The North Wales Times

BALA. SUCCESS. We are glad to learn that Miss Lottie Hughes F. S. Sc., Frongoch, near Bala, has been honoured by the Incorporated Society of Science, Letters and Art, London, with a medal for musical composition. The piece which secured for Miss Hughes this honour was one recently composed, entitled Siriera.' CONCERT. On Friday last, a concert was held at the Victoria Hall towards building a new church at Ty'n»y-bont instead of the present one, which is in a dilapidated and dangerous con- dition. There was a crowded house. Mr. R. Hughes, Frongoch, presided. Mr. W. W. Thomas, Pentrefoelas, and local singers took part, and gave general satisfaction. The concert was announced to be a financial success, releasing a sum of 125. TEMPERANCE MEETING. The weekly meeting was held at the Plasey Chapel on Saturday last, Miss Parry, Trem- aran, presiding. Mr. W. Williams, Eryl Aran, opened the meeting, and the following programme was gone through:—Address by the President. Recitation by Jane Ellis Davies. Song, Mrs. Williams, Theological College. Recitation, Hugh Thomas Jones. Duett, Mr. Thomas Jones and Miss Jane Hughes (encored). Address, the Rev. E. J. Williams, Llandrillo, which brought the meeting to a close. THE DEATH OF MR. HUGH LLOYD. The death of our respected townsman, Mr. Hugh Lloyd, High Street, took place on Tues- day, at the age of 69 years. The deceased was a leading tradesman in the town, and was well known to a large circle of friends and acquain- tances. For many years, he was a faithful member of the C. M. ehurch, and took deep interest in all that concerned the cause at Bala. He left a widow, one daughter—the wife of the Rev. H. O. Hughes, Henllan, and one son, Mr. Hugh W. Lloyd, of Bournemouth. The inter- ment took piace on Friday, at Llanfor cemetery. EISTEDDVOD. It is proposed to hold an eisteddvod at Bala on Whit-Monday next. A committee has been appointed, with Messrs. R. Lloyd Jones and R. Evans, Seren Office, as hon.ecretaries, to draw out a programme. We earnestly hope that the movement will receive liberal support at the hands of our townsmen and gentry of the neighbourhood. We hardly know of a more suitable place to hold an eisteddvod in, nor a more opportune time to hold it than Whit- Monday, and we anticipate that after its introduction this year, an eisteddvod in this town will be an annual fixture. HORTICULTURAL SHOW, &c. At a meeting of the general committee, held on Monday last, Dr. Williams presiding, it was determined to hold a horticultural show (confined to cottagers' exhibits), and athletic sports on the 19th Angust next. The County Agricultural Show will this year be held in Bala, and it was feared by several that it would be detrimental to their interest to hold a show, whilst others contended that the nature of the two shows were entirely different. It would be a pity to allow the horticultural show to drop even for this year, as it is very much looked forward to. PARLIAMENTARY DEBATING SOCIETY. The House met as usual on Tuesday last. In the absence of the Speaker and Deputy- speaker, the leader of the opposition was voted to the chair After the reading and confirma- ation of the minutes of the last meeting, the hon. member for Cefnddwygraig enquired of the intention of the Government regarding the remainder of the session. The hon. member for Dolhendre (Mr. J. J. Hughes) reported that the Government intended having a debate on the Bill before the house at the next sitting, when a division would take place, and the present session would be brought to a close. Mr. R. J. Davies proposed the adjournment of the house, and this was passed unanimously. TESTIMONIAL. On Monday last, a large number of the Hey. J. E. Jones' friends met at the National School to present him with a testimonial on his leaving Bala to become Rector at Rhos-y- gwaliau. The movement has had universal support by all classes, which shows the popu- larity of Mr. Jones. The subscriptions had reached the handsome sum of £ 112 15s. The presentation took the form of a splendid stan- dard Roll-top Desk, and a cheque for £ 102. The cheque was presented on behalf of the committee by the chairman, E. G. Jones, Esq., Frondderw, who testilied to Mr. Jones' good qualities, and wished him,long life and pros- periry in his new position. Mr. J. C. Evans. County School, and Mr. J. Williams ably sup- ported. Mr. Jones thanked all his friends for the substantial token of their good will, and re- marked that 31 years ago his father received a testimonial from the people of Bala on his leaving the Grammar School for his first, curacy, and that he was now receiving a testi- monial on his leaving Bala for his first bene- I fice. On the motion of the Rev. Thomas Lloyd, seconded by J. Williams, Esq., Gwernhefin, a vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to I the chairman and committee for carrying out the work so successfully.

