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

HOLYWELL. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held at the work house on Friday last, the following guardians being present:—J. Scott Bankes, Esq. (in the chair), John Henry, Esq. Naauerch—Rev. Watkin Williams Newmarket Rev. David Williams; Holywell-Rev. J. E. Jones, Messrs. Joseph Garner, 0\?en Jones, J. Kerfoot Evans and Samuel Davies Ysceifiog—Mr. John Williams and Mr. Win. Thomas; Flint-Mr. Thomas Jones and Mr Richard Evans N urthop-Mr. Astbury. Clerk—Mr. E. J. Davies Master—Mr. Thomas Hughes. Mr. Bankes alluded to a statistical statement prepared by Mr. Roberts, Clerk to the Ruthin Board of Guardians, with reference to the accom- modation for lunatics, &c. The document was well prepared, aud would be of some purpose, now that the enlargement of the asylum was being con- sidered. Mr. Roberts' paper will not just now be made public, but most likely will be read at the next Poor Law Conference. MONETARY. The following cheques were granted the Relieving Officers for the relief of the out-door poor :— Mold £14;) Holywell 140 Whitford. 80 MASTER S REPORT. The master reported that the number of inmates in the House last Board-day, was 1G0 admitted since, 10; discharged, 8; present number, 162. 100 vagrants were admitted as against 107 at the corresponding period last year. WORKHOUSE APPRENTICES. In accordance with the wish of the Board, the boy, John Jones, aged 13, who was allowed to go on a month's trial to Mr. Isaac Hall, clogger, of Brymbo, appeared before the Board, and stated that he liked the place. His employer stated he would require the boy to be bound for seven years. —In answer to Mr. Bankes, the boy said he was quite satisfied with his place. Some of the guardians were of opinion that seven years was too long, but it was explained that that was the general length of time, that apprentices had to serve in that trade. The terms were that the boy's employer find him with board, lodgings, clothing and pocket money. —Mr. Bankes What money will you give him.- Applicant Sixpence per week the first year, and an increase of sixpence for every additional year, and 4s. the last year.—The Chairman suggested that the boy should have .)s. a week the last year. —The applicant said he could not give that; but he would give him 4s., and he said he did not get anything when he was apprentice. -Rev. Watkin Williams Suppose you die-what will the boy do ? —Applicant There would be another good partner" left behind to look after the boy (meaning his wife, who was present.) It was decided that the boy should go.—The other boy, Edward Jones, aged 13, who had also been on a month's trial with Mr. Robert Williams, hairdresser, Denbigh, appeared, and lie also liked his place.—The Chairman asked the boy's employer was he a sharp lad. Applicant: I suppose I must do the best I can with him, I have not seen rightly what he can do yet, as he has been unwell since he left the work- house, but I amwilliugtotake him.—TheChairman: What are your arrangements ?—Applicant: To have him bound for seven years, during which time I will find him with food, clothes, lodgings and some pocket-money. I will give him sixpence per week the first year which would be increased year after year and 3s. Gel. the last year, and by the time he would be free from his apprenticeship, he would be able to start business himself, as it requires very little capital in our trade. My parents paid X20 premium before me when I was bound, and I did not receive wages but I was only bound for six years, and had to keep myself.—Rev. David Williams Why do you want the boy to serve seven years when you only served six years yourself? —Applicant: Because I will have to keep him, and when he is free from me he is at liberty to commence business himself.—The Rev. D. Williams: You don't expect to see the boy open shop in the Borough of Denbigh do you ?—Applicant: He can start next door to me if he likes (laughter). It was agreed that the boy should go, the applicant to find him with board, lodgings, and clothing and wages at the following rate-Cd. the first year and an increase ot Gd. per week afterwards, 3s. (id. being the wages for the last year. The Chairman At our last meeting our Clerk intimated that notice should be given to the Wrexham & St. Asaph Boards of Guar- dians that we were about to apprentice these boys. At the time I thought it a piece of red-tapeism, but I now find I was wrong, and Mr. Davies our Clerk was right. The boys were detained at the workhouse until the following day to take part in the Govern- ment examination, and it was resolved that clothing be given to each boy on entering into their places of business. TOTE OF CONDOLENCE. The subjoined is a copy of the vote of condolence as recorded on the minutes of the Board, to the Dowager Lady Mostyn Upon the motion of Mr. Henry, seconded by the Rev. Watkin Williams, the following resolution was unanimously agreed to and a copy thereof was ordered to be forwarded to Lady Mostyn, of Mostyn—" That this Board being conscious of the great loss it has sustained by the death of the Right Hon. Lord Mostyn, is desirous of expressing to Lady Mostyn and family its most sincere condolence on their late melancholy bereave- ment. As a nobleman occupying a prominent social position, and particularly as Chairman of the Board of Guardians of the Holywell Union, his Lordship's demise will long be felt. Ever punctual in his attendance and courteous and painstaking in the discharge of his duty, he rendered invaluable services to the union, and the Guardians feel assured that in thus expressing their sentiments they are but giving utterance to those of the public generally," and the following is a copy of its acknowledgment from Colonel the Hon. Roger Mostyn—"I am requested by my Mother to acknowledge the document conveying the vote condolence from the Holywell Board of Guardians, and she thanks the Board for its sincere sympathy." LIST OF ATTENDANCES. It was resolved that the Clerk be requested to prepare returns of the attendances of the Guardians at the Board meetings, also those of the Assess- ment Committee, and likewise those of the Sanitary Authority. SURCHARGE. Mr. J. O. Roberts produced certificates from the School Attendance Officer and Medical Officer, proving that the 1, v Humphreys, whose case was mentioned in the report of the last Board, was unable to attend sehool, and hence the disallowance of the sum of 7s. Gd. by the district auditor. It was resolved that the Clerk forward the same to the Local Government Board. THE DEAF AND DUMB CHILDREN. A letter was read from the Local Government Board respecting the cases of the two children named John E. Jones and Anne Foy, together with a copy of a letter from the School Attendance Com- mittee of the Borough of Flint, on the subject which stated that the statement made that the parents in both cases were able bodied men and earning good wages was incorrect. The father of Jones is partially paralysed and earns very little wa«-es and the father of Foy had deserted his wife and children several months ago and could not be found.' The children wore wandering about the streets, and unless something was done, the committee would not be answerable for the conse- quences.