rison Jones (ex-mayor), Davil Davies, William Morris, and R. A. Davies. CORRESPONDENCE. read a letter from Mrs Foulkes» *Wow oi tte late Councillor Foulkes, thankmg tUe passed on the occasion oi n* $>and. SMITHRIELO- The town clerk read the minutes of. the com 4nittee held to consider this question, after ■ Dr Caithness asked the town clerk whether It was imperative on the council to go en with the Smith. Reld.-The town clmk read a letter from the Local Government Board, which stated that the board could not see any reason why the Smitalieiu should not go on, and that it could render no assis- stance to the council to otherwise iavest the money.- Councillor T. O. Wynne Edwards said he would not for anything give his sanction to the scheme being stopped at the present stage, because they had al- ready spent so much money on it. PROCEDURE. Councillor T. C. Wynne Edwardfc said the T)Maect was a quarterly meeting, and they could proceed with the business in tho way they liked. They had before them that day the Smithfield, the fburial grouid, and the drainage questions, which, lie had no doubt, would take some time to discuss. In order that these questions might have due con. sideration, he proposed that- all the ordinary fcusioess be deferred to som* future period, or if time allowed, t j fie end of that meeting and that they should at once proceed to consider the ether I questions he had referred to. — Alderman Gel seconded the motion, which was carried unani. mouely. COMMUNICATION. A letter received from Mr Griffiths, the person who had seat in the lowest tender fcr the smith- field contract was read, in which he stated that the £ 1775 would be reduced to £ 1012, but this would be done by alterations in the specifications. MOTION FOB ANOTHEU APPLICATION FOR A TENDER* Alderman Gee proposed that the question should be again thrown open to the general public for them to tender for the work. The reason he had for making this proposition was the great dif- ference which was between the lowest tender and the estimate of the borough surveyor. That the estimate of the borough surveyor was not very far from being right was proved by the fact that there was but very little difference in the reduction made by the borough surveyor and that made by Mr Griffiths. There was a difference of about £ 50, but that was accounted for by the fact that Mr Griffiths took to consideration his profit on the work. He, Alderman Gee, believed they could do the work if they went about it in the right way for the amount mentioned in the estimate of the borough surveyor. For this reason he believed they should let the work in two or three contracts. He bad in his pocket at that very moment an offer from three respectable men to do the work for less than £ 3-j00. They came to him unsolicited, and he ask^d them ta put their names down in writing. He would not give their names, for fear they might come to the conclusion to again issue appli- cations for tenders to do the work. They had met Mr Griffiths as far as they could. They had done all in their power to make the acceptance cf his tender possib e. It was his opinion that they ought, in the interest of the farmers and of the ratepayers generally,todothe work as cheaflyns possible -The ex-mayor, in seconding the motion, said he had turned the matter in his mind ever since he had proposed the motion, which was virtually the same as that just proposed by Alderman Gee. He thought a second application for tenders might be p oiuctive of good results, for it 'Xa3 possible that the gentlemen who had alread? tendered might reconsider the question and fiud themselves in many things in error. It was tneir duty to do the work as cheap as possible, and if they could save the £;:>00. they ought to do so. Mr Griffiths hid already reduced his tender, and it was possible the others might do the same.—Dr Caithness said the ex-mayor had stated that Mr Griffiths bad reduced his tender, but, as a master of fact, he had not done such a thing, only reduced the expenses.