GYFFYLLIOG. Death of Mrs. Elinor -Lloyd.-It is with much regret that we have to report the death of Mrs. Elinor Lloyd, the beloved wife of Mr. John Lloyd, Glandwr, Gyffylliog, Ruthin, which sad event took place after a long and severe illness, on Saturday the 6th inst., at the age of 56. She was a most loving and careful mother, and a kind neigh- bour. She was a faithful member of the Calvinistic Methodist chapel, and led a very quiet and pious life, and was in all respects a true Christian The funeral, which was one of the largest ever witnessed in this village, took place on Thursday, the 11th inst. The Revs. Cadwaladr Jones, and Evan Stephens, Ruthin, officiated. Addresses were also delivered in the chapel by the two reverend gentlemen, and Mr. Enoch Evans. Cefn Iwrch.

NEWMARKET AND DISTRICT PLOUGHING ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL MATCH AT WHITFORD" This old established ploughing association, whose district embraces the parishes of Newmarket, Whitford, Cwm, Gwaenysgor, Llanasa, Meliden, and Dyserth, and from Pont Dafydd, St. Asaph, to Foryd Bridge, Rhyl, held its annual match, in a field on Plas Uchaf farm, in the parish of Whitford, on Wednesday, the 10th instant. The clima- tic conditions were everything that could be desired, and the field selected for the trial of the ploughman's skill was in every way adapted for the purpose. Its isolated posi- tion at the extreme end of the district, per- haps, was a drawback from a gate' point of view. Anyway, the number of spectators present was far below the average at the gatherings of this society. In the matter of entries too there was a perceptible falling off, the number being, in the first class, nine; in the second class, fourteen. Though the work done could not be said to be of an extraordinary high standard, still it was of excellent average merit, and in both classes the competitors ran each other very closely, as was proved by the fact that it took the judges an hour and a half to arrive at a de- cision. This year, the president was the Right Hon. Lord Mostyn, the vice-presidents being Messrs. James Folds, Pentreffynnon, Whitford and J. Lloyd Price, Mertyn Hall. The field stewards were Messrs. McNicol, Mostyn Scott, T. E. Williams, Pentreffyn- non and Master John Owens, Plas Uchaf. Messrs. W. Jones, Fachallt; J. Bagshaw, Celyn and D. Owen, Tyddyn uchaf, Whit- ford, acted as stewards in the first class; whilst Messrs. E. Griffiths, Bryn Coch, and E. Griffiths, Gareg, Whitford, acted in a similar capacity in the second class. The duties of judges were entrusted to Messrs. R. Foulkes, Birkenhead, and Daniel Davies, Prestatyn, in the first; Messrs. W. Lloyd, Croea Faen, Ysceifiog, and Joseph Price, Pen uchaf, Caerwys, in the second class and to Messrs. T. Lloyd Ellis, Rhyl; Evan Jones, Brynllithrig, Cwm, and David Jones, Cwm, in the classes for the best team, and neatest turn out. Mr. John Roberts, Tyny- caeau, Gwaenysgor, carried out the secre- tarial duties to the satisfaction of all con- cerned. THE AWARDS. 1st class, open to all England:-Ist, Chas. Jones, Criccin, Rhuddlan ( £ 5); 2nd, John Roberts, Mynydd Mostyn (£3 10s.); 3rd, Edward Jones, Nant, Prestatyn 0 £ ll0s.); 4th, E. Wynne Williams, Lygan y Llan, Hal- kin (SI); 5th, William Jones, Lime Bank, Mostyn (10s.); 6th, David Davies, Marian Bach, Cwm (5s). 2nd class, open to all England, but no wheels to be attached to the plough, and no guiders or cutters allowed, excepting chain and weights 1st, Peter Pierce, Waen, St. Asaph ( £ 5): 2nd, Owen Jones, Trelogan (X3 10s.); 3rd. Thomas Cunnah, Pydew, Rhyl (£1 10s.); 4th, Owen Jones, Rhydor- ddwy Fawr, Rhyl (SI); 5th, David Hughes, Hylas, Rhuddlan (10s.); 6th, David Roberts, Tre'r Abbot, Newmarket (5s). For the best, neatest, and cleanest turn- out (man, horses, gears and plough to be taken into consideration, and the least un- necessary gears): 1st, David Hughes, Hylas, Rhuddlan (Mr. R. C. Enyon, owner of team-one pair of galvanised leading chains, one back chain, and two pairs hame chains, given by Mr. Hughes, ironmonger, Rhyl); 2nd, Owen Jones, Rhydorddwy Fawr (Mr. William Hughes, Gwaenysgor, owner of team-pair of leading chains, given by