—A few words were spoken respecting the case by Mr. Thomas Jones, who had to leave the room before the case came before the Board. He Mr. Thomas Jones, maintained that neither of the families were in receipt of out-door relief. Jones though partially paralyzed made good wages, and the Foy family were in receipt of out-door relief when Foy himself was at home, but since he had absconded no out-door relief was applied for.—The Rev. W. Williams thought it best to offer them the house.—The Chairmau thought it was a case of private charity, and the Clerk was instructed to write and state that the Board could not move in the matter. DEATH OF AN OVERSEER. The Clerk informed the Board of the death of Mr. Wm. Williams, assistant overseer, for the parish of Flint, aud the necessary instructions were given for the election of his successor that day month (see our advertisement columns). RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY. The fortnightly meeting of this Authority was held at the Workhouse on Friday List, the following ineml'prs being pi-r,t,nt, Johii Henry, Esq., n, (chairman), J. Scott Banlces, Esq., Rev. J. E. Jones, Messrs. Owen Jones, J. Kerfoot Evans, and Samuel Davies. BAGILLT NUISANCE. The Clerk read a letter which he had received, together with a bill of costs, charges, payments, and expenses incurred by Messrs. Kelly and Keene, solicitors, Mold, for proceedings taken against the London and North-western Railway Company The Bettisfield Colliery Company, Limited The Right Hon. Lord Hanmer The Trustees of the late Lord Hanmer; Messrs. Walker, Parker, and Co., and Mr. Jackson, in connection with the above nuisance which existed when Mr. Zophar Humphreys was sanitary inspector. Messrs. Kelly and Keene deferred sending in the account until the whole business had been terminated. The cause of delay being consequent, through suspending the pro- ceedings several times pending negotiations, which were then going on in connection with the general system of drainage in Bagillt. Mr. Z. Humphreys left with them an account of close upon 110 and they had not included it in their payments as they did not know what the views of the Authority might have been with regard to it. A sum of .£3 was given him by them to cover his travelling expenses which was included with the other pay- ments in the account. The sum-total of the bill was 177 Ss. Sd. It was unanimously resolved that the Bill of Messrs. Kelly and Keene be paid, but it was considered that inasmuch as JE3 had been paid to Mr. Zophar Humphreys for travelling expences, no other claim could be legally made by him, as what he had done came within the province of his duty as Sanitary inspector, for which he received an annual salary.—A claim of L8 3s. 10d., from Messrs. Morecroft and Winstanley, Liverpool re Caerwys Waterworks, was also ordered to be paid CONNAH'S QUAY WATER SUPPLY. A letter was read by the Clerk from the Connah's Quay Gas and Water Company (Limited), request- ing that the Directors may be furnished with a copy of Dr. Williams' report on the water supply at Connah's Quay.—The Clerk stated that he thought it advisable that before sending a copy of the report he should have the authority to do so. After some conversation, it was resolved that a copy of the report be sent, but that the Authority considered an interview with the Directors of the Company would be useless, as the Authority were powerless to enforce what the Company desired. RE-APPOINTMET OF OFFICERS. The Clerk stated that the terms of office of the officers of health and sanitary inspectors for the Mold and Holywell districts had expired. There were no complaints laid against any of the officers and it was decided to re-appoint them.—The Rev. J. E. Jones complained that the officers of health did not attend to the poor as well as they did to those that paid them.—Mr. Samuel Davies said that he always had found them very attentive to the poor, and he begged to repudiate the rev. gentleman's statement.—Mr. Bankes thought that the Authority should protect their officers.-The following gentlemen were re-appointed: —Dr. Williams (Mold), on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. J. K. Evans; Dr. Williams (Holywell), ou the motion of Mr. Samuel Davies, seconded by Mr. Owen Jones, as medical officers of health for the Mold and Holywell districts and Mr. J. J. Williams (Holywell), on the motion of Mr. J. K. Evans, seconded by Mr. Bankes, who remarked that he was a very efficient officer; and Mr. E. W. Joaes (Mold), on the motion of Mr. Bankes, seconded by Mr. Samuel Davies, and to whom a similar compliment was paid. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor reported that he had visited during the last fortnight the following places and where nuisances existed ordered their immediate removal. Bagillt, Greenfield, Mostyn, Ffynnongroew, Gwes- pyr, Llanasa, Gwaenyscor, Whitford, Newmarket, Caerwys, &c. RHEWL WATER SUPPLY. In accordance with the instructions of the Authority, the Surveyor had made a special journey to the two sources of water supply proposed for Rhewl Mostyn, and as he had previously stated his decision was in favour of taking the supply from Ffynnonhaiarn, Tre-mostyn, in preference to abstracting it from the Bryneithin source. From information glea ned on the spot both on his last and previous visits the Surveyor said that everyone agreed in confirm ing the opinion he had arrived at, that a plentiful supply of water could be depended upon at all times from Ffynnon-haiarn. MeetingCol. Mostyn, the day previous to this meeting, and also the Woodman of the estate (Mr. Molyneux), who lived on the spot, he enquired of them as to their experience of the Ffynnon-haiarn supply, and both fully confirmed his views by a statement that to their recollections the supply had never failed. Col. Mostyn further stated that it was not to their interest at the Hall to have Ffynnon-haiannupply interfered with; but as it was the only source where pure and healthy water could be got from, he was most anxious that nothing should occur to deprive the people of Rhewl of a share of it. He thought it was absurd to offer a supply from Bryn- eithin pool, and a strong objection would be raised to any such proposal. The Surveyor stated that Mr. Charlton had made a somewhat similar state- ment and he thought in the face of all that, if Rhewl Mostyn was to be supplied with water, that he should advise them to decide in favour of Ffynnon-haiarn. If the Authority should decide that day, the Surveyor would be able by the next meeting to produce a plan and estimate of the cost to lay before them for their approval.