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

LLANASA. EASTER VESTRY.—At a Vestry meeting held In the Llanasa Schoolroom, on Easter Monday, the Rev. John Parry Morgan, vicar, in the chair, Mr. Profit and Mr. Cartwright were re-elected as Churchwardens for Llanasa, and Mr. Alexander Jones, Maesgwyn, and Mr. Samuel Jones, Gwespyr, were elected sidesmen. For All Saint's Church, Ffynnongroyw, the churchwardens and sidesmen appointed are Capt. Taylor, Tanlan House, Mr. Hardesty, Min-y-don, Mr. Robert Roberts, and Mr. W. Williams. Messrs. Profit and Alexander l Jones were appointed as lay delegates to attend the Diocesan Conference to be held at Mold. GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER CHURCH SERVICES.— Throughout Lent, special services have been held on Wednesday evenings at 7 o'clock, and on Suqday evenings after the ordinary service, a service of intercession" was held, during which the Litany of Penitence was sung. On Good Friday there was morning service in Welsh at 9-30. in English at 10-45., when The story of the Cross,' was sung. At 1'30 p.m., another Welsh service, at 4 an English and Welsh service, more particularly for children, with The story Df the Cross.' At 7 o'clock evening service in Welsh. At the 1'30 and 7 o'clock, addresses upon the last seven words of our Blessed Saviour were given by the Vicar who ministered throughout all the services. The rer. gentleman's earnest addresses were listened to with rapt attentioi liy large congregations. The drapery of the altar had been removed for the day. On Easter Eve there was evening service in Welsh at 7 o'clock with addresses and meditations preparatory to the grtui feast of Eastertide, the Holy Com- munion, which was administered at 8 o'clock, 9.45., and 11*15 a.m., on Easter Sunday to a large number of communicants. The celebrant at all the services was the Vicar. At 7 o'clock evening service in Welsh was held, when the Vicar delivered a powerful and eloquent sermon to a large and attentive congregation upon the great benefits to be derived from the resurrection of our Lord. The 11 .1.-) a .111. English service, and the 7 o'clock evening service in Welsh, were semi-choral. The tioral decorations, although not so profuse as usual, were tastefully and artistically executed by Mrs. Parry Morgan, Mrs. St. John Charlton, Miss CaTver and Miss Willis, Golden Grove, and Miss Parry Morgan and a young lady friend. In the decorations some rare and choice ferns and beauti- ful flowers were kindly lent by Messrs. Owles and Kelly, respectively of Pentreffynnon and Talacre Gardens.

NORTHOP. WE are pleased to hear that a brass band is in- tended to be commenced in connection with the Northop Temperance Society and it is to be hoped that the gentry and friends in the neighbourhood will assist the society in its undertaking. The annual vestry meeting in connection with the Northop Parish Church was held on Monday last, at the Churchyard Sunday Schoolroom, the Venerable Archdeacon Smart, presiding. The wardens' accounts were submitted and adopted. The following gentlemen were re-elected-Mr. J. Scott Bankes, parishioners warden, Mr. James Bateman, vicar's warden, Mr. John Astbury, and Mr. Jonathan Astbury, sidesmen. Mr. Edward Williams, verger, was also appointed sexton, in the place of Mr. Thomas Williams, resigned. A fortnightly meeting of the Church of England Temperance Society was held, under the presidency of Miss Smart, at the Temperance Room, on Tues- day evening last. Hymn sung and prayer offered, the monthly subscriptions were received by the Treasurer, ably assisted by Miss S. E. Jones, Park- gate House, after which a long discussion took place as to the advisability of commencing a band, in connection with the society, more particularly for the Soughton division of the society, the subject was eventually deferred to a general meeting of the members on the 5th May next. The following pro- gramme was then very well gone through :—Song, 'I love the story,' Master Tommy Black well recitation, 'The golden rule,' Miss A. Foulkes; song, 4 A dry something,' Mr. Robt. Blackwell recitation, Tell tale tit,' Miss Frances Jones reading, The temperance giant,' Mr. Joseph Davies; song, 'The rose looking through the window,' Miss M. A. Davies; recitation, "Sober John,' Master Willy Blackwell song, The skipper,' Miss Annie Jones; reading, Sam Spargo,' Miss Kate Williams address, The falsity of bona fide travellers,' The Ven. Archdeacon Smart. Upon the motion of Miss S. E. Jones, Miss Sally Bateman and Mr. Blackwell were unanimously elected to prepare the next entertainment. Hymn and prayer closed the meeting. SCHOOL BOARD.-A meeting of the members of the Northop School Board was held at the Magistrates Room, Northop, on Thursday, when the following members were present:—Mr. Daniel Hughes (vice- chairman of the Board), Mr. Jonathan Astbury, Mr. Thomas Rowlands, Mr. John Wilkinson, Edw. Astbury, clerk, and William Blackwell, School Attendance Officer. Mr. Joseph Morris, the principal of the Custom House Lane Board Schools reported as follows. The average attendance for the past month shows a slight increase on that of last month's. The lowest attendance viz. ;-202, was on the first Monday morning in March, when it was bitterly cold and the highest 250, was on Thursday the 27th February. The average attendance in the mixed department for the above period was 167 that of the Infant department was 59. The number on the Infants roll is 71, and it is weekly increasing, and: the mixed department has 211, on its roll. The present average of the mixed department is in excess of the accommodation. Twenty-three of the scholars who attended most irregularly have been reported to the Attendance Officer. I