Flintshire Observer Mining Journal and General Advertiser for the Counties of Flint Denbigh

HOLYWELL RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. ANNUAL MEETING.—ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND COMMITTEES, The annual meeting of the Holywell Rural District Council was hell at the Boirdroom of the Workhouse, Holywell, en Friday last, when there were prpsent:- Caerwys- Mr Wm, Matthews; Cilcen—Mr John Lloyd; Gwaenysgor-Mr John Price Halkyo-Mr John Williams; Holywell- Mei-sra Isaac Hughes, 11. T. Barker, J. Petrie a::1d E. Leaning Liaaa^a — Messrs C. J. Batters, Edw. Evans, and Wm. Williams Mola-Mesr8. E. P. Eiward-i, Evan Davies and Robert Wynne Nerquis -Mr Edward Roberts Newmarket—Mr Robert Williams; Northop—Messrs W. Astbury, Dan:el Price, W. Hy. Lloyd, and James Prince Whitford —Messrs W. Robert, W. ü. Pickering and Edward Hushes Ysoeifiog—Messrs Wm. Thomas and John Davits. Clerk-Ir P. Harding Roberts. Surveyors -Meesra Hy. Judd (Holywell) and Edw. Foulkes (Mold). STONE TENDERS. Before the ordinary business the Council sat as an adjourned meeting, Mr Isaac Hughes presiding, for the purpose of considering and deciding upon the tenders for the supply and cartage of material for the highways in the district of the Council during the ensuiag year. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr W. Astbury proposed that Mr Isaac Hughes be re-elected chairman for the ensuing year. Mr H. T. Barker seconded the proposition, which was supported by Mr W. Matthews, and carried nnauimoudy.— The Chairman, in thanking the Council, said duricg the last year be bad done his duty as well as ha could, and he felt grateful to the Council for the kindness shown aod the support he had invariably received from all the members and officials of the Council. Taking everything into consideration, the Council had no cause to feel ashamed of their past year's work (hear, hear). They could show a good record of work. though some were inclined to doubt. They bad been a trouble to the Parish Council—(" Not all of them laaghter)-but they had generally agreed with the exception of one Parish Council, and he was sorry to say he represented a portion of that parish. They teemed to take it, that they should control the District Council, and not the District Council control them. He hoped they should in the coming year carry on the business in an amicable manner aa in the past (bear, hear). Mr W. C. Pickeriog proposed that Mr C. J. Batters be re-appointed vice-chairman.—Mr Janies Prince seconded the proposition, which was carried unanimously.—Mr Bitters thanked the Council for the honour again conferred. THE MOLD COMMITTEE AND HIGHWAY BUSINESS, The Chairman made the suggestion that the highway business of the Mold district, should be taken by the Mold Committee in the same way as the sanitary business, and that Cileen should be added to the district. Ho would alio suggest that the Clerk should attend the Mold Committees once a month.—Mr W. Thomas said it was a necessary apd reasonable arrangement and he had pleasure in proposing that the suggestion be carried out.—Mr W. H. Lloyd seconded the proposition, which was carried unanimously. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. The Finance Committee was re-appointed with the addition of Mr W. Matthews, Caerwys, also the General Purposes Committee with the addition of Messrs W. Matthews and Edward Roberts (Nerquis). The Parochial Committees were re- appointed in so far as the District Councillors were concerned.—The Clerk said that owing to the changes in the Parish Council representatives he would communicate with each Council to make fresh appointments. ATTENDANCES. The list of attendances of District Councillors for the past year was submitted by the Clerk. There were 38 meetings held from the appointed day when the'Council came into existence. The following atlendanceii were made:—Chairman (Mr Isaac Hughes), 37 Vice-chairman (Mr C. J. Batters), 34; Messrs William Matthews, 29; John Lloyd, 9 • John Price, 13 John Williams, 16 Hugh Thomas Barker, 27 John Petrie, 29 Edward Leaning. 37 Edward Evaos. 26 Williim Williams, 23 E. P. Edwards G Edward Peters, 6; John Williams. 6; Robert Wynne, 3 Evan Davies, 6; Mrs F. L. Philips, 5 Mrs Yates (nee Buddicom), 34 Messrs William Griffiths (deceased), 1; Edward Roberts, 4 Robert Williams, 21 William Astbury, 25 Daniel Price, 26; William Henry Lloyd, 37; James Prince, 38 William Roberts, 36 W. C. Pickering, 35; Edward Hughes, 23 William Thomas, 30 John Davies, 22. Mold Committee (33 meetings).—Messrs E. P. Edwards, 33 Edward Peters, 29; William Griffiths, 3; Dr D. Edwards, 7 Mr Robert Wynne, 25; Mr Evan Davies, 33; Dr John Williams, 3 Mr Edward Roberts, 23; Mrs Keene, 26; Mrs Philips, 23; Mr J. Corbett (deceased), 1. CONTINUED OPPOSITION TO THE CHESTER CORPORATION BILL. The Clerk said, with regard to the opposition to the Dee Sluices Bill, the promoters, the Chester Corporation had lodged an objection to the locus standi of the Council and the Mold Urban Council to oppose.—Mr G, H. Bradley, Clerk to the Mold Urban Council attended the Council and submitted copies of the two clauses which the Chester Corpora- tion bad submitted in amendment of those objected to. He had seen Mr W. Davies, C.E., and he was strongly of opinion that the claims did not meet the case, but rather put the Coupcils of Hulywell and Mold further into the hands of the Chester Corpora- tion. The operation of the clauses would lead to litigation which would be costly, and it would be well for the Council to consider whether they would agree to the clauses being inserted in the bill or whether they would not stand by other petitioners with the view to getting the whole thing expung",d. -The Clerk said the Effect of the clauses in the bill as to the compulsory abatement of pollution by any discharge into the tributaries of the Dee would be to lead the Conncfl into great expense without any alternative. It appeared to him that the ocly grievance of the Chester Corporation could be met by the Rivera' Pollution Prevention Act. It was decided on the proposition of Mr W. H. Lloyd, seconded by Mr R. Wynne, that the Council adhere to the former proposition opposing the bill. PENBEDW TOWNSHIP. The Clerk stated that an inquiry was that day being held at Mold, by order of the Local Govern- ment Board by Mr Bircham, into the application of the Council to have the township of Penbedw trans- ferred from the County of Denbigh to the County of Flint. From correspondence with Mr Bircham