Rhyl Record and Advertiser

0 .2 The Cemetery Question. GOVERNMENT INQUIRY. FACTIOUS OPPOSITION. LIVELY SCENES. After the Mudiand Inquiry on Wednesday, ttke Inspector of the Local Government Board, Col. J.Ord Haatid,R.E., proceeded to hold an inquiry ree- pecting the application of the Commissioners for the sanction of the Local Government Board to a loan of JES565, for the purpose of a new public cemetery, on the site known as Penymaes, situate in Dyserth Road. Considerable interest was centred in the proceedings, and among those present were Messrs William Williams (ohairman of the Board), P. Mostyn Williams, Abel Jones, J. Frimston, 8. Perks, W. J. Kent, E. W. Keatinge, R, D. Roberts, J. H. Ellis, J. S. Greenhalgh, A. L. Clews, R. Jones, Robt. Jones, Thos. Ellis, H. J. B. Lawrence, Revs Canon Howell Evans, Evan J ones, W. Roderick, J. Hughes (Glanyetwyth), E. Lloyd Jones, J. Judge, 0. T. Williams, J. Verrier Jones, David Lewis, Lewis Ellis, Rowland Thomas, Drs. :V Girdlestone, Summerhill, and Eyton Lloyd, Messrs W. Wynne, R. Ll. Jones, C. W. Jones, J. Mudd, D. Davies, Freelanda H. A. Steer, J. ColliDgwood, G. F. Gunner, Robert Hughes, T. C. Amos, J. Williams, auctioneer; Twigg, David Griffith, Daniel Evans, F. Wrigley, S. J. Amos, F. J. Gamlin, W. U. Williams, --Thomas, Cobden Terrace; Thomas Foulkes, builder; P. Williams, Auctioneer; Williams, photographer J. Y. Straohan, T. Davies, chemist, A. Maltby, J. WaJker. T. Ayres, E. Morgan, H. Millward, Wm. Williams, Edward Jones, J. Rcberts, J. Fielding, G. Ditohfield, R. Trueman. J. E. Baker, John Morris, D. W. Hughes, Robert Jones, Thos. Jones, Thorpe Street, G. W. Parry, R. Simcox, Peter Roberts, J. A. Evans, W. Davies, county coroner. Mr Rowlands opened the case by reading the official correspondence, and dwelt upon the history of the question up to the present time. He went 3 on to argue the fifty years asked for, for re- payment was reasonable, oA the ground that the proposed cemetery would go on for more than 50 '1 .years. Until the question of consecrating a part of the cemetery was raised at the meeting of Commissioners they were in perfect unanimity on every point (applause). He might take it that it was no part of their business that day to go into that question at all (hear, hear). The Vicar of Rhyl, he must say in all fairness, appeared before the Board as early as June 2nd, 1890, to state bid views on confteration, and relying upon agreement with the Board he continued to co-operate with them. Then, after the Board refused to consider t e question of consecration before the holding of that inquiry, he resolved to withdraw his support, v and proceed for a burial ground for the Church party. Under these circumstances the ground of objection would be that the loan they asked for was too much for the requirements of the distriat of Rhyl. In order to do justice to both sides hI would read a little of the recent history of the dispute. He then proceeded to read the corres- pou once, most of which will be found in our "report of the Commissioners' meeting. Thei Vicar's final letter on Wednesday morning said that the consecration question had not been settled, and no statement made as to the quantity of land thtt would be given to the Church party.—Proceeding, the Clerk said that although the Vioar's objeotion to the quantity of the land might be legitimate, yet he ventured to suggest they ought not to have any weight with the Inspector for several reasons. First, the Commissioners were the Jocal authority for this district, and they found that the distriot was in absolute want of a cemetery. Secondly, they had placed themselves iu a legal position to provide a cemetery at considerable expense. They wished to provide a cemetery for the whole of the district, and not for one part, without any dis. tinotion of creed (applause). He did not think it likely or possible that the Local Government Board would consent to their providing a cemetery for any one part of the community (hear, hear). It must be a cemetery for all or for none, because even if there were half-a-doren other cemeteries, this cemetery would have to be open to all; Church- people would have the same right of burial there as any other persons. Again it was not certain that the Vicar would get sanction for a new cemetery. An order in council would have to be granted closing the present cemetery, and another to open a fresh one from the Home Office. It was doubtful if that would be granted, and were the matter placed before the ratepayers there would be a terrible fight [Mr Clews: And a glorious victory] (applause). lie thought it would be very un- desirable to have two cemeteries in the town. He next submitted that the Commissioners had signified their wfliingness to accept the proposals of the Vicar, if they could legally do so; and failing that they would arree to the dedication of the whole cemetery, and set apart a portion of the eemetery for the burial of the dead in accordance with the rites of the Church of England. He contended that the quantity of the land asked for was not excessive, and that the surplus land could be legally disposed of. The town had been growinsr at a rapid pace, and in the last twenty years the p pu- lation had doubled. The Commissioners had entered into a provisional agreement to buy the whole of the seven acres at a very low price. For four acres they were asked £ 250 for five acres, A226 and for the whole, less than £ 200. It was exceedingly unlikely that the proprietor would now sousent to sell less than the whole. They had other sites before them, and as much as ;1500, 9960t and £300 an acre was asked for them. The effect of the refusal of the loan would be to oust the Commissioners from their position to provide a cemetery at all Mr Gamlin, as representing a ratepayer, asked to be allowed to question the Clerk. Mr R. Ll. Jones asked for the name of the ratepayer whom Mr Gamlin represented, but no reply was volun- teered. Mr Mostyn Williams objeoted to the eross- examination because the Clerk was not a witness; he had simply made an opening statement en behalf of the Commissioners. The objection was overruled, and Mr Gamlin asked the Clerk if the agreement entered into to purchase was subject to the oonsent of the Local Government Board. The Clerk replied in the affirmative. Mr Gamlin next asked if half the land could not be purchased. —The Clerk: No; I believe that the owner is now aorry that he has bound himself to sell at all (laughter). The Inspector: I have it that he would only sell lesa at a much higher price. Mr Clews: When negotiations were first opened, he asked for 3s 6d per yard. The Clerk, answering Mr Gamlin, said he could not say how much the town had progressed during the last five years. On the 1st of January he was instructed to prepare a case for counsels' opinions with regard to the Vicar's proposal; that bad not been tent; it would have to be submitted to the committee first. Mr Gamlin: You have had considerable ex-' perience in local government. Do you consider that the Vicar's concessions can be legally carried out? (Ories of Don't answer.") Mr Rowlands: I don't think I am called upon to answer that question (bear, hear).