have avoided reporting those who have not attended regularly in the v. vi. and vii. standards because I consider it useless, as long as the Northop Magistrates show such a strong inclination not to carry out the Education Act of 1876. The teachers, with the exception of Miss Marshall, who was too unwell to attend to her duties on Wednesday last, have been regular, punctual, and attentive to their duties. The School on the whole, is makiug satisfactory progress. But it would be greatly to the benefit of the teachers and the scholars if more regularity could be obtained. Mr. S. J. Reney has put up, in the boys front yard, a very neat urinal. Mr. Edward Astbury, clerk to the Board, visited the schools twice during the month, and Mr. Blackwell Attendance Officer, thrice. The Head Teacher of the Northop Hall Board Schools reported (a) the average attendance at this school for the past month 156 out of 182 remaining on the registers, (b) That the schools were visited during the month by Mr. Jonathan Astbury, member of the Board, Mr. Edw. Astbury, clerk to the Board, and Mr. Blackwell, Attendance Officer. The weekly lists of the school absentees from the head teachers of the several public elementary schools in the district were dealt with from which the school attendance officer ex- tracted some of the worst cases of irregularity viz: — John Edwards, Berthddu, child, Harriet; John Marr, Piercy's Court, Wepre, child, John James James Hughes, near Broad Oak, Wepre, child, Samuel; Thomas Evans, near Custom House Lane Board Schools, child, Thomas; John Duffy, near Custom House Lane Board Schools, child, John William Berry, Primrose Hill, Wepre, ..child, Grace Thomas Hewitt, Piercy's Court, Wepre, child, Benjamin; J. Garner, near Old Yacht, Northop, child, Frederick; Hannah Lewis, Northop, child, Mary Hodgkinson; Mary Chambers, Soughton, child, William. Legal proceedings were ordered against three of the defaulters. The clerk submitted a circular received from the education department informing that Miss Martha Jones, assistant teacher at the Custom House Lane Board Schools has passed a successful examination in the subjects for the second years students and had obtained a place in the third division of the class list. This will entitle her to receive after probation (Act 62) a certificate of the second class. The remainder of the business was of a routine character, and the signing of cheques for salaries closed the meeting.

GRONANT. WESLEYAN MEETING.—The anniversary preaching meeting of the Wesleyans of this village was held on Sunday and Monday last, when the services were conducted aud excellent sermons preached by the Rev. Philip Williams, Llanasa Rev. D. O. Jones, Bethesda; and Rev. Griffith Jones, Bagillt. There were large congregations at the several services.

MOSTYN. ANNUAL TEA MEETING AND CONCERT. — The anniversary concert and tea meeting of the Cyssegr Chapel took place amid great enthusiasm on Good Friday last. Evidently elated by the good cheer previously supplied in the schoolroom, the audience were most enthusiastic in their endeavours to give e every performer ample encouragement in the cheering which no doubt was very gratifying to the recipients. Several young ladies took part in the concert of whom two should be especially mentioned. Miss Ruth Lewis, of Birmingam, by her wonder- ful musical talent and ability charmed every hearer and she was encored again and again. Miss Dora Powell, of Mostyn, was also loudly applauded for her beautiful rendering of the pieces she gave, the one" Ar Ian yr Jorddonen ddofn being beautifully given. Several minor items having been gone through and a vote of thanks being passed to the chairman and those who assisted brought this most successful concert to a close. MARITIME. — Arrivals: Iolantha (ss), from Huelva, via Liverpool, pig lead; Hero (ss), from Bilbao, iron ore; Cumbrian (ss), from Garracha, iron ore; Aston (ss), from Belfast, iron ore John Taylor, from Ballyshannon, pit wood Mary, from [Liverpool; Limerick (ss), from Carthagena, pig lead; Stanhope (ss), from Carthageni, iron ore; Auokland Castle (ss), from Garracha, iron ore America, from Liverpool, manganese Sisters, from Liverpool; Marbella (ss), from Carthagena, pig lead. Departures:—Aston (ss), for Belfast, coal; Sarn;i. f I' C i-vay Odessa, for Bagillt, lead; Sist; ■ t'r Liverpool, pig iron; Florence Louisa, for i'.w.!)', (*o;il lolautha (ss), for Garston: Limerick (ss), for Liverpool; Cumbria (ss), for Cardiff; John Taylor (ss), for Barrow, coal; Auckland Caatle (es), for Newport Hero (ss), for Bayon, coal and iron Aston (ss), for Swansea, zino oxide. TEMPERANCE MEETING.—An interesting meeting took place on Monday evening, in Lady Augusta Mostyn's School-room, when Mr. Enoch Lewis was voted to the chair, in the absence, through illness, of Mr. Herbert Lewis, M.A. The meeting was opened with the singing of the 100th psalm, and the chairman made a short suitable address, in the course of which he stated that it was his pleasure to do what be could for all good works, and he sympathised with the promoters of that meeting to encourage tho worthy cause of temperance. The following were successful in taking prizer- Mr. Robert Parry, Ffynonfab. Holywell, took the first prize for the e-say upon "Temperance. John Parry, Halendy, Mostyn. and Greenfield, each received a Iprize or Mr' which were given by Lady Auguss a » 7 • Robert Price of Bagillt., and Mr. J. E. Jones, of Mostyn, were equal in merit for their essays> upon Humility Zeraiah Jones and John \V llliams, Ffynnongroew, answered correctly questions taken from the three first chapters in the book of Daniel. Thomas Williams, Ffynnongroew, and Robert Gwilym Morris, Bryn Bethel, took the prizes for answering