Rhyl Journal

THE iTEM. dat for joh Mr scheme, Urban oun ter- wlands, raa not ijourned ,gain sat r. Mr f, Q.O. Turner, OWLANDS ] in the obliged ) make given ad kept He also :ns which )ayments tains and ae timber :ontended .d £2271 elays, Mr heavy ex- uding with have done. the coat of oeriod conse- s also asked period during of it. The months. The i for delay in t, loss of gas bo supply con- mains, and also led on ttve work tipulated in the repairing alleged astion had arisen meting whether the 8 omission, question would cs, it was n0t a con- tact they Were as ndividual, whether it ision. He thought :c¡:i;Hl I!t i.'v;) [("lir have ¡ iod "f .j;»en^on +ook —or.ths, h ictor tLu tho wini or. v, ";ld th. ~oro QOT h aitog^sw. out of -which the? 3 then re-eza-nuatxl by tff l a.> rs;trd2 aorns contract sewers he was Hushing them from before the 1st of June, 1894, until Sept., 1896. As soon as a length of sewer was completed he I started Hushing it, and continued to do so un- til he was relieved by the Council. He denied that he pumped sub-soil water containing sand into the sewers all the time, or that the con- tinuous flushing was occasioned by the large quantity of sand he left in the drains by that means. A large quantity of sand accumulated in the gullies of the drains during storms. With regard to the fixing of the ventilating shafts and column, he had to say that he had a man sent to Rhyl from Birmingham on purpose to do that work, but in consequence of the de- lay of the Council in fixing the. sites he had to send him back again. As to the timber left in the trenches, and for which the Council said they were not liable, he had since the last meeting worked out the figures for excavating, and found that out of the 2s 4d per cubic yard allowed for the work no less than Is 4d was taken up for excavation alone, so that unless he was allowed for the timber as he claimed he would only have a margin of Is per yard for timber. The Arbitrator said lie was not at all satis- fied in his own mind that the Council was liable for that under the contract. Mr Bray replied that that was an arguable point. The Town Clerk contended that if Mr Biggs was to put forward a claim for f.520 for flushing the sewers at a cost of A:8 per week on the average, the Council should see the wages sheets, so as to be certain that the amount was paid. Mr Bray said he had produced certain wage sheets, but Mr Gamlin pointed out that the sheets only showed the wages of the men altogether, no specific amounts were put down for flushing, &c. Mr Biggs said he was able to point out the different men who were engaged on that par- ticular work. Mr Dan Nicholas, foreman to Mr Biggs, said he had been engaged on the works at Rhyl from September, 1895, and that he super- intended amongst other things the flushing. He stated that there was a large quantity of sand in the sewers which had got down through the gullies, and not only was it necessary to have on a large staff of men to clear out the drains, but in some of the streets they fonnd it impossible to shift the sand except on the downgrade by means of a rope about 600 feet long, to which chains were attached. This rope was made to work through the sewer, while a number of men were engaged carrying the slack rope back to the top manhole. He considered that Mr Biggs' average of A:8 per week for that work was very low, and could not possibly include witness's wages. Most of that work was done during the night time. He was sure that Mr Biggs had to wait a long time for instructions as to the fixing of the ventilating shafts and columns, together with a few flushing tanks. In reply to the Town Clerk, the witness said he had never heard that either the Council or Mr Lane Brown had ever complained to Mr Biggs that there was delay in fixing the ventilating columns after the sites were selected and definite instructions given he had never heard of it before. Mr J. Roberts, Managing Director of the firm of Messrs J. and S. Roberts, Ltd., pipe founders, West Bromwich, gave evidence as to the iron pipes for the outfall being made according to the drawings supplied to him, and in pteeping with the specifications, although the actual weight of the pipes was more than that specified for. He said that it was absolutely necessary, as the pipes were required for outfall works, thai the diameter of the specifications should be adhered to, with the result that the pipes were heavier. He accounted for the difference by the fact that outfall pipes were provided with flanges, belts, and brackets. Mr T. Booth Farrington, C.E., Conway, gave evince to having measured two pipes which ha4 been recovered from the sea, and said that they were in accordance with the specifi- cations. tie worked out. tho weights of the pipes at 2100lbs, without allowing the usual, per cent margin. The Arbitrator pointed out that the quanti- ties supplied in the specifications had been worked out by a properly qualified quantities surveyor, who gave the weight as 2,0861bs, a difference of 141bs. The 5 per cent margin should be allowed either way. Mr Farrington also said that he had looked through Mr Biggs' claim, and having heard the explanation as to the delays he considered that it was reasonable. He also agreed that the 2s 4d allowed for excavation could not be expected to include the timber left in the trenches in a place like Rhyl. This closed the case for Mr Biggs, and the question then arose as to the course to be adopted with regard to the case for the Council and it was agreed that the Town Clerk should first call evidence and address the Arbitrator afterwards, it being distinctly understood that Mir Gamlin should not make a second speech except as to legal matters. Mr H. Lane Brown, late resident engineer, then gave evidence on behalf of the Council, and during the course of his examination Mr Bray repeatedly objected to the Town Clerk put ting leading and cross-examination questions to his own witness. Mr Rowlands replied that Mr Brown knew all that was going on in the Committee meetings of the Council and usually carried messages as to the way the work was to go on from the Committee to the contractor. Mr Brown said he considered that