—The Inspector being appealed to supported the Clerk. Mr Gamlin: Have you been through the ratebook to ascertain the relative rateable value of Churchmen 88 compared with Nonconformists ? (Mr Frimston: Don't answer him.)—Mr Rowlands: No, sir.—Mr Gamlin Are you aware that the Church party contribute half of the rates (ironioal laughter) ?- Mr Rowlands: I am not prepared to answer that flUlltion. Mr Frimaton: What has that to do with the subject (hear, hear) i Mr R. LI. Jones: There are several Church people who are opposed to consecration, because of the way they have been trod upon by the Church people in the put (applause). Mr Taverner: Perhaps there are some people attending your chapel, who are for consecration (Oh, Oh). Mr Frimston: This is only wasting time. Mr Rowlands, further answering Mr Gamlin, aid he believed that only two acrcs were now to be laid out for the purposes of burial; the remain- ing five acrcs were not to be so utilized. The Sur- veyor could, however, best answer that question. Asked if he considered ample notice had been given of the inquiry, he replied that he had been charged with desecrating the Sabboth through publishing the notices on Sunday. The Rev. J. Judge asked if Mr Gamlin was entitled to eross-examine every wituess as he had done JCr Rowlands. If so, the inquiry would occupy a very long time.-The Inspector replied that he was entitled. Mr Kent desired to say that Mr Rowlands had very fairly represented the case, but wifhed to know if the Boar* was not very evenly divided on the ■question, and »p to the importation of some new members there was just one half of the membsrs on either aide (" No," and sit down "). Mr Frimston: There were only six against, and they are for oonseoration, coxae what will. I» not Ifcat so, Mr Rowlands ? Mr amimis I oanoat =owe? that. ,WI 4M Let oi fc*r» t&Bkttei. Mr J. Frimston assured the Inspector that suoh was the case. The majority had been most wishful to settle this matter amioably, and would agree to consecration provided that the Vioar's proposals could be made legally binding. The Clerk said that the voting on the subject of defering the question was nine to six. The Rev O. T. Williams asked if the Inspeotor was going to decide the question of consecration that day. The Inspeetor replied that he was not going to decide anything, but to report to his Board. Mr Williams afterwards asked if consecration was before the Inspector at all; and was answered that he was there to hear any objection that might be offered to the Commissioners' scheme. Mr Robt. Hughes, Town Surveyor was next examined, and said that only 3 acres, 1 rood, 14 perches, now to be dealt with, and about 2i acres would be available for burials, and 2 acres. 2 roods, 3 perches not available unless the consent was obtained of the abutting owners. He calculated that so much as was to be at present used for burials would last for about 26 years, and they could bury 8 feet down. By Mr Kent: The right of easement for a drain into the main sewer had been secured. The Sur- veyor then explained the plans of the site, but they were not all approved by the committee. The drainage would cost about £82:1. The present cemetery was something under an aore in extent, and had been used for about 30 years. Mr Gamlin, after remarking that the interuptions which prevailed would have no influence whatever on his mode of proceeding, persued his questions, in answer to which the Surveyor said there were 3 acres, 11 perches, in which no burials could take place without the consent of the abutting owners. He could not say whether the cemetery would be a souroe of profit or whether it would result in an increase in the rates of two pence in the i. Mr Richard Jones What is the good of risking such question as that, man ? We must have a cemetery whatever will be the financial result (loud laughter and applause). Mr P. Mostyn Williams next examined the Sur- veyor. Replying to the Clerk, the Surveyor said that the land was of a valuable character, and could be let for agricultural purposes at an annual rental of j65 an acre. By the Vicar: Ho thought the probable cost of getting into orcier the other two acres, if necessary, in the future would be about £100. Mr Clews: What is the quantity of land used for other purposes than graves? Mr Hughes was unable to answer. Dr. Eyton Lloyd said he had considered the question of the cemetery. He bad examined the site now before the Inspector. From a sanitary point of view he had nothing to say against the site. The Commissioners had made as good a selection as they could out of land in this district. Mr Wm. Williams, Chairman of the Board, said that after giving every consideration to the matter he thoroughly agreed that the Commissioners had done the best thing they could under all circum- stances. He had always been in favour of another site, but the price was excessive, and the approach rather objectiouable, in consequence of which the town wis ruther against that sits, He gave further evidence- By Air Keatinge: H 9 admitted he was at first rather in favour of Hardcroft land, but had changed his opinion after he had ascertained the nature of the soil. The price was also prohibitory. Mr Gamlin proceeded to cross-examined witneas amid interruption and criea of wsetiag time. Mr R. Ll. Jones saying he is paid for ccminghere to speak. He admits that. Mr C. W. Jones: And is paid by the hour I should think (loud laughter). The Inspector, at this juncture (5. 30,) sail he must adjourn the inquiry. He had an engagement every day during the present month, and he sug- gested the 3rd or 4th February as the date for the next meeting. It was evident there was considerable opposition, but he would ask them at the next sitting to confine their statements to facts, and to have a leader to conduct their case, so that everyone of them would not cross-examine the witnesses (hear, hear.) Mr Kent said they had done as well as they could, but they had only two days in which to prepare the case (ironioal laughter.) By the next meeting they would have an alternative scheme, and a leader who would take hisproper place. Mr Mostyn Williams, desired to emphasise the fact that there was no opposition to the land. All the opposition had arisen in connection with the consecration question. There was no foundation for the statement that the Commissioners had re- fused to oonitecrate provided the vicars proposals would be legally binding they had agreed to con- secrate a portion of the ground (applause). The inquiry was then adjourned, a vote of thanks being accorded the Inspector.