from memory questions from 16 Rhodd Mam." Mr. Anwyl, Chester, was awarded the prize for poems to the Blue Ribbon and War," and the prize also for the stanza to the Oak," which were likewise given by Lady Augusta Mostyn. Only one choir The Bethel Mostyn Temperance Choir," came forward to sing Fforhasry cwpan." The adjudicator, Mr. Joseph Griffiths, Mostyn, in giving his decision, made some instructive remarks and said the rendering of the piece was very creditable to them for they had sung worthy of the prize. The conductor Mr. Jethro Jones was p invested by Miss Lillie Profit, Gwespyr. Mr. Jethro Jones and party sang a piece from first sight but the adjudicator did not deem them worthy of the prize. The Committee consented it should be given them for trying. Mr. Pierce Davies, Henllan, Mostyn, took the prize for the best hand writing. Miss Bessie Morris, Bryn Bethel, and Thomas Williams, Ffynnongroew, were equal for repeating a piece from memory. Mr. T. E. Jones, Mostyn, took the prize for reading at first sight. Mr. Thomas Evans, Shop, and Mr. J. E. Jones were equal in their speeches upon Jealousy." Zeraiah Jones, Mostyn, read best the six verses in the 23rd chapter of Proverbs. Elizabeth Parry, Tre Mostyn, for knitting a pair of men's stockings took the prize. Miss Hughes, Rhewl, Mostyn, took the prize for marking, Miss Bessie Morris, Miss Elizabeth Roberts, and Miss Sarah Parry received a prize each for their work. The Hon. Essex Mostyn who had kindly adjudicated Tip-r ,.1. knitting and marking gave the prizes. Mi* Lancaster and ]\1, Herbert Lewis subscribed 10s. ea-ch towards the prize fund. The prl70 offered fOJ the pencil sketch of WeT-- House, was r'Ù\¿I b" N rnwn S. Bryn Bethel. Letters from the Sigh Man. Lm-ti. Richard Grosvenor and Lady Augusta Mostyn were ,<- read at the meeting, and a general vote of thanks and a hearty chee: were given the Honourable Member and Lady Augusta Mostyn for their handsome subscription and kind patronage to encourage the object of the meeting. Votes of thanks were also accorded to the Honorable Essex Mostyn and Mrs. Lancaster, &c., the Chairman and adjudicators, and the accompanist (Miss Profit), and it was also proposed. to hold a similar meeting next year. Mr. Hugh Hughes, Llanerchymor, was elected chairman to assist a committee to draw out a programme for that meeting.

DEATH OF MR. PIERCE LLOYD. We have this week to record the death of an old and respected tradesman of Holywell, Mr. Pierce Lloyd, painter &c. Mr. Lloyd came to Holywell in the year 1838, and succeeded to the business then carried on by the late Mr. William Foulkes, so that for the past 46 years Mr. Lloyd acted well his part as an industrious and honest tradesmen of the town. His native place was Brynllit'irig, ne ir St. Asaph. He was much esteemed b" 'V v> knew him, and was a consistent ni .iibci''u' the Wesleyan body. For some time previvu- to his death Mr. Lloyd had retired fr <m a:, iw participation in business, which is carried on by his son, Mr. Thomas Lloyd.

BAGILLT. PREACHING MEETING. The annual preaching meeting of the Welsh Independents was held on Sunday and Monday last.. Each service was very well attended and good collections were made. Sermons were delivered by the following:—Rev. E. James, (Nevin), Rev. R. Jones (Portdinorwic), Rev. T. E. James (Flint). VESTRY MEETING. The annual vestry meeting of St. Mary's Church was held on Easter Monday last, the Rev. J. E. Jones (vicar), in the ohair. There was a fair attendance, and Mr. Sept. Howell, of Brynhyfryd. Bagillt, was unanimously re-elected as Vicar's warden, and he was also selected to fill the post of people's warden. The other business transacted was of no importance. A NARROW ESCAPE.-On Wednesday last a child about two years old whose parents named Hughes, reside near the Boot, narrowly esoaped being drowned. It seems that the child was playing in close proximity to a pool of stagnant water, the bed of which was composed of soft mud, when it aocidently fell in, but fortunately the Jittle one's perilous position was discovered and it was got out of the water very little the worse for its adventure. Steps should be taken to prevent such accidents occurring again by having the sides of the pool fenced as a protection for the juveniles of the vicinity who are apt to congregate in such places. SUDDEN DEATH.—On Tuesday last, an inquest was held before W. Davies, Esq. (county coroner), at the Victoria Inn, Walwen, on the body of Daniel Parry, a plasterer by trade, a widower, aged about 58 years, who resided at Walwen, and who died very suddenly on Sunday evening last. The following were sworn on the jury-Messrs. Richard Lloyd Foulkes (foreman), Wm. Foulkes. William Allsop, R. Williams, R. Evans, Samuel Jones, H. Dykins, John Holmes, James Stephenson, John Freeman, Daniel Owens, John Williams, Thomas Bannion and James Evans. After the body had been viewed, Mary Parry, a single woman, and the daughter of the deceased was called and said that on Sunday night last, about quarter to ten, her father was sleeping with his head on the table. He suddenly raised his head up and groaned aloud and witness asked him "what did he want to frighten her in that way." She received no answer, and she saw that he was dead. She lighted a candle and sent for a neighbour, and a Mrs. Parrv came in who also sent for another neighbour.-In answer to the coroner witness said her father died in an upright sitting position on a chair. He was in his usual health on Sunday, and he was not out anywhere with the exception of the garden neither did he complain.—Coroner Where was he on Saturday ?-Witness: At his work.- Coroner: Was he dead before you fetched the doctor?—Witness—Yes.—A Juror: Did deceased complain before laying his head on the table F- Witness: No.