The North Wales Times

ALLEGED SHOOTING AFFAIR IN NORTH WALES. STRUGGLE BETWEEN KEEPERS AND POACHERS. Before the Lord Lieutenant of Merioneth and a full bench of magistrates, sitting at Towyn on Friday week last, a poaching case was heard, the particulars of which were shortly as follows:—Nine quarrymen from the neighbourhood of Corris and Ma- chynlleth are supposed to have gone out on January 11th, with faces blackened and armed with spears, gaffhooks, and torches, for the purpose of killing salmon in the river Dulas. Two keepers named Griffin and Parry came upon them and gave chase. Griffin, it is said, struck down a man with a large stone until he became almost insen- sible. He then followed up, struck another man on the forehead with a stick, and still another with a life preserver. The gang then turned upon Griffin and knocked him down. He is alleged to have called out, Fire, Parry, fire,' and Parry is said to hare loaded his gun and fired, the first shot in the air, and four others at the men. The nine men were shot, most of the pellets en- tering the back and sides, showing that they were shot whilst in retreat. Several of them were unable for many days to leave their bed. The men were proceeded against for poaching, but inasmuch as the keepers could only identify two of the men, Wil- liams and Whittington, the seven others charged were dismissed. Williams and Whittington were fined £5 each and costs. The keepers were next charged with the shooting, and after several hours' hearing, the case was adjourned until to-day (Friday).

A HAWARDEN OVERSEER FINED. AT Caergwrle Petty Sessions,last week,John Cawley, farmer, Shordley Hall, a guardian of the poor for the Hawarden Union, and one of the overseers for the parish of Hope, was summoned by Frederick Jones, the as- sistant overseer and rate collector for Hope, for threats and assault. Mr. Wynn Evans (Wrexham) was for the complainant, and Mr. Frank Turner (Ches- ter) was for the defendant. Mr.Evans said his client had been assistant overseer for ten years, and Mr. Cawley was one of the four overseers appointed last April for the parish of Hope. Ever since the de- fendant had been appointed he had, for some reason or other, manifested a grudge against Jones. At the first meeting of the overseers in June the defendant made some objections about the place which bad been requisitioned by the complainant for the meeting. The defendant had frequently attended meetings in an excited condition, and the complain- ant had had the greatest difficulty in work- ing with him. On January 28th the defend- ant used strong language, put his fist in complainant's face, and pushed him by the shoulder. They were separated, and the complainant escaped. The complainant, in his evidence, said he was in bodily fear of the defendant. For the defence it was contended that Mr. Cawley greeted Jones in the most civil manner, and it was only when the complain- ant became uncivil that Cawley emphasised his remarks by raising his hand, though he did not at all intend to assault the com- plainant. Ultimately the bench found the defendant guilty of a technical assault, and fined him 10s. and costs.

The inhabitants of the United States con- sume more than half the quinine produced in the world. In France, when a railway train is more than ten minutes late, the company is fined by the Government. When a dentist in China is pulling a tooth for a patron, an assistant hammers on a gong, to drown the cries of the victim. The pariih of Snelland, near Lincoln, boasts of having probably the youngest parish clerk in England, the lad performing the duties being only fourteen years of age. During the time he has held the post there has neither been a. | marriage nor a funeral.

PETTY SESSIONS. Monday.—Before Messrs. S. Perks (in the chair), W. Wynne, Abel Jones, W. Elwy Wil- liams, J. Y. Straclian, J. Foulkes, T. Morgan Owes, and Captain Keatinge. DANCING ON THE PIER. Mr. R. Bromley applied on behalf of Mr- Percy Topping, proprieter of the Pier, for a renewal of the dancing license in respect of the Pavilion, and that it should be granted for twelve months, and not for six months as hitherto. The Chairman said there was a feeling among the magistrates that some assurance should be given that the offensive way adopted last year by ringing bells and shouting to advertise the nigger entertainments on the Pier should not be repeated. It tended to lower the character of the pavilion. Mr. Grenville Topping said that it was stop- ped last year on a complaint from Dr. Girdle- stone, and he had his father's authority for assuring their worships that it would not be re- peated. The application was granted subject to the assurance given by Mr. Grenville Topping. Occasional licenses were also granted in respect of a Masquerade Ball to be held in the pavilion on Thursday, and Cricket Club Ball on the 24th. On the application of Mr. W. W. Parry, a license was granted to Mr. Hay, of the George Hotel, to sell intoxicants in the pavilion on the occasion of the first mentioned ball. Mr. Parry also applied for a temporary authority in respect of the tenancy of the New Inn, on behalf of Mr. Joseph Hood, and with respect to the Crescent Hotel on behalf of Mr. George Eastham. Both were granted. RATE CASES. On the application of Mr. Arthur Rowlands orders were made against some four defendants for the payment oi the improvement rate.

