Denbighshire Free Press

CONFERENCE OF PROGRESSIVES" AT DENBIGH. HOSTSLiTY TO THE EDUCATION ACT. PJIP. Clement Edwards Advocates "Squeezing" Church School Managers. On Wednesday, in the Schoolroom at Capel Mawr, Denbigh, a largely attended conference of progressive educationalists was held, under the presidency of Mr J Herbert Roberts, M.P., in pursuance of the Cardiff Conference's recom- mendation that in every local education area in Wales and Monmouthshire a representative and practical organisation of all educational pro- gressives should be formed to bring pressure to bear on the educational authorities to induce them to act fully up to the spirit of the recom- mendations of the Conference. The Chairman wau supported by Mr Clement Edwards, Liberal candidate for the Denbigh Boroughs. Mr S Moss, M.P., wrote that he was exceedingly sorry he could not be present owing to a long standing professional engagement. He hoped that some- thing useful and practical would result from the deliborations of the meeting. Mr D S Davies, Plas Castell, Denbigh, wrote apologising for absence. Amongst those present from this neighbourhood were:—The Mayor of Denbigh (Mr A 0 Evans), Messrs W Marsden Davies, John Davies, J.P., Rev T Jones, Green Rev R Griffiths, Rev Evan Jones, Messrs Boaz Jones, Thomas Parry, Green Rev H 0 Hughes, Henllan; Messrs John Joaes, Greon Edward Mills, W Price, Rev Joseph Evans, Messrs Griffith Jones, Eglwys Wen; Richard Jones, Brookhouse; H Lloyd Jones, Llitnrlaaiadr William Owen, Mr and Mrs E J Roberts, Mr S T Miller, Rov Jonah Lewis, Rev James Charles, Mr J Harrison Jones, Mr Edward Jones, Rev M E Jones, Mr Robert Williams, Mrs D S Davies, Castle House; Miss Gee. Mrs L G Thomas and Miss Rowlands, B.A., Ruthin; Mr J W Lumlty, Mr Francis Dowell, Councillor Thomas Griiliths, Rev E Stephens, Rev E Mostyn Jones, Rev Oscar S Symonds. Rev E J Williams, Messrs Henry Williams, Plasyward; John Hughes, Gel. if or; J T Lloyd, Gyffyliiog; Rev E Owen, Llanfihangel; Messrs W Jones, Plas-yn-llan ,Evan Hughes, Llanynys; E T Jones, Dei wen Robert Jones, Gyffylliog; J P Lloyd, Plas Llan- gwyfen; John Davies, Hiraetuog; A Paul, Bontuchel; Bennett Jones, Bylchau; John Jones, Segrwyd; William Williams, Cae drain John Jones, Cerrigllwydion R D Jones, Nant- clwyd mill; D W Roberts, Dryneglwys; E Evans, Nantglyn; Thomas Lloyd, Trefnant; 0 Williams, Glanclwyd; R W Owen, Gyffy- Iliog; Rev T Richards, Gyffyliiog; Rev J D Jones,-Gellifor; John Williams, Ccfn; E W Thomas, Bryneglwys; R D Jones, St Asaph; Rev Robert Roberts, Llansannan Mr H E Pritchard, Abergele; Rev J Roberts, Abergele; Mr J P Williams, Rev Morgan Davies, Rev Francis Jones, Mrs Parker Davies, Messrs J R Ellis, J R Williams, Abergele J R Williams, Llangerniew Rev Cynwyd Williams, Llanrwst; Messrs W J Williams, W G Jones, J E Hum- phreys, L R Jones, &c., Ac. The Chairman said Denbighshire had taken the lead in the past in times of stress and diffi- culty, and the large representation and the united gathering that afternoon was a clear proof that it retained its capacity of the courage to lead the forces of Liberalism and progress in North Wales in the present crisis (applause). Having referred to the loss they felt, especially under existing eircumstances, in the removal from their ranks of leaders like the late Mr Gee, he pointed out that they still had the inspiration of their example and the memory of their deeds and words to guide and stimulate them (applause). Let them at this important juncture read at- tentively the writing of the past; let them study carefully the lesson of the facts of the present; let them keep their eyes fixed on the ideal of the future. One or two things wore plain. The Act which had been passed had a special mean- ing and message for Wales. From the moment the measure had been revealed, the great majority of the people of Wales had realised its spirit and purpose, and had offered it strenuous and persistent opposition. He thought that it would be generally recognised that the measure had stirred the heart and mind of Nonconformist Wales in a remarkable manner, and the efforts put forth in the House of Commons by the Welsh members against its passage into law was but an expression of that fact (applause). The Act was now, however, the law of the land, and they were face to face with the question—In what spirit, by what principles, were they going to ad- minister it ? Let them clear the ground at the outset of any possible misunderstanding. They were unalterably convinced of the inherent in- justice of the measure! they realised from what source it had emanated and for what purpose it had been framed, and they protested against it with all tkeir might as an attempt to perpetuate the present system of sectarian elementary edu- cation in the country, as disastrous to the progress of education and the highest interests of the nation (applause). He need not remind them that the conditions surrounding the life of Wales intensified all those elements of injustice and retrogression in the measure which they had resisted to the best of their ability in the House of Commons (applause). As to personal action