—The Chair- man desired to know whether they had not better select Ffynnon-haiarn, which was a never-failing supply.—The majority of the members were in favour of the Surveyor's scheme.—Mr. J. K. Evans was of opinion that it would be better to let Mr. A. Parry hear that statement.—The Chairman: You have examined both sources?—The Surveyor: Yes, I have.—After further discussion the Surveyor's scheme was adopted on the motion of the Chairman seconded by Mr. Scott Bankes. CONNAH'S QUAY DRAINAGE. The Surveyor reported that the London and North Western Railway Company's solicitor respect- ing the agreement in connection with these proposed works and enquiring the cause of delay, and he had received a letter which was read. As the fine weather was coming the Surveyor enquired would it not be advisable to hare the loan required to carry out these works arranged as early as possible so that tenders could be invited without delay, as the plans and estimates were ready and had been so for some time.—Mr. Bankes thought there was nothing to do but to procure the loan.—The Rev. J. E. Jones asked was the amount named enough to cover the scheme ?-The Surveyor replied in the affirmative. It was ultimately decided on the motion of Mr. Bankes, seconded by Mr. J. K. Evans that the loan be applied for. BAGILLT DRAINAGE. The main sewer at Bagillt had been completed to within 30 yards of the Bettisfield-road, where it was proposed to end, and the side drain up to the turnpike road near Hanmer's-row had nearly been finished. Pipes had also arrived to carry out the drainage of Tabernacle-row and Rose-place, both of which places would ibe reported completed by the next meeting. Mr. Crondam, of the Bettis- field Colliery, had also promised to meet the Sur- veyor at Hanmer's-row next week to arrange the drainage in connection with the side-drain referred to, and had further promised to have the work at- tended to immediately afterwards.—Mr. Samnel Davies brought under the notice of the Authority the state of a water source, near-the gate of the Upper Works, Bagillt, to supply- the public with water. The last Company (The Speltse Company) which had occupied the works, had utilized the water for their own purposes, and by so doing had deprived a large portion of the public from obtain- ing water, and great complaints were made. The company had also contaminated the 'water "},y pot- i ting red hot iron, &c., in it, which nm&, the water J almost unfit for human use. The supply was ab- < stracted from a well called Ffynnon-y-Rb^dyn. There was a stone with Messrs. Walker, Parker's in- itials, and this Company had thoroughly repaired the well; but from what he had heard it had bees tam- pered with, and he desired the Surveyor to officially inspect the supply and its source and report on the same at the next meeting. He had made enquiries prior to coming to the meeting, and discovered that it had been a public water supply before any of the former companies had occupied the works.—Mr. Bankes thought the owners of property should remedy the evil. Mr. S. Davies was of opinion that water for supplying the public should be under the supervision of the Autbority.The Chairman asked Mr. Davies could he assist the Surveyor with any evidence as to the insufficiency of the supply ? --Mr. Davies answered that lie could.—The Rev. J. E. Jones said that by what Mr. Bankes said the Rural Sanitary Authority had nothing to do with it. Mr. Bankes was of opinion that people ought to look alter their own property and if they meddled with everyjprivate thing that came to their ears they would never come to an end.—It was, however, agreed that the Surveyor inspect the place officially and report thereon at the next meeting of the Authority. THE UNION WATER SUPPLY. The wells at the workhouse had been completed and the pipes from the vagrants wards had been laid nearly up to the reservoir at Milwr, which had also been commenced, the progress made being altogether very satisfactory, MOLD DISTRICT REPORT. Mr. E. W. Jones, reported that he had visited Connah's Quay, Buckley, Bryn-yr-ball, Mynydd- isa, Llong, Cilcain, Nannerch, Coed-yr-hendre, Rhvdymwyn, and Nerquis, and where nuisances existed had issued orders for tli, ir removal. SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. The monthly meeting of this Board was held on Monday afternoon last, the following members being present: -Mr. J. Kerfoot Evans (chairman), Mr. Isaac Hughes (vice-chairman), Revs. D. Oliver and E. Evans, Mr. R. Baldwin and Mr. Isaac Roberts Clerk-Mr. E. M. Evans Attend- ance Officer-Mr. Eliseus Jones. INCREASE OF SALARY. A letter was read from Mrs. Jones, the head mistress of the Bagillt Girls' School, in which she asked the Board to grant her the same terms of remuneration as were given the mistress of the Halkyn Street Board Schools, for the past year namely, the school fees one-half the grant earned, and E25 guaranteed and she trusted that the Board would see the reasonableness of her request.—The Clerk said that the School Management Committee had raised the mistresses' salary.—The Vice-chair- man was of opinion that the present expenditure in salaries should not be increased but it could be done by deducting from one official's salary and adding to the salary of another.—The Clerk mentioned that the Board could give a gratuity to Mrs. Jones for the money she had earned for the Board In the way of Government grant.—Mr. Isaac Roberts thought she was only asking for her rights.—After some discussion, the decision of the School Management Committee to grant Mrs. Jones an increase of £10 was agreed to. AN EXPLANATION. Mr. John Davies, wheelwright, Whitford street, appeared before the Board to explain the reason why his child, Ellen, had not regularly attended school during the past month. He said his wife's mother was very ill and his wife was obliged to attend to her, taking the children with her. During the time his wife was with her mother the children attended the Carmel School, and hence the non-attendance of his child Ellen at the school at Holywell. Legal proceedings were intended to be taken against him but after this explanation the Board pardoned him on condition jthat he endea- voured to send his child regularly to school hence- forth. THE NEW OFFICE. A letter was read by the Clerk received from the Education Department, together with the plans and specifications of the new School Board office, of which they thoroughly approved.