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

CAERWYS. MONTHLY SESSIONS.—The monthly sessions were held on Monday last when there were present Col. Mesham and Mr. Edwin Morgan. The only case was that of the charge against Wm. Scott, senior, and Wm. Scott, junior, of Whitechapel, London, for stealing an overcoat, handkerchief and collar, the property of John Salter, a person employed by Mr. Ddvid Jones, blacksmith, Pwllhudr, Caerwys. Both prisoners pleaded guilty, and the elder defen- dant made a passionate appeal to t-lie Bench that they might not part him from his son. The elder prisoner was sentenced to one month's and the younger to 14 days imprisonment.

FLINTSHIRE POLICE AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL. THE STANDING JOINT (POLICE) COM- MITTEE. A meeting of this committee was held on Thurs- day, when there were present Messrs. J. Scott- Bankes, P. Pennant, Sir W. G. Williams, Bart., C. H. Conway, W, Wynne, LL Henry, E. Morgan, F. S. Hore, T. Bate, J. Herbert Lewis, A. Mesham, P. Jones, G. M. Evans, W. Thomas, Dr. Edwards, A. Lloyd, G. A. Parry, R. J. Jones, James Evans T. T. Kelly (clerk), 0. P. Morgan (treasurer), Major Webber (chief constable), and D. Williams (surveyor). Mr. Kelly said the first business would be to eleot a Chairman, and it was for them to appoint one of their number. Sir W. G. Williams then proposed that Mr. J. Scott-Bankes be elected. He had for very many years been chairman of Quarter Sessions, and had been unanimously elected vice-chairman of the County Council. Besides, he had the whole busi- ness of the police at his finger ends, so that he kne w of no one who would make so efficient a chairman (hear hear). Dr. Edwards said he had no personal pique against Mr. Bankes, but he thought the result of the County Council elections generally indicated pretty plainly in whose hands the great majority of the ratepayers wished the reins to be, and for that reason he begged to propose that the Chairman of the Coun- cil, Mr. J. Herbert Lewis be appointed. Mr. J. Herbert Lewissaid he had not the slightest ambition for the post, having his hands as fully employed already as he oared for them to be, Besides, he had the greatest possible objection to having his name pitted again against Mr. Bankes. The thing was most painful to him, and he sincerely hoped his friends would not press it upon him. For that reason he cordially seconded the nomination made by Sir William. He felt sure Mr. Bankes would act with the greatest impartiality, and with a view solely to the public interests, and in electing him they knew they were electing a gentleman who would exercise the privilege of a casting vote with perfect uprightness and scrupulous fairness (applause). Mr. Alvra Lloyd supported the nomination of Mr. Bankes, who was admitted on all hands to be a gentleman eminently fitted for the post, and he trusted his name would receive the unanimous accord of the Committee (hear hear). Mr. Kelly then submitted the resolution to the Committee, and declared it agreed to unanimously. Mr. Bankes, rising, said he was exceedingly pleased with the mark of confidence in him which the Committee had shewn, and especially for the kind words which had fallen from the lips of Mr. H. Lewis, to whom be wished to repay the compliment paid by Mr. Lewis to himself, for he had found him one easy to co-operate with, and one of excellent business capacities. With regard to himself, he ventured to assure them he would always endeavour to act with the strictest impartiality, and if ever it came to the casting vote, he would, in giving it, not act as a magistrate, but as an individual, who tried to act solely with a view to what was for the general good. That he would always have in view and when the time came to give up the position to which they had paid him the compliment of electing him that day, he hoped he would be able to resign it with the assurance that he had always tried to the best of his judgment and ability. Having taken the chair, Mr. Bankes said it was difficult to say on what line to conduct the business, or rather to open it. Perhaps it would be as well if questions of a general nature with regard to the police should be asked, and then the Chief-Constable would be glad to answer them, when the most desirable course to pursue could be debated. It would also be well could they throw out some sug- gestions as to the best way of extending that room, so that all councillors could be accommodated. Mr. Lewis said he did not think the standing joint committees had anything to do with that, which belonged to the province of the County Council. The Chairman thought differently. He had not the Act with him, but he thought that by one of the clauses, the power lay with the standing joint com- mittees. Mr. Kelly read one of the clauses of the 30th section of the Act, which stated that "the provi- sion of accommodation for the Quarter Sessions or Justices out of Session, or to the use by them or the police" should be determined by the standing joint committee, but the provision of accommo- dation for the County Council itself was a matter for the Council, and not for the joint com- mittee. The Chairman said in such a case, the standing committee could make a recommendation to the County Council as to the best means of providing the required accommodation. Mr. Lewis said he was not quite sure whether it lay within the province of that committee to make a recommendation in a matter which did not concern them. The standing joint committee could only act in respect of something for the alcommodation of the magistrates and not of the Council. Mr. Pennant fully agreed with the view taken by Messrs. Lewis and Kelly. After some more conversation, the Chairman said that it was clear that his interpretation of the Act was wrong, and that the matter was one within the provinoe of the Council itself and not of the standing joint committee. Mr. Thomas wanted to know what was the nature of the recommendation. It was unfortunate too that they had not been furnished with an agenda of the business. Mr. Kelly said this being the first meeting of the Committee,|he could make no agenda. It was for the Committee to decide the principles upon which the business would be conducted, and as the questions arose they would be placed on the agenda of the next meeting. The Chairman said it had been suggested that the ends of that room should be extended so that pro- vision could be made for the fifty-six councillors and officials, but that would have to be dealt with by the Council itself it was clear. Mr. Pennant said that with a view of pro- ceeding to business he would say that he believed all the bills appertaining to