- Councillor T. C. Wvnne Edwards said this was a question which they might proceed with after the fashion of Mr Gladstone. There were three ways which they might adopt. First, tbey might adopt the plan suggested by Dr Caithness, viz abandon the scheme, or proceed with the work peacemeal, or, in the third place, let the contract to a certain person. On one occasion they pro- ceeded with a certain work peacemeal, and he was quite sure there was never work done in the Prin- cipality which was dearer than that. Never was a greater extravagance and waste of money. In whatever way the woik will be done, he w6uld say, never let it be doae peacemeal (hear, hear), [nhis opinion, there was only one course open to bhem. All those who had tendered for the work were, he had no doubt, most respectable men. rhere was less difference in these tenders than he aver remembered to have been between any live men, a fact which, to his mind, proved beyond ill doubt that they weie all honest, straight- forward, and trustworthy men. He proposed that the tender of Mr Griffiths, as reduced, be accepted, subject to the approval of the Local GovernmeLt Board.-Dr Pierce seconded the ameudmeut, and iaid he fully endorsed every word which had fallen from M. 0. Wynne Ed wards. -Alderman Thomas 3ee, referring to some words which had been said jy Mr Wynne Edwards, said he should like to iuow upon what grounds Mr Edwards hai made ;he remarks with regard to Mr Jones. He thought ihat these grounds should be givey, in order that Mr Jones might have an opportunity to clear him- self. The men who had signed the document which he had in his pocket were all respectable men. It might be insinuated perhaps that they were men of straw, but they were not men of 3traw. He happened to mention about them in arder to show the council that the work might be Joae under £3500, and he asked whether it was right on their pert to spend a few hundred pounds when they could as easily save H.-Coun. cillor J. Lloyd asked of Mr Gee whether these persons had tendered for the work in the first in- stance; if not, it was not right uor fair that they should profit by those who had done so. When- ever they would determine to go on with the wcrk he hoped it would not be done peacemeal — (hear, hear) — for it was the most nonsensical way they could adept. Reference had been made to the difference between the reduction jaade by the borough sur- veyor and that of Mr Griffiths, but it must be remembered that Mr Davies calculated on different basis from Mr Griffiths, a'.d therefore it was no wonder that there should be difference in their reduction. He hoped that when the time arrived for the work to be dons, it would be executed in a workmanlike manner, for that would be much better in the long run for the ratepayers.—Coun- cillor Parry said he did not think they would be acting honestly towards the ratepayers if they did not throw the matter open -to the public, and give another oppottunity to persons to tender for the work. Be thought it was a pity to spend £ 500 if they could save it. There were men as capable as Mr Griffiths, and why should they give the con- tract to him if they could find others who would do the work for les;.—The ex-mayor said that when he seconded Alderman Gee's motion, he had not in any way before his mind the papers which had been referred to.—Alderman Gee said that what he had stated had no reference in any way to the paper which was in his pocket. He believed they could do the work for X.500 less than they were now offercd.-Dr Caithness said he did not believe, strictly speaking, there was any reduction at all in Mr Griffiths's tender. What- ever reduction had been made was in consequence of differences made in the specifications.—The amendment was then put, when it was found that eight voted in its favour; for the original motion, six voted. The amendment was then declared carried. THE BURIAL GROUND. Letters were received from Mr Acderton aud Mr Evans, Tross Park, stating that they had em- ployed practical surveyors to measure the distance between their dwelling-houses and Mr R. H. Roberts's field, and found that it was not 20) yards, as the law required. Mr Evans stated that the distance between his hoase and the field was 189 yards, one foot. They therefore objected to the field being bought for the purpose of being used as a burial ground.—In answer to a question by a councillor, the town clerk stated that the borough surveyor had measured the distance, and found it 200 yards.—Councillor T. C. Wynne Edwards said he quite sympathized with botn Sir Evans and Mr Anderton, and if they should in any way suffer any damage, he was one who would be willing to give them compensation. As they had already been told, the borough surveyor said there was full 200 yards between the dwelling- houses and the fuld. If the borough surveyor had been wrong, he should be made responsible for the mistake. The committee, as they had seen, re- cammended in their report that they should buy MrR H. Roberts's fLId, aad he proposed that they should adopt the report.