the whole of the works had been carried out as strictly as possible in accordance with the conditions of the contract. It was true that the works were not completed by the 1st of June, 1894, and he did not take any notice of the condition in the con- tract as to that date, seeing that they had only started the works in April. He did write to Mr (Biggs to clear out of the streets at the beginning of the season, but the Committee gave the contractor a fortnight longer than was specified. The Council had urged the contrac- tor to get the work done as speedily as possible, and there was undoubtedly delay on the part of the Council in getting the sites for the ventila- ting columns, flushing tanks, o.nd. the shafts, although he believed that everyone did what they could to get those matters settled. No doubt the delay caused Mr Biggs a certain amount of injury, but scarcely to the extent claimed. The contractor had other work to go °u ^lfch1from the 1st of June, 1895. Towards the hniah of the work the Committee tried to arrange with Mr Biggs to take over what ventilating columns remained unfixed, but that course was not adopted. The delay on Mr Biggs part in erecting two oolumns was caused through his having to send away for special pipe bends. The Town 0 erk referred to letters written complaining at one time of smells in various parts of the town, and during the examination of Mr Brown npon this point, the Arbitrator caused considerable amusement by remarking that perhaps the smells complained of were the same which arose from the two ventilating columns, which were said to give off sewer gas before they were connected with any sewer Mr Lane Brown also said that complaints were received that bad smells arose from a ventila- ting shaft by the Market, although it was not connected with a drain, and had only been fixed against the wall in order to givepeoDle ttie opportunity of saying how they li"k;e(j lIe also said that Mr Biggs altered the trapa to p^tain drains, as soon as he was told that the bnckwork was defective. With regard to the flushing, he thou ,fc thafc the average given by the contract wafj y although he did not O. J' i'.l itCCnmf VT.'IS ft'Vw toid i,h,v an-ei»im Hciao crspi.ct ot it. He kop'- c-o.se chcek oft rUl the timber used in t e.4, as tno trencues, as he know that Mr Biggs in lieniM making a that I, ho.w £ entitled to extra for tun>4 ordered to > ba left- xn u* extra work It was ^b<-rorMrE^tohave laid tm, ontHxil. lA^&i -jy *}*> j- w r.ho tid% did noc auit. I, A juefitMn arose to whether I>f Hru*-a :n Mr Ui^gs ord^r to dw certain I" flushing, but Mr Bray said he did not suggest I Mr Biggs had done anything of the sort. After the adjournment for luncheon the Arbitrator and the engineers met at Messrs Chas. Jones and Sons' yard, where the two outfall pipes which had been lost in the sea and since recovered are stored. It was stated that each pipe weighed one ton. On returning to the Council Chamber, the Arbitrator said he found that the pipes were thicker than the specifications by measurements taken at the ends. This was disputed by Mr Biggs and Mr Roberts, and it was then decided that holes should be drilled in the centre of the pipes and the thickness checked by this means. This was accordingly done, when it was found that the thickness was in accordance with the speci- fications. A discussion arose as to the claim put forward by Mr Biggs for repayment of money kept back fiom him by the Council for alleged damage to gas mains. The total was f,76, and Mr Bray said he was prepared to split the sum accepting one-half or even less, but as Mr Rowlands would not take less than 250 it was decided that the matter should be let to be fought out. Mr Brown said in reply to further questions, that he noticed that although Mr Biggs re- peatedly cleansed certain sewers ready for their being taken over by the Council they became silted up again, and he was told that the reason of it was that the sand entered the sewers through defective junctions. He had included an item in the particulars provided for a supplementary loan to cover the cost of extra metal in the iron outfall pipe. Mr Robert Hughes, Town Surveyor, gave evidence as to taking control of the sewers after Mr Lane Brown had left. He had also previously taken steps to get the ventilating columns erected as speedily aspossible. He had found a few defective pieces of work, the most important being that in Russell Road, where a drain connecting the schools and church grounds was not connected. He had also found that in consequence of a defective junction in Bodfor Street it .had been necessary to continue flushing at that place for several months, until at last the road subsided, when it was discovered that about two loads of sand had been washed into the sewer from beneath the macadam. It cost 18s 8d to put the drain in order, but £ 31 128 4d was charged for the extra work which had been necessary until the defect was dis- covered. Other defects had been detected, but this particular one was the only item charged against Mr Biggs. Mr R. J. Hughes, Sanitary Inspector, gave evidence to the effect that the cost of flushing the sewers of the town was weekly becoming less, and that there was little or no silt in the drains. The sum of £2 2s per week would well cover the cost of the flushing now, and it was never necessary to use ropes to remove sediment, the flow being all that was desired, as there were fifty flushing tanks in various parts of the town. It cost less in winter than in summer to flush the drains. If it was necessary to employ 8 men and a horse to keep the sewers clean in 1896 there must have been something extraordinarily the matter with the drains. He remembered the difficulty experienced with regara to the Bodfor Street sewer, and agreed with Mr Robert Hughes as to the cause. Mr L. G. Hall, Gas and Water Manager, was examined at some length as to the amount of gas made and consumed during the last four years. He said he had traced the leakage due to the fractures caused, as was alleged, by Mr Biggs' workmen. He denied that the mains and services were of the poor description given at the first sitting, and he said that as soon