the police had been settled up to the 25th of March, and it would be desirable for them to know what would be their probable expenditure for the next year, so that the Finance Committee could make provision for it in the way of rates, &0. Could he ask what was the balance in the hands of the Police Committee after all the payments had been made P The Chairman said the answer would be given in a few minutes, but while it was being provided, perhaps some gentleman would like to ask ques- tions respecting the number, pay, or formation of the police, or on any point appertaining to police organisation. Mr. Lewis asked whether the Chief Constable had any written report which he proposed to submit to the Committee P Major Webber replied that he had not. He had supplied the Chairman of Quarter Sessions the pre- vious day with some statistics of the state of crime, the substance of whioh was contained in his address to the grand jury, and a copy of which the committee might see. The Chairman said that in future the reports which had usually been made to the Quarter Sessions would be made to the Committee, and would be a part of the ordinary business. Mr. A. Lloyd said it would be well always to have it on the agenda. Mr. George A. Parry asked whether they had anything to do with the state of crime in Flint- shire P £ he Chairman thought not, their duties were simply administrative. Dr. Edwards said he would like to know what was the number and composition of the police force in Mold P Mr. Lloyd suggested they should have it for the whole county. Major Webber said that the total strength of the force was fifty-two, but they were one below their strength. The force was composed of one Chief Constable, two Superintendents, two Inspectors, six Sergeants, and forty Con- stables. Dr. Edwards And in Mold ? Major Webber said that Mold was the head- quarters of the force. Here the Chief Constable was stationed, and his clerk, who ranked as Sergeant, instead of ranking as Inspeotor as hitherto. This might be considered the offiec department. Then there was one Superintendent, one Sergeant and four Constables, who were on police duty proper. Mr. Lloyd said they were hardly in a position to go into details, and by the next Committee he would propose that the Chief Constable be requested to supply them with the names, station, and emoluments of every constable in the force. This was seconded simultaneously by Messrs. P. P. Pennant and P. Jones, and agreed to unani- mously. Mr. Lewis said he noticed that in the published sheet of acoounts, several items had been lumped together, so it was difficult for them to have an in telligible idea of the expenditure. Col. Mesham said that every voucher was always brought to the Police Committee. The Chairman said that was eo, and the published sheet was only an abstract, but every detail of expenditure would come before the Committee in the future, as it had been brought before the Magisterial Committee hitherto. Mr. Pennant asked whether the treasurer was by that in a position to tell them what was the exact balance in' the hands of the Police Committee of justices, and which would be turned over ? The Chairman said the exact balance was £1,555 19s. Ild., but the amount was included in the one of f4,000, which he had stated at the meeting of the Council. Mr. James Evans wanted to know whether the power of the appointment of the istatiorip of the police was vested in the hands of the Chief Consta- ble or those of the Committee. He said that three officers were stationed in the district represented by him. One of them only in a village, and the two others in out of the way places instead of in the villages of Cileen and Gwernaffield, much to the dis- satisfaction of the ratepayers. The Chairman said the power was vested in the hands of the Chief Constable certainly, but no doubt Major Webber would be only too glad to listen to any suggestion made by any of the coun- cillors. It would always be well if they saw any- thing wrong, or any misconduct on the part of a constable, to inform the Chief Constable of the fact, instead of finding fault at public meetings. If the Chief Constable did not attend to the grievance, then certainly the attention of the County Council should be called to the question, but, in the first instance, the information ought to be given direct to the Chief Constable.. Dr. Edwards said the reason he had asked about the strength of the police force in Mold was that in the course of his professional duties he had often noticed the Gwarnymynydd policeman doing night duty in Mold. Mr. G. A. Parry should like to ask why it was that at Connah's Quay they had two constables, at Ha warden two, while at Buckley, which had twice the population of the Quay, and three times that of Hawarden, they had only two. Was it beoause the working population of Buckley was so wall behaved (laughter) P The Chairman said the Chief Constable had so far left the disposition of the force as he had found it, and no doubt wisely so. Mr. Bate said the Quay was a seaport, and visited by many foreigners, who were not so amenable to reason as natives. Mr. Pennant said that was invariably the case all over the United Kingdom, and he had noticed in a report which he had read some years ago that crime was always more rife in seaport towns, the sailors visiting these places being more reckless of public opinion. The Chairman said they had in Buckley one of the best men in the whole police force of the County, and there was no doubt that it was owing a great deal to his influeuce-Sergeant Thomas Jones—so little complaint was made there of the want of extra polioe. Mr. Parry said he quite agreed with the Chairman about Sergeant Jones, and did not believe any man could do in Buckley the work that was done by Sergeant Jones. Mr. W. Thomas was extremely glad to hear such a high character given an offioer, and firmly believed that if policemen generally acted with the discretion and tact shown by Sergeant Jones, the duties of the police would be much lighter, and crime would be no greater. Very many complaints were made of the want of temper and arbitrariness of some of the officers, and he wished much that they would for their own sakes, and foe that of the public, act with more discretion. Major Webber said that in cases such as that re- ferred to, he would be much obliged if any member of the Committee, or of the Council, would communi- cate with him, so as to have the case fully inquired into. That would be the best way to maintain, and to increase the efficiency of the force, and to that end he would be glad indeed to obtain the co-opera tion of all (applause). Mr. A. Lloyd asked if any such thing as a code