The North Wales Times

NORTH WALES COUNTIES LUNATIC ASYLUM. QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF VISITORS AT BANGOR. A quarterly meecing of the committee of visitors was held on Monday at the Castle Hotel, Bangor, Mr. P. P. Pennant (chair- man), presiding. The visitors present were Mr. Millward (Abergele), representing Den- bighshire Dr. Prit jhard, Mr. Edward Jones (Conway), Mr. Jones Morris (Portmadoc), Mr. J. T. Roberts (Carnarvon), Carnarvon- shire; Dr. Edwards (Holyhead), Mr. Rees (Capel Mawr), Harry Clegg, Acglesea Dr. Roberts (Festiniog), Merionethshire; Dr. Easterby (St. Asaph), Mr. Elwy Williams (Rhyl), Flintshire; and Mr. Pryce E. Story (Denbigh), the subscribers. Dr. Cox (the medical superintendent), and W. Barker (cterk ts the visitors) were also in atten- dance. THE NUMBER OF PATIENTS. It was reported that the number of patients now on the books was 714, and the -chairman stated that the figure had been ,reached before, but never exceeded. THE WATER SUPPLY AND MINERAL RIGHTS. -Next on the agenda followed the con- sideration of correspondence with the cffice of Woods and Forests respecting the claim for mineralsin Bryntrillyn, the source of the new water supply. The Chairman explained that correspon- dence had passed between the com- mittee, and the office of Woods relative to mineral rights under the area of land sur founding the lake, and the department made a claim of X500 for those irights. To protect the lake they had to purchase what- ever mineral rights there were, over a cer- tain area around the lake. But X500 seemed to them to be a monstrously large sum to pay, and he was asked to call at the office of Woods to endeavour to get a re- duction in the claim. He did call at the office in company with Mr. Herbert Lewis, the member fcr the Flint Boroughs. They saw Mr. Stafford Howard, and stated to him that hey considered the mineral rights were, t) practically worthless, and ought to be got for a nominal sum. Subsequently, the clerk wrote a letter to the department, embody- ing those arguments in his letter. In reply the Office of Woods said they would reduce the claim to the extent of accepting £2 per acre for the required area. The committee thought this a very poor reduction, and in consequence of this unsatisfactory reply from the department, asked that a commit- tee be received to discuss the matter. The department refused to acquiesce in the sug- gestion, and adhered to their offer. The committee would not take one rebuff, and the department was again written to, and he (the chairman) called upon the clerk to read the subsequent correspondence. The Clerk read these letters in which it was stated that Mr. Stafford Howard was unable to make any further concessions; but that the ti >e allowed for the purchase would be extended for a fortnight from the date of that letter (Jan. 6th). Mr. Barker further explained that what the Office of Woods now claimed was 22 per acre for 222 acres— £ 444. Mr. Edward Jones said that what was really before the committee now, was the difference between the claim of the Office of Woods and the S400 offered previously by the committee-a difference of £44. Dr. Pritchard could not see why they should pay anvthing. He knew something about these Woods and Forest Commis sioners. They would claim anything. But the Asylum authorities had already got the lake, and if their stream was polluted, they had their remedy. The Chairman remarked that it was not a question of pollution. A quarry might be dug in the place, and their lake drained. Mr. Clegg observed that they had the right of water, but could not prevent anyone mining in its neighbourhood. Mr. Elwy Williams said that as a matter of fact, there were no minerals in the place, and they had powers to take the water and lay mains. The Clerk quoting the Act of Parliament, said that the crown rights were specifically reserved under the Act. Mr. Jones Morris said that they must observe the Act of Parliament. But the question was to fix tbe price of these crown mineral rights. Four hundred pounds was exhorbitant. Forty shillings would have been nearer the mark. He suggested that the whole should be submitted to arbitra- tion. Of course, he knew that arbitration was a costly thing, but rather than pay an excessive price, it would be better to go to arbitration. Mr. P. E. Story stated that it would be no use going to arbitration now, since they had already offered £400. Mr. W. Elwy Williams: That offer was without prejudice. Mr. Story proceeding, said that he thought for their own safety they had nothing to do but to submit to the claim. Of course, it went very much against the grain to pay a large sum of money in this way, but they were bound to protect their lake. There were blue-stone slabs in the neighbourhood, and if anyone went to quarry for them in close proximity to the lake, and drain it, the consequences would be very serious for the Asylum He pro- posed that they agree to pav the claim. Mr. Elwy Williams asked if there was any fear of anyone