The North Wales Times

THE WELSH NATIONAL TESTIMONIAL' TO MR THOMAS GEE. It HAS been decided that the presentation of this testimonial shall take place at Denbigh, on April 19th next (Easter Mon- day). The final details of the meeting have not yet been settled BUT in the meantime Mr. J, Herbert Roberts, SIR. T. E. Ellis, Mr. Lloyd-George, Mr. Herbert Lewis, and other I?V eish and prominent Welshmen, have intimated their intention ot taking part in the proceedings.

-un. WE are glad to learn that Mr. WR. R Tate, J.P., of Liverpool, eldest son of Henry Tate, Esq., who has for some years OCCUPIED Pdrth- amel, Anglesey, the former residence of Lord Boston, HAS recently taken a lease of Downing Hall, Flintshire. The hag-fish, or rnyxine, has a custom of getting inside the cod and similar fishes and entirely consuming tli-, interior, leaving ouly the skin and the skeleton.

LLANAKMON SKUL BOI(D. TO THE EDITOR OF LT THE NORTH WALES TIJIES." SIR, Who is on the folb? I lurn that this l ord w s on 2 legs lasd friday, and i lurn bords ca.n{, stan on 2 legs, so no busness was dun,and i no wy, ther was cheka wantin to pa the Rabis, and ther was no munev in bane. Chekf; was dew lasd ear end, and ther be cheks dew agen in Ap. so it will be 8 rnunths pa. but. the furst kwstiwn is, how is peepie goin to stan this wa of dwin ? and at this time of ear wen omosd jvry burd wants fres fether. The 2d kwstiwn is wur is the muney goin: ihe bord sa the gav orders to ovevsa5'ers sins iober lasd for 100 1 bs and i lurn that rats has bein g thard in this paris long time, and not a bear silling in banc lasd friday. Now wats )versayers good for? and wats the good of pointin peeple to ofis if the does no do it prop- perly? and wy doesna the bord sumone the aversavers for not pa in the muney? i gave the klerc of bord susch a good grabin that i can sware he cvvd na slep for 3 nites, wy does na lie se that the muney is pade to bane as gathard? Wat is he good for and for wat he gets pa? Wel now i lurn Lhat the paris kownsil is for ofer that bord put sum pur sun to gather the rats on skul bord. the peepie se that it he grate chepper to pa a man and get the rit, all in banc as gathard and not be in sutch ham- bugging wy of doin busness wy it be a veri esi gob to get a pursun for sutch busness for a fcrifni, for edgukashone nowadas pwts man and womans on looc for fSumwat but wurkin, and i se that the bord canodo neut bettar. vers WILLIAM JONES, Yr Ochor. Uanarmon 16 Mowrth 1897.

IS DENBIGH ASLEEP? TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTH WALES TIMES:' SIR, Whilst 'the strongest statesman in Europe' is making a puppet and a cat s paw of himself to the iierman Raiser and his fellow-youngster of Russia* ind whilst the whole country is ablaze witr indig- nation and protest agamst the base betrayal, vs bat is Denbigh doiug So far—nothing—literally nothing Not a single public protest has yet gone forth from 'Ca)edfryn yn Rhos,' although it is evident on every hand, in private conversation, and from numerous postcards forwarded direct to the Foreign Minister, as suggested by the Dean of Ely, that the very heart of the good old town is sore indeed with this infamy and degrada- tion. Why not have a public meeting at once to express as a town our detestation and thorough abhorrence of this Salisbury truckling to the natural enemies of freedom in all it's phases, and of the Democracy in whatever country or region it dares raise a cry for merest justice. No time is to be lost. The blockade and it's disgrace have already commenced. War between Glorious Greece and De-picable Turkey, if not already begun, will inevitably be the next 'evo- lution of the drama, according to all appearances, and our navy, if not our array, taking sides v. i;h the insatiable slayer of Christians our next depth of degradation. Let a public meeting be held and let a Public Protest be made, in order, at the least., to ensure a clean sdieet' for a town that will compare favourably with any of its sisters in the four king- doms for traditions cf freedom and human sym- pathies. Let it be held in the Drill Hall. If 'the authorities of that hall refuse the request, let the door of the Carrel Mawr, floor and gallery, be thrown open in the name of Christ and Humanity.' Should we meet with a refusal there also, let it, -it the name of all that is good, be held under Heaven's Canopy, in High Street square, with the Town Cross as platform for the speakers. And let the meeting be, if on thr sinet. at 3 o'clock p. m. next Wednesday, so- that. the people of the countryside may join, and swell the chorus. I am, Sir, Yours, TEEFLANWX.