of instructions had been issued to the police, point- ing out to them how best to act under certain contingencies, and on the emergencies which might suddenly arise. Such a one had been issued in some places, and he noticed that one contained an introduction by Mr. Justice Hawkins, one of the most experienced of their Criminal Judges. Major Webber said he was not aware of any- thingibeyond general instructions which were placed at most of the police stations. Mr. Lloyd said that in order to give the Chief Constable an opportunity to inquire into the matter, he would repeat his question at the next Committee. Mr. S. A. Parry said he wished to ask whether the police were employed in anv sense all cramn watchers. A 0- The Chairman said if the police were going along the road, and they saw men whom they believed to be poachers, either going to or coming off land, they would be right in acting, but they had no right to go off the highroad unless in pur- suit, and certainly they ought not to go off the road for the purpose of watching. But if they were informed that a gang of poachers were about, and that the watchers wanted assistance, that would be another thing, just as if they received information that a hen -roost was being robbed, or anything of that kind. Mr. Parry: Then the police are not employed as gamekeepers P The Chairman: Certainly not. Mr. A. Lloyd said he had had some experience in the matter, and found that a policeman could only,act on the highway or on a footpath, and where he went on the field a conviction could not be had. It was a common cry that a policeman could not be found when wanted, and the popular impression was that he was employed in watching game, but as a matter of fact it was quite erroneous. Major Webber then produced a rough estimate of what was likely to be wanted for police maintenance during the year. He estimated the amount at £5,900, of which £ 4,300 would be for pay, L 1 85 for clothing, and there were other contingencies. It was explained that while hitherto, the Govern- ment paid half the cost of the maintenance of the police, the expense henceforth would fall entirely on the county. Last year the expense of the police in- cluding the moiety paid by the Government was £ 5,698. Mr. James Evans asked what was estimated as the grant received from the Government for licences. &o. ? Mr. Kelly, reading from a blue book, said he expeeted the total grant from licences, &c., would be about £8,4;6, and from probate duties about zC3,381, of which £2,841 would have to be paid to the several Boards of Guardians in aid of the salaries of officials, &c., and then the whole oost of pauper lunatics would fall on the county instead of half as hitherto. As the Committee had nothing to do with the manner of the raising of the funds, Mr. Pennant said he had been assisted by the Chief Constable in making a fresh estimate of probable cost of main- tenance of the police, and they believed it would amount to £ 5,500, and he proposed that an intima- tion to the Finance Committee to that effectshould be made. This was seconded by Mr. Lewis, and agreed to unanimously, thus concluding the business of the day.

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HOLYWELL. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the above Board was held on Friday last, when there were present, Mr. J. Scott Banket (chairman), Rev. T. Z. Davies, Mr. J. L. Muspratt; Cileen-Mr. James Alexander; Flint-Met;srs. John Thomas and S. Wilkinson; Halkyn-Mr. Thomas Parry Holywell-Meurs. O. J. Croudace, J. Kerfoot Erans, Isaac Hughes, T-T. Bremlay, and Samtel Davies; Llanasa-Mr. J. Owen Northop-Meoar&. J. Reney, W. Anbury and Thomas Edwards; Nannerch-Rer. Watkin Williams; Newmarket-Mr. Joseph Ellis Whitford -Mosm. Edward Hughes and John Owens; Yasitiog-Mours. John Williains and W. Thomas. THS BOUIB. The Master reported the number of inmates in the Hesse last Board'day, 173 admitted since, 5 dis- charged, 7 death, 1; number remaining, 170.— Vagrants relieved, 182, corresponding period of last year, 132. OTJT-BKLIUR. The following was the out-relief granted for the ensuing fortnight (including the school bills for the put quarter). Holywell district JE165 Mold ditto. .1: 170 Whitford ditto £ 125 vxsmxct COMMITTEE. The Visiting Committee reported that they had visited and inspected the House and found every- thing satisfactory. The report-book was signed by Messrs. W. Astbury, Thos. Edwards and Samuel Davies. THE VAG&AHT QVBSTXOIT. The Chairman remarked that the number of ragraats relieved was very heavy they were tre- mendously in advance of other plaees in regard to the treatment of vagrants. The number waa greatly in excess of Wrexham, though that Union had a larger population.—Mr. Reney said he thought it waa because Holywell was on the line of ronte.- The Chairman said, Carnarvon was similarly situated, yet it did not come up to Holywell. The Chairman further said he had called the attention of the Chief Constable to the number of vagrants and he thought the police should catch them when begging. TM BLKCTIOW or QUABDIAIRS.—A CUT AGAINST DEFEATED CANDIDATES. The Clerk submitted his certificate, as returning of&eer, of the election of guardians for the ensuing year. The old guardians in the three several parishes contested were returned.—The Chairman said he was very glad that the old guardians had been recognised by the ratepayers and returned again. He thought that the conduct of anybody who tried to oust any guardian out of office was most culpable. It was all very well for anyone to come forward for election in the case of a vacancy, but when people put the parishes to useless expense to oust any guardian who did his duty, the conduct of such an one was most culpable, whoever he may be. YACCUTATIOX BBTUBMS. The Leeal Government Board forwarded a letter dealing wfth the vaccination return from the Flint Parish, and stated that the Government Officer on vaccination would be asked to report specially upon the way vaccination duties were performed at Flint. Fresh vaccination returns were required for the last half year of 1887 and the first half year of 1838. THE FLnrr TBSTBY AND THE OUT-RBLIRF. A letter was read from the Rev. W. Ll. Nicholas, Chairman of Flint Vestry Meeting, stating that the figures quoted at the vestry meeting were taken from the Blue Book of the Holywell Union. The following resolutions were unanimously passed at the meeting, "That this meeting express its dis- satisfaotion with the manner in which the precepts are made, and further requests that all particulars of the amount required should be furnished in full. Also that ia future the several purposes for which the rate is levied should be stated on the demand note."