BETHEL, VALE ROAD, ANNUAL TEA AND LITERARY MEETINGS. The an;iual tea and literary meetings, in con- nection with the Betbel Chapel. Vale Rd, were held on Thursday—xs'ew Year's Day. The weather was very favourable tor the occasion, and both the tea and competitive meetings proved to be as highly successful this year as in the past. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, all the school children were entertained to a sumptuous repast in the schoolroom. At 4 o'clock the teachers and adults sat down to partake of tea, and other good things provided for them; and all highly testified to the ex- cellency of the repast. The schoolroom had been tastefully decorated for the occasien with holly, evergreens, &-c. The following ladies presided at the tables Mrs 0, T. Williams, 2, Belle Vue Terrace; Mrs Dowell, Windsor Villa; Mrs Jones, 29, West Parade; Mrs Parry, Upton House; Mrs Morgan, Sisson Villa; Miss Hughes, Medlock villa; Mrs Jones, 26, Water Street; Mrs Jones, 77, Vale Road; Mrs Williams, Chapel House; Mrs Roberts, Vale Terrace. Assisted by-Miss Maggie E. Jones, 2, Belle Vue Terrace; Miss Annie Parry, Fronalun Miss Roberts, High Street; Miss E. A. Davies, Ty Newydd Miss M. E. Jones, 26, Water Street; Miss M. Parry, Fronalun; Miss Morgan, 67, Vale Road, Mr Goronwy Jones, Bryngwalia, ably superintend ed all the arrangements. The evening meeting was commenced at 6-30 o'clock, when the spacious schoolroom was crowded. The proceedings were presided over by our respected stationmaster, Mr David Parry, Upton House. After a few and appro- priate remarks by the chairman, and a con- gregational hymn having been sung, the pro- gramme was proceeded with in the following order:—Awarding prizes the regular attendance in Suaday School for children under 9 years of age; ditto, under 12 years. We may here mention that all the prizes for attendances were the generous gifts of W- Willliams, Esq., Llewesog Hall. Song, in good style, by Miss C. Pritchard. In the scripture examination for children under 12 years of age, the only competitor was Miss Nellie Edwards Medlock Villa, and she was adjudged worthy of the prize. Awarding prizes for attendance to children under 16 years. The choir sang in a masterly manner (under the conductorship of Glasalaw) a chorus from Nuttall's Oratorio, Babylon." Awarding prize* for attendance to female teachers. The prize for the best notes on sermons delivered in Bethel during the year 1890 was carried by Lizzie Williams 2nd Jane Jones; 3rd R. H. Jones. Awarding prizes for attendance to the Male teachers ditto for scripture learning to children under 9 years, under 12, and under 16 years- For sing- ing a tune at first sight, Thos Jones,Wellington Road, was first; Love Jones second; and T- J. Williams third. In the scriptural examin- ation for children under 1& years, J. Annie Hughes took first prize, Lizzie Williams second, and M. A. Williams and E. A. Davies equally third. In impromptu reading, Miss Morgan, Ynys, secured first prize Jane Jones, Pwll. corsog, being second, and J. Jones third. On the proposition of the Rev 0. T. Williams, a most hearty vote of thanks was passed to all who had assisted in bringing the gathering to a successful issue, and made special mention of the generosity of two young gentlemen mem- bers of the church—viz., Mr J. L. Hooson, Star Supply Stores, High Street, and Mr Love Jones, High Street, in gratuitously giving all that was necessary to provide the tea, the proceeds of which went towards the chapel funds. The singing of a chorus by the choir and the pronouncing of the benediction brought the proceedings to a close.