-A Juror: Did you send for the doctor as soon as he died?—Witness: Yes.— The Coroner summed up and a verdict of "Death from natural causes" was recorded. TEA PARTY AND CONCERT.—On Good Friday last the annual tea party and concert was held under the auspices of the Wesleyans, at Bethania Chapel. About 400 persons partook of tea which was excellently prepared and the tables were presided over by the following ladies: —Mrs. Jones (Wesley-mount), Mrs. Stealy (Pentre), Mrs. Jane Williams (Frondeg), Mrs. Jane Williams (Boot), Mrs. Parry (Station-road), Mrs. Jones (Brynafon), Mrs. E. Thomas (Pentre Bach), Mrs. Ann Williams (Castle Villa), the Misses Roberts (Boot), Mrs. Hughe s (draper), Mrs. Elizabeth Hughes (Boot), Mrs. Jeanette Jones (Gadlys-lane), Mrs. Margaret Jones (Boot), the Misses Oldfield (Walwen), Mrs. Lucy Jones (Pentre), and Miss Jane Lloyd (Gadlys), who were ably assisted by Mrs. Mary Jones, Mrs. Eleanor Roberts, Mrs. Mary Allsop, Mrs. Margaret Civill, Mrs. C. Parry and Mrs. M. Hughes. The superintendents of the arrange- ments were Mr. R. J. Jones (Brynafon), Mr. Thos. Jones (Downhill), and Mr. Joseph Williams (Fron- deg). As usual the tea, milk, and sugar were given by the teamakers, and the more substantial edibles, such as bun, seed, and plain bread and butter, was gratuitously given by the young men of the congregation. The concert in the evening was very well attended, and was under the presidency of Mr. Samuel Davies (Boot), who was supported by the Rev. Griffith Jones, Rev. R. Hughes, Mr. Edward Jones, Mr. Richard Jones, Mr. H. T. Barker, and others. The artistes, one and all, fully maintained their well-known reputation, and frequent encores were demanded. The accompanist was Miss J. Gratton Thomas, who presided over an excellent instrument specially engaged from Mr. Dale, Music Warehouse, Chester. The following programme was gone through:— Address, President; duett pianoforte Duett in D,' Misses J. G. Thomas and Jane Hughes song, 'The quaker's daughter,' Miss M. L. Price song, The silver Rhine,' Mr. Thomas Bartley; song, 'The little hero,' Mr. E. Lloyd Jones; song, No, sir,' Miss M. E. Barker; duett, Maying,' Miss Price and Mr. Bartley; song, Three maids of Lee,' Miss Jennie Roberts; song, 'Neptune,' Mr. T. Jones quartett, I Good night, good night, beloved,' Misses Barker and Roberts and Messrs. Bartley and Jones; song, Mewn crydyn siglo ar y don,' Mr. T. Jones; song, A bunch of cowslips,' Miss Jennie Roberts; song, 'Sailing,' Mr. E. Lloyd Jones; song, Miss M. E. Barker; song 'The nightingale's trill,' Miss M. L. Price; song, Once again,' Mr. Thomas Bartley; National Anthem. The usual votes of thanks terminated the meeting.

OAERWYS. EASTEB SERVICES.—During every day last week services were held in St. Michael's Church both morning and evening. The service on Sunday morning was full choral. Impressive sermons were preached by the rector each evening. PREACHING MEETING. The annual preaching meeting was held at the Wesleyan Chapel on an(* Friday last, when the ministers officiating were the Revs. Ishmael Evans, Rhyl, and ward Jones, Llandudno. There were large con- gregations, and the services were much appreciated. • ^IR' Notices have been issued that the Caerwys havo^boe^remlfvecf The™0"^ u held on Tuesday, the ™9thLf I • Mo&?a^°a"0n, DeDblgh' ACCIDENT.-Mr. Thomas Hilditch, of Pen v cefn was returning home with his donkey and cart' when by some means, the donkey took f right and in its course overturned the cart the unfortunate owner being underneath it. Mr. Geo. Matthews of Glan Llyn happened to be passing the scene of the accident and at once extricated Mr. Hilditch from his dangerous position. He was found to be severely hurt, especially about one eye. VESTRY MKETING.-The annual vestry meeting of this parish was held on Monday last, the Rev. E. Jones, rector, in the chair, and there was a large attendance of parishioners. Owing to the death of the late Rector, and the institution of the present Rector, no Easter-vestrv meeting was held last year Mr. n: W. Thorn, of Water-street, and Mr. W- Matthews, Lee Cottage, were respectively appointed rector's and parish wardens. The gentlemen were also appointed sidesmen Mr. W. Parry, South-street; Mr. Robert Phillips, Water- street,; Mr. Edward Ellis, South-street, and Mr. William Davies, South-street. A resolution of a former vestry to fell the trees on the charity farm Ty Hir, and use them in the repair of the out- buildings, the dwelling houses having already been put into efficient repairs, was not carried out owing to the meagre attendance at the yestry when the resolution was passed. The matter was again brought up, and this vestry being a full one, the chief ratepayers and parishioners being present, the resolution was again put and carried in a slightly amended form. That the timber be felled and sold, the proceeds being used for the proper repairs necessary. This as well as all the Vestry business was carried without a dissentient voice, and the thanks accorded the church wardens for their past services especially to Mr. Matthews for his pains- taking efforts in the distribution of the charity was emphatic and enthusiastic. Mr. Matthews in the course of the vestry said he had desired to with- draw, having heard a rumour that the rector would prefer some one else to fill his place, to which the rector instantly replied that it being the first he had heard of it, he would be glad if the parish elected an- other and he would appoint Mr. Matthews as his own Warden. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Pickstono for his services as Rector's warden during the past year, and the vestry terminated with the usual votes of thanks to the rector.