—The Chairman remarked that that was the first plan ever received from the department unaccompanied by some dis- agreeable comments (laughter), and those plans were drawn without the assistance of an architect. —The Clerk said that the next thing to be done was to obtain a loan of Xloo as suggested by the Finance Committee. The erection of the office would not involve the expenditure of that sum, but the Commissioners did not lend sums of less than ilOO for long periods. It was ultimately decided to borrow the sum mentioned. NOTICES OF REMOVAL. Notices were ordered to be issued to the care- taker and landlord of the School Board office, in Panton Place, pending the completion of the new office, which would be finished in the course of about three months. VOTE OF THANKS. It was unanimously resolved that a vote of thanks be accorded to John Roberts, Esq., M.P., for his kindness in forwarding a donation of £10 towards procuring prizes to be given to the children at the annual prize distribution. The Clerk was ordered to forward a copy of the same to Mr. Roberts. A USEFUL SUGGESTION. The Rev. David Oliver suggested an idea of how to impress upon the parents of the children the practicability of sending their children to school. Some parents thought it was great hardship for them to be compelled to send their children to school when they did not thoroughly understand the meaning of the different clauses in the present Code. To remedy this he thought as long as the Board had Lio in their hands, they could make an effort to make the question of education more popular than it was, by holding a public meeting for the distribution of prizes, so as to enable the children's parents to be present, and have addresses delivered by qualified gentlemen upon the system of education in the present day.—The members expressed themselves in favour of the Rev. David Oliver's suggestion, and the chairman mentioned .9 that a lady be asked to give the prizes away. —The matter was referred to the School Management Committee INCREASE OF SCHOOL STAFF. The question of the staff at the Bagillt schools was referred to the School Management Committee. Miss Edith Matthews was appointed pupil teacher at the Spring Gardens Infant School, and it was resolved to advertise for an assistant master for the Bagillt Boys' School. THE MIGRATION OF CHILDREN. A letter was read by the Clerk which he had received from the Rev. Father Swift contradicting a statement made at the last meeting. Reference was also made to the question of the migration of children from one school to another, and on this subject a letter was read from the Vicar of Holywell, stating that he would submit the subject to the next meeting of the managers of the National Schools. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE OFFICER'S REPORT.. Mr. Eliseus Jones (attendance officer) reported that he had during the past month visited all the schools in the district, attended to all cases of irregularity reported to him, and had served notices upon the most delinquent of them. The general attendance of the district continued to be satisfac- tory. The infant department was numerically improving after the recent drafting to other schools, and hopes were entertained from promises given by parents, of having better attendance when the weather becomes more settled.—The Offecer men- tioned that no donbt that the members of the Board had all heard of the decision of the magistrates at the last Petty Sessions, respecting the attendance cases brought before them. Mr. Wm. Davies, solicitor, defended in the case of Mary Newall, Bagillt, and in cross-examination he was unpre- pared at the time to produce certificates to verify his statements as to age, standard and attendance of the child at school, signed by the respective teachers, consequently the case was dismissed, and from the want of the like evidence, the charges in three other cases were also dismissed. In future, he hoped to be prepared with full and complete evidence in all cases to be brought before their worships. STATISTICS. The statistical summary showed the average weekly attendance at the six schools for the past month to be 619, an increase on the corresponding period of the previous year of 42. The total number of children on the registers was 800, an increase of 22. THE ANNUAL REPORTS. In the report of the School Mangement Com- mibtee, an abstract of the reports of the Government Inspector on the annual examinations of the several schools was presented. With respect to the Spring Gardens Infant School, the merit grant being with- held, the attention of the mistress was called to the points requiting attention. An increase of the staff, as recommended by the Inspector, was ad- vised by the appointment of an additional monitor. The report of the Bagillt Infant School was con- sidered tolerably satisfactory, and it was recom- mended that Margaret A. Whalley, who had passed her examination satisfactorily, be appointed a pro- bationer in this department. Bagillt Boys and Halkyn-street Girls Schools' reports were consi- dered satisfactory, and the Halkyn-street Boys and Bagillt Girls School reports afforded pleasure to the committee, as they were both bordering on "exceHent." An assistant master was recom- mended for the Bagillt boys' school; and Mary E. Jones as a monitor in the Halkyn-street girls' schools.—The following were recommended for appointment as monitors in the Halkyn-street boys' school—John Milton Roberts, Hugh E. Price and A. C. Hughes, and an additional monitor was granted to complete the teaching staff in the Bagillt girls' school, the nomination to be in the hands of the head teacher for the approval of the Board. The committee in considering the question of school staff were of opinion that they should not confine them- selves to the minimum required by the Code of the Education Department, but rather that a small reserve of teachers be kept in hand, so as to keep up unimpaired throughout the whole of the year a sufficient staff to meet eventualities. By creating "a nursery of monitors" as it were the committee felt that an adequate staff could always be depended "rou at a minimum cost to the ratepayers. The ivtal grant earned by the schools for the year was 1496 8s. 5d., and the average attendance was 616. The revision of the scale of salaries for the coming year was deferred to a future meeting.