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KHYL. SEASONABLE CHARITY.—Following his usua custom, Dr Lloyd Williams, London, late of1 Rhyl, has forwarded a handsome sum of money to the Rev Evan Lloyd, pastor of the Warren Road Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, to be applied for the benefit of the widows, orphans, and poor of the church. This repeated kindness of Dr Williams to the members of his old church is much appreciated and warmly acknowledged. NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD—A meeting of the Literary Committee was held at the Board Room, on Friday evening, Mr P. Mostyn Williams presiding. There were also present: Revs S. T. Jones (vice-chairman), J. Hughes (Glanystwyth), Jenkyn Griffiths, J. Verrier Jones, Messrs Hugh Edwards, R. D. Roberts, Lewis Jones, Gabriel Hughes, the Hon. Sec. of the Eisteddfod (Mr J. A. Evans), and the Hon. Sec. of the Literary Committee (Mr J. W. Jones). A letter was read from the Lord Bishop of Bangor consenting to act on the Literary Committee, and promising all assist, ance he could. Mr J. Herbert Lewis wrote regretting that circumstances would not allow of his serving on the Committee whilst Mr T. Morgan Owen wrote, I decline to act on the Committee." It was decided to allow the vacancies to remain unfilled for the present. Several letters of apology for non-attendance were also read. The Sub-Committee sub- mitted a list of some twenty-five subjects--I twelve poeticalsu1, three translations, and eight essays, representing prizes to the amount of £ 200-—Mr John Arthur Evans mentioned that the Archdruid Clwydfardd had called with him that morning, and on the whole approved of the subjects, believing them to be excellent. He, however, suggested one or two alterations. —The whole of the evening was spent in considering the poetical subjects, some alterations being made. It was decided to defer the consideration of the remainder of the subjects to a meeting to be held at 8 15 to. night (Friday). WEEK OF PRAYER—In accordance with an old established custom, this, the first week of the new year, has been made a week of prayer in all the Nonconformist chapels in the town. Prayer meetings have been held each night at all the chapels, and generally have been largely attended. OMISSIONS—In our review of the year, published in our issue of 27th ult., we omitted to mention the name of Mr Robert Jones, of Elwy Street, formerly of Clifton House, in the list of those who had departed during the year. Mr Jones was one of the oldest and most respected inhabitants of the town, and was, for a great number of years, a faithful and consistent deacon of Clwyd Street chapel, and his somewhat sudden death was lamented by the whole town.—We have also to apologise for the omission in our last issue of the names of Mr and Mrs Casson from the list of those present at the very successful banquet held at the Hydro in honour of Mr Gladstone's birthday. MARRIAGE OF MIss PENELOPE WILLIAMS, TRENEWETH, RHYL. — On Tuesday last, at the Clwyd-street, Calvinistic Methodist Chapo.l, was solemnized the marriage of Mr Robert Jones, Chartered Accountant, Liverpool, with Miss Penelopn Williams, second daughter of the late Thomas Williams, Esq, of Gronant House, Denbigh, and of Mrs Williams, Trenew- eth, Rhyl- A bright frosty day favoured the ceremony, which was conducted by the Rev S. r, Jouen. the best man being the bridegroom's cousin, Mr J. E.Jones, Ruthin. The bride who was given away by her mother was charmingly attired in a dress of ivory surah silk with embroidered tulle secured with sprays and carried a magnificent bouquet and wore a gold bracelet the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids were the Misses Jennie, Emmie and Eunice Williams, sisters of the bride and were attired in greyish blue amaza cloth with white vests; and white plush hats trimmed with white feathers. They also wore gold brooches of floral design, the gift of the bridegroom, and carried muffs with streamers of white ribbon. At the completion of the ceremony Miss Katie Jones, who presided at the organ, played the wedding march the party proceeding to Treneweth for the wedd- ing breakfast, which was of a most recherche discription being supplied by Mrs Jared Jones, Denbigh, the wedding cake being a magnificent piece of confectionery. In the afternoou the happy couple, left for the South of England where the honeymoon is to be spent. The following is a list of the guests—Mr Thomas Pennant Williams (brother ot the bride), Mesers John Hughes, and P. Thomas, Gronant; Miss P. Williams, Carnarvon, Rev. and Mrs S. T. Jones, the Rev and Mrs 0: T. Williams, Dr and Mrs Griffiths, Prestatyn, Miss Pownall, Mostyn, and Mr J. W Richards. Solicitor, Liverpool. The presents were both numerous and costly, and were much admired. ENGLISH WESLEYAN QUARTERLY MEETING. —The December Quarterly Meeting of the English Wesleyan Church was held on Wednesday, the Rev. John Judge, the esteemed pastor presiding. There were present:—Messrs G. F. Gunner, J. y. Strachan, J. Williams, T. C. Amos, A. L. Clews, S. J. Amos, G. R. Lawrence, J. Mudd, A. Maltby, E. S. Graves. &c. The Chairman read the numerical returns of members, which shewed a slight increase on the corresponding quarter of last year, and the Pastor strongly urged a more regular atten- dance at the various church and devotional meetings. — Mr Gunner, the senior circuit stewart, read the financial statement, whioh was of a satisfactory character, shewing, after paying all charges against the circuit, a balance in hand of over £21. At no previous meeting has there been such a cheering financial statement read. and Mr Gunner was cocgratu lated upon the fact that he was able to present such a satisfactory result of the past year's work. He was most heartily thanked for his services as Circuit Stewart for the last four years. The Chairman nominated Mr J. Y. Strachan, and Mr S. J. Amos circuit stewards for the coming year, Mr T C. Amos, and Mr G. F. Gunner were appointed society stewards, Mr G. R. Lawrence, and Mr Benjamin Small poor stewards. Votes of thanks were passed to all the Stewards for their past services. Special mention was made of the valuable services of G. E. Fielding, Esq., as honorary organist, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed, ordered to be recorded on the minutes, and a copy to be sent to Mr Fielding. Mr Clews was appointed secretary of the meeting, and Mr E. S, Graves secretary of the circuit trust. Mr Miller, Sussex Street, was appointed secretary to the leader's meeting, and the meeting closed with hearty thanks to Mr Judge for presiding. COVENANT SERVICE.—A Covenant Service, a service peculiar to Methodism, and held the first Sunday in the year, was celebrated at the English Wesleyan Chapel last Sunday after- noon. There was a large attendance, and the service was conducted by the Rev. Mr Judge. After the service, sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered. W ABB EN RoAD LITEEAST SOCIKTY.—A disoussion took place on Monday evening in connection with this society on Total Abstinence and Moderation." The affirmative side was taken by Mr T. E. Jones, and the negative by Mr Edward Jones. Several* of the members took part in the discussion, and a vote having been taken it was found that the affirmative had been favoured with a latge majority, two only voting for moderation. Mr Thos. Jones, Windsor Street, who occupied the chair, delivered a briaf address, and songs" were also givea by Messrs Edw. and Thomas Jones. The 'meeting was brought to close with the passing of the usual vote of thanks. The Rev. Evan Lloyd and Mrs Lloyd desire to express their most sincere thanks to the very numerous friends for the sympathetic letters received, and the deep sympathy shewn by numerous persol visits, and the great and general kindness manifested towards them as a family in their great illness, and deep distress in losing their dear child. GELLIR cael Gwobr-destynau cyfarfod llenyddol y Temlwyr Da, sydd i'w gynal ar y 26ain o'r mis nesaf, gan Mr T. E. Jones, 152, Wellington Road, Rhyl—AdvT. DEATH OF DR. H. O.THOMAS, LIVERPOOL —Our obituary column to-day contains a notice of the demise of the eminent surgical specialist, Dr Hugh Owen Thomas, of Nelson. Street, Liverpool. Dr Thomas was closely allied with Rhyl, his wife being the daughter of the late Mr Robert Jones, and Mrs Jones, of Clifton Villa; and eiaterr to Mitt Jacob Jetato, lawetirtm.