coming to quarry in the place. He did not think there were any slates there. Dr. Cox There are blue-stone slabs. The Chairman thought that the cheapest thing for them to do would be to pay. In his interview with Mr. Stafford Howard, he was given to understand that absolutely no further concession would he granted by the department, who were advised and supplied with information by their agents. Mr. Edward Jones seconded Mr. Story's motion. Dr Pritchard, as an amendment, moved that they should go on with the work, and take no notice of those Woods and Forest people. It was ridiculous to pay their claim. Mr. Jones Morris suggested that Mr. Stafford Howard be invited to visit the place to see for himself He was very much interested in some trees that had been planted in Tanybwlch, and was frequently in Wales. The Chairman said that he had invited Mr. Howard down, but he declined, as the office bad every information supplied to them by their own surveyors. Mr. Clegg remarked that if they pro- ceeded as Dr. Pritchard advised, the first thing the department might do would be to obtain an injunction against them. In that event they would perhaps have to pay costs as well as the X400 Dr. Pritchard: Have you ever heard of the department taking proceedings ? Mr. Story thought that Dr Pritchard did not seem quite to grasp the situation. What the committee had to do was to put itself in a position to stop anyone from quarrying in the neighbourhood, and to the danger of the lake. Mr. Elwy Williams: But the department are asking for what does not exist. They are claiming for mineral rights, and there are no minerals. Mr. Jones Morris said that he was in- formed by the clerk that the whole question arose on a notice to treat for the purchase of the rights from the department. It was usual, Mr. J. T. Roberts, he thought, would Agree with him, in such cases, to go to arbi- tration. Mr. J. T. Roberts said he did not under- stand that notice to treat had been served. The Clerk replied that it had some time ago, Mr. Roberts then went on to say that when notice to treat was served under the Land Clauses Act. the procedure would be to give notice of the empannelling of a iury by the sheriff to assess the value. That "ne, it would be open for the department t" -ive a counter notice of arbitration. This the would be sure to do, as it was not likely they would allow a Denbighshire jury M be the valuers. In the event of their gu ng to arbitration under those cir- cumstances, and one shilling more than X400 was p warded, they would have to pay the costs of arbitration. Mr. Elwy Williams But if the price was fixed at £ 300 by arbitration ? Mr. Roberts Then he would have to pay his own costs. What ever the award may be, we must in any event pay our own costs. There is no power under which costs could be charged against the other side. On a division, Mr. Story's motion in favour of agreeing to the claim, was carried by seven votes to one. The building committee reported having ordered advertisements for tenders for dam and roadway, and on the motion of Dr. Pritchard, this was confirmed. DRAINAGE. The next three items on the agenda were consideration of correspondence respecting the provision of a new sewer; to receive tenders for drainage works and the report of the sub-committee re correspondence witli architects and as some questions were likely to arise, thit it would be premature to publish, the chairman suggested they should be dealt with in committee, after the d-e .)atture of the. reporters. Mr. J. T. Roberts asked what the first item referred to mean t Was it intended to mean that they were going to consider the making of a new main sewer, which the corporation of Denbigh should construct. If that was so, he was strongly opposed to dealing with it in committee. The Chairman said that was not the in- tention. A Member: Mr. J. T. Roberts had better wait. It was then decided to deal with the mat- ters mentioned in committee. REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS IN LUNACY. OVERCROWDING AND PHTHISIS. Copies of the report of the Visiting Com- missioners in Lunacy, dated 22nd October, 1898, were laid on the table. Mr. Clegg referred to certain clauses in the report. In one clause the Commis- sioners said, In going through the exten- sion works, we thought the partitions be tween the baths in the general bathroom were too high for sufficient supervision of the bathing, and the heating will probably prove deficient.' Another sentence read, 'In passing through the wards, we were struck by the dull and cheerless aspect of many of them, more especially in the cases of Nos. 2, 3, and 4 on the male side, where there is nothing to amuse or interest the patients.' And in another it was stated that 'The dress on the women's side is still lacking in variety, and on the men's side much of it is untidy and worn.' He (Mr. Clegg) wished to know if the house com mittee had done anything in regard to those matters. The clothing might lack variety, and be even untidy, but it