The North Wales Times

PETTY SESSIONS. Tuesday.Before Messrs. S. Perks (in the chair), J. Y. Strachan, W. Elwy Williams, and T. Morgan Owen. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. John Conway, carter, Elwy Villa, Grange Road, was lined 7s. 6d. and costs in eacl case I for working two horses in an unfit condition, on the 13th inst.,as proved by Inspector Har- berd. ( James Shannon, Marine Hydro, a, 'bus driver, f was charged by the same officer with working I a horse whilst suffering from a raw wound, the size of a two shilling piece, under the saddle, on the 15th of December. Defendant admitted the offence, but said that the wound had been rendered raw after he had left the stable. A fine of 5s. and 88- costs was imposed. HE COULD TELL THE TRUTH AS WELL AS A POLICEMAN. Cornelias Jones, plasterer, Gronant Streec, was charged by P.C. Tale with being drunk and disorderly in Wellington Road, on Sunday night, December 11th. Defendant pleaded guilty to being drunk, but denied the charge of disorderly conduct. I The officer said that defendant, abou'ù hali- past seven on the night in question, wan going from High Street along Wellington Road, He was very drunk, and was using bad language. Defendant repeatedly interrupted the wit- ness while I13 was giving his evidence, and on being told by the Chairman to keep quiet, ae replied, I must defend my own part, sir, and I can tell the truth as well as any policeman in" I the town' (laughter). I Cross-examined by the defendant, the police constable denied that he had followed him from tha railway station. Defendant: Yes, you did. You followed me all the way from the railway station to Well- ington Road, and when I got opposite the police station you ran me straight in. That's what you did, lad (laughter). I Fined 5s. and 7s. 6d. costs. UNDESIRABLE CUSTOMERS. I Isaac Jones (I cocop'), and his brother, John Jones, junior, Vale Road, were summoned for I being drunk and refusing to quit the Prince of Wales Inn, on the night of the 17th inst., but failed to appear to answer the charge. Mrs. Sarah Brooks, the licensee of the Prince of Wales, stated that both prisoners went to her house in a drunken state on Saturday night, the 17th, and refused to leave when requested. She could see that they were drunk when they entered the house, and, therefore, refused to serve them. Upon that they became very dis- orderly and commenced to sight. John threw some money down, and attempted to jump over the counter to strike her. Inspector Pearson spoke to seeing the de. fendants later on the same evening, and said they were drunk. Both were fined 10s. and 8s. costs. SCHOOL CASES. Can Schoolmasters detain habitual truants during dinner time ? Robert Hughes, Town Surveyor, Rhyl, sum- moned for neglecting to send his son to school, pleaded not guilty. William Parry, School Attendance Officer, I stated that the lad was a very bad attendant. During the last quarter he had only made 52 out of IOS.Possible attendances. He had fre- quently caught the boy playing in the street, and taken him to school. Replying to Mr. ifiaghes, witness said that he knew, as a matter of fact. that Mr. Hughes himself frequently took the boy to school. The attendances during the last fortnight prior to the breaking up for holidays were perfect. Mr. Hughes' little girl was a mose ngular attendant. Mr. Hughes said that he did everything he could to get the boy to attend school. His little girl, as the officer said, was a regular at. tendant, and both the boy and the girl left the house for school together, but the lad would run away from her. Sometimes he would see the boy playing in the streets, and would catch and take him to school. His particular orders to his daughter, who kept the house for him, was that this boy should be sent to school daily. Mr. Elwy Williams asked the School Attend- ance Officer if there was no responsibility on schoolmasters to keep boys in school when they had been taken there. Mr. Parry replied that sometimes habitual truants were taken to school in the morning, i and kept there during the dinner time to secure their attendance in the afternoon. Mr. Morgan Owen (who is one of Her Ma- je8ty's Inspector of Schools) remarked the fc I' schoolmasters had no authority to do that. Mr. Parry said that they did it with thj consent of the parents. Mr. Morgan Owen replied that they had nc authority whatever to do such a thing. Mr. Elwy Williams This is not the place to settle that question. The Clerk Certainly not. Mr. Morgan Owen said he wished to say pub- licly that schoolmasters had no authority to detain children during dinner hours. The Chairman, addressing Mr. Hughes. said the bench felt that a responsibility rested upon the justices to assist the School Attendance Committee to enforce the attendance of child- ren at school, and they were bound to do their duty in cases of neglect. But in this case they could not see that there had been any neglect, and the case would be dismissed. At the same time, they trusted Mr. Hughes would use every endeavour to get the boy to attend school. Mr. Hughes thanked the bench, and said he would send the boy away to school. Allen Jones, 125, Vale Road, an old offender, was fined 5s. for neglecting to send his child to t school. In this case the attendances were only 36 out of 112.

MRS. PICKOP DUTTON AND THE POOR. We are informed that Mrs. Piekop-Dutton, The Grove, has just sent her annual donation to Mr. Owen Williams, Chairman of the Aber- wheeler Parish Council, to be distributed in doles to the poor of that parish. Mrs. Pickop- Dutton has also distributed a quantity of coal amongst the poor. We are assured that the inhabitant lof the parish generally fervently wish that she may continue to reside in their midst, as she is truly looked upon as a public benefactress.

