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

News has been received from Major Mac- donald, dated from Lubras, Usogo, December 19, that there has been further fighting, in which his brother, Lieutenant Macdouald, and the missionary, Mr Pilking- ton, have been killed. More troops have been despatched to the scene from Machakos.

HOLYWELL. CYCLISTS and all Vehicle Drivers should light their lamps, daring the week ending Thursday next, as followei :-January 13tb, 6.15; 14th, 6.17; 16tb, 5.18; 16th, 6.20; 17tb, 5.22; 18th, 5.23; 19th, 5.25; 20tb, 5.27. FBBE CHTJBOH COUNCIL. During this week a series of meetings under the auspices of the Free Churches of Holywelt have been held. On Monday evening the Rev. J. Ernest Jones (English Pres- byterian Church) occupied the pulpit at Peudref Wesleyan Chapel; on Tuesday evening, the Bev. Joseph Owen (Wepleyan) preached at Chapel street Chapel; to-night (Thursday), the Rev. O. M. Owen, of the Baptist Chapel, preaches in English at the English Presbyterian Chapel. THE EARL OF DENBIGH having informed Sir John Puleston, the Chairman of the City Conservative Association, that he will not be a candidate for the City at theeosuingLondon County Council Election in consequence of his having undertaken to oonteet the Battersea division, the Duke of Leeds has signified his willingness to beoome a oandidate for tho City in the Moderate interest should his candidature meet with the support of the Conservative Association in the City. 80BIPTUBE UNION.—On Tuesday evening, the first meeting for the present year of the Soripture Union oonneoted with Holywell Pariah Church, was held at St. Winefride's Hall. There were a good number of members present. The Rev. R. O. Williams presided, and delivered an address upon the new year. The Rev. Joseph Davies also gave an address on the punishment of sin. Miss Florrie Strelley accompanied the singing of the hymns. RENT AUDITS.—On Friday last, the balf-yearly rent audit of the Earl of Denbigh's Downing Ectata took place, when the rents were received by Capt. J. B. Feilding. On Monday, the rent audit of Mr Pennant's Holywell Estate was held. On both estates the tenants were allowed an abatement of fhe per cent. The Saithaelwyd Estate rents were received on Saturday, when Mr Cope allowed an abatement of ten per oent. to his agricultural tenantry. A PBOKINBNX LAMDMABK.—The flag announcing that the Eiffel Tower, at New Brighton, has reaohed its highest elevation was run up to the mast on the top of the structure on Wednesday. The Tower presents a striking landmark seen from this part of the country, and lately the view, owing to the open weather, has been exceptionally distinot. The Tower is ereoted on the Rook Point estate, which has been secured by the Tower Company, as a pleasure and holiday resort. The Tower in its complete height stands 620 feet above the level of the old dock sill in Liverpool; from the base to the top, the height is 670 feet or rather over 50 feet higher than the tower at Blaokpool, which is frequently distinctly visible from most elevated parts of this district. WBSLKYAN CIRCUIT Maw=(*. -The quarterly meeting of the Holywell Wesleyan Circuit was held at Pendref Chapel an Wednesday last, the Rev Joe. Owen, superintendent of the Holywell circuit presiding. Votes of thanks were accorded to Mr J. D. Williams, as circuit secretary, and to Mr J. R. Evans, as circuit ohapel secretary, for their services during the past* year, and they were unanimously re-appointed. Masers D. Pieroe and Jos. Jones were thankoi for their services as oirouit stewards, and they were ie-appointed, A resolution was passed that circuit stewards in future be appointed in accordance with the general rules of the connexion. -Mr Joseph Jones was appointed secretary, and Mr Peter Owen (LIoe) treasurer, of the Rev John Evans (Eglwys Baoh) Memorial Fund in Holywell circuit. HOLYWBLL SAYINGS BAz;x.