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

MOLD. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WALES, ABERYSTWYTH.— Mr. Brereton, of Mold, has presented to the college a large and fine oil painting of Howel Dda Codifying the Laws of his Country, A.D., 984." This is not the first valuable gift sent by Mr. Brereton. DISTRICT U.io-The quarterly meeting of the Flintshire Congregational District Union was held on Wednesday, at Mold. The Rev. Owen Thomas, M.A., Holywell, who was elected chairman of the district at the last meeting in Rhyl, delivered an address on Belief and conduct." SUDDEN DEATH.—A sudden death took place on Wednesday evening at the shop of Mr. W. P. Jones, ironmonger. An old man named Thomas Warten, who has been in the service of Mr. Jones and his father for upwards of forty years, had just returned from his tea, and gone into the workshop at the back of the front shop, where he had put up his coat on the nail preparatory to beginning his work. Immediately afterwards the men employed by Mr. James, the saddler, heard him groaning, and on going in found him lying with his face down- wards on the ground. He was raised up and medical assistance wa? sent for at once. The old man expired soon after the arrival of Dr. Williams, the cause of death being fatty degeneration of the heart. A FLINTSHIRE WORTHY.—Many of our readers will thank us for drawing their attention to the May number of the Penny Congregational Magazine, published by Mr. W. Mack, London, and of which we believe the Rev. D. B. Hooke, of Rhyl, is one of the editors. Among the contents is an interest- ing sketch of an old Welsh preacher, David Davies, from the pen of the Rev. Dr. Rees. It appears that Mr. Davies went in 1809, when he was quite a young man on a n reaching tour in "^Trr-th. Wales. Among the places he visited was Buckley, near Mold, where he preached with evident acceptance. After awhile he, says Dr. Rees-" became a clerk to Mr. Jonathan Catherall, Buckley, one of the pioneer Nonconformists of Flintshire. Aided by his master, he made an application for a license to preach. A special bench of clergymen was whipped up to examine the young Dissenter who wanted to "expound the Gospel." They thought of over- whelming him with legal perplexities; but Mr. Catherall had wisely engaged oue of the cleverest lawyers in the district to 11 plead the case. After some clerical high talk, this gentleman unexpectedly rose and said he had always a profound respect for the opinions of reverend gentlemen of the bench on matters connected with horse-racing and the like; but he thought theology was scarcely in their line. There was a sudden collapse, and the license was granted forthwith." Shortly afterwards Mr. Davies became pastor of the church at Rhesycae, near Mold, where the Rev. H. V. Jones, at present labours. Subsequently he removed to Cardigan- shire, where he laboured until 1867. It need hardly be said that Dr. Rees tells the story of his life in a racy manner. It is a rather curious coincident that the same number of the magazine contains an "Arabian Nights' Legend" from the pen of the Rev. H. Elvet Lewis, the late minister at Buckley. MARRIAGE OF DR. EDWARDS AND MISS BELLIS. On Thursday morning last, a marriage was solemnised at the English Wesleyan Chapel, Wrex- ham-street, between Dr. D. Edwards, son of the Rev. Roger Edwards, Calvinistic Methodist minis- ter, and Miss Emily Bellis, daughter of Mr. Geo. Bellis, civil engineer, of Brynderwen. The bride and bridegroom and their respective parents are highly and deservedly respected by all classes in the town, and the union between the happy couple was celebrated with every demonstration of res- pect on the part of the townspeople generally, of all classes. Early in the morning flags and banners streamed forth in various parts of the town, and in Wrexham-street and Maesyderwen there was a very profuse display of bunting, nearly every house showing its colours. There were also several large arches, from which floated banners containing such sentiments as the following: Long life, happiness, and prosperity to Dr. and Mrs. Edwards," &c. The chapel, too, was beautifully decorated by friends of the happy pair, and a few minutes before the marriage service commenced it was almost besieged by persons anxious to witness the interesting cere- mony. The building was soon crowded, and a large number of persons were unable to gain admission at all. The bride, who looked exceedingly pretty and becoming in her wedding costume was given away by her father being accompanied to the hymenial altar by the following ladies, who acted as bridesmaids-Miss Weaver, Miss Bessie Jones, Miss Hayes, and Miss Muir. The bridegroom's best man was Dr. W. Davies, of Manchester, and the groomsmen were —The Rev. Professor Edwards, Bala Calvinistic College (brother of the bridegroom) 3Ir. Frank Bellis (brother of the bride), and Mr. A. Ll. Hughes, of Wrexham. The Rev. Roger Edwards, father of the bridegroom and the Rev. Samuel Brown, Wesleyan minister, officiated in the ceremony, and suitable hymns were sung. Included in the congregation were a large number of friends and relations of the newly wedded pair, and nearly all classes in the town were also represented. On emerging from the chapel, Dr. and Mrs. Edwards were greeted with showers of rice from the large crowd assembled outside, and the proverbial, and, let us hope, really happy couple drove away with the best wishes of all who assembled to witness their union. The wedding party were entertained to breakfast, which was served out in excellent style, at the residence of the bride's parents. The wedding cake, which was elegant in every respect, was supplied by Messrs. B. Powell and Co., of Mitcham House. The usual toasts were duly honoured by the guests, the principal one of Long life and happiness to Dr. and Mrs. Edwards" being received with enthu- siasm. In the afternoon Dr. and Mrs. Edwards drove to Chester, en route to Scotland, where they will spend their honeymoon. The wedding presents were very numerous and costly.

BUCKLEY. VESTRY.—On Wednesday evening last the annual vestry meeting in connection with St. Emmanuel Church (Bistre), was held at the National School- room. The Rev. J. M. Evans, vicar, presided. The accounts, which were passed, showed that the receipts for the year were zC43 6s. 62d. and the expenditure £ 41 16s. 3!d. Mr. Edw. Jones, Bistre Farm, was appoin'^d by the vicar as his warden, and Mr. J. W. Garratt elected for the- parishioners. Messrs. Robert Jones, H. R. Pockroft, Edward Ratcliffe, and John Shaw, were elected sidesmen. The following were appointed to attend the Diocesan Conference at Mold :—Messrs. J. W. Garratt, R. Jones, John J. Jones, and James Jones.