THE RERED03 AT ST. THOMAS'S. On Friday afternoon a vestry meeting was held at the Boys' National School Room, to obtain consent of the parishioners to apply for a faculty to erect a new reredos of stone, mar ble and alabaster, in St. Thomas' Church and to remove the present oak reredos to St Johns. The Vicar presided and there were also present Messrs Murray Browne, Wynne, Kent, Keatinge, Simcox. Bayliss, W. H. Bell. Lewis Jones, Hay ward Browne, R. T. B. Acherley, Dixon. F. J. Gamlin,Churchwarden Little. Dr Girdlestone, and others. —Canon Howell Evans, explained the matter at some length, showing how the offer of Mr Bamford Hesketh had been brought about, and the due con- sideration of the gift of the present reredos by Mr Winston, and stated he had every desire to recognize the large heartedness of Mr Winston, but if he had been among them now,and this munificent offer were made he believed^Mr Winston would co-operate, in what he (the Vicar) wished they would agree to. They as churchpeople should certainly consider and respect those who had gone before, but they had also to consider the future geneterations. He then read a letter from the Rev Dr Butterton fully concurring in the proposal and stating his views, and after further remarks by the Vicar, Mr Church- warden Little moved, and Dr Girdlestone seconded, a resolution to the effeet that steps be taken to aquire the faculty.—Mr Wynne opposed the resolution at some length. He considered that the removal of the old reredos and the fixing of a new one with a crusifixion scene would cause a breach, he believed, among churchpeople, and he re- presented a large number of churchpeople, that day. He further opposed on the ground that the present one was a tribute to the memory of Mr Winston. He could see that he had little sympathy among those around him, and he therefore refrained from moving an amendment—Mr Kenf said he intended to leave the meeting without saying a word, but after Mr Wynne's remarks he felt bound to say that the erection of the reredos or of the church itself was not for the glorification of one individual but to the glory of one Ssupreme Bemg. On a vote being taken the resolution to apply (for a faculty was carried by a large majority—three only voting against.

THE MUDLAND LAKE SCHEME. LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD INQUIRY On Wednesday; Col. J. Ore Hasted, R. E, held a public Inquiry at the Town Hall, Rhyl, regarding an application by the Rhyl Improvement Com- missioners for power to borrow £ 10<50, for the pur- pon of public walks and pleasure ground-, or to purchase what is known as the Mudiand. Amon those present were Mr T. Ll. Murray Browne, and several Commissioners and ratepayers, a list of whom is given in connection with the Cemetery Inquiry. The Town Clerk having read the notice, said the Board had since 1877 a desire to become the passessors of the mulkud, and then opened negotations. The Committee complained that the land was always an eyesore when not covered by the sua and lit times emitted offensive smelU. They auxious to convert it into something that would be attractive. The ground covered 50 acres, and it was ottered for £2634, a price considered excessive. Lately however 43 acres, 1 rood 15 perches had been offered for a muoh reduoed price, this was the subject of the present inquiry; the river portion having been abandoned, The charge of conveyance was to be paid by the pmnh istHv. The actual price re- quired for the bud was £1000, and the additional £50, applied fur, would be necessary to defray ex- IPus, s. On the 6th, of Oct. the Commissi m^rs decided to accept the offer cf the Office of Wo )1,. and Forests to sell the land, the tubje ;t of the present inquiry for £1000, subject to tue consent of the Local Government Board. They were now simply proceeding for the acquisition of the land,and had no scheme to submit Their reason for adopt- ing this course, was that they were limited to time by the Office of Woods and Forests. Broadly their object was to construct au embankment to shut out the sea. The Inspector said that the Local Government Boird had pointed out that they could not agree to this site merely for the purposes of the lake. The Clerk replied that it was not intended to confine it to a lake. In fact they had not deoided to have a lake at aU. The place would be con- verted into some kind of park. and possibly a lake. The cost of laying it out would be the subject of a future application. He was not aware of any opposition. Mr Wm. Williams (Chairman of the Board), Mr Mostyn Williams, and Mr Kent supported the application. Dr. Eyton Lloyd said he did not entertain the ame opinion as regarded the desirability of the Commissioners becoming the possessors of this land. The ostensible object of acquiring it was to oonvert it into a pleasure ground, and he thought there were certain circumstances in connection with it that ought to be made known to the Inspector and the public at that inquiry. He would here state that the public had not had an opportunity of expressing an opinion on this scheme directly (murmurs of dissent) There had been no special meeting called for the purpose of laying this matter before the public. Within a few yards of this land whioh it was proposed to acquire for a public pleasure ground, were situated two very objeotionable features—the presence of the town gas-works and the presenoe of the screening cham- ber in connection with the town sewer. This screening chamber and eewers connected with it required annual cleaning out. He would like to ask the Surveyor the question as to how often the screening chamher was cleaned, and the