—Councillor R. H. Roberts said he d'd not want them to buy the field at all, but when this question was first mooted there was not a word sdid about a chapel being built. If the borough surveyor measured from the field to the stable, the distance might perhaps be found to be within 200 yards; but a stable was not a dwclling-nouse in the sense of the Act. If they measured from cn^ ot the houses they would find the distance to be a little over two hundred yards.—AHermaa Tho. mas Gee said be would propose that the borough surveyor be requested to measure the distance again.-The borough surveyor said be had net measured from the house but from the wall -Ald. Thomas Gee suggested that the borongh surveyor should be accompanied to measure the distance by Mr Thomas Williams, and this having been agreed to, the adoption of the report was adjourned. 8 ¡' THE DRAINAGE. Letters were read from Mr J. Davir,, vho acted for Mr David Jo es, Bnthin-rcad_ and from Mr I Gold Edwards, who acted for M^gor Cafeson, urging the council to take the above matter into consider- ation at the present meeting. It appears that the water from the main drain ruus to the jeliarsjof the I above mentioned houses, and the qurjtion was how it should be best dealt with.—Ou the motion of Councillor R. H. Roberts it was r solved that ttey should approve of the level No. 1, as recommended in the letter.of Mr Casson. THE BOROUGH SURVF-YOK'S BEPORT* The borough surveyor said he had visited Hen- llan a short time ago, and li-, suggested that the new scheme should not be carried on until the pipes would have been laid down.—Councillor R. A. Davies said he had been told that the watfr supply was rather deficient at Henllan.-Dr Caith- ness said he believed there was little room to com- plain on that ground. He was as anxious as any- one that HenllaD should be so efficiently nupplied with water as Denbigh, but he did not think they had any grievance at present.—Coun- cillor R. A. Davies asked how they were to arrive at a conclusion with regard to the state of the water supply--were they to de- pend upon the reports of the boiough surveyor, or were they to engage an engineer. Alderman E. T. Jones said he was there once in July, and there was abundance of water there then. Dr Caithness asked whether there had been a requisition from the people of Henllan for a better supply of water. The borough surveyor said he went there not long ago, accompanied by the medical officer of health. They visited all the wells in the neigh- bourhood, and the medical officers tested the water. The residents being asked whether they experienced any deficiency in the water supply, said at first that they did, but afterwards, when told that they should have to pay for a new scheme of water supply, said they did not (laugh- ter). DAMAGE DONE BY FLOOPF. The borough suivjyor reported that the recent floods had pulled down apart of the wall near Brook-house, and Le was instructed to have it re- paired. SALAIiY OF THE TOWN CLERK. Dr Caithness, in introducing this question, said that the late Councillor Foulkes [once proposed that the salary of the town clerk should be settled on permanent basis rather than they should have to take to consideration, year after year, what he shcuid be allowed. If Councillor Foulkes had lived he would, no doubt, have brought on the question again. Councillor J. Lloyd asked whether a notice of the question should not be given. Dr Caithness said this was a quarterly meeting, and they could bring forward any question they liked. Ultimately, at the suggestion of the ex-mayor (who at this time occupied the chair, the mayor having left), he agreed to give notice of his in- tention to bring the matter forward at the next meeting. RED LANE. Councillor R H. Roberts called attention to this road, and said it was in a dreadful ttate. He pro- posed that the borough surveyor be requested to report upon the matter.-This was seconded by Councillor R. A. Davies, and agreed to. REPORT OF THE MEDICAL CFFICZR OF- HEALTH. In his report this officer stated that there had been during the month 9 deaths and 12 births. The deaths were thus at the rate of 16*55 per 1000 of the population, and the births at the rate of 2-06. CORRESPONDEKCE. A letter was read from Mr Osbert Edwards, the mayor of Ruthin.'enclosing letters from the Bight Hon. Osborne Morgan, M.P., Sir W. W. Wynne, M.P., and Major West, Ruthin Castle, expressing their hope that Bufcbin would be appointed the town to hold Noith Wales Assizes, and alsostnting that ttey would do all in their power to bring that about. MOLD. THE BUCKLEY ENGINEERS.