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM. HOLYWELL. A very heavy thunderstorm accompanied by vivid flashes of lighting and heavy rain, broke over this district on Thursday afternoon last. The storm was of but short duration, it was one of unusual violence. EXTRAORDINARY SCENE AT COETIA MAWR-THE EFFECTS OF THE STORM. The full effects of the brief but severe storm which prevailed on Thursday afternoon, were felt in the district of Brynford, the repeated thunder claps, being followed by most vivid flashes of lightning in an appallingly rapid manner. At Coetia Mawr Farm, situate between Holywell and Brynford, a scene of the most extraordinary character took place during the time the storm was at its height. A message was sent out to the fields that the farm servant should return home with his team, owing to the severity of the storm, and the heavy down- pour of rain and hail. As he was returning, he was struck by lightning and sent along the ground for a considerable distance, and at the same time the cartmare he was leading was thrown down and rolled over three or four times. Fortunately neither the man nor the mare were injured, but the animal was so paralysed with terror that it trembled in every limb, and broke out into intense perspiration. Just at the same time, Mrs. Edwards, daughter of Mrs. Price, the tenant of the farm was returning from the garden, when she also was struck by the lightning, and sent headlong towards the kitchen door. Meanwhile, the house was in a state of the most utter confusion, the electric fluid having descended the kitchen chimney carrying with it a great quantity of soot, and filling the room with smoke. Mr. Robert Price, son of the tenant, who is an invalid suffering from rheumatism, was sitting at the time on a chair near the fireplace, his left arm resting on the old fashioned hob such as are seen in antiquated farm houses, and on the other side of the fireplace a pet lamb was reposing in a box. He was thrown off his chair into the middle of the kitchen, and the cries he raised brought his sister and others to his assistance, and he was dragged from the sulphur charged atmosphere of the apartment, covered with soot and dirt, to the pure air, where with the aid of restoratives, he soon revived. It was then found that his clothing on the left side of his arm had been singed and torn by the lightning, but he had received no bodily injuries. As soon as the room could be cleared of the smoke it was found that the little lamb was dead. The electric current in passing down the chimney knocked a hole in the wall in the bedroom, and then descended into the kitchen, doing considerable damage to the fireplace. A watch and guard which were hanging on the wall were carried off the nail, and the watch was afterwards found hanging on the kettle on the fire, the guard being wound around the kettle spout, while the outer cases of the watch were found amongst the ashes under the fireplace. Passing along the room the lightning chipped off a good portion of a wooden picture frame, and also cut a piece clean out of the clock case, whilst on the kitchen dresser a row of plates and a bottle contain- ing vinegar were knocked over, one of the plates being smashed and the contents of the bottle lost. The lightning made its exit above the door of the kitchen, the mortar between the bricks having been dislodged. Indeed the building seems to have been considerably shaken throughout, and some portion of the kitchen chimney has been thrown down. The inmates had a most providential escape, and In especially Mrs. Price and her son, the former being confined to her bed at the time. The kitchen floor was covered with soot and dirt to the depth of several inches, and the place was thrown into the greatest confusion by the extraordinary occurrence. A CHAPEL DAMAGED. During Thursday's storm, several trees were struck by lightning in various parts of the county. At Sarn, near Llyn Helig, a chapel was wrecked by the storm, the windows and doors being broken by the lightning. FLINT. On Thursday afternoon an unusually heavy thunderstorm burst almost immediately over the town. The lightning was dangerously near, for the thunder came simultaneously with the flash, repeating without intermission, and continued for some time. No damage is reported in the immediate neighbourhood. The storm was preceded by a very oppressive atmosphere. Heavy rain fell. HAWARDEN. The storm was felt at Hawarden with intense severity, the flashes of lightning being literally blinding. During the height of the storm the lightning struck the roof of a cottage at Ewloe, near Hawarden, literally tearing off a portion of the roof, and very seriously injuring one of the inmates, a little girl. Immense hailstones were mingled with the rain. CONNAH'S QUAY-A MAN KILLED. The full effect of the storm was felt, and many of the inhabitants were awe-stricken with the extraordinary vividness and frequency of the light- ning flashes. A pilot named John Jones, who was walking through Messrs. Ferguson and Baird's shipbuilding yard, was struck by the electric fluid under the chin and chest, causing instantaneous death. Medical assistance was promptly called to the unfortunate man, but life was pronounced to be extinct. On Saturday last an inquest was held upon the body before Wm. Davies, Esq., coroner for Flintshire. The first witness called was Joseph. Bennett, who said that he worked for Messrs. Coppack and Carter, at Connah's Quay. About five o'clock on Thursday afternoon the deceased was at the shop, and he accompanied him towards his home. As they were going under the bridge by the Railway Station, deceased met his sister-in-law and he told her to make haste home because he thought they were going to have torrents of rain. They then went through the ship-yard, and whilst there a flash of lightning came. He called out to deceased and Samuel Hewitt that it was a very vivid flash of lightning, and they replied that it was. They then went through the gate leading to the turnpike road, where they met two carpenters, and deceased told them to get their tools and put their jackets on, for they were going to have heavy showers. He also direoted a man named William Conway to turn back because of the rain..After they had gone about three yards further a flash of lightning came and struck deceased right in the face, the flash passing slantwise down his breast and leg, and singing some of his clothing. Deceased groaned and assistance was obtained and a doctor sent for, but deceased was found to be dead.—John Jones, fisherman, residing at Golftyn, said the deceased was his son and he was 25 years of age.— The jury immediately returned a verdict that the deceased was killed by lightning."