TREFNIANT. /> .r LAST Friday evening, Mr. Thomas Mills, of Bangor—who, on two occasions,visited Cana- da on the invitation -OF the Canadian Go- vernment—showed a large number of slides, illustrative of Canadian scenery, with the aid of a powerful lantern The chair was occupied by Mr. John Roberts, C.C., Plas Heaton, who WAS one of the a.gricuItllral delegates from thiseountry to CUUADA, who were accompanied by Mr. Mills. Mr. Ro- berts, in introducing Mr. Mills, gave a. few general observations as to Canada, and sta- led t i:t lie had the pleasure of travelling many thousands of miles in the company of Mr. Mills, and was extremely pleased to meet him orcf,, ,in(i to see the views he. bad taken on that. occasion. Mr. Mills then showed numerous slides, the first cumbers of the series illustrating the vn age out. Then followed views of the PRINCIPAL Canadian. cities (including the Ottawa Houses of Parliament); Niagra Falls, and various views of Western Cana- da than came views of Manitoba, and the different agricultural operations carried on in that and other provinces. Various scenes in the Pocky Mountains, and beyond, were also shown as well as incideuts connected with the tour of the delegates. The whole of the^iews were reallv excellent, and gave unmitigated satisfaction to the audience. Canon Lewis, in reply to a vote of thanks for the use of the school, said that the views were the best he had ever seen, and he was certain Trefnant people woulc^ be- -only too pleased to see Mr. Mills there again. The Rev. Ambrose. Joi.es, in proposing t, vote of thanks to the chairman, endorsed all that Canon Lewis bad said as to the excel- lence of the views. The Chairman said HOT he was a witness to the very great troub'e Mr. Mills had taken to procure these photographs* and to their faithfulness and accuracy. He had seen most of the pJaces shown on the canvass, the slides were an excellent, representation of them. During tho entertainment, the CL*airman- explained in Welsh several of the slides shown, especially those connected with di- fferent mode of cultivation IN Canada- WE learn that it is extremely probable that Mr. Mills-will again pay a, v-sit to Trefnant, AND give a similar entertainment. m"

u to say again st the principle of the recommenda tion made by the committee, at the same time he thought the Council should delay for the present this very large expenditure. In the face of the very heavy rates they at present paid, and he was afraid would have to be paid in future he thought the ratepayers would be thankful if this expenditure could be deferred at least for some time. He would propose as an amendment, although approving of the principle, that the matter be delayed for the present. Mr. D. H. Davies said he would second the amendment tor the same reasons. Mr. R. Owen said he was unable to attend the special meeting at which the above resolu- tion was decided upon. He would therefore be glad if any of the gentlemen present could give an idea as to the probable cost of the proposed improvement He agreed, and no doubt all of them agreed, that it was a very desirable improvement, but they ought to have some estimate of the probable cost. The Surveyor said it would mean an expen- diture of from £ 300 to X400. Mr. T. J. Williams said it had been proposed to defer this matter owing to the heavy expense that would be incurred in carrying out the sug- gested improvements. But he wished to point out to this council that if tlvs question was deferred for a few months more, the improve- ment would lie shelved for many years, or most probably for a generation to come. The Council, be believed would have to sell the piece of land near the Smithfield during the present year, and if that land were sold, the probability- would be, that the suggested im- provement would never be carried out. His impression was, that by spending £ 200 or £ 300 on Lon Lleweiyri, they would be amply re- couped for the outlay. By this improvement, they would bring to the market one of the I most desirable pieces of land in the town for building purposes. The probability was, that t in a very short time, excellent houses would be built in the neighbourhood of Lon Llewelyn. That was one reason, in his opinion for going j on with the work, and to avail themselves of the opportunity while they had the chance (hear, hear). This improvement was considered by most people in Denbigh, as the best they could possibly carry out, and for that, reason only, he would go in strongly for it. Tho fact was, that the Denbigh Town Council saw no further than their noses (laughter) very often. Mr. R. OVPl1 said he was as much in favour of the improvement as Mr. T. J. Williams; still, he did not think they should spend so much money all at once. The rates at present were very high. He should like to know whether the money for this improvement could be borrowed. The Mayor Unless it is included in the estimate, we will have to borrow it. Mr. J. T. Hughes pointed out that the land at Glas Meadows would have to be sold next Augus., and if that was done, they would of course lose the opportunity of widening the I road, which he thought would he a great boon to the cattle market, and the farmers that brought their stock into it. He was of opinion that the sooner they tackled the question, the better it would be for the town and the farm- ers. The lane, owing to its narrowness was a very inconvcnient one, and should be widened without further diav. Mr. R. H. Roberts said they should not lose Sight of the fact that this surplus land at the Smithfield would have to be dealt with before August. They would Inve to buy it in, or reserve ib for some purpose or other. They should aho bear in mind the extension of the Asylum, which would be the