The North Wales Times

SOIREE AT THE MEMORIAL HALL. A very successful Soiree was held at the Memorial Hall, on Monday evening, under the auspices of the Women's Liberal Association and the Liberal Ciub. The arrangements were carried out by a joint committee representing the Association and Clut; and to the energy of this committee the success of the entertainment is mostly due. At seven o'clock, the large company present sat down to an excellent re- past, to which they did full justice. Shortly after eight o'clock the Rev. James Charles took the chair, supported on the plat- form by Mr. Gee, Mr. Prys Jones, Mr. Richard Jones (Brookhouse), Mr. Boaz Jones, Mr. Willi,i,nt Price (the Secretary), &e. The Chairman, in his opening remarks, said that those present were greatly indebted So the ladies and gentlemen who had undertaken the preparation of the capital supper they so well enjoyed. Suchameetingof Welshmen, undersuch circumstances, abundantly proved that the na- tional spirit is still alive amongst them. The national spirit did not recognise one sect, or one class of the population alone—it embraced the whole nation, and stimulated the life of the people (cheers). When Rome was at the zenith of its fame, a large number of the peo- ple were slaves, and this was one reason for its subsequent decline and fall. If a nation meant to succeed, and progress, perfect equali- ty would have to be recognisetl between man and man (applause). St. David's Day was a Welsh day. In saying this, he had no wish to speak disparagingly of the English nation, nor any other nation but he was bound to say that John Bull's greatest mistake was his fai- lure to recognise the claims of the masses (hear, hear). John Bull wanted to keep the nation down; he wanted to keep Wales down: but the Welsh nation, he was glad to say, would not tolerate such a position, but fought hard or its emancipation in a religious, social, and Political sense (loud cheers). Everybody that ^thVvelfare countrymen at heart hn? e ""fortunate strike at Bethesda, *»o».ev^n resulted in one great and per- En»Hok goo.d~~it had opened the eyes of the re £ L!Valt,10n to the hlSh qualities, and their- proachable character of the Welsh quarry. man (loud cheers). It was stated in the House of Commons that these quarrymen were spending their money but if he had been a member of Pa,rliament-and perhaps he ought bo have been (laughter)—he would have asked their accusers to point out even one class of people who had contributed more handsomely feowards religious and educational objects than the poor quarrymen of Bethesda (loud cheers). If their money had been ill-spent, their accusers would probably have said nothing; but because they had supported chapels and colleges, there were men to be found, even in the Houses of Parliament, who were graceless enough totaunt them with the fact ('shame'). Wales had a history of which it might well be proud. It possessed famous poets, and excellent litera- ture. They ought to look forward, because golden age of Wales was yet to come (cheers). Christianity brought into the world the means of elevating man, and this, for the first time, had been diffused1 through the Welsh revivals. Now, there was another awakening—an educa- tional awakening (applause). The mind of the nation had been awakened, and Wales bid fair to become yet one of the foremost in the cul- ture of learning (loud cheers). It was now time to attend to the claims and rights of the masses; the classes had received their full share (hear, hear). The day would come when every father would be a king, every mother a queen, every daughter and son princesses and princes, and every true man a lord (loud applause). The Corn Laws, the Enfranchisement Act, and the Education Act of 1870, were measures for the people. One party, at present, endeavoured to destroy the latter for the benefit of a class ('shame'). Were he asked what should be the aim of the nation in these days, he should say the Elevating of the masses (cheers). Wales was greatly indebted to the people, because its great men had arisen from amongst the people, and the great men of the future would also spring from the same class (applause). Mr. Gee, who spoke in English, said he de- sired to call attention to the great mistake which was made by many of their English friends when they supposed that the Welsh people were crying 'Wales for the Welsh.' There was no greater mistake possible. They were very glad to see their English friends, and to hear them speak their own language; but, at the same time, they thought it was not too much to ask their English friends who come to live amongst them to master the Welsh lan- guage (hear, hear). In some of the European Universities, professors were only allowed to retain their chairs on the condition that they made themselves masters of the language of the country within two years (cheets). If they could not do that they were expected to vacate the chair, and give place to better men (laugh- ter and cheers). He did not maintain that that should be exactly the case with English residents in Wales; but he did maintain that if they studied their own interests, as well as those of the country in which they lived, they would master its language (cheers). Mr. Gee then referred to the success of Welshmen abroad, and concluded by urging the people of Wales to work shoulder to shoulder, so as to make their mark upon this country and upon the Parliament of this country (applause). Mr. R. Prys Jones spoke on the educational value of the Welsh language. English Govern- ments had done their best to destroy the Welsh language; and the spirit lay under the recent appointment to the Chief Inspectorate of Schools for Wales (hear, hear). He sincerely hoped that everyone present was able. not only to speak, but also to read and write. Lord Bute recently said:—'For a man to confess willingly that while able to speak, he is unable to read and write it, is to confess that he is only a boor.' If they were unable to read and write Welsh, they were all boors (loud laugh- ter). The knowledge of two language culti- vated the mind, expanded the intellect, and strengthened the faculties. This was the opin- ion of the chief educationalists of the world and Wales should always do its utmost to ob tain the introduction of Welsh into the day schools (cheers). Subsequently Mr. Richard Jones, Brookhouse, addressed the meeting, quoting at length from the works of the vrellknown poet I Alun.' Mr Gee moved, and Mr. Boaz Jones seconded, the following resolution, which was unani- mously passed:— 'That this meeting emphatically protests against the provisions of the Education Bill which has been introduced by the Government, inasmuch as it is evidently intended to weaken, and eventually to destroy, the Board Schools which at present exist, and to make it almost impossible for new Board Schools to be formed, particularly in the Rural Districts, where they are so much wanted.—And it is also intended to bolster up the Church of England, and to strengthen Roman Catholicism, and to place Free Education and Nonconformity under great disadvantages all of which objects are intended to be secured by making an additional grant to the Voluntary Schools by the Treasury —leaving the Board Schools entirely in the same position as at present, That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is also positively unfair and unjust to the race- payers to grant public money to any purposes without efficient public control.' During the meeting, songs were given by the folJowing :Mrs. Evans and Master Evans (Portland Place), Miss Lily Price, Messrs. T. R. Williams, It. G. Jones, Meirion Jones, Jos- eph Roberts, and Edward Jones. Miss Whee- way and Miss Jennie Price gave a pianoforte duett. Mr. Salusbiiry, with his usual kindness, was the accompanist. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to a close.