quantity of silt and solid matter taken out. The Town Surveyor replied that the screening chamber was cleaned once a week during nine months, twice a week during the summer, and in rainy weather daily. The cleaning operation took three men 2, hours on each occasion, aud about ninety to a hundred leads were carted away. Continuing, Dr. Lloyd said he would not as. sociate the desirability of connecting pleasure grounds with such a condition of things. As to the land being offensive, whilst he had heard of offensive smells from the things contiguous to it. he had heard no complaints of offensive smells arising from the mudland itself. The acquisition of the site might be a very costly thing te the town, as the embankment must be a most substantial structure. The situation was suitable neither for a lake nor pleasure grounds; nor would either of them be used, the site being at the baok of the town. The Surveyor, in reply to the Town Clerk, said that in his opinion much of what Dr. Lloyd com- plained of would be removed by the extension of the sewer outfall. The Town Clerk stated that an eminent engineer bad been engaged to draw out plans for the improvement of the sewer. Mr Wm. Williams, replying to Dr. Lloyd, disputed the theory set up by the Doctor that there was a danger of offensive deposits coming down the river settling in the mudland. It would be filled by the flowing tide, and the offensive matters would be shut out. As regarded no public meeting having been held, he mentioned that the candidates who were in favour of the mudiand scheme were all returned at the head of the poll at the laut election and that was eminently more satisfactory than a rowdy public meeting. Mr R. Ll. Jenes said that from the remarks of Dr. Lloyd it might be thought that the construction of the embankment alone would cost £6,000 or £6»000. An engineer who was present, Mr Col- lmgwood, who was well qualified to apeak, had estimated the cost at £ 1,500.. Mr Collingwood confirmed this statement, and Mr R. D. Roberts epoke in favour of the applica- tion. Dr Lloyd id ü it was the honest intention of the Commissioners to extend sewer outfall, and to use the water impounded in thejlake for the purposes of flushing the sewers, he would withdraw every word of opposition- The Rev. John Williams, having supported the Commissioners the inquiry concluded, an adjourn- ment being made for lunch before proceeding with the cemetery application.

REVIEWS. Mr Fitzgerald Molloy contributes to the first number in the new year of Qa*telV$Saturday Journal a oomplete sensational story called" The Robbery of Roa Raywaite." In the same number a new modem serial story called" Serjeant Von's Chase." is commenced, illustrated by J. Finnemore. What is Done at the Foreign Office" is the title of a special article, with illustrations. "The Strange Doings of Dr. Trax" form the subject of Mr. Hall Richardson's series of articles which are now appearing in CatstWs Saturday Journal. "The haunted man," by Charles Dickens, pub. lished on the 7th of January, forms the first volume of the new issue of Cassell's National Library." This iesue will consist of-the most pogtdar "Uîei of the series, with additional books wbiob have not bttbtoto fppa'&e&lA the Library.

ALARMING FIRE AT RHYL LAST NIGHT. About half past "eight last (Thursday) evening, fire was discovered to have broken out in the drawing room of the residence of Mr T. Lukyn, dentist, Morton House, Bassell Road. It would appear that a lighted paraffin oil lamp on the window table in the room had somehow fallen, and the fire coming in contact with some of the window drapery, the place was soon in flames. In- timation was at onoe sent to the fire brigade authorities, and the ringing of the alarm bdl attracted an immense crowd to the vicinity of the fire engine station and the soene of conflagration.. Meanwhile, a determined effort was made by a number of volunteers to extinguish the fire, bnt in spite of the in. numerable backets of water thrown, the flames continued to make headway. With commendable promptitude the fire brigade arrived on the scene of theg fire, and after a few minutes the hose was got ill readiness to play upon the flames, which were raging within the drawing room. The very wise precautions was taken of directing operations from the inside, had the windows been broken, and the letting in of the draught would have unquestionably aggra- vated the flames, and rendered the suppres- sion a very difficalt matter. It wa found that though the fire was oonfined to the most part of the furniture in the immediate vicinity of the window, nearly the whole room had become ignited, and for some minutes the hose was brought to play in a direction other than where the fire raged the most. This led the crowd below to believe that the fire brigade was not yet in active operation, and some adverse criticisms were passed in consequence. But when at last the pressure of the water was bronght to bear on the windows, the critics were afforded un- mistakable evidence of the fact, reoeivingthe fall benefit of the pressure of water that was put on, the effect of which was to damp their ardour as much as to extinguish the flames. This incident created considerable diversion, but effected a speedy disbursement of the crowd. About half past nine the fire was entirely out, but not before the furniture in the whole of the room had been burnt, and other furniture in the house destroyed by the large volumes of water, with which the place was waturated. The damage to the furnitnre is estimated at about £:õO, aud considerable damatjo is also dotto t" the building. The loss is covered by insurance.