he understood that there would be no opposition. THE ORDNANCE MAPS. The Clerk stated that he bad applied for the price of a complete map of the Union on the 25io. scale from Mr Sandford, London, on rollers, j657 10s, and in sheets S.54 18s. He bad also engaged, as requested by the Council. Mr J. L. Williams, to ascertain how many sheets were required to complete the ordnance map of the Union 27 sheets would be required. The total number of sheets would be 170, and the area four times the size of the Board- room. The work of colouring the maps showing the roads under the control of the Counoil, he (Mr Williams) could do in a mon'h or six weeks, and he would agree to colour the rtrne for £ 5. The offer was accepted, and £1 allowed for the work of tabulating and indexing the maps in band. ROAD RETAINING WALES. The Surveyor reported upon the condition of ib9 retaining walls of the Bryncoch-road, Whitford. He desired instructions as to the responsible party to repair the same.—The Clerk said he bad enquired into the question, and ascertained that it was the duty of the Couucil to keep the walls in repair. There wis a strong expression in Glen's work on TaT8» showing tbat unless there was a prescrpttve o /liga'ion on some person to repair the wall, it was the duty of the Council to do so. GBKENFIKT.D OBSTEUCTIONg AND NUISANCES. The ™Xra d r,at th0 built four leet on to t-jp roadway at the rear of the Piouarh Ion. Greenfield, had not been removed, neither had he rewind any reply to the notioo._laillructil ns j were s-iv.;u to proceei. Ahe Surveyor stite(i t at accord to prom>e Inkf,rman Bridge wtuki be romov-d in abo'lt a fortnight. OBJECTION TO COMBINATION OF OFFICES. A Jetter was received from the Local Government Board with reference to the appointment of Mr H. Judd to the offices of Surveyor of Highways and j Inspector of Nuisances, and stating that the Board bad had the question of the combination of offices under consideration, and in their opinion tush combination was open to much objaction. The Board declined to consent to suoh arrangement, but before giving thsir deaision as t8 the further con- tinuation of the arrangement the Local Government Board wished to know the mileago of roads in the dititriat,-The Clerk said he had replied to the effect that the length of the roads in the Holywell district was 124 miles. No further reply had been received. THE COUNTY COUNCIL ORDERS AND THE COUNCIL'S OPPOSITION. A letter was read from the Local Government Board, referring to the petition of the District Council against the confirmation of the orders of the County Council transferring the township of Bronooed to the Urban District of Mold and the creation of an urban district for Connah's Quay, and stating that the petition had not beea received in sufficient time to enable the Local Government Board to entertain the petition. The Clerk remarked that from the Blue Book lately issued it seemed to be the rule to confirm the orders of Country Councils; he had only seen two cases of refusal. THE ESTIMATED XPEENDITUBB. The Clerk submitted the estimates of expenditure for the ensuing year. The total estimated expenditure for the whole of the distriot was £ 3531 as against JE3301 for the previous year. There was no reduction in sanitary expenditure, the increase being in highway matters.—Mr W. Thomas said it was rather surprising to him how there should be an increase in the highway expenditure when it was considered how greatly improved the highways were throughout the district.—The Clerk said the estimates for special distriotB were Northop Speoial drainage (repayment of principal and interest), j662 18s. Od Bagillt Drainage (ditto), ;C121 Whitford Water (ditto), JE107 10s. 6d. SANITATION. The Sanitary Inspector's report was read and the various matters dealt with and directions given,

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The annual meeting of the Board of Guardians was held on Friday last, when there were present— Rev. T. Z. Davies, Whitford Mr. J. Kerfoot Evans, Holywell; Mr. John Roberts, Flint; and Miss Hughes, Coleshill, in addition to the District Councillors. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr W. Astbury proposed that tho late chairman, the Rev. T. Z. Davies, be again elected to the office (hear, hear).—Mr Pickering eeoonded, and Mr W. Matthews supported the proposition, which was carried unanimously.—The Chairman thanked the Board for the honour they bad again conferred upon him.—Mr R. Williams proposed that Mr. William Thomas be re-elected vice-chairman.—Mr. Edward Evans seconded, and Mr W. Astbury supported the proposition.—Mr Thomas thanked the Board. THE HOUSE. The Master's Journal shewed that the number of inmates in the House last Board-day was 193; admitted sinoe, 6 discharged, 10; number remain- ing, 189. Vagrants, 136, ditto corresponding period last year, 182. ATTENDANCES OF GUABDIANS. The Clerk submitted the following list of attend- ances of Guardians only:-There were 40 meetings held during the period, Rev. T. Z. Davies, ohair- man, 37 Mr Wm. Thomas, 30; Miss M. M. E. Hughes, 27, Mr Samuel Wilkinson, 28, Mr J. L. Maspratt, 21, Mr John Roberts, 30, Flint; Mr. J. Kerfoot Evans, 31, Mr Joseph Garner, 35, Holywell; Mr David Edward, 5, Mrs Mary Keene, 3, Mold. ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE ATTENDANCES. There were six meetings of the Assessment Com- mittee held during the year, and the attendances of the members were as follows :-Rev. T. Z. Davies, 5 Messrs J. L. Muspratt, 2 J. Kerfoot Evans, 4 Isaac Hughes, 4; Wm. Astbury, 1; E. P. Edwards, 4 Edw. Pettrs, 0; Wm. Thomas, 4; S. Wilkinson, 5 H. T. Barker, 6 C. J. Batters, 6; J. Prince, 6. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. The Visiting Committee was re-appointed with the addition of Mr W. H. Lloyd and the substitution of Mr Wm. Matthew* for Mrs Philips; in the Finance Committee, Mr Matthews took Mrs Philips' place, and the committees were otherwise re- appointed.—The Assessment Committee was re- i appointed, also the School Attendance Committee, THE BLUB BOOK. The Clerk having received directions to prepare the Blue Book, applied for tenders for the printing. Two tenders were reoeived, Mr O. W. Jones, Flint, Ell 10s. Od., and Mr W. Williams, Holywell, 110. The latter was accepted. FINANCIAL. The financial statement showed a balanoe in hand of £ 1266; cheques required for X437, leaving a balance of JE828. The out-relief granted for the ensuing fortnight was Holywell, £140; Mold, 1170, and Whitford, £ 90.