DENBIGHSHIRE INFIRMARY. THE ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE GOVERNORS AND SUBSCRIBERS. THE adjourned meeting of the Governors and Subscribers of the above institution was held at Denbigh, on Thursday. Col. Mesham presided, there being also present Messrs. Thos. Williams (High Sheriff elect), T. Gold Edwards, R. Foulkes Roberts, W. L. Con- greve (Segrwyd); William James (North & South Wales Bank), E. J. Swayne, T. J. Williams, J. F. Preston, Lieutenant Col. Heaton, Captain Cole, Major Conran, the Rev. John Morgan (rector), the Rev. Basil Jones, Dr. J. R. Hughes, Dr. J. U. Roberts, and the secretary—Mr. W. Vaughan Jones. Apologies were received from Mr. Clough, Mr. J. P. Lewis, and Mrs. Mainwaring. The chairman said that the meeting had been called to consider the concluding paragraph of the committee report submitted to the last meeting, which, was as follows The Committee would earnestly ask whether, in thift, the 60th year of Her Most Gracious Mf>je-ty a Reign, when schemes of all kinds are started to commemorate this remarkable event, it would not be possible for a grand effort to be made over the wide area hich derivessnch large benefits from this Institution, and for all classes, to unite in freeing the.County Infirmary from debt, and placing it oo a securer financial basis in |uture.' Continuing, the Chairman said that the secre tary, hfid communicated with the mayors and town clerks of Denbigh, Ruthin, and Conway, and also with all the public bodies throughout the conrttv, such as Urban Councils, Boards of Guar- dians, &c, He (the chairman) had also communi- cated with the Lord Lieutenants of Denbighshire and Flintshire, and the Duke of Westminster, the latter of whom had sent a cheque for £ 10 (cheers). The Lord Lieutenant of Denbigh wrote statu g that he had decided nothing yet with regard to the mode of commemorating the Queen's long reign, and promieed to see the chairman at a future date on the matter. The Lord Lieutenant of Flintshire's letter was very much to the same effect. He favoured the id(a, and hoped it would be successful. Mr. Wezard, of Pool Park, wrote stating that he would be happy to contribute to the object of clearing off the debt when the time came (cheers). The Secretary, in reply to a. question, said he had not as yet received a reply from any of the public bodies. The Chairman, again referring to the objects of the meeting, said they hftid come together with a view of formulating some scheme or schemes for freeing the Institution from iebt, and place it on a secure financial basis for the future. He could not help thinking that the most deeireable' Memo ria,! of the Queen's Reign, so far as Denbighshire was concerned, would he to attain the above object. It was really distressing to himself, and other members of the Committee, and in fact, all interested in the Infirmary, to meet there, year after year, and find tha.t tiny were, not only in debt, but that the debt greatly increased. A great effort was made last year to wipe off the debt; and he mmt say that the response to that appeal was very generous indeed (hear, hear). But, a'thoulfh, during the year, jE600 had been secured in thi" way, they were still £500 in debt. Of course, there were many reasons why the expenditure of of an institution of that kind was higher thati the income now-a-days. One reason was t) the money invested brought in a less rate of jntcest than formerly. Then, aeaio. the modern idea on the subject of hospital and infirmaries had a ten- dency to increase the expenditure, because the I appliances now in use were of a more exper sive character. The nursing was also far superior than it used to be and speaking generally, what satisfied a former generation, did not satisfy the present one. Of course, the Committee were de- sirous of currying on. the Institution with every regard to economy but they did not want to see it more backward in efficiency than its kindred m-tirutiofis. They all were of opinion that 9-200 or £:-300 a year additional subscriptions should be collected in the large area now benefitted by the Infirmary but he was afraid that this could cot be done by to the class of people who had been in the habit of subscribing towards it. However, if they could, by any means, enlist the sympathy of another class, residing within the area, and who now contributed pext to nothing, he thought that the subscriptions might be greatly augmented (hear, hear). He thought that a goon plan to carry this out world be to form a sma l committee in every parish (hear, hear). Son# members of these committees should be working men, so that they might bring their influence to bea)" on their fellow-workmen, &c. Subscriptions of 5s., 2s., &c., from a large number of these people would go a long way to assist the Com- mittee in thfir object, and matfrially increase the income of the Institution. At any rate, a special effort should be made to free the Infirmary from debt, as the financial pressure was becoming al- most unbearable. He was happy to say that Mr. Thos. Williams, of Llewesog, vho was present with them that day, had acceded to the Commit- tee's request to become president of the Institu tion for the ensuing year (hear, hear). Mr. Thos. Williams, in his letter, expressed himself as will- ing to join in any scheme formulated to place the Institution on a sounder financial basis (applause). That was very satisfactory; and he had great plea- sure in thanking Mr. Thos. Williams, on behalf of the Committee, for so kindly coming forward to be their president. Dr. J. Lloyd Roberta then suggested that the discussion should take place on the following points:—firstly, the desirability of having a Jubi- lee Commemoration secondly, the freeing of the Comity Infirmary from debt; and thirdly, the