—The Clerk said the form of precept was presented by Act of Parliament, and the Board had 80 right to alter or use any other. The second part of the resolution as to the demand note, the Board could not deal with the question, as it was the bosiness of tke Overseers and not of the Board of Guardians.—Mr. Isaao Hughes remarked that the Assessment Committee had recommended that the fall particulars of the rate should be stated on the demand note.—Mr. Reney said he thought it was quite right that the ratepayers should know what they were paring. In Northop Parish they paid at one time a lump sum of 18. 6d. for poor rate. He moved in the matter, and now the demand note gave the particulars of the poor rate, county and police rate, Scc.—Mr. Muspratt suggested the olerk should write to the Rector and inform him that it was a matter for the Vestry and Overseers. —The Clerk said he thought it was wrong to suppose that the Board did not furnish any details or particulars. They gave particulars as far as they were able and as far as it was possible to do.- The Rev. Watkin Williams said he was not present at the last Board bat since the last Board he had looked the subject up to see how the matter stood. He took the common charges apportioned according to the rateable value, and out-relief had percentage as in the quoted list. He was surprised to find the first one he took-Caerwyis, was 99 per cent. He hoped the Board would allow him to say, if he understood aright, the Flint Vestry complained because they had not enough paupers. He was of opinion that it was an honorable thing for any parish, and he considered his parish one of them, to nave the least number of paupers. The following was the list of parishes and the figures read — Amount Out-relief Pcrcen- paid. given. tage. £ £ £ Caerwys 277 276 99 Cileen 479 165 34 Flint 1513 822 62 Gtwaenysgor 71 67 85 Halkyn 320. 320 100 Holywell 3431 2586 75 Llanasa 1291 821.63 ]fold 3004 2711 90 Naanereh 195 66 33 Nerquis 205. 185 92 Newmarket 148 110.76 Northop. ,.2027 724, 35 Whitford 1392 1225 87 Ysceifiog 480 294 ,51 From the above list it would be seen he said that in regard to position-Nannercb shewed best, Cileen second, Northop third, Ysceifiog fourth, Flint fifth, Llanasa aixth. Holywell seventh, Newmarket eighth, Gwaenysgor ninth, Whitford tenth. Mold eleventh, Nerquis twelfth, Caerwys thirteenth, and Halkyn was the worst, as they received back m relief exactly the same as they paid in rates. There was one thing he noticed and that was the expenditure in the year ending Michaelmas, 1887. The total ex. penditure of the Union, exclusive of balance was 118,776 6s. 3jd. The expenditure for the year ended Michaelmas, 1888 was L22,410 0s. 5d., an increase of £ 3,634. He could not understand how the increase was so heavy.—The Clerk said the county calls were for those periods much heavier than usual.—Mr. Isaac Hughes asked was it not advisable that there should be notice of motion given. The Guardians had not had an opportunity of seeing the facts quoted.—The Rev. Watkin Williams said he thought that Flint was as well taken care of and got as much allowance as any other parish. They were quite right to look into the business.—-Mr. Croudace said he should like to ask the question whether anyone took the question of figures up which had been referred to. It was clear the calculations were based on wrong lines, because Mr. Dyson gave it out as the relief averaged 9d. per head. It was a well-known fact that the Guardians never allow such sums, the relief was never less than If. 6d. per head, though there may be a few who got other assistance receiving is. He noticed that Mr. Dyson was very strong upon the qaeation of clubs, and allowing them relief to keep them up. He thought that was not a wise principle to take. In the Bettisfield Colliery during the last year they paid from the club—The North Wales Permanent Fund—no less a sum than £ 368, and besides that he did not think they got a five pound note from the Guardians. Consequently if they had not the club the people who had been relieved by it would, practically, have been on the parish. Among themselves therefore they had saved the parish that sum, and if he weut on the same lines as Mr. Dyson he should take good care as a matter of justice that they got relief at Bagillt if they in Flint got it.- Mr. Wilkinson The Local Government Board would not allow such allowance.—Mr. Croudace said he did not take it that a man was a pauper when he got 5.4. or 10s. a week. If they wished to pauperise the working people, relieve them indis- criminately as it would seem to be suggested.—Mr. Samuel Davies said it struck him that there was something radically wrong when he heard the glaring statement of Mr. Dyson with regard to the amount per head of out-relief that he gave so much publicity to. It became their duty to exonerate themselves as far as they could. He had gone into the figures as he thought necessary to demonstrate clearly that Mr. Dyson bad based his argument on a wrong basis altogether. He had calculated from what they had received during the week ending April 6th. There were 200 paupers and the amount received was A 18 14s., giving an average per head of Is. I Oid. Looking at facts as they were he found that among the number of paupers relieved at Flint during the week quoted there were 39 wives, 170 adults, and 163 children, making 372 indivi- duals. He failed to see how he could arrive at the figures, unless he had taken the relief as for 52 weeks in the total number of cases, and even then he had rather under-rated it by saying 9d. it was pretty nearly lOd. He considered the calculations taken in that way were entirely wrong. The relief according to the blue-book showed that the relief was for odd weeks from 2 to 8 and not for 52. He felt quite justified in saying that the complaint that had come from Flint was absolutely wrong.—Mr. John Thomas said he thought that Mr. Davies had taken the figures from the present year, whereas Mr. Dyson bad taken last years.—The Chairman said it appeared to him that it was making a great deal out of uncommonly little. There were two Guardians for the parish, and the cases from Flint were just as favorably considered as in any other parish. It was perfectly wrong that it should be supposed that the Guardians endeavoured to prevent people receiving relief, who at the same time were in receipt of club money. It was a constant remark at the Board By all means encourage them to keep their clubs up." The people of Flint showed in contradiction to Mr. Dyson, that they had con- fidence in, and were satisfied with their Guardians. —Mr. Wilkinson said he did not think that Mr. Dyson in any way intended to charge Mr. Thomas and himself with any remissness of duty. It was simply the inequality of the parish contributions and out-relief.