FLINT. EASTER MONDAY.—The shops and places of business were closed on Easter Monday. The day was cold and threatening nevertheless large numbers left for Rhyl, Chester, and other places in the neighbourhood. EASTER VESTRY.—The usual vestry meeting was held in the National Schools on Monday afternoon, the Rector presided. Messrs. J. W. M. Evans and Robert Jones were re-appointed churchwardens, and Messrs. J. G. Bevan and Robert Williams were elected sidesmen. The vestry was afterwards adjourned for a fortnight, when the church accounts will be produced. MARRIAGB OF MR. T. FRYER EVANS. The nuptials of Mr. T. Fryer Evans, chemist, and Miss Mary Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Mrs. Bibby Jones, Tythcbarn-placc, and niece of Mr. Peter Bibby, were celebrated at the Parish Church on Monday morning, the Rector officiating. The breakfast took place at the residence of the bride's mother. The newly wedded pair left for London shortly afterwards where the honeymoon will be spent. An untoward event took place during the evening service at the Parish Church, on Sunday evening. The congregation were singing the hymn before the sermon; a noise as if something had fallen on the floor in the direction of the organ. The tones of which were noticed to be gradually getting weaker until at last it stopped altogether when half-way through the last verse of the hymn. On inqniring into the matter of the strange conduct of the instru- ment in refusing to perform its usual functions, it was found that the connection between the blowing handle, and the bellows had broken. There was consequently no hymn or voluntary at the conclusion of the service. GOOD FRIDAY.—On Good Friday the annual tea party in connexion with the English Wesleyan Chapel Sunday School took place. About two o'clock the children were marshalled by their teachers formed in procession, which, headed by their banner, paraded the principal streets of the town, after which the children were regaled to a plentiful supply of tea, bunloaf, &c., in the school- room attached to the chapel. A large number of the puclic also partook of the tea. In the evening a public meeting of a miscellaneous character took place in the same place. The chapel choir efficiently rendered several songs, glees, &c., and a very pleasant evening was spent.—At the Welsh Con- gregational Chapel a preaching meeting was held, the three services were remarkably well attended there being no service at any other dissenting places of worship in the town during the day. The preachers were the Revs. D. Rees, Capel Mawr, Anglesea, and T. James, Nevin. At the parish Church there was morning service and in the after- noon at 3 o'clock the Litany was read in English and short addresses on the last seven sayings of our Lord were delivered by the Rector. Service was again held in the evening as was Welsh service at the Cemetery.

GREENFIELD. MOUNT GILEAD CHAPEL.—On Saturday evening last, a very interesting and instructive lecture was delivered by the Rev. David Young (chairman of the South Wales District), the subject being, Imaginations, good and bad." The rev. gentle- man treated his subject in a very eloquent and popular manner which called forth frequent applause from the audience. The meeting was presided over by the Rev. Evan Evans. The promoters of the pleasant evening entertain- ments which have been so successfully given during the winter months in the Alpha Chapel, have decided to bring them to a close by a grand concert to be held on Wednesday, 23rd inst., under the presidency of J. T. Eachus Esq., Holywell. It is understood that the Greenfield String Band, and several Mostyn, Greenfield, Holywell, and Bagillt amateurs will take part. The proceeds will be devoted to augment the Sunday School fund.