should not be worn. Dealing with the deaths in the house, che report stated that he large proportion of 28 per cent. resulted from phthisis, towards which it may fairly be assumed that the overcrowding contribu ted.' A great deal had been written in the papers about this disease, which he under stood to be infectious lately, and it would appear that its spread could be checked by isolation. Had any steps been taken in the Asylum to separate people suffering from the complaint from other patients. The Chairman replied with regard to the first point, mentioned by Mr. Clegg, that he did not agree with the Commissioners that the partitions in the bathroom were too high. They were only sufficiently high to afford ordinary decency to the bathers. With respect to trie heating of the bathroom it was not necessary to have a special heating arrangement there, as the hot water conveyed in the pipes, and in the baths would render the place sufficiently warm, even in the coldest days of winter. He agreed that something might be done to make wards 2, 3, and 4 more cheerful, but it would necessitate alterations that it was undesirable for them to commence in the old building before completirfg the exten sion. When the new works were completed, they would see to what extent the old wards would be required. Dr. Pritchard asked if they could do without Glanywern when the new building was completed. The Chairman said they could. Of course, they could not speak of the poputation a hundred years hence. Dr. Pritchard: Will the new buildings suffice for the next twenty years. The Chairman replied in the affirmative. Dr. Roberts referring to the question of beating the bathroom, asked if the patients undressed in a room of different tempera- ture to that in which they dressed. The Clerk said the dressing room was heated, but not the bathroom. Dr. Roberts asked if the temperature would be similar in the two rooms ? Dr. Cox replied that he could not say. It had not been ascertained yet. Referring to the dress, the chairman said that he never saw anything to complain of in that matter. Dr. Pritchard If Mr. Clegg would read all the clause in that portion of the report, he would have seen that the Commissioners stated, after the reference to the dress, We saw to-day's dinner of soup and bread in some of the wards, and but little of it was left by the patients (laughter). The Chairman stated that he would ask Dr. Cox to reply to the point referring to phthises. The matter had come consider- ably to the front after the Marlborough House meeting; but had not been con- sidered by the house committee, as it hid arisen since their last meeting. Dr. Pritchard thought this question had better be left in abeyance. They could not separate the cases now. Dr. Cox said that they did separate cases as far as they were able. They separated the acute cases from others. But on the whole they could not completely classify the cases under present arrangements. Dr. Roberts asked if the use of spitoons in the wards would not conduce to the les- sening of the danger of the spread of the disease by expectoration ? Dr. Cox agreed, and said he would be very glad if they could do that, but they were dealing with entirely irresponible people. Mr. Story asked if the old system of heating did not conduce to the danger by the fact that the patients expectorated down the gratings, and others inhaled the fumes as they a-cended from the hot pipes Dr. Cox replied that the new scheme of ventilating and heating, would considerably alter the sanitary condition of the institu- tion. Mr. Clegg said he was not quite satisfied with the explanation, and moved that the bouse committee be requested to be fur- nished by the medical staff with a report on the subject. ELECTION OF VISITORS. The Clerk reported that two counties had notified their election of visitors. Mer ionethshire had re-elected their old visitors, Mr. C. H. Wynn, Rhug; Dr. Roberts, Fes- tiniog, and Dr. Hughes, Bala. Flintshire had also re-elected the chairman (Mr. Pen- nant), Dr. Easterby, Mr. Elwy Williams, Rhyl, and Mr. William Jones, Holywell. FINANCIAL. During the quarter, the average weekly cost of maintenance was reported to be 8s. 2d. In the statement of accounts submitted, the assets were shown to be S4,390 12s. 9d., made up as follows:—balance at commence- ment of quarter, £2,276 0s. ad. amount due for private patients, X-389 2s. id. due from counties and!unions for pauper patients, £3,594 6s. lOd.; due from county treasurers on building and repairs account, X311 12s. loii. due from county treasurers in respect of rent for over quota of patients, £70 13s. 4d' amount due for criminal luna- tics, S24 17s. 8d. Liabilities: due to tradesmen, &c., ou maintenance account, 2745 13s. 5d.; amount due on garden and land acconnt, JE55 3s. 3d. amount du-e to excess account, S441 12s. 3d.; amount due to suspense account, £57 lOs., leaving a balance in favour of the Anylum of £5,366 14s. 9d. Other repoi ?s were received, and the house and building committee then sat.