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. On Monday, Mr. Abel Jones, J. P., presided over the usual monolily meeting of the Rhyl Urban District Council. There were also present Messrs Joseph Williams (vice chair- man), P. Mostyn Williams, William Williams, (Summerfield); Robert Jones, David Griffiths, John Bayliss, Joseph Williams (Gas); Amos Maltby, R. Jolley. A. L. Clews, A. H. Tilby, J H. Ellis, S. Perks, Captain Keatinge, and Dr. Prichard, Mr. Arthur Rowlands (clerk), Mr. R. Hughes (town surveyor), and Mr. A. L. Hall (gas and water engineer). THE INDIAN FAMINE AND THE QUEEN'S REIGN. After the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed, The chairman called the attention of the council to the Indian Famine, and went on to observe that the Mayors and Corporations of other towns had opened funds towards the subscription raised by the Lord Mayor of London; and hoped that Rhyl would not be behind hand in showing its sympathy with the unfortunate people who were now in such dire distress in India. This year they had fortu- nately been relieved of the necessity to con- tribute much to the relief of local distress, and they ought to show their thankfulness for that by contributing towards the relief of those fellow subjects who were not so fortunately placed (hear, hear). Mr. Joseph Williams (Gas) proposed, Mr. P. Mostyn Williams seconded, and it was agreed to, that a fund be opened by the chairman of the Council, and subscriptions were collected to the amount of £ 17 odd in the room. The Chairman next mentioned the proposed demonstration in commemoration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and thought it would be desirable to take some steps locally to celebrate the auspicious event by some memorial. This was a matter the whole town should take up, and he suggested that a pub- lic meeting be held at an early date to con- sider it Mr. J. H. Ellis agreed and hoped a meeting would be called at once. A requisition was drawn up and signed in the room requesting the chairman to call a public meeting next week. THE SEA FRONT EXTENSION. A letter was read from the West Rhyl land Company accepting the minutes of the Decem- ber meeting of the Council as the basis of their agreement for the extension of the West Pro. menade, and the erection of a &ea wall. Mr. Williams (Summerfield), another abutting owner, also signed the minutes accepting them as the basis of agreement between him and the Council with respect to the extension in front of his land. The Surveyor was instructed to proceed at once with the repair of the breach made by a recent storm in the Foryd Promenade Foot- way. THE RHUDDLAN MARSH EMBANK- MENT TRUSTEES AND THEIR DUTIES. A letter was read from Mr. F. Sisson, clerk to the Rhuddlan Marsh Embankment Trust, stating that Mr. Hughes, of Kinmel, the chair- man of the Trust, did not deem it necessary to call a special meeting of the rusteesto con- sider the report made by the town surveyor as to the state of the Rhyl cut.' Captain Keatinge, chairman of the Road, Foreshore and Works Committee, said that the next ordinary meeting of the embankment trust would not be held until June next; and the committee thought that that was too long a time to wait, and asked that a special meet- ing be convened. Their chairman, it appeared, did not consider it necessary to do so. The committee had visited the outlet of the cut and found that the culvert was not in u working order; and they must find means to compel the trustees to render it workable and so relieve the water-logged land in the district of the Council. They would do it peacefully if they could. If not they must try the other way (hear, hear). Mr. Robert Jones sroid he had made inquiries as to the proper time to clean the cut.' As it was necessary to drain it, the work could not be done now while there was so much water in the I cut.' All the trouble was caused by set- ting sand between the cob and the river, and he understood that the person who was respon- sible for the cleaning of the/ cut' had authori- ty to proceed with the work as soon as circum- stances permitted, without waiting for a meeting of the trustees to be held. The matter was left in the hands of the committee. DEMOLITION OF THE ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL.—SUGGESTED RETENTION OF THE MORTUARY. A suggestion was made that as the Royal Alexandra Hospital on the East Parade was about to be demolished, that the mortuary be saved for the use of the Town. The Road Committee recommended that the feelings of the adjoining owners of property should be ascertained, as they had contributed towards the purchase of the Hospital building. If the owners had no objection the chairman of the committee thought the mortuary could be bought as it slood for j675. Captain Keatinge said the committee in view of the excellent way in which the mortuary was fitted up and good state of the materials, thought it would be well worth f75 to keep up. However, he had seen some of the contributors and they had a decided objection to the mor- tuary remaining in front of their property, so that was an end of it. If the council thought fit he threw it out as a suggestion that the mor- tuary could be bought for re-erection else- where. The matter dropped. ALLEGED ENCROACHMENT BY THE RAILWAY COMPANY. Correspondence with Mr. Mason, the solici- tor of the London and North Western Railway Company, was read relative to the widening of their line, and the erection of a footbridge at Penybraich. Captain Keatinge said that the Railway Company had been asked to put a carriage bridge in lieu of a level crossing at Penybraich, which would be dangerous now the line was about to be widened to more than double its original width. Mr. Mason had telegraphed that the company would not erect a carriage bridge. A long discussion ensued on the action of the company in placing gates across what was considered to be a highway, in line with land purchased of the Crewn at Penybraich. Mr. R. Jolley stating that the company had virtually stolen 22 yards of land belonging to the public. 