Mr. Kerfoot Hughes, ironmonger, Rhyl); 3rd, John Roberts, Canolblas, Bodelwyddan, Mr. Williams, Pentreffynnon, owner of team- (dandy brush, curry comp, waggoner's whip, wash leather, a box of polishing paste, given by Mr. Clarke, saddler, Prestatyn); highly commended, Thomas Cunnah, Pydew, Rhyl (Mr. John Williams, Pydew, owner of team). For the best team in the wheel-ploughing ompetition :-lsts John Roberts, Canolblas (Mr. Williams, Pentreffynnon, owner) (two pairs of harness, given by Mr. Sheffield, ironmonger, Rhyl); highly commended, Ed- ward Jones, Nant (Mrs. McLaren, owner). For the best team in the non-whsel com- petition 1st, Owen Jones, Rhydorddwy Fawr (Mr.Wm. Hughes, Gwaenysgor, owner) (two pairs of harness given by Mr. E. A. Parry, ironmonger, Prestatyn); highly com- mended, David Roberts, Tre'r abbott, New- market. To the maker of the swing plough that cut the best furrow (a silver medal given by Mrs. and Messrs Roberts, Gwaenysgor); winners, Messrs. Roberts Brothers, black- smiths, Penisa, Dyserth, the makers of the plough ussd by Thomas Cunnah, Pydew. In distributing the prizes, Mr. Jas. Folds referred to the excellence of the work done that day, and regretted that there were not more entries. These competitions did a great deal of good, and next year he hoped to see more interest taken in the society (cheers). Votes of thanks were passed to Mr. Folds for distributing the prizes (in the unavoid. able absence of Lord Mostyn), and to Mr. John Roberts, the undefatigable secretary. [Owing to pressure on our space, this re port was crowded out last week.-ED]. a

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. APPOINTMENT OF SANITARY INSPECTOR. A special m..etin of this Council was held on Monday, to appoint an Inspector of Nui- sances. Mr. Abel Jones, J.P., presided, the other Councillors present being Messrs. Jos. Williams (vice chairman), S. Perks, J P., P. Mostyn Williams, Robert Jones, David Griffiths, John Bayliss, H. A. Tilby, Daniel Evans, Joseph Williams (Gas), A. Maltby, R. Jolley, A. L Clews, Dr. Pritchard, and Captain Keatinge, J.P., together with Messrs. A. Rowlands (clerk), Robt. Hughes (surveyor), and L. G. Hall (Gas and Water Manager). The four selected candidates appeared before the Council, namely Messrs. Robert John Hughes, Birkenhdad W. H. Jones. Colwyn Bay; Robert Lowe, St. Helens, and James Allen Short, Wigan. Each were ques- tioned as to their experience both in their present and previous situations, as to their knowledge of practical work, and also as to the control they bad over workmen. After the candidates had retired, Mr. S. Perks proposed that Mr. Short be be appointed, on the ground that he bad had a wider experience than the others-an ex- perience extending over ten years. Captain Keatinge said he would vote for Mr. Hughes, of Birkenhead, because he felt he was equal to Mr. Short in every respect. In fact as to their ability he saw no differ- ence, and all things being equal, they should give the preference to a man knowing the Welsh language, as the workmen were Welshmen. Mr. Joseph Williams (Gas), supported Mr. Hughes as a practical man. Dr. Pritchard supported the appointment of Mr. Short on the ground that he had had more experience in the work they required him for. Mr. Jolley, Mr. Maltby, and the chairman supported Mr. Hughes, the latter observing that there would be more harmony among the men .under a man who could give in- structions in their own language. Mr. Perks asked why English candidates were invited to apply if Welshmen were to be appointed. Mr. Clews said that the language of a man should not be considered, but the ability of the man. He supported Mr. Hughes. Upon the names being submitted to the meeting, 12 voted for Mr. Hughes, and the chairman put it to the members whether it would not be better to make the appoint- ment unanimously. This was agreed to, and on the motion of Mr. Joseph Williams (Gas), Mr. Hughes was elected. Mr. Hughes was then called into the room, and informed of the decision. The newly appointed officer thanked the Council for the confidence they had reposed in him, and said he would always consider the interest of Rhyl as a health resort.