as it was found that there was a leakage men were sent to repair it. Great damage had been caused by the settling of the roads after the trenches were closed in, and the Council stopped Mr Biggs' money for the damage which he (Mr Hall) believed was caused by the contractor's men. The Arbitrator pointed out with regard to the claim for loss of gas that the Council wanted Mr Biggs to pay for the gas that was said to have leaked, and also for loss of consumption. He could not see how they could get the money twice over for one lot of gas. He also thought that 2s was enough to allow for each 1000 feet of gas claimed against Mr Biggs, as that was the actual cost of it to the Council. The Town Clerk argued that the Council were entitled to charge the selling price. This closed the case for the Council, with the exception of the Town Clerk's evidence and address, and the Arbitrator suggested that it would be well for Mr Rowlands to give his evi- dence that evening, leaving the following morning to address the court. He had to say that he was not going to sit on that case after Thursday morning. He was bound to say that he considered it a great waste of time, and knew of no case that had taken up so many hours over such a small sum and was of so little importance. The Town Clerk said he would proceed to give what little evidence he could himself place before the Arbitration. He took it that they had practically two contracts, but on the same lines. MrBiay replied that that argument would assist him very much. The Arbitrator then asked if Mr Rowlands said he considered there were two contracts. The Town Clerk replied that he did not, although additional works had been undertaken. Proceeding to give evidence, the Town Clerk handed in a copy of the Council's claim amount- ing to f3,451 10s 7d. He also gave dates of certain letters which had passed between the Council, Contractor, Engineer, and Resident Engineer. With regard to the minutes of the Council, he said he would put in extracts, but Mr Bray pointed out that the minutes of the Council could not be evidence against Mr Biggs unless it could be proved that he knew what had been passed. In cross-examination by Mr Bray, Mr Rowlands said the Council were claiming large penalties payable in respect to the whole of the works because they were not completed within seven months. It was true that certain of the works could not be completed within seven months, as the orders were not given until after that time. The sitting was then adjourned until Thursdav. Yesterday the hearing of the case was pro- ceeded with. The Town Clerk in the course of his address said the Council had expressed sur- prise at receiving such a claim from Mr Biggs, and he was bound to say that he did not con- sider it straightforward. He contended that it had not been proved that the iron pipe ex- ceeded the weight specified, and if there had been a bona-fide claim put in at the time the pipes were being laid the Council would, no doubt, have paid it without a murmur if the Engineer certified that it was due. With re- gard to the timber claim, he considered that Mr Biggs' case must fail, as the additional work was clearly done under the same terms as the original contract. Mr Biggs was also liable for the damage done to the gas mains. It was true that there was a little delay with the flushing tanks and ventilating columns, but Mr Biggs was liable for penalties in not having completed his contract within the specified time. Unlike Mr Geo Law, who did a portion of the works, Mr Biggs had not obtained a last and final cer- tificate, and so was liable even up to that date. He also contended that Mr Biggs was wrong in his calculation as to the completion of the works and his period of maintenance. The most extraordinary part of Mr Biggs' claim was that he said he was entitled to claim eight months' suspension divided between the summers of 1894 and 1895, and yet by the beginning of June in the last year he had not completed his contract and the Council urged him to do so. Had r1.J.n uv•■ j r. r* tract Per4 r wonid not have- been s x, navy i>118p\lJ..d 'my in the streets dUUhh J the second •jsja.son. The only blame hich j could be af-i ,ied to the ouncil was in respect I tho >vT)t'.i>»iinar shafts. He aLo held th»i .r., .vas Mr Biggs" own fault t-lufc rt roceswjiy | ;c .t1 the Ko.^ors Lo the extent giren in j- I He would jet disnpooiv' ed if iK; j «bitralor allowed oj«e penny" of Mr Bii«s»l i •latin, V-u-h fchn couiiler-.Jsii.j, contended that the Council were entitled to succeed upon it, although he did not press that so much as he resisted the claim. He argued that thereIhad been delay on the part of Mr Biggs and that he and his sureties were liable for damiges. He pointed out that at the end of October, 1894, about Z5000 worth of work only had been done, although the contract period was nearly up. Mr Gamlin submitted that Mr Biggs could not claim for suspension ibecause there had been no acts of suspension proved in evidence, and that there need have been no delay, except as regards ventilators, had a large staff of men been employed. He said he would advise the Council that they could claim £500 as liquida- ted damages against the contractor, plus the amount paid to the Resident Engineer and In- spector. Mr Bray in replying said he would accept f-33 as being due from the Council in respect of the £76 13s 5d claimed for gas leakage and repairs, and which Mr Biggs had paid. He con- tended that the Council had illegally stopped Mr Biggs' money, and on that score were en- tilled to no consideration. The contractor was I also entitled to extra pipes, and it was clear that that claim had been anticipated, as the Engineer had included £70 for a similar item in the additional loan. He also held that the Council were legally liable for the timber left in the trenches and also foe the delays, as Mr Biggs could proceed u. v either of two heads suspension or breach ot contract. A jury had awarded a contractor £ 600 damages in a simi- lar case, although the claim there was not more than £1500, ind he looked with confidence to the judgment of Mr Justice Ridley in a case just imrd which was on all fours with