-oo_ 'TERRIBLE DOMESTIC TRAGEDY IN NORTH WALES. -< -0_ A HUSBAND, WIPE, AND TWO CHILDREN SHOT DEAD. A terrible tragedy was brought to light on Tuesday afternoon, at a somewhat secluded spot in the upper pave of Criccieth. In one of four cottages called Ivy Cottages, resided a man named William Williams, about forty years of age, with his wife, aged about thirty- five years, and two children, the eldest about five years and the youngest about three. On Tuesday afternoon, the Vicar of Garndolben- maen went to the police station at Criccieth and reported that he and his family had not heard anything of late Irom William Williams and his wife, of Ivy Cottages, and that there was a rumour chat they had gone to Nottingham to spend the Christmas. He said he had re- ceived letters from Nottingham, but nothing was known there of the family's whereabouts. Police Constable William Owen, accompanied by the Vicar and M.r. J. W. Jones, proceeded to Ivy Cottages to make inquiries. The officer's suspicions being aroused, he obtained a ladder, placed it against the front bedroom window, and on looking into the room saw a ghastly sight. He immediately descended and proceeded to burst the front door open. Going upstairs to the back bedroom lie found the eldest boy, named Gordon, lying on his left side in bed with a revolver wound on the right temple. In the front bedroom, the officer found Wil- liams in bed with a revolver in his hand. His mouth was open, and a bullet had pierced through the brain and lodged in the wall. Close by him lay his wife, on her left side, with two bullet wounds on the right temple. In a corner of the room lay the youngest child upon some bedding on the floor, with a bullet wound underneath the left eye. The husband was a sailor, but had not been to sea for some time. The wife was a daughter of a late commodore capbain of the Peninsular and Oriental liners, and a niece of Mrs. Jones, the Vicarage, Dolbenmaen. Williams and his wife had not been seen since a fortnight last Thursday, but as it was believed that they had gone to Nottingham, no suspicion had been aroused. The affair has caused an appalling sensation, as the parties were considered highly respectable and the wife and children were noted for their clean and tidy appearance. The two children looked exceedingly well cared for, and apparently had been murdered in their sleep, as they had & peaceful and happy appearance which contrasted forcibly with the ghastly surroundings. On the table in the kitchen was an empty sardine tin. The sup- position is that the wife was first murdered, and that Williams afterwards went to the children, then came back to the bed, where he lay on his back and shot himself. The revolver, a six-chambered one, was found to contain one undischarged bullet. THE INQUEST. The inquest was held on Wednesday, by Dr. Hunter Hughes, the coroner for South Carnar- vonshire, at the White Lion Hotel, Criccieth. Mr. T. Burnell, the chairman of the Criccieth District Council, was the foreman of the I jury. The Coroner explained that it would be necessary to hold two inquests, the first upon the bodies of the three supposed to have been murdered, and the other upon the man who was supposed to have murdered them. Whether it was the act of a sane man or that of a maniac, it would not be for them to con- sider whether the man was sane or not. This was, no doubt, an instance where it was actually necessary for the jurj^to view the bodies. There were cases where, he was of opinion, it was rather hard that the juries should be com- pelled to view the bodies, but in this case it would be a part of the evidence as to what really caused death. Police-constable Owen gave evidence to the effect that he saw the deceased three weeks ago on the road near his own house. That would be about 100 yards from the main road. Wit- ness did not speak to the man, as he appeared to be in a hurry. There was nothing, however, unusual in his appearance, and, in the con- stable's opinion, he was sober. The deceased was of a quiet disposition, but was given to drink. He as an occasional drunkard, but he did not usually go < on the spree' for more than one day at a time. Witness had heard that the man and his wife had parted in August last, when Williams left his wife and family, and was away for days. No one knew where he had gone, and the wife and children left to join her mother at Chester. The man was originally a sailor, but latterly used to do some odd jobs in painting. In addition to what the man earned, the wife used to have an allowance of 12s. weekly from her mother. On Tuesday witness was in the railway station, where he met Mr. J. W. Jones, watchmaker, Criccieth, who showed him the following telegram from the vicar of Garn Dolbenmaen —' Ascertain Ivy Cottage at home. If not, ascertain at station where gone.' Inquiries were made of the station official, but they knew nothing of the people. About two o'clock Mr. Jones and the vicar came to the police station, and the vicar said he was very uneasy about William Williams and the family, as Williams had given out the rumour that he and the family intended spending Christmas at Nottingham, but inquiries elicited that they had not gone there. Witness and the vicar and Mr. J. W. Jones then went to Ivy Cottage. They