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. The annual meeting of the Governing Body of the Rhyl Intermediate School was held on Wednesday afternoon, under the presidency of Mr. W. Elwy Williams, J.P. The Chairman and Vice-chairman of the Governors (the Rev. Dan Edwards and Mr. Robert Llewelyn Jones) were re-elected. From a report submitted it would appear that over sixty scholars now attend the school. As the County Governing Body have fined this school 5s. per scholar, because the fees had been fixed at f5 per annum instead of X6 as in other schools; it was resolved to ask for a copy of the resolution under which the fine was inflicted. Mr. Tate, of Liverpool, it was reported, had offered to give £ 100 towards the building fund, conditionally upon the remaining ;Cl,loo being collected and a site secured in six months. At present, the fund stands at about 9600. A letter was read from Mr. F. J. Gamlin calling attention to the composition of the Local Governing Body, which he stated was not of the representative character that was claim- ed for it, as out of the fifteen members ten were Nonconformists, and there was not a single Roman Catholic member. The Clerk said he had replied to the effect that the Governors were elected by thoroughly representative bodies, and had pointed out that of the five teachers appointed, four were members of the Church of England. The matter was allowed to drop, It was decided to apply to the County Govern- ing Body for a grant of f20 towards the salary of an art master.

ABERGELE. LECTURE. On Friday evening last week, the Rev. O. L. Roberts, Pwllheli, delivered a lecture entitled 'Myself and Others,' at the Congregational Chapel. The Rev. R. Rowlands presided over a good attendance. The lecture proved interes- ting and highly instructive, being a clear repre- sentation of man's duty to himself and those around him as a citizen and a Christian. The usual vote of thanks terminated the pro- ceedings. TEMPERANCE. A very successful Temperance meeting was held at the Wesleyan Schoolroom on Monday evening. The Rev. Francis Jones commenced the proceedings with reading a portion of Scripture and prayer. Mr. J. R. Ellis pre- sided and delivered a short address. The principal speaker was the Rev. Enoch Anwyl, Coedpoeth, whose earnest and practical address waslistened to wi th much interest by all present. In proposing and seconding a vote of thanks to Mr. Anwyl, the Rev. E. W. Evans and the ReT. J. Knowles Jones delivered short pithy addresse.4 which materially contributed to the success of the meeting. A vote of thanks to the chairman and prayer brought the meeting to a close.

Reuten'e Calcutta correspondent says that Sir James Westland, Financial Member of the Viceroy's Council, will make his financial state- ment on the 18th March, and that the Budget will be discussed on the 25th. The Govern- ment will be transferred to Simla on the 27th March.

RUTHIN. ILLNESS OF MR. G. F. BYFORD. We are sorry to understand that Coun- cillor Byford has been confined to his house, owing to illness, for the last week. We are pleased to understand, however, that he is now much better, and hopes to be about in the course of a few days. MINISTERIAL. The Rev. R. Earnest Jones, of the Theo- logical College, Bala, late of Ruthin, has accepted a call to the pastorate of the English Presbyterian church, Barmouth. Mr. Jones is to be congratulated upon his appointment. He has had a very successful scholastic career and we have reason to believe that he will discharge the duties of his new position with credit to himself, and his native town. SERIOUS ACCIDENT. Last Thursday Mr. Lewis Evans, black- smith, Graig Fechan, met with a serious ac- cident. He had come into the town in the morning with a load of scrap-iron. He had a young and spirited horse attached to his cart. He started home with a load of new iron, most of it in long bars. These bars swung on the cart, and the horse bolted. The cart collided first with a donkey cart, and afterwards with one of the" coal lurries. In his endeavour to stop the horse, Mr. Evans was thrown down. He was picked up in a semi-conscious state, and conveyed to a neighbouring house and such was his state that all the members of his family were sum- moned. Medical aid was at once procured but up to the time of going to press, we have not heard of any change in his condition.