—On Saturday even- ing the above volunteers corp marched into Mold, under the command of their indefatigable captain Mr J. M. Gibson. The march through High- street attracted the attention of a good number of people, it being market day, and the appearance of the men was spokea of in favourable terms by all the spectators. itiie brass band of the corps played a nice selection of music opposite tne Black L on Hotel, which afforded enjoyment to a large crowd assembled there. GRASD SCCIAL RB-UNION AT ST. DAVID' CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.—This event, which was duly announced in our columns last week, took place at the above schoolsl on Monday evening last, and passed off with great cclat. The proceedings commenced at 7.30 p.m., with the pantomimie extravaganza entitlel Blue Beard," by Miss Reading, the characters in which were cast as follows Abomlique, an antrccious villain, who once a week murders a wife Bliss Kilen bhannon Fatima, wilful and extravagant. TiJisa Ellen Kain Ibrahim, model of indigence Miss Alice Jones Irene, a blue stocking Mrs E. Edwards Selim, a sentimental swain Miss Mary Burke Policeman X. V.Z. Miss Katie Shannon Timor the Terrible. Miss Annie Brannon Tuseph the youthful Miss Lizzie Hardy Miss Lizzie O'Neill M'm Helena Freney Guards and Pages Miss Polie Brannon Miss Annie Dalton l Mhn A. Gavanagh Drummer Miss Isabella Murray 1st Ghost Miss Lizzie O'Neil Group of Headless Beetles.The School Children The result showed a careful selection of a piece in which the impersonators of the various characters had been wisely chosen. As may be anticipated from its title, the piece was founded upon the well-known nursery tale of "Blue Beard," with the usual pantomime witticisims and enlargements, and was an illustration of "Female curiosity and male atrocity," the Time of actiox presumed to be long, long, ago, When laws were very bad and men so very slow." The vocal portions of the piece showed that the children had been under the most careful training. The advent (in Scene IL) of the Pacha Abomlique ("Blue Beard'), preceeded by his guards and juvenile comb and dram band," was really very imposing. The Eastern costumes displayed ware of truly oriental type, and they must have been the result of endless labour. The musical con- nections and accompaniments were played by Mr A. T. Williams, with his usual ability. Between the 1st and 2ad acts Mr George Gilbert sang the comic song, "The Parson and Clerk," for which he was louily encored, and in response repeated the two last verses. Part H. of the programme was as follows:- Glee. When the soft evening breeza Glce Party. Song. CI The last rose of summer Mrs Douglas. Song Father O'Flinn" Mr Thomas. I Song. T. "The Tar's Farewell" Mr A. H. Parry. The Nightingale Mias Foulkes. Song. Anchored Mr J. R. Lloyd. Comic song "Far away" Mr G. Gilbert. Song Thady O'Flinn" Mrs Douglas. The glee party c nsisted of Mrs Douglas and Messrs Job Edwards, E. H. Williams, and G. H. Parry, whose voices blended admirably. Mrs Douglas, as uRial, was a great favourite, and her songs were rec< ived with acclamation. Mies Foulkes's voice was well suited to:Dr Parry's song, The Nightingale," and Messrs E. H. Thomas, J. R. Lloyd, and G. H. Parry; were loudly applauded, t le laoier being enthusiastically en- cored, whilst the comic song (in character) of Mr j George Gilbert took the audience by storm. Part i III consisted of a comic drama in one act, J entitled "Mrs W lkinson'a Will," the dramatu r>ersona beine as follows:— Mrs Robinson, Mrs Wilkenson"s Executrix., [Miss A. Brannon. Lady Spindle, absurdly haughty. Miss Ellen [Kain Mrs Dwin die, a would-be Poetess Mrs E. [Edwards. Jennie, a little Ferm-seivant ..Miss iiary [Burke. Bridget Murphy, Mrs -Robir son's -S.,rva-ut faiss [Ellen Shannon. At the close of the meeting the Rev Gerard Boen expressed his beaitfelt gratitude to the large audience present for the kind way in which they had by their presence that evening shown their appreciation of his efforts, and the National Anthem having been sung the meeting ter- minated. In concluding we must not omit to mention that the dramatical pieces were performed under the entire management of Miss MeKay (the schoolmistress), whose indefatigable energies have, we trust, been rewarded by a substantial augmeu- tation to the school funds. D THE COMING OF AGE OF MR P. T DAVIES- COOKE.