15 Mr. Mostyn Williams also protested against the encroachment. The railway company by taking up the full width of their boundary were interfering with a public right of way, and they as a public authority eught to take the matter up. A carriage bridge ought to be put up at once. The council, he argued, should empower the committee to proceed in the matter. It was resolved to leave the matter in the hands of the committee. After a long discussion, it was decided also to wire to the committee of the Flint County Council, then sitting on the subject of the railway rates of the company, asking them to insert a clause in their opposition empowering this council to appear in opposition to the railway rates, if they found i6 necessary. THE WATER UNDERTAKING.— ENCOURAGING REPORT. The water committee presented a very encouraging report. The work now being carried out was well within the estimate, while the year's working was actually less by a £ 100 than the estimate if the committee and 9300 under the estimate of the engineer. On the other hand the receipts were between £ 200 and J6300 in excess of what they were expected to be. The report was considered very satisfac- tory.

FLINT. THE LIBERAL CLUB. The financial report of the above club for the half year ending December 31st last has been issued, and shows that the club is being well managed, the receipts from the billiard table alone amounting to £ 25 14s. 4d., while there is a substantial balance of £18 13;. 7d. in hand. The club is now open for reading alone from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., this is no doubt a step in the right direction, and will induce many additional members to join. THE RECTOR AND THE VACANT WELSH SEE. Our readers will, no doubt, recollect that a letter appeared in our columns a few weeks ago, in which a correspondent suggested that a movement should be set on foot to press the claims of the Rector of Flint for the vacant See of St. David's upon the notice of Lord Salisbury. Not much notice appears to have been taken of the suggestion by the people of Flint: but it has apparently caught on with the editor of the Western Mail, a South Wales daily paper. The Rec- tor, we believe, is an occasional contributor to the columns of that paper. THE LATE REV. JOSIAH JONES. MEMORIAL SERVICES. Funeral sermons were preached on Sunday last at Caersalem, Bethania, and the English Presbyterian churches, to large and appre- ciative audiences. The services at Bethania and the English Presbyterian church were conducted by the Rev. David Edwards, Flint, who prefaced his sermon with an interesting biographical sketch of the deceased, giving an account of his early struggles for educa- tion, and the manner in which he was led to enter the ministry, and concluding with a very faithful portrayal of his ministerial career and his characteristics as a preacher, which was followed by a most appropriate sermon, founded on St. John xi. 11. The Caersalem church was crowded at night, when the Rev. John Owen, Mold, preached from Colossians iv. 7. The preacher dwelt upon the latter portion of the verse as being a true and faithful portrayal of the charac- ter of the deceased. He made no apology for taking that opportunity of saying a few words about their late departed minister- he was (not, however, going to preach the minister but his Divine Master, in the hope that they would be enabled to render thanks unto the Lord for what He had done unto him and through him. As a Christian, he was a beloved brother. The word brother betokened a near relation to Christ, who created brotherhood. It was his relation to the cause of Christ which first brought their departed brother to notice. He had been impressed with religious truths from his childhood, and was received at a very early age into the brotherhood of Christ. It is absolutely necessary to be a brother before being a minister. The de- ceased had carried conviction to all who knew him, that he was a brother in the Lord; not only that, but he was a beloved brother, there was something about him which made everyone with whom he came in contact, ffel attracted by him there was a charm in his character. This element in the character of a minister made him one of the most dangerous men in the country if it was possessed by a man of no principle, but the deceased was a beloved brother in the Lord. He was beloved in^his old home, by his contemporaries, by his fellow students, by his church and congregation, and as a citizen. As a minister, he was faithful, he was a man who could be implicitly trusted, he was faithful to the great ideal of the ministry. Some people were inclined to look down upon a preacher; but Paul delighted in the name, and so with their friend; his main object in life was to become a good