A railway in the Argentine Republic has one stretch of 211 miles without a curve or bridge.

-4 LOCAL GOVERNING BODY. The annual meeting was held on Thursday. On the motion of Mr. D. Jones, solicitor, seconded by Mr. Elias, Mr. O. Isgoed Jones was re elected chairman. Mr. H. Pierce was-also re-elected vice-chair- man. The contract for the new schools, which had been let to Mr. Mans, of Chester, amounting to 92,669 12s., was signed, the work to be com- pleted by the end of March, 1900. &.

VALE OF CONWAY FISHERY BOARD. Mr. O. Isgoed Jon-s was re-elected chairman at the annual meeting on Thursday, and Mr. J. Evan Jones (Trefriw) vice chairman. Mr. Mclntyre (auditor) presented the balance sheet, showing 1:27 in hand, being less than usual, owing to a decrease in the licenses taken out The spawning season was satisfactory, but disease amongst salmon had slightly increased. It was decided to open up a new district, by issuing trout licences for the Penmachno and Pentrevoelas rivers. Mr. Brandreth applied for the appointment of a water bailiff for the river Lledr only, and offered to pay half the expenses. After some discussion, it was resolved to de- cline the otter, owing to want of funds.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Board was held on Tuesday, Mr. E. Jones Williams pre- siding. Number in the House, 37, against 28 the cor- responding week last year. Vagrants relieved, 10 against 13. OUT RELIEF. Out-relief for the fortnightLlanrwst, 9-40 Pentrevoelas. £43. NURSING ASSOCIATION. Resolved that the Board subscribe the sum of £ 3 38 towards the fund, and that the sanction of the Local Government Board be asked.

L. PRESTATYN "r'r'r- PETTY SESSIONS. Tuesday, before Messrs. J. Y. Strachan, W* H. Coward, and J. H. Ellis. TRANSFER. On the application of Mr. Ratcliffe, solicitor, Rhyl, the license of the Farmers Arms, Ffynnongroew, was transferred from Mr. Isaac Jones, to Mr. Josiah Jones. RETIREMENT OF P. C. W. H. HUGHES. The Chairman (addressing P.C. W. H. Hughes), said the bench understood that he was retiring from the police force. They wished to take that opportunity of congratulating him on the creditable and praise-worthy service he had rendered during his 30 years attachment to the police force. It must be a source of congratula- tion to him to thinK that he had deserved the approbation and approval of the magistrates during that period. They wished him every success in his new sphere. The officer thanked the bench for their kind expressions. SLEEPING OUT. Henry Williams (alias 'Harry Sarn,') of no fixed place of abode, and Robert Williams, a one legged man, were charged by P.C. Tale, with sleeping under a brick arch at the Peny- cefndy brickworks, and without having visible means of subsistence, on the night of the 16th inst. Both pleaded guilty, but promised not to offend again. Henry Williams, said that he could not get work last week, and having no money, could not get lodgings. Mr. Ellis: But you have been in this place before. Henry Williams Not here, sir. Mr. Ellis: No, buii in the brickworks sleep- ing. Williams Yes, sir. Superintendant Hughes Both are notoriously bad characters, and there are frequent com- plaints of their sleeping on these premises. Both prisoners were sent to gaol for fourteen days with hard labour. EXPLOSIVE LICENSES. A license to store explosives at a store, in Foel Mountain, was granted to Mr. Robert Ro- berts, Bodunig, Dyserth, quarry proprietor. Similar licenses were renewed to the Point of Air Colliery Company, Trelogan Mining Com- pany. Talacre and District Mining Company, Mr. Charles Thomas, Foel Lime and Stone Quarry, Dyserth: Mr. Richard Lewis, Dys- erth Mr. E. H. Parry, Ironmonger, Prestatyn and Mr. Ernest Homan, Prestatyn. POACHING. William Jones, Vale Road, Rhyl, a horse breaker, and William Roberts, Vale Road, Rhyl, a labourer, were charged with poaching on land in occupation of Mr. John Williams, at Pydew, Dyserth, and over which Mr. Frost, of Chester, has the shooting. The evidence of William Roberts, game keeper, on the Bodrhyddan, Estate, corroborat- ed by Richard Parry, another game keeper, went to show that the defendants were beating a field on Pydew Farm, about 20 minutes to four in the afternoon, on the 12th December. They had two lurchers and a terrier with them, and Lhe field they were beating was a well known place for hares. Defendants vehemently denied the charge. They admitted being on the land, but not for the purposes of poaching Jones said that he was on his way to the Old Farm, Prestatyn, to follow his employment, as a horse breaker, and had asked Roberts to accompany him. He had the permission of the farmers to cross their fields to go the nearest way to the farms he wanted t,) go to. They had only a terrier belonging to Mrs. Drummond, Rhydorddwy Goch, with them. They had no lurchers, and did not see any on the land. The case was considered proved, and a fine of il and 8s. 9d. costs was imposed on each defendant.