placing of the Institution on a sounder financial. basis for the future. Mr. Congreve asked what would be the capital aura required to free the Institution from debt, and to secure its financial position in the future. The Chairman said that even after freeing it from its present debt, it would require £ 300 a year additional subscriptions to carry it on, and keep it in that desirable position. The Secretary said that the sum actually requi- red would be £ 250. The Chairman asked whether it was possible for them to wait without deciding this matter until the Lord Lieutenant called a county meeting to consider the question of Commemorating Her Majesty's Reign ? If they waited too long, it was possible that the ground might be cut from under their feet by the formulation of other schemes. He should like to hear the opinion of the meeting on this point. t Mr. Thos. Williams, after having thanked the Committee for the honour they had done him by electing him president of the Institution, said it was not for him to dictate in which form the Com- memoration of Her Majesty's Reign should take place, but it was highly desirable that something permanent should be the result (hea,r, hear). He was usre that nothing should be more consistent with Her Majesty's wishes than the putting of those institutions which alleviated the lot of the sick and needy on a secure financial basis, and in a thoroughly efficient state (hear, hear). He hoped that whatever form the Commemoration would assume in the county, that the Denbighshire In- firmary would be selected to derive some benefit from such a movement. From the report he found there were three things they were in need of; 1st, to remove the present debt, which was an incubus to the working of the Institution secondly, to enlarge the basis of the source from which their revenue was derived—or in other words, to secure a larger annual support, so that a similar deficiency could not again occur; and thirdly, to secure for the Institution as many free beds as possible (hear, hear). Such an effort should be made so that the free beds should not, as it were, become private property, but should be at the absolute disposal of the Committee (bear, hear). He would recommend that the Committee should lose no time in bringing this project be- fore the public; and the suggestion made by the chairman to form a Committee in every parish was, certainly, a good one, if it was feasible. He was rather afraid it would be difficult to get people to act in the parishes but he felt that the very way to popularise the Institution would be, to get such an amount of small contributors as would help to place it, for the future, on a secure financial position, and to make it of greater bene- fit to the people at large. He thought it discredi- table to the county that so many people should go to Liverpool, &c,, to obtain relief, when they could obtain good medical assistance in the county itself. He sincerely hoped that this year would see the Infirmary placed on a sound financial basis, aDd popularised by bringing it into a tho- roughly efficient state (applause). In reply to Mr. Congreve, Mr. T. Gold Edwards said that the average expenditure for the last three years was £ 1,480; average receipts, excluding the special receipts received as a result of the appeal to the public last year, 91,186. Therefore, there was an annual deficiency of £ 294. The Chairman: What were the annual subscrip- tions? Mr. T. Gold Edwards In 1894, they came to £ 814; in 1895, £ 365; in 1896, £ 274. It will be noticed that a considerable increase took place in 1895, but that was caused by the receipt 01 arrears, and the figure for that year cannot be taken as a fair test. Mr. Congreve said that upon this calculation a sam of about 98,500 would be required to invest as a special fund to secure against a deficiency in the future. Dr. Lloyd Roberts said that the question now before them was the selection of a sehen e or schemes to Commemorate the Queen'u Reign, or what was called her Diamond Jubilee. Nobody had so far proposed anything, although the High Sheriff touched upon one very desirable object viz,, the establishment of free beds. The five now in the infirmary bad been of incalculable benefit and the demand for money in connection with the "patients at the Institution really excluded the class which it was intended to relieve. He would give his heartiest support to any effort made to establish Jubilee or Victoria Free Beds. Another object he should like to bring forward was, the establishment of a Nursing Institute in connection with the Infirmary-an institute from which they could send nurses out into the country. They were, certainly, behind the times in not having a Nursing Institution attached to the Infirmary. He maintained that such an institution would be a great benefit to the country at large, and a source of handsome revenue (hear, hear). When a nurse was wanted now, they had to send to Chester and Liverpool for one and after due enquiry be had been told that they might reasonably expect to earn 9200 rjr 9300 a year by this means; and fa addition get the nursing done at the Infirmary free of charge. He put these two points before the meeting as suggestions be should like to see adopted, although he proposed no resolution on the subject. Mr. Congreve suggested that this special effort in aid of the Institution should be made through the village or Parish Councils. Meetings could be called in the different localities, and house to house collections made. I Lieut. Col. Heaton also suggested that District Free Beds be established, such as the Abergele Free Beds, &c.; and that the localities be asked to subscribe with this object in view. Dr. J. R. Hughes supported the suggestions made by the chairman-and the president elect. To form a committee in every parish was certainlv o suggestion worth carrying out. because he felt certain that by adopting that means they would secure a large sum of money. Bv bcving loca committees (It this kind to work for" the Iufirman it would popularise the Institution, aDd would probably secure to them a permanent annual sub- scription. Whether tht,) should be done through the Parish Oouuciis, or by to the clerorvmeo of the parishes and the leading men of the Nonconformu-t denominatiors, he could not sav. a'thfueb he believed that an appeal by circu- lar to trie e'e^ymfin and the deacons to co-operate 1Nnn Id !