-The general annual meeting of the trastees and managers of the Holy- well Savings Bank was held on Wednesday labt. Mr P. P. Pennant, the president of the institution praeideJ, and there were also present Revs. R. O. Williams, Joseph Davies, and W. A. Morris, Messrs R. Sankey, A. Eyton, R. E. Williamson, E. Bryan, Wm. Jones and R. W. StAgI. The report of Messrs D. and O. E. Jones, publio auditors, was read and shewed the Bank to be in a very satisfactory and substantial position, the surplus oapitil having in- creased during the past year. Mr Walter Garner was unanimously elected a manager to fill the position oaused by the death of his father, who had been for many years a supporter of the institution, and the Revs. William Jones (BryDford), and Joseph Ellis (Baglllt) were also elected managers. A oordial vote of tbauks wai accorded Mr Pennant for presiding, on the motion of the Vicar ef Holywell, seoonded by Mr Sankey. FLINTSHIBB BAPTIST UNION. The bi-monthly meeting of this nnion was held at the Welsh Baptist Chapel, Noithgate-street, Chester, last week. A conference was held, under the presidency of Mr H V. Lloyd (Holywell), chairman of the union. Matters of importance to the churohes were dis- cussed, and resolutions passed, including the followiog: "After listening to the explicit state- ment of the Rev M. F. Wynne, in referenoe to the action of the Home Mission Committee toward the churches of Oaerwys and Chester, That this conference heartily recommends the Home Mission to the notice of the churches, and urges upon them the desirability of making a special effort to increase the funds.' "-The Revs J. Nicholas, Chester, and O. M. Owen reoeived a hearty weloome to the Union.—A paper was read by Mr R. Hughes (Holywell) on The presence of Christ in the Church." The paper wai well received and an interesting discussion foll,)wed. In the evening a sermon was preaehei by the Rev. U, M. Oweo, Holywell.-The next meeting will be held at Lixwm, in Maroh, when a paper is expected by Rev D. G. Lewis, and he is also appointed to preaoh the ermon in the evening.

RECEPTION OF THE NEW PASTOR OF THE BAPTIST CHAPEL. On Wednesday last, the public reception of the Rev. O. M. Owen to the pastorate of Bethel Baptist Chapel, took place. The reverend gentleman received an unanimous call to the pastorate of the church some eighteen months ago, which he ulti- mately accepted, agreeing to undertake duty upon the completion of his course of study at the Pastors' College, London. Mr Owen, while at college, was pastor of the Major-road Baptist Chapel, Stratford New Town, and prior to that had held the pastorate of the churches of Llansilin and Moelfryn. Tho reception opened with a tea party at Rehoboth Chapel Schoolroom, which was very largely attended. The arrangements were under the superintendence of Mrs Jones, Dee View Cottage. Holway, and the ladies presiding at the several tables were: —Mrs Evans, Bagillt Hall; Mrs Evans, Holway Mrd E. Roberts Mrs Thomas Hughes Mrs W. Charlton Miss Ruth Lloyd; and they were ably assisted by a large staff of helpers. The catering was carried out by Mr H. V. Lloyd, Oompton House, in aa efficient and satisfactory manner.—After tea a public meeting was held in.Rehoboth Chapel, for the formal rejep- tion and welcome of Mr Owen. The chair was occupied by Mr J. Herbert Lewis, M.P., Penuoha, Caerwys, and he was supported by the Revs. D. Oliver (Vi elsh Independent), J. Ernest Jones (English Presbjterian), Joe. Owen (Wesleyan), J. E. Davies (Oalvinistio Methodist), Hugh Roberts, Llanerchy- mor (representing the Free Churohes), W. G. Owen (Llifon) Oorris; D. Rees, Oswestry T. Morgan, Mold; D. Williams, Llangollen; Evan Williams, Rhos, &o. The meeting was opened by tbo Rev. D Oliver, who offered prayer aftar the singing of the hymn Marohog Iesu. yn llwydaianus," Miss Nora Pulford presiding at the organ.—Mr J. Herbert Lewis, who spoke in Wtlsb, expre:aed the pleasure it gave him to preside over such a meeting the object of which wai to give a young minister a hearty welcome to the district oa his entering upoa the pafctoruta of an important church.—Mr H. V. Lluyd, on behalf of Bethel Churob, made a statement as to the call given their new pastor, and read a letter received itom the offioers of Majur-road ijapufct unapei, otraciora inew ilown. L ue ietuar expressed the pleasure it gave the writers in testifying to the earnestness, orthodox and evangelical preaohing of the Rev. O. M. Owen, during the time he laboured amongst them how be had endeared himself in the hearts of his people by his faithfulness and devotion, consistent with the claims made upon his time by the Pastois' College. A letter was also read from the Rev. T. Mitchell, Presideut of the Flintshire, Denbighshire, and MerionithsLiro Baptist Association, who, while apologising for his absenoe owing to a previous engagment, congratulated the ohuroh upon having secured the service of the Rev. 0. M. Owen as their pastor.-The Rev. O. M. Owen feelingly ackoow- ledged the weloome given him.—The Revs. D. Williams, Llangollen Evan Williams, Rhos Hugh Reberts, Llanerchymor; W. G. Owen, Corris; D. Rees and T. Morgan, also gave addresses. Miss Roberts gave a very effective solo, Miss N. Pulford accompanying on the organ.

