The North Wales Times

CATTLE MARKETS, AND FAIRS. BIRMINGHAM, February 9. -Fair supplies, moderate trade. QW)tatious:-Beef, 4d to 6d per pound matter, Su to 8d per lb. Bacon pigs, 8s Od to 0s Od per ».5o«>9; porkers, 8s 6d to 0" Od and sows, 5s 6d to 8a, ptr score DUBLIN. Feb. !I.-Prime heifer and ox beef, 52s 6d to 5]8 rid; ditto, second, 47a 6d to 50s Od per cwt; Inferior, 40s 0d to 46a Od per cwt; prime wether mut- ton, 6|d to 7^d per lb; ewe, 6d to 6|d; choice veal, w to 9jd. per pound. Los BON, February 11 —The cattle traie has been qdif-t. The supply of beasts- waA larger than usual, but it "vsc'^sl«ted mainly of fat bulls and rough cows ffMm the #cuth-westeru districts, which met with a alow and steady trade at iate prices. In addition, thare we! about 40 boasts held back from Monday, bat for these no demand was experienced. Thesupply efaneel) was v?ry small. NXith very few buyers present trade was extremely dull at about Monday's prteea. Quotations aa follows :—Beef—aafoice, 2» 4d to ip, 3a od per 8 lb secondary, 3s 6d to 3s lOd prime e oxen, 4s Od t >4s 2d ditto Scots, fzo, 4s M to 4a 4; coarse and iaferl^r sheep, 3s Od to 49 Od second quality ditto, 4s. Od to 4s 3d. Supply —English— 1 Baasts, 130; sheep, 720; calves, 20 pigs, 110; and milah oows, 20.

DISESTABLISHMENT. IT would be vain to expect a satisfactory debate on the great question of Disesta- blishment in the House of Commons as at present constituted. When education is to be prosituted to benefit an into- lerant church, when the landlord is relieved at the cost of the ratepayer, and when the jingo Imperialist is granted his behest by additional expenditure on army and navy, it is hardly to be expected that the House is in a mood to deal properly with the Disestablishment question. An overwhelming majority devoted to class privileges may always be counted upon to withstand the curtailment of existing privi- leges as well as to add to their number, hence the disappointing nature of the debate upon Mr. SMITH'S resolution on Tuesday night. Mr. SMITH called attention to the evils re- sulting from the union of Church and State, and moved 1 That it is expedient to dises- tablish and disendow the Church of England in England and Wales.' No progressive politician would for a moment contest this, and as a means of obtaining the voice of the House on the abstract question, the re- solution was to all purposes a proper one j but in point of urgency, it is hardly fair to bind Wales with England in this manner. Public opinion in Wales on this question is greatly advanced,and the case for disestablishment is much stronger than it is in England; therefore, we cannot but consider that the Welsh case, if it is not to be materially handicapped should always be presented on its own merits. The present debate, moreover, seems to emphasize this. As Mr. BALFOUR, pointed out, the front Opposition bench were conspicuous by their absence. Insomuch as the previous Parlia- ment had affirmed the principle of Welsh disestablishment, the fate of Mr. SMITH'S resolution would at first seem to indicate a serious falling off in the Liberal support ac corded to Welsh Disestablishment. But it s evident that that view of the case is not the correct one to take. The absence of the Opposition leaders, and the insincere tone of Mr. BALFOUR'S utterances offer the key to the true value of the debate. Mr. SMITH spoke earnestly, though the range of his ar- guments may have been somewhat wider than the occasion would justify. Mr. E. J. C. MORTON. who seconded the motion, was nearer the mark, but Mr. BALFOUR simply ridiculed the motion and the speech- es. When I look at the state of the benches opposite, it does seem to me that the House is wasting its time, and is adding neither to its dignity nor to its efficiency in occupying itself with arguments of which it would be far too high a compliment to say they are academic.' This, of course, is Mr. BALFOUR at his best, adding considerably to the length of a debate which he himself considered mere waste of time. Were we to accept his estimate of the proceedings, we would be compelled tosay that the dignity and efficiency of the House would have suffered considerably less had Mr. BALFOUR not guttered a word. Even if Mr. SMITH'S arguments were ordinary to a degree, to say bluntly that Mr. SMITH'S object was Ito' destroy the Church was no improvement upon them. Such groundless charges are characteristic of those champions of Church Defence who appeal to ignorance and pre- judice, and their impudence is only equalled by that of the gentleman who talks about the dignity and efficiency of the House as things violable only by an attempt, however ill-supported, to affirm a principle assented to by the House on more than one occasion,, and conscientiously held and honourably ad- vocated by gentlemen who are at least above appealing to rank prejudice in favour of their cause. It ill becomes the person who could not help but regard this debate as little better than a sham to affirm that the Church possesses a clergy whose work is not mainly or chiefly among the rich and well-to-do, but among the poorest and most helpless.' It is notorious that the Church of England is the Church of the rich that is even admitted by some of its most ar- dent supporters. The true democratic element in the Church goes for its disestab- lishment, and it would be difficult for Mr. BALFOUR to make out a case against dises- tablishment from that quarter. But Mr. BALFOUR does not consider the matter as a party politician, he is glad to 'dismiss all lower matters of consideration,' and is de- sirous to consider the matter as one anxious for the growth of true religion and the spread of spiritual life in all classes of the community.' It is rather difficult to believe that Mr. BALFOUR considers party politics lower matters of consideration,' but even if he does so, we should have wished him to approach this question from that standpoint, for we find that when he considers it 'as one anxious for the growth of true religion,' &c., he is even below the general level of the party politician-he attributes unworthy motives, and misrepresent* facts. It is in- deed singular that Mr. BALFOUR should complain that the debate was 4 a sham.' But does the result of this debate show that disestablishment is fa!ling into dis- favour among the Opposition 1 We believe that it does not. The motion itself, as we have pointed out, was not, in the present state of Parliament, calculated to prove of much value, and it was undoubtedly brought forward at a somewhat inopportune mo- ment. It should have been better suppor- ted by the Liberal leaders, but then the absence of members was not confined to the Liberal party alone; the Conservatives lacked interest in the subject as well as the Liberals. It was not the right moment or form to consider the question, and no great importance need be attached to the result. Clerical aggression is just at present occu- pied in trying to prop up the Establishment by means of the V oluntarychools, and for some time at least the battle for disestab- lishment will take the form of resistance to the education proposals of the Government. This at present is the Liberal rallying point, and any wider aspect of the question may not work out quite so satisfactorily. The lack of interest shown by the Liberal lead- ers may indeed be taken as indicating the absence of a real demand for disestablish- ment in England; but even if that is so, England would, as proved last year, oppose the re-endowment of the Church by means of the Education Bill.