saw the next door neighbour (Griffith Jones), but he said he had not seen the family for over a fortnight. About five o'clock on the evening of the 9th inst., Mrs. Jones saw the deceased Mrs. Williams. Witness then tried the door, and found all doors and windows locked. He obtained a ladder and looked in through the window of the front bed- room. He saw William Williams lying in bed beside his wife with a revolver in his hand and mouth wide open. The officer then informed his companions, and burst open the door. He went upstairs, and in the back bedroom on the top of th3 stairs he saw a little lad lying dead in bed. There was a bullet wound on his right temple, but there were no signs of a struggle. The child lay quite naturally with the clothes undisturbed. In the front room lay William Williams partly drebsed, with his trousers and stockings on. The bedclothes were under him and over the body of his wife. He had a bullet wound within his mouth, and the bullet had come out at the 'ek of the head and had penetrated the wall. Blood flowed from his ears. Witness thju produced the bullet and the (six. cham berrtl) revolver which he found in deceased's right hand and lying on his chest. Five shots been discharged, and the revolver contained one undischarged cartridge. Ethel Williams lay on her left side, facing her husband, and her back towards the window. She had two bullet wounds on the right side of the head, and appeared as if she had been shot in her sleep. Her arm was on her breast and the bedclothes were undisturbed—tucked round her up to the neck. There were no marks of violence and no blood except that which was close to the wounds. The clothes which the man had taken oft were hanging tidily in another part of the room. The youngest boy lay OR a bed on the lloor on his right side, and facing the door. There was a bullet wound under the left eye. Witness here produced the bullet he had found embedded in the pillow under the child's head, and which was covered with the poor little child's golden hair. The bullets corresponded with the undischarged bullet in the revolver. Further examination of the revolver proved that there were two shots undischarged, and that one had evidently misfired. The officer, proceeding with his evidence, said he made a search of the body of the deceased, and found a letter dated December 4, 1898, from Mrs. Williams' sister, and another bearing the postmark of Navan, Ireland, December 5tk, and Criccieth, Decem- ber 6th. Neither the letter for the sister nor the other contained any reference which pointed to the tragedy, The house was in good order, and there was no sign of a scuffle. Witness, ==':=-=-=:_====--=.=:.==:=-=--=-==-:=-?:¥. however, produced several copies of American police news containing horrible pictures of tragedies, in each one of which there were sketches of revolver tragedies. The key of the front door -was found in the coat pocket of Williams. The officer expressed his firm belief that William Williams was the perpetrator of the deed, and that the revolver produced was the weapon used. He had never heard a hint that Williams was of unsound mind. Elizabeth Jones, next door neighbour, an wife of Griffith Jones, deposed that she s«./ Mrs. Williams alive on the 8th of December. This would be about five o'clock in afternoon. Witness went into their house, and they all appeared to be well and happy. Witness did not sleep at home that night, and there was no one in her house that night. She returned the following morning, and noticed that Williams' door was closed. She was under the impression that the family had gone from home, as Mrs. Williams had told her she intended going to Nottingham. Witness had never heard a quar- rel between Williams and his wife. They always used to live very happily, and they were in fairly good circumstances. Williams was rather a short tempered man, but the witness was not aware that he was of a jealous nature. He occasionally drank a little, but witness believed he was quite sober on the night she saw him last. Since the 9th of December a number of parcels and letters addressed to the deceased family had been left at witness's house. On the Tuesday following the witness nd Williams' sister looked in through the kitchen window, but saw everything in good order, and nothing to excite suspicion. The Rev. W. E. Jones, rector of Dolhenmaen was next called, and said that Ethel Williams was a niece of his wife. She was 34 years old, and had been married four years to William Wil- liams. They got married against the witness's wishes, and he begged and prayed her mother to prevent the marriage, and had forbidden his house to them after they married. As far as he could gather, they were not very happy latterly, and in October last Mrs. Williams left her husband, and went to Chester in con- sequence of his drinking propensities. She took the children with her, and left him at home. Through his (witness's) wife he came to know that the man used to lie at the bottom of the stairs in a drunken state, and he used to be drunk for two or three days together. Wit- ness's wife told him a fortnight or three weeki ago that Ethel Williams had told her that her husband carried a loaded revolver about, and that she was in fear of her life. Mrs. Jones