HOLYWELL URBAN COUNCIL. The monthly meeting or the Urban Counoil was held at the Town Buildings on Monday last, when there weoe present—Dr Jas. Williams (chairman), Messrs J Carman, T H Waterhouse, E Bryan, J W Davies, J08 Jones, T W Bennett, T A Lambsrt, J H Hague, J E Jones, R Richards, E Foulkes, J Ll Williams, and Dr J Owen Jones. Olerk, Mr Robt. Thomas; Inspector, Mr Llew. Jones. THB INFECTIOUS HOSPITAL. The Chairman reported that the proposal for an infectious diseases hospital had been adjourned sine die. BAGILLT ROAD, At the meeting of the Highway Committer a letter was read from Mr J. P. Jones asking the council to repair the wall on the north side of the road from Roft Tob to Victoria, also intimating that he was prepared to accept termi for the use of the refu-e tip. The committee recommended that Mr J P Jones apply to the County Council as to the repair of the wall, and that the Counoil decline the offer of the refuse tip. LIGHTING AND HIGHWAY. The Lighting and High way Committee reported that oil lamps had been fixed on tha Penymaes road and also on the Victoria road. It was also reported that the roads were being macadamised where necessary. riBaT LOAN WIPED OUT. The Finanoe Committee recommended the pay- ment of accounts to the amount of £ 286 148 9d, and in which was inoluded JE68 13 4d. being the last payment of capital and interest to the Royal Assurance Sooiety on the first loan of JE2000 in respeot of St Winefride's Well house and bathe. A CLAIM MrJ. Wilkes, sweep, olaimed 41 7s 6d in respect of a new chimney brush and connections, his own having been damaged by the workmen of the Counoil when oleaning the pipes from the Well to the pumps —It was stated that the claim had been met in the account received from Messrs Parry and Morris. It was deoided to refer Mr Wilkes to Messrs Parry and Morris. NO ADVEBTISING. The Llandudno Urban Council forwarded a oopy of a memorial in favour of the power being granted to local authorities to spend money out of the ratas to advertise their districts. The adoption of the memorial was rejected by seven votes to five. BAILWAY FACILITIES. Mr J. W. Davies brought forward the question of railway facilities at Holywell as compared with other towns on the Cheater and Holyhead Railway. Cheap bookings were granted to towns on either side of Holywell that were denied to Holywell, With the early train that left Llandudno at 6.25 a.m cheap bookings to Liverpool were granted at 4s. return, and from Rhyl 3s. 6d., while at Holywell the return fare by the same train to Liverpool was (jrf. 7d. Cheap bookings were also issued from Flint, Connah's Quay and from Mold and other stations to Liverpool. The only concession to Holywell was during the summer months, when cheap bookings were allowed by the eleven o'clock express at 2s. 6d. He moved thit the Couuoil on behalf of the traders and inhabitants of Holywell and district petition tha L. and N. W. Railway Co., to grant similar priveleges as regards cheap bookings to Liverpool and other large commercial centres, as they already grant to neighbouring towns and districts.—Mr Bryan seoonded the proposition, whioh was carried. —It was also agiead to include in the petition that the Company arrange the service of down trains as to permit the stoppage of a train at Holywell be- tween 12.28 and 3,38 p.m. THB INTBBLTBDIATB SCHOOL PREMSHB. A notice was received from the Holywell County School Governors of the termination of their tenancy -of the Town Building as school premises, in March next. FINAN0B. Mr Waterhouse referring to the financial position of the Council said there was at present a balance against the Council of 1387 13s 9d.; bills were ro- oommended for payment of L179 15s. 9d.; out- standing bills, zClOO 18a making a total liability of L674 7s. 6d. current rate uncollected E362 19a. 6 3. Total balanoe against the Counoil 9311 8s. In reply to a question, the Olerk said the balanoe against the Counoil on the 31st March last was S54817a. ELECTION BILLS. MI Waterhouse drew attention to the election bills amounting to J631 odd, which be observed was a heavy itam.-Ur Bennett siid there were three elections iooladed—two contested and one unoon- tested.—Mr Waterhousa: They appear to be excessive.—Mr Bennett: The accounts are not over- charged, they are acoording to scile.-M,r Water- house I did not insinuate that there was overcharges I said the bills seemed to be exoessive. If two con- tested eleotions coats us so much, it is not giving the public fair play: Three farthings in tin pound for an election -I think the ratepayers should have an opportunity of getting representatives at a cheaper rate.