Mr Biggs' claim. Those judgments would guide Mr Baldwin Latham's legal adviser in settling those points. There had undoubt- edly been suspensions and delays, and as Mr Biggs was forbidden by his contract to remove his plant from Rhyl until the whole work was completed, the Council would be responsible for the extra expense Mr Bray had no; replied to the whole case when the Court rose, and it was agreed that he should submit the renainder of his arguments to the arbitrator in writing, Mr Gamlin doing the same on behalf oc the Council. At the close Mr Ray referred to the question of costs, and said it was not his fault that the case had occupied foir days. He was respon- sible for six or seven hours, while Mr Rowlands had oedpied as much time as that in his cross-lamination of Mr Biggs. He hoped that the arbitrator would not forget that fact. He als, desired to compliment Mr Rowlands on the vAy he had that day placed his arguments befoe the court, as they could not have been bettc put by Counsel. The Arbitrator eplied that he could only say that he had tha day received the papers in a case which had irvolved 1.20,000 or Y,30,000 and where seven Ir eight professional gentle- men were engaged but which only occupied one day in hearing

CHRIST CHtRCH (Congregational). ANHUAL MEETING. The annaal meeting of the members and sub- scribers of Christ Church (Congregational), Water Street, was held at the Lecture Hall, Water Street, on Wednesday owning, under the presidency of the pastor, the flev E E Ingham. There was a large attendinci The Secretary's report was presented by MrV Mostyn Williams It stated that 18 new meAbers had been admitted during the past year, the net increase of members on the previous year being 17,—Mr F L Rmlins, Hon. Treasurer, read the treasurer's report. The expenditure for the year amounted to S317, and included an item of 945 13s lOd for various re- pairs and renovations of the chapel premises. The receipts fell short of the expenditure by X45 Os 9d. though the total collections showed a slight in- crease on the previous year.-Mr J Frimston, one of the auditors, Inovd the adoption of the report, and thanked Mr fiavlins for the careful manner in which he bad kept the accounts, and the exhaustive report b bad read that evening.—Mr Geo Prichard second, and the report was unani- mously adopted.N- Walter Davies moved the report of the iadie Committee, which showed, after the payment ogeveral items for repairs and the payment of £$to the funds of the church, there was a balancea hand of £ 4 19s od.—Mr J Frimston seconded te adoption of the report, and it was agreed to.-Mr W Freeman read an in. teresting report on e Sunday School work. The work had been btnpered during the year by the scarcity of teacers, though this year they had been able to start ith a teacher for every i-lass The school had JOled the Sunday School Union, which had been foned for the advancement of Sunday School wfk. The average attendance for the year was 6, as compared with 55 last year. During nine tonths of the year it averaged 61, but during the ttnmer months it fell to 41.- The report bavin been adopted, Mr Mostyn William* and Mr teeinan were elected to repre- sent the church on be Teachers' Committee.—Mr R E Hughes gavetn account of the Christian Endeavour Societie connected with the church. With regard tothoenior society it was not quite so successful as he 4ould wish it to be. At present they numbered abot 14, with an average atten- dance of six. Theunior society was, however, exceedingly prosperis. That society was going on splendidly- The had had as many as 147 members on the boo^ and at present they conld LL_L .J honestly say tuai igy numbered 92 members, with an average abidance of 67.—Mr F L Rawlins read a rept prepared by Mr Edward Jones on the touaperice work of the church, in which it was statedhat about one-half of the members were total attainers. An earnest appeal was made to those were not abstainers both for their own safety8 well as for the sake of others, to abstain froi the use of alcoholic drink. This appeal was supitted in a forcible speech from the Chairman, '0 spoke of the earnestness and sincerity of MrEdward Jones' efforts on behalf of temperant, Mr Caradoc Williams made a statement wit regard to the choir, which he said numbered irne twenty singers.—Mr Mostyn Williams sai(that Mr D J Davies desired to be relieved of the:uties of organist, to which he had been -9PPOited last year. He had, however, most generllsly offered to attend the weekly rehearsals of >e ch0ir, and to train the choir gratuitously, an he proposed that the offer be accepted with th^^g—jyjr Geo Prichard 8ec. onded and proposed Ut a cor(]ial vote of thanks be accorded to Mr. Dvies for his services during the past cordially agreed to.—Ou the motion of ^r,irctyn Williams, aecoaded bv Mr T Goodman, Mis{\ViHiam80n> River Street, wasananimouslyapptnted honorary organist.- Miss Evans read a yPrt on the Girls' Class, con- ducted by Mrs Parry The nnmber on the roll was 23, and tfc highest attendance during the year wafl 19, a4 the smallest eight, the average attendance ting 14. The report was adopted, high testimny being borne by the Chairman and othersto the excellent work done in the class by Mrs arry and her coadjutors.- Mr Fred Nelson readn interesting report on the Lawn Tennis Cl»o ^'°h was established under the auspices of the chrch. The past year had been the most prospered 8ince formation of the club, the members lumbering 34. At the end of the year there was t balance in hand of ten -un; mL. ,l.1. C H. ft1\ -->-ft.:1..3 •' V' r C prd* «»;■<* i .ndicaps, c £ j wirier of the ladies*prize >-ting Miss Frpenaaii, c."d tk gentlemen's Mr F Nclsou. This re; -t was iho -ipr~?ed of, hh ■veil «•' thai; of 21 r Freeman s on Toang Veopl* Society i It was decided to r&i»e »sp*ciK; »abscriptio< 3 i. o brh Sf cr the Br'M; Schools, the Rev i*- frigham anu Mr P loatyn Williams being pointed collet tore. A the incetitg the church i wluvii fell" Mr P Mosij-u V/iiliatm;' was re-elected Secretary, and it was decided to defer the appointment of the Treasurer to the next meeting, Mr Rawlins having expressed a desire to be relieved of the office.