means of spending an immense some of money, and he thought they should meet the convenience of the con. tractor by widening Lon. Llewelyn. In doing that, they would also divert the heavy traffic from the streets of the town (hear, hear). That if he remembered rightly was the primary object in widening th s lane, and he hoped the work would be carried out (hear, hear). Mr. W. H. Evans said that if the money for the work wouid be borrowed, he would with- draw his amendment. They were told at the Finance Committee held th;t 'lay, that the rates were likely to be high, and that was the reason why he objected to the expenditure at the present time. Mr. BOHZ Jones said that the roads were now in a very bad state, and the council would have to spend a good deal of money to put them in a proper state. That should be borne in mind and also that the rate was 2d. in the £ more I than it was last year. Mr. E. T. Jones referred to a scheme which was mooted »i>me years ago of making a road from the station, past the Howell School, and up to the Asylum. If that had been carried out, the present difficulty would not have arisen. Mr. Roger Pryce wanted to know whether the purveyor had been asked to draw out a rough estimate of the cost The Mayor The Surveyor's estimate is be- tween £ -SOO and £ 400. Mr. W. 11. Evans said that at the first com- mittee which he attended, he was given to understand that the amount was almost double the present estimate, and he was rather sur prised that the amount now given was so low. The Surveyor said he based the firsfr estimate on the assumption that there would be new walls on both sides of the road. On being put to the meeting only 3 voted for the amendment:—Messrs W. H. 'Evans, D. H. Davies, and Boaz Jones, and it was consequ- ently lost. The report of the committee was then adopted, although some of the members present abstained from voting. The Mayor then proposed the adoption of the following report with reference to the same subject:— Present:—'J'he Mayor, Messrs. E. T. Jones, T. J. Williams, and R. Humphreys Ro- berts. The Borough Surveyor in attendance. An apology for non-attendance was received from Mr. Wynne Edwards. The Committee waited upon Mr. Cold Ed- I wards with reference to the proposed widening aud alteration of Lon Llewelyn and its approaches,whenil was arranged:— t 1. 'That Mrs. D Roberts be asked to give ,474- square yards or thereabouts, sufficient land to provide a width.of 24 feet inclusive of Boundary walls with ample turning space into Love Lane to construct the pro- posed road from Lon Llewelyn to the top of Love Lane in exchange for the old road- way to be abandoned with the exception of a part at the entrance from the Asylum Road retained as a recess for roadstone or oilier purposes of the Council, or, if this be given up, Mrs. Roberts to grant a part of the adjoining field at the lower corner next the A,,iyliiiii.' 2. 'The Council to build on each side of the new road sufficient boundary walls.5 2. The Council to take down and remove for their own use one of the stone fences on one side of the part of the road abandoned and to pick up the roadway so as to form part of one of the fields on either side as shall be agreed upon.' 4. 'The footpath aCross the field on the side of Lon Llewelyn to be diverted along the north west fence adjoining Mr. Story's field.' 5. The existing gates on the two fields to he moved and a new entrance made immediate- ly adjoining the new footway and one gate fixed thereon, the other to be placed on such entrance as may be agreed upon into the Held adjoining the Asylum Road/ 6. The gate at the top of Love Lane to be retixed on an entrancegto be agreed upon into the remaining portion of the field through which the new road is taken.' 7. 'That the Surveyor prepare a fresh plan of the proposed alterations and the above suggestions.' (Signed), W. MELLAED, Chairman. The report was adopted without discussion, !;?* the Town Clerk was instructed to obtain sanction of the Local. Government Board to lf46 a portion of G!as Meadows for the above P';Ir.pose, and also to apply to the justices to «t the road, and obtain their certificate. lir, R. Ji. Rouerts moved that the commit- 4kOltld be empowered to settle the kerns ef the agreement with Messrs. Gold Edwards and Co., so as not to cause further delay. This was seconded, and carried. THE LIGHTING OF LOVE LANE. The Council, on the recommendation of the Lighting Committee, decided to defer until the beginning of next season the application of Messrs. Thornes Roberts, Market Vaulto, and John Davies for the better lighting of Love Lane. THE AUCTIONEERS AND THEIR SMITHFIELD STANDS. THE LETTING OF THE SMITHFIELD TO SHOWMEN. On the motion of Mr. J. T. Hughes, seconded by Mr. E. A. Tumour, the following was adopted; At a meeting of the Smithfield Commifcte held on the 25th day of February, 1896, at 6-30 p.m. Propenf,Mr. J. T. Hughes (Chairman), the Mayor, Messrs. E. T. Jones, T. J. Williams, It. Humphreys Roberts, W. H. Evans, A. Lloyd Jones, Roger Price, Boaz Jones, and D. H. Davies. The Market Inspector in attendance. Letters were read from Messrs. Clough and Co., and Mr. Byford, with reference to the Auction Stands in the Smithfield, and it was resolved:— 'That no reduction be made in the rent of either Auction Stand, and that fresh Agree- ments be prepared for annual tenancies, to three months' notice on either side.' That in reply to Mr. Byford's complaint, as to his not being able to obtain sheep pens he be referred to the letter sent him on the J6th of October, 1895, in which he was re- quested to give notice to the Toll Collector, the (lay previous to each Fair of the ac- commodation he required.' Tha,t the Surveyor be instructed to place tan on the Sale Rings in the Smithfield. 