» DELIGHTFUL TREATMENT FOR CURING CORPULENCE. Tho process of curing any physioal disorder is BO generally the oonverse of delightful" that the use of this and similar terms in reference to Mr. F. C. Russell's now popular treatment for oorpulency of this and similar terms in reference to Mr. If. C. Russell's now popular treatment for corpulency naturally attracts special attention. These terms are to be found in a large number of letters included in the just-issued 18th edition of Mr. Russell's little volume of 256 pages, Corpulency and the Cure" (Woburn House, Store-street, Bedford- square, London, W.C.). These communications are from persons of both sexes, and it is apparent that their number is represented by thousands annually, who have found in this treatment a safe, rapid, and permanent cure for exoessive fitness. This testi- mony forms in the aggregate, indeed, a wonderful record of rapid reduotion of excessive adipose tissue, and those who have personal reasons for being interested in the subject should send to the above address six penny stamps for a copy (post free) of Mr Russell's notably suggestive little book. "I think the treatment most delightful," writes one out of a large number of equally enthusiastic correspondents. And the expressions" Admirable tonic," •« Splendid stuff," A delicious bererage mixed with mineral waters," are of constant recurrence in this singularly- interesting correspondence. The details given by many of the writers of these letters as to the results of the treatment fully justifies the use of such eulogistic phrases. It must certainly be delightful to experience the sensation of losing unnecessary and dangerous fat by pounds per week, and frequently by stones per month, and that by aid of treatment which simultaneously increases the appetite and renders its reasonable indulgence innocuous. The experience, too, must be still more delightful by the knowledge, which may be gained from a perusal of Mr Russell's book, that his pre- paration is a pure- vegetable pToduct, without any admixture of the mineral poisons which are too fre- quently administered. With a condour which also is delightful, Mr Russell prints in hi8 book the recipe for the preparation.

NANNEROH. SEBIOUS ACOtDBNTJoeph Edwards, son of Mr Edward Edwarda, of Nannerch, late of the Gate House, was on Tuesday week carting from Rhoses- mor to Rhydymwyn, after descending the hill, he went under the cart to slacken the brake when the oart containing 30 owt of ore tipped over and fell on him, breaking both legs.

FLINT & DENBIGH COUNTY BOUNDARIES. Mr F. T. Biroham, Government Inspector, held an inquiry at Mold, on Friday last, respecting the representations of the Flintshire County Council, that the county boundaries should be altered by the transfer to the County of Denbigh of Bodridis, in the parish of LI-Aiiarmon and by the transfer to Flint of Erbistock, Penbedw, and Aberwheeler. In the first place, the inspector heard evidenoe as to Erbistock, aud a namber of farmers were called in support of the proposal, after which Mr LI. Adams, ou behalf of Denbigh County Council, opposed the proposals.—Mr J. O. Bury, clerk to the Wrexham Guardians, also opposed the transfer to the Ellesmere Union.-With regard to the case of Penbedw, the inspector said he had gone thoroughly into the j; matter, and everybody seemed to agreed to the I ransfer. As to the proposal to add Aberwheeler to intshire, several residents were called against the rlnnrf i" J. said he would make bis report in due course,

URBAN COUNOIL MEETING. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL, The annual meeting of the Holywell Urbai Council was held at the Assembly Hall Anti-root:, on Monday last, when there were present-Dr. Jas. Williams (appointed temporary ohairman), Messrs. T H Waterhouse, E Bryan, T Griffiths. J Carman, T A Lambert, Jos. Jones, E Foulkes, Dr. J 0 Jone, Messrs. J H Hague, J W Davies, Walter Owen, J E Jones, and RRiohards; olerk-Mr Robt. Thomas. THE NEW MEMBEE3. The five newly elected members—Messrs. J. H. Hague, Walter Owen, J. E. Jones, J. W. Davie-, aud Robert Riohards, signed the usual declaration. THB CHAIBMAN'S BKTBOSPECT OF THE PAST YEAR. The Chairman said as the official year of the Counoil's life was now terminated, and as one of the first duties of that meeting was for the Chair- man to vacate his office, before he did so, it had struck him as a very desirable thing that they should turn round and review the ground over which they had gone during the past year. He thought such retrospective views wera instructifs and useful in every way, and in the case of a new council it was almost neeessaay they should take a review whereby they would be able te see what work bad been done and what had been left un- done. They could see what mistakes they had mada and how best to guard against them in the future. With that idea he asked the Clerk to give him extracts from the minutes in order to complete his report, and among these extracts he had taken the liberty of dispensing some observations and making the whole to form a report which he would read to the Council. The following report waa then read :— In taking a retrospect of the first year's work of the Holr- well Urban District Council, I can, at least, (if i mav be allowed the privelege), congratulate the Council on'the diligence, the assiduity and the loyalty to their constituents, whioh they have displayed in their work. If the results achieved are not so successful as we could wish, it is not due to any lack of industry and effort on the part of any representative. The Council on taking office had to face