preacher. He was faithful also to the gospel. It was possible for a man to attain notoriety in the pulpit by preaching on the topics of the day; but as to theirlbrother, he had no de- sire to attain notoriety of that description, not but that he would have been able to do so, had he desired, but because he believed his mission was to preach the gospel-he preached as a man why believed the truths which he explained to others. Mr. Owen then spoke of the departed minister as a fellow-servant; and concluded with the prayer that the circumstances of his death would bring many to consider their ways, and give heed to ithe warnings they had so often heard from him. The service throughout was most impres- sive and there were evident signs among the audience of the warm place which the departed had won for himself in the hearts of the people of every class and all denomi- nations. During the service the Caersalem choir rendered two anthems in most appropriate manner, viz,, Gorphwysfa'r isaini; and 'Fy enaid cu.'

THE RECTOR INDIGNANT. HE DEMANDS A PUBLIC APOLOGY FROM THE MAYOR. Not having heard for some time any re- ference by our Rector to the now famous Mayoral Banquet, which appeared to have such a disturbing effect upon the Rev. geatleman's mind at the time, we cherished the hope that he had decided not to say any thing more about it, especially from the pulpit; but in thinking that the Mayor had only sinned against an ordinary mortal, we were evidently very much mistaken, for last Sunday the Rector returned to the subject with more vehemence than ever. From the circumstances it would appear that mere mention of a famine in India seemed to remind the Rev. gentleman of that memorable occasion when he was de- nied the pleasure of partaking of the sump tuous repast provided at the Town Hall by our worthy and esteemed Mayor. We don't profess to be able to see the connection be- tween oneandtheother, unless itwas that the thought of the poor hunger-stricken Indians reminded the Rector of some peculiar pangs of hunger which he perhaps felt on that oc casion. However, on Sunday morning last, the Rector in making the usual announcements before entering the pulpit to preach, refer- red to a meeting which had been convened by the Mayor at the Town Hall on the pre- vious Monday night, in order to start an Indian Famine Fund. This meeting, he de- clared, like everything else taken in hand by the same parties, had proved to be a miserable failure, and some Church people had told him that they were quite prepared to contribute to the Mansion House Fund if a collection was made in Church, but they would not give anything to the Mayor's Fund, as the Mayor had insulted their Church (what Christian charity to be sure !) and he (the Rector) would never rest satis- fied until the Mayor had tendered a public apology for ithat insult. He then announ- ced that a collection would be made in the evening service, and he would take care that the amount collected should be sent! direct to the Mansion House on the following day, this would save them the trouble of en- If you require your PHOTOGRAPHS taken in the best style, at moderate charges, go to D. & A. HUGHES, Photographers, Mold. Clubs, Schools, &c., by appointment. tering the portals of the North and South Wales Bank, and to have their names hung up on a card. We are not informed whether the Rector thought it appropriate after such a speech, to omit that portion of the Lord's Prayer which says forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.' At night he preached from the latter part of the 22nd verse in 1 Cor. ix. and seemed very anxious to prove from the writings of the great apostle of the Gentiles, that there was a marked similarity between himself and St. Paul in their manner of treating op- ponents; especially did he commend to the notice of his hearers that passage of Scrip- ture wherein St. Paul says, that he 'with- stood Peter to the face, for he was to be blamed.' With all due deference to the Rector, we would venture to ask him to reconsider this passage, and compare once more his own conduct with that of St. Paul's. How does Paul reprove ? 'To the face.' How does the Rector of Flint reprove? If he has a grievance against the schoolmasters, the curates, the lawyers, the doctors, the Non- conformists, the Mayor, or any other official, does he reprove them to the face T Does he challenge them on a public platform ? No, he must needs skulk behind the privi- lege of the pulpit, like the schoolboy who, having had a sound thrashing in the school- yard, watches his antagonist home, and from behind the hedge, or within safe distance of his own doorstep, commences to pelt him with stones. If the Rector lays claim to be a follower of St. Paul, let him show the same spirit as St. Paul. If there were any sins which Paul hated more than others, they were cowar- dice, backbiting, and petty mischievous gossip. We are fully aware, as we have said be- fore, that the great majority of Church people are heartily sick and ashamed of such proceedings, but we ask again in all seriousness are there not half a dozen among them with sufficient grit and backbone in them to make a determined stand against these performances? Surely there are some means provided in the constitution of the Church, whereby they can lay a protest against such conduct in the pulpit; if not, then we should advise them to pray ear- nestly for its disestablishment.