'That Messrs. Clough and Co. be allowed to use the Smitbiield for their Special Sale on March the 3rd, upon the same terms as be- fore. Letters were read from Mr. P. Collins and Mr. Felix Scott, as to the use of the Horse Market for their Travelling Shows, and it was resolved 'That Mr. Collins be not allowed to sub-let any portion of the market.' That a space of ground in the Horse Market, 27 feet by 30, be let to Mr Scott, for his Exhibition of an Assault-at-Arnis, upon payment of £1 per day, on condition that he pays for any damage which may be caused in the Smithfield during his visit.' That 3d. per square yard be charged for all shows in future.' (Signed), J. T. HUGHES, Chairman. The Town Clerk said that the auctioneers had signed the new agreement. THE HIGHWAY COMMITTEE'S REPORT. HOLIDAYS FOR THE CORPORATION MEN. Mr. R. H. Roherts moved, and Mr. J. T. Hughes seconded, the adoption of the High- way Committee's Report, which is as follows:— At a meeting of the Highway Committee, held H1 the 8th day oi March, 1397, at 2 p.m. Present :—The Mayor, Messrs. E. T. Jones, J. T. Hughes, and R Humphreys Roberts. The Borough Surveyor in attendance. It was resolved :— That Mr.R. Humphreys Roberts be appointed Chairman of this Committee ia the place of the late Mr. Andrews. The Conrnutteejiaving considered the ques* tion of the repair of the Erriviatt Road above Ty'nygors, resolved :— That 24-inch pipes be laid along the ditch for about 66 yards, and that a manhole be placed on the centra of the pipes, as sug- gested by the Surveyor. CoJi'IIeatofTs letter as to the alleged damage done to his fences by the construction of recesses for road stones and the new foot- path to Henllan, and the Borough Sur- veyor's Report thyreon., having been read, this Committee is not prepared to recom- mend the Cc unci I to take any action in the matter. It was resolved That it be left to the discretion of the Sur- veyor to give the roadmen a holiday twice ft year in preference to granting them Saturday afternoons. (Signed), R. HUMPHREYS ROBERTS, Chairman. Mr. Roger Pryce, in rising to move an amend- ment to the last paragraph in the report, said that only four members attended the Commit- tee out of the eight that formed the Committee. The amendment which he bad to propose was a very one. He was as anxious as anyone to have Ihe streets of the town clean for Sunday, but he failed to see why the men on the country roads should not be allowed to leave oft work at, one oclock on Saturdays. t, was 'That the men employed oil the country roads should be allowed to leave work at one o'clock on Saturdays, and that the men employed in the town should have three days holidays instead of two each year. By allowing the men to leave work at one o'clock, the Council would only give them two hours, and he was quite sure that the Council would gain in the long run by making this con- cession. It would he an incentive to the men to do their utmost for th > Council. He found that Ruthin had allowed their men the same concession, and he always thought-Denbigh was 50 years in advance of Ruthin (loud laughter). The Railway Company had also allowed their men the same privilege. He thought his amendment was a very reasonable one, and if the town was polled on the question, he felt quite sure that the eon cession would be granted. Mr. Wynne Edwards seconded, and said it was only righii that the Council should place their men on an equality with other ii-iori, ei-i- ployed in the town. Of course, the men would receive their wages during the holidays, whether it was two or three days. The Mayor said that was so. On being put to the meeting, the amendment was ctnried--8 voting in favour of it, and the report was then adopted subject to the amend- ment. HON. CAPTAIN TO THE FIRS BRIGADE. The Joint Committee of the Brigade, which sat on the 8th inst., reported as follows on the question of appointing an Hon. Captain'to the Brigade:— The suggestion of the Fire Brigade that it would be desirable to appoint an Honorary Captain of the Brigade was considered; but as II, was not clearly understood what the dntspH and position of such an officer would be, the matter was referred back to tire Brigade, and It resolved':— That this meeting be adjourned, to Tuesday, 16th of at 8 p.m. The report was adopted". SMITHFIELD RECEIPTS. THE EFFECT OF THE SWINE FEVER ORDER. The Borough Accountant reported that the receipts at the Smithfield for the February Fair in 1886 were £iG3s.Zd.; in 1897, £ 135s. 7r.L —a decrease of £ 2 17s. 7d. Mr. Wynne Edwards Will the closing of the pig fair account for the decrease? The Accountant: Yes; in this case it will. IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CASTLE. The Surveyor reported that the new houses built in the Castle by the late Councillor An. drews were a great improvement; but the road in front wanted metalling, and a gutter to carry o!f surface water. He wished bo know whether he was to do this work. Mr. T, J. Williams proposed that the work be done. In reply to Mr. R. II. Roberts, it was stated that this was the propsrty of the Crown. The Surveyor said that the road up to the place he indicated had been repaired by the Corporation. The matter was referred to the Highway Committee. 