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. THE monthly meeting of the above council was held on Monday. Mr Owen Williams presided, and the other members present were, Messrs. E. T. Jones, E. R. Evans, E. Powell Jones, Edward Jones, John Roberts, Isaac Wynne, John Williams (Llanrhaidr), John Williams (Llanfair), Henry Williams, Gomer Roberts, Thomas Jones, Isaac Daniel, John Worthing- ton, E. Rogers Jones, Thomas Jones (Llanfer- res) Rev. William Richards, Robert Jones (Gyflylliog), with the clerk (Mr. R. H. Roberts) the Medical Officer (Dr. J. M. Hughes), and the two surveyors (Messrs. Ebenezer Evans, and William Jones). MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. The Medical Officer, in his monthly report said that the sanitary arrangements of the fol- lowing places were in a deplorable state—Drws y Nant, Llanfair, Llanbedr Hall Farmyard, Llanbedr Lower Lodge, Pontfaen Almshouses, Gyffylliog, and Jesus Chapel, Llanfair, it being stated that the nuisance at the latter place was caused by the proximity of a cow house. Mr. John Roberts said that a small sum of money was paid annually to the rector for holding services at Jesus Chapel, Llanfair, but only two or three persons attended. It was decided to issue the usual notices. TIPPING SOIL AT EYARTH. A letter was read from the London and North Western Railway Company, stating that no more tipping would be done on the land ad- joining the river at Eyarth. The Council had written to the company^cal- ling their attention to the serious obstruction caused in the river by the refuse tipped into it. PEN-Y-BRYN BACH. Messrs. Parry Jones and Francis, Denbigh wrote stating that the heavy expense which he would be obliged to undergo in putting the above place in such a state of repair as would meet with the requirements of the Council, compelled the owner of the estate to let it tum- ble down, as the interest on the outlay would not be sufficient to recompense him. RUTHIN GRAMMAR SCHOOL. Mr. Henry Williams proposed the following resolution That this Council, representing 15 parishes within the Ruthin district under the Denbighshire Intermediate Education Scheme, having a population of 8,140, begs to urge upon the Charity Commissioners that unless the pre- sent Ruthin Grammar school can be forthwith transferred to the CountyGoverning Body of this county under the Intermediate Education Act, no further time should be lost in carrying out such steps as shall enable the County Govern- ing Body to proceed to carry out their plans to purchase Brynhyfryd, and thereby provide for the Ruthin district at Ruthin an efficient Boys' and Girls Intermediate School.' In support of his motion, Mr. Williams said that a few days ago, an Assistant Charity Com- missioner came down to Ruthin to interview the different authorities on the subject. He had a conference with the Governors of the Grammar School, the Town Council, and the County and Local Governing Bodies, hut so far the District Council had no voice in the matter. However, it was suggested to the Commission- er that he should consult the District Council on the matter, and that was only fair. The Town Council only represented 'a population of 3,000, whereas the District Council repre- sented over 8,000, and it should be borne in mind that the school was intended to serve the whole district, and not the town of Ruthin alone. When this subject was mentioned to the Commissioner, he expressed his willingness to accept any representation that the District Council wished to make on the question, and would in due course, place it before the Charity Commissioners. Having then given a detailed history of the scheme from its inception up to the time when the Ruthin Grammar School was struck out of it in the House of Lords, Mr. Williams referred at length to the efforts made by the Educational Authorities of the County to meet the desires of the Grammar School Go- vernors with a view of including the school in the scheme, but all such efforts had been in vain, and the management of the institution remained, and was likely to remain in the hands of the Church party. As the school was at present constituted, he brought no complaint against the management, nor the headmaster, but the Governors might at any moment act in such a manner as would make it impossible for Nonconformist parents to send their child- ren there. There was another matter in con- nection with the school worthy of serious con- sideration. The meetings of the Governors were always held in camera, and no reports of their proceedings were ever published. The result was, that the public were totally in the dark as to the way in which the school was carried on. Now, thG question they had to consider was this, whether they would be satis- fied with an institution conducted entirely by one party, and conducted in such a way that the public were totally in the dark as to the mode of its management, or whether they would proceed to the establishment of another school of an entirely undenominational character. He had much pleasure in proposing the resolution. Mr. E. Powell Jones I do not believe that another school is required at all. The present Grammar School is free for the children of Nonconformists as well as Churchmen. The Chairman Do you second Mr. Williams resolution ? Mr. E. P. Jones: No, I do not. The Chairman. Therefore, we must have it seconded before proceeding to discuss it. Mr. John Roberts: I second it with a great deal of pleasure, especially so, after reading the reports of the inquiries held last week. To read of the manner in which the Nonconfor- mist denominations had been treated in con- nection with the school makes my bleod boil. I should like to know whether it is true that the Warden has threatened to make the Ruthin Grammar School more exclusively a Church school than it is now? Dr. Hughes: Yes, that is so. Mr. John Roberts: Then it is high time for us to have another school. And I think that too much publicity cannot be given to the fact I that the Governors hold their meetings in pri- vate. There is something mysterious about their proceedings, and the country should not be subjected to such a state of things. Mr. E. Powell Jones: I should like to know who owns the endowments of this school ? Is it not charity? And, what right have you to make use of other people's money? This school is doing excellent work, but you now endea- vour to create an illfeeling against it, and if you