>? a verv effectual way of securing the de- I sirVo effect. There were a great mary ladies in the different localities that would gladly tinder- take a house to house collection fit the request of their rector or minister. He was positive that a handsome amount cdul ? he collected by means of 6d. and Id., if the people were on!y p^operlv ap- pealed to and aroused (hear, hear) He would propose that the. matter be referred to a, sub-com- mittee, to consider in which way this could be best carried out. The object they had in view should be stated clearly before the pf-,ople i,hat is, that the committee wanted to get rid of their financial difficulty first of all and then, that any balance that might be in hand would be devoted to the establishment of free beds. He would, therefore, move that a sub-committee be formed in every parish within the area in which the In- stitution operated, and that the above objects be definitely stated.| The Rev. Basil Jones proposed that a circular letter be addressed to the rector of each parish in the district, and the deacons of the different Nonconformist chapels, drawing their special attention to the scheme. Mr. Thomas Williams suggested that the circular should contain three definite statements, 1st, the amount necessary to clear the debt 2ndly, the amount of the increased annual sup- port required; and 3rdly, the amount required for making the beds of the institution entirely free. They ought to point out that £500 or so was required to free the institution from debt; that £ 200 a year in additional subscriptions was required beyound what was now contrib ted. and also that about £2,000 or -93,000, more or less, would be wanted to make the beds of the institution free. if a definite statement of that kind was made, the people would see that the object was a worthy one (hear, hear). Mr. Swayne. suggested that Mr. Thomas Wil liams' resolution or rather recommendation be carried out; and that it be an instruction to the committee to act in the way suggested in the motion of the Rev. Basil Jones. The village or Parish Councils should be also included in the list; and it would be very desirable to secure the co-operation of the local press in which bank order forms could be inserted, and forwarded by intending subscribers to their bankers. Mr. T. J, Williams said he endorsed the I' various suggestions already made by the differ- ent speakers. They were all very good sug- gestions, but he arose more particularly to supplement them with another suggestion. The movement in favour of aiding the com- mittee of the Infirmary was a most popular one as regards the feeling of the town, but he understood that at the Mayor's meeting on Monday night, they would be asked to support another movement which was very close to their hearts, viz., the Intermediate School. The townspeople would be obliged to raise a sum of f700 in order to avail themselves of the grant of £ 1,200 towards the establishment of that school, and it struck him that both objects might be worked together. He was confident that more money could be secured by amalga- mating both movements than if an appeal were made on behalf of the Infirmary itself. The country people felt a deep interest n the Intermediate School, as the place where their children would receive their education in. He would suggest that they should endeavour to raise sufficient money so as to establish a scholarship in connection with their intermed- iate school. 'l! Mr. Gold Edwards, on being appealed to by the chairman to give his opinion, said he had been thinking a great deal whilst the other gentlemen present were talking, but he had to confess that he did not see his way clear. He was disposed to think that the best plan would be to form a committee in the localities, and that a circular in English and Welsh be for- warded to all the parishes within the radius of the Institution (hear, hear). That circular could be sent to the clergymen and the repre- sentatives of the Dissenting denominations in each district of course. They could set forth the object they had in view in the circular, Mr. T. J. Williams had brought before them the subject of intermediate education, but that was nor, a matter for their consideration that day, and the introduction of it only showed the difficulty they would have to face. There were objects of interest all round. There was one object in particular which he should like to support, and that was the Jubilee Nursing Institute. It was doing excellent work, but was short of money. Mr. John Davies moved that the chairman and Mr. Gold Edwards be appointed, as a sub- committee to draw out the circular embodying the suggestions made by Mr. Thomas Williams, and that this circular be sent to the clergy, deacons, the parish councils, &c., and the stewards of the Infirmary in the different dis- tricts, &c., &c. Captain Cole seconded, and it was carried. On the motion of the chairman, the follow- ing members of the committee who had retired in rotation were re-elected-Mess-s. Clough, Thomas Gee, Wynne Edwards, R. Humphreys Roberts, and J. Harrison Jones. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to a close.