1 LAMP WANTED IN THE CASTLE. The Surveyor suggested that a lamp be fixed on the corner of the Castle-keepers house; but the Council decided to postpone the matter until the beginning of the winter season. THE MIDDLE LANE FOOTPATH. The Surveyor also stated in his report that the footpath on the north side of Middle Lane was in a very bad condition. New curb stones would be required, and the outlay would be £ 50 In addition to this, some of the neigh- bours wanted to have the path flagged, but the flagging was not included in his estimate of £50 Mr. Roger Pryce said the path was in a really bad state, and the Corporation men were npverseen in the place except the day before Whit-Tuesday (laughter). The question was referred to the Highway Committee. NEW HOUSES. Plans of six new houses to be built on the north side of Beacon's Hill, and six cottages in Craig Road, by the representatives of the late Mr. Thomas Davies, butcher, were submitted, and were passed. Also plans of a new dwelling house, and slaughter house to be built by Mr. R. Pierce Davies, IMa Flat, near the old tanyard on Plas Chambers Road, were submitted. The Surveyor said they were in conformity with the bye-laws; but suggested that the corner ,v should be rounded off a little, in order to give a better turning to Charnell's Well Hoad. The plans were referred to the Highway Committee. Mr. T. J. Williams I suppose there will be no objection to the erection of the slaughter house in the place ? The Mayor That will be a matter for the committee to consider. THE HENLLAN FOOTPATH. CnJPPINGS FOR DENBIGH, ASHES FOR HENLLAN. Mr. J. T. Hughes asked the Surveyor why the Henllan footpath had not been iinisbed. The Surveyor replied that the men had been very busy lately, and th&.t no ashes could be found. Tiip Mayor said he understood, when the path was under discussion, that members. of the Council promised to supply plenty of ashes for the purpose. The Surveyor I found it very different when I tried to get some. Mr J. T. Hughes moved that the path be at once finish, djind that chippings be used instead of ashes. Mr. Tumour seconded, Mr. Boaz Jones said that ashes had been de- cided upon, in order to save expense. The Mayor said Mr. Hughes would have to give notice of his motion. Mir. Hughes Very well, Sir, I give notice of motion That the path be finished, and chip- pings used.' THE WRONG USE OF THE DRAINS.. Mr. Wynne Edwards said he should like to ask the Surveyor a question. Mr. Shona, the engineer, gave as one of the reasons why the drainage did not act that there was too much water in the pipes, and suggested that the sur- face water should not be allowed to go to the main sewer. That being so, he should like to know whether a certain gentleman in the bot- tom of the town had drained his land to the main sewer ? The Surveyor said that was so but permis- sion had been given, on the condition, or the supposition, that he was to build on ths land in question, which, n that case, he had a. right to do. Mr. Wynne Edwards asked whether the gen- tleman in question had been allowed to use a square junction pipe, and whether that was not contrary to the bye-laws? The Surveyor said it was not exactly a square junction pipe. It was not so bad as that. 4 Mr. Wynne Edwards But is it contrary to the bye-laws ? The Surveyor Yes and I admit that. No resolution was proposed, and the subject dropped. SHOWING BOSSES IN THE STREETS. A YOUNG FARMER TO BE CAUTIONED. The Inspector reported that Samuel Parry, Llewesog Farm, had shown a horse for sale in Vale Street on last, fair day, which was con- trary to the Smithfield bye-laws. The case bad been reported upon by P C. Evans, LIanrhai- a-dr. The man had been cautioned, but subse- quently took the horse to Post Office Lane for the same purpose. He wanted to know whether he should take proceedings against him ? Mr. Hiowel Gee Did he pa.y the toll ? The Inspector He paid it after having been remonstrated with, and reported. Mr. Gee said the man had climbed down, and paid the toll. The Inspector said he was on Vale Street for a quarter of. an hour. Dr. Lloyd Roberts sent up to complain of his conduct; and when the police asked him to go away, he went to Post Office Lane, and showed the horse in the same way. The Mayor said the man was causing a great nuisance, and compelled Dr. Lloyd Roberts to complain to the police. Mr. Roger Pryce said that horses were often taken along Post Office Lane, and were a. source of great danger to children. Mr. T. J. Williams said he sympathised a great deal with the farmers. The sooner the Council took this matter into consideration, the better it would be for the horse fair in Den- bigh. He would tell them candidly that, since the last fair, he had made up his mind that the only remedy for the present stats of things was to allow the horse fair to be again held in the streets of the town (laughter). He was sorry to have to make such a statement; and perhaps there was no need for the reporters to make a note of it (laughter); but that was the fact. The Mayor It is fcoo late now they have got it (laughter). Mr. H (Aee said he was very much of the same opinion as Mr. Williams with regard to the horse market; but he did not think that the re- medy suggested was the right one. There was no doubt but that the horse market was an in- convenient if not dangerous place, because one horse shook 'hands' with another—with his hind legs of course (laughter). In his opinion, the best remedy would be to allow the horses, after 12 30 on the fair days, to be taken to the top of the cattle market. The use of the runs there would be a great acquisition to farmers and others. Mr. J. T. Hughes said that he suggested she same thing on. a previous occasion. Mr. Wvnne Edwards asked whether the dis- Mr. J. T. Hughes said that he suggested she same thing on a previous occasion. A Mr. Wynne Edwards asked whether the dis- cussion Was in order. The question they had I to discuss was, the enforcement, of their bye-laws with regard to tolls. The Mayor said Mr. Edwards was right. The question before the Council was, what should be done in the case of Samuel Parry? Mr. Boaz Jones: Forgive him for once. Mr. D. H. Davies Is this the first case of the same nature? The Mayor: No; similar offences have