A note of the Bank of England, twisted into a kind of rope, can suspend as much as 3291b,. upon one ead of it, and not be injured. Numerous experiments to determine the best fire-resisting materials for the construc- tion of doors have proved th&fc wood covered with tin resists fire better than an iron door. Tumblers of nearly the same shape and di- mensions as, those employed to-day have been found in great numbers in Pouipeii. They were of gold, silver, glass, agate, marble, abd other semi-precious stonon,

POLICE COURT. FRIDAY (to-day), before the Mayor and Mr. John Davies. YOUNG BOYS IN TROUBLE. Thomas Wynne and Thomas Roberts, two young lads from Henllan Street, were charged by Joseph Livingstone with having, on the 30th of December, unlawfully destroyed the insu- lators of the electric telegraph between Den- bigh and Henllan, belonging to the Postmaster General. Frederick Jones, another boy, was summoned for committing a similar offence a week previous. The three defendants pleadedguilty. John Roberts, Henllan Street, said he saw the three defendants throwing stones at the insulators, and breaking them. The relatives of two of the boys said they had punished them severely for what they had done, a belt having been used in each case to administer the chastisement. The Mayor characterised the offence as a most serious one, and asked the relatives whether they would again thrash the boys in the presence of a policeman. The fine would be flo, or in default three months' imprison- ment; and they consented to this course. The costs came to 9s. each but the Bench decided to remit a portion of the cost, reducing it to 5s. each. ANOTHER HENLLAN STREET BRAWL. Ellen Jones, a married woman, residing in Henllan Street, was charged by Jane Jones, a neighbour, with assaulting her on the 8th in- stant. Defendant denied the assault, and said com- plainant had called her names on the previous Saturday night. Complainant then described the assault, and aaid she only wanted peace. The Clerk.- I Have you any witnesses, Jane Jon Ps Complainarit. No sir. They have frightened my witnesses.' Defendant was bound over in the t-um of 95 to keep the peace for six months, her husband being accepted surety. The costs amounted to 7s. 6d.