TALARGOCH. DISMANTLING AND FLOODING OF THE OLD MINES. APPREHENDED DISTURBANCES IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. The long continued depression in the metal industries has been felt with considerable keenness in Flintshire, and perhaps in no district have the bad times been more trying than at Talargoch and the surrounding villages, a large number of the population of Meliden, Dyserth. Gwaenyscor & a few from the adjoining villages of Newmarket and Pres- tatyn depending for the maintenance of themselves and their families on their daily labour at Talargoch —the most ancient and largest lead and blende mines in the county, and reputed to have been first tyjened and worked in the time of the Romans. When the wave of depression came, the owners of Talar. goch mines were among the first to feel its effects, not that the yield of lead and blende was exhausted but that the shafts and workings had attained such a depth as to entail very considerable expense in getting out the minerals from the mines. This is seen by the fact that when the mines-for there are a series of shafts belonging to Talargoch— were in full Twing, from 350 to 400 men were employed, and the monthly coal bill averaged from zC600 to E700, an important item in the cost sheet, and a serious drawback to the speculators. This expense was necessary for unwatering the works, the powerful engines when in full operation pumping out between 2,400 and 2,500 tons of water per minute. This expenditure, serious as it was, did not deter the limited company which was formed some eight years ago, and of which Mr. A. O. Walker was chairman, from prosecuting the work, but at that time lead ore was selling at from X,8 to 910 per ton more than it does at present, and blende, of which a great quantity is being raised at Talargoch, brought about 30s. a ton more than its presen& market value. The depression in the metal trade brought reverses to Talargoch. and eventually the mine went into the market, an ominous paragraph in the notice of sale being that if the mines were not sold as a going concern, they would be lotted for a break-up sale. The property fell to the lot of Mr. Darbyshire, of Hawarden, and Mr. Hughes, of Chester, and so far back as the month of October last year, the miners of the district made a determined stand against the removal of the machinery from the works, the prevailing impression in the district being that once the engines were removed, the mines would be abandoned and the bread winners employed at Talargoch thrown out of employment. A feeling of the greatest uneasiness and apparent distrust in the future was then manifested, and some slight disturbances taking place, it was considered necessary for the protection of the property to have a body of police on the ground, and also to hold military in readiness at Chester Castle for any emergency which may arise. The prompt action taken in the matter, quelled any general uprising, and gradually matters settled down, the proprietors having prom- ised to carry on the mine so long as it paid. Fortune, however, has not since favored the under- taking, for during the six months which have inter- vened between then and the present, the price of blende has fallen to the extent of 22s. per ton, and Talargoch mines were carried on at a monthly loss of a considerable sum to the owners. This position of matters was brought to a head on the 25th of Feb. last, when Messrs. Hughes and Darbyshire had a consultation with the men on the works, as to the position of affairs, and informed them that they could not continue to work the mines from the deepest parts at such a loss, but that they were willing to continue work in the shallower levels provided that the miners would assist them in getting up the machinery and rails from the lower levels, so as to prevent the loss which would be entailed if they were allowed to remain under water when the pumping operations ceased. The old feeling appeared to be again aroused that once the large engines stopped the death knell of lead mining at Talargoch would be rung, and the feeling, truth to say, was felt by others than those who had for long years been accustomed to earn their wage in these mines. The men, numbering at the time between 150 and 200, appeared to dispute the fact that the mines were swallowing instead of producing money for the owners, and they desired an inspection of the books to ascertain the fact on their own behalf. This request was granted them, and on their part they deputed Edward Hughes, of Gwaenyscor, and Edward Williams, of Meliden, to make the investigation for them. Meanwhile, the feeling of anxiety for the future was growing intense, particularly amongst the female portion of the population, and whatever opinions may be entertained as to the action of the men, there can be no doubt that they carried sympathy with them so far as they legitimately endeavoured to keep the mines going. The accounts were submitted by Mr. Hughes to the auditors appointed by the men on the 1st of March last, and after some consideration he was informed that the men regarded the dis- mantling of the mines as a most serious matter to themselves, their families, and the whole neigh- bourhood, and they asked that a fortnight should be given them before they returned an answer to the question as to whether they would give their assistance in removing the machinery from the lower levels. The owners, however, represented that so long as the mine was kept working it was at a loss to them of L50 a week, and Mr. Hughes effected a compromise with the men, by a week being allowed for them to give in their decision. The matter was seriously discussed in almost every household in the district, and on the 8th of March, Mr. Darbyshire attended at Talargoch to receive the all-important reply, and it was delivered by the men themselves, who firmly expressed their determination not to assist in getting up the machinery. The negotiations, which had been carried on in a conciliatory spirit, did not, however, end there, for on the following Monday Captain Lean, the manager of the mines, and Mr. William Evans, the under-ground agent, again met the men, and expressed a wish that they should assist in drawing out the machinery. The reply to this last appeal was adjourned to the following morning, when the men met on the works in a body at seven o'clock, and after some two or three hours' delibera- tion they re-affirmed their previous decision to have neither part nor lot in bringing the machinery to the surface. The determined stand taken bv the men—a stand it should be understood not prompted out of direct hostility to the owners, but out of what they conceived to be self-protection led to orders being given that all pumping operations should be suspended—an order which, although it reduced the expenditure by about £ 300 a month in the cost of coal alone, involved the flooding of the lower levels of the mines, and the consequent loss of the valuable machinery and apparatus which would be submerged as the water rose. Since that time the mining work has only been kept going in the shallow levels, and about 130 hands are now employed, principally in the Coetia Llys section. The pumping engines—the most powerful used in this part of the country-have been idle since the 11th of March, and as the water rises at the rate of a yard in every 24 hours, the underground machinery and trams are, it may be said, lost, for the cost of pumping out the accumulated water would not be met by the recovery of the drowned property. There is at present a depth of 200 yards of water in the Mostyn shaft; in the 80-engine' shaft 85 yards of water, and in the Clive shaft 100 yards of water. This accumulation is, naturally hourly