-4. RHUDDLAN. DEATH OF THE VICAR. -It is with very great regret that we have to announce the death of the Rev. Thomas Rowland, Vicar of Rhuddlan, the sad event having taken place on Thursday morning last. Mr. Rowland had been in very feeble health for some months past, and gradually losing strength. During the earlier part of last week he became much worse, and the sad event which took place on Thursday morning was anticipated some days previously. The deceased gentleman, who had been appointed Vicar of Rhuddlan about five years ago, was a very efficient and energetic parish priest, and church matters under his ministration were in a very flourishing condition. His departure has thrown the parishioners into great grief, for Mr. Rowland was much loved by them all. Thomas Rowland" is a household word throughout the Principality, aud indeed wherever the Welsh lan- guage is spoken, as the author of the of the Welsh language bearing his name. This is the "text-book" in all colleges where the Welsh language is taught, and is used by the majority of those who make a book-study of the language. Deceased was ordained deacon in 1852, and priest the following yLar. Having been ourate of Rhosy- gwalia, LlansantffraidGlyn Dyfrdwy, and Llanwrst, he was in 1856 appointed Vicar of Pennant Melan- gell, near Oswe>try. In 1878 the Bishop appointed him Vicar of Rhuddlan, as successor to the Rev. T. Wynne Edwards. The living of Rhuddlan is worth X315 nett. The remains of the late Vicar were interred on Monday in Rhuddlan Churchyard, the funeral being very largely attended by clergy, parishioners, and others, the Bishop of St. Asaph, Rev. W. H. AY illiams (Bodelwyddan), Rev. T. Pritchard (Rhyl, and Rev. Canon Jones (Llanrwst) officiating, partly in English and partly in Welsh the church choir also singing several hymns.

ST. ASAPH. COUNTY COURT: FRIDAY. Before Horatio Lloyd, Esq. (judge). EJECTMENT. This was an action brought by Robert Jackson Birchall, against Abel Jones, Wellington-road, Rhyl, to take possession of certain premises situate opposite the Rhyl Winter Gardens. Another action had been pending by defendant against Birchall and Riley respecting the same property. Mr. Davies now appeared for Jones, and the dispute occupied the court for some considerable time. His Honour held that no fraud had been shown in certain trans- actions which had been referred to by Mr. Davies, and an order for ejectment was granted, to become operative within fourteen days. His Honour refused costs. NO LIEN ON AN OLD PROMISSORY NOTE. In the case of Edwin Davies, Trellewelyn, v. John Jones, Britannia Inn, heard at the last Rhyl Court, His Honor now gave judgment. The plaintiff sought to recover £ 10 admitted to be due on a promissory note. For the defence another pro- missory note, given by plaintiff in 1863, was put in as a set-off. This was said not to be barred by the statute of limitations on the ground, as alleged, that Mr. Jones had a lien on it. Mr. W. Davies appeared for Jones and Mr. Edward Roberts for Davies. His Honour now held that a lien must be on a certain definite chattel, and that in the case in question the old promissory note could only be put in as a set-off, and as such it was barred by the statute of limitations. Consequently judgment was entered for plaintiff Davies, with court expenses. AN ACTION TO RECOVER COTTAGE PROPERTY AT ABERGELE. Mr. Robert Bamford Hesketh, who was represented by Mr. Bott, solicitor, Wrexham, sought to recover certain two cottages in. Ohurch- street, Abergele, from Thomas Clifford, whose lease expired on the 29th of September last. The lease had been granted for 99 years by Miss Elizabeth Lloyd, of Gwrych. A claim of J65 for rent due and S 10 for dilapidations was also made. The cottages were required for general improve- ments. Mr. Tomkins, agent to the estate, gave evidence, and in reply to defendant said that a Mr. Edwards had been accustomed to pay ground rent. William Roberts deposed that he rented one of the' cottages for the past four years, and that he paid rent to defendant and other members of his family.— Defendant's plea was that he was not aware the property belonged to Mr. Hesketh. It had been going down from one generation to another in his (defendant's) family, and he thought the property was his.—His Honour held that the lease proved to the contrary.—Upon the question of dilapidation, defendant had nothing to say. Mr. Bott said that nothing would have been said about dilapidations if defendant had given up possession. He was sure his client would not deal with defendant in any illiberal spirit.—Judgment for plamtiff in both actions. THE OLD MAN'S INSURANCE POLICY. David Jones, St. Asaph, agent for the Prudential Insurance Company, claimed £1 from Henry Davies, Rushholme, Manchester, on account of money paid out of pocket to keep defendant's policy. Defendant denied his responsibility, saying that he had never promised to pay up the arrears, and his father, who was old and decrepit, could not pay.—Judgment for defendant. SUING THE WRONG PARTY. Peter Parry, Rhyl, had sued Dr. Hughes, Denbigh, as trustee to Joseph Henry Hughes, a veterinary student, for attendance during his stay at Rhyl. No evidence was given that Dr. Hughes was responsible, and a non-suit was directed.

THE OLD PAUPER'S "EXECUTOR." Margaret Holland, residing in the neighbour- hood of Llandulas, claimed a small amount from Thomas Williams, as the executor of his father-in- law. Defendant denied that he was executor. Besides, his father-in-law was in receipt of parish relief. He had made no will, because he had nothing to leave anybody in it. Claimant caused much laughter in court by persisting to cross- examine defendant in Welsh, and resenting the interference of the interpreter. LIABILITY AS TRUSTEE. Kenneth McEwen claimed X3 Ss. 7d. from John Jones, Britannia Inn, on account of clothes supplied to his two nephews, for whom he was alleged to be responsible. Mr. Jones denied his liability, but His Honour gave judgment for plaintiff.