1- -T H E N L L A N. -< ENTERTAINMENT BY THE INFANTS. LAST week, the children of the Henllan Infant School gave three excellent entertainments of a miscellaneous character, two performances being held on Friday, and the other on Satur- day evening. Last year, these children gave their first entertainment of this nature, and the success achieved on that occasion, together with the hearty support accorded their effort by the public, induced their able and efficient headmistress, Miss West, to prepare for the ex- ceptional treat given on the present occasion. The entertainment was held under the patron- age of Lieutenant-Col. Heaton, Major Foulkes, Captain Cole, Mr. W. D. W. Griffith, Mr. W. H. Morgan, Mr. J. F. Lister, Mr. E. A. Tumour, Rev. H. Humphreys, Rev. H. O. Hughes (two members of the School Board), and Mrs. Townshend Mainwaring, Galltfaenan. The performances throughout were of a very high order, and the children went through their onerous duties in a most satisfactory manner. The programme was long and varied, and to bring these small children to such a high state of perfection must indeed have entailed a vast amount of labour and trouble on Miss West. However, she has proved herself to be an adept in the art of training children, and her success was eminently welldeserved. Everything wenb off without a hitch, and to see the little ones entering so hearty into the spirit of their work, and the perfect manner in which they accomplished their difficult task, was a matter of general surprise and admiration. Miss West had been ably assisted in lier work b^ Miss Annie Thomas, and both are to be congratu- lated on the efficient way the performances were carried through. The programme opened with a pianoforte solo by Miss West, followed by a recitation, I Welcome,' by seven infant girls. A song, en- titled 'The Lost Doll,' was very efficiently rendered by Miss Mary Hughes,, the children joining in the chorus. The next item was long and chorus, Swinging,' by the infants A swing was provided for the occasion, a little girl placed in it, and swung by another infant, whilst the other children sang with sweetness and pathos the chorus. This was a very happy effort, and was applauded. The exercise, 'Ja. panese Fan.' by the girls, and the song, 'See Saw,' by all the children were two very inter- esting items, and capitally rendered. A duett, entitled. Pretty Polly Hopkins,' followed, and this proved to be one of the best items on the programme. Polly was represented by Miss R. Roberts, and 'Mr. Tomkins' by Master David Da,vies, both appearing in character. The performance fairly brought down the house, and a repetition of the piece had to be given. Miss Carry Jones recited 'A mortify ing mistake,' and the first part of the pro- gramme was brought to a close by Miss Annie Thomafi, who sang 'She wanted something,' and a chorus entitled The flower belts, by the infants. The second part; was opened with a piano- forte duett by Miss West- and Miss Annie Thomas. Master David Davies then took pos- session of the stage, and, as usual, this little favourite gave an excellent rendering of the song For me,' and was encored. The Misses Mary Roberts and Dora Davies followed wii,h a recitation 'Bamboozling Grandma.' Miss Gwenie Jones and Miss Mary Hughes then gave a duett, with the suggestive titie 'I dmlt; want to play in your yard,' and it was followed by a May Pole Exercise, in which the infant boys and girls took part. A May Pole Dance is always interesting, and this proved no excep tion to the rule. It was accompanied with a 'Heel and Toe Polka,' which is a very diffi- cult thing for young children to perform, but they succeeded in doing their part exceedingly well, and, of course, received the hearty cheers of the audience. The other items on the pro- gramme were song and chorus, 'Red Riding Hood,' by the infants recitation, 'Bed Time,' by the Misses Mary Hughes and Carry Jones song, The Cockney's Garden,' by Miss Annie Thomas; a 'Musical Drill,' by the infant boys, and a song, Merry Little Milkmaids,' by the infant girls. Captain Cole presided on Friday afternoon, the Rev. H. Humphreys in the evening, and Mr. R. Roberts (Foxhall), acting on behalf of the Rev. H. O. Hughes, on Saturday evening. These gentlemen expressed themselves highly pleased by the performances, and complimented Miss West on the great success of the enter- tainment. The parents of the children were also thanked for the interest they had taken in the preparations, and the assistance given by them to the teachers in sending the children to the practices, and in supplying them with dresses, &c. The audiencess t each performance were very numerous, and we are given to under- stand that the proceeds will be dovoted to prizes, &c.