he would say nothing, for that was clearly a question to be settled according to the dictates of the individual conscience and not by the resolu- lution of any public body. As to the bodies responsible under the Act for the administration of the measure, the County Councils, he ex- pressed the opinion that as they represented the dominant opinion of the country so far as Wales was concerned they eould be trusted to take their own- line upon this question. Speaking for himself, he had the fullest con- fidence in their capacity and determination to follow the course best calculated to serve the cause of education and in accordance with those principles which they considered essential to the welfare of the country (hear, hear). As to the part to be played by the public, he ventured to think that they could trust the people in this as in every other crisis (applause). He believed that a new sense of individual responsibility as to education had been created by the passage of this Act which was bound to have the most far- reaching consequences. What was their clear duty ? To place before them the ideal in educa- tion, and through the machinery and the pos- sibilities of this measure to press forward towards its attainment. What was their ideal? The creation of a new interest in every locality in the elementary school, a new consciousness of the fact that the school was an institution of first importance to the life of the community, but it belonged to the people and should be governed by the people, and that the people should place at its service their best character and attain- ment (applause). Secondly, thit every effort should be made to bind together all the grades of education in Wales, and that the whole sys- tem should be made to live and move as the expression of the nation's will. Finally, that they should set their mind upon securing an organisation which would in time become a Board of Education for Wales (applause), and thus enable them to work out for themselves the great problems connected with education. He ventured to predict that if they were true to their principles, and if they threw themselves with courage and determination into the task of building up their educational edifice, the barrier thrown across their path in the new Act would soon disappear (applause). COUXTY COUNCIL'S ACTION APPROVED. The Rev Cynwyd Williams, of Llanrwst, moved—" That this Conference declares its satis- faction at the decision taken by the Denbigh County Council on Friday last to appoint a committee of its members to consider and to report upon the provisions of the Education Act, and it further expresses its concurrence with the terms of the resolution detailing the steps which should be taken to obtain the information re- quired for the production of such a report" Mr Thomas Savage (Wrexham seconded the motion. He remarked that the chairman had referred to the desirability of the whole of Wales acting unitedly, and if that was desirable for the whole Principality it was equally desir- able for the whole county. He thought, there- fore, that the County Council before passing the resolution might have consulted the only town in tho county which was in a position to act on its own account in the matter (hear, hear). The Act wp..i as bad as a Tory Government could j possibly make it and such redeeming features as it posessed had been put there by. the Liberal members and by one or two brilliant men sent up from Wale-, who had justified their presence in the House of Commons (applause). Let them see to it that the people of Denbigh, as well as ol Wrexham, sent up another to help them at the next election (applause). Mr J W Lumley (Colwyn Bay) said the seconder of the resolution seemed to complain that Wrexham had not due consideration from the County Council in the appointment of the Committee, but that subject was considered by the Wrexham representatives, and Mr Simon Jones and Mr Samuel were selected as repre- sentatives of that town (hear, hear). Mr Savage pointed out that these gentlemen were aot representatives of the Town Council. Mr Howel Gee asked whether Mr Savage had attended as representing the Town Council to say that they were going to throw their contribu tion into the.common pot and join in a general scheme for the county (hear, hear). The Chairman said the point suggested by Mr Gea was very important, but it was not exactly what they had met to disouss. They could well leave these local questions to be decided by the representatives of the various localities, and consider the main lines upon which they could proceed as a county (hear, hear). Mr E J Roberts, master of the Boys Board School, Denbigh, said they should try to make the best of a bad bargain. He recommended the County Council Committee to investigate the trust deeds of the Voluntary Schools, as he was told -and he got his information from a good source that the trust deeds wore being doctored to a large extent. They had seen the Bishop of St Asaph going around the diocese from school to school simply to look into the trust deeds and see that the Church got the best of the bargain. The Committee