CLAIM FOR BENT. John Jones, Britannia Inn, claimed from A. W. Merridew, L6 for rent of a blacksmith shop. Defendant denied his responsibility, stating that plaintiff had agreed to accept another tenant, a man named Samson, and His Honour adjourned the action to the next Rhyl court so as to make Samson a defendant. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The annual meeting of this Board was held on Thursday last, the following guardians being present—Messrs. W. M. Clarke (in the chair), T. G. Dixon, J. Roberts (Geinas), Joseph Lloyd, W. Parry, J. D. Jones, T. Sleight, T. Winston, S. Perks, R. Davies, E. Angel, W. Bell, J. Knowles, B. Littler, R. J. Sisson, D. Edwards, J. Hughes, W. Ellis, R. Roberts, H. Parry, T. Morgan, T. Llovd, W. Williams, D. Thomas; clerk-Mr. C. Grimsley. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr. T. G. Dixon Before we go to the general business I must ask you to correct an omission which we made at our last meeting, in not pro- posing a vote of thanks to the chairman and vice- chairmen for the excellent work they had performed. I beg to propose that the thanks of the meeting be given to Mr. Pennant, Mr. W. M. Clark, and Mr. E. Morgan.—Mr. Dixon I beg again to propose Mr. Pennant as our chairman for the present year of the Board. He has attended here very regularly, and you will all agree that he has been a very good chairman.—Mr. Sleight: I have great pleasure in seconding.—The motion was unanimously carried. —Mr. Sleight proposed Mr. Clarke as senior vice- man, Mr. E. Angel seconded, and it was agreed to. —Mr. Clarke was deeply obliged to them for the great confidence they had reposed in him for many years past, and said he would use his best endeavours to retain the same.—Mr. J. Roberts proposed Mr. E. Morgan as second vice-chairman. Up to his present illness he had been a good attendant, and was a very good guardian.—Mr. Winston seconded and it was agreed to. THE SANITARY BOARD. The Chairman said it was for the Board now to decide whether they would all unite as a sanitary board, or appoint a number of gentlemen to act as heretofore.—Mr. Dixon said the committee had worked very well up to now, and he did not see why they should not continue in the same way. He proposed that this be so.—Mr. Bell seconded, and said it would be rather cumbersome to do the work with the whole Board.—Mr. J. Lloyd said as it was the wish of several gentlemen sitting near him, he would propose that the sanitary business be discussed by the whole Board. It was thought that the rate-payers of Llansannan and other places were not sufficiently represented on the committee. He simply made this amendment so as to ascertain the feeling of the meeting.-The Clerk said the business could not be conducted by the whole Board, because the guardians from Denbigh, the urban parish of Rhuddlan, &o., would not be allowed to vote.—The Chairman said it seemed to him that the business could best be done by a suitable committee.—Mr. Hugh Parry seconded the amendment, which was carried by a large majority. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. The Assessment Committee waf; next- &"oirAed. —Mr. R. J. Sisson (the chairman of thecommittee) said as he was chairman of the Rhyl Waterworks Co., he often felt a delicacy as to fixing the rateable value of property-not that he was afraid to give his opinion candidly and straightforwardiy-but Caesar's wife should be above suspicion. He thought all his friends around him believed that he would not lend himself to anything that was not right- (hear, hear)-but there were outsiders who might think that it was to the interest of himself and others to keep up the rateable value of property. Before he could consent to allow his name to con- tinue on the list of the committee, he should like to have it put to the board to decide whether he was a fit and proper person to fulfil the duties, and if the board believed he was he would continue to hold office but if anyone present thought that under the circumstances he ought to retire he should be most happy to do so. Mr. Angel: Being on this im- portant committee, I, for one, should be sorry to lose Mr. Sisson from our meetings as chairman. I never saw a more unbiassed gentleman at this Board during the whole time I have sat here, and I assure you, during the time he has been our chairman, he has not shown any bias towards anything in any shape or form, and I beg to propose that Mr. Sisson remain a member.—Mr. J. Lloyd thought Mr. Sisson made a very wise remark in saying he was chairman of the Rhyl Waterworks Company, as there had been a great deal of writing in the papers in regard to this company. It was at Mr. Sisson's own risk if he took the office, and if he was prepared to face what was said, he did not see why he should not be a member.—Mr. Sisson: I do not care a straw about the outside world so long as those present have confidence in me.—It was unanimously agreed that Mr. Sisson should continue to serve on the committee.—The School Attendance Committee was next appointed, the following names being added :-Mr. E. D. W. Brouôhton, Mr. T. Sleight, Mr. Hugh Parry, Mr. B. Littler, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Thomas Parry.—The following new members were placed on the finance, contract, and vaccination committee:—Mr. W. Ellis, Mr. D. Edwards, Mr. J. Kendal, and Mr. B. Littler.—The visiting lunacy committee were re-appointed.