went to his brother (Thomas Williams.), and begged of him to take the revolver from him, and he tried to inlluenee him, with the result that William Williams promised to lock it up in his own house. The witness had not heard of a threat used by the deceased man towards his wife, and never knew that he was subject to fits of mental derangement. Mrs. Jones met the late Mrs. Williams on the 8th, and she said she would come to spend Christmas at Brynkir, I and that she would come to Dolbenmaen Church on Christmas Day with her husband. On Thursday last Mrs. Jones, met Williams's father, who told her that the family had gone to Nottingham, and after making inquiries they became very uneasy. After hearing from ill rs. Williams's mother that she was not at home, witness told his wife—' There is something wrong, you can depend upon it'—and he im- ¡' mediately went to Criccieth to see Police-con- stable Owen, with whom he went. to the house, I and saw what had been so accurately described by the police officer. The witness agreed with the coroner when he said that the pernicious effects of such newspapers as had been found in the bouse were most deadly. He did not know previously that he took them in, and he did not think the family was poor. Dr. Livingstone Davies, Criccieth, then described the position in which he had found \1 the bodies. The Coroner summed up the evidence briefly, and the jury brought in a verdict of wilful murder as regards the death of Ethel, Douglas, and Arthur Williams, after which the coroner proceeded to inquire into the death of William Williams. Dr. Davies described the position in which the man was found. The .bullet wound was at the back of the roof of the mouth, and had penetrated through the head and embedded itself in the wall. He was of opinion that the man first of all killed his wife and the baby, and afterwards went to little Douglas's room and shot him, that he afterwards put out the caudle and then shot himself on the bed. Wit- ness attended William Williams in March last, when he suffered from a moderate attack of influenza. He ne ver believed the man suffered from mental aberrations, but he used to drink a good deal of whisky. In reply to the foreman of the jury, the doctor said that he was eccentric and a very surly and morose man, yet he would not say that he was a man of unsound mind, but his conversation was occasionally eccentric. Police-constable Owen gave evidence to the effect that he found an empty half pint bottle which had contained whisky. Thomas Williams, a brother to the deceased, William Williams, next gave evidence, and said he last saw him six weeks a^o. He was then quite well mentally and bodily. When in drink Williams used to be unreasonable. There was no insanity in the family, and wit- ness knew of no cause which would led the man to kill himself and the family. He had two revolvers. Witness took one from him, and he bought the other a year ago. He W¡9Ød to carry them about in his pocket, and showed them when in drink, but he never thi eatened tc, kill himself or any body else. When witness last saw his brother he told him that before long he would be far away. By that witness meant that Williams would go away on a voy- age. Mrs. Jones has asked witness to get the revolver from Williams, but he would not give it up. Latterly witness had noticed that h: S brother was not the same as he used to be. His memory used to fail him. The Coroner, addressing the witness, asked him why, knowing this to be the case, and that his brother used to drink, and that bis brother was not the same as usual when not in drini., he did not do everything in his power to take the revolvers from him. Witness Well, I don't know. I must admit I did not. The Coroner I cannot help telling you that if you had done so this terrible affair would not have happened, and I cannot do less than say you are to be blamed for not having called the attention of the police to the matter, or tried to. The Coroner, in summing up, said a law should be passed to prevent the circulation of pernicious prints and literature, asitprevented the publication of obscene pictures and indec- ent literature. The jury returned a verdict that Willie10 Williams committed suicide whilst insane. A vote of condolence with the relatives was passed.

WOLVERHAMPTON. WEDDING. The wedding took place at St. James Church* Wolverhampton, on Tuesday, the 27th inst, 01 Mr. Thomas Bartley, of Bala and Denbigill son of Mrs. Bartley, Howells' School, nui Of the late Mr. Thomas Bartley of Denbigh, and Miss Mary Porter, third daughter of Mrs. Rowe, Wednesfield Wolvei hampton, and of the late Mr. J. Porter, of Wrockwardine, Shrop; shire. The Rev. J. Niclcless, vicar, at the wedding. The bride was given aw?y her step brother Mr. Rowe, and Miss E. p.Ol. ter acted as bridesmaid, the best-man helg Mr. Harry Rowe. The ceremony over, tile wedding party adjourned to the house f bride's parents where breakfast was partake" of, and shortly afterwards Mr. and Mrs. I*4* ley departed on their honeymoon, amid nia^y manifestations of good wishes and respect. 1111 The wedding presents were very ullilierOO and costly, and were much admired. 0 Great interest was taken in the weddingj1 bride's family being so well known and res- pected in the district.