—A meeting of subscribers to the fund formed for celebrating the above event was held at the Dolphin Hotel on Saturday evening last, when there were present: Messrs J. Lloyd, Antelope (in the chair), J. Dunn, W. Hewitt, Isaac Powell, Buckley GrIffith Joues, Peter Jones, W. Wil- liams, stonemason; W. Wright, W. Richards, Edward Jones, Gwernaffield; J. Corbett (hon. treasurer), Ernest A. Croft (hon. secretary), &c., &c It was reported that subscriptions to the fund had reached over JE90, and it is not impro- bable that before the list is closed £100 will have been received. It was decided to present Mr Cooke with an illuminated address, to be supplied by Mr W. T. Yorke; a very handsome piece of silver plate (supplied by Mr J. Saum), and a travelling bag, supplied by Messrs Beresford and Co. As Mr Cooke attains his majority on the 15th inst., persons desirous of subscribing to the fund should do so at once. THB PARISH CHUIWH CKOIR.-As an evidence of the good feeling which exists between the clergy and the above choir, it is our pleasing duty to record that the Rev W. LI. Protheroe (senior curate of Mold), and Mrs Protheroe very kindly invited the adult members to a party at their resi- dence, Ivy House, on Thursday evening last. The guests assembled at 8 p.m., and at 8.30 were ushered into the dining-room, where they found very ample provision made for their entertainment, the tables literally groaning under the weight of tne good things provided. In addition to the choir, the vicar (the Rev Rowland Ellis), and the Rev T. E. Jones were also present. Each having done ample justice to the sumptuous repast, the guests adj ourned to the drawing-room, where a number of songs were sung, Mrs Protheroe and Mr E. A. Croft acting as accompanists. Mr Job Elwards, on behalf of those present, then thanked the host and hostees for their kindness that even- ing, and concluded by wishing them long lives of health, prosperity, and happiness. The Rev Mr Protheroe, in replying, expressed the great pleasure he felt at having spent so enjoyable an evening I among his guests, and only regretted that one or two members of the choir, being away from home, were prevented from being with them. He always thought that the clergy and choir were more closely related than other members of the congre- gation, for two important (elements in the service of the church—prayer and praise-were performed by either. Mrs Protheroe also responded in suit- able terms, and the National Anthem hsv ng been sung, the party dispersed. On Friday evening the juvenile members of the choir were invited to tea, upon which occasion Mr and Mrs Protheioe were untiring in their efforts to amuse and instruct their young friends, who seemed greatly to appre- ciate the kindness bestowed upon them. THE PROPOSBD FLOWBR SHOW.—A meeting o gentlemen interested in the establishment of a flower show for Mold was held fit the Black Lion Hotel on Friday evening, last week, when there were present: Messrs J. Corbett (in the chair), J. H. Barratt, 0. S. Barr&tt, E. Williams (surgeon), W. Wright, F. J. Gillett, George Connor, J. S. Swift, T. Winstanley, Prince Parry, and J. Jones (gardeners), J. Worthington Roberts, J. R. Lloyd, &c. The question whether or not a flower show should be held in Mold this year was fully dis- cussed, and it was unanimcusly resolved to hold one, it being felt by all present that the move- ment could be carried to a successful issue, despite the opposition which it had encountered from certain quarters, if the public accorded it a fair amount ot support in the form of subscrip- tions. There was a strong feeling amongst those present against allowing the movement to drop, and there is no probability of this happening. Some difference :ot opinion prevailed as to which wa3 the best time for holding the show, the meeting being pretty evenly divided in favour of the last week in July and the first week in September. The question was fully considered, aud on being put to the vote the balance of opinion was found to be in favour of the last week in July, which was agreed upon. All present were unanimous in favour of holding the show on the Bailey Hill,if satisfactory terms could be arranged -and no doubt was expressed as to this—with the local board. The names of several influential: gentlemon'werejmentioned as willing to support the movement, and a number of subscriptions were furnished in the room. A representative committee was appointed, with Mr John Corbett as treasurer, and Messrs J. Worthington Roberts and J. R. Lloyd as honorary secretaries. Gentlemen were appointed to canvass the town for subscriptions, which will also be g'adly received by any mejnber of the committee, or at either of the banks. SALE OF PROPERTY.