HOLYWELL RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The above Counoil met on Friday last, when there were present :— Messrs Isaac Hughes (chairman), Wm. 0. Pickering, C. J. Batters, W. Roberts, Wm. Matthews, Edward Evans, D. Price, Thos. Humphreys, W. Astbury, R Williams, Wm. Thomas, Rev Watkin Williams Clerk—Mr P. Harding Roberts Surveyors Messrs Heury Judd (Holywell), and E. Foulkes (Mold) Inspectors —Messrs J. P. Jones (Holywell), and E. W. Jones (Mold). CARRVWYS FOOTPATHS, Mr W. Matthews inquired whether anything had been done in the matter of the footpaths at Caerwys reported to have been closed.—It was stated that nothing had been done owing tJ the illness of the Surveyor.—Mr Judd said he would attend to the matter. OLD LONDON ROAD. Mr Judd reported upon the Old London Road, Bagillt, and stated that the repair of the r,¡ad was done under a misapprehension and it was afterwards decided by the late Highway Board tot to further repair the road as it was not a highway. Llauasa Parish Cuunoil had spent JE50 on footpaths if the District Council repaired the road in question it would establish a precedent to have all roads repaired. A GIFT OF LA.ND FOB BOAD WIDENING. A letter was read from Mr J. B. Linnell, fitating that Mr M. A. Ralli, proposed giving a portion of land for the widening of the road at a corner in the parish of Newmarket, aud suggesting that a oommittee be appointed to consult on the matter. Messrs C. J. Batt rs, Edward Evans and Robert Williams.—The Surveyor was directed to arrange the meeting of the oommittee. TBBLOGAN ROAD. Upon the report of Mr Judd, and also of MrEdw. Foulkes, it was deoided to repair the road at Hendyddyn from Mostyn to Trelogan, with Penmaenmawr stone.—Mr Batters suggested that Penmaenmawr atone should be used for the roads from Shepherd's Lodge to Grona .t.—The Surveyor said he would consider the suggestion, in the next estimate. SANITABY MATTERS. The Inspector (Mr J. P. Jones) in his report referred to several sanitary matters previously reported. The ash-pits under a portion of a kitohen in Station-road was a nuisance.—Tho nuisance at Laurel Cottages would be shortly remedied.— Several cases of diphtheritic sjre throat hid been reported from Gwespyr.—A serious nuisance was reported from Gronant by the blocking-up of a drain beneath a oottage, and which burst through the flooring. FFYNNONGROEW DBAISAGB. The Clerk stated that after the first ihquiry by Mr F. H. Tullock, into the drainage of Ffynnon- gfuow, Mr J. L. Williams was appointed to prepare plans of the existing drainage by the adjourned inquiry on the 13tb inst, Mr Williams had not done so, although he undertook the work, and he had not replied to the several communications sent pressing for the preparation of tbe plans. The adjourned inquiry would be held on the 13tb, and the Inspector had done a portion of the work, and he (the Clerk) now asked that Mr J. P. Jones be directed to finish the work as far as he possibly could.—The suggestion was adopted. MOSTYN WATER WORKS. A communication was received, stating that Lord Mostyn approved of the appointment of Mr Collins, as superintendent of the Mostyn Waterworke.-A Committee was appointed to inspect the works, to see that everything was in order before Mr Collins entered upon the duties of the appointment, MOSTYN-BOAD AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL. The attention of the Council was drawn by several members to the state of the main roads at Mostyn. It was pointed out that the roads were under the supervision of the County Council. BATTBBY BOW, GBEBNFIBLD, A letter was received from Mr Thomas Hughes, Greenfield, relative to an alleged nuisanoe at Battery-row, but whioh he could not find. The tilted condition of tho gutter was due to the action of the predecessors of the main road authorities.— The Inspeotor stated that he had subsequent to a vfsit to Battery-row with Mr Hughes fanud the alleged nuib.Lace.-The In:'pctor was direotsd to communicate the information to Mr Hoghes. BAGILLT WATBB. A letter was read from Mr Atkinson stating that the work at the Graig water souroe was going on rapidly, and he hoped to make a good report shortly. He had appointed an experienced and energetio young man as overlooker, kc.