The kangaroo readily leaps from sixty seventy feet. The biggest recorded leap 0 horse is thirty-seven feet.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Board was held at the Workhouse, St. Asaph, on Friday. Mr. Edwin Morgan presided, and there were also present Messrs. Joseph Lloyd, P. Mostyu Williams, R. Liewelyn Jones, T. Howes Ro- berts, A. Foulkes, S. Perks, GwiJym Parry, Joseph Roberts, John Pierce, Thomas Evans, John Vaughan, William Jones, Morris Jo--ies, John Williams, Hugh Roberts, Joseph Jones, E. J. Williams, John Kerfoot, Thomas Lloyd, John Roberts (Foxhall), J. D. Jones, John Lloyd, Hugh Roberts, Thomas Jones, William Owen, Owen Owens, T. Pierce Hughes, Thos. Morgan, John Evans, Mrs. Rawlins, Mrs. Percy, Mrs. Robert Jones, Miss Bennett, with the Clerk (Mr Grimsley). THE HOUSE. The Master reported that the number of paupers in the House was 137, being a decrease of 4 on the corresponding day last year. The number of vagrancy relieved during the fort- night was SO, being an increase of one on the corresponding period last year. THE LATE MR. THOMAS LLOYD. The Chairman said that before proceeding with the business of the meeting, he was sorry to have to call attention to the death of OIlC of their colleagues, the late Mr. Thcraas Lloyd, Llansannan. He was a very old member of the Bcird, and had been faithful to his duties as Guardian for many years. He begged to aiove a vote of sympathy with the family and relatives in their bereavement. Mr. Joseph Jones seconded, and the motion was unanimously agreed to. TEE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. The Chairman offered the members of the Board, the officials, and the gentlemen of the press, the compliments of the season, and wish- ing their, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Ye*; r. The Vice-chairman (Mr. Howes Roberts) thanked the Chairman for his good wishes on behalf of himself and other members. THE VACCINATION FEES. The Board then proceeded to further con- sider the replies of the public vaccination officers as to the fees to be paid them under the Vaccination Act, 18S8, the subject having been adjourned from the last meeting. I The Public Vaccinators (Drs. Hughes, Den- high; Jones, Llanfair; Hughes, Abergele; Thomas, Rhyl; and Lloyd, St. Asapb), at- tended at the House for the purpose of discuss- ing the question. lr. Joseph Lloyd: What do the doctors re- quire ? I The Chairman: They ask for 5s. for each vaccination within a radius of a mile from their I' residence, and Is. per mile over and above that. We offered them 6s. each case all round. And as a matter of fact, the difference in the sum II total between the amount we offer and that which they ask for is only 15s. The Clerk said that, during the last vaccina- tion year, 66 cases of vaccination had taken place in Denbigh, and 38 in the country dis- trict. Taking this as a basis for the coming year at 6s. per case, there would be an average of 1:31 4s. It the amount were calculated on the basis of 5s. each case inside the mile radius and 7s. 6d. outside, che total would be £ 30 15s- Id., a difference of 9s. only. In the Llanfair district, 13 -vaccinations had taken place within the mile, and 41 outside. At 6s. per case this would come to E16 4.9. but at 5s. for Llanfair, and 7s. 6d. outside, it would come to £ 18 12s. 6d., an increase of f,2 8s. In the ) Rhyl district there had been 70 vaccinations inside the mile, and 23 outside. At 6s. this woald come to £ 27 18s., but at 5s. inside and 7s. Sd. outside for each case, it would come to j -s. 6d. In Abergele district, 42 vaccina- tior.3 had taken place inside the mile, and 9 outside. At the different figures already men- tioued, this would work at fl5 6s. and £13 i is. 6d. respectively. In the St. Asaph district, the amounts would be £ 20 Ss. and £ 20 17s. 6d. At 6s. per case all round, the sum total would be ill1, whereas at 5s. and 7s. 6d. the sum woald be il),O so that if a uniform fee of lis. were adopted., it would be only 15s. more for the year. Mr. Joseph Lloyd I move that we offer the doctors 6s. all round, and that we stick to that sum. Mr. R. J. Willi •ins seconded. | The Chairman thought that this would be by far the simplest way. Mr. Joseph Lloyd We will have no end of bother if we adopt the mileage system. Mr. P. Mostyn Williams wis of opinion that the course proposed by Mr. Lloyd would work very unequal in the different districts. He thought that the 5s. and the 7s. 6<3. would work out more equal and fair. It would be most difficult to adopt the mileage system with any satisfactory result, and. probably, it would only lead to constant dispute. He would, therefore, move, as an amendment, that a fe, of 5s. inside the first mile, and 7s. 6d. outside such a radium, be adopted. Mr. Llewelj n Jones seconded, as 6s. had al- ready been refused by the doctors. Mr. Thomas Evans: That makes no differ- ence at all. Mr. Llewelyn Jones said that he was entitled to point it out. If the course proposed by Mr. Lloyd were adopted, the Llanfair doctor would get more, whereas Dr. Thomas, of Rhyl, would receive less. Mr. John Pierce said that: the figures read out by Mr. Grimsley favoured the adoption of the 6s. fee all round, and he would, therefore, support the resolution. Mr. John Williams, in supporting the amend- ment, contended that it worked out much more fair as regards the rural districts. Mr. Gwilym Parry said that the difference between the figures, as given by the Clerk, was so slight that it made him favour the adoption of the 6s. fee all round, because it would save eonfusion. If they calculated the fees upon she mileage, they would be always in difficulties. He strongly supported the resolution. After further discussion, 26 voted in favour He strongly supported the resolution. After further discussion, 26 voted in favour of the resolution, viz., 6s. all round, and 7 for Mr. Mostyn Williams' amendment. The doctors were t^ien called into the room and the Chairman explain to them the decision arrived at by the Board. Dr. J. R. Hughes, Denbigh, who acted-as spokesman, said he and his colleagues, would have to retire to consider the matter. This the medical gentlemen did, and soon