been ir D. H. Davies .What was done in those cases ? The M ayor They were summoned. Mr. Roger Pryce proposed that the Town Clerk be instructed to write to Mr. Parry to caution him. Mr. H. Gee seconded. Mr. Wynne Edwards said he knew Mr. Parry well; and would propose that the ce.33 should take the usual course, and proceedings be in stituted. against Mr. Parry. Mr. It. H. Roberts seconded. The Council divided, when 5 voted for Mr. Wynne Edwards' amendment, and 7 for Mr. Roger Pryce's motion, which was declared car- ried. THE INSPECTOR AND THE CALF. The Inspector said that a small calf had been left in the Smiihiield last fair day; and, al- though advertised, it had not yet been claimed. He should like to know what was to be done to ife ? Mr. Wynne Edwards: Make it into a pie for the Corporation, or have it cooked for May- Day (laughter), Mr. P-oger Pryce: How old is he? The Inspector (despairingly): How can I tell? (laughter). I never asked him (loud laughter), and I never saw anybody that could tell me. It gets very expensive to me eveiy day now (renewed laughter). No resolution was passed on the subject. ESTIMATES OF RATES. The next business was to receive and adopt estimates for a General District Rate and a Borough Rate for the half-year ending the 29th of September next, and a Cemetery Rate for the year ending 25th of March, 1898. The Town Clerk said the estimates ha al- ready been before the Finance Committee. The sum required for the maintenance of the roads for the half-year would be £ 787, as against JE425 the previous year. The lighting of Denbigh and Iienilan would be X-150. ¡ Mr. R. H. Roberts asked what was the expen- diture on the roads for the previous year? The Town Clerk £ 1,260. w The Mayor said the roads were now in a. very bad condition, and that this was the cause of the extra amount required. The Surveyor said that Rossa Road and Tros-y-park Road had been adopted, and that the public footpaths had been repaired. The Town Clerk said that the total sum re quired would be about £ 1,527 2s. 4d., indepen- dent of the proposed outlay on Lon Llewelyn, the Erriviatt Road, and the Steam Roller, should Mr. Hughes'motion to purchase the lat- ter be carried. The above sum would mean a General District Rate of Is. 9d. in the £ as against Is. 6d the last half-year. After a short discussion, it was decided to borrow the money required for the widening of L6n Llewelyn; and the amount was, there- fore, not included in the estimate. The Town Clerk said the amount required to be provided by a Borough Rate was £ 568 8s. 10d., which would be met by a 4d. rate, the same as last year. As regards the Cemetery Rate, there was a balance in hand of C25 6s. 9d., and a Id. rate had been sufficient, as against 1-Jd. last year. APPOINTMENT OF OVERSEERS. The following Overseers were re-elected :—- For the Parish of Denbigh, Messrs. Ebenezer Davies and J.Simon Roberts; Henllan, Messrs. William Williams (Cae Drain) and John Jones (Plas Meifod) IJanrhaiadr Urban, Messrs. Richard Jones (Brook-house) and Hugh Wil- liams (Berllan Bach). THE PURCHASE OF A STEAM ROLLER. MR. J. T. HUGHES ON THE ART OF HOAD MAKING. Mr. J. T. Hughes next proposed 'That) a Steam Roller be obtained for use on the roads in the Borough,' and supported his motion with the following remarks :— It gives me mnch pleHsure to move this propo- sition, inasmuch that I do really believe that the time has arrived when we as a Council should move to meet the general complaints as to the unm¡]s- faclory state of our roads, both in and oat of the town. Much feas been written from time to time, and also itmch has and is said in reference to the muddy state of our roads in winter. and the dnet that arises from them in summer and I do hcpe that the Council will give this proposal its most sincere consideration, an I firmly believe that in purchasing a Steam Roller it will amply pry the ratepayers a good return for the money laid out. Now, us to the present system of mettaling our roads it is most expensive when we compare it to ilte work done by a steam roller. I do not think it is material what kind of stone will be used on our roads as long as the present system of road- making is carried on, because, in the first place, there should be placed a thick layer of stones to meet the traffic, and not as they are placed now rn a thin layer. When a thin layer Is put on they are scattered by the traffic, and ground to dust, thp. consequence being, that the road is de- prived of its foundation. By adopting the pre- sent system, the stones are not consolidated to- gether, which is most essential for a good, sound road. And it rriit be admitted by all of us that the consequence of the present system is that water lodges on the surface and filters down to the foundation of the roads and "rots' them; whereas if a steam joli«r was employed it would ■orra .the roads and make them such that water (v Id not lodge upon the surface, and therefore save th"m from rottiag. Now, as to the pre sent system of metalling our roads. The wheels nt vehicles cut the surface iKto 'ruts,' and the! men have to rake the stones in and fill them with ew. stones, which are, in turn, g-onnd and pul- verized as before; but by the use of a roller yon csn form,your rqads in such a manner that the cost of thishbonr is sa ved, and or materia! 