—On Moaday last, Mr J. E. Davies, auctioneer, offered for sale at the Black Lion Hotel various properties at Pont-y-bodkin, Tryddyo, and Cathole. The leasehold public- house known as the Black Diamond Inn, situate at Pont-y-bodkin, held under a lease for the resi- due of a term which will expjre on the 29th Sep. tember, 1902, at a ground rent of £ 114s, was sold to Mr W. J. Sissoo, brewer, Wrexham, for £330. Lot 2, consisting of ten cottages at Pont-y-bodkin, opposite Lot 1, in the occupation of Ann Parry, Edward Taylor, and others, which are held under lease for a term which will expire oil the 25th March, 1903, at a ground rent of Li 14s, were sold to Mr Edward Peters, Leeswood, for £ 75. Lot 3, consisting of three freehold cottages adjoining the Royal Oak Inn, Tryddyn, was withdrawn. The foregoing lots belong to the Mold Building Society, and Mr John Williams, Rhuddlan. Four freehold cottages and gardens, at Cathole, in the eccupa- tionofJohn Jones and William Goodwin, were withdrawn. Mesirs Kelly and Keene, Mold, were the persons concerned in lots 1, 2, 3, and Messrs Minshall and Parry-Jones, of Oswestry, in lot 4. THE VOLUNTEER CORPS.—On Monday evening the corps assembled in uniform for its monthly march. There was a good attendance of members, and as they proceeded through High-street, headed by the brass band, they attracted the at- tention of a good many townspeople, and their appearance seemed to create a favourable impres- sion. MOLD SCHOOL BOARD.-The monthly meeting of this board was held at the offices of the clerk (Mr H. G. Roberts, solicitoi), on Tuesday last, when the following members were present':—Rev Roger Edwards (chairman), Mr W. Catherall (vice- chairman), A. T. Keene, T. Corbett, W. Hop- wood, and the clerk. The latter read the annual report of her Majesty's inspector of his examina- tion of the Mold Schools, which was of a very favourable character, showing an earning of 17s 6c per scholar on the average attendance for the year.—Reference was made to the death of Mr Oliver Jones who has been since the formation of the board one of its most faithful members, and on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr Catherall, the clerk was instructed to send to Mr Jones an expression of sympathy of the board with him in his serious illness, with a hope for his speedy restoration to health.—The other business included the report of the attendance officer, &c., and it was of a purely routine character. THE AFFAIRS OF MR JEFFS LATB OF THE ROYAL OAK —At the Chester County Court, on Thursday, l before Mr Horatio Lloyd, a motion was made by Mr A. G. Pugh, accountant, Chester, who was apppointed trustee under the liquidation of the affairs of Mrs Jane Jeffs, late proprietress oi the Royal Oak Hotel, New street, Mold, for an order declaring that the creditors were entitlbd to the proofed; of Sctie cf fui^r^nre. stock in trade, I &c., which were settled on Mrs Jeffs at the of her marriage.—Mr R. NeviHe (barrister), in- etuifited by Mr F. Brcadbridge, solicitor, Liver- 1 pool, appeared for the trustee in liquidation, and Mr J. E. Bcnfees (barrister), instructed by Mr H. I G. Robeits, solicitor, Mold, opposed the motion on behalf of the trustees of the marriage settle- ment.-His honour said that if he gave the decision at once he would give it in favenr of the creditors under the liquidation but he would like time to consider his j adgment.

MOLD NOTES. The weather up to Sunday last was extremely unlike the usual May weather. The long-wished- for rain has at length come, perhaps in excess of what was hoped for. In my paragraph relating to the dramatic per- formancs at Buckley (which appeared last week), I should not have omitted one laughable incident which occurred. The trumpeter, upon the entrance of the judge, playei Auld Lang Syne." Rather unsuited for the occasion, though the question "Should auld acquaintance be forgot?" might often be asked with advantage at a breach of promise trial. The most painful (I rray say horrible) of sights I have witaessed for some time was a funeral pro- cession wending its way towards the cemetery, with one of the chief mourners eo intoxicated that he had to be supported by a companion. Shortly after the successful performance at the Town Hall of Bardell v. Pickwick," '-which my readers will doubtless