-Mr Humphreys said there was great disatidfaction in the neighbourhood in regard to this matter.—The Chairman: I have 8"en the place and the work that is going on, and am quite satisfied. The work must be carried out now. —The Clerk said he wished that certain councillors eould realise, that he did not give personal ex- pressions in correspondence, but only the views of Counoil, He was only the medium of communica- tion between the District Counoil and the Parish Councils.—A letter was read from the Holywell Parish Council, acknowledging the explanatory letter of the Council on the Bagillt water question, and expressing the opinion that there was still unnecessary ezpenses being incurred also stating that a Committee of the whole Council intended visiting Graig on the followingjSat irday to inspect the work, and requesting that the District Council appoint representatives.—No action was taken. MB. HUMPHBEYs' CLAIit. The claim made by Mr T. Humphreys for rent of well as per agreement was deferred to the next meeting. MUST The Newmarket Parish Council forwarded a letter received from Mr T. Rogers, stating that the Henfryn road to Felin Isa must ba pat in repair at once or he must take steps to put it in repair at the expense of the parish.—Mr R. Williams said from inquiries made, he found the road bad not been repaired for 60 years.—The Surveyor was directed to report upon the matter and to forward the same to the Parish Council. MOLD DISTBICT. The Inspeotor (Mr E. W. Jones) reported that there was not one case of infections disease to report in the Mold district. Several oases of overcrowding iu cottages were reported from East Northop and Pentce Halkyn. He had visited Rhesyeae, but could not confirm the report as to the insanitary condition of Churoh row cottages. The blooked drain wai being remedied. OFFICIAL REPORT UPON THE PROPOSED RAILWAY ALTERATIONS. A letter was received from Mr T. T. Kelly, clerk to the County Counoil, in referenoe to the proposed alterations as stated in the Loadon and North- Western (Wales) Bill, which it was pointed out interferes very materially with property in the county and in the district of the Holywell Rural Couuoil. It was considered that local authorities should act with the County Council, and not independently. An engineer had been engaged to inquire into the alterations proposed and to report. The Clerk added that he had lem Mr Kelly who had promised that the result of the inquiry would be communicated as soon as possible so far as the alteration would effect the Holy well district, when it could be decided whetber joint or independent action could be taken. The Surveyor and Inspector (Messrs Judd and J. P. Jones) submitted their report upon the examination of the deposited plans, of the London and North-Western Railway Company's proposed alterations and diversions:— Parish of Holywell -Bayillt.-The Railway Company in purchasing No. 1, intends taking up that portion of the public footpath leading from near the National Schculs to the foreshore of the south side of the old Copper Works. It is important that another be made instead (as no substitute is shown), the present path being largely used by fishermen, fiatmen and oocklegatherers, for access to the foreshore. In taking up a portion of the roadway leading from Station road to the wharf for the purpose of laying additional lines of rails the Company intends to include the public footpath for the length or about 90 feet. This footpath bein? largely nfci it is vtry important that means are provided by the extension of the present bridge or otherwise of convenient and satisfactory access to tin wharf and foreshore to the north side of the wharf ovtr property No. 3. The Railway Company intends taking up a porjoll of the public footpath (for the length of 25 feet or thereabout*) leading from th man road at Dee Bank to Old Wharf for the purpose of widening the present bridge. As far as we Bee there are no