LOCAL NOTES. The election of guardians is fast approaching, and the importance of electing suitable persons to fill this office will be readily seen on reference to the report of the proceedings of the meeting 1 held on Friday last. The Board will in the near future have to face the question'"of either reducing the number of persons who are in the Workhouse, or provide increased accommodation. The Work- house, according to the standard laid down by the Local Government Board, is over-crowded, and something will have to be done. The St Asaph Board of Guardians are in the happy position of being free from the burden of loans, so that there would be no hesitation on the part of the Government authorities in urging the borrowing of money for the purposes of providing increased accommodation. But there is another way to look at the difficulty. At the present time the Board are boarding, more or less at the expense of the ratepayers, the children !of able-bodied persons. It is well-known that these facts cannot be disputed, and although the Local Government Board have sanctioned for a time the keeping of these children it is not likely that they will allow this sort of thing to continue. It has often been said that it is one of the first principles of the English law that a parent must support his offspring when he is able to, and yet the Board permit able-bodied men and women to be at largs while their children are supported at the Work- house. For the sake of the children it is often better that they should be placed under the care of an authority which will see that they are well looked after, but the parents should not be relieved of their responsibility. The guardians had also to consider the question of having hiring agreements with persons who take children from the Workhouse into their service. It is gratifying to find that the members are taking a deep interest in the welfare of the children, and are now very particular as to the terms and condition of service before allowing a child to leave their care. We would direct thejattention of the Rhyl Water Committee to the discussion which is now going on at the meetings of the St Asaph (Denbigh) Rural District Council, with respect to the water supply and drainage of Llanfair. It must not be thought that this matter has nothing to do with this district, because the village is situate somewhere up in the hills. It is complained by certain resi- dents of Llanfair that things are not what they should be. Bearing in mind the fact that the water committee suggest the carrying out of pumping operations on the Elwy, the condition of the village is not without importance to our Council. The letters to the Local Government Board on the subject should not be lost sight of by the Rhyl Council. We congratulate the Committee of the Royal Alexandra Hospital upon being in a position to start one of the principal blocks of the new Hos- pital. The Committee have had an anxious time during the past two or three years, but by now they have apparently surmounted all difficulties. With about £16,000 in hand the hospital proper can be erected, and we hope that the day is not far distant when the Committee will be in a posi- tion to announce that they possess such funds as Will justify their proceeding with the adminis- trative part of the building. It is evident that the Committee and trustees are determined to erect a building worthy of the noble work the hos- pital is engaged in, and of whichjihyl can be justly proud. Now that everything is settled, it would not be out of place to remind the Council that during the negotiations for the exchange of sites the Hospital Committee were promised that Rhyl would arrange for a Hospital Saturday or Hospital Sunday, the proceeds of which would be devoted to the funds of the Hospital. The statement made at the hearing of the arbitration case on Wednesday by the Sanitary Inspector should serve as an excellent advertise- ment for the town. It appears that our sewerage system is as perfect as it is possible to make it, and that the flow of water through the drains is excellent. There are about 50 flushing tanks situate in various parts of the town, so that the flushing goes on automatically to a great extent, while the cost of water cart flushing is being, gradually reduced.

NORTH AND SOUTH WALES BANK. CONTINUED PROGRESS. I The sixty-second annual meeting of the share- holders of the North and South Wales Bank. Ltd., was held on Tuesday at the Law Association- rooms, Liverpool. Mr Thomas Brocklebank, deputy-chairman, presided in the absence, through illness, of Mr Geo Rae, the chairman, and there was a large attendance. The directors, in their report, stated that the gross profits, including a balance of £ 20,350 2s 9d from last account, after deducting interest due to depositors, rebate on bills not due, and making provsision for losses, were £ 211,068 18s 3d and that after deducting the total expenditure of the head office, 63 branches, and 14 sub-branches, in- cluding salaries, directors' fees, rent, taxes, and other expenses, amounting to 189,923, 3s lid; there was a balance of f,121,145 14s 4d. Out of this a dividend of 10 per cent. per annum, and !pjonU8 Per cen^* Per annum, amounting to £ 42,000, was paid for tie half-year ended June, and a dividend of 10 per cent. per annum and a bonus of 6 per cent. per annum for the second half-year, amounting to £58,000, was paid. After paying E4,287 14s for income tax, and writing off £ 6,500 bank premises a balance of f,20,358 Is 4d remained to be carried to the next account, Tho Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said—You may remember that I told you at our last annual meeting the year 1897 opened with fair prospects. Well, gentlemen, your directors have now the pleasure of meeting you again to present to you the balance sheet of that year s operations, which we think the most critical shareholder will admit shows fair results (hear, e r cause of this success is not very difficult to fathom,, for the market value of money has approached more nearly to the Bank of England rate of discount than it has done for some years past. There has consequently been a fair and continuous margin of profit between the London rate for deposits and the rate ruling in the market for the discount of fine three months' bankers. bills. In addition to this I may tell you that, with a generally increased business, we have found full employment for the funds of the bank all the year round. These causes combined have en- abled us to pay the increased dividend of 15 per cent for the year-a fact which, I am sure, must be satisfactory to the shareholders (applause). Of course the wish of the directors is to secure as large a profit as they can for the shareholders by doing an extended business, but at the same time it will be their aim in the future, as it has been in the past, to conduct the affairs of the bank on those definite lines of safety which have led to the long- continued prosperity of our bank and high standing which it now enjoys (applause). As regards the balance sheet, with the exception of an increase of our deposits of zC373,000 (which shows a steady expansion in the business), the figures are very little changed from those of last year, and approxi- mate very closely to the standard laid down by the directors for their guidance in dealing with the finances of the bank, which they consider a very safe and sound basis on which to act; as, for instance, the fact that our readily available assets on the 31st of December last were 61 per cent. of our liabilities (applause). Competition in banking shows no sign of abatement, and banks Ihave been opening branches in all sorts of out-of-the-way places but your directors are fully alive to this part of their duty, and have no intention of being left behind in the race, although we are forced sometimes to make extensions which we should not do except fcr the protection of our business. You may have seen it stated in a recent Times" lead- ing article that political meteorology is an unsatis- factory science at best. We might safely adopt the phrase in reference to finance, and the pros- pects of banking for this year but many reliable experts seem to think that the clouds which have surrounded the financial world are clearing away, and that at any rate we can hardly expect to return to the low rates we suffered from for so long- Mr W Watson seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.

NOTES FROM ST. ASAPH, A Parish Meeting was held at St Asaph National Schools on Friday, but there were only naif-a-dozen persons present. The business was purely formal, and the sum of £ 40 was voted towards lighting the city during the ensuing twelve months. It was reported at St Asaph on Monday that the dairy at Cefn Hall had been broken into on Sunday in every probatici a grod eisteddfod be!it<* hdd at iSt. Aaaph at au ;>r1v rhit. "nb a has already been ishucd.