succeeded in establishing another school at Brynhyfryd, I am afraid that they would only through stones at one another. And more than that again, I don't know whether old Mr. Louis will not look after you there (laughter) and see that fair play is being done (loud laugh- ter). I propose that a new school be not erec- tel The amendment was not seconded. The Chairman said he was of the same opin- ion as the mover and seconder of the resolution on this matter. Such a large district as the Ruthin district had ceitainly a right to a school not governed by representatives of one reli- gious and political party. Mr. E. Powell Jones But why should this school give up any of its endowments, Mr. Chairman ? The Chairman The reasons for that have already been given by Mr. Henry Williams. Mr. E. Powell Jones: But I don't see any reason in it ? The Chairman Well, there are some that can never see a reason in anything (laughter). Mr. Henry Williams said that the Liberals and Nonconformists of the district had sacrificed a great deal in trying to meet the Governors of the Grammar school in this matter, and he was surprised that anybody could object to place the school under popular control. Mr. E. Powell Jones Why do you mention Whigs and Tories? There is no need of saying one word about eithe.- chapel or church. The school is entirely free. A vote was then taken, the whole of the members present, with the exception of Mr. E. Powell Jones, voting in favour of the resolu- tion. The Clerk was instructed to forward the re- solution to the Charity Commissioners.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Mr. Henry Williams presided at the fort- nightly meeting of the Board, and there were present, in addition to the District Councillors, Mrs. Lumley, Mrs. Edwai Roberts, Mr. Maurice Jones, Rev. J. F. Reece, Messrs. Isaac Jones, T. P. Roberts, Dr. J. R. Jenkins, J. O. Williams (Llanelidan). J. H. Simon, with the Clerk (Mr. R. H. Roberts). THE SUPERANNUATION ACT. A letter was read from the Local Go- em- ment Board advising that the Guardians were entitled to make any deduction from the salaries of the medical officers, the relieving officers, and assistant overseers in respect of travelling expenses. The Clerk said he had expressed his opinion to this effect before, and was now confirmed by the above Board. The proportion of the pen- sion would therefore be calculated upon the full salary. The Chairman: In that case, I suppose we must submit. THE ABLE-BODIED INMATES. Some discussion took place with reference to the number of able-bodied paupers now in the House who were able to earn their own living, and ought, therefore, to leave the House. The Master said there were some persons in the House that ought to earn their living. They were healthy, and he had fully intended to bring the matter before the Board that day. There were women in the House also who ought to earn their living. A young girl went out recently to find a place for herself and child, but returned. Mr. Gomer Roberts said this young woman was well able to do a day's work, but he under- stood that in places where she called she said that the workhouse was a very nice place, and that there was not much to do. She preferred to stay at the workhouse rather than work hard with the farmers. He failed to see what was to be done in such cases as these. Mr. r. P. Roberts asked whether these women earned their keep in the house ? The Master replied that they did not do so when there were more women than they had work for. Mr. T. P. Roberts: If all these women left the house, could you do without them ? The Master said they could not manage without them, but they were now keeping seven where four would do. Mr. Thomas Jones: Have you enough for them to do ? The Master said they were kept at work all the time. The men worked in the field. Mr. Thomas Jones: How many men have you who are able to work ? The Master: About seven or eight. In his opinion, the house was not too comfortable a place for the old people, but it was so for the young and strong. Mr. E. Powell Jones thought the work now given to the men was too light, and that they should be put to break stones. If that was done, they would soon leave the place. Mr. T. P. Roberts proposed that a suggestion made by the Chairman to adjourn the question in order to get the report of the doctor on the condition of the men should be carried out. This was seconded and carried. LADY VISITORS' REPORT. Mrs. Jenkins and Mrs. Harriet Rouw repor- ted having visited the men and women's wards, and found them clean and comfortable, the invalids bright and contended, The day wards they considered to be rather crowded. One or two of the young women appeared to be quite fit to take situations. They were pleased to see that the matron took the girls to instruct them in useful work before leaving the House, which they intended to do in May. GIFTS. The Master reported the receipt of some old linen for the use of the sick inmabes from Mrs. Thomas, the Bank, and Mrs. Edward Roberts, Record House; also that Mrs. Thomas, the Bank, had very kindly sent presents of tea and sugar for the old women in the sick ward. Mrs. Dr. Jenkins and Mrs. Rouw also sent presents of buns for both male and female sick. He had also received a bundle of illustra- ted papers and periodicals from Mrs. Stanley Weyman, Llanrhydd Hall, and Mrs. Blezard, Pool Park. Mr. T. J. Roberts, chemist, gave a very interesting magic lantern entertainment for the inmates on the 5th inst. The usual vote of thanks was accorded to the above for their generosity. APPLICATION FROM A CENTENARIAN. The Relieving Officer for the Llandyrnog District (Mr. W. H. Jones) reported that he had received an application for out-door relief from Thomas Jones, Cross Keys, Llandyrnog, who had attained the age of 102 years. The application was granted. RATES IN ARREAR. Mr. Owen Williams called attention to the rates in arrear. In the Ruthin district, a sum of over £ 2,385 was uncollected, and in the Llanrhaiadr district over £ 1,957, making a total of E4,343 6s. 4d. It was now within five weeks to the 25th of March, and it was im- portant that the money should be in band by then. The District Council were at the present time paying interest on borrowed money, and he was afraid that the Board would also have to do so if the arrears were not paid up. While greatly sympathising with the farmers, he hoped an endeavour would be made to meet the calls.