MARRIAGE OF MISS JENNIE AMOS AND MR. W. J. LEWIS. On New Year's Day the nuptials were celebrated of Miss S. J. Amos, eldest daughter of the late Mr John Amos, Sussex Street, with Mr W. J. Lewis, Bon Marche, Rhyl, fourth son of G. W. Lewis, Esq., St Michael's Mount, Handsworth, Birmingham. Both bride and bridegroom being well known in Rhyl, con- siderable local interest was centred in the ceremony, which took place at the English Wesleyan Chapel, Morley Road. For some time before the appointed hour, 12 o'clock, the spacious edifice was crowded, and the guests commenced to arrive as early as half- past eleven. Shortly before 12 o'clock the bridegroom, accompanied by his brother, Mr Frank Lewis, B.A., Oxford, his best man, arrived; and following them came the brides- maids and the other groomsmen, viz., Misses Annie Lewis, Maggie Amos, Louie Amos, Kate Dunkley, and Messrs T. A. Edwards, Johnson Cowley, Wolverhampton, and Charles Hayward, Birkenhead; also the bride and bridegroom's immediate relations. The bride, accompanied by her eldest brother, Mr T. C. Amos, who gave her away, arrived soon after 12 o'clock, and the ceremony was forthwith proceeded with, the Rev. J. Judge, pastor of the church, officiating. The hymn, "The Voice that breathed o'er Eden," was heartily sung, and at the conclusion of the marriage service Professor Hughes played the Wedding March" on the magnificent organ. After- wards the happy couple entered the carriage in waiting amid a heavy shower ,of rice, and drove to the Hydropathic, where Mrs Amos entertained about sixty relatives and friends. At the breakfast Mr A. L. Clews proposed the health of the bride and bridegroom, and the bridegroom responded proposing also the health of the bridesmaids, which was acknow- ledged by Mr Frank Lewis, B.A. The Rev. Mr Judge proposed the health of the bride's mother in a an appropriate address, and it was suitable acknowledged by Mr T. C. Amos- After Mr S. J. Amos had proposed the health of the bridegroom's father and mother (responded to by M Lewis), the company ad. journed to the drawing room. The newly married couple left in the afternoon to spend the honeymoon in London. The follow- ing is a list of the presents :— Mr and Mrs G. W. Lewis—Cheque Mr and Mrs George Lewis, Miss Lewis, Miss Agnes Lewis, and Mr Frauk Lewis—Full set of table outlery ant spoons Kev J. E. and Mrs Lewis—Siver-mounted hot-water jug Mr )-)owdsKcll—Cheque Mr Amos-Cheque Mr aud Mrs T. C. ver kettle on rustic stand, &a Mr im:l Mrs S. J. Amos—Silver tea and coffee net Misses Maggiu and Louie Amos—Silver fruit spoons Miss Cliiswell Amos-Antilllacassor MisJ Emmie Amos—Lad\'s Card case Miss Etual Amos—Silver pencil caM- Mr and Mrs Edward AnlOs-Hiler fruit dish Mr and Mrs Abel Jones, & Mr J. W. Jones—Silver cruet stand Mr and Mrs Richard Jones—Ladies' plush work box Mr Johnson Cowley-Coal Port tea service Miss Dunkley-Carriage clock Mr T. A. Edwards-Afternoon tea service Rev E. and Mrs Lloyd Jones-Travelling rug Mrs Judge—Pin cushion Capt. and Mrs Groucutt—Eider down quilt Mr and Mrs G. O. Jones—Welsh shawl Mr and Mrs Clews—Tea service Mr and Mrs J. H. Ellis-Case of Silver fish carvers Miss Rice—Silk antimacassars Miss Pegeall-Card cabinet Mr Fred. Hughes-Breakfast cruet Miss Jennie Hughes—Butter knife T Miss Williams-Set of dinner glasses Mr and Mrs G. F. Gunner-Silver-mounted biscuit barrel. Mrs Wilson-Knife and sugar shifter Mr and Mrs Mudd-Tea caddy Mr and Mrs Williams (gas oftlee)-Coal vase Miss Eddy (Chester)—Hand-painted bellows and butter cooler

YANKEE HUMOUR. HOW TO CARVE THE DUCK. No, William, 'it is not good form to youi knee upon the table when you are carving a duck, while it is the height of ill-breeding to facetiously remark that you wish you had an axe. The moet successful way to treat a duck is to call the atten- tion of those at table to something outside, and when every head is turned; quickly grab the bird in both hands and rip it up into pieces of the re- quired size. This method of serving duck has been adopted by some of our leading families and gives splendid satisfaction. To make the ruse doubly sure, it is best to hire some boy to get a couple of dogs under the dining-room window,and at a given signal from you, start them fighting. This has never known to fail to draw,the attention of the gueats, long enough for all the ducks to be broken. If, however, you allow your curiosity to get the battel of you, and leave the table to take in the fights your case is hopeless. THE PARTING. "It is for the last time," she whispered. Dumbly eyes told eyes this was the truth. Always mevitable, it had come at last. After to-night therr was to be no future in common. As yet neither had said the word that each is thinking of. "Good-bye!" A little word to hold so much ol pain. "To forget!" A short sentence to illustrate the impossible. "Not yet! A prayer for reprieve." "The end!" A futureless hour which embraces Past and Present. "The rose is dead," says he, as a shower ofpetali fell at his feet. Mechanically removing the broken stem from his button-hole, he added and—the word is said." It has been a most sweet chapter in our lives," said she, with downcast eyes. I would not have missed it," replied he— "though we may never add—" "To be continued!" And a tear stole softlv over her cheek. Each had lingered, loth to turn the last torn leaf. Soon nothing would bo left of what had been all. Alas! That the book'of men's lives should be written in the sand, and that the tides of the years leave not even a trace. A strange emptiness fills all the night. Other nights shall come ghost- haunted. Ghosts of inscrutable glance of sweet replies to old immortal questionings. She stands beside him, her lips quivering with agony suffered for his sake. His eyes are filled with pitying tears for two broken lives—their own. Alas' for the happy, foolish, fugitive hours they had owned in common. Alas' for the nights brimming with happy silences under the stars. The shaded lamp is burning out. The hour has come. Words are poor things. "Did I bring my cane ?" And his trembling hand reaches into a shadowy corner. "Yes: here it is," replied she. "Goodnight." "Good night." » Each knows that it is a good-bye. A caress. A sigh. A sob. The door closes. His rapid footsteps are speedily lost to her listening ear. Yes, it is over. The darkness swallows him from sight. A murky flash. He is lighting his cigarette. And she ? She slowly rearranges her ruffled bangt as she murmurs, with a yawn: "I wonder what time he'll come up to-morrow night!" InVP hiri each other an eternal farewell belov.