RUTHIN. MAGIC LANTERN ENTERTAINMENT. Mr. T. J. Roberts, chemist, gave a very successful and interesting magic lantern en- tertainment at the Presbyterian chapel on Friday night. The proceeds were devoted to the funds of the. Boys' Brigade. There was a good audience present. TEMPERANCE. To-night (Friday), the Rev. Joseph Evans, Denbigh, and the Rev. E. P. Hughes, Bala, will address a public meeting at. bhe Presbyterian chapel. The Rev. W. T. Rees will preside. Next week, the last meeting of the series will be held at the Tabernacle chapel, when the Revs. John Owen, Mold, and E. J. Williams, LlandriIIo, will be the speakers. ST. DAVID'S DAY. At the Assembly Rooms, on Monday evening, the Birkenhead Gitana Ladies' Clioii-one of the most celebrated choirs in the country--ap- peared in Ruthin for the first time, and gave* an excellent miscellaneous concert. In the ab- sence of Mr. E. V. Lloyd, the chair was occu- pied by the Mayor (Mr. Ezra Roberts), and the Assembly Rooms was crowded with an enthu- siastic audience. The choir, under the conduc- torship of Miss Maggie Evans, took the chief prizes for Ladies' Choir at the Rhyl, Llandudno, and Carnarvon Eisteddvodau and, naturally, the Ruthin people looked forward to a musical treat of the highest quality. They were not disappointed, The concert was the best ever held in Ruthin, and the Choir, collectively and individually, are accorded the highest praise. The programme was as follows :— PART 1. Welsli Air, Bells of Aberdovey,' Gitana Choir. Duett, In the dusk of the twilight,' Misses Hettie Mawdsley and Gracie Thomas. Solo, 'Angus Macdonald,' Miss Bella Robin- son. Mandoline Solo, 'Selection of Welsh Airs,' Misses A. and C. Craymer. Solo, 'The pretty little flower and the great oak tree,' Miss Gracie Thomas. Solo, 'The Toilers,' Miss Hettie Mawdsley. Solo, Y Wlad Well,' Miss Annie Parry. Solo and Chorus, 'Now Tramp,' Miss Bella Robinson and Choir. PART II Welsh Air, 'Ash Grove,' Gita.na Choir. Duett, 'Veiietiaii Boat Song,' Misses Bella Robinson and Annie Parry. Solo, Welsh Song, Miss Gracie Thomas. Solo, The Children's Home,' Miss Hettie Mawdsley. Mandoline Solo, 'Rialto,' Misses A. and C. Craymer. Solo, 'Never again,' Miss Annie Parry. Solo, Waiting,' Miss Bella Robinson. 'Alas these Chimes,' Gitana Choir. God Save the Queen.' -> BOARD OF GUARDIANS. THE fortnightly meeting was held on Monday, when Mr. Henry Williams, Plasyvtrd, presi- ded, and the following members were present, Mr. Owen Williams, the Rev. J. F. Reece, Messrs. Robert Jones, E. R. Evans, Gomer Ro- berts, E. P. Jones, J. O. Williams (Llanelidan), T. P. Roberts, J. Williams, Llanfair, John Jones, J. Worthington, (Plas coch); R. Rogers Jones, J. Williams (Llanrhaiadr), loaac Wynne, Isaac Daniel, J. H. Simon, Edward Jones, and the clerk (Mr. R. H. Roberts). THE DIFFICULTY ABOUT THE OVERSEERSHIP. The Clerk (Mr. R. Humphreys Roberts) read a communication from the Local Government Board with reference to the request of the guardians to appoint the assistant overseers for the parishes in the Llanrhaiadr district, in rhe room of Mr. Fox, resigned. Formerly the Board of Guardians had to appoint for each parish the overseer, and it was convenient to group the parishes of the union into two dis- tricts, that of Llanrha adr of which Mr. 'Fox was the assistant overseer, and that of Ruthin of which Mr. Ezra Roberts is the assistant overseer. Under the last Local Government Act, however, the right to appoint the assistant overseer was vested in the parish authorities, and there were, therefore, to be instead of one official, thirteen. But as the parishes are so mall, it will be necessary to pay much more for the work in the aggregate than at present, or the work will be very inefficiently fone. Hence the guardians proposed to the parishes that they should agree to the appointment going to one man, and that the guardians should appoint subject to the approval of the parishes. All the parishes assented to this course, but Clocaenog and Derwen were in fa- vour of dividing the district into two, and of reducing the total salary by E50. Replying to this, the Local Government Board wrote that the appointment to the office oi assistant over- seer was vested as regarded the rural parishes in the parish council or the parish meeting, as the case might be; as regards the parsh of Llanrhaiadr urban in the Denbigh Town Coun cil, and in the case of Llanynys Urban, in the vestry and the justices. It would of course be competent for these authorities, if they thought fit to do so, to appoint as assistant overseer a person as collector, assuming that a collector's order should issue, but there would be no obli- gation upon them to do so. The salary of the assistant overseers waspaid out o i the poor rates, not by the guardians. If, under the circumstan- ces, the guardians of the parish authorities were still desirous that the appointment of collecto for the poor rates should, be vested in guardian the board would issue an order authorising the j appointment by the guardians of one or more as might be agreed upon. There was a long discussion on the subject, and finally, The Rev. J. F. Reece moved that the clerk communicate with the parish councils pointing I out the great saving which would be affec- ted if one man only were appointed as assis- tant overseer and rate collector, and chat the guardians were unanimously of opinion that one person should be appointed. I Mr. John Jones seconded. Mr. Isaac Daniel, as an amendment moved that the district be divided, but this was not seconded The motion of Mr. Reece was than carried J unanimously. After conversation as to the salary, the board unanimously decided on the motion of Mr, Res-ce. seconded by Mr. Corner Roberts, that the salary for the collectorship be f80 per annum. DISTRIBUTION OF RELIEF IN LLANGWYFAN PARISH. The Clerk to the Liangwyfan Parish Council, Mr. J. R. Lloyd, wrote stating that the council had unanimously passed a resolution to call the attention of the Board of Guardians to the means for the distribution of relief among the poor of the district. The money was left at Llandyrnog and the council considereo that it ought to be left in some