should also examine closely as to the sanitary condition of every school and its equipment. Lord Londonderry, president of the Council, had given instructions to His Majesty's inspectors not to be too severe at first. That meant that unless the County Councils were careful the ratepayers would have to pay in time for all those innovations in the form of wear and (hear, hear). He called the attention of the Committee to Clause 7 Section 5 of the Act they had under that section the selection of pupil teachers where there were more ftpplicants than were necessary, and as long as they were unable to appoint the head masters they should see that they appointed all the other masters, and especially the pupil teachers (applause). Mr Balfour had allowed the Voluntary Schools to levy fees and to apply the fees to the mainten- ance of the fabric. He recommended that the County Council should dispense with fees, and make the Church party find the means out of their own pockets to maintain the buildings (applause). Mr Clement Edwards said while the measure was in the stage of being a bill they used every legitimate effort at their disposal to convert it into something tolerable. Some improvements were made, but on the broad principles they did not succeed. Now the measure was an Act of Parliament, and they had to see how far, con- sistently with the wheels of the educational machinery going round, they could still maintain that attitude (applause). Many of their friends said they must interpret the Act according to the statements of its promoters. But no Act of Parliament was ever interpreted according to the professions and the statements of its promoters. A recent Act, familiar to them all, an Act called the Workmen's Compensation Act, was, in operation, miles short of what its pro- moters professed it was going to accomplish. Therefore, he asked them to look at the Act from the point of Tiew of administration, and to get the very maximum out of it from the point of view of religious liberty, and of control by the public (applause). At the Conference the other day in London, which passed resolutions drafted on the lines of those carried at the Cardiff Con- ference, it was stated that the question of repre- sentation had been settled by the Act by giving two-thirds of the management to the trustees of the Voluntary Schools and a third to the educa- tion authority. The Act did not say that. It said that not more than four should be appointed by the trustees, and not more than two by the education authority. What objection wn,s there to the education authority appointed by the Denbighshire County Council, saying: We will make a bargain with the trustees under which there shall be four managers, two from the trustees and two from the education author- ity (applause). Again, if there must be two- thirds of the membership appointed by the trustees of a Voluntary School, the Act did not say that while they were to be appointed by the trustees they were necessarily, therefore, to be appointed from the trustees. What objection was there to the education authority in Denbigh- shire saying, "You shall appoint four trustees. but you shall appoint two of our nominees (applause). Of course the trustees would object, but the County Council would control the purse strings (applause). It was true the trustees' objection would be upheld by the Education Department, in regard to certain-what might be called—necessary expenditure, but there was a certain amount of expenditure which was entirely within the discretion of the education authority, and they could look to the education authority exercising that discretion and using that discretion in such a way as to squeeze a tolerably good bargaia on this question of re- presentation (applause). It was true the Act said that the managers were to have the appoint- ment of the teachers. Here again they might get the education authority to exercise their discretionary power in regard to what they might call the extra expenditure in such a way as to see that while the managers appointed the teachers they should appoint the nominees of the education authority, selected entirely upon grounds of educational efficiency (applause). The County Council of Denbigh had done the right thing. He agreed that they ought to avoid anything like panic schemes, anything like rash and ill digested suggestions for the schemes, and might take if necessary full advantage of the whole of the eighteen months which was allowed them from March 26th to prepare their schemes. One striking advantage in the series of the con- ference which took place in connection with the Intermediate Education Act was that they got something like unity of the scheme under that Act for the whole of Wales, and he hoped that they would do that in this case (applause); and he advocated something like a national Welsh committee of education experts helping and advising and co-ordinating the schemes, so that they might get something like a common national educational policy in Wales (applause). Of course they would have a good deal of opposi- tion. They would hear a great deal in regard to the trust deeds, and