—Mr. John Thomas concurred with Mr. Wilkinson.—The Chairman said (referring to Mr. John Thomas), he put him down as an excep- tionally kind man, and such men they must at times keep down—(laughter)—as it was their duty to keep the expenditure down. Holywell was next to the lowest on the list of heavy pauperism. They took all cases, not in Fiint less than other places, on their own merits, and did not judge them with their eyes shut. He would point out an instance which would seem unequal unless taken by common sense comparison. A widow and family living on the hills above Halkyn would require more relief allowed them than a similar case in Flint or Holy- well, because the chances of getting other assistance by work was so much less on the mountains.—The Rev. Watkin Williams said he thought the figures should be considered more fully.—The Chairman I am afraid when you go into figures it is a case of I confusion worse confounded."—The Clerk was instructed to reply to the letter. THB COUNTY COUNCIL BATES. In the course of the discussion upon the Flint out-relief question, the Chairman referred to the county rates and said that on the previous day (Thursday) the Finance Committee of the County Council had gone fully into the matter and bad made a prospective rate, taking it for twelve months. The lump sum for expenditure in payment to guardians debts, police, roads, fcc., would be from £ 24,000 to £ 25,000. To meet that there would be a balance from the Quarter Sessions of L4000, and from the Government £ 12,000. On that estimate they had recommended a prospective rate of 6d. in the pound, and meant to call for 4d. in the pound in the first half of the year.—Mr. Reney How will that compare with previous years P-The Chairman said the rate would be less, but the grants they received brought down the sum considerably, and as they had taken the basis of the estimate by the last two or three years it made a difference.—Mr. Reney You start with less rate that probably will be consoling.—The Chairman We are going to start on the principle of having a balance in hand but not too large a balance. OOKFUTIHO UNFOUNDED CHARGES. A letter was read from Mr. John Williams, Greenfield, in reference to an assertion of the appro- priation of relief for drink by workmen in Greenfield. The letter was dated the ftth inst., and stated that in the Flintshire Observer, of April 4th, was a report of the proceedings of the last Board of Guardians. In it was the followingMr. Wm. Thomas said, he understood that a large amount of the relief granted to Greenfield people during the recent trade depression, had been spent in drink, and he con- sidered that those were the class of people they should keep a close eye upon, and treat them to some extent as they deserved." In the County Herald, of the 5th, also appeared a report of the same meeting, in which Mr. Reney also made an observation on the same subject. The letter pro- ceeded :—" All the workpeople employed at the p Copper Works met this evening (April 5th), to institute an inquiry into the above serious accusa- tion After going fully into the matter the following resolutions were unanimously passed. 1.—'That with all the long and extreme depression in the Copper Trade, over which neither our employers nor ourselves had any control, we were determined to brave the crisis manfully; still, three of us had most reluctantly to apply to your Relieving Officer for assistance. Two of the three, obtained relief- in-kind, to the amount of 7s. 6d. and 9a. 6d., when their wives were confined; and the third obtained relief-in-kind (spread over a period of a month) amounting in all to 12s., making a grand total of 29s. divided amongst 16 souls. Mr. Wm. Thomas assorting that a large amount of this relief (29s. worth) had been spent in drink 2.—That these reliefs being given in kind by means of a ticket, stating the amount of provisions the grocer was to supply. We repel with scorn the monstrous accusa- tions of these two Guardians-Messrs Wm. Thomas and Reney-that we converted those relief tickets into money to obtain drink, when our wives were sick, and when our poor children were crying for food. 3.-That deeply feeling the scandalous accusation as working men in the employ of a firm that pays, and has paid for a century, more rates for the maintenance of the poor than any other within the district of the Holywell Union, we re- quest you respectfully to ask your Board, in the interest of justice and truth, to institute a full inquiry into the accusation. 4.—That we are all prepared to meet the accusation and our aoousers face to face at the Inquiry.-I am, Sir, yours obed- iently, John Williams, Chairman of the meeting." Mr. Reney Your name oomes first Mr. Thomas,- Mr. Wm. Thomas In reply to the letter I may say I happened to be among some friends a short time back, and of course the matter of relief was spoken of, and some one, I do not recollect who-if I were to be sworn I could not give the name of the person who remarked that we were rather too free with our relief-and said further that a great deal of the money was spent in drink." I only repeated what I heard. If it is a false report I have not mauu- factured it, and I beg to apologise for having repeated the inaccurate statement. I have nothing further to say, yet I can add, not as regards Green • field and Holywell, but to my own knowledge in my own parish that as to money that was distributed in doles, a person told me that a large portion would be spent in drink before it was taken out of Ysceifiog. I have heard even of old women spending their relief in drink. I have occasionally seen myself paupers going and coming with their bottles-A Guardian Perhaps the weather was cold (laughter). —Mr. Isaac Hughes As I am a Greenfield boy, bred and born, I was sorry when I heard of the statement that I was not present at the meeting. I knew the cases and the circumstances of them, and when relief in-kind was given to the men I defended the application. With regard to saying that the money was spent in drink two out of the three men TM-°W £ no$into a public house (hear, hear). Mr. Reney: I hava not muoh to apologise for, I am very glad to hear such a good Report from Greenfield. I hope that I shall never hear of any- thing coming before the guardians of a like nature. -Mr. Croudace said they had often heard about the great depress,on in Greenfield, and when cases were brought forward they seemed a great deal more than had been stated.