difficulties and obstacles-not a few of which had been left in their path by their predecessors-this. involving a good deal of clearing and re-arranging work, which does not appear to view. One of these interruptions, I regret to say. was the occurrence of the death of the Council's late Clerk, Mr Wm. Davies, OD the 10th May, 1895. On the 1st June, Mr Robert Thomas was appointed clerk, the work i.i the meantime having been turned over to a Committee of Management and the keys retained in the custody of the Chairman. From the institution of the Council on the 1ft January, 1895, there have been held 52 Council generi.1 meetings, and 123 Committee meetings, and here I may b3 allowed to bear testimony to the value of thél system of working the business of the Council in sections. Eac-i committee giving its special attention to its own department, and each Chairman feeling a personal responsibility in i1;. FINANCE—The Council commenced its work on January let, 1895, with an overdraft against them of .£497 5s 6d, On tke 11th May we levied a rate of 3s in the L, The amount of rate to be collected was 9942 12s Id. At the end of the financial year 31st March, 1896, the amount collected WAS E904 9s Od, leaving a deficit of £38 3s Id (composed of arrears 99 6s Od and irrecoverable f.28 17s Id). At this time the Council had overdrawn £ 392 lis 4d, towards this, there is due from the County Council up to March 31st, 1895, £5SZ 10s lid, not reckoning the present year, which will probably be about an additional £106J thus showing that the finances of the Council are on a thoroughly sound basis. In looking still further ahead (for which we may be pardoned) the prospect is still more hopeful. The repayment of one loan on at Winifride's Well will be completed in Decembtr 1897. This will effect a saving of 966 13s 4d yearly. The other loan now costing the Council £ 55 5s id per annum has still six years to run. There will also be placed to the credit of the Council F.35 annual rent for the use of the new Hall for the technical school, until the new schools are ready for use. There will also probably be some increase in the rateable value of the district by reason of the building improvements in the town. On the 6th May, 1895, the Council authorised a loan of Z1000 for the construction cf the new town buillings. This was duly negotiated, and on that account there remains a balance to the credit of the Couneil of £ 15 9s 7d. On the 14th October the Council restricted its overdraft to E700. SAXITARY-I am sorry that we cannot show so much work in this department as we hoped to do-the two primary items of sanitation, viz.: Water supply and Drainage, having, s. far, proved beyond the power of the Council to undertake. The impediment is two-fold-lfnancial and technical. Any large and comprehensive scheme would involve an outlay entirely out of the reach of the Council, with its present rate- able value and its existing expenses and liabilities. Whether some smaller scheme would, or would not, met the require- ments of the district, the Council will soon have to decide. The other impediment is our limited area, and our want of drainage outlet. On the decision of this question depends the character of both water and drainage scheme to be adopted. In the meantime the Council may take credit for increased diligence in the remedial work of nui-ance abate- ment, and the repair and re-modelling of cl(;sets, privies and ashpits, this being especially marked in the case of recent y acquired property in the handj of new owners. It is also very satiafaotory to find f rom the annual report of the Medic- 1 Officer of Health, that the district maiatuiw its usual hi"h reputation for salubrity, the death rate recorded for last year being 20 per thousand, and the number of cases of legitimate zymotic disease notified during the year being only 3. It may be replied that this last year's death rate is not so low ag to justify this inclusion. My explanation is, that the excess on our usual low rate of 17 to 18 per thousand is due to the prevalence of acute diseases of the respiratory organs after influenza. HIGHWAY AND LI«HTIS9—The principle feature in the work of the Highway management is the step taken in the interest of economy and the encouragement of local trade, by substituting (so far as waa considered consistent with the proper maintainance of the roads)—local stone for Peamaei i- mawr, this was done to the extent of 100 tons. So far, there is no evidence that the roads have suffered by the change, but it must be borne in mind that there has not been much frost and- snow this last winter to test them adequately. The Council will regret that another year has passed without the settlement of the question of the taking over of the main roads by the County Council. On the 14th January, the first communication from the Local Government Board on tte subject was received, and on the 6th April, the Arbitration was hold at Flint, but in consequence of a technical defect in our evidence, the appeal was adjourned for the correction of the accounts which adjournment is now daily expected to be announced. The question of extension and alteration .,f area has been argued at two County Council enquiries, the result of which was that on the 11th March, a deputation of Brynford ratepayers waited upon the Council desiring their separation from the Urban District. The question of re-con- structing the footpaths of the principal streets has occupied the attention of tho Council, but no definite steps have yet been taken towards the work, beyond ordering the measure- ments. The matter is, no doubt, an important one, and no less a difficult one, as in the face of drainage and water supply, the expense of taking up the streets subsequently, for house connection with the drains and water pipes must be considered.