PANT ASAPH. DEATH OF MR. MICHAEL HUGHES.—This gentle- man, who was well-known in the neighbourhood of Pantasaph, where he had for many years been accustomed to spend a portion of the summer months, died on Tuesday last at his residence, 70, Mill-street, Liverpool, and his remains were on Tuesday last interred in Anfield Cemetery, in the presence of a large number of the deceased's relatives and friends. The deceased was a member of the Toxteth Board of Guardians, and the respect in which he was held was manifested by the large attendance at the funeral. At Pantasaph, the d6atli of Mr. Hughes has caused the most sincere grief, and his genial presence, and kindly benevolence will be greatly missed.

FFYNNONGROYW. DISESTABLISHMENT.—A public meeting in favor of Disestablishment of the Church of England in Wales was held at the Undenominational School, on Saturday evening last, Mr. Edw. Jones, Gronant, in the chair. Addresses were delivered by Mr. Edw. Jones, Mr. Samuel James, Mr. Wm. Jones, and Mr. John Roberts, in favour of Disestablish- ment, after which a resolution was passed to petition the parish in favour of Mr. Dillwyn's Bill for the Disestablishment of the Church of England in Wales.

CONNAH'S QUAY. APPOINTMENT OF A WAYWARDEN.—A meeting was held on Thursday at the New Connexion school- room to appoint a waywarden for the township of Wepre. Mr. John Reney was appointed to the chair. A warm discussion took place as to the advisability of re-electing Mr. Hughes as way- warden. Strong opposition was offered by Mr. Edwards, Lleweni Farm, who moved that Mr. Ellwood be appointed, and Mr. A. Patten seconded the proposition. Mr. Edward Roberts, senr., pro- posed that Mr. Hughes be re-elected, and was seconded by Capt. Peers. This occasioned a very lively discussion with the following result:—For the appointment of waywarden that day, 8 for the adjournment, 9; majority for the adjournment, 1. The chairman then declared the meeting adjourned for 14 days. THE BRIDGE OVER THE DEE. Among the witnesses called before the Select Committee of the House of Commons on Thursday in opposition to the Bill now before Parliament, was Mr. Alfred Walker, who said he was a member of the firm of Walker, Parker, and Co., and had works at Bagillt on the Dee; works at Newcastle, on the Tyne and they had works also in London. He was also a River Dee Commissioner and chairman of the committee for promoting the Dee Conservancy Bill. He had resided in Chester for about 30 years, and was well acquainted with the navigation of the Dee and the manufacturers on the banks of it. He objected to the proposed bridge in its present form on the ground that it would be a serious obstruction not only to the passing up and down of vessels, but he was also convinced that it would raise shoals in the bed of the river, both above and below bridge. If they contracted the opening the water must pass more rapidly through these openings this would raise a greater quantity of sediment than would be raised by the ordinary current of the river, and that sediment would of course be deposited elsewhere. He was not speaking from a scientific engineering point of view, but from the point of view of ordinary observation, and from a common sense point of view, as he thought. In former years they used to get all their lead up by the river, but owing to the bad state of the river and the reasonable terms offered them by the North- Western, they found it better to bring it by rail, as they had sidings both at their Bagillt and their Chester works. They had also a connection at Chester with the Shropshire Union Canal, which joined the river at Crane Wharf. He knew something of the bridge, at Newcastle-on-Tyne. When the Cheshire Lines came to Chester they naturally expected that they would get lower rates, at all events on the Midland. The agent came to them and said he hoped they would get a share of the traffic, and they replied that they would give them a share in their traffic if they got something in return, namely a reduction of rates; the agent said they were very sorry, but they were bound by their arrangements with the other companies. As a considerable trader in this country he had no hope of railway competition giving them any material benefit in reduction of rates. -Crot-s- examined by Mr. Littler. Q.C. The only check upon railways was the sea. Railways did not act upon one another, in his experience, in reducing rates. As to the river, if you blocked up one-fifth of the channel it must seriously interfere with the flow and reflux of the Dee. Asked whether it was not Mr. Robertson who originated the Chester Conservancy Bill, witness said he was not clear how it started, as he was not at the first meeting. As to the Dee Commissioners, they had been in existence for centuries. Their income was nothing at all. Their property was nothing. They had no means of raising money.—Mr. Littler Then I think I am right in saying that your works are in nubibus. Any pewer you are to have—that is to come.- Witness Undoubtedly. Re-examined This Conservancy Bill was not the Bill Mr. Robertson was going to promote his Bill was to make a canal and dock of the Dee between Chester and Connah's Quay, but Mr. Robertson had lodged no bill of any kind, but he had given notice for one. He with- drew what he proposed to do, and the gentlemen interested in the navigation simply took up, with his consent, a portion of his notice, and proceeded with a Conservancy Bill of their own. As to the canalisation of the Dee, he (witness) would have had nothing to do with that. If they had not had the river as an alternative route for their materials they would not have been able to get such low rates from the Loudon and North-western Railway Company from Bagillt. In one of their most important trading districts about Bristol, although there were three railway companies going there, the rates were so high that if they had not had the opportunity of sending by sea they would have been entirely cut out of the trade by the existing com- petition in their trade. He was chairman of the executive committee for promoting the Chester Con- servancy Bill. The River Dee Commissioners, who had no funds as a body, was another body al- together. The committee on Tnesday declared that the preamble of the Bill was proved. The result has given great satisfaction at Wrexham.