the bargains they would have to make as to the structural character of the schools, and so on. It had been contended that they ought, to deal generously with the Established Church, if only because of the debt of gratitude due to them because they were the pioneers and first promoters of elementary education in England and Wales—("Oh" and laughter). He knew they did not agree he cer- tainly did not agree -(laughter), -but they heard a great deal about it (laughter). As a matter of fact, the Established Church started to provide elementary education not because it loved education, but because it hated Noncon- formity—("That is it and applause). They owed the idea of elementary non-sectarian education to one of the greatest Welshmen who ever lived-Robert Owen, of Newtown (applause). When they came to the administration of the Act they would administer it entirely from the point of view of education, from the point of view of constitutional principle of the people controlling where the people paid, and from the point of view of complete religious equality (applause). It was because he believed that the Denbighshire County Council in this matter could be entirely trusted that he had the greatest pleasure in seconding the resolution (applause). When there were doubtful points, let the Coun- cil insist upon their own rendering of them until they were brought up by the Education Depart- ment, so that they might arm themselves to fight for a perfectly satisfactory measure when the opportunity was given to the Liberal and Nonconformist party to frame and pass one (applause). The resolution was then carried unanimously. Mr John Williams, chairman of the miners' organisation for the county, moved: —" That it further pledges itself to render every assistance within its power to the Committee appointed to inquire into the present position of the denomi- national schools in the county, and to support the County Council in any action which it may deem necessary in carrying out the main prin- ciples of the scheme outlined by the Cardiff Conference." Mr J Harrison Jones (Denbigh) seconded the motion, which was supported by the Rev James Charles, Denbigh. Mr Howel Gee said that he was not prepared to pay an education rate unless the ratepayers got full representation on the schools, and he would not as a county councillor, ask any other man to do what ho would not do himself. Was that conference willing to support the County Council should it adopt that attitude '? The Chairman replied that they pledged them- selves to support the County Council i. any action which they might deem necessary in carrying out the main principles outlined at the Cardiff Conference. What Mr Gee mentioned was one of those principles (hear, hear). The motion was then carried unanimously. Other minor resolutions of a similar kind were carried. This closed the meeting.

rOUTE NIAItCH.-NVe Understand that the I Denbigh Volunteers will f seemble on Sa-turday roxf, the 21st iOlit, at the Drill Hall, and heodel by tle inspiring "trains of their excel- tobt b -nd, will proceed o:. a route march round I the district.

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BHYDYMWYN. GIFTS TO THE SCHOOL.—We ate informed that Mr P B Davies-Cooke, of Gwysanney, ha- late1y presented to the National Schools three fine "portress representing the late Queen Victoria, Kiii £ Edward VII and his Concert Qaeon Alexandra. They will se-ve to enhanec an already beautiful county school, and nourisu a filing of lovalty iu the children. The gift is hi"-iv appreciated by all the parishioners. 'GI:A:<r> CONCERT.—A most successful concert was ^i-en at the National Schools on Friday evening in support of the Parish Church Chou FJld, The room was tastily decorated for the occa ncn bv the Misses Ashton, of Bryncelyn, and it. was crowded out with A most apprecia- tive audience. The chair was taken by the popular voung squire, Mr P T Davies Cooke, Maeselyn, and he was accompanied by Mrs Tattou Davies-Cooke, and the Misses Davies- Ccoke, of Gwyganey. Appended is the pro- gramme :-Glee, Fair Flora," the Choirmen pianoforte solo, Kentucky Barn Dance," Miss Eaisi Yeomans; song, Bay of Biscay," Mr A Dei V» liliaaiS aong, U Pairest Maiden," Mr J F Davies song, "Close to the Threshold,' Miss Lucas; violin solo, "Alice, where art thoii ? Miss Francis song. "There is a garden," Miss Ruth Ashton; song, "Y Ddinas t.r.ctaidi, Rev R E Roberts song, When the heart is young," Mrs Adams comic song, "The four 'osa sharrabang," Mr J L Francis; pianoforte' solo, "Hungarian dance," Miss Parry; Fori,, "Sing mé to sleep," Miss Ruth Ashton song. 11 Pistyll y 11an," Mr J F Davies violin solo, "Spknisit dance," Miss Francis; song, The dear old home, Miss Lucas scno-, ■' The Veteran's song." Rev R 11 Roberts song, Killarcey," Mrs J P Adams; glee, "Thp ticklers," the choirmen; comic song, "Lucky Jim," Mr J L Francis. The pro- gramme was exquisitely rendered throughout, and much praise is due to the Misses Ruth Ashton and Dora Lloyd for getting such a varied and interesting programme together. The usual vote of thanks brought a very successful entertainment to an end.