Y TJ.IW." darn IHw, die taw d<#tyu—o.r 1.red Kuog nciJgyd-.vyf-d dyn, £ 'w;i .re ? yn. r ■"O ?.>„•:SJNtfZi.

I RHYL CYCLING CLUB. I The following runs have been fixed for the remainder of this month:—Thursday the 27th, through the Waen and St Asaph Saturday the 29th, Bodfary. Starting from headquarters at 2 p.m. It is a great pity that out of 120 members not more than 3 or 4 can turn out for the Thursday and: Saturday runs. The Masquerade Ball Committee held a meeting on Monday evening last, and it was decided to make a reduction of 2s on a double ticket and Is on a single ticket, to members only. The Committee are working hard to make the ball a success, and it is hoped that all members will co-operate heartily for that end. The tickets are issued, and may be obtained from the Captain, Vice-Captain, Hon. Sec., and the Stewards, whose names appear elsewhere in the "Journal." Spec- tators will be admitted as usual at 9 o'clock at a charge of Is each, early door at 8-30 p.m., 6d extra. The Committee have unanimously decided that no spectators will be admitted after 11 p.m. The next meeting of the Marquerade Ball Com- mittee will be held on Friday next, January 29th, at 8 p.m., while the ordinary Club Committee will meet on Monday, January 31st, at the same time. The Secretary wishes to remind all members that the subscriptions for 1898 are now due, and the new members' cards are ready. Invitations to the ball have been sent out to several persons, and those who have received them are asked to reply early, while any who have been overlooked are asked to apply for tickets to the Secretary, as any omission is quite unintentional. The Secretary would like to remind all members that in accordance with a notice sent out on December 29th, 1897, Monday next is the last day for returning dinner tickets. All those who find themselves unable to attend the dinner on February 14th are asked to return the tickets on or before Monday, after which date all tickets will be considered as sold.

Presentation to a Rhyl Young Man at Liverpool. On Friday last, an interesting though some- what regretful ceremony took place at Hudson's Chemical Works, Bank Hall, Liverpool, when the office staff took leave of one of their number. Mr Robert Bennett Hughes, son of our worthy Town Surveyor (Mr Robert Hughes), who together with Mr and Mrs Fredk. Jones and Mr Norman Hughes, is sailing for Canada very shortly. Mr Hughes has been connected with Hudson's clerical staff for upwards of 8 years, during which time he gained the respect and confidence of all who came in contact with him and their regard for Mr Hughes was shown in a practical manner when they presented him on his departure with a handsome gold signet ring. In making the presentation, on behalf of the clerks, Mr Geo. Pritchard (the head of the staff) said We unitedly desire to convey to M. Robt Bennett Hughes, who, after 8 years' association with this office staff, has decided to leave us for a new fsphere of life, the kindly sentiments we entertain towards him. This is not; a mere artificial eulogium put together in formal phrase, as a mere tinkling cymbal to please the ear. We desire to give a genuine expression of what we know him to be, and on such an occasion as this we wish to say nothing more nor less than what we know him to be, and this sincerity of expression will, we know, be valued by him more than the mere trinket contained in this little casket, choice and chaste though it be. Gold is a genuiue metal, a ring is the most oomplete of all figures. Shall we say more crudely, that it is an all- round genuine thing," and in asking Mr Hughes to accept this small but tangible token of our regard, we wish to say that it fitly symbolizes a genuine all-round opinion as to what he is, and of what we know him to be. In his social attachments we all recognise him, after 8 years' association, to be loyal and sincere. Placed in a peculiar position myself, I am able to say that I have never known him to speak an unkind or disloyal word in reference to any one member of this office staff. It is also a great pleasure to me to be able to say that I have always found him to be faithful and consistent in his business communications, and in the several branches of work assigned to him. It is gratifying to recall at this special point of tttiie ¡¡lIe fttCL FIIZJL, I IIUVH npvur bad to complain of inefficiency of duty. His de- meanour has been equable, kind, consistent, gentlemanly, and I believe this is the united opinion of all present. It was with no small degree of regret that we received a few weeks ago intimations of his probable resignation, but now that he is going we wish him to go to his new sphere saturated through and through with the kindly thoughts we express thus simply, tangibly, genuinely; and we ask him to regard this ring as a faint but sincere token and re- minder of our kindly feelings, and it will now and then recall pleasant memories of his association with this place of business. You leave us, Mr Robert Bennett Hughes, with fragrant memories of true friendship and regard. In handing you this casket we all heartily wish you long life, health, happiness, and prosperity. Mr J. E. Brown (cashier) fully endorsed all that Mr Pritchard had said and Mr Bennett Hughes acknowledged the kind sentiments in a few suitable remarks. Mr Hughes was also the recipient of a beauti- ful copy of Byron's works, bound in morocco, from one of his fellow-clerks (Mr John Davies). We sincerely wish the party a safe voyage, and God-speed in the far West.