DENBIGH. RURIDECANAL CONFERENCE.—On Thursday last, the quarterly meetings of the clergy and lay dele- gates of the Denbigh Rural Deanery, were held at Llandyrnog, commencing in the morning with divine service at the parish church. Subsequently the clergy held a meeting for devotion and for reading of the scripture together. The principal meeting of the day was held in the National School- room, at three o'clock. The Rev. Canon Wynne- Edwards, the rural dean, presided, and the at- tendance included Canon Lewis, Rev. E. Jones (Caerwys), Rev. D. Williams (Llandyrnog), Rev. J. Morgan (Denbigh), Rev. H. Humphreys (Hen- llan), Rev. Morgan Rees (Llangwyfen), Rev. D. Williams (Llanrhaiadr), Rev. J. Davies (Bodfari), Revs. T. Lloyd and D. Griffith (Denbigh), Colonel Humberston, Mrs. P. H. Humberston and party, Madl. Jehan and Miss Tumour (Denbigh), Mr. J. P. Lewis, solicitor, (Denbigh); Mr. R. H. Roberts (Denbigh); the Misses Lewis (Denbigh) Mr. J. E. Block, the Misses Jones (Bodlonfa), Captain and Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Fosbery, Mr. Norman Fosbery, and others. Papers were read by Rev. E. Jones, rector of Caerwys; Rev. Canon Lewis (Trefnant), h and Mr. J. P. Lewis (Denbigh), and discussion followed, in which tMr. R. H. Roberts and others took part, the subjects being Sunday School work, and the desirability of establishing a Sunday School Union for the deanery. The meeting was very successful.

HAWARDEN. PETTY SESSIONS THURSDAY. — Before W. Johnson, Esq. (in the chair), C. Davison, Esq., and W. Thom, Esq. GAME CASE. John Tudor, collier, Buckley, was summoned under the Poaching Prevention Act for being in possession of articles for taking game.—P.C. Thomas Jones said that on Wednesday, the 27th February, he met the defendant near Ewloe Hall. He saw him crossing a footpath in a field, and noticing his clothes were dirty;he searched him when he came on the road. He found a ferret in one pocket, and in another a young rabbit and four nets. He had also a dog with him. He said he went to ferret some rats at Dublin, and the dog caught a rabbit in Mr. Bankes' wood. Witness went to the place where the defendant said he had been ferretting, and a man there informed him that he had not been there at all that morning.—Tho defendant said he had been promised some rabbits by a young man if he would ferret some rats for him. He borrowed the things to go with.—The bench fined the defendant 5s. and costs. THE SUNDAY CLOSING QUESTION AGAIN. John Aston, the Nine Houses, Connah's Quay, and Thomas Edwards, of Nant Mawr, Buckley, with summoned for falsely representing themselves to be bona-fide travellers.—P.S. Hughes stated that about half-past eight on Sunday night, the IGth March, he visited the Glynne Arms, Hawarden, kept by Mr. Richard Darbyshire, and found the defendants sitting down with beer before them. Witness called the landlady's attention to the men, and she said they had told her that they were travellers. Edwards lived at Nant Mawr, Buckley, and Aston at the Nine Houses, Connah's Quay, which was only 2| miles away.—The defendant Aston said lie did tell the landlady that they were travellers.— The bench fined the defendants 10s. and costs each, with the alternative of seven days' imprisonment. nilUNK IN OTIAllGE OF A HORS'> AND CART. Alfred Lane, marine store dealer, of Chester, was summoned for having, on the 29th February, been drunk at Hawarden while in charge of a horse and cart.—-I'.C. Wright stated the case.— Fined 20s. and costs.

GREENFIELD. A CO.NCERT.-An excellent concert was given on Saturday evening last at the Abbey Schools, Green- field, the proceeds of which were in aid of the funds of the "Abbey Lodge" Order of Druids. The chair was occupied by Mynyddwr, add the pro- gramme was sustained by local amateurs amongst whom were the following: Miss Hughes (Bagillt), Mr. Booley and party Mr. Ellis Jones and party Mr. W. Jones, Mr. R. Amos, Mr. Thos. Hughes, Mr. Thos. Hughes (jun.), and the Llanerchymor Brass and Greenfield String Bands, under the leadership of Messrs. Thos. Hughes, and Samuel Roberts respectively. The evening was much en- joyed by the large audience and after the usual votes of thanks to the Chairman and singers, the concert was concluded by tho singing of the National Anthem. The accompanist was Miss Alice Oldfieli (River Rank).

YSCEIFIOG. LATE VESTRY MEETING.—In last week's report of the vestry meeting, through some inadvertence the name of Mr. John Ellis, Penucha'rplwv, was omitted from the list of waywardens elected at the late vestry meeting, to represent the parish of Ysceifiog, on the Holywell Highway Board.