0 TALARGOOH. TERRIBLE ACCIDENT AT THE MINE.-On Satur- day afternoon an inquest was opened before Wm. Davies, Esq., coroner for Flintshire, at the Cross Foxes Inn, Prestatyn, on the body of William Humphreys, a widower, 68 years of age, who lived in the village of Prestatyn, and who met with his death in Talargoch Mine, on the previous day. The deceased was going to his work across a trench in the 110 yard level in Coetia Llys section, and had just reached the end of the plank when he was seen to stagger and fall backwards. He -fell a distance of about twelve yards, head foremost down a sump, and although he was immediately rescued, and the services of Dr. Mitchell, of Gronant, promptly called in, he had sustained such injuries that he never regained consciousness, and he died in his own home the same evening. The deceased sustained a frac- ture of several of his ribs, injury to the spine and concussion of the brain. The following gentlemen were sworn on the jury :—Messrs. Edmund Hunt (foreman), John Naylor. John Cleghorn, John L. Evans, John Roberts, Owen Roberts, Edward Roberts, Richard Evans, Robert Jones, Edward Wynne, Wm. Williams, Wm. Dowell, Daniel Davies, Thos. Roberts, John Hunt and Peter Ellis. After the jury had viewed the body, Wm. Hughes, a miner, living at Towyn, Prestatyn, was called. He stated that the deceased and himself were partners, and had been so for the last twelve months. They were going to their work at six o'clock in the morning, he (witness) going first, there being several workmen between him and the deceased, aud he reached the end where they changed clothes before the deceased. The deceased, and two men named John Jones and Robert Hughes, Dyserth, were following him, and when they were about twenty yards from him he heard the men calling out. He went there and John Jones told him that deceased had fallen from the level into the sump. As two or three men had got there before him- he asked them why they had not tried to save the man, and he pulled off his jacket and went down the level. There could not have been more than five minutes at the most from the time that the deceased fell to the time that he went down the level after him. The deceased had been caught in a ledge in the sump, where the latter was crossed by an iron bar. His head had pased between the rock and the bar, and his legs were up. The iron bar had been placed in the sump to assist the men who had to come up from that part of the work. The deceased had fallen a depth of about twelve yards, and were it not for the ledge in the sump he would have fallen twenty yards. He asked for help as he could not move the deceased himself, and David Thomas and Pierce went to his assistance, and they hauled deceased up the sump. They carried him along the level to the shaft, and then brought him on land, and during the whole time there appeared to be no more life in him than in an empty sack. His face was scratched, but there was very little blood about him.—The Coroner then issued his certificate for the burial of the deceased, and adjourned the inquest to Monday for the attendance of the Govern- ment Inspector. On Monday the adjourned inquest was held, but as Dr. Foster, the Govern- ment Inspector was unable to be present, a further adjournment took place. The remains of the deceased were on Monday interred in Meliden Churchyard, and a large number of persons attended the funeral. THE DISMANTLING OF THE TALARGOCH Mm.- The work of taking out the pumps in 80-inch engine shaft is still being carried on, under the direction of Mr. Fletcher, of Buckley, and although the miners in the neighbourhood continue to refuse to render the workmen the slightest assistance they have not made any open show of hostility towards them, as they did some months ago, when a number of men who had been sent to take out the machinery were marched by the miners out of the neighbourhood. There are however, evident signs that the mining portion of the papulation in the villages adjacent to Talargoch, view the operations which are now being carried out in no friendly spirit, and regard the taking out of the pumps and the flooding of the lower levels as a practical closing of these old and extensive mines. The men employed in taking out the pumps are still guarded by the police, although the force is considerably reduced, the members of the Carnarvonshire and Denbigh constabulary having left the neighbourhood on Thursday. The quiet and orderly conduct of the neighbourhood also led on Friday to the revocation of the order for the closing of the public houses at Meliden, Dyserth and Prestatyn, notices being sent round to the Eublicans that they were at liberty to re-open their ouses and resume business. On Saturday, some of the men employed by Mr. Fletcher, left for their homes to spend the Sunday and returned to Presta- tyn Station on Monday morning, by the 10.26 train, and they were guarded by the police in going from and returning to Talargooh. Eight additional workmen have now been employed—bringing up the total to twenty-but the work they have undertaken is so large that necessarily a considerable time will elapse before they can complete it. The offer is still kept open to the miners, of good wages, if they will assist in bringing up the materials, and it would appear that whilst some are prepared to engage in the work the majority are determined to take no part in carrying out the deoision of the owners to take out the valuable machinery. Various conferences of the men have been held to discuss this subject, and on each occasion those adverse to ren- dering the slightest assistance in taking down the machinery have carried their point. A meeting of the miners was held on Monday, and again on Tuesday, about seventy of their number met at six o'clock in the morning to consider whether they should accept the offer of employment held out to them. That divided counsels existed at the meet- ing was evident from the fact that the conference lasted about two hours. Although a number of men were prepared to accept the offer, the majority adhered to their previous determination not to assist in the work of dismantling the mine. Several miners of the neighbourhood abstained from at- tending the meeting altogether. Mr. Fletcher's workmen are still lodged in the office on the works, and the police, in charge of Mr. Superintendent Hughes, of Holywell, are quartered in the village of Meliden. An unpleasant incident took place on Thursday night, but perhaps in the absence of direct proof it would be wrong to connect it with the present excited feeling of the district. A shed erected by Captain Lean on some glebe land, about one mile away from his house, was wantonly set on fire and destroyed, the damage done amounting to between E7 and t8.

LLANABA. COXWG-or-AGn.-Mr. Fritz Jackson, son-and- heir of T. H. Jackson, Esq., of Gym Castle, attains his majority to-morrow, and the event will be duly celebrated at the Manor House, Birkenhead.

LLAJSTPERRBS. ABERDUNA Mnin.-We regret to announce the stoppage of this mine, which has been worked almost uninterruptedly for the last 13 years. EASTER VESTRY.—The above annual vestry was held on the 17th inst., when Colonel Cooke, of Cloomendy, was appointed reotor's churchwarden, and Mr. Robert Edwards, Pentre Cerrig, re- appointed as the parishioners' churchwarden; Messrs. Cordiner and Peter Goodwin being elected sidesmen. The church accounts were produced and passed, the offertory during the past year showing a marked increase. It is contemplated having the church restored in course of the current year, and we trust that the exertions of the ener- getic rector (the Rev. H. W. Jones) will be crowned with complete success.