DENBIGHSHIRE AND FLINTSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING OF THE GENERAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. THE annual meeting of the General Manage- ment Committee of the above society was held at the Plough Hotel, St. Asaph, on Thursday. Mr. R. W. Williams-Wynn, presid- ent for the year, occupied the chair, and amongst those present were Col. Mesham, Captain Cole, Messrs P. P. Pennant, P. E. Story, Denbigh T. J. Rouw, W. Leathes, J. F. Scales, E. Tegid Owen, Ruthin Thomas Roberts, Lleweni; W. Conway Bell, Rhudd- lan J. E. Davies Mold W. H. Roberts, Tyddyn R. Williamson, Derweri John Jones, MaesHan W. G. Rigby, Plas Llanych- an R. E. Birch, R. E. Griffiths. St. Asaph W. T. Bowdage, A. Foulkes, Abergele and the secretary, Mr. Frank BelJis, Mold. THE DATE OF THE SHOW. The minutes of the last meeting being read, the chairman said the first business was to fix the date of the forthcoming show, stating that it had been usual to decide upon a date early in August. Mr. W. Conway Bell proposed, and Mr. T. J. Rouw seconded, that it be held on th 6th of August, and this was unanimously agreed to. THE JUDGES. The judges were then appointed, but the members of the press present at the meeting were desired not to publish the names. APPOINTMENT OF LOCAL COMMITTEE. The chairman suggested that the same course be adopted with reference to the local committee as was followed in Ruthin last year viz., that the members from the district should act as the local committee, with power to add to their number. Mr. Story seconded, and this was agreed to. TM| chairman then said he noticed that there were but a small number of subscrib- ers in the district, and it would greatly facili- tate the work if a few representative men were added to the local committee already appointed. Mr. W. Conway Bell, in supporting this suggestion, proposed that the following gentlemen be appointed:- Messrs Joseph Lloyd, Frank Bibby, F. Huntington, Plough Hotel; E. Morris, Cefn; Owen Owens, Ysgubor Newydd Joseph Davies, Rhewl; J. D. Jones, Bodoryn; Robert Jones, Ysgubor-y-Coed W. Jones, Penporchell J. Pritchard A. Foulkes, Hendregyda E. Hughes, Glanmorfa D. Owens, Plas Clwyd W. Owen, Vaenol Beech, Fferm Jones, Marsh Inn; Lloyd, Ddwylig Isaf Henry Jones, Butcher; Henry Williams, Wern Ddu Evan Jones, Rhuallt; Dewson, Plas Mawr Dewson, Brynpys Llewelyn Lloyd, and T. Davies, Pontfaen. The chairman seconded the motion, and it was agreed to. SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE SHOW YARD. Messrs W. Conway Bell, and R. E. Birch, Maes Elwy, were appointed Superintendents of the Show Yard. VETERINARY SURGEONS. It was decided to appoint Messrs R. Williams, Caerwys, and J. F. Wynne, Den- bigh, to act as Honorary Veterinary Sur- geons for the show. THE RUTHIN LOCAL COMMITTEE AND ITS BALANCE. WHAT WILL THE DENBIGH COMMITTEE DO? The Chairman then called upon Mr. W. Leathes, Wern Fawr, to move the following resolution, of which he had given notice :— That in consequence of Ruthin accepting the Show when Rule 15 was not in force, and was not afterwards constituted according to the rules laid down for such chtfnge, decline paying the balance over to the Parent Society unless all other districts do likewise.' Mr Leathes said he should like to ask a question or. two to the secretary before moving his resolution. It would be the recollection of members present that there was no such rule as Rule 15, as it now stood, when it was decided at Mold to hold the subsequent show at Ruthin. That rule read 301 follows:—'The Local Committee shall, in the event of there being a balance in hand, place this balance to the credit of the Society's General Fund.' Now he maintain- ed that the committee consented to accept the show held there, under the rules in existence at the time; and he should like to know from the secretary when the notice for the alteration or substitution of this rule was put in 1 The secretary replied that be received it at a meeting of the Finance Committee from Mr. J. E. Davies, of Mold. The meeting was held on the 26th. January, 1896. Mr. J. E. Davies That is so.' Mr. Leathes said that rule 12 provided that a meeting of the General Committee should be held annually in the month of February, in the town selected as the place of the show for the year, for purposes in connection with the show, such as deciding the nature and amount of the premiums, and at. which meeting, a local committee of the members of the society, resident in the neighbourhood of such town, should be ap- pointed for the purpose of