remember-it was rumoured that the same company would give a grand dramatic performance at the opening of the library and reading-room attached to the Town Hall. I trust the matter has not collapsed, which, I fear, is the case, as very little is now said about it. The library, &c., it is hoped, will be completed towards the end of this month. I understand that the senior members of the parish church choir spent a very pleasant evening at Ivy House, the residence of the Rev W. LI. Protheroe, senior curate of this pariah, where they had been invited to an evening party. After supper the gentlemen adjourned to the drawing-room, when, among others, the following were admirably rendered:—"Tee Land of Roses;" "The Noble Boy," The Maid of Llangollen," "The Hawthorn Spray," "The Children's Home," "Poor Old Joe," Man, know thyself," "Sailing," and" The Old Soldier." The comics, I believe, included:- JohLny, don't you go to sea," "The Parson and Clerk," "Faraway," "Sukeydear," "Colonel Ciusht," and (last, though by no hneans least), The Speaker's Eye." I understand that Mr Job Edwards hee been prevailed upon to alter his decision, and will resume his duties as a chorister in the above choir. On Saturday evening last the Buckley Engineer Volunteers had a march out as far as Mold, when the rank and file, numbering over 60 men, presented a very bright and animated appearance. The excellent band, under the conductorship of Mr Stephenson, played some beautiful selections in front of the Black Lion Hotel. The return marlh was made at 8.30. w « The first cricket match of the season, Mold v. Northop, was arranged to take place on Saturday last at Mold. The home team won the toss, atd went in first. At the fall of eight wickets the scoies numbered 28, and at this juncture the rain, which had fallen at intervals, poured down in such torrents that the gamejwas suspended. A paragraph which appeared a fortnight ago in a local weekly contemporary relative to the stoppage of the Nerquis Colliery, and which stated that the colliery had ceased to work owing to a renewal of the lease being refused, was last week contradicted by one of the royalty proprietors and the lesce. The lease," writes the former, has not expired by some years, and only a few years since the rents and royalties were greatly reduced." ¥ ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT" C. D. Your poetry is not so bad, and is certainly not so good. In writing poetry always lay hold of facti. Your first verso, lor instance, which is as follows Two birds once went to build a nest Up on a high, high tree, The father went to look for food, The mother sang with glee," is entirely wrong. I was under the impression that the father sang whilst the mother went upon foraging expeditious, I am, however, open to conviction. Your lines, too, should be written to a stated measure or metre. < • It is unnecessary to refer here to the natural attractions of the Bailey Hill. But it is to be re- gretted the place is not more extensively appre- ciated by the townspeople, as its situation .is charming and th3 views of the surrounding coun- try obtained from its summit delightful. It might be rendered more attractive to the young fk?;Iks if gymnastics were supplied, as there is teo much sameness about the present couple of swings. There are many ways in which the place might be made more attractive if the local board would ex- pend a few pounds there and if the Volunteer Band played there occasionally, I am sure their music would be appreciated, tven if it did not lead to dancing! • I tave heard it rumoured that some gentlemen in the town coutempll t, enjoying the Hill for the purpose of holding a gala thf r J sometime this summer, which would, no deubt, attract people from other towns in the same manrer as Molda- vians are attracted to similar affairs in other towns. The committee of the propossd flower show are determined to leave no stone unturned to make the gathering a success, and the result of the can- vass in that town for subscriptions is very en- couraging, and tends to prove that the towns- people are not indifferent about the movement, but the reverse. This io satisfactory for more than one reason; and there will, perhaps, be disap- pointment in certain quarters that the movement has not collapsed. In all probability, the show will be held on the Bailey Hill, than which no better place could be wished. *#* The entertainment at tne Catholic Schools, on Monday evening, is, probably, the last locil gathering of the kind that we