—Mr. Bromley said it would be a very pleasing feature if the little con- versation they had bad might tend to make men more cautious and have more care for their families. —The Chairman said he rather took the part of the people. They (the guardians) often did speak "unadvisedly with their lips." It should be re- membered that it was a different thing whether a man spent his own money, or spent the money given him in relief.—Mr. Croudace sadi it tended tj the same result. The Chairman said it was a serious charge, if it were correct. I —Mr. Croudace He has not evidently specified the Copper Works in particular.—Mr. Thomas: I think I mentioned it. I did refer to it.—Mr. Bromley I think Mr. Thomas, you said If it is true what I heard" was it not that.—The Clerk said the quotation was only from a newspaper report.—Mr. Thomas said he could not be positive, but he may have said it. BOUGH ON NEWSPAPERS. The Chairman Yon must not go by everything published in the newspapers. I do say that there are, unfortunately, so many papers circulated in this neighbourhood that unless they were sensational many of them would not receive any support. With all deference the reports are generally accurate. —Mr. Wilkinson Perhaps they put it too straight sometimes (laughter).—The Chairman It is most desirable that reports should be given as correctly as possible. The discussion then dropped. APPLICATION FOB THB REMOVAL OF CATHOLIC ORPHANS. In the matter of the two orphan boys, John and James Murphy, natives of Flint, whose mother some months ago died from fever, and on the same day their bereaved father terminated his existence. The boys were afterwards taken care of by their uncle, and were subsequently left destitute in West Derby Union, and transferred to the Holywell Workhouse. The Rev. Father Wilson applied that the children might be transferred to the Roman Catholic Home at Rhyl. (Miss Tuck well, lady superintendent). The charge was 5s. per head, but being two boys a compromise would be made of 4s. each per week. After some discussion, the Chair- man said if the boys were catholics and they could get them to the Home cheaper than they could be kept at the Workhouse be should agree to the transfer. The average cost per head for in-main- tenance in the Workhouse was 2s. 20id., and if the difference could be made up by some means, he could not see any objection. Enquiries were ordered to be made. ATTENDANCE 07 GUARDIANS. Board of Guardians. R.B.A. Mr. Wm. Evans, Caerwys 11 7 Mr. J ames Alexander, Cileen. 10 0 Mr. S. Wilkinson, Flint. 18 0 Mr. John Thomas, Ditto 22 0 Mr. Thomas Roberts, Gwaenysgor 6 0 Mr. Thomas Parry, tfalkyu. 19 0 Mr. C. J. Croudace, Hotywell. 13 17 Mr. Isaac Hughes, Ditto. 24 24 Mr. Urias Bromley, Ditto. 10 0 Mr. J. Kerfoot Evans, Ditto. 20 19 Mr. Samuel Davies, Ditto. 21 20 Mr. John Owen, Llanasa 17 8 Mr. Edward Evans, Ditto. 20 0 Mr. John Corbett, Mold 4 4 Mr. E. P. Edwards, Ditto. 3 0 Mr. Edward Jones, Ditto. I 0 Mr. Edward Peters, Ditto. II 1 0 Mr. Joseph Griffiths, Ditto. 1 0 Rev. Watkin Williams, Nannerch.. 23 0 Mr. William Griiffths, Nerquis, 1 0 Mr. Joseph Ellis, Newmarket 22 18 Mr. James Reney, Northop. 25 25 Mr. William Astbury, Ditto. 9 0 Mr. Thomas Edwards, Ditto. 20 0 Mr. Edward Williams, Whitford, deceased, (out of 7) 6 6 Mr. Edward Hughes, Ditto. 20 0 Mr. John Owen, Ditto, (out of 14).. 11 1 Mr. William Thomas, Yaceifiog. 22 0 Mr. John Williams, Ditto. 22 0 Ex-officio Guardians. Mr. J. Scott Bankes (chairman) 16 16 Rev. T. Z. Davies, Whitford 21 0 Mr. J. L. Muspratt, Flint 20 19 Mr. Llewelyn J. Henry, Halkyn. 11 0 Mr. J. Lloyd Price, Mertyn Hall.. 6 3 The attendance of the Mold and Nerquis guar- dians do not include the Mold Committees. WHITFORD MEDICAL OFFICER. The Rev. T. Z. Davies called attention to the inconvenient distance at which Dr. J. T. Jones, Medical Officer for the Whitford division, lived from the district, and pointed out that upon his appoint- ment he promised to live in a more central and convenient district for the inhabitants. He was elected in March, 1888, and no change bad been made. He still resided at the Woodlands, Gronant. —The Clerk was instructed to write calling attention to the conditions of the appointment. FINANOIAL. The financial statement showed that there was a balance in hand of £ 1521, cheques required, £ 1372. VOTES OF THANKS. The Rev. Watkin Williams said he had a pleasing duty to perform and that was to propose a vote of thanks to the Chairman for his efficient services during the year. He hoped the Board would again elect him for the next year. He was sure they were all thankful to him for his past services.—The Rev. T. Z. Davies seconded the proposition.—The Chairman said he was much obliged to them all for their kind expressions. It gave him pleasure to be present beoause they were so Courteous and so harmonious a Board, If elected for the next year, he would endeavour to do his best.—Mr. Isaac Hughes proposed a vote of thanks to the Vice- chairman, Mr. Reney.—Mr. Muspratt seconded the propogition.-Mr. Reney in acknowledging the compliment, said the Board was very welcome to what he could do for them. RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY. At the usual meeting of the Authority on Friday last, there were present Messrs. J. Scott Bankes (chairman), J. L. Muspratt, Samuel Davies, C. J. Croudace and J. Reney. POLLUTION OF THE RIVER AJEBWHBELEB, A letter was read from Dr. J. Lloyd Roberts, medical officer of health for the St. Asaph Union, stating that serious complaints had been made of the pollution of the river Aberwheeler, the water of which was used for domestic purposes by the in- habitants. The water was polluted by the cleaning of the Afonwen Paper Mill pool, and he requested, as the cause of the pollution was within the Holywell district, that immediate steps be taken for the abatement of the nuisance.—The case was reported by Mr. J. L. Williams (Inspeotor of nuisances), that the nuisance had been abated. DAIRY AND COWSHED REGULATIONS, The Committee appointed by the Board for the purpose of considering the model bye-laws for the regulation of dairies, cowsheds and milkshops in the Union, not having yet met, the Board considered the rules laid down and with a few modifications they were adopted. The Chairman suggested one or two changes as to the drainage and water supply. THE INSPECTOR. The Inspector sent in his report of sanitary work being unable to attend the Board owing to an un- fortunate accideat to his feet by scalding. The Inspector had settled the details of the extras authorised by the Rhowl Mostyn Waterworks Com- mittee.—Other sanitary matters were reported. FINANCES. IC The financial report showed that the balance-in- hand was 166; cheques, X14 17s. Od.; balance, i 110 6s. Od.