Caught at Last-A shoemaker at work. A Growing Complain,t-' Father's trousers don't fit me Hero worship is a fine feeling based on a lack of dehnite information. No ir.ouse is superstitious enough to believe that a black cat bringa good luck. The trouble with the average prodigal is that he won't stay at home after he returns. God made the country, b-at the patent medi- cine man is sure it wasn't labelled properly. While the fool is, proving that he is right, the wise man is trading out where he is wrong.

RUTHIN. -r-> RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the above Coun- cil was held at the workhouse, Ruthin, on Monday. Mr. Owen Williams presided, the other members present being Messrs. Henry Williams, Thomas Jones (Plas Coch), E. White, Isaac Williams, T. H. Roberts, R. White, John Evans, Isaac Daniel, John Garner, Robert Jones, Evans Davies, T. Jones (Llanferres), John Roberts (N antglyn), E. R. Evans, E. Powell Jones, Edward Jones, Hugh Jones, Rev. W. G. Richards, with the clerk (Mr. R H. Roberts), the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. T. O. Jones), and the two Inspectors (Messrs. E. Evans, and William Jones). THE HEALTH OF THE DISTRICT. The Medical Officer reported as follows:— During the four weeks ending the 14th January, fourteen deaths, and 11 births were registered, giving a death rate and birth rate respectively of 20'4 and 14' 9 per 1,000 per annum. One death was caused by zymotic disease. Since the last meeting two cases of typhoid fever have been notified, one as having occurred at Llewesog Isa, Llanrhaiadr, and the other at the Police Station, Llandegla, which place I visited with Inspector Jones. This case was evidently contracted at Holt. All the surroundings were in a very satisfactory condition, and all the usual precautions are being taken to prevent the spreading of the disease. Accompanied by Inspector Jones, I visited Llanferres district, and met by appointment Mr. Algernon Potts, and the authorities of the Llanferres National School, with regard to the water supply of the school and village which is very defective, as in its course, it is intensely polluted by sewage matter. Consequently it is unfit for domestic purposes. I have suggested that water should be conveyed in pipes from a spring about 400 yards distant, which would not necessitate very great expense, and would furnish the above places with a good and ample supply. The plan aud estimate is to be submitted to the authorities for consideration. The west gable end of the Llanferres school is very damp, owing probably to the absorption of moisture from a stream which passes in close proximity. I have advised that the stream should be run in pipes along the length of the school building, the subsoil to be drained, and the gable end, which is cemented, to be pointed. All the improve- ments recommended to be made at the Llanrhaiadr school and village had been satisfactorily completed, owing to which, and the abatement of typhoid fever in the district, I have advised that the school should be re-opened as from the 9th inst.' The report was adopted, and it was deci- ded to communicate with the managers of the Llanferres school, with the view of rectifying the defects mentioned by the Medical Officer. THE RHEWL BRICKWORKS FOOTPATH. A lengthy discussion took place with reference to the footpath leading through Coedorllwyn near the Rhewl Brickworks, and it was decided to call upon the Brick- works Company to put the footpath in such a state of repair that it can be used by the public. Falling this, it was also decided that proceedings be taken in a month against the company. GRAIGFECHAN ROAD. Mr. John Garner called attention to the shocking condition of a portion of the road (a distance of about 240 yards) leading from Llanfair to Graigfechan, and moved that the surveyor be instructed to bring in a report to the next meeting on the sub- ject. The Clerk stated that this could not be done, unless there was an application to this effect from the parish authorities. Mr. Garner said that the Parish Council had discussed the matter, and that a com- munication should have been addressed to the District Council from the Clerk. The Clerk said they had better wait for the receipt of this communication before taking the matter in the hand, and this was agreed to. THE NANTYNE WATER SCHEME. The Clerk said that before the Council could proceed further in the matter of con- structing a new water supply for the par- ishes of Llangynhafal, Llanychan, &c, and to provide a reservoir for the purpose at Nantyne, that