assisting the se- retary and the General Committee in the arrangements of the show, &c. Now, they in Ruthin had no meeting in February; it was held on the 16t.h March, and he main- tained that it was unfair to put the rule now under discussion in force, eight months after it had been decided to hold the show at Ruthin, and the arrangements ma,de. If the notice he referred to had been put in on the 26th January, how the meeting at Ru- thin had not been held until March. There must have been something very irregular, and the Ruthin committee felt aggrieved on this account. He begged to suggest that a committee be appointed to inquire as to whether the notice bearing on the alteration of the rule was right, and how the meeting in Ruthin was not held until March. Mr. J E. Davies, Mold, said he had given the notice at the Finance Committee on the 26th January. It was in due form no doubt, or it would not have been accepted. A meeting was held at Ruthin, and it seemed strange to him that this matter should be raised now. He could see no objection, as the rule was put in the schedule in the usual, form. He hoped Mr. Leathes would be satisfied with the explanation. Mr. Leathes said he was not at all satis- fied, because he (thought it a most unfair proceeding to have another rule forced upon them eight months after accepting the show and making the arrangements. The Chairman said it had been the cus- tom to pay over the balances to the Parent Society, and the only exception to this was the action of the Local Committee of the Denbigh show. There were many prece- dents for paying over the balances, but only ono exception to hand it over in this way. Mr. Leathes complained that the meeting was not held in February according to the Rule, but that was a very technical objection. He might say that in the March meeting, other rules were altered and no complaint made. On the whole, it seemed to him rather frivolous to raise the ques- tion whether the meeting was held in Feb- ruary or March. He would now have to bring forward his resolution, and put it to the vote. Mr. Leathes said he had surely a right to ask why the meeting was not held in Feb- ruary. The Secretary said he could not give the exact reason at the time, but he could say that there was no amendment to the pro- posal and the alteration of the rule. Mr. Leathes then expressed his willing- ness to withdraw his motion. Mr. T. J. Rouw said he would accept Mr. J. E. Davies' notice with reference to this rule as a sufficient one. At a meeting held in Ruthin, this matter had been discussed fur a long time, and he had to agree with. Mr. Leathes that the show was accepted by the Ruthin people under the old Rules and Regulations, and nothing whatever was said at Mold about handing over the balance to the Parent Society. The Chairman replied that that was the, custom of the country before this rule was adopted, and it was often said that the cus- tom of the country over-rode the law of Eng- land (laughter). Mr. T J. Rouw said the Local Committees bad certainly a grievance on this point. It was rather hard for the Local Committee, after working energetically, to hand over any balance that might be in hand as a re- sult of the success of the show, unless the Parent Society was prepared, in case of a deficit, to bear a portion of such a deficit That was the feeling of the Local Commit- tee at Ruthin on the subject. Mr. W. G. Rigby thought the Denbigh Committee should give some explanation why they had retained the balance from their show, instead of handing it over to the parent society. Mr. Leathes said that if Denbigh handed over the balance, Ruthin were prepared to do the same (hear, hear). Mr. Thomas Roberts said that, as a member of the Denbigh District, he begged to propose that the Local Committee should hand over the balance at once (hear, hear). Colonel Mesham said that personally he would have no objection to this course but he should not like to pledge anything without con- sulting the Committee. At the same time, he did not think that the position taken up by Denbigh ought to influence the Ruthin Commit- tee, because it was not said at the time the rule was passed that it was to be retrospective. However, he thought that if Denbigh was the only instance in the history of the Society where the balance had not been handed over, the Local Committee should consider the matter. Mr. Pennant said the rule in question was in existence as an unwritten rule at the time when Ruthin accepted the Show. It had been the in- variable practice to hand over the balances; but as they