LLANR WS'r. LICENSING SESSIONS. The brewster sessions for Llanrwst were held on Monday, Colonel Wynne Finoh presiding. Superintendent G Jarvis presented his report, which was to the effect that the division contained 34 fully-licensed houses, one off ale and spirit, and one wholesale wine and spirit license, making a total of 30, giving an average of 208 persons to each license. Six-days' licenses were held by 16 licensees, and seven-days' by 18 licensees. During the 16 months ending December 31st', 145 persons (135 males and 10 fen* ales) were apprehended or summoned for drunkenness, including two for being drank on Sundays. This was 35 less than the number proceeded against during the previous 16 months. The charges for Sunday drinking were four less, Eighty- ninc were residents, and 56 strangers. Since the new Licensing Act came into force three habitual drunkards had been convicted and placed on the "black" list. At his suggestion, all the license holders in the division who allowed games of dominoes, rings, &c., to be played in their houses had discontinued the practice. This, he con- sidered, would prevent a source of tempta- tion to youths, and might prevent many disturbances in licensed houses The houses had been fairly well conducted. One of the licenses, that of the Feathers Inn, Llanrwst, would lapse that day, inas- much as he understood it was not intended to apply for its renewal. The house had not been open for some time. The licenses were then all renewed, with the exception of that of the Feathers Inn, which plac-s, it was stated, had been con- verted into a shop.

T. H. Roberts, Tailor and Drapei. RUTHIN. GRAND NEW STOCK OF Summer Patterns, &c. In the Latest Designs in Ladies' and Gents' -Matei-ials. Patterns and Estimates UPON APPLICATION St. Peter's Square, Ruthin. 13i BROCKLEHURSTS' CATALOGUE OF Garden Seeds, Plants, Roots, Trees, etc., now ready. Post free on application. Don't fail to see this list before placing your orders. The best possible Varieties and Value offered. W. T. BROCKLEHURST, Florist and Nurseryman, IL03D0A HOUSE, RUTHIN. 2247a. c JOHN ROBERTS, 1, Castle Street, RUTHIN, has received a NEW STOCK of all the LATEST FASHIONS in ladies' Jackets, Capes, Cloaks, Mackintoshes, Costumes, Turs, &c. Also the LATEST STYLES n Ladies' and Girls' Straw and Felt Hats, Sec. GIRLS' COSTUMES ALL SIZES. Ladies' and Children's Flannelettes and Lontf Cloth Underclothing. 359uo BOOKBINDING IN ALL ITS BRANCHES, by Edward M. Jones, "Eclipse" Bookbinding Works, I PORTLAND PLAO-C, DENBIGH I Magt and Plant carefully mounted. Casing of Magazines, &c in Publishers'Cover j AU missing parts supplied. 1054a.c.

ST. ASAPH. THE NEW ACT.-All the licence holders in this district have received notice to attend the next magistrates' meeting. Much speculation is rife as to the object. LIGHTING.— In accordance with the recom- mendation of the Parish Council, the lamps in the principal parts of the city are now furoished with incandescent light, a great improvement. COMPETITIVE MEETING.—On Thursday last, at the C.M. Chapel, a competitive meeting was held. Each subject was keenly contested. Mr W G Jones, Lower Shop, was chairman the Rev Jonathan Jones being conductor. BILLIARDS.—Or; Wednesday a return match of the Flintshire Conservative Clubs Billiard League, was played at St Asaph, between Holywell and H Asaph teams. The match was won by the St Asaph team by 234 points, every one of the home players beating his opponent. Tim POSTMAN'S FRIEND "POOR OLD CRIB." —This faithful old creature, well kno-Nii to everybody as the postman's dog, is dead at last. During the past 14 years he has been the constant companion as Town Postman of J ATomkinson, during which they have walked together something like 70,000 or 80,000 miles. Ever ready to defend his master against snar- ling brutes anxious to interfere with the postman's knock, to enjoy a chase or hunt a rat, he was as much at home in the river as on the field, and was a general favourite. Laterly, from old age, he had been unable to walk the full round, but always ready for the start and with a welcome for his master at the finish ef walk. He died on Saturday last, and after so long and faithful a companionship it is easy to understand the sad feelings with which the postman tells of his death. DAXCE AND ESTERTAIUMEXT.—On Thursday, at the Plough Hotel Assembly Rooms, a musical entertainment and danco was given by the Rhyl Zingara Troupe. There was a very good attendance, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Mr J A Tomkin-son and Mr R Price were constituted M.C.'s and performed their duiies excellently. In the intervals songs, musical sketches, and artistic dances were given by the troupe. The Sisters Campini gave a marvellous exhibition of acrobatic skirt dancing. Miss Hilda Aidge nhowed wonderful skill on the Turkish tubephone. Miss Doris Baron charmed, the audience by her clever rendering of coon songs. Mr George James was most successful as a comedian. Miss Amos sang with charming effect. Mr Willie Wynne excelled himself in his character sketches. Little Henre performed his part with very pleasing effect. Excellent refreshments were provided at reasonable charges by Mr and Mrs Darwen, of the Plough, who made capital arrangements.