he should require a return of the several owners exercising through their tenants the rights of sheep walk over the common. He would also require the acreage of the common land, and would suggest to the Council that the surveyor be instructed to prepare such return, before he com- municated with the commissioners on the subject. After further discussion, the clerk said there were great many difficulties to be sur- mounted because the land where the reser- voir was to be constructed was a public common. Owipg to such difficulties he was afraid it would be the end of the year before they could proceed with the work. Mr. Thomas Jones (Plas Coch), said he was doubtful whether the consent of all the owners was required under the provisions of the Public Health Act 1875, and said it appeared to him from one clause of the act that to obtain the consent of three or four owners was quite sufficient. That was the construction which he put upon clause 53 of the act. It was ultimately decided, on the motion of Mr. Thomas Jones, that a small committee consisting of the chairman, Mr. Henry Wil- liams, Mr. John Evans, and Mr. Thomas Jones be appointed to consider the matter.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Mr. Henry Williams presided at the fort- nightly meeting of the above Board, held at the Workhouse, Ruthin, on Monday. The members present, in addition to the Pis- trict Councillors were Mrs. Edward Ro berts, Messrs T. P. Roberts, R. H. Pugh, and J. H. Simon. COST OF MAINTENANCE. It was reported by the master that the total cost of in-maintenance for the quarter ended at Christmas 1898 was R276 18s. 5fd, andfor the same period in 1895, £ 309 10s.3 £ d., a decrease of £32 lis. lOd. CHRISTMAS TREE. AND TREAT TO THE INMATES. The master submitted to the Board the I following report:— On Thursday evening, January 5th, the above annual event took place at 6 p.m. All the inmates assembled in the Dining Hall, which was gaily decorated for the occasion, when tea was provided for them all. An ample supply of currant and seed cake was also giveu to each inmate. After tea, a Christmas tree was distributed between the children by Miss Lumley, of Heulfre, assisted by Miss Rouw, Dedwyddfa, who also very kindly decorated the tree for the occasion. The Town Band played during the evening for the amusement of the [ inmates. This treat was got up by the kind subscriptions of several ladies and gentle- men. Among others we beg to mention the following:—Mrs. Naylor Leyland, of Nant- clwyd (cheque for 3 guineas), Sir Joseph Verdin, Mr. Stanley Weyman, Mr. Thomas Williams, Llewesog, Mr. Edward Mapple- back, Mr. E. O. V. Lloyd, Mrs. Coltart, The Grange; Mrs. Tooth, Cerygllwydion, Mrs. Harrower, Brynmair, a cheque for one guinea each, Mr. W. Pilkington, the Castle, Hon. E. Hewitt, Mrs. Bamford, Llanrhaiadr Hall, Mr. G. F. Lyster, and Mrs Lyster, Mr. R. Blezard, Mr. A. Radcliffe, Plas Gwyn, Mrs. Gallagher, Clwyd Hall, a cheque for £1 the Hon Mrs. Blezard 10s. 6d.; a friend 5a. Mrs. Tegid Owen, Castle Hotel, very kindly sent a basket of oranges and sweets for dis- tribution. The children all received pre- sents from the tree, which consisted of the following-books, scarfs, collars, ties, gloves, handkerchiefs, work boxes, aprons, toys, &c. The adult inmates also received, for all the males a handkerchief, packet of tobacco, oranges and buns, and the females received a packet of tea. sugar and oranges. All the boys and girls which have Bank books are about to add to their deposits a sum of 2s. each.' The Board passed a hearty vote of thanks to the ladies and gentlemen named above for their kindness, and the interest they take in the welfare of the inmates. The dining room, where the Christmas treat took place, had been most tastefully decorated for the occas'on by Miss Roberts, the Industrial Trainer, to whom much credit is due. THE DEATH OF MRS. J. F. REECE. Mr. E. R. Evans proposed a vote of con- dolence with the Rev. J. F. Reece, (a mem- ber of the Board) in his sad bereavement, caused by the death of his wife, which occurred the previous day. The Chairman seconded, Mr. Owen Williams supported, and the. motion was agreed to. THE OLD AGE PENSION SCEIEME. DIVERSITY OF OPINION. The Board then proceeded to discuss the question of old age pensions, and the sug- gestions drafted, and circulated, by the Parliamentary Committee. The Chairman said that some of the clauses in the bill laid before the Parliam- entary Committee by the Hon. Lionel Hol- land, M.P., appeared to him most unreason- able. For instance, a man in receipt of £ 40 a year from any source would not be entitled to a pension, whilst another man receiving, say £39 would be entitled to it. That appeared to him a very objectionable dis- tinction He also strongly objected to the disqualification of persons, who through unfortunate circumstances, had to seek parish relief between the ages of 25 and 60 years. Mr. Robert White proposed that the Board should be content with approving of the principle of the bill, and asking the state to provide the whole of the money required for the purpose. Mr. T. H. Roberts said he agreed with the proposal of Mr. White. If a bill of this kind were passed, it would encourage thriftness among the young people of the country. Mr. Evan Davies also gave the principle of the bill his strong support. It appeared to him that it met the needs of a large and increasing section of the community, and especially small farmers, who, in their old age, found themselves in impecunious cir- cumstances, after battling hard for a num- ber of years to pay rates, and to live independently of parish relief. Mr. E. R. Evans said thia scheme was another attempt to saddle the ratepayers of the country with burdens which they were unable to bear. He hoped that every public Board in the country would refuse to countenance the proposal contained in the bill. He proposed that the scheme be laid on the table, and that no further attention be given to it. Mr. Thomas Jones in seconding the amendment, said the bill did not appear to him to provide for the particular c!ass of people who were most in need of assistance of this nature. What it proposed to do was, to provide for those who had really provided for themselves He had also great objec- tion to the clause of the bill which disquali- fied persons on account of having received parish relief for a fortnight or a month. It was evident from the bill, that those who had not in some way striven to provide for old age, either by enrolling themselves as members of Friendly and Provident Soc- ieties, could not expect any pecuniary advantages as a result of the passing of the scheme, but there were many persons, who, owing to continued illness, or some life long infirmity, would not be accepted as mem- bers of such societies, and these poor people would therefore be wholly disqualified under the provisions of the bill. And the Guard- ians should not over-look the fact that this class would still have to be maintained by the union. In his opinion, the best course to persue in regard to the scheme would be to lay it on the table, and take no further action in regard to it. Mr. T. H. Roberts said there was a clause in the bill which entirely controverted the statements made by the chairman and Mr. Thomas Jones, with reference to one parti- cular objection which they raised to the bill. That clause provided that if an applicant's membership of a society had been interrup- ted, or if he had at any time been in receipt of poor law relief as aforesaid, and that the applicant could satisfy the County Council that such interruption, or receipt of relief occurred during, or in consequence of some period of exceptional distress, &c., such interruption of membership, or receipt of p)or law relief, was not to be held to dis- entitle him to a pension. Mr. Owen Williams suggested that a small committee be appointed to consider the matter, with the view of drawing out a number of amendments to the bill. If the bill now before them were passed into law, no less than 300 pensioners would be entitled to its benefits in the County of Denbigh alone. This would mean £4 6s. 8d. from the County Funds in respect of each pensioner, or total of £1,300 from the pockets of the ratepayers of Denbighshire annually. That was a very serious item indeed, and one | that the Guardians should well consider before approving of the bill as it stood. Mr. Evan Davies said he was quite in fav- our of Mr. Williams' suggestion to appoint a committee. Mr. T. P. Roberts said it appeared to him that the bill provided for people who had no real need for assistance, and left out those who ought to benefit. It was iust like the three card trick' (laughter), nobody seem- ed to know what it intended to do, or how it was going to be done. The Rev. W. G. Richards argued that the bill had been sent out in order that the public bodies of the country might suggest amendments to it. Even its promoters did not intend that it should be passed into law as it now stood. The Guardians therefore should give it their most serious considera- tion. After further discussion, it was decided by a majority of 13 to 8 to appoint a committee to consider the scheme to suggest a number I of amendments for the consideration and approval of the Board. | The following were appointed on tla.,

He wa.3 told to watch for the defendant, and on the Saturday night but one after the oflence, he saw her again ia the station, and took her to the -tationmaster, to whom she said that she had baen living at Gonway, but was then living at Llandudno Detective Weaver testified to making in- quiries about the defendant, and found that she was not known at 7, Erskine Terrace, Con- way. At the address given at Llandudno lie found that she lived at Colwyn Bay, and did in iacfc live there on the 28th of October. For travelling without a ticket a fine of 10s. and 9s. 6d. was imposed, and forgiving a wrong address 10s. and 8s. 6d. cost, or in def tult seven days imprisonment in the first case, and 14 days in the second. BREACHES OF THE FACTORY ACT. Elias Parry Jones, grocer, Colwyn Bay, was summoned by Mr. John Hilditch, one of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Factories, with neglect- ing to give notice of the occupation of a fac. tory. Mr. Augustus Lewis, Chief Inspector, con- ducted the prosecution, and Mr. Amphlett for the defendant pleaded guilty to a technical offence, and pleaded that the defendant was ignorant of the fact that it was necessary to sgrve notice of occupation. It was stated that the factory in question was a provender mill, in which there was a piant for generating electric light, and a gas engine. A penalty of 20s. and 6s. 6d. costs was im- posed. John Roberts, Fern Bank, Colwyn Bay, was charged by the same Inspector, with not pro- perly fencing off the fly-wheel of an engine in his builders' yard on the 17th day of December last. Mr. Augustus Lewis prosecuted, and Mr. Amphlett defended. Mr. Hilditch seated that, on the day in ques- tion, he visited the defendant's yard in Erwin St., and saw an engine of about 8-horsepower at work, which had a fly-wheel making about 60 revolutions a minute. Tiiis fly-wheel was not protected. In cross-examination he said there was a substantial shed over the engine, but he could not say whether that was intended for a casing. The engine was running when he saw it, but the strap was off. There was a mortar mill outside, but he could not swear that the engine had been used for making mortar. 0 By Mr. Lewis He considered the shed to be an engine house. Mr. Amphlett, for the defence, said that the engine was a portable one to take to buildings in different places, and was only taken to the yard for storage, and the shed was really a casing to protect it. It was running on this particular day for the purposes of oiling, to be kept in order. Mr. Jones, Surveyor of Colwyn Bay, said that be considered the shed referred to to be a casing for the engine, and not an engine house. He had never seen the engine wonting where it was now, but had seen it at buildings several times. When the shed was made, Mr. Roberts called his attention to it, and said it was in- tended for a casing and not an engine shed-, and he, therefore, said it was not necessary to re- ceive the consent of the Surveyor to its erec. tion. Cross-examined by Mr. Lewis Witness said it was impossible to oil the engine without go- ing inside the shed. He had never seen engine fences where the machinery could be oiled without the attendant going inside of the pro- tection. Mr. Lewis Have you seen men going inside rail fences that were within 12 or 18 inches of the engine. Witness replied that he had. Mr. Lewis: Then you must have a special breed of engineers about here (laughter). After a legal argameat as to the meaning of the term 'factory,' the justices retired to con- sider the case. On their return The Chairman said: Ten shillings and coits. The costs were 7s. 6d. BREACHES OF THE COUNTY BYE- LAWS. John Mitchell, hawker, Llandudno, was lined is. and 8s. costs for travelling with a vehicle after the stipulated time without a light on the 8tH of December. John Jones, Nant Eirias, Colwyn, charged with a similar offence, was fined 6d. and 6s. Gd. costs. Hugh Jones, 19, Taliesin Street, Llandudno, for a like offence, was mulcted in a penalty of 8s 6d. including costs; and William Davies, Rhos Villa, Colwyn Bay, in 7s. 6d. including -costs. ALLOWING A COW TO STRAY. John Jones, Abergele Road, Colwyn, was fined 2a. 6d. and 5s. costs for allowing a cow to stray on the Llanelian Road on the 9th inst. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. There was the usual crop of these offences to be