PHOTOGRAPHS,—Now is the time to have our Photograph taken. Moderate Charges Clubs, Schools, Parties, &c., by appointment. D. & A. HUGHES, Photographers, Mold.

LLAWDDULAS. PARISH COUNCIL. The above Council held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, the 9th insfc., at the Reading Room, when there were present:—Councillors P. Jones, S. Jones, J. Jones, W. Williams, and T. Williams (clerk). In the absence of the Chairman, Mr. P. Jones was voted to the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, and several important letters were read and considered by the Coun- cil. It was proposed by Mr. W. Williams, secon- ded by Mr. S. Jones, and carried, that the forthcoming Parish Meeting be held at the Boys' School room. It was proposed by Mr. W. Williams, secon- ded by Mr. John Jones, and carried, that Mr. P. Jones should have an interview with Mr. Inglis, Old Gwrych, respecting the camping of gipsies at Rhyd-y-foel common land, and to re- port upon the subject to the next meeting.

LLANYNYS. RENT; AUDIT. On Friday, Mr. J. Parry Jones, of Denbigh, attended at Llanynys to receive the rents of the Cerygllwydion Estate, on behalf of IMrs. Tooth, who granted her tenants an abatement, according to her usual custom.

MOLD. ILLNESS. The past fortnight has been particularly obser- ved on account of the visitation of deaths and ill- ness in and about town. Mr. T. T. Kelly, Bryn Coch (clerk to the Flint- shire County Council), has been dangerously ill, as the consequence of a chill caughc after the Railway meeting at Conway, We are, however, pleased to learn that Mr. Kelly has made good progress during the last few days. Mr. Andrew Mather, Bowling Green Hotel, was taken seriously ill on Sunday last, necessitat- ing an intricate operation being performed the same day. Up to the time of writing (Thursday evening), he remained in an exceedingly critical condition.

'PARISH COUNCIL. THE monthly meeting of the above was held on Thursday evening, when there were pre- sent, Messrs. Bithel (presiding), Edward Lloyd, C. P. Morgan, Charles Lewis, Henry Parry, Joseph Taylor, D. Jones, J. Shep- herd, Joel Williams, and A. T. Keene (clerk). With reference to the encroachment at Leeswood, the chairman explained that he had seen the party who had encroached, and he had taken down the fence so that the matter had been rectified. The Clerk reported that the Charity Com- L mission had declined to sanction the ap- pointment of seven trustees from the Urban and iParish Councils, buc. that they were prepared to add four, so that would make a representation of two member from each of the councils. Accordingly, the chairman and a member were appointed to represent this council. The Clerk stated that the usual form had been received from the Local Government Board with regard to the elec- tion for this year, notifying that all Par- ish meetings before the elections would be held on the 18th March. The Clerk stated that the election would be held on the 25th March, and the new members would come into office on the 15th April.

THE NORTH HENDRE LEAD MINE. JUSTICE GRANTHAM AS A MINER. After the Assize Court at Mold was over, Justice Grantham took advantage of his proximity to the Halkin Mining District to pay a visit to the North Hendre Mine- known in the vicinity as the Olwyn Goch Mine. His lordship was accompanied by his sons, Lord Mostyn, and the High Sherifl, for Flintshire Mr. W. H. Buddicom. Captain Ellis conducted them over the premises, and having examined the machi- nery and plant on the surface, the whole party decided to descend the shaft to exam- ine the workings, and for the purpose, each of the party were supplied with a miner's out-fit. When Justice Grantham had donned his miners suit, Lord Mostyn laugh- ingly remarking that his lordship looked anything but a judge in his miner's clothes the judge however proved himself to be a good miner, as he scaled the numerous ladders, candle in hand, and descended the sumps with the dexterity of an old hand, and was evidently the most irtrepid miner of the party, with the exception, perhaps of the High Sheriff, who has been through the workings on several previous occasions. The party thoroughly enjoyed their adven- ture during which they had no small amount of fun. On one occasion his lordship seeing one of his sons in a somewhat ludicrous position exdamied Oh for a snap shot.' They congratulated Captain Ellis upon the excellent state of the mine and observed thatlit appeared to be one 'of the best equipped lead mines in the whole of Wales.