shall have until next winter. It was an enjoyable affair throughout, but it would have probably been none the lass enjoyable, if it bad not lasted, as it did, for three hours. But no doubt the reason for this was the desire of the promoters to render the enter- tainment attract ve, and to afford the public, plenty of enjoyment for their money, andceitainly they were successful in their enterprise. The creditable manner in which the performances were staged and gone through surprised many people in the audience, and it afforded auople proof of the labour bestowed on the affair by the promoters, notably: Miss McKey, the mistrefs of the school, who deserves unstinted praise for her valuable services. Talking of entertainments, who can say that Mold is a dull place, after Ithe number of them that we have had during the season that has just ended. Some people say, there is nothing to amute them here others say, there are too many amusements, and that some of them should be > stopped. Both statements are incorrect. The people, who say there were nothing think them- selves so clever, and talented, and accomplished that none of our local amateurs are worth listening to. And the other Class alluded to can form no goed opinion of any meet- ings unless they are associated with their par- l ticular denomination. There is another, and, I fortunately, rnuic numerous cla^, who don t look at things from qailv. °' < h a narrow point ot view as the above, and these atj the people who willing to support any movement, providing its tendencies are of an innocent character. # Where is clo<k? This question is askedE on all sides in reference of course to the new clock for the Town Hall, for the erection of whicht the present scaffolding has been kept up pur- posely and exclusively for nearly a couple of months. For the information of anxious inquirers I am enabled to state on authority that the clock will most certainly be placed in the front of the Town Hall before thar close cf 1884. < The few days of flae weather which we barer had has attracted people to the Bailey Hill, but when they get there they have to remain standing, sit on the stump of an old tree here and there, or squat on the ground. Hence this inquiry when wdl be seats the distributed about the Hill. It is time they were. Talking about the Hill reminds me that com- plaints have frequently been made that the Hill is closed too early in the summer months. Na doubt the local board would be ready to give a respectful hearing to any petition presented in favour of the Hill being kept open for an half-an- hour or an hour later. But it frequently happens that the people who make complaints of this kind are unwilling to take any steps to have the causa of their grievances removed, and whether that is good or not, in this case time will show. • The following appeared in a Liverpool contem- porary of Monday last, and as the gentleman's name therein is so well known in this vicinity, I thought it may interest my readers :— EXAMPLE WORTHY OF IMITATION.—The Primitive Methodist Liverpool District Meeting in at p esent in its annual session at Buckley, near Chester. The Rev J. M. Evans, vicar of Bistre, ell adjoining parish, expressed a wish to the Rev T. I lanock, superintendent of the circuit, to take ore of the delegates or ministers; and the Rev Thomas Swallow, of Liverpool, is now his guesfc. This incident presents a pleasing contrast to the intolerance only too often manifested." QUILLB PiKKB.

to be more of a curse than blessing. The board's staff of teachers, if we may rely on the code, is too large for the numbers in attendance at the schools, but it is not too I large for the requirements of the town. Let the board compel those children which auaent themselves from school to take I advantage of the facilities offered them, and every intelligent man will be ready, if necessary, to pay a higher rate [ towards maintaining the schools. Now that the destinies of the Government are on the point of being placed in the hands of the labouring and poorer classes, the arguments in favour of the education of the poor should come home to every enlightened mind with tenfold weight. For the sake of the national welfare and prosperity, for the sake of the .national morality and religion, for the sake of lessening the increasing volume of crime in the country, we respectfully, and with the purest of motives, call upon the Board to consider its responsibilities, especially as regards this important subject-the educa- tion of the poor. [