—Jh -roii Free Press. DIDN'T TAKE bTOCK IN ANYTHING FOR CERTAIN. "Fine day." This was the remark addressed by the man who was waiting for a street car to the lank individual leaning against the lamp-post. "Um—so-so," replied the lank party, after taking a leisurely survey of the sky. "If the wind keeps blowing in this direction foi 24 hours longer there will be rain," ventured the first speaker. "Um—I'm not so sure about that," said the other cautiously. "The wind, at least, is dead south now." "Um—pei'hrj-s. "It certainly isn't north." The learned individual pursed his lips as if about to whistle, looked at the sky again, shook his hea.d slowly, and said: "I'm not so blamed certain it isn't." "At any rate, sir, it isn't raining now, is it f Hey ?" Another careful examination of the finna. ment and the cautious remark: "It may be raining and it may not. You" can't always tell about these things." "Great Jehoshaphat! Can't you see there isn't a cloud in the sky?" "Lm—likely enough. Likely enough. It mav ap- pear that way to some folks. But it's best rot to be too sure." "May appear that way? Why, good gracious, man, haven't you got any eyes:" "Maybe I have and maybe I haven't," retorted the attenuated individual, passing his hand over his face as if to find out. "All I know is that there's nothing certain in this world. You think there's a fair ground out at the end of this treet, perhaps." "I certainly do." "Just so. I was certain of it yesterday myself. I was certain there was a man out there with two or three walnut shells he was moving about on the head of a barrel. I was certain I could tell which shell the little black ball was under. I was just as certain of it as you are that it isn't raining. It cost me every darned cent I had to find out that 1 didn't know anything about it. I am not going tc be sure of anything again as long as I live." He took the plug of tobacco from his pocket, looked at it as it he were no\ sure whether it waa tobacco or not, put it back in his pocket, sighed a long, heavy, dismal sigh, and looked straight through the other man into the far-off depth* ci space.—Few rork Mercury. A HUMOURIST ON THE BENCH. One of the first cases brought before a newly elected Tf\e • .Justice of the Peace was that of f\1I Johusing. rliiuged with beating his wife. The justice himself was in a poetic mood, and disposed t/> take advantage of opportunity lo be witty at tin-* prii-on;s expense, somewhat after the manner of Ww York justices. "If you have paid attention, Mr. Johnsing," said the justice, toying with a pen, "you are doubtless aware that you have ill-treated those nearest and dearest to you, and n'ter you have paid your fin", have made it pretty evident that you are a black fiend." Dat ain' de kin' of langwidge yer shouted when yer wanted me ter vote for yer," retorted San', sulkily. "Tempora mi'.tantvr, if nos mutamur in illis, re- torted the justice, airing his Latin. "Dat ain' wut you tole dis chile. Ef you had tole me dat ar I nebber would hab voted for yer in dis world. You tole me ef I voted yer ticket. yer would ebber after regard me in de light ob a. pussonal frien'. Ain' dat wlmt you said?" Silenre in eourt What proof have you got that you did not inflict these bruises on your wife's person r "1 allers heern er married man had de right ter kerrec his wife." "You hear too much, Mr. Johnsing," replied the justice. "There can be no reasonable objection to your appealing to the more tender susceptibili- ties of the partner of your joys with the toe of your boot. You may even, on special occasions, such as the Fourth of July or Thanksgiving Day, warm her up with a skillet, bounce a stick of wood on hei person, or cause a bootjack to carom among her features. The law encourages you to regulate your. own family affairs as long as you keep within the bounds of moderation, hut when you mistake mur- deration for moderation, then, Sam, just at that crisis the law steps in." "I was only sportin' wid her." "You were only sporting with her, eh ? Well, you can't come that game on me. That will neve. do, Sam. That banged nose spe;fks out in thunder tones and gives the lie to your assertions; that gouged eye is a mute but eloquent witness against you; and besides, there is the testimony of the neighbours who heard the whacks. Ten days in the county gaol." "What's dat? Ten dap! Does you 'sidcr dat you am er doin de squar' thing by me ? 'Member I voted fer you an' he'ped ter elect yer." "That's just it. You helped me into a position. and now I have helped you into a position, so don't think you ought to accuse me of ingratitude any more." On the way to his dungeon cell Sam told lh policeman confidentially that he had fooled the justice badly; that instead of voting for. him, ha had really voted and worked for his opponent, and Sam laughed long and loud at his successful strategy and after the cell door was closed on him, his peals of derisive laughter could be heard on the outside of the lock-up.

"You see," said Colingsby, "the ship was saved this way: Miss Redington and I were standing on deck when we struck the iceberg. I didn't know her very well, but when the boat struck eh", was thrown violently into my arms." "Very flX- citing," remarked Polingsby, "but how did that nave the ship ?""Why, you see," replied Colingsby, "it broke the ice." Sentimental arithmetic calculates thus Two glances make one look, two looks make one siJh. four sigh?1, make one waltz, three waltzes make one palpitation, two palpitations make one call, two calls make one attention, two attentions make ona idiot (sometimes two), two idiots make one llirta- tion, one flirtation plus two bouquets equal to II one engagement, equal to one marriage. EARLY LAMB.—A Welsh ewe, one E. P* Jones' flock of sheep at Plas h arm, Waen, St. Asaph, lambed on Wed t~ morning. This is the first case we havf r of this season. There is a urospeo lamb will rae8t mint £ *> ( usual. v