increasing, and will do so until it reaches to within 45 yards of the surface, when it will find means of escape by the day level. The number of men employed at Talargoch has gradually decreased as the depression in the metal trade continued, and a large number h ave left the neighbourhood in search of work at other places. The Mersey Tunnel from Birken- head to Liverpool has provided work for n t a few of the old Talargoch hands others have found em- ployment at the railway extcntion works at Deganwy, and not a few have exchanged the search for silver ore for working the "black diamond" in Bettisfield and other collieries. Now that the Talargoch mines are under water it may be of in- terest to inquire as <o the probability of their being again pumped out and brought into operation should the price of lead rise to such an extent as to make such ajcourseof procedure financially justifiable. That probabilty, it may be plainly stated, is very gemote. Should the works be rescuscitated— as in the interests of the men and of the whole district it is most devoutly to be hoped they will be-it is probable that more modern appliances will be used, to work the mine at a less cost, and erected on what is known as Walker's shaft, which was sunk to a depth of 256 yards from the surface by the late Limited Company. An important step as regards the mine was taken on Wednesday last, and appre- hensive of any outbreak of feeling in the neigh- bourhood, a large force was at hand to quell any disturbance. Mr. Fletcher, of Buckley, had been engaged with a staff of men, to undertake the dis- mantling of the mines, and they commenced opera- tions in taking down the engine in the 80-inch engine shaft. By the train arriving at Prestatyn at 10.6 a.m., a large body of constables be- longing to the Flintshire, Denbighshire, and Carnarvonshire Police Forces, reached the village, and under the command of Superintendent Hughes (Holywell), accompanied by Superintendent Bolton, deputy chief constable for Flintshire, they marched to Meliden, where they were met by Mr. T. G. Dixon, and Major Conwy (county magistrates), Mr. Peter Browne (chief constable for Flintshire), and Mr. Oliver George (of the firm of Messrs. Sisson and George, Rhyl, clerks to the justices for the petty sessional division of Prestatyn). It was de- cided in view of the excited state of the district, to close the publichouses in the villages of Dyserth, Meliden and Prestatyn, and the order will continue in force until Monday next. The workmen engaged proceeded with their work of taking down the engine at the 80 engine shaft, and met with no opposition, although in anticipation of any outbreak of feeling military were held in readiness in Chester should anything of a serious nature occur. Small crowds of urchins congregated on the mines to witness the operations, the importance of which they evidently failed to comprehend, and they wiled away the time in singing snatches of the song "We don't want to fight," and in scaling the precipitous cliff opposite this portion of the mine. During the time the workmen are engaged in taking down the engines, they will be accommodated in the office on the works, being strongly guarded, and the main body of the police are billeted at the Miner's Arms and Red Lion Inn, In the village of Meliden. TALARGOCH, THURSDAY. Although Wednesday passed off without any tokens of disturbance, or the offer of the slightest molestation to the workmen who have been brought over to take down the machinery at the mines, some apprehension was felt lest the pent-up feeling of the district should find vent on Wednesday evening, and that under cover of night an assembly may take place which might lead to mischievous results. As the evening drew on a number of youths, several of whom had evidently come some distance in anticipation of witnessing a disturbance, congrega- ted in the neighbourhood of the mine, where they were also joined by a few men, but the restraining influence of the large force at hand, prevented any- thing in the shape of a scene taking place. The youths loitered about the property for some time, and afterwards walked in gangs through the adjoining village of Meliden, singing snatches of popular songs, leading the on-looker to suppose that the snug mining village had become involved in the excitement of an electioneering contest, rather than that it mourned a practical stoppage of works which had been the mainstay of the district for generations. The police arrangements (of which too high words of praise cannot be spoken) were such as enabled the large force to be available at a moment's warning, yet the officers did not in any way interfere to check the exuberant spirits of the youths, so long as they amused themselves in the harmless way they adopted. Among the miners of the district the gravity of the occasion is felt, and perhaps more so at Meliden and Gwaenyscor than in other places where means of employment can be more readily found than in the two villages we have named. At Dyserth (where the population has shared the fortunes of Talargoch for generations), the opening out of the quarries promises to afford work for a large number of hands, but the out-look in the other villages more entirely dependent upon the Talargoch mines is certainly gloomy. It is this fore- boding which has induoed the men to refuse a helping hand in bringing up the machinery from the mine, and also declined offers of work in assisting to take down the engines on land. On Wednesday evening the works were in charge of a considerable number of police officers who were told off for duty throughout the night, but no cause for their services, happily, arose. The men engaged under Mr. Fletcher resumed work this (Thursday) morning shortly after six o'clock at the 80-inch engine, and the immense task they have in hand will in all probability occupy a considerable length of time. The men residing in the district, whether in or out of employment, still determinedly refuse the offer of good wages made to them for assisting in the work of taking down the engines but the offer still remains open to them, and pro- bably they will ultimately accept the inevitable. The workmen were to-day guarded by the police, but so far there have been no signs of anything approaching a disturbance. Some of the old miners at Talargoch, now and then visit the works to witness the progress of the operations, and the taking down of the "old" engine as it is called, to which they mainly looked in their own expressive term, to "kill" the water and keep the working places fiee and accessible. Their attitude is, however, out- wardly far from being menacing; but whether that arises from the presence of an efficient check it is not for us to say. From conversations to-day with some of the men it would appear that they consider that the mine should be put in the market again as a going concern, before such a serious step as the flooding of the works, and the disposal of the machinery was resorted to. It is the general man- ner in which this opinion is shared by the miners which has provoked the sullenness of disposition they have manifested, and which has induced them so doggedly to refuse to give the slightest assistance in the operations which are mow being carried on by the few men who have been brought over for the purpose. We are informed the intention at present is to stack the machinery on the property, and doubtless eventually it will be offered for sale. Up to the time of our going to press the neighbour- hood remained quiet.

MELIDEN. VESTRY MEETING.—A vestry meeting of the parishioners was held on Wednesday evening, Mr. Williams, of Llys, in the chair, when it was resolved to re-appoint Captain Lean as waywarden for the present year.