PRESTATYN. PETTY SESSIONS MONDAY.—Before T. G. Dixon, Esq., and W. P. Jones, Esq. A CHILD WHO WAS CHRISTENED BEFORE HE WAS BORN. William Williams, of Tanlan, was summoned by Mr. P. Smith Jones, attendance officer of the Holy- well Union, with neglecting to send his son Peter to school, the boy having only made five out of a possible 116 attendances. The case was adjourned f rum the last court in order that proof should be given as to the age of the child. The defendant's wife appeared and stated that the boy was born on the 6th of December 1870, and she produced a certificate signed by the Vicar of Llanasa, showing that the child was baptised on the 31st December, 1870. The Attendance Officer however produced a certificate from the Superintendent Registrar of the district, showing that the child was born on the 16th January, 1871. The Chairman said it was evident that some mistake existed for it was not possible that the child could have been christened before it was born. But even accepting the baptismal certificate the child was not yet 14 years of age, and as he had not passed the fourth standard, he would have to be sent to school until he had attained that age. An attendance order was made. ALLEGED POACHING AT BERTHENGAM. William Price, of Berthengam, was brought up on warrant charged with an infringement of the provisions of the Poaching Prevention Act. Police- opnstable McWalters (26), said that in the morning of the 3rd November, 1882, he saw the defendant on land near Berthengam, in the holding of Edward Hughes. It was just then daylight, and the defendant was walking along the fence, and was carrying a gun as if he was on the look out for a shot. He was not far from the defendant at the time, and as soon as he saw him the (officer) he jumped over the hedge into another field He afterwards went into Thomas Lean's house, and subsequently he got the defendant on the highway and searched him, and found that the gun he had in his possession was loaded. Defendant resisted violently before he gave up the gun, and also kicked him. Defendant was summoned but he absconded to Durham, and he was only now arrested on warrant on his return to his native place.—Cross-examined by Mr. Wm. Davies, who defended, the officer said he first saw the defendant on the field about seven o'clock in the morning. He (theofficerj had been there over-night watching, but not specially for the defendant. The other field into which the defendant went was a small croft belonging to Thomas Lean, and it was into his house that the defendant went. He did not take the gun from him, nor endeavour to take it from him in the house. He demanded of Lean to turn the defendant out, but he did not ask whether he had a loaded gun on him or not. He got the defendant on a highway leading from Berthengam to Holywell, before he searched him. It was not an u I occupation road, but was used as a public highway. He made the defendant go into the road for the purpose of searching him, because he did not know what illegal things he may have upon him.—Mr. Wm. Davies, in defence, contended that from the evidence of the police officer there was no case for him to answer. If the man was on the land for an illegal purpose, he could have been summoned for trespass, but the manner in which the defendant had been enticed on to the road for the purpose of having him searched and the gun taken from him, was not in accordance with either the spirit or the letter of the Act. He submitted that the man had a perfect right to be on the land and all he did was simply to cross a patch of land in order to get on the land where he had a right to be.—The Officer said that the defendant was on Lord Mostyn's land.—Thomas Phillips, of Berth. engam, said that he saw the defendant and the policeman on the morning of the 3rd Nov. 1882. Thev were on Lean's property, and about thirty yards from the house. McWalters was trying to get the gun from Price, as far as he could judge.—The Chairman You say that he was trying to take the gun away from him as far as you could judge," what do you mean by that ? Witness: They were scuffling but I cannot say who got the gun in the end. There was no footpath through the field.- The Officer: Did you see Price taking up the gun and trying to hit me with it ? Witness No.—The Officer said I did not try to take the gun from him on the land, but I did take hold of it when he attempted to strike me.—Replying to Mr. Davies, the officer said he did take hold of the defendant when he was on the land, in order to defend himself. When he ran after defendant, he turned round got up the gun and said What do you want you He took hold of him and told him that he must go with him to the road.—The Chairman said the officer had just gone a little beyond the powers he had in such a case and for that reason the defendant could leave the court, bat he had not the slightest doubt that the police-constable was quite right only that he had exceeded his powers a very little, and there was also no doubt that the defendant knew that or he would not have kept out of the way so long. AFFILIATION CASES. On the application of Harriet Ellis, of Gwaenyscor, an order was made for the payment of 3s. weekly for the maintenance of her illegitimate child against Joseph Parry, now of Birkenhead. Mr. C. W. Bell appeared for the applicant, (who had previously given birth to two illegitimate children), and Mr. William Davies defended. Jane Wilson also applied for an order against Wm. Profit, of Gronant, Mr. Edward Roberts was for applicant and Mr. W. Davies defended. After a lengthened hearing the applicant received an order for 3s. a week and oosts. Notice of appeal was given.

■ ♦ Correspondence. [We do not identify ourselves with the opinions expressed by our correspondents.1

GAS. To the Editor of the Flintshire Observer." Sm,-In the year 1880, the British Gas Light Company (Limited) obtained Parliamentary powers to supply with gas, the townships of Holywell, Greenfield, Caloot, Brynford, Bagillt fawr, Bagillt feehan, Whelstone and Coleshill fawr, in the parish of Holywell, and the township of Isglan, Bychton and Mostyn, in the parish of Whitford. The prioe of their gas shall not exceed as. 6d. per 1000 cubic feet," and the illuminating power of their gas "equal to 14 sperm oandles." I have received my March quarter gas bill, and find that I am again charged 5s. 6d., the very highest price the Holywell Gas Order permits; but whether I have been supplied with gas of the highest illuminating power—14 sperm candles, I question, for I have had to use a paraffin lamp to assist, and whether the gas supplied is as free from sulphur or other deleterious matter which makes my eyes sore and irritates my nostrils, as required by the gas law, perhaps the Gas Company will inform your readers. Of one thing, I am confident, if the several local authorities were to join together to purchase a set of apparatus to test the gas, and send for a quali- fied man from Chester or Liverpool, to come over occasionally to test the gas. it would well repay the ratepayers and consumers. This Gas Company, in addition to their maximum price, actually charge me rent for the use of their meter, which increases the cost of my gas lid. per 1000 cubic feet, so that the total price to me is 5s. 7,d. In Birmingham, the smallest consumer pays only 2s. Id. per 1000 cubic feet (no meter rent), and the gas is 171 candle power; in Hull, the price is Is. 10d., and the candle power 15.6 candles but at Holywell the price is 5s. 6d., and the candle power only 14, when we get it. Although fuel is cheaper than over known, and all materials used in gas making far cheaper than in 1880, this gas company stick to the highest price the law allows them. If they supplied gas of equal quality as that in Bir- mingham, they should charge us 6s. 8d. per 1000 feet, whereas in Birmingham the smallest shop- keeper has to pay only 2s. Id. and no meter rent. During my walks through Holywell this past winter, I was surprised to see so many shops lighted with paraffin lamps, but now I understand the object-better light at a less cost than gM. It behoves the British Gas Light Company to consider their customers or be prepared for a serious decrease in the number of gas lights. The discovery of petroleum in Russia has already caused a great reduction in the price of paraffin oil-the common people are getting to understand paraffin oil and lamps, add to these the great possibility of electric lighting displacing gas, forjthere is sufttcient water power in the Yellow Factory to drive dynamo machines sufficient to light Holywell and Greenfield streets. We know gas shares are depreciating in value, the British Gas Light Co., may laugh at us in Holywell, but Holywell may be able to smile sooner than the gas company would desire, there is a limit to forbearance. COXBUKSB.