LLANRWST POLICE COURT. WARNING TO FARMERS At the Llanrwst Police Court, on Monday, before Colonel Wynne Finch and other magis- trates, Morris Williams, of Hafod Fawr Farm. was charged with an offence against the Chaff Cutting Machines Aet, 1897. Mr David Jones appeared for the defence, and admitted the charge.—Fined 2s 6d and costs. A GAMK NET. John Casey, resident in Llanrwst, was fined 208 and costs for having in his possession a net for taking game. The nst was ordered to be destroyed. PUBLIC HOUSE MEASURES QUESTION, Thomas Marriott, proprietor of the Victoria Hotel, Llanrwst, was charged with selling beer of the quantity of half a pint in an unstamped glass. Mr David Jones represented the defen- dant.—Mr J Clarke Jones, inspector of weights and measures to the Denbighshire County Council, said that under section 8 of the Licens- ing Act, 1872, any intoxicating liquor supplied in quantities of a half-pint or upwards must be served in a stamped imperial measure. On December 6 he purchased a glass of beer from a waitress at the hotel, and on measuring the liquor he found it was a good half-pint. The use of unstamped glasses was a serious matter to the county, as a glass stamping apparatus had been obtained, and the county lost the fees for the stamping—Id for each glass-if that apparatus was not used. He had given several warnings to Mr Marriott.—For the defence, Mr David Jones stated that after receiving the last I letter from Mr Clarke Jones he sent an order to a firm for a supply of stamped glasses, but un- stamped ones were sent, and the inspector had not been in Llanrwst since then for the purpose of verifying and stamping the measures. At one time it was contended that a glass could not be used in the county until it had been stamped by an inspector of the county, but that view had been overruled by a decision, and the manufacturer could get the measures verified and marked by the nearest inspector. If glasses were used that took five to hold a quart no offence was committed. He contended that the offence charged against his client was a purely technical one,-The bench fined the defendant 61, and remitted the costs. The Chairman Mr Marriott will be distinctly a gainer by that, because it will be an advertise- ment for his large g asses (laughter). THE BUTCHER AND 1113 SCALES. Edward Jones, a butcher, living in the parish of Llangerniew, was changed with using un- stamped scales. Mr Clarke Jones stated"that on December 6 he found the defendant selling meat from a cart in Denbigh-streeb, Liaitrwst", and weighing it with scales which he had a month previously condemned.—A fine of 5s and costs was inflicted.

MURDER TRIAL.—To-day the prisoner I Ed wards was found guilty, and sentenced to death f r murdering Mr and Mrs Darby and their child. RATS, MICE,' MOLES, and"BEETLES greedily eat HARRISON'S "RELIABLE RAT POISON. Cats and dogs will not touch it. Vermin dry up and leave NO smell. Prico, 1/2, 2/3. 3/3, Postage 2d. Geo. W. HARRISON, Chemist, Broad Street, Reading. Agent for St Asaph: J. Emrys Jones, Chemist. Denbigh Harrison Jones and Co., High Street. *093.