THE COUNTY SCHOOLS. MEETING OF THE LOCAL GOVERNORS. The first meeting of theLocal Governing Body of the above school for the present year was held in the County Hall on Tuesday, under the presidency of Dr. J. M. Hughes. There were also present the Rev. J. F. Reece, the Rev. Buckley O. Jones, the Rev. Isaac James, the Mayor (Mr. Ezra Roberts), Mr. R. Harris Jones, Mr. John Edwards, Llanelidan;. Mr. Edward Jones, Llanbedr Farm; Mrs. L. G,

riparian owners to give permission to fish on Thursdays and Saturdays, but, with the excep: tion of the following, the replies were adverse to granting the application, viz., Mrs. Main- waring, Col. Cornwallis West, Col. Hughes, Mr. Blezzard, and Mr. Thomas Jones. Mr. Ellis Williams said he believed Sir Wil- liam had given permission since then. Mr. Roberts said it would be advisable to is- sue a circular to the local fishermen inviting them to subscribe. Mr. Jones: I propose that we write to the riparian owners for subscriptions. Mr Walthall I suppose that would be left to the sub committee. It is the people who fish, such as Mr. Cliff, Mr. Cock, and myself. They are the people who should subscribe, be- cause they get all the advantage. Mr. Muspratt: There is no reason why we should not ask them. Mr. Walthall Certainly not. Mr. Roberts' motion was carried. PROSECUTING COMMITTEE. The Prosecuting Committee was reappointed. THE STATE OF THE RIVER. Mr. Muspratt asked whether they were put- ting in any spawn this year ? Mr. Walthall: We should have to have Deed in to tell us that. Mr. Watts I think the fish were put in when the rivers were Hooded. But to give them a chance they should put them in the tri- butaries. Mr. Walthall said he had heard from a man that the fishing last year was very much better than it had been for some years. Mr. Watts said. that everybody should be restricted to taking fish six to seven inches. Mr. Williams said the reason the fish was not put in the tributaries was r-ecause they had only two bailiffs. They could not expect them to look after the tributaries as well as the main rivers. The minutes were adopted. ALLEGED PRESERVED FISHING. Mr. Jones complained that part of the river Wheeler was more or less preserved for the Bishop and other gentlemen. No one else was ever seen fishing there, and it seemed that their keepers were actually protecting the river for those two gentlemen. The Chairman I heard the same thing, and the word monopoly used in connection there- with. Mr. Walthall They pay rent for it to the landowner—Mr. Hughes, I believe. Mr. Wafcts: They h ive a perfect right to do it. Mr. Jones: But if everybody did it there would be no fishing. Mr. Watts But everybody do not do it. They are content to fish in their own locality. I have enough fishing without going there. "l should say it is a very good thing for the rivers especially when you take breeding into con- sideration. PROFESSIONAL FISHERMEN. Dr. Easter by suggested that where a license was issued the time should be put on. There were cases whers persons had been fishing with- out a license, and said that they had bought it the same morning, and had left it at home. They had gone back in the afternoon and taken out a license. But if the hour was put on the license it would do away with that. This was decided upon. Mr. Williams said it was a difficult matter to deal with, but he should like to know whether they had power to make a distinction in issuing licenses to professional fishermen. Mr. Jones: What do you mean by profes- sional fishermen? Mr. Williams: I mean those fishermen who go to fish every day, and make a living out of it. Mr. Watts But there are some who are not professional fishermen Mr. Williams I mean those who make their living by fishing. A COMPLAINT FROM DENBIGH. The Clerk said he had received the following letter from a gentleman in Denbigh, whose name and address the reporters were asked to leave out Will ou kindly inform the Board that the majority of the license holders of last year complain very much owing to licenses be- ing issued to certain suspicious parties living in the town of Denbigh, who are of the loafer classes, a quantity of trout which they have for sale in such an enormous quantity tends very much to doubt whether legally got. These per- sons are