'piewnted. There will be mud in winter and less dust In summer; and -it all seasons of the year no loose stmw8 wiii bi left. Now, that goes to prove that obtdniae a steam roller is '-he most economical "t-y of saving the tatepayer-' money (as far as the roads are concerned), besides reaping the benefit of having good roads. The advantages gained by a steam roLe\ are numerous, »nd I wi.il a few, Fin4, you metal the roads in summer as well as winter therefore you need not wait for October to do the work and I believe that this will meet the grievance of the public to a very great extent. Secondly, the roads consolidated by a steam roller will la?t from two to three years (if not more) longer than roads not laid by. the use of a steam roller. Thirdly, the roads, when a steam roller is employed, will cost on the average, or et least I am so informed, less in maintenance of about 50 per cent, than roads not steam rolled. Fourthly, the cost of the material wii! be less by SO per cent. Fifthly, the cost of roads consolidated by a steam roller is about !d. to fd. per superficial yard. Not only the 4' cost is much Jess, but I venture to say that the roads will be fifty per cent, better if the system I now advocate is fdcptcd by the Council, than tho I present one. The working expenses of a steam roller (I ought to mention) will average about ten shillings per day, which includes the engine- driver's wages, coal, coke, nil, &c., and flagman, w-bose time, it must be borne in mind, is partly occupied in assisting the repairing of the roads as I' w«ll. I may also say that the working expenses vary according to the prices paid for coal, coke, &c. I hopo thee few remarks are enough to convince the council of this great necessity to pur chase a steam roller, which will be the mCHm, and the only means of 0colJomÎz:ng the 'atepavers' money in the nd fepftÏring of our toads, besides I t for man and beast I to travel upon, an" o 1 1 y i ra t c o i) i plaint of the puhlic us to the muddy condition of onr roads. Of course, I am fi-Ally aware that it I will coat money and, on the other band again, I am fully convinced that the ratepayers will have a good return for the money laid out, in having good, clean, roads,, which will prove to be most attractive +0 people desirous of residing aim ngst us, and also prove the direct means of lessening the present heavy, expenditure in making the I roads. I have not the least doubt but thwt every member of the Council is very desirous of making this town as attractive as possible, but we must I spend money to IPake it ec, and by doing 0, yon will increase the 'population, apd. increase trade. The improving of our roads is absolutely necessarv if we htwe the mind to prosper. the town and I that this is the wish of every well think- ing ratepayer; and I have no hesitation in saying that it i» the duty of this Council to ad^pt "this proposal for the interest of the latepsyers, and the future welfare and prosperity of the town of proposal for the interest of the I the future welfare and prosperity of the town of Denbigh. I hope that these remark-) wiil con- vince the members of the Council of the necessity of purchasing 11 steam roller. There i.o one other consideration which 1 ought to refer to At pre- sent, Wt3 receive 8. g ant of f220 from the County Council in respect of onr main roads, and it would be a pity to lose this grant, simply because we have no steam roller to put our roads in proper condition. The rates at present have a tendency to increase rather than decrease, still I am strongly of opinion that by purchasing a steam roller, the ratepayers' money could be saved to a very considerable extent. Mr. E. A. Tumour seconded the motion. Mr. A. Lloyd Jones moved, as en amendemnt, that a steam roller be hired for a tisce to experi- ment with in the work of road making. Mr. E. A. Turnonr said he should !!ke to point out to Mr. A. Lloyd Jones that if Denbigh had a steam roller they could hire it to other parishes! and districts, thereby making money out of it. A question was asked as to the probable cost of the roller, f,400 being mentioned as the likely sam. Mr. R. Humphreys Roberts thought Mr. J. T Hughes' motion. was putting the e;;rt before the ¡ horse. It would be better, in his opinio. to; first of all, procure a better quality of stone for tb. It roads, and then discuss the dcsivabdty of having a steam roller (hear, hear). If the same rubbish as that put down on the roads f ;r the last twelve J months was used, it would simply be crushed into dust by the weight of the rolW (hear, hear) Mr. J. T. Hughes said that two different quali- ties of stones had been put down on tha road near the saw mills of bssrs. Sains bury & Lloyd, but there was no difference at all between the part covered by the Graig Stone and the other stone in that place. The road was equally muddy in hoth p!aces. If a steam roller were used, it would not pulverize the stone, but would consolidate, it lik-* brickwork. There would be plentv of work fur the roller both in summer and winter, and ther," would be no necessity for hiring it. By using the roller, the work of raking stones into ruts would be done away with, and by using water, roads could be done in summer, the stones would go down under the pressure, and form a good, solid road. A road made in this manner would not. I require to be touched for five years, as the stones would go down together and nnmjnmi. Too much stone was now put down on the sides of the road, the result being that the sides were gene- rally higher than the centre. Mr. Robert Owen seconded Mr. A. Lloyd *1 t amendment. He doubted very much whether a steam roller could be purchased for f400 because a common thrashing machine cost that amount. Now, they could hire a steam roller to try as an experiment, for the interest they would have to pay on the pnrchase money. .VJr. T. J. Williams asked were tbe sto <es used on the roads of such a quality as wouid bear the weight of a steam roller. If not, thev wou'd be simply crushed into dust and mad. That was a question they ought to consider. He did not know whether they would be able to get a suffi- cient quantity of stone from the Craig for their