Football Notes and Matches. NORTII WALES V, LIVERPOOL ASSOCIATION. -This return match was played at Bangor on Saturday, and resulted in favor of the home team by five goals to none. The following composed the team for North Wales: Hersee (Llandudno). goal; Newton (Carnarvon Athletic) and Cripps (Rhyl), backs J. F. Williams and H. Jones (Bangor), half-backs D. Williams (Denbigh), Evans (Porrinadoe), J. Vaughan and W. H. Roberts. (Rhyl), H. Lewis (Bangor), and D. Newton (Carnarvon Athletic), forwards Hughes (Bangor), umpire.

Correspondence. [We do not identify ourselves with the opinions expressed by our corresponclents.1 FLINT SANITARY MOVEMENT. To the Editor of the Flintshire Observer." Siiz,-An anonymous letter appeared in your last issue, written in defence of and signed "An Ex- Town Councillor." To a great extent it is really an unmeaning and unintelligible composition. He says that "He, in company with other gentlemen has visited the Alms Houses, and although they have neither back doors nor privies, are in a better sanitary condition than some of Mr. Hall's or other parties houses." So much for the writer, and other gentlemen who have accompanied him to these poor people's dwellings, numbering some 11 or 12. Did they make no enquiry as to the sanitary requirements of these poor people, as they profess so much sympathy for. I ask, where were they to go but to the neighbouring houses. When the affair came before the Health Committee, I sugges- ted, knowing as I did, how these poor people were circumstanced, in their present insanitary state, that when they became vasant they should be closed. Did that imply permanently ? With all our town and sanitary improvements, I am sur- prised that the matter has not been taken up before, surrounded as they are now by some of the best houses and shops, and abutting one of the principal approaches to the town. The writer says: The first of November is looming in the distance, and I suppose Mr. J. Hall, junr., is anxious to set himself right with the poor electors." Does he mean the paupers (who would vote for me if they cculd), or his own party who did their utmost against me the last time, and miserably failed. Returned or not, it will never deter me from advoca- ting what I think would be for the welfare of the town at large, as opportunity presents itself.—Yours truly, J. HALL, JUNR. Flint, April 7th, 1884. •

0 Metals and Mining. THE METAL_MARI-KET: LEAD: „ £ s. d. £ s d. English pig, common 11 7 6—1112 6 11 12 6-11 17 6 W.B 11 17 6-12 2 6 "sheet and bar 12 10 0- pipe 12 17 6— red 1.. 15 10 0- white 16 10 0-19 0 0 patent shot 14 15 0 Spanish n 0 0— SPELTER:— Silesian, ordinary brands. 14 10 0— special brands 11 15 0- English, Swansea 15 2 6— Corpisu:—■ Tough cake and ingot 59 10 0-60 0 0 Best selected. 61 0 0-62 0 0 Sheets and sheathing. 65 0 0-67 0 0 Flatbottoms. 68 0 0—70 0 0 LOCAL LEAD MINES. GREAT HOLWAY.—78 tons 17 cwt. of lead and 38 tons of blende, realizing £ 867 19s. 10. have been sold from this mine, which continues to present the same encouraging features as for some time past, the pitches in the various levels maintaining the value previously reported. GREAT HOLWAY LEAD MINING COMPANY LIMITED. —Mr. Mackeson, Q.C., presided at the annual meeting of this company on Monday, and in moving the adoption of the balance sheets and reports, he remarked :—During the past year, as usual, I spent my long vacation on the mine, and superintended it from day to day from six o'clock in the morning till six o'clock at night; and I did more. The day before I left I went through the whole of the pro- ductive portion of the mine to satisfy myself that Nos. 1 and 2 stopes were giving us 4 tons of lead, besides blende to the fathom.—Colonel Smith, R.E. seconded the motion.—Mr. Walker criticised the accounts, to whom Mr. Bartlett replied, and ultimately the motion was adopted and the retir- ing directors were re-appointed. LEAD ORES SOLD. Mine. T. C. per ton. Purchasers. Van. 30 0 8 2 0 Adam Eyton & Son. Ditto SO 0 8 0 0 Sheldon, Bush & Co. Ditto. 40 0 8 7 0 Weston Son. & Co. Minora 57 0 7 2 0 Panther Lead Co. Ditto 50 0 7 0 0 liuneorn Co. Ditto. 50 0 7 1 0 Quirk, Barton & Co. Tankerville. 10 0 6 11 0 Panther Lead Co. Ditto. 10 0 6 11 0 Quirk, Barton & Co. BLENDE SOLD. Mine. T. C. per ton. Purchaser. Frongoch 100 0 3 2 6 English Clown Co. Ditto 50 0 210 6 Villiers Spelter Co. Van 50 0 24 0 Vivian Ic Sons. Mineni 73 0 I 3 6 i '?."wn Co. and ) v ivian & Sons. Ditto 70 0 4 3 6 j. Crown Zinc Co. and ) Vivian & Sons. Ditto 70 0 3 18 6 Crown Zinc Co. Ditto 65 0 3 IS 6 Ditto. Ditto 87 0 3 13 6 Vivian & Sons. Ditto 73 0 3 12 6 Ditto. Ditto 23 0 314 6 Ditto. Frongoch 100 0 3 0 6 English Crown Co. Cwmystwyth 50 0 3 5 9 J F. Kimmel. Talargoch 150 0 310 9 Pttscoo CTrenfell & Sons. Ditto I5u 0 3 11 0 Villiers Spelter & Co. -+-

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