convenient place in the parish of LlangNvyfen. After a discussion, the subject was deferred, in order that the Relieving Officer, Mr. W. H. Jones, might report upon it. CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS. The master of the work house, Mr. J. E. Ro- berts, reported that Mrs. Stanley Weyman, of Llanrhydd Hall, visted the workhouse and dis- tributed packets of tea and sugar to the female inmates and tobacco to the men. Mr. T. J, Roberts, chemist, had sent a bundle of illustra- ted papers. Old linen for the sick had been received from Mrs. Denton, Mrs. Lumley, Mrs. Blezard, and Mrs. Jones, Clwyd Villa. Mrs. Lloyd, of Rhaggat, sent 10s. in lieu of old linen, the money to be spent in the purchase of dres- sings. The hearty thanks of the board were passed to the above named ladies and gentleman. THE ABLE-BODIED INMATES. [ The master submitted a return from the Me- l dical Officer as to the health and physical capa- city of the adult inmates, from which it ap- peared that several of the women were in a fit condition to go out to work; also two men. Mr. T. P. Roberts asked whether the people would be turned out without a penny in their pockets. If so, it was only Lkely" that the women would give way to temptatio'n. The Clerk said it would be quite possible for the paupers to be put on the books of the Re- lieving officer for a few weeks. The master stated that the people leaving the house were usually allowed to go out for a day or two at first, returning in the evening, until they had got work to do. He would also take care to inform the relieving officer of each, so he might help them if necessary. THE LLANDYRNOG CENTENARIAN. Mr. WT. H. Jones, the relieving officer for the Llanrhaiadr district, informed the board that since the last meeting he had been asked by Messrs. Hugon and Co., Limited, of Pendleton, the well-known refiners of Beef Suet, through their North Wales representative, Mr. W. T. Brocklehurst, of Borthyn, Ruthin, to convey to Mr. Thomas Jones, of Llandyrog, a case of their Beef Suet. This he had been pleased to do. and the old man had appeared to be grat u!f for the gift. •*

THE CHARGE AGAINST A FOOTBALL SECRETARY. ON Friday, at Wrexham Police Court, John Talyor, secretary of the Football Association of Wales, and holding other appointments in the town and neighbourhood, was brought up on remand charged with having forged an endorsement to a cheque for £220, drawn in favour of the trustees of the Rose of Wrexham Lodge of the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds of which prisoner was secretary. Mr. Hopley Pierce, who, prosecuted, asked for a remand for a week, when he hoped to be able to complete the case as far as that court was concerned. Bail was applied for, but Mr. P:erce said his instructions were to most strenuously oppose the granting of bail. Bail was refused, and prisoner was remanded n custody. v

ECCLESIASTICAL INTELLIGENCE. FLINTSHIRE WESLEY AN COUNCIL. THE quarterly meeting of the Flintshire Was leyan Council was held on Thursday at Ffynon. groew. The Rev. Ishmael Evans, Rhyl (pre- siding), occupied the chair. The following resolution on the Cretan question was proposed by the Rev. W. H. Evans, seconded by the Rev. J. Owen, and carried:—'That this Council, while it approves of the recommendation of Lord Salisbury to the Powers to provide for the future Government of the Isle of Crete be. lore anything else, desires to state that with deep and painful feelings of sorrow and diame it heard that one of Her Magestv's ships fired on the Cretan patriots on Sunday last; and that it considers the explanation and defence of that lamentable occurrence hitherto made in the House of Commons as extremely unsatisfac- tory, and consequently it desires to pronounce its i. ost indignant, disapproval of such scan- dalous actions.' It was decided to send copies of the resolution to Lord Salisbury and Sir William Harcourt. On the proposition of the Rev. W. H. Evans, seconded by Mr. D. Pierce, Holywell, the fel. lowing resolution on the Education Bill was passed I That this Council hereby records its most solemn and strong protest against the bill now before the House of Commons for providing monetary aid out of the public funds to the so-called Voluntary schools. The Coun- cil, after serious and patient deliberation, con- siders the said bill to be bad in principle and in its provisions, chiefly because it provides oafy for one set ef eehools, and not for public elementary schools in general and because it hands over the sum of £ 6'i0,000 to the sectarian schools without adequate security that it will be spent in increasing the efficiency of educa- tion, and with no guarantee whatever for the rights of children of Nonconformist parents in areas where there are no Board schools. In the light of these and other considerations the Council unanimously and most emphatically condemns this vicious hill, and asks the Govern- Intent to let it drop, and bring in a new bill to provide for efficient education in all schools, alike, and to provide for the liberty of all children on the lines of the well-known resolu- tions of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference. It was decided to send copies of this resolution to Mr. Balfour and Mr. S. Smith, the county member On the proposition of Mr. J Jones (Holywell), seconded by Mr. W. M. Williams (Iihyl), it wag resolvedThat this Council desires to pro- test against the appointment to the important office of chief inspector of elementary schools in Wales of a gentleman who is net conversant with the Welsh language, as it is convinced a knowledge of Welsh is indispensable for the due fulfillment of his duties.'—The Rev. Hugh Evans (Flint) read a paper on 'Our polity and doctrines,' and Mr J. Benn (Chester) read one, on 'The Weileyan Assemby of Wales.' In the eveni-tg a public meeting was held, under the presidency of Mr Joseph Benn, when the following papers were read C The influence of literature on character,' by Mr. W. D. Pierce, Holywell; 'The Sunday School and morality.' by the Rev. Ishmael Evans and M Sunday "services,' by the Rev. W. H. Evans. The next meeting will be held in June, at Halkin.