had no written rule, the Committee, of course, were not in a position to put the Denbigh Committee in the County Court for the amount (laughter). He would do all he could to induce the Local Committee to hand over the money, because it would be an unfortunate thing for the Society if the different localities acted differently in this matter (hear, hear). Mr. Rigby thought Ruthin would pay over the balance if Denbigh would come forward (hear, hear). The Chairman then moved' That Colonel Mesham be requested to call together the Den- bigh Local Committee to meet the Finance Committee, for the purpose of discussing the disposal of their balance.' Mr. Pennant seconded. Mr. Thomas Roberts was of opinion that it would be no use to call the townsmen of Den- bigh, who were members of the Committee. They took no interest in the Show, only just at the time of holding it. The Chairman said no distinction could be made between members of the Committee. Mr. Story asked whether the meeting refer- red to in the motion would be a public one? They had heard a great deal that day of the sins of Denbigh, and reporters were present. He, therefore, hoped that they would be allowed to attend the meeting in question, and to hear the other side of the subject. The Chairman said that the Committee itself would settle this point. The Chairman's motion was then carried, Mr. Story being the only member voting against it. THE GENERAL AND LOCAL FUNDS. THE DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. Mr. T. J. Rouw next moved the following resolution, instead of Mr. Byford, who was absent, owing to illness:— That a Sub-committee of three members from each district be appointed to revise the Rules and Regulations of the Society, with a view of amalgamating the Society and Local funds, and the duties of the General and Local Secretary, and to report the same to an ad- journed meeting.' Mr. Rouw said the motion was the outcome of a Sub-committee appointed by the Ruthin journed meeting.' Mr. Rouw said the motion was the outcome of a Sub-committee appointed by the Ruthin Management Committee. They appointed five persons to go thoroughly into the question of the management of the Show; and they were of I opinion that it was quite unnecessary to have two secretaries, and that one secretary should act in a general and local capacity. This sug- gestion was made not from motives of economy, but because they were firmly of opinion that the Show could be better managed with one man at its head. The other question considered by the Committee was, the desirability of amal- gamating the two funds of the Society-the General and the Local; and they suggested that three persons from each district should go fur- ther into the matter, and report. He had, therefore, pleasure in moving the resolution. Mr. Rigby seconded. Mr. Pennant said that great many things could be improved by revision. It was felt that the expenses of the show were very heavy, and that arose, to some extent, from having a dual autho- rity. The appointment of a small committee was certainly a judicious move. The Chairman said that nothing coald do more harm to a society than the continual alteration of the. rules. Mr. Scales said that if only one secretary was appointed, he should have aa efficient assistant. The motion was then carried in a slightly modi- fied form viz., that 12 members should form the committee, instead of three from each district. Mr. Rouw then propo-ed the following gentle- men as members of the comn,ittee: Chair- man, Col. Mesham, Messrs. P. P. Pennant, J. Williamson, W. G. Rigbv, W. H. Roberts (Ty. ddyn), J. E. Davies (Mold), G. F. Byford, W. Leathes, W. Conway Bell, and R. E. Birch. The motion was carried. THE CULTIVATION OF FARMS. Mr. H. Edward-, Sirior Hir, Abergele, moved 'That prises be given for the Bes-t Cultivated Farms.' During the discussion that ensued, it was ex- plained that these prizes had been discontinued owing to the financial position of the society. The Chairman suggested that the question be taken into consideration by the committee ap- pointed on the motion of Mr. Rouw and that the secretary should report to the adjourned meeting on the financial position of the society. Ultimately, on the motion of Mr. R. E. Bitch, seconded by Mr. Pennant, it was decided that the secretary be asked to report to the next general meeting on the financial position. The meeting stood adjourned and. those pre- sent retired to another room, where they partook of a sumptuous luncheon, prepared by Mr. Hun- tington. The tables were laid in first class style.