DENBIGH COUNTY LICENSING SESSIONS. ALL LICENCES RENEWED. WEDNESDAY.—Before W D W Griffith, Esq. (in the chair), Col Mesham, Capt Cole, Col Wynne Edwards, Dr J R Hughes, W G Rigby, and T J Williams, Esqrs. Supt Jones read his annual report as follows: TO THE LICENSING JUSTICES FOR THE FETTfY ■SKS3IONAI. DIVISION OF IBALED. Gentlemen,—I beg to inform you that there are 17 fully licensed houses in this division. Population 5,764, so that there is practically one licensed house for every 339 of the inhabi- tants. Between the 1st January, 1902, and 31st December, 1902. three persons were pro- ceeded against for drunkenness, and convicted. This shows a decrease of one as compared with the previous year Four 'persons were pro- ceeded against for falsely representing them- selves to be bonafide travellers. The following licences were transferred during the year: Oymro Inn, Llanrhaiadr, from Edward Roberts to Joseph Hughes. King's Head, Llanrhaiadr, fresh licence granted to Edward Roberts, under section 14-9 George IV, owing to the death of the former licensee. Kiomel Arms, Bontnewydd, fresh licence granted to Sarah Vaughan under the same section owing to the death of her father. The licensed houses in this division have been conducted satisfactorily. —I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, HUGH JOE. Superintendent. Supt Jones added that the police had no objections to raise to any of tho licences. The Chairman I suppose the police are taking steps to make the new Licensing Act known. The Superintendent: Yes, the Chief Con- stable has sent a circular letter to the licensees The Chairman said that he took it that there were no objections raised, and therefore all the licences would be renewed. o

COUNTY SCHOOL GOVERNORS. The usual monthly meeting was held on Tuesday, when there were present Mr J Harrison Jenes (in the chair), Rev James Charles and H Humphreys, MrsHampbreys Roberts, Mrs Parry, Messrs William Jones, John Roberts, Ellis Williams, E Mills, Gwilym Parry, Boaz Jones, Howel Gee, John Jones, D S Davies, and the head- master. Mr Mosetey apologised for the absence of Mr Fealkes Roberts, who was suffering from influenza. NEW DESKS. On the recommendation of the head- master, ten new desks were ordered for the new school. SCHOOL BOARD i'l'PII.W. The Cleric read a letter from the Clerk of the School Board, which requested that two pupil teachers, agod 18, of the Infants' Vrongoch Schools, should be allowed to attend the chemistry classes, because the Board notieed that the syllabus of tho Welsh Centra! Board examination was very I much similar to their science examinations. They understood that tho headmaster was I willing to tabo them. The Chairman remarked that the School Board were willing to pay for the favour. Tke Pey H Humphreys proposed that this application be gianted, and a charge be riado spon the Hchool Board for the same, and Ur Boaz Jones seconded the motion. The headmaster proposed that they charge 10s per term per pupil. Mr Geo said that that was very cheap, and he tLouglit that the School Board could easily pay more. Mr D S Davies said they should do all they could to meet the requirements of the School Board. Mr Howel Gee proposed, as an amend- ment, that 15s per terra be charged, and Mr Gwilym Parry soconded. The Rev James Charles said that they should not charge the pupil teachers too much, because they should encourage education as much as possible. The Rev H Humphreys' motion was carried, and therefore the pupil teachers will be admitted to the chemistry classes at a charge of 10s per term. THE iiUILDINU COMMITTER. It was decided that Mrs W Jones, Machno Place, be appointed out of the applicants as caretaker for the new schools Two candidates were in the ultimate voting, voted upon, the other being Mr Roger Pryce, but on the casting vote of the Chairman he lost it, and Mrs William Jones was appointed. It was also decided that there be an entrance for the cartage of coal, &c., made through the back of Bodawen. Mr Howel Gee: Can the police supervise this back door? (laugh er1. HEAD MASTKK'.S LETTER. The headmaster reported that there was an attendance this term of 58 pupils, this being the largest number which had attended since it became a county school. He enclosed a list of the lodging houses which the boys stayed at, and regretted that it was not ready for tho last meeting. He regretted to state that there were sums of money due from parents whose boys had had tuition and books, which had not been paid, and he left" it to the Governors to devise the best way of recovering it. The list of the lodging houses was referred to the ladies' committee, and with respect to the parents who had not paid for their boys' books and tuition it was referred to the finance committee. A GUATIFYING ANNOUNCEMENT. The Chairman said it gave him great pleasure to inform them that Mr Gee, as trustee for the late Sir Henry Tato, of Liverpool, had paid X300 to the funds of the schools and be moved a vote of thanks to Mr Gee for his liberal grant to the schools. He thought that the name of Sir ilenry Tate should be associated with some of the rooms upon which the money was spent. This was carried, and the meeting terminated. i