The depth of water has a considerable infls- Bee on the speed of steamers, which are found ¡ o move more slowly in shallow water.

America, and other places (a JI C; Stan- ley.') Wherever they went, it w; < their duty to uphold their nationality, an "Maintain their characteristics (cheers). The Welsh National Anthem 'hen vVlad fy Nhadau,' was here sung with a great deal of enthusiasm, Mr. Peter Williams, Crown Stables, and Sergt. Downing leading off with the solos. Sergt. Downing (station master) was then called upon to give'the next toast, The town and trade of Denbigh.' In the course of an amusing speech, be coupled with the toast the names of Mr. Cottom, and Mr. J. Simon Roberts, whom he characterised as the biggest contractor in Wales (loud cheers and laughter). The management of his company—the London and Noilh Railway Company—were,he said, anxious to meet the trade of this part of the country, and their servants were under stringest orders to meet the great traders of the country in every possible way and they were not behind in the Yale of Clwyd. In conclusion, he congratulated Mr. J. Simon Roberts for the excellent work he had turned out in the town of Denbigh (cheers). Mr. Charles Cottom, in responding, con- tended that the London and North Western Railway Company did not give to the trade of Denbigh that consideration which it de- served at their hands (hear, hear). Not- withstanding the eloquence of Mr. Downing, he was firmly of opinion that the company could do a little more for the town of Denbigh, although, dnrin the recent years the company had given them some conces- sions, owing to the energy of Mr. Downing (hear, hear). Mr. Cottom then referred to the grand house now being erected in Vale Street for their worthy Mayor. That house was being built by a tradesman whose name was well worthy to be coupled with the toast—Mr. J. Simon Roberts (loud cheers). Mr. J. Simon Roberts said be was glad that Mr. Downing had coupled with the toast the name of such a good speaker as Mr. Cottom, who, in his address, had said all he (Mr. Roberts) had intended to say (laugh- ter). That being the case, he would simply sit down without doing more than thank them for the eulogistic remarks that had been mode with reference to himself and his work in the town (cheers). Mr. Keepfer followed with a song, 'My Native Land,' and then I Mr. Thomas Roberts, Market Vaults, pro- posed the next toast, 'The Mayor and Cor- poration of Denbigh.' He thought their worthy Mayor was the right man in the right place. A more energetic Mayor it was diffi- cult to find- (hear, hear) ;-be was an excel- lent man of business, and undoubtedly he was the proper man at the head of affairs in view of the commemoration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee (applause). He had also done as much as any man to further the trade of Denbigh, for which they were in- debted to him. It was a pleasure to know that he was once more enjoying good health. He would couple with the toast the name of the president, Mr. Wynne Edwards. The President having first of all given the well-known hunting song,' For a hunting we will go,' responded at length to the toast. He agreed with Mr. Thomas Roberts, that Denbigh could not easily find a better Mayor than Mr. Mellard. He was energetic, and. always did his best for the town (cheers). Outside the Council they all knew what he had done, while inside he always kept the reins well in hand (laughter). As a Corpo- ration, they were a fine body of men indeed (laughter) but he was bound to say, that they did not march with the time as they should do. Mr. Edwards then dwelt at length on the roads of Denbigh, which he characterised as being in a shocking state. On the question of improving L6n Llewelyn, he said that the Town Council, instead of doing the work, were actually squabbling as to who should undertake it. The Council should endeavour to make the town attrac- tive to live in and as long as he represented them, that would be his policy (hear, hear). Mr. Bryan proposed the Ladies,' coupled with the name of Mr. Gibbs. Both these gentlemen delivered very amusing speeches, which were well received, and greatly en- joyed. Mr. H. Dryhurst Roberts sang I Bias Go- gerddan,' followed by Mr. Edgar, who gave 'Dublin Bay.' The President proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Hughes for the excellent dinner they had provided for the occasion. This was carried with acclamation, and the company drank to their health. Mr. Keepfer: 'And may they long remain at this hotel (hear, hear, and cheers).' Mr, Hughes responded in a few appro- priate remarks. The health of the president and vice pre- sident having been, given and received, the company separated, after enjoying a capital treat.