RAILWAY OFFICIALS' ANNUAL DINNER & PRESENTATION.. THANKS to the energy of Mr. J. Cartwright, the local etation-masfeer, through whose effoits an annual Railwy Officials' Dinner has been inaugu- rated here, and was served at the Statioo, on Thursday evening last, by Mrs. Cartwright. Mr. W. Wright presided; the company ielnding local stationmasters, and othor railway officials* numbering over thirty. The suitability of the occasion was taken to present Mr, J. H. E. Bennett with a beautiful Cowhide Gladstone Bag, subscribed for by the railway staff at the atation. Mr. Lowsby also presented Mr. Bennett with a nicely designed Illuminated Address completing the preset),tat,ori given by the well-wishers of Mr. Bennett in the town. The presentation of the Travelling Ba.g was made by Mr. Cartwright, who, in appropriate terms, observed that during the time that Mr. Bennett had been among&t them at Mold, be had always been found most attentive to his duties, and courteous—two important traits in the duties of a railway man's life. The duties of a hooking- clerk, hke those of a station-master, were not at all times tae most pleasant; but Mr. Bennett easily got over all'obstacles. It was with plea- sure that he made the presentation and^e hoped that Mr. Bennett would long be sparetf £ 0 make/ use of the bag as a token of their respect towards him. ? Mr. Bennett made a suitable rejpoose and the remainder of the proceedings were spent in bar- mony.

URBAN COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the above Council was held on Friday evening, when there were present, Messrs. J. E. Davies (presiding), W. Wright, H. Lloyd Jones, D. Morris, H. G. Ro- berts, W. P. Jones, T. Parry, W. Rowe, G. H. Simon, and G. H. Bradlay, (clerk). THE UNIVERSITY OFFICES. On the motion of Mr. Roberts, an application from the Cardiff Corporation to support flie^ location in that town of the University Offices, was ordered to lie on the table. TELEPHONE. An application from tiie National Telephone Company, for the erection of telephone poles in Maes-y-dre, and to the Waen and Nerquis Collieries, was granted the work to be done to the satisfaction of the Surveyor. DRAINAGE. Mr. Morris moved that owing to the slow progress made with the connections with the main drain, that all further connections be superintended by the surveyor.' He stated that only about ten connections were made per month the consequence of which was that every connection cost about 109. to superintend. Further be thought that the town could ill afford to pay two men for work that could easily be done by Mr. Isaac Jones. He had net the slightest feeling towards Mr. Boosie who had done his work with every satisfaction, but he was of opinion that Mr. Jones could perform the duties which Mr. Boosie was now doing. Mr. Simon seconded. Mr. Wright: How many connections have been made? Mr. Boosie Last month owing to the very severe weather there were only six connections made, and no more were ordered. The number of junctions required to be done now is about 90 to 100. Altogether 130 connections have been made. Mr. Wright: What is the meaning of superintended by the Surveyor?' Mr. Morris: We have got two surveyors, and my motion is that we do with one. Mr. Wright said that the work was so little that one man could do it,and at the rate they

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WELSH MARKETS. DENBIGH, February 10.—No trade in corn to-day. Fresh butter, from 151 to 16d per lb; small tubs, Hd to 15d per pound; large tubs, 121d to 13d. Beef, 5d to 9d; mutton, 7d to 9d lamb, Od to Od; veal, till to 9d. Eggs, 14 to 15 for a Is. Ducks, 4a 6d to 5s Od per couple. Fowls, 3s 6d to 4s Od per couple. Oatm al, 2 jd per pound wheat, 9s. 6d. to 10a.; barley, 6s. to 6a. 6d. RDTHIN, February 8.—Wheat, 9s 91 to 10s Od per hobbet barley, 7a Od to 8s Od per hobbet; oats, 5s Od to 6s Gd. Butter, fresh, Is 4d to Is 5d per pound salt batter, lid to 12d per lb. Fowls, 3s Od to ,4s Od per couple. Ducks, 4\1 to 5s per couple. Eggs, 13 to 14 for a Is. LIIAM<JEFTU, February 4—Oats, from 14s Od to 15s 6d per 4uarter; potatoes, from 2s Od to 2s ,3d per ewt; butter, 18d to -d per lb wool, 7d to 8d per pound fowls, 3s 04 to 3* 6d per couple; ducks, 4s Od to 48 6d per couple. Young pigs, lis Od to 15s Od eaeh; fat pigs. 3d per It). Eggs, 16 to 17 for a Is. LLANBWST, February 9.—Barley, 9s to 9s 6d per 147 pounds oats, 5s 6d to 7s 6d per 105 pounds oatmeal, 3Sato 36a per 252 pounds; fresh butter, Is 4d to Is 6d. per pound. Fowls, Is 6d to 6d per couple. Eggs, 1.-4 to 16 for a Is.