—On the 11th July, Hackney Carriage Bye- laws were adopted, but they have not yet been approved aad certified by the Local Government Board.—On 12th Aug., the Council decided that the Town wa" once more to be lighted with oil, feeling that the difference in the cost between oil and gas did not justify the return to the latter. Although this may appear a retrograde step, I am, myself, of opinion that, unless some better gas light is available, such as incandescent burners or other modern improvements, the Council's decision was a wise one.—On the 7th December, the Council decided to pay JE2 a year for the lighting of one of the two lamps at the Post Office entrance door. DRAINAOB, WATER AND WKLX. COMMITTEP .-There has been nothing of a constructive character done in the matter of drainage, as it was considered useless to undertake any such work, while the question of systematic drainage is still in abeyance. The Council can, at present, merely keep the existing drains in order, and not allow them to receive tLe contents of any cesspits We are also in a similar position with respect to water, fencing with an urgent call for a limited or temporary supply, because a complete and com- prehensive schemo is steadily pressing nearer to us How long this is to go on will have to be determined very shortly. ST WILFRED'S WELL—In view of the approaching expira- tien of the lease, the Council, on the 9th October, offered to the Rev C. S. Beauclerk the annual tenancy of the Well at a rent of £150" the tenant undertaking all internal repairs, the Council outside repairs and payment of rates and taxes. As the Rev Fr Beauclerk wished a lease, these negotiations lapsed until January 23rd, 1896, when the Rev Fr. Beauclerk accepted the tenancy for twelve months from the let May next at 9125, with the same conditions, It is satisfactory to the Council to feel justified in looking forward hopefully for I™™! results from this tenancy last year's results disclosing a wide-spread reputation of St Winefred's Well as a healing rlower. During the year pilgrims, and sick and pitifully afflicted people were housed at the Hospice, whilst the numb; r of visitors lodged at hotels and in private apartments must have been considerably larger, but, unfortunately, we have no means of estimating it. Of the (2710 ?) visitorTat the Hospice, upwards of 5 JO were examined and registered bv the Medical Attendant and I am assured by ffihat a S many very remarkable cures were obtained. Under the.se circumstances, the Council will, no doubt, recognise that it is their duty to afford all legitimate facilities in its power for the proper reception of this influx of visitors. I would sug- s-est that it is most desirable, if not absolutely necessary. that a systematic registering of all lodgings should be adop'ed and that all householders receiving visitors should furnish the names of those visitors, say, once a week, and that they should be published as a visitors list, so that any cases of defeotive accommodation, overerowding, &c., might bo made known. Although this is, perhaps, not strictly the duty of the Council, it must not be forgotten that in cases of eom- plaint of defective or unwholesome accommodation, and especially outbreak of dlsease,fthe governing body of the town will be looked to for redress. THE TOWX IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE—This is a Committee instituted by the Councit at its birth, and is likely to prove < a very useful one. Fortunately, this year its work has been anticipated by the remarkable Improvements lin the town made by certain owners of property, especially in oses where property has changed hands. This is shown much in cottage property, where unsightly delapidated tenements have been transformed into respectable dwellings, thus materially toning down the old appearance of decay which was rapidly making our old town a by-word. These improvements are especially seen in the highway approach from the Railway Station, viz. jN'ew Koad, Mount Si on, Chap°l-street, fee. But the most striking features are the two principal public buildings—the new Municipal Offices and the Post Office, the former being the long-delayed consummation of a work taken in hand LIS years ago. The Council cannot help expres sing its regret ar d disappointment that it is not able to hold its first annual meeting in its new offices, but they will feel a satisfaction in at last, possessing public offices which they trust will me"t all their requirements, and which will be generally considered a handsome and ornamental structure. The town of Hal •- well is to be very much congratulated on now Possessing a s Post Office, which in point of appearance and completeness P of accommodation, will vie with that of any similar town in l North Wales- These, with some buildint; of new houses, and a general restoration, re-building and re-facing of property all through, notably the principal hotels, will re- move from Holywell the reproach of neglect and decay which, laU yean, has been a^ted owt to it, These nmttew «e> perhaps not strictly subjects for comiiie-iit in recording a year's wor i doue by a District Council, but I think myself they will serve to point ou. to the Council that it is also our duty to do whitt comes within our province as a Governing iiody, to en- courage all measures calculated to improve the trade and general business of the town, and to foster its treneral welfare.