FLINT. Mr. T. Taylor, National Schools, Flint, has been elected member of the executive of the National Union of Elementary Teachers, having secured 3,532 votes. We congratulate Mr. Taylor upon his success. THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS AT THE TOWN HALL. —The Committee, consisting of the Mayor, Alder- man Dyson, and Councillors Bennett, Evans and Owen, were appointed to consider the plans of the proposed improvements and extension of the Town Hall, Flint, on Tuesday last. The plans, as pro- posed by Mr. Lookwood, architect, of Chester, were considered. The plans deal both with the extension of present building, and also with the improvement and repair of the building as it now stands. The committee formed a recommendation which will shortly be considered by the council. VOLUNTEER PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. The prizes won by the members of the Flint Company of Rifle Volunteers at their annual com- petition, which took place about two mouths ago, were presented to them at the Town Hall on Thurs- day evening last, before a large assemblage of the local public amongst whomwe noticed the Rector of Flint (Rev. W. Ll. Nicholas), James L. Muspratt, Esq., J.P., and Masters Rowland and Horace Muspratt, Mr. W. T. Pierce and Mrs. Pierce, Bagillt, Mrs. D. Jones, Miss Gleave, the Misses Taylor, Coleshill, Mrs. J. W. M. Evans, Miss Evadna Davies, (late of Holywell), Rev. W. P. James, Rev. Father Byrne, the Misses Jones, Misses Edwards (3), Misses Barrett, Cross Foxes, Mr. G. Macintosh, Mr. T. W. Hughes, solicitor, Mr. Wm. Hughes, the Misses Hughes, Mr. W. E. Bithell, Mr. T. B. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Owen. The officers of the company Capt. Dyson, and Lieuts. Johnson and Hull, Sergt. Major Thos. Eaton, Battalion Quarter-master Sergeant Thos. Jones, Battalion Orderly Room Sergeant H. A. Jones, Sergeant Instructor R_ MoLoiaK, and the sergeants of the D. (Holywell), Company, &o., &c. The prizes which for a day or two previously had been on view at the Borough printing office, were taste- fully arranged on the large table near the magis- trates' bench. The money for the prizeshad, with the accustomed liberality, been subscribed for by the public of Flint, together with a few friends of the officers of the corps. The selection of the articles was left to the officers, and it is needless to state that their choice was excellent, the articles being of a very useful and at the same time handsome description. On Thursday evening, the company assembled in uniform at the armoury where they were paraded by Lieut. Johnson, who marched them, headed by the band of the corps, to the Town Hall. The men having arrived, Capt. Dyson called upon the Rector to present the prizes to the men, which service he very graciously per- formed, addressing the men individually as they stepped forward to receive their prize. When Corporal John Parry for the fourth time in suc- cession stepped forward to receive the first prize he was greeted with loud and continued cheers by his oomrades and those who had assembled to witness the presentation. Private R. Wynne, winner of the second prize, has now for some years been one of the steady shots of the corps aDd this is not the first occasion on which he has been within an ace of carrying off the first prize. The cheers were again renewed when Quarter-master Sergeant Thos. Parry was called out to receive the fifth prize. Quarter- master Sergeant Parry is now almost looked upon as the father of the corps, he having served for a large number of years and is a decided favourite with the men of the corps. The prize list was gone through as follows: Corporal John Parry, 44 points,-Bilver watch and flask. Private Richard Wynne, 43 points—Timepiece and flask. Sergt. John Grundy, 42 points—Cruet and. flask. Corporal Wm. Jones, 41 points-Silver teapot Q.-M.-Sergt. Thomas Parry, 38 points-Case of carvers. Sergt. Robert Jones, 36 points—Set of china. Corporal Joseph Bennett, 36 points-Set of china. Private Robert Williams, 34 points—Clock, scarf, and cap. Corporal Edward Morris, 34 points—Lamp, and scarf. Sergt. John Hughes, 34 points—Clock, and scarf. Private James Craig, 31 points-Clock, and scarf. Richard Ashcroft, 34 p)ints-Clock, and scarf. Richard Hayes, 33 points—Set of trays. John McKhown, 32 points-Cap. Edward Bithell, 32 points-Cap. If John Bartley, 31 points—Spade. William Welch, 30 points-Set of trays. Bugler Samuel Bartley, 30 points-Spade, pipe, and pouch. Private Michael Rogers, 28 points-Spade, pipe, and pouch. Thomas Bartley, 26 points-Spade, pipe and pouch. George Clews, 26 points—Spade, pipe, and pouch. William Price, 26 points—Spade, pipe, and pouch. F. B Williams, 28 points—Spade, pipe and pouch. Thomas Gallagher, 25 points—Spade, pipe, and pouch. Sergt. Thomas Carr, 23 points—Mirror. Private W. H. Hitchcock, 23 points-Mirror. Thomas Jones, 23 points-MutBer, and glass. If John Pierce, 23 points-Muffler and glass. If Fdwin Ellis, 22 points-MutBer and glass. William Johnson, 22 points-Muffier and glass. II John Jones (sawyer), 20 points-Muffier. James Kelly, 20 points-Muffler. If Roger Jones, 20 points-MufAer. If John Jones (cooper), 19 points-Muftler. Thomas Jones (band), 19 points-Muffler. Thomas Williams, 19 points-Muffier. John Jones (office), 19 points—Muffler. Richard Jackson, 18 pomts-Mufller. John Allen, 17 points-Muftler. Robert Johnson, 16 points—Champagne knife. C. W.Jones, 16 points—Champagne knife. Orderly-room Sergt. Jones, 16 points—Champagne knife. Private William Barker, 16 points—Parcel of tobacco. John Peck, 16 points-Hat and pipe. Thomas Walton. 16 points—Hat and pipe. It. J. Barker. 14 points-Briar pipe. W F. Thomley, 13 painte-Briar pipe. Richard Davies, 13 points-Briar pipe. Robert Gwen, 11 points—Briar pipe, James McCormick, 11 points-Bnar pipe. William Hayes, 10 points-Briar pipe. After the prize list had been gone through, Capt. Dyson proposed a vote of thanks to the Rector for presenting the prizes to the men, this was seconded by Lieut. Johnson, and supported by Mr. James Muspratt. The compliment was briefly acknow- ledged by the Rector, after whioh, on behalf of the officers and men of the company, he thanked those, who had so kindly subscribed to the prizes, remark- ing that what was required more than large sub- scriptions from a few was a small subscription from all, as an acknowledgment of the services which the Volunteers rendered. The room was afterwards cleared for dancing, which was kept up until twelve o'clock. Refreshments were provided by the officers in the ante-room.