THE RUTHIN GRAMMAR SCHOOL. WE publish elsewhere a full report of the proceedings at the inquiry held last week at Ruthin to collect evidence as to the wishes of the district upon the question of inter- mediate education. Mr. Selby Bigge, the Assistant Commissioner sent down by the Charity Commissioners, bad been instructed to confer with the County Governing Body and the Local Governors on the subject; the Commissioners having, in reply to the Governors, stated that, in their opinion, the proposal to establish a county school for boys at Ruthin required from various points of view, careful and mature consi- deration.' Mr. Bigge first met the Town Council, and subsequently a joint meeting of the County Governing Body and the Local Governing Body. At both of these meetings the circumstances were fully gone into, and severalintorestingpoints were raised. Is is not necessary here to trace minutely the history of the controversy with regard to the Ruthin Grammar School, the main fea- tures of which are briefly the foil wing :—The joint Education Committee for Denbighshire decided to have a school for boys and girls at Ruthin, and in the county scheme formu- lated, the present Grammar School was included as a school for boys. This scheme obtained the approval of the Charity Com- missioners and the Education Department, and was presented to Parliament. When the scheme was before the House of Lords, the Ruthin Grammar School was thrown out, the intention being to continue it as a Church school, although the action of the school governors themselves had realiy de- prived it of that character, thereby bang- ing it under the Welsh Act. It has been alleged that this scheme had been so arranged that Church people would have no chance whatever of being represen- ted on the management of the school. As a matter of fact, the scheme provided that there should be 21 governors appointed, out of which three were to be direct representa- tives of the Church, and other concessions were made by which the church party ob- tained advantages which were not given to the Nonconformist, nor given to the Church party in connection with any other school in the county. After the House of Lords had mutilated the scheme, the Joint Com- mittee re-arranged the basis of representa- tion, which still included three Church re- presentatives, but this arrangement failed to secure the consent of the Church party, as also did further negotiations, in the shape I of a deputation to His Lordship, the Bishop of St. Asaph, with the view of bringing about an understanding. Although the I Grammar School was thus thrown out of the scheme, it still provided for the establish- ment of a boys and girls school, and the Governing Bodies went on to complete their arrangements for the purhcase of the Bryn Hyfryd site. Things are now at a stand- still, awaiting the permission of the Charity Commissioners to complete the purchase and proceed with the work. In a letter, dated the 23rd of December, 1896, and which was read at the meeting of the County and Local Governing Bodies on Frida the Charity Commissioners raise three or four points with regard to the establishment of a boys' school. It is pointed out that the proposals of the Local Governors differ ma- terially from those previously before the Commissioners, inasmuch as the former pro- posals contemplated a county school for girls only, whereas the establishment of a school for boys and girls is now intended. With the proposed purchase of Brynhyf ryd the Commissioners seem to be fairly satis- fied, but they consider that the proposal to provide a school for boys as well as for girls 'imports into the question of the approval of its purchase different and important con- siderations,' such as the consideration of the amendment of the county scheme, on the ground that certain of the provisions of that scheme are inapplicable in the circamstan* ces which have occurred since the scheme was first adopted, with respect to the stipend of the head master, the proposed tuition fee, and other matters. Some observations are also m^e with regard to the manner in which it is suggested that necessary funds will be forthcoming for the acquisition of the premises, if approved, and for the requi- site school buildings. These were mainly the points on which the assistant commis- sioner desired to confer with the County and Local Governing Bodies. Several members of the Town Council were against the provision of a boys' school, though it was pointed out that the Council had passed a resolution in favour of both schools. It is, however, very easy to say that the establishment of a new boys' school would be 'a scandalous waste of public money,' when no other course remains open. Granting that such a coursef would be a scandalous waste of public money, it would be well for the party who have made it im- possible to avert such an expenditure to be silent on the point. Dr. Hughes said he would advocate the abandonment of the boys' school, provided the governing body were popularised, and the unsectarian char- acter of the school assured. This seems ration- al enough, but in the face of what has already taken place, it is not likely to be brought about. With regard to the wishes of the district in this matter, it is unfortunate, as Dr. Hughes pointed out, that the District Council was not consulted. Thle Rathin Town Council only represents 3,000 of the 12,000 residents in the district, while the District Council represents 9,000 inhabi- tants. Mr. Rouw contended that nine- tenths of the people of Ruthin, if polled, would support his views. This we cannot admit, but even if it were so, it would be manifestly unfair to go by the verdict of one-fourth of the residents in the district. The Commissioner said that he bad not been instructed to see the District Council, but had no doubt if they wished to give him their views they could do so in writing. It was pointed out that the District Council had already passed resolutions in favour of the whole scheme, and it is to be hoped that this fact will be taken into consideration. It is significant that the Commissioner de. clined to give his interpretation of clause 7 of the scheme, which gives the governors no option but to establish two schools at once. We do not know whether this means that the objection to the present school may be held in any way to modify the interpreta- tion of the clause. It has, however, been proved that the Governors would be able to deal with the deficiency of £400, and the Commissioner was obliged to admit that he had 'been very much impressed, so far as he had been in Wales, with the sacrifices that have been made upon the matter of education.' An attempt was made to prejudice the question of the purchase of Brynhyfryd, and the question of a house for the Head Master was also mentioned as an objection to a new boys' school, but these questions were successfully met. The Governing Bodies really stand for popularising the management of the present school, and the assuring of its unsectarian character; fail- ing this, a new school must be secured. In 11 the event of the Church party proving stub- born in the first course, the weight of the evi- dence, in our opinion, amply justifies the adoption of the other course. It is the mis- fortune of popular educational movements in Wales to be always opposed by the ec- clesiastical interest, but it is difficult to see how in this case, after having at first ap- proved of "he initial scheme, the Charity Commissioners can countenance a policy which will actually amount to a reversal of the purpose of the Act.