THE FATAL ACCIDENT AT A RUABON COLLIERY. On Saturday last Mr. Wynn Evans, th* coroner for East Denbighshire, held an inquiry at Cefn Mawr respecting the death of Price Evans, a collier, aged 36. Moses Roberts, a collier, stated that he was working with the deceased in the Wynnstay Colliery, Ruabon, oa Thursday. They were filling coal into the tubs or waggons, when a piece flew out from the • face,' struck the props holding up the roof, and knocked them down, A stone fell on the deceased and killed him. By Mr. Matthewa, Government Inspector of Mines for North Wales The piece of coal flew out with a report like the crack of a gun. W. Rowley, who was been working at the Wynnstay Colliery for 35 years, said he was with the last witness and the deceased when the accident occurred. Thers was a 'pluck' before the lump of coal flew from the 'face' and knocked the props down. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

were going on it would take about twelve months to finish. The Chairman remarked that it was net merely the cost of the connections that they had fco look to, but it was veiy important with regard to the plans, Mr. Boosie undertook that and also the registration of them, and the ques- tion was whether their present surveyor would undertake to do those duties. They must not 'spoil the ship for a penny worth of tar.' Mr. Parry remarked that they were all anxious to save unnecessary expense, but the conncctiona were a matter of vital importance to the eostly sewerage scheme that they had gone in for. He would move an amendment that the whole matter be referred to the Drain- age Committee, and to report to the Council. Mr. Simon said that the matter had not been hurried upon them, bmt it had been discussed on several occasions. The Clerk explained that the connections were being made by the Council so that some- one would have to superintend the work. Mr. Simon said that they must take steps either with the surveyor, or compel people to connect. He did not see how they could com- pel people to connect when there were several members of the Council that had not yet done so themselves (laughter). Mr. Wright: Serve them the same way. Mr. Morris thought that before they took measures with other people, the members of the Council that had not already connected should do go. Mr. W. P. Jones seconded the amendment, and it was agreed to leave the matter over till the next meeting, and it was also decided that Mr. Boosie should make:a list of the houses already connected, those to be connected, and those that could not be connected with the main drain. THE PATHS. Mr. Roberts called attention to the filthy state of various footpaths in the Council's area. He stated that the matter had been under consideration some years, and it had been decided to pave Ffordd Fain footpath, but it had not yet been done, and he wished to know the reason why. It was absurd that they should ceme there and pass resolutions for work to be done if it was not carried out afterwards. The Chairman (to the surveyor): What is the state of the paths ? PMr. Jones: The paths are no worse now than they used to be (laughter). Tne matter dropped. SCHOOL BOARD. THE monthly meeting was held on Monday last, when there were present, Mr. E. Bithel (presiding), the Revs. E. M. Roderick, and W. Morgan, and Messrs. Rupert Prince, J. Lamb, W. Tompkinson, J. E. Davies, J. Catherall, and H. G. Roberts (clerk). FINANCE. The Clerk stated that the treasurer's ac- counts shewed an amount of £39 18s. 6d. against the Board, but there were during the month X260 received, and X210 more owing, and that had not been paid on the 3rd inst. ATTENDANCE. The Clerk stated that the average attend- ance at the schools during the month of January was 760 per diem, which was 77 less than the corresponding month of last year. The decrease was owing to the pre- valence of whooping cough and other epi- demics at Leeswood and Buckley. Returns were produced of attendance at the Mold Girls' School which shewed an average attendance for 1895 of 123, and 1896, 122. f> The Clerk, with Mr. Prince and Mr. Mor- gan, were appointed to draw out a form for all the teachers, so that the board might be supplied with a return every week. Mr. Morgan complained that there was a leak- age in the attendance at, the schools. They found that a certain number left the schools, and only two-thirds bad gone to the higher schools. Mr. R. Prince said that that was no criterion to go by, as many head teachers kept children on their books in the hope of them attending again and they took the end of the y nr to clear their books, which would account lor it. INCREASE IN SALARIES. Miss Nellie Roberts (Mold Girls'), and Miss Jones (Buckley Girls') applied for an increase in their salaries. ::The applications were discussed, and decided in camera.