Correspondence. [We do not identify ourselves with the opinions expressed by our correspondents.1 To the Editor of the" Flintshire 01 server." Sir,We hear on all hands complaints of the constant increase of local taxation in the shape of rates, which fall so heavily on farmers and other occupiers of real property, from most of which the owners of personal property however rich they may be, are left untouched. This unequal incidence of local taxation the Conservatives have long felt to be a great injustice, and some Liberals have at last joined them, and the result was a defeat of the Government on Mr. Pell's motion in the House of Commons. But notwith- standing this defeat, Mr. Gladstone shews little disposition to give effect to it. Ministers will not separate the question of local taxation from that of County Government, and as their Bill to effect this is not to be proceeded with until the Franchise Bill, —the London Corporation Bill,—the Merchant Shipping and other bills are passed—Ratepayers, I fear, will have long to wait for any relief though the Liberal Government if so disposed, might speedily afford them a good deal. The reform of County Government is all very well, but if the ratepayers expect much relief, by giving the power of spending to a County Board, and taking it from the Magistrates, they will be much mistaken. The spending powers of County Magistrates is a very limited one, the bulk of the money passing through their hands must be applied as directed by Acts of Parliament. Formerly I had some experience in this business, and I can say with truth, that I never met with men more careful in:dispensing ratepayers' money, than the Justices of Flintshire. Why, sir, it is no+, many months since they were roundly abused by a dissenting minister at Mold, for endeavouring to obtain from the Lords of the Treasury, the cost caused to the county by the employment of extra policemen to protect the Prime Minister from the nefarious designs of disaffected Irishmen. About the terrible increase of the rates there can be no dispute, and it is continuous, and really becoming a source not only of oppression, but of danger. As far as I can gather from published reports the amount raised bv local rates in 1803 was £ 5,348,000; in 181.5, £ 8,164,000: in 184 101,000; in 1870, £ 17,406,000 in 1880, £ 25,927,000; thus in the 30 years immediately preceding 1870 the rates more than doubled, and in the last ten years 49 per cent. I am informed that in some parts of the country farmers have to pay for rates 2s. 6d. in the pound, where formerly little more than sixpence sufficed. In your paper a fortnight ago you tell us that while two gentlemen well-known in Flintshire, Mr. Raikes and Mr. Whitley voted for Mr. Pell's motion, the following voted against it, Sir R. A. Cunliffe, Lord Richard Grosvenor, Messrs. M. Llovd, G. O. Morgan, and John Roberts. I ask the ratepayers of the County of Flint, and the Flintshire Boroughs, are you prepared still to give your votes to men who care so little for your interests, in comparison with keeping in power a radical ministry.—Yours truly, A FLINTSHIRE RATEPAYER. April 16th, 1884.

Births. 7th inst., the wife of Mr. Joseph Jones, 85, Brook road, Bootle, of a daughter. 7th inst., at Llys Arfon, n vi, the wife of Mr. Thomas Hughes, of a daughter. 8th inst., the wife of Mr. T. R. Jones, Vale street, Denbigh, of a daughter. llth inst., at Mold, the wife of Mr. Fred Gillett, statiomnaster, of a daughter. 11th inst., at James' Place, Holway, Holywell, the wife of Mr. Moses Foulkes, of a son. 11th inst., the wife of Mr. Thomas Jones, Eagle and Child Inn, Holywell, of a son. 14th inst., the wife of Mr. William Phillips, Fron Cottage, Holywell, of a daughter. Marriages. 9th inst., at Capel Mawr, Denbigh, by Mr. Gee (uncle of the bride), Mr. W. R. Evans, Jbrother o the bridegroom), and Mr. Harrison Jones, r. E. D. Evans, M.R.C.S., of 27, Regent-street, Wrexham, to Nellie, second daughter ot tne iax. Mr. Hughes, Plas Chambres Denbigh. 12th inst., at the Register Office, .^t t Thomu, Griffiths, Marsh Cottages, Bagdlt, to Miss Margaret Hughes WalHo]Vtt.(.]] ])V the 14th inst at Rehoboth 01^^ Rev. John Pugh, B A Mis. ^larv Jones Calcot ucha, near £ ri,h Churt-h, by Re>, Rowland Ellis, vicar, Mr. William Evans, Fox and Hounds Inn, Caerwys, to Sarah, eldest daughter of the late Mr. John Price. Coed-y-Cra, Northop. 14th inst., at the Parish Church, Flint, by the Rev. W- LI. Nicholas, Thns. Fryer Evans, chemist, to Mniy Elizabeth Bibby Jones, both of Flint. Deaths. :!J ]1 lilt., at tin, Whiti ti< Id Lane, Kirl- lale, Live.p >ol, S v, the wife (If Mr. Thomas Bow.'ii, and youngest daughter of the late C apt- Smith, Royal Flint. Rifle Corps. 10th inst., Ernest Car: wright, youngest son o Mr. E. 0. Jones, 182, Ilauley road, Bootle, in ins sixth Year. 15th inst., at Bank Place, High-streer, Holy-well, Mr. Pierce Lloyd, ged 69 years.

Brynford having the money, provided he knew of them.-Mr. Hughes said it should be made known that the churchwardens were prepared to give the money to poor boys in other places besides Holy- well-in fact in any part of the parish. A discus- sion followed as to whether a recipient of the charity a couple of years ago was deserving,-The accounts of various other charities were discussed. On the suggestion of Mr. Hughes the name of the David Pennant Charity was altered to the Middleton Charity," a gentleman of the latter name having made the bequest. With respect to the Grammar School Charity," it was stated that the bequest now produced £4 16s. Od. a year interest, whereas S3 was the sum formerly received. The general summary showed a balance in hand on the charity accounts of X86 7s. 6d., but Mr. Hughes pointed out that the bank book showed a balance of 9s. above that amount. On the motion of Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Carman, the vestry was adjourned in order that the discrepancy might be set right.