SLINGS AND ARROWS. 1--l-I. JBY A YEOMAN OF THE GUARD]. "r- The Board of Guardians at St. Asaph is exercised over the question of the two B's— Beer and Brandy. The Guardians are the authorities to control the paupers, but they do not seem to be able to control the Master. I do not insinuate that the Master is doing anything that is illegal, nor even improper, but judging by the remarks made at the last Board meeting, he does not agree with the Board as to the way certain resolu- tions should be carried out. The Board decided that a present of beer sent by Mr. J. H. Ellis, Rhyl, one of the Guardians, to the inmates, should be returned, or if they did not decide that, they meant to do so. The Master decided to act otherwise, and retained the beer for his own use, having first of all sent to Mr. Ellis an intimation that he was prepared to buy the cask, and asking him to send a bill for it. Such is the history of the Christmas beer.' Now comes the brandy. In answer to Mr. Joseph Lloyd, the Master said that brandy sauce was not allowed to the inmates with their plum pudding at Christmas, but he had granted it every year since he had been Master there.' The query of Mr. Joseph Lloyd comes therefore with some force What is the use of making so much fuss about beer when the inmates get brandy r For aught that I can say, justice is always meted out at the Ruthin Police Court. But although magistrates may be just, it does not always follow that they are discreet, and an instance of this occurred at the Court last Monday, The police prosecuted a woman-a stranger-for being drunk and disorderly. Two independent witnesses came forward, and made allegations as to the conduct of the police towards this woman. After one of these witnesses had given his evidence-as to the value of which I do not express an opinion Sergeant Wollam, who bad already given his evidence, made further statements, but when the wit- ness attempted to follow suit, he was told by the Warden to 'go down and hold your tongue.' Such language as this, to say the least of it, is not dignified, and scarcely fit for public utterance by either a clergyman or a magistrate, and coming from one who claims the authority of speaking as both, it is still less justifiable. The witness was undoubtedly giving evidence against the police, but am I to understand from the Warden's remarks that only a policeman— with the exception of the Warden himself, of course—can speak the truth? I know nothing about the merits of this case, but I do contend that a blacksmith deserves to be treated with respect bv even his reverence and his worship, the Warden of Ruthin. 9 While Mr. Herbert Lewis is agitating on behalf of a National Museum for Wales, which would also, I presume, include a Na- tional. Library, I might be permitted to point out the fact that Denbigh is sadly de- ficient in a library of real good books. This is not meant as a reflection on the present library. That valuable institution is doing a good deal of good with the slight means at its disposal. But it is out of the question to get any rare or valuable publications here. The funds will not allow it. It was only the other day that a gentleman from the neighbourhood bad to go to Liverpool to see a copy of a Welsh book. As a mat- ter of fact, there are far more Welsh books to be found in the Liverpool library in William Brown Street than in Denbigh, or in the Vale of Clwyd. Books of re- ference in any language, are almost unob- tainable in the Vale of Clwyd. It is almost an unpardonable sin to advocate a new rate, but at the risk of committing) it, I venture to advocate the adoption in Denbigh of the Public Libraries Act. There are several rates levied in order to enhance our physicla comforts, let us have one to provide means or the expansion of our minds. -<+_