afterwards, returned into the room, when Dr. Hughes said that they had discussed the offer- of the Board very fully, and found that the proposition wouJd work very unfairly, because the work was so very, dIfferent in different dis- tricts. In the parish of Llanfair, for instance, he work was nearly all outside the mile limit —nearly three-fourths of the work was outside. In his own district (Denbigh) nearly oije-half of the work of vaccination was outside the mile limit. Rhyl district would be a little more favourable; but taking the whole of the union, the proposition would work very unfairly, in. deed; and, moreover, the fee was too small in anticipation of the great work that was before them. The Board could hardly realise the extra work thrown upon the public vaccinators. Heretofore the work had been done strictly and regularly, and under the present Act, the work of vaccination would have to be carried on all the year round. He was sure that the fee propos *Ed in the circular which he had sent out viz., 5. inside and 8s. outside the mile limit was not unfair and unjust. His colleagues and himself were obliged, with very great re- gret, and with grzat reapecfe to the Board, to refuse the offer, on account of its being totally inadequate to amount of work anticipated. He hoped the Board would consider the matter again, and be in a more liberal mood, other- wise they would have to refer the matter to the Local Government Board, as the Act pro- vided. Mr. Joseph Lloyd: What other terms do I you require ? Dr. Hughes: We have thought the matter over, and we are willing to meeii you. We say 5a. inside the mile limit and 3s. extra for a case outside. The medical gentlemen again retired. Mr. J. D Jones then proposed that the doctors be asked to accept 63. all round for 12 months, to see how the arrangement would work. Neither the Board nor the vaccinators were quite clear as to the amount of work anticipated for th,) ensuing year. The Clerk I don't think they uudersiand, because they have not considered the matter sufficiently. If their proposal is accepted, it would mean that the total fees, taking last year as a basis, would ome to .£113 16s., and you have offered them £ 111. Mr. Thomas Evans seconded Mr. J. D. joiies' motion, Mr. John Pierce said he would propose, as an amendment to that, the followingThat 5s. be offered for each case inside the mile limit, and 2s. Gel. extra for each case outside. Mrs. Percy seconded. Before these resolution were put to the meet- ing, however, the Clerk retired to explain the ligures to the medical men. On their re-appearance in the Board Room, Dr. Hughes said he was sorry his colleagues and himself could not agree, and he hoped that the Board would increase the fee. The Chairman It has been suggested that you should accept the appointment for twelve j' months. Dr. Hughes: I am afraid there is but very j little prospect for a rise at the end of the twelve months (iaughter). This is a moveable Board, and the liberal gentlemen who are here )1 to-day may not be here in twelve months (re- newed laughter). The Chairman: Would you be prepared to accept 5s. for cases inside the mile limit, and 2s. 6d. extra for those outside? Dr. Hughes Shall we retire to consider it ? (loud laughter). The medical gentlemen again retired, and the Board, during their absenca, agreed upon Mr. John Pierce's resolution. Dr. Hughes, on again entering the room with his colleagues, said that after consideration, they agreed to accept 6s. per case for Rhyl, S G. Asaph, Denbigh, and Abergele, but thought that sum would work out very unfair to their colleague in Vanfair-Dr. Jones. He had no town centre, and the work was done in a country district. Provided the Board gave Dr. Jones 7s. 6d. all round, he (Dr. Hughes) and his colleagues would agree to 6s. On the motion of Mr. Joseph Lloyd, seconded bi Mr. Joseph Jones, the above terms were then agreed upon, amidst cheers. Dr. Hughes thanked the Board for listening to them and agreeing to their teims. Mr. Joseph Lloyd: The silver-coated pill took very nicely (laughter). We are better off now than we expected.

ST. ASAPH (DENBIGH) RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. Mr. Joseph Jones presided at the monthly meeting of the above Council on Friday, and there were also present: Messrs. Thomas Lloyd (Trefnant), William Jones, John Evans, Morris Jones, Owen Owens, Thomas Jones (Bylehau), John Kerfoot, William Owen, A. Foulkes, and J. D. Jones THE DEATH OF THE VICE-CHAIRMAN. The Chairman said he regretted to have to refer to the death of Mr. Lloyd, Tantryfan, the Vice-chairman of the Council, and one of its most faithful members. He begged to move that the Clerk be instructed to send a letter of condolence with the family in their sad be- reavement. Mr. John Evans seconded, and the motion was unanimously agreed to. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN. The Chairman proposed that Mr. John Evans, IJansannan, be elected Vice-chairman in the place of .the late Mr. Lloyd, who was also a representative of the parish of Llansannan. Mr. Thomas Lloyd seconded, and it was car- ried. THE REPARATION OF A LLANSANNAN ROAD. A letter was read from Mr. John Morris, J.P., of Lletty, Llansannan, complaining of the state of the road between his place and Mostyn Farm through Voel fields. Mr. Morrispointedout a that the read was in a very bad condition, and that for some time,, he had been unable to use it. There had been great heaps of stone lying on its side for months, and never put down. Provided the road were repaired during the next two months for a distance of a mile and a quarter, he would provide a team for carting for a fortnight. The Surveyor (Mr. John Davies) on being questioned on the matter, said it would mean a great deal of wcrk to put this road in repair. The Council had nothing to do with that por- tion of it between Mostyn Lodge and Mostyn Farm. After a brief discussion, it was decided, on the motion of Mr. Morris Jones, seconded by Mr. 0. Owens, to repair that part of the road which belonged to the Council, and that the Surveyor should make inquiries as to the other part. There wi-s no other matter of interest in the Council.