purposes, or not; but that question would be con- t sidered, no doubt, in connection with the motion which stood on the Agenda in the name ot Mr. R. Humphreys Roberts. If they coti 1 d not get suffi- ¡ dent stone from the Graig, then they would have f to get them from somewhere else. Mr. Boaz Jones said he should like to see a steam roller in Denbigh, but they ought to con sider their poverty (laughter) It was well for thoae that could afford it, to buy a steam roller but he could not see his way clear to go in for it in Denbigh. Mr. R. Humphreys Roberts thought the matter should be referred to the Highway Committee to make inquiries. A steam roller wou'd not be re quired until next season, in any case. It would be well for them to know, also, on what terms they could carry out Mr. A. Lioyd Jones' propo- sal. Mr. J. T. Hughes said he agreed to refer the question to the committee, and this was ultimate ly agreed to. THE QUESTION OF ROAD METALLING. SWEEPING PROPOSALS BY MS. Fi. HUMPHREYS ROESKTS, The Mayor called upon Mr. It Hunophrevs Roberts to move the toilowinsr proposition, ex which he had given notice :— (a.) That a Committee of threr be appointed to visit the Graig Quarries, with authority to negotiate and arrange toru s with the pro- prietor for the supply of a sufficient quantity of Black Granite Stone and also, if found desirable, for ground to erect a rough wood- en shelter for stone breakers.' (b.) That the Surveyor be instructed to supply to the Committee an estimate, (1) Of the quantity of stone required during next season for metal!'ng all th« streets. (2) The quantity of stone required f'om quarry for iT other highways.' (c.) That the following be an instruction to tbe Surveyor, (]j Tnat no second band stone; i e. stone from odd buildings or surface stone be user; for metalling purposes. (2) That only Black Greniie Stone be used on the streets. (3) That, only crushed Granite be used as mettalling for footways and stteeC cross- ings: Mr. R. Humphreys Robert?, In srpport of the motion, said it appeared to him that the quality of stone they at present put on the roads was not fit for the purpose (hear, hear) The r<>*d>. wer-, consequently, in a wretched (4 filthy state. The stone put down in Vale Street drtrir^ the last months was nothing but rubbish, even before it was placed on the street; end ho thought no harm could be done by appoii ting1 a committee; and if thev were of opinion tb'õt a sufficient quan- t'ty of stone could be bad at the. Graig, they cuuid report to thft Council, Mr. J. T. Hughes seconded the motion. Mr. HoerPryce said that in the last: Conneii meeting they decided to procu e two samples of stone as an experiment, and a»ked whether the,e had been tested. He thought Mr. Humphreys Roberts' proposal WAS rather premature, as they had no opportunity to see whether the Gwvddel- wern stone or the black granite, at the Graig, were the best, Mr. R. Humphreys Roberts no:rted out ¡hit a atatemclit had been made a sufficient qu an- tity of the black granite coul 3 not. be had from the Graig when it was wanted. His contention \»as, that if a committee were appointed to make arrangements for the supply of this storje in pro- per time, and not send their carts to the quarry all at once, they would, most probably, get a sufficient quantity of this particular stone for the purpose (hear, hear). He thought, if they could get this stone, they would not be jutt'tM in going out of the borough, and to pay five or -ix shilling? per ton for stone, whilst they could g t it in Denbigh for about three shillings (h<ja-. luar). The motion was carried and the mayor (Mr. W. Meilard), Mr. R. Hnmpnreys Roberts, and Mr. J. T. Hughes, were fe>ppo!Eted as a com- mittee. THE DRAINAGE SCHEME. A Jetter was read from the Local Government Board, with which was also enclosed Mr. T. A Wynne Edwards' latter to the Board, -stating they could not concur with the scheme sugges- ted by the Town Council with regard to the Drainage Question. Tbe letter was referred to t)1 Sanitary Com- mittee. REFRESHMENTS IN THE SMITHFIELD. Miss Roberts, Vale Street, wrote, stating that afttr twelve month's trial at the Ltfreshens I Stall in the Smithfield, she fonud lit it very bad epecutatiou. Her highest taking did not exceed £ 5- However, she was willing to give it anoihei tiialjf the reiit was reduced from £1) to £3 per annum. It was greed, to reduce it to :M. THE WATER SUPPLY AT THE CASTLE. A letter was read from Mr. Robert Davie*, Market Vaults, Denbigh, accompanied by a peti- tion from owners of bouses in the fautle, with reference tu the Water Supply at the Castle. Mr. Davies stated in bill letter th ,t he inten- ded to build ten or twelve new houses in the distsict; but added, 'if no wattr, no houses' (laughter). The petition stated tb-it; the waet of water in the district was injurious to heaitb, and prevented the building of new hoisep, thereby adversely affecting the rateable v Jue cf the borough. A long discussion ensued, in which the Mayor. Messrs, J. T. Huabes. T-. J. rns, W. H. Evans; l, Humphreys Roberts, Roger PrycÐ, and Bof z J one?', toofc part. Mr. T. J. Williams, ie, a strong snaech, said th&t the building of new houses ).I) t hie Castle District would add considerably to the rateable value of the borough. One gentleman ha 1 visited the town with the intention of buying a p> bhc house there, but when be found there was no water there, he would have nothing to do with (he matter, although the bargain was ail bit s rm k. It was decided, on the motion of Mr, T. ,L Williams, seconded by Mr. Roger Pryce, that a committee be appointed to confer with the Water Company as to tne urgent necessity of providing the Castle with water without further and that tbe committee be entrusted with power to act.