FLINT MOUNTAIN. ERMTAmmi&NT.-A capital entertainment was given on Tuesday evening in St. Thomas' School, by members of the Band of Hope and the children of the school. The evening was delightfully fine, and the school-room was crowded; many had come from some distance, and were well rewarded. The Rector (Rev. W. Ll. Nicholas), who presided, spoke of the great pains which must have been taken with the children before they possibly could acquit themselves so very well, and tendered his heartiest thanks to those ladies who had undertaken a labour of love, which tended so materially to the improvement of the children of the district. The following was the programme:—Part I,—glee, "The Ferry Maiden," Glee Club; song, "Wait till the clouds roll over," Mr. P. Bellis; song, "The Street Sellers," Chorus song, "The Outlaw," Mr. Westlake; glee, "Jack and Jill," Glee Club; song," John Olden," Mr. P. Bellis; song, An awful little scrub," Mr. J. Lloyd; glee, Stars of the summer night," Glee Club. School play, Old Poz," (adapted,) to be acted entirely by the scholars of St. Thomas' School.— An interval of ten minutes.-Part II, Princess Grumbleolinoh," an extravaganza, in two acts. Characters :—Princess Grumbleclinch, a capricious sovereign, Miss M. Matthews; Baron Puck, her prime minister, Mr. John Lloyd; Baron Grog, a courtier, Mr. W. Jones; General Boom, com- mander-in-chief of the army, Mr. W. Matthews; Fritz, a private who mounts ambition's ladder," Mr. T. W. Brockley Nepomuc, usher of the white wand, Mr. W. Owens Wanda, (peasant,) sister to Fritz, Miss A. Matthews maids of honour, peasants, soldiers, &c.

+ IT WORTH IS A TicIAL. I was troubled for many years with a complaint, gravel &c., my blood became thin, I was dull and inactive, could hardly crawl about, and was an old worn-out man all over, aud could get nothing to help me until I got Hop Bitters, and now my blood and kidneys are all right, and I am as active as a man of thirty, although I am seventy-two, and I have no doubt it will do as well for others of my age. It is worth the trial.(Father.)

BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL NOTES. DR. JOHN DAVIES, a learned divine, the son of a weaver, of Llanferres, in Denbighshire, and educa- ted first under Dr. Parry, in Rhuthin School, whence he went to Jesus College, and then to Lincoln College, Oxford. He had the living of Mallwyd in Meirion, and commenced D.D. in 1616. He died in 1644, leaving no issue. His wife was the daughter of Rhys Wynn, of Llwyn yn, and sister to Bishop Parry's wife. He published a curious Grammar of the Welsh tongue in Latin, A.D. 1621, a dictionary, a Welsh and Latin, in 1632. A translation of Father Parsons' Christian's Resolution he printed in 1632, of which book three subsequent editions have appeared. Dr. Davies was an eminent collector of the works of the ancient bards, and of his labours therein, there are several volumes in his hand-writing preserved (Cambrian Biography), A few additional particulars:—He assisted Bishop Parry, to whom he was chaplain, in revising Bishop Morgan's Bible, which is the version now used in the Welsh Churches. Let my country- men revere the Church, and especially the memory of the great men who have given them the greatest of blessings, i.e. Gair y bywyd, the word of life, in their own language. P.S.—In confirmation of what I wrote some time ago, that Aristobulus (Welsh Arwystli) named, in Romans 16-10 was the first Bishop of the Britons (the Welsh), I now add the testimony of "Cressy's Church history of Brittany (in France), "Aristobulus, a disciple of St. Peter or St. Paul; sent as an apostle to the Britons, and was the first Bishop of Britain, commemorated March 15, died at Glastonbury, A.D. 99. (Glastonbury is in Somerset- shire). Welsh, "Ynys afallon, Gwlad yr haf." Cressy the historian, was a Roman Catholic. In the Greek menology i.e., a register of months, Aristobulus is said to have been ordained by St. Paul, as Bishop for the Britons. In this case, the C^TGOJES 8Htl WolsK arc vninoasoa wKnlly dent of each other so that collusion is out of the question. Dorotheus, in his synopsis affirms that Aristobulus was made Bishop of Britain. The menalogy informs us further, that he established Churches, and constituted presbyters and deacons in the island (Usher's Britann. Eccles. Antiq., p. 9, quoted by the Rev. John Williams, in his Eccle- siastical Antiquities of the Cymry, p. 57). CHAS. JONES. St. Fagan's, Aberdare.