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr John Carman said it gave him great pleasure to propose the re-eleofcion of Dr. James Williams as Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year. He felt it a great honour and privilege to make the proposition. Dr. Williams had conducted the proceedings in a business-like manner with impartiality and taet and had attended to the duties most regularly and punctually. He had taken an interest in the business and fulfilled the duties of the ohair" ith credit to himself and to the town, always having at heart the interest and welfare of the inhabitants (applause). -Mr E. Bryan in seconding the proposition said, he bad much pleasure in doing so as one of the senior members of the Couucil, and he en- dorsed every word the proposer bad used in praise of their chairman (hear, hear),—Mr Bryan put the proposition to the meeting which was carried unanimously.—The Chairman said he was extremely obliged to the Council for so readily re-electing him. He felt greatly flattered by the overdrawn remarks but through overdrawn he believed they were sincere. He was greatly obliged for the kindness and for- bearance shown by all the council and without being inviduous he valued the assistance given by the chairmen ef the several committees. He wished aho to bear testimony to the excellent services their clerk rendered him during the year, and he should like at the same time to acknowledge the very efficient manner in which ho had fulfilled the duties of the office since his appointment.—Mr. Walter Owen regretted that Mr Bryan had put the proposition to the meeting so rapidly as he had wished to give his cordial support to the re-election of the chairman.—Mr Lambert thought it was rather hurried, but he fully supported the proposition RH* ANOINTMENT OP VIOE-OHAIBMAN. Mr Bryan proposed that Mr Garner be re- appointed Vice-chairman of the Counoil.—Mr T. H. Waterhouse seconded, and Mr Carman supported the proposition, which was carried. THE APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES—A CHANGE The Council proceeded to the appointment of Committees. Mr Bryan suggested that the com- mittees consist of the whole of the members of the Council.—Mr Griffiths supported the suggestion on the ground that a certain number of the Council were not aware of the wholo of the business of the Council.—Mr Lambert considered there would be a greater ditfioulty in forming a quorum by such an arrangement.—Mr Griffiths moved tbat the whole of the members of the Council form the several com- mittees.—Mr Bryan seconded the proposition.—Mr Lambert proposed an amendment that the Council proceed to the re-appointment of the committees as at present arranged.—Mr Carman seoonded the amend- ment, and suggested that the Financo Committee should be composed of the whole Council.—Mr Lambert agreed to the suggestion.—Upon a division five voted for the amendment, and eight for the original motion, which was declared carried.—Mr Waterhouse proposed that the meetings of the com- mittees be held at six o'clock in the evening. It would be a convenience to a number of members now on the Council.—Mr Lambert seconded the proposition.—Mr Griffiths said he should be pleased to support the proposition, but that he could not attend the evening meetings. He proposed an amendment that the committee meetings be held as hitherto. He oonsiderei the morning was the best time.—Mr Carman in seconding the amendment, said he had fully made up his mind if the resolution was passed to meet in the evening to a-<k the Chairman to allow him to withdraw from the committees- The amendment was lost by eight votes to five, and the proposition declared oarriad.—Mr Griffiths said they were elected by the ratepayers but nut elected to attend the Council by night. He was agreeable to fall in with the majority, but he could not possibly attend the meetings in the evening.—Mr Bryan said his experience of night committees was a great deal of small talk and very little done.- The question of having the six committees held on two evenings was then considered, on the Wednesday and Thursday preceding the Council meeting.- Mr Lambert proposed that the committe-38 be divided, three on Wednesday and three on Thurs- day eveainsjs.—Dr J. O. Jones seconded the pro- position.—Mr Hague proposed an amendment that the business of the committees be taken in rotation on the first evening and contiuned on the seoond.— Mr J. E. Jones eeoonded the amendment.—Four voted for the amendment and seven for the original motion, which was deolared carried.—It was after- wards decided that the Drainage, Water and Well, Lighting and Highway, and Market Committees be held on Tuesday evenings, and the Sanitory, Town Improvement and Genoral Purposes, and Finance Committees be held on Wednesdoy evenings. In consequence of the passing of the resolution that the committees consist of the whole of the members of the Council, the respective chairmen of com- mittees were appointed :-Drainage, Water and Well Committee, chairman, Mr Joseph Jones; Sanitary Committee, chairman, Mr T A Lambert Lighting and Highway Committee, chairman, Mr T. H. Waterhouse Market Committee, chairman, Mr John Carman Town Improvement and General Purposes Committee, chairman, Dr. J. O. Jones Finanoe Committee, chairman, Mr E. Bryan. ATTENDANCES OF MEMBERS. The Clerk submitted the following list of attend- ances of members from the constitution of the Council let January, 1895, to their last meeting on the 13th April, 1896. The number of meetings has been 52. The Councillors have attended as follows Councillor J W Davies, 48; J H Hague, 48; T A Lambert, 47 James Williams, 47 Joseph Jones, 46; John Carman, 4t; Joseph Garner, 44; Evan Bryan, 43 Wm. Freeman, 43; Edw. Foulkes, 40 Thomas Griffiths, 38; J Owen Jones, 38; Thos H Waterhouse, 36 H A Cope, 33 J E Jones, 31. WOEK IN SIuIlK. Mr W. Owen said he wished to give notice that at the next ordinary meeting of the Lighting and Highway Committee he would call attention to the lighting of the public streets, and to move a resolution, also, at the next ordinary meeting of the Drainage Water and Well Committee to call atten- tion to the water supply of the town, and to move a resolution.— The Chairman said no notice was necessary, he could bring the matters before the several committees referred to.—Mr J W Davies proposed that the lighting of the streets be dis- continued, as lighti would not be required during the full moon on the 22nd, and the season would close on the 1st May. The Council would save a week's lighting expenses and could equalise matters by starting next seELi2on a week earlier, which would be found oODveoient.-M:r Watorhoase seoonded the proposition, whioh, however, was not put to the vote and the matter dropped. C0NTB4.CIS. Mr John Holmes' tender for the watering of the streets during the ensuing season for t24 was accepted. It was explained in the tender that the season was a month longer and the area for watering increased, he would also obtain the water from St Winefred's Well if Roft Tob ran short.—Mr J. Holmes' tender of 7s a day for carting road scrapings was aocepted.—Mr J. W. Davies suggested that a hand cart should be used by the men for the street refuse, which would be quite sufficient and a great aaving of horse labour. It was decided to bring the matter before the notice of the Highway Committee —Five tenders were received for the colouring, &o. of the Market and Assembly Halls—Mr W. E. Jones, Chapel-street, JE7 10s Mr 81. Morris, XG 10s Mr John E. Williams, £ 6 5s Mr Edwin Hughes, ;CG--On the proposition of Mr W. Owen, seconded by Mr Waterhouse, the latter tender was accepted.

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WHITFORD. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING. THE ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COUNCIL. The first meeting of the Whitford Parish Couneil was hold at the Whitford National Schools on Thursday evcniøg last. The whole of the member- were present, and made the usual declaration, via —Revs T. Z. Davies, E. Pan Jones and H. Roberts, Messrs W. Roberts, A. Barratt, A. Eyton, E. Bryan, D. MacNicoll, W. J. F. Storey, W. Bakeweil, T. E. Williams, Japheth Jones, J. Parry, John Edward-, and Jolia Jones (Glanydon). Clerk, Mr J. S. Lloyd, The Rev E. Pan Jones presided as temporary chairman. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Tho Rev T. Z. Davies said he rose to propoBe a gentleman as chairman, and he need say but little in his favour, but merely mention his name-Mr W. Roberts. He was quite sure he would make an excellent chairman, and the parish had shewn their appreciation of him as a representative in the result of the election (hear, hear).—The Rev H. Roberts said he had great pleasure in seconding the proposition.—MrE. Bryan supported the proposition which was carried unanimously,—Mr W. Roberts in accepting office, said he was much obliged to the Council for the honour they had done him. He hoped he should be able at all times to maintain the dignity of the office and the Council, and to carry on the business of the Council to the satisfaction if everyoae. He trusted, that with tho co-operation of each one, they should conduct the proceedings in a business-like manner.—Mr Barratt had great pleasure in proposing a new member to occupy the position of vice-chairman, namely Mr Evan Bryan (applause).-Rev T. Z. Davies, in seconding the proposition, said ho had known Mr Bryan for many years, and had always foand him a straightforward and sensible man, and he felt sure he would prove an effective and efficient vice-ohairman. The proposition was carried unanimously.—Mr Bryan in accepting the appointment said he felt much obliged to the Council fur the compliment paid him, and be could say that whatever duties fell to his lot, he should do his best without fear or favour, and would be ready to assist the chairman at any time (hear, hear). APPOINTMENT OF CVEBSEEE3. In the appointment of overseers Mr Bryan thought it would be preferable that tbo overseers should be distributed over the parish, The Rov. T Z Davies remarked that the appointments were generally localised for the couveniencs of the Assistant Over- seer, 303 their work was mostly of a clerical nature and being near to the Assistant Overseer, they were easy of access when required for the signing of any documents. The following gentlemen were appointed as Overseers for the ensuing year :—Messrs John Parry, Tho Cottage, Pantasaph; David Owen, Tyddyn Ucha R. Davies, Isglan and John Tones, Fachalit. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. The committees were revised and re-formed as follows:—The Chairman ex-effioio member of Committ3es. Charities and Documentary Committee. -Revs. T Z Davies, and Hugh Roberts, Messrs W Bakewell, E Bryan, and Japheth Jones. Adoptive Acts Committa.—Messrs A Barratt, A Eyton, W Bakeweil, W J P Storey, and T E Williams. Allotments Committee,-Rev E Pan Joriei, Messrs E Parry, John Edwards, D Mac Nicoll, and John Jones, bpon the suggestion of Mr Bryan, it was decided to form a Finance Committee of fiv-3 members to meet half-an-hour before the Council meetings :—Finance Committee.—Messrs W J P Storey, E Bryan, A Barratt, T E Williams, and the Rev Hugh Roberts TUB FINANCES OF THE COUNCIL. The Clerk (Mr J. S. Lloyd) submitted a financial statement for the past year, which showed that the receipts by precept were £40, the expenditure amounted to £ 47 12s 5d; the principal item in which were election (first) expenses, £10 16s i 03 repairing llalendy footpath. £ 15 lS 3d leaving a balaaco duo to the treasurer of A;7 12s 5d. In a further statement submitted, the Clerk stated that the amounts now required were—Eloetion expenses, XI-5 2s 8d parish meeting expenses, Si la 6d. printing allotments and charities reports (Wtlsh and English), X5 18j 5d, and survey and plans of parish property, X5. Tho total including smaller items being C30 13s 9d, which with the balanoe due to tbo treasurer brought the present liability of the Council to £ 33 6s 2d; estimating the requirements for the ensuing year, say, j618 10s (audit expense, printing, salary and room), will bring the sum to £ 5 8 1 G8 2d. A rate equal to -ld in the £ will pro- duce £ 40 odd, and Ji will produce Y.60 10s. Tho late Council meet eleven times during their period of office, and the extent of their work during that; period would ba seen by the record in the minute book. Mr Bryan remarked that the precept was only j640 but the expenditure was R29 more than the preoept. There was a balance of liabilities carried to the new Council of X22 2s, so that at the end of the year the Council must not siddlo it on thj present Council. Rev T. Z. Davies: We mmt not have thai balanoe saddled on this Council. The Clerk slid the total present liabilities of the Council with the balance due to the treasurer wad JE38 Gs. 2d. Mr Storey said it did not appear as though tha statement to be laid before the auditor would be a fair statement showing the actual financial state of the Council.—It was pointed out that the books had to be made up to the end of March, and at that date they showed the outstanding liabilities of tLe Council just as they showed the reoeipts and payments up to that date. Mr J. Edwards: I quite understand that some gentlemen want to saddle last year's Council wi'h all the expense they can. Mr Barratt: No, no that is not correct. Mr Edwards: Allow mo to explain. How much had the Council to meet on coming into office which they never incurred ? The Chairman £ 10 16s. Od. when you first met, the cost of the first election of Parish Councillors. Mr Storey objected to the statement contending that it did not put the actual position of the Council up to date in a correct and clear light. Mr Bryan remarked that the book would show the position of the Council and the auditor would see it. If Mr Storey had grounds of objection to the statement he could appear before the aditor, and lay his objection. The Chairman said he thought that would be the only way of raising the point. Mr Bakewell aeked how did it happen that the expenses were so much more at the last election than on the former occasion ? The Chairman replied the only thing he notioed to account for it, was that tha District Councilors were elected I ist year and toe proportion of the cost of the election was borne by the District Council. The statement as submitted by the Clerk was adopted. The requirements for the ensuing year were afterwards discussed.—The Clerk eaid X58 16s. 2d., was required to cover expenses, a rate of d, in the pound would produce X40, andfd., £ 60 10s. Od. The Rev T. Z. Davies proposed that a precept bo issued for an amount equal to a rate of id. in the X. Mr Bakewell seconded the proposition. Mr Bryan If it is to be a Jd. rate let us live within it. Rev T. Z. Davies: I shall be very glad if we can. I know it is very hard to pay the rates. Mr Storey: I think it ought to be noted that we have spent jE26 in the eleotions. It behoves the parish to carry out the elections in the parish meeting and so save such expense every year. Rev T. Z. Davies: Wo cannot spend the same amount this year as last. There were several items which will not occur again. The proposition was put to the vote and carried unanimously. THE DOWNING CaAEITinS. Tho accounts of the Downing Charities were submitted, and a letter from Mr J. B. Feildim? regretting that through a mistake in the dato cf meeting the accounts were not forwarded to the parish meeting. The accounts wore read and passed. TIIE PROPOSED DIVISION OF THE PARISH FaR POLLING. The recommendntion from the parish meeting that -ppucation should bo made to obtain a division of 0 Par_lsh for the convenience of elections, and suggesting Mostyn as the lower part, and Whitford as e upper part.—Mr Bakeweil proposed that application be made to the County Council.—Mr T. E. Williams seconded the proposition.—Mr Bryan lU0VQd an amendment, that the matter bo referred t etcher to a conaroif-Mn j., „ i r Ccuncil, before °f TM 1 aP*-ioation wa^ formally made ;SI{75™1 f0^for consideration, ibethei it^ou.d be divided without forming wards, and \>;iao o.Vitioa would be eaade, whethor it would be lieo dr. we T0m tfB parish, cr take the eeclecU astical bjundary. Tho Rev T. Z. Davies said it was uodouotee.y cruel to expect men and women in these elections tj travel up from Mostjn to Whitford to vote, but he had his doubts whether the application would be granted without the parish being divided into wards.—The Rev H. Roberta seoonded Mr Bryan's amendment, holding that if for.one elention the parish was divided it should ba divided for another. But the division of the parish for County Council purposes was an anomaly and most objectionable. It was neither one thing nor the other, the boundary running as it did obliquely across the parish.-The Chairman said he had felt t the disadvantage of only one polling station for tha parish. If the application of the Counoil was refused, the question of the division of the parish into wards could be considered.—Mr Bryan with- drew his amendment and the proposition was carried I unanimously. m, ru CONTE0L OS1 THB HIGHWAYS, 1 he Clerk submitted the copy of a petition f STBilT aT,r, of th0 Local Government High! I 7t i ?hiah Provid«d ^at the control rVmnrHls tn Pn ■ '30 traaefe"ed from District j Councils to Parish Councils—The Rev T. Z. Davies { proposed that he petition be not signed.-M? I Barratt seconded the proposition, which was carried!

ST. ASAPH. Rev. D. Grimaldi Davis, Vicar of Welshpool, and rural dean, has been appointed Welsh examining chaplain to the Bishop of St. Asaph, in succession to the htd Canon Ellii Roberts, of Liangwm. BOARD OF GUAEDIANS.—The annual meeting of this authority was held on Fridav last. Mr Edwin re-elected ohairman, and Mr John Wilha.us Abergele, vice-chairraan. Mr LI Jones 5uggested, looking at the increased population S surrounding districts, that the three feHevino-^ffi0 C £ nstltuted the district of the late relieving officer be now divided. It waa deoided to refer the matter to a committee.

PRESTATYN. THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MELIDEN PABISH I COUNCIL was held on Friday last at the National DJLOOIS, Melidev, Mr R Davies in the ohair. It was propoeoJ that Mr Robert Davies be re-clected chairman, and this was carried unanimously, as was also the re-election of Mr T Ellis (Llya) to the vice- chair, /he Treasurer, Mr Greorge Williams twas re-appomte3, aud there being a question whether any other person than the Assistant Overseer could be appointed clerk, a committee was formed to enquire into the matter and report to the Council. It will be recollected that at the first meeting of the Council, the Ashistant Overseer declined to take the office, ornsequently Mr Thomas Jones, National Schools, Meliden, was appointed but it is now stated that eonso legal authorities say that an assistant overseer is compelled to take the office, while others say that he is not. This is the point which the committee now formed have to consider A Lighting Committee for Prestatyn was again appointed, consisting of the councillors for Prestatyn, Messrs Robert Davies, E Davies, John Pritchard, T Williams, Peter Ellis, John Hughes, and the Rev. T Price, with the addition of Messrs T J Scott, J Littler, W H Coward, and G O Jones. Three persons were appointed as Overseers, namely, Mesns John Pritchard, and H Ellis, for Prestatvn and Mr Edward Williams, for Meliden. Some discussion took place regarding pariah property and the payment of a small acknowledgement for an enoroaohment-, this was required to be done or the obstruction removed, and the Council decided not to permit the use by parishioners of further land for private purposes.

LL ANASA, PARISH COUKCIL-The annual meeting of tho Parish Council was held in the Parochial Schoolroom on Monday evening last. Mr Benjamin Hughes, Gwespyr, was voted to the chair pending tho election of a Chairman for the ensuing year- Mr William Thomas, Gronant, proposed, and Mr Owen O wen8 seconded, the election of Mr Edward Pierce as chairman for the ensuing year. As an amendment Sid Wri f T TfS pr°p0sed Mr benjamin Hughes, and Mrs J T Jones seconded. Four voted for the amendment and six for the original proposition, Mr Pierce bemg elected. Mr Benjamin Hughes was elected vice-chairman. The retiring overseers, Messrs Edward Pierce, Benjamin Hughes, William Evans, and Thomas Roberts were re-elected.

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