well known as doubtful characters to the representatives of the Board from this town who, I hope, on behalf of the amateur class of fishermen, who are always satisfied with a few trout in the basket, a good walk, and fresh air. That these persons who take and will be refused a license which, in many instances, is only a blind to form an excuse to be by the river side.' Mr. Williams said there was a good deal in the letter. Mr. Jones: Will he inform the Board who the suspicious characters are ? It is a dirty trick nob to mention names. The Chairman The writer says the Denbigh representatives would know. Mr. Williams: I think it exceedingly suspi- cious when a man is able to bring in twelve pounds of fish at the early part of the season. Mr. Watts: Many are caught with night lines. Mr. Jones: If we commence to select our fishermen, the next thing will be that nobody will apply. Mr. Watts: It is well known that if a poacher gets a footing in the river it is difficult to get rid of him. Mr. Walthall: I don't think we have power, under the Fisheries Act, to make a difference. I know that down at Corvven on the Dee tickets are issued by the Association, and special rules are made in respect of professional fishermen. But they are only local bye-laws, and have no- thing to do with the Association. Mr. Muspratt: We certainly should see to these men. The Chairman If our Denbigh representa- tives would assist the river bailiffs, we might make an example of some of them. Mr. Williams It means a matter of catching them e'oing something illegal, and we have two men to superintend nearly 20 miles. Mr. Watts It is the ruination of the river. If we knew a man to be a poacher we might refuse him a license. Mr. Walthall: I don't think so. He could only be refused permission to fish. Mr. Williams: These fellows get into the small streams, and if they are detected they produce their license. Mr. Jones Surely our watchmen could tell when a trout or salmon were caught with a hook? Mr. Roberts I suppose the watchers cannot say anything if the licenses are produced ? Mr. Watts: You can never tell, because the trout may swallow the hook and tear its throat. Mr. Williams: Are hotel keepers entitled to buy trout from people who have no license, or can they be prosecuted ? Mr. Muspratt: It is rather a doubtful point. Mr. Jones How many hotels in Denbigh sell tickets? Mr. Williams Only one. Mr. Jones said Mr. Sower, of the Bryndinas, had asked him to ask the Board whether they would grant him permission to sell tickets. The Plough Hotel sold them, and he thought they should have permission. He proposed that Mr. Sower be given permission. Mr. Walthall seconded the motion, which was carried. WEEKLY TICKET QUESTION. Mr. Jones asked whether the Board could is- sue 5s. weekly salmon tickets ? The Chairman: Have we the power to do that ? The Clerk It^would be an alteration of the bye-laws, and the meeting was not convened for that purpose. The Chairman: And I believe the sanction •f the Board of Trade would be required. CLOSING TIME. Mr. Jones said the time of closing should be the tickets, as it used to be in Mr. Peter ihomae' time.* Walthall: It is on the Salmon and trout now. ,t PROSECUTION FEES. Mr. Jones asked how the X9 expenses of pro- secutions were made up. They had only re oeived £ 1 Ss. 6d. from the fines. The Chairman said he expected the amount from fines to be more. The Clerk: I have received no fines from Denbigh yet. What I have received is from Mr. George. Mr. Jones: How many prosecutions were there during the year ? The Chairman We had five or six at St. Asaph. Mr. Williams There was a big prosecution at Denbigh. The Clerk I have received no money from Dembigh. Mr. Walthill suggested that the Secretary write to Mr. Parry Jones and ask him for the money. Mr. Jones We had better leave the prosecu- tions alone if we are out of pocket. The Chairman The Prosecuting Committee did good service last year. Mr. Jones; What does the solicitor get ? The Clerk One guinea and expenses. Mr. Jones It would save us something if he lived at St. Asaph. Mr. Roberts I think it would be advisable to appoint a local solicitor. The Chairman said very often questions of law arose and the bailiffs had to consult the solicitor. This was all the business,