DENBIGH. M usical.-We understand that a mixed choir, under the conductorship of Mr. Ed- ward Jones, will compete at St. David's Day Eisteddvod, at St. Asaph, the test piece being, 'jPwy yw y rbai hyn.' Swan Lane Literary Society.-At the meet- ing of the above society on Monday night, under the presidency of the Rev. James Charles, an interesting and instructive paper on The Influence of Books,' waa read by Mrs. Charles. Several members took part in the discussion that ensued. The Reading Room Committee.-We under- stand that Mr. T. C. Jones has been elected chairman of the Working Committee of the Denbigh Free Reading and Recreation Rooms, in succession to Mr. Keepfer, who has filled the post for five years. We feel assured the Mr. Jones will be an excellent chairman, and will do all he can to further the interests of the intitution, as his prede- cessor always did. Illness of Councillor Andrews.-It is with much regret that we announce the serious illness of Councillor Andrews. Our readers will remember that Mr. Andrews was unable to attend the funeral of his father, about three weeks ago, having contracted a cold by his death-bed. Unfortunately, the cold developed into bronchitis, and subsequently pneumonia, with complications. He has been attended by his family physician, Dr. D. Lloyd, and Drs. G. W. Roberts, and Dob- bie of Chester. At the time of going to press, we understand for that patient is im- proving slightly. The Literary Society of Capel Maivr.—On Thursday night, the Rev. W. O. Jones, B.A., Chatham Street, Liverpool, delivered a lec- ture to the members, and a large audience present in the School Room on The points of difference between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.' At the close of the lecture, the usual votes of thanks were heartily tendered on the motion of the Rev. Robert Griffiths, seconded by the Rev. Evan Jones. The Rev. James Charles presided. Magic Lantern Entertainrnent.-A very successful magic Lantern entertainment was given at the Capel Mawr schoolroom, on Friday night, the 5th inst., under the aus- pices of the Literary and Debating Society. The programme had been arranged by Messrs. J. Ll. Williams and T. R. Williams, and was thoroughly enjoyed by a large audi- ence. The chair was taken by Mr. Howel Gee, and upwards of 50 views, mostly of local interest, were exhibited, together with portraits of the following celebrities:—Revs. William Evans, Ton-yr-efail; John Elias, Thomas Jcnes, Denbigh] Ebenezer Richards, John Jones, Tal-y-sarn; David Charles Da- vies, David Jones, Treborth; David Saun- ders, Ebenezer Morris, Thomas Richards, Abergwaun; John Evans, Llwyn ffortun, and Edward Matthews, Ewenny. The slides had been prepared by Mr. J. Ll. Williams, who, assisted by Mr. E. J. Roberts, manipu- lated the lantern, which was kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Roberts. During the proceedings, the following songs were ren- dered The Holy City' and Ora Pro Nobis,' Miss Jennie Jones; 'Nazareth,' Mr. R. G. Jones, and 'The Village Blacksmith,' Mr. J. T. Meirion Jones. The songs were illustrated with lantern views, and proved pleasing items of the programme. Mr. F. W. Salusbury was the accompanist* A vote of thanks was accorded Messrs. J. Ll. Wil- liams, T. R. Williams, E. J. Roberts, and T. W. Salusbury, for their kind services, and the entertainment throughout was most sue cessful. The programme, which was also a ticket of admission, had been arranged in humorous couplets descriptive of the views exhibited.