1 The Housing of the Working Classes Act. TO TIIB EDITOR OF THE RHYL JOURNAL. SIR,—I notice in your issue of the 22nd inst, and the report of the meeting held at Rhyl, free reference was made by Mr W 0 Williams and Mr F J Sarson, of Llandudno, to the ground land- lord of this town. It is not my intention to enter into a newspaper controversy, but wish to correct some of the very misleading statements. Mr Williams is reported to have stated that "at Llandudno the ground landlord had the audacity to ask the Council 7s. per yard for land on which to build workmen's dwellings, but after a great deal of persuation the landlord agreed to sell at 5s. 6d. per yard, so that the cottages cost a great deal more than if they were erected on land at Rhyl," and Mr Sarson attempted to confirm Mr Williams' figures. Now Sir, I have to state that the above is untrue, and that the price paid for the land was not 5s. 6d. per yard, but under. I am only aware of seven shillings having been mentioned during the negociations in one instance, which was when the members of the Council deputation were informed that seven shillings was the market value of the land they wanted. The price quoted for the land (viz., under 5s 6d per yard) was therefore considerably below its market value, and a handsome concession to the Workmen's Cottages Scheme. The price was ar- rived at after carefully estimating the cost of building, road making, up-keep, and other expen- ses, in such a way as to allow the Council to let the cottages at a reasonable rent (under 5s per week), and without being a burden to the rates. The ground landlord clearly stated at the time that he strongly felt workmen's cottages should he let at workmen s prices, and not at high rentals. From the report of the Rhyl meeting, the public might think that the ground landlord of Llandudno had no thought of the working man so will you illow me to refer to a case or two provine the con- trary t borne few years ago a company was formed for the express purpose of building workmen's cottages to meet a long-felt want. The ground landlord met the promoters by leasing land for 16 cottages on a 999 years' term (equal to freehold) at the very low figure of Is lid per yard. Further I may say that there are on this estate, in or close to the town, a number of workmen's cottages with good gardens let at the low rents of 2s and 28 6d per week, free from rates and taxes.—I am, air, yours, &c., WM. C. PICKERING.

The "Evening Paper Nuisance. or Ttlii JCJiiftAT,. ) ,1. sew authority under.ik" to I contro the KmalParmy of Lyn who make h>deo :*? j I TV v. the 7treet-j, vending J-l'ponny papers ? | j If a lad ot 17 is kept- in a wc-kahop «Suf H o'chxik j the fined but in the U you see { Hub: iads, SOtTk .ier sev«n- ir..ill -weat.i.. selliog or pret*>a 3j:u to ?e'i papf rs up to >h md { evm after tun o'lock. I toid '„hat wheu a! la«l ,ts a small supply he distribute (he pap-rs J anions ot.V'r\ ;d th.t- ir-- 'prc-hv.s "—a J perbap; {jcea tor Thia n. au I injurious way of bringing up children. The latest I editions come into town early except on Saturday, f and it may be a convenience for a man residing fe far from the shop districts to get his paper at the i house. But you will find that the lads are general- f ly to be found in the vicinity of shops where papers are sold. Between the Post Office and the 1 High Street crossing there is usually a number [ of them for hours together, though three or four paper shops are within a stone's-throw. That part of the street is busy enough without these lads, and the others who dodge about with them. Is there no "protection of children law, or some other provision which can be put in force against the parents of these youngsters ?—Yours, A VICTIM TO NOISE. ========!==s^

JONES BROS, Prestatyn, still lead with tbeir Challenge Blend Tea and are unsurpassed with their Bread and Cakes. For Vome-made Bread" and Confectionery, you can't do better than call at JONES B HOS'S, Liverpool House, Prestatyn. HUBBARD'S Great DRAPERY SALE is the cbif topic of conversation at present. The Rush to KlonJjke is nothing compared with the Rash to Hubbard's Annual Sale 1 Uenaine Bargains. TaB HOSPITAL FOR PIPES ia now open and patient" are daily admitted. All kinds of fractures carel ally attended to at S. EISISKI, 30a, Queen-street, and High-street Rhyl, the noted Cigarette, Cigar, and Tobacco Depot SALE 1 Oar Annual Stle has now commenced, and owing to thq mildness of the weather we find ourselves more heavily stocked than usual. This being the case, we shall offer the whole stock at such tempting prices that mast soon clear the shelves. All new and op-to- date goods—we beg to solicit voar inspection of the same.-HUBB.kHi) s, Commerce House, 24 and 25 Wellington Road, and The Bon Marche, 24 High Street, Rhyl. Funeral of the Late Mr John Roberts. The funeral of the late Mr John Roberts took place on Monday and was attended by a large num- ber of residents, ministers and representatives of the Calvinistic Methodist body from the neigh- bourhood. The service at Hyfrydle was conducted by the Rev. S. T. Jones, deceased's minister. The chief mourners were Mr J. R. Roberts and Mr Hugh Roberta (sons), Dr Moreton Prichard, Mr Moreton Prichard (Hanley), Mr C. E. L. Prichard (Holyhead), Rev. D. Marriott, Mr J. Parry Jones (Rhyl), Messrs Roberts (Chester). The interment took place at the Town Cemetery, the Revs. D. R. Griffiths and Jno. Williams officiating. Petty Sessions. There was very little business at the Rhyl Petty Sessions on Tuesday. Messrs W J P Storey and John Foulkes were the magistrates present. The proprietors of the Belvoir Hotel were granted an occasional license to sell at the annual ball to be held to-night (Friday) at the Grand Pavilion In connection with the Rhuddlan Cricket Club, the hours being from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.