EISTEDDVOD. The annual chair eisteddvod held at the Grand Pavilion, on Monday, was a successful gathering, and the entries exceeded in number those of former years. The conductors were Machraeth M6n and Pedr Mostyn. Mr. J. H. Ellis, Chairman of the Rhyl Dis- trict Council, presided at the afternoon meet- ing, and in the course of his address said he was sure that those smaller eisteddvodau tended to provide material for the national gatherings. He was pleased to say that the Rhyl Boxing- day eisteddvod had now become an established gathering. The awards were as follows: Freehand drawing—1, Master W. O. Tre- hearn, Rhyl; 2, Master H. Roberts, Corwen. Fancy needlework (tea cosy)—Mrs. S. Jones, Rhyl, and M18 Hughes, Bangor. Carved bardic chair—Mr, T. Humphreys, Carnarvon. In the adjudication reference was made to the fact that the design of bardic chairs was usually poor, and carvers appeared to forget that thdre were plenty of excellent designs at old Welsh houses. The prize for the best bags in which to present prizes was won by Miss Hughes, Bangor. Duett—Messrs. E. G. Williams and J. P. Jones, Llanberis. Reciting, 'The Orphan Boy'—Prizes divided between Master J. Edwards, Mold, and Miss Jane Williams, Rhyl. The prize for best tenor solo (cempetitors' selection) was won by Mr. J. P. Jones, Llan. beris. Recitation—Mr. R. T. Pierce, Henllan. Essay, I The Sabbath and its Observances'— Mr. James Edwards, Rhos. Seven male voice parties entered for the piece '• The Comrade's Song of Hope,' and after a close contest the prize was divided between the Newmarket and Ffynnongroew choir and the Glan Lavan choir. ?., The Pavilion was crowded in the evening, and in the absence of the Vicar of Rhyl the chair, was taken by Mr. T. Morgan Owen, In- spector of Schools, who expressed the hope that tae eisteddvod would continue to educate the peolole: to civilise them, and to beautify their characters (applause). The results of the competitions were, as follows :— Fancy sewing—Miss Jones, Aquarium Street, Rhyl. Mr. E. G. Williams, Bethel, near Bangor, won the prize for the baritone solo, Why do the nations.' In the recitation The said of the slave,' the first prize was awarded to Mrs. Owen, Nelson House, Abergele, and the second to Mr. Gwilym Evans, Biver Street, Rhyl. The Ffynnongroew Choir, under the con- ductorship of Mr. T. Jones, was the only juvenile choir which competed, but the singing was declared by the adjudicators to be perfect, and the prize was awarded to the:.n. Four compositions were sentin for the bardic chair, the subject being 5 W. E. Gladstone,' but the adjudicators did not consider that there was sufficient merit for the awarding of the prize. The composition signed 'Oswald' was considered the best sent in. The prize for the soprano solo was divided between Miss Williams, West Parade, Rhyl, and Miss M. Parry, Crewe. During the evening Madame RuSh Lamb sang with success several solos. » —

A Dog License-The first bite. It is strange, though true, Of a man who bets, That the higher he flies The lower he gets. Artist: You didn't moeetft that little draw. ing of mine-the drawing of a hen ?' Editor No it was not true to life. Artist: 'Not true to life? Why, when I put it on the desk it lay there.' )

SEASONABLE GIFTS. Mrs. Pickop Dutton, The Grove, since her advent to the parish some four years ago, gives each year to the rector a handsome sum to buy coal for distribution among the poor. Her charitable disposition towards local charities is well known. This lady, who is also an annual subscriber of jE5 to the Bodfary National Schools, was unable to be present at the con- cert, nevertheless bought a goodly number of tickets, and wished the entertainment every success. (

TEA AND ENTERTAINMENT, •Last Monday (Bank Holiday), at the Forge Wesleyan Chapel, Bodfary, a tea was given by a number of young men, viz. Messrs. Robert j Roberts, W. Jones, Robert Jones, T. Hughes, and W. Hughes, all connected with the above chapel at the Forge. The tea, which was a capital one, was made by Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Forge Shop, and much praise is given to them for the splendid treat which they had prepared. The following ladies also gave their assistance; —Mrs. Jeffreys, Miss Mary Francis Hughes (Adwy Wynt), Miss Hughes (ditto), Miss Ro- berts, and Miss Hughes (Lodge). A very large number partook of the excellent repast, and everyone enjoyed themselves very much. At 6 o'clock, a competitive meeting was held under the presidency of the Rev. Evan Jones, the pastor, who also gave a short address. The chapel was crowded, and an excellent pro- I gramme was carried out, consisting mostly of I Scriptural competitions, prose, reading,poetry, &c. There was also a choir, under the leader- ship of Mr. Robert Evans, Waen'rodyn, Bod- fary, who took their part very well. Owing fary, who took their part very well. Owing to another engagement by Mr. T. C. Jones, Denbigh, his place was taken by Miss Roberts, I. Caerwys, who sang with great effect. Miss Davies also contributed two or three songs. I Much praise is given to Mr. Robert Roberts, who acted as secretary and accompanist, for ¡ the excellent manner in which he had carried out his duties, and also to Mr. W. R. Evans, Forge Farm, who acted as treasurer of the committee. On the motion of the Rev. Evan Jones, the usual votes of thanks were given to those that had taken part in the tea meeting, and also in the competitive meeting. I The motion was seconded by Mr. D. H. Davies, Berwynfa, Denbigh, who also gave an excellent address. Mr. David Hughes, Adwy Wynt, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman for pre- siding, which was carried unanimously. The meeting then terminated.