CONSUMPTION CUBBD.—A Person cured of Con- sumption. Bronchitis, Catarrh and Nervous Debility, by a simple remedy, will send a description of it FREE to any person who applies to J. P. MOUNTAIN, 64, Chancery Lane, London, W.O. 52-f.21.

RAILWAY TIME TABLE. APRIL, 1889. CHESTER AND HOLYHEAD RAILWAY.—D»ww Trains. 8tfK»ATl. HOLYHAED AND CHESTER RAILWAY.—TTp Tbaiics i Sottoat*. l*avb p.m. a.m a.m., a.m a.m a.m «,m p.va. p.m p.m p.M p.m 2 p.m pjn p.m. p.m p.m a.m a.m a.m i p.m lbatk i a.n a.ia a.m p.m. a.m a.iu a.m £ a.iu p.m p.m p.m." p.m p.in ip ju. p.in j p.in p.m p.m I *.m a.m a.nT p.m. CHESTER 2 336 30 8 4510 0 1143 2 30 3 05 55 106 5 g, 8 32 8 46 1030 1110 2 33 9 35 1115:6 0 HOLYHEAD. 7 45 §, 12 0 3 16 ..6 0 8 6 f 4^ 1140] ..8 5 Sandycroft 6 41 8 56! 1154 j3 13 15 21 g 8 56 1041 9 46 |6 10 Bangor (dep).. 6 oj 8 0 9 0 11 0 g 1 9 4 25 7 17 9 3 I 7 0 1232 9 3 Queen's Ferry. 6 45 •• 9 o! 1158 3 17 A 5 25 E g 9 0 1045 9 60 6 15 Aber 6 10 9 10 1110 g 1 19 4 35 7 27 79 Cannah'a Quay. 6 50 |9 51 12 3 3 22 15 30 6 20 £ 9 5 1050 9 55 k 21 Llanfairfechan. 6 15 8 14 9 15 1115 1 25 4 41 7 34 7 |4 Flint 6 57 •• 9 12 1210 3 29j 5 37 6 27" 9 12 1057 10 3 16 29 Penmaenmawr. 6 2lj 8 20 9 21 1121 1 32 4 49 7 41 7 20 Bagillt 7 2 9 17 1216 ;3 35; 5 43 fc 9 18 10 8 6 35 Conway 6 3l| 8 29 9 31 1131 | 1 43 4 59 7 53 9 26 7 30 1 3 9 26 HOLYWELL. 7 8 9 2l! 1222 |3 40! 5 49 6 37-§ 9 24 1014 !« 40 LlandudnoJun. 6 38? 8 36 9 39 1140 o j 1 51 6 8 8 1 9 34 Mostyn 7 17 •• 9 30 1231 3 48j E 5 57 6 45 9 32 o 1024 j6 50 ColwynBay. 6 49 8 46 9 52 1160 j 2 9 5 20 8 li 7 41 1 18 Prestatyn 7 28 •• 9 42 1243 G 4 0 6 7 G « 9 89 42 ■ 1036 7 2 Colwyn 6 54| 9 57 1154 g 2 8 5 25 8 19 7 45 RHYL 3 137 37 9 50 1040 1251 3 134 95 526 15 7 !o 9 169 50 j? 3 13 104511507 9 LlandulaB 6 58 10 1 1153 2 13 5 30 8 24 7 50 Abergele 7 49 10 41051 1 5 3 271 6 5 7 16 §« 9 27 § 7 18 Abergel 7 5' 8 57 10 8 12 5 2 21 •• 5 38 8 32 7 59 Llandulas 7 58 1013 E 1 15 3 36 | I 7 25^ 9 36 •§ j7 27 RHYL 7 19 9 79 50 1022 1157 1219 p 2 36 3 45 5 55 8 48 10 4 8 10 1 45 5 45 10 4 Colwyn 8 3.. 1017! 1 19 3 40, 6 17 7 29.2 |7 31 Prestatyn 7 27| 9 58 1030 12 5 \m 2 44 3 53 6 3| 8 56 8 19 5 53, ColwynBay 8 7.. 102211 41 24 3 45 6 22 7 34 9 43 7 36 M«styn 7 38; 9 24 1010 12l5 1236rg, 2 57 4 4J 6 15 ..97 8 30 6 4 Llandudno Jun 3 44 8 23 1038 1116 1 40 4 l| 6 34 7 51 2 • 9 52 3 44 7 48 HOLYWELL. 7 46! 9 30 1019 1046 1222 o^j ..3 4 4 13 6 23 9 16 8 37 2 56 12 Conway 3 49 8 27 1042:1120 I 44 .4 5i 6 38 (7 55 =3 g 9 56 | 3 49 1217 7 52 Bagillt 7 52 1025 11228 2 19 "6 30 9 23 8 46 ,« 19 Penmaenmawr 8 30 10521129 1 53 4 15 g 47 8 5o'3 10 5 j 18 2 Flint 7 58 9 25 1030 (1233 1248 *'3 4 25 6 36 9 28 8 53 i6 25 Llanfairfechan. 