DENBIGH. DENBIGH RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.—The inspecting officer of the district has condemned the present headquarters of the G (Ruthin) Company 1st D.R. V., and they are obliged to provide new ones, and it is with pleasure we learn that it is intended to build new headquarters, comprising a fine drill-hall, armoury, &c. A meeting was held on Thursday last to consider the best way of raising the necessary funds, at which it was decided that a bazaar should be held in the month of September next. The Lord Lieutenant of the county and Mrs. West have already kindly promised to do all in their power to further the undertaking. NORTH WALES ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES. —The third annual conference of the ministers and lay delegates of the English churches of the North Wales Calvinistic Methodist body was held at Denbigh on Thursday. Mr. Edward Griffith, J.P., Dolgelley, presided, and as one connected with the Welsh churches he spoke of the sympathy due to the English, for he believed the future life and welfare of the Calvinistic Methodist denomination depended upon the English churches. The Rev. J. Thomas, B.A., Liverpool, read an interesting paper on How, as English Churches, we may best con- duct our church meetings." He urged that not only should the society" or church meetings be made devotional, but should deal with denominational and other questions affecting the well-beingof the people. The old style of making them meetings for exper- ience was now dead. The Rev. Henry Jones, of Hoylake, urged that the minister in such meetings should make himself confidential with his people, and show them that he had the same trials and doubts as they had. A paper was then read, written by Mr. Richard Williams, of Newtown, on The desirability of properly attending to the spiritual wants of children and young people, and making adequate provision for the same." At the after- noon conference Mr. Charles Hughes, J.P., Wrex- ham, presided. He gave some striking incidents of the spread of the English language and literature in Wales. The secretary, the Rev. O. Edwards, Carnarvon, and Mr. Lewis, treasurer, were re- elected. Rhyl and Oswestry put in claims for the next conference, and the decision, as well as a pro- posal to alter the time from Easter to October, were delegated to the conference committee for settle- ment. The Rev. Ellis W. Evans, M.A., Pensarn, read a paper on The devotional part of our public worship and how best to conduct it." Spirituality of life, reading and meditation, secret prayer, were urged as a necessity for rightly conducting public worship. Young ministers were urged to write their sermons, to give them chaste style and dic- tion, and he urged that the public prayers might be written, which would guide the minister to deal with all the important questions of interest to their congregations. The Rev. John Pugh, M.A., Holywell, urged that they should always notice public events in their prayers. Rev. R. Jones, Llanidloes, had often written down prayers and found from such notes he was able to take more comprehensive views and have greater freshness. A discussion on missions, home and abroad, fol- lowed. A public-meeting was held in the evening, in the Town-hall, over which Mr. T. Williams, of Birkenhead and Llewesog, Denbigh, presided.

Markets and Fairs. HOLYWELL MAP=-Fi&rDAY. Wheat, per hobbet of 168 lbs 12s. Od. to 14s. Od. Barley 1471bs. 8s. Od. «« lis. 6d. Oats 106lbs 6s. 6d. 8s. Od. Beans '1 1801bs 12s. Od. '1 13s. Od. PRODUCE Clover Hay, per ton.80s. Od. 95s. Od. Meadow 70s. Od. '1 80s. Od. Wheat Straw r)N. Od. 60s. Od. Barley Straw, 30s. Od. 35s. Od. Oat Straw, 40s. 00. 45s. Od. Potatoes, per 224 lbs 6s. 6d. 8s. Od. Beef per lb 7d. to lOd. Veal 8d. lOd. Mutton" 9d. lid. Pork 7d. 8d. Fowls per couple 3s. 6d. to 4s. 6d. Fresh butter per lb Is. 7d. Eggs 16 Is. Od.

Metals and Mining. THE METAL MARKET:— LEAD £ s. d. £ s d. English pig, common 11 7 6-11 12 6 11 12 6-11 17 6 Of W.B. 1117 6—12 2 6 sheet and bar 12 10 0— pipe 12 17 6— red 15 10 0— white 16 10 0-19 0 0 patentshot 14 15 0— Spanish 11 0 0— SPELTER:— ran, Silesian, ordinary brands. 14 7 6-14 12 6 special brands 14 12 6-14 17 6 English, Swansea 15 2 6— COPPER Tough cake and ingot 59 0 0-60 0 0 Best selected 60 0 0—61 0 C Sheets and sheathing. 65 0 7 0 0 Flatbottoms. 68 0 0-70 0 0 NOTES ON THE MARKETS.—Some improvement is to be noticed in the market for lead mine shares, which gives hope of an improvement in the price of lead ore.

LOCAL LEAD MINES. COED-Y-FEDW AND PANT-Y-BUARTH —The stopes in the back of the 90 west maintain their value, 2 to 2! tons of lead per fathom. The other parts of the mine look well. GREAT HOLWAY.—In the 95 level north, Roskell's shaft the lode is daily improving, and the prospects are extremely good. Some splendid lead stuff was extracted on Thursday. The various other parts of the mine maintain their full value.

I LEAD ORES SOLD. Mine. T. o. per ton. Purchasers. Lisburne 40 0 7 15 6 Panther Lead Co. Ditto 30 0 7 3 0 Ditto. Cwmystwith 23 0 6 6 0 Ditto. East Darren 25 0 d 10 0 A. Fergusson & Co. Roman Gravels 200 0 6 10 6 Walker, Parker & Co. Ditto 50 0 6 16 6 Adam Eyton & Son. Tankerville. 30 0 6 8 0 Panther rPM Hn

I BLENDE SOLD. J. o'„ < P'-i" tun. Purchaser. Roman Gravels 30 0 1 18 6 English Crown Co. Tankerville 60 0 3 15 0 Vivian & Sons. Printed and Published by the Proprietors DAVIES AND CO., at their General Printing Office, High Sti iet, Holywell.