CONCERT. One of the most successful concerts ever given at Bodfary took place last Friday even- ing, at the National Schools, in aid of the i school funds, by the Day and Night School Pupils. The programme was gone through in a. masterly style, showing that the performers had been carefully trained for the occasion. The programme was as follows :— Welcome,' Katie Dewar and Evelyn Herzeg. Diiett, -Run little rivulet,' Florry Roberts and Agnes Edwards. Recitation, Fidgetty Children,' Tommy Carlyle, John Davies, W. P. Jones, and E. R. Wynne. Song, The Railway Train,' Infants. Song, Star of the Summer Eve,' Night Scholars. Recitation, 'The Hero,' Stanley Roberts, Edward Jeffreys, Benjamin Hughes, and Wil- liam Williams. Song, Love's Sweet Song,' Florry Evans, Recitation, I When I'm a man,' Charlie Dewar, Carl Herzeg, J. Davies, B. Hughes, T. Carlyle. Song, I've a dolly,' Infants. Recitation, 'Running Away,' Janet Jones, Katie Dewar, and Carl Herzeg. Song, Soldiers of the Queen,' Edward Jones, Tom and Phillip Bartley, Daniel Hughes, H. T. Roberts, and T. E. Hughes. Recitation, 'Mr. Nobody,' Adelaide Breese and Gladys Lloyd. Song and Chorus, 'Slate Song,' Florry Evans, Katie Dewar, Florry Roberts, Agnes Edwards, and Evelyn Herzeg. Song, Only to see her face again,' Day end Night Scholars. I Recit,Ltion, Fifteen to-day,' Lily Jones. Song, 'Girls and Boys,' Day and Night ¡ Scholars. Recitation, Child of Six,' Louie Cole. Dialogue, A little bird tells,' William Wil- liams, S. Rogers, J. H. Williams, E. Jeftreys, and Johnny Davies. Song, The land of my father,' 15 infants dresped in Welsh costume. Chorus, Strive to learn,' Girls. Recitation, The dead doll,' Janet Jones. Chorus, The Snowdrop,' 12 Girls. Welsh Song, 'Fan eis i'r ysgol gyntaf,' Thomas Evans. Recitation, The Professor,' Carl Herzeg. Dialogue, The Bad-tempered wife':— Bad-tempered wife—Florry Roberts. Patient husband-Charlie Davies. Servants—Katie Dewar and Evelyn Her- zeg. Man with books—William Williams. Visitors—Florry Evans and Lloyd Ro- berts. Welsh Song, 'D()s i'r frwydr,' John Wil- liams. Chorus, 'Angels Whisper,' Night Scholars. Dialogue, Song, and Dance, 'Santa Claus,' Eunice Jeffreys, Hannah M. Roberts, Charlie Dewar, Lily Jones, and Charlie Davies. Song, The Farmer's Boy,' Edward Jones, T. E. Hughes, Tom Bartley, H. T. Roberts, and G. Jones. Recitation and Chorus, Come to my tea party,' Florry Roberts. Chorus, Hay-making,' 6 Girls. Dialogue, 'Counting the Buttons,' Carl Herzeg and Party. Dutch Chorus, Daniel Hughes, Edward Jones, Granville Jones, T. E. Hughes, Henry T. Roberts, Tom and Phillip Bartley. Song and Chorus, 'Jennie Belle,' Day and Night Scholars. I Farewell, Good Night,' Day and Night Scholars. God save the Queen,' by audience and scholars. The Chairman (Mr. P. P. Pennant, Nantllys), who so ably presided, informed the crowded audience that the school reports-Government and Diocesan—were excellent, and in order to gain these reports they must have excellent teachers, which they had in Mr. and Miss Ro- berts. Some two years ago dairy work iwas introduced in the Revised Code as one of the specific subjects, and Bodfary school was the first he believed in the United Kingdom to take it up. They sent 14 of the upper standard girls to be taught dairy work at Lleweni Hall, under the tuition of Miss Roberts, who holds the highest certificates. Some months ago an Evening Continuation School was started, numbering about 51 on the register, this again numbering about 51 on the register, this again was very favourably reported by Mr. Rhydd erch, H.M. Inspector, on his first visit. The Chairman, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Roberts, Miss Roberts, and performers, were loudly cheered. Mr.W. S. Roberts proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. P. P. Pennant, which was duly acknow ledged, and the singing of the National Anthem brought the entertainment, which lasted nearly three hours, to a close.