—Robert Wilson, Gronant, was brought up on a warrant issued at the instance of Mrs Jane Ellis, Gwaenysgor, for neglecting to pay under an affiliation order. It was stated that man owes fG 14s, and in reply to the Bench the defendant explained that he had been unwell, but would undertake to pay regularly in the futnre, as well as make up the arrears. Upon this understanding the Bench allowed the warrant to be withdrawn. Organ Reoital. MrO Syduey Vinuinggave another recital at St. Thomas' Church on Sunday evening last after service. The programme was somewhat unique as it contained only one item, but that was a formid- able composition, "Guilmant's Fifth and latest Sonata," in five movements. It was a fine per- formance and there was a good attendance. Late Football. The Town Reserves will meet Bangor Reserves on the ground of the latter on Saturday in the fourth round of the Junior Cup tie, when the team will be as follows :—Goal: T. M. Jones backs D%n Smith and Wm. Roberts half-backs R. H, Jones, T. Davies, Jim Jones; forwards: Guff Evans, Chas. Ellis (left wing), Beil (centre), Thos. Jones, Wm. Matthews (right wing). It is hoped a good crowd will put in an appear- ance at Victoria Park on Saturday, when the Whitton Albion team (finalists Cheshire Amateur Cup) play Rhyl Town in a friendly. A large guarantee has had to be given, so footballers can rely on a good match being witnessed. Yesterday the Crescent Swifts beat the Alexan- dra Rovers at Fairfield by 2 goals to 1. The Church Guild played the Windsor Villa o the former's ground which resulted in the defeat of the latter team by 4 goals to 2. Play at first was of a give and take character, but the Guild secured the first poiut after a little pressing. At half-time each side had scored one goal each. It was al* leged that two of the Town Rziierve team supput ted the Villa. The Vicar's Recovery. We are pleased to be able to announce that the Vicar is gaining strength, and the latest reports concerning him are of a favourable character. Many inquiries from all parts of the Diocese have been made at the Vicarage during his illness, and we are sure that all his parishioners and many other friends will be pleased to hear of thia continued improvement. New Business Premises. Mr Hugh Hughes has now completed the extensive alterations at 38 High-street, and has opened an ironmongery business. Though he is a. new tradesman, Mr Hughes is well-known in Rhyl, having been manager to Messrs Hughes & Son for some years. Morfa Bach. Last evening, in the unavoidable and regrettable absence of Mr C W Jones, Penycoed, Mr W Jones, Abbey-street, presided over a crowded audience, when the following programme was much apprecia- ted :-Hymns and Prayer, and an address by the Chairman ton gan y plant; glee, Mr Wm Joues and party; recitation, Mr Rogers: solo, Miss 8 Alice Jones; ton gan y plant; solo, Mr Roger Wrr. Jones duet, Misses Davies and Jones ton gan y plant; adroddiad, Mr Rogers; solo, Mr RjW Jones ton gan y plant; solo, Master Albert Williams; duet, Misses Amelia and Mary 0 Hughes. Miss Price. High-street, accompanied. Professor Ted Heaton in Ireland. Many of our readers will remember Professor Ted Heaton's diving feats at the Pier Head last season, after the unfortunate Tommy Burna lost his life. We understand that this artiste has of late been appearing at Belfast, where he has met with considerable success. In an interview Prof. Heaton described how it feels to dive 60 feet, in which he said that the practice the late Tommy Burns had of falling on his back was a very fool- hardy business. He says he intends to swim the English Channel next year. The St. Asaph Diooesan Calendar. The St. Asaph Diocesan Calendar ani Clergy List for 1898 (Pearce and Jones, Rhyl), which it edited by the Rev. C. F. Roberts, rector of Llan. ddulas, has just been issued. It contains all the in- formation usually looked for in such publications. The number of benefices is 206, and betweer December 1, 1896, and November 19, 1897, there were 40 collations and institutions, the Bishop being patron of the great majority of the livings. Taking the Cathedral staff, we find that three new archdeacons were appointed in the place of two who died and one who removed. ThejBishopselected anew Welsh examining chaplain, and the clergy elected a fresh proctor. Three out of four cursal canons gave way to successors, and during the same period five honorary canons and two out of four vicars choral were appointed. The Cathedral secured a new organist, who was last week appointed to Ely Cathedral. Among the most important livings filled up are Abergele, Denbigh, Ruabon, Brymbo, Llanrwst, Oswestry, Buckley, Gresford, Bala, Mold and Corwen. The summary of grants in aid, made for the St. Asaph Association of Schools, shows the total amount allocated to be £ 4,098. Of this the deanery of Wrexham takes £ 806. Thirteen of the livings are shewn to be of less net value than JE100, and 34 others of a less net value than Z150. The obituary includes ten clergymen. Of these two were archdeacons, four were canons (including the archdeacons), two of them were brothers, and one was the Bishop's brother. -Mancheister Guardian.

llanddulasT ACCIDENT. Charles Harris, from the vessel Madge Valentine, Glasgow, was found near the Rayncs Quarry at about 7-30 on Wednesday morn- ing, seriously lnjnred, he being badly cut about the face and head, and his back also was severely in- jured. The man was believed to have lost his way on the previous night when going to his vessel, and to have fallen down the rocks a distance of nearly 20 yards. The vessel was to sail at mid-night on Tuesday, and Harris not being on board at the appointed time, the mate had to sail without him. but farst reported that be wn missing. Harris is t T'ativo (\f London, but Uniting ia Itnnwn of hir ■■•t; h. 'j he ns*i's i'J"" *-ore of* nxnii a «--»i.;»c natiu^ that it wo»-«-derod uoo^sary to rerncv• h>-a jo the Devbigi'. I'uniA|

-== fEST! V'-O?,IAVO..(TH'"?.TCI^S The; week' old Kru At: Catholic paper ^ubliahed i;. London,w.. contain a historical sketch of tha Catholic LBi in Flint liy a with* u-c trait, otl, c Yev H >1 the priest, in char of the Fbut Missis.

Epps's COCOA.-tiltITEFUL AND COMFORTING.—"By a thorough knowledge the natural laws which govern the operations of digetionand nutrition, and by a care- ful application of th fine properties of well-selected COCOA, Mr. Epps h* provided for our breakfast and supper a delicately favoured beverage which may safe ns many heavj doctè"S' bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles diet that a constitution may be gradually built u' unttl strong enough to resist every tendency to diease. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keepiot ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a Gazette.-Made simpY with boiling water or milk.- Sold only in packes and poand tins, by Grocers, labelled-" JAmice EP8 & Co., Ltd. Homoeopathic Chemists, London."