8 42 1058 U35 1 59 !4 22 6 55 8 11 3 §f 1011 j |8 8 Cannah'sQuav. 8 6 9 31 1038 1240 |° ST 4 31 6 44| 9 36 9 0 !e 32 Aber 8 50 11 sjll41 2 6 4 28 | 8 17 a |8 13 Queen's Ferry.. 8 11 9 86 1043 1245 H d 4 35 6 50 9 41 9 4f 6 37 Bangor 4 20 9 10 1117)11562 25 4 48 7 10 8 37L 1026 1243 4 9.. 1242 8 40 Sandycroft. 8 18 9 40 1047 1250 4 39 6 55 9 45 9 9! 6 41 Holyhead 5 01010 1 !l 53 40 5 45 9 40l» 1 20 5 0 1 20 9 35 Chester 8 29 9 509 58 11 011118 1 01 8 8 35 4 55 ..7 10 10 0 1050! 9 25 2 50 6 55 1050 VALE OF CLWYD, DENBIGH, RUTHIN AND CORWEN RAILWAYS. AND CORWEN RAIL WAYS. LSAVK a.m a.m p.m p.m p.m n „ RHYL 7 55 1050 1 10 3 20 6 209 M Rhuddlan 8 4 1059 1 19 3 29 6 299 « St. Asaph 8 11 11 6 1 26 3 34 6 38 0 « Trefnant 8 19 1114 I 34 3 40 fi 440 it DENB.. }"—• J 60 6 549 5 J d. 8 4o 113o 2 04 0 '7 is Llanrhaiadr 8 53 1143 2 8 4 8 7 01 Rhewl 8 59 1149 2 14 4 14! 7 oq KUTHIN 9 1 1154 2 20 4 19 7 M 9 1112 1 4 25 „ 4, Nantclwyd 9 20 1210 4 32 |7 50 Derwen 9 27 1217 4 38\ 7 66 Gwyddelwern. 9 371227 4 47 18 7 Corwen 9 47^1237 4 55j (8 17 LEAVH a.m1 a.m a.m p.m p.m p.m. „ m CORWEN 7 301030 1255 6 50 Gwyddelwern 7 36| 10361 0 5 55 Derv»u 7 4510421 8 g 5 Nantclwyd. 7 49 10461 13 6 10 Eyarth 8 01055 1 24 fi oil RUTHIN 8 710591 294*506 H Rhewl. 8 1411 4 1 34 4 66 6 34 Llanrhaiadr 8 1911 91 39 5 0 6 39 DENB • 8 30 1122 1 50 5 10 6 50 ") d. 6 409 10 1125 1 555 157 35 Trefnant 6 47 9 181132 2 2 5 22 7 44^ St. Asaph 6 65 9 26 1139 2 9 6 30 7 64 Rhuddlan 7 3 9 351146 2 17 6 38 8 sj Rhyl. 7 12 9 441156 2 266 47 8 16 MOLD AND DENBIGH RAILWAY. LKAVE a.m a.m p.m p.m D m N M » ™ CHESTER 7 15 10 2 1210 2 32 5 7 6 0f8 34 Broughton Hall .|7 251012 1220 2 42 5 17 8 44 |7 40 1025 1235 2 57 5 32 6*19 8 59 Padeswood 7 47 1032 1242 3 4 6 39 9 4 LlonS"" 17 501035 12453 7:6 42' 9 7 MOLD. Iar-j7 65 1040 1250 3 12 6 47 6 30 9 12 J d—17 67 1042 1252 3 1*1 |6 319 13 JJhydymwyn. 8 4 1049 12593 21 '6 389 20 Nannerch 8 13 1058 1 8 3 30, 6 47 9 29 Caerwys 8 20 11 5 1 15 3 37| 6 54 9 37 Bodfari *8 251110 1 20 3 42 6 59 9 42 Denbigh 8 3511201 30|3 64 7 10 9 63 LBAVB a,B1 a.m a.m am P M p.m DENBIGH. 8 35 10 0 1135 2 56 4017 a Bodfari 8 43 10 81143 2 13 5 48 7 6 Caerwys 8 50 1014 1150 2 20 5 55 7 13 Nannerch.. •« 8 58102211582 286 3 7 28 Rhydymwyn 9 7 1030 12 7 2 37 6 12 7 32 .ar 9 14 10381214 2 44 6 19 7 39 MOLD.. J d. 7 45 9 1610401216 2 46 6 21 7 41 Llong ..17 49g 20 1044|1220 2 506 267 45 Padeswood.i7 53 9 24 1047;1224 2 54 6 29 7 49 Hope 8 1 9 30 105511232 3 2 6 37 7 66 Broughton Hat. 8 14 9 4311 51246 3 15 6 50 8 9 Chester 18 24 9 54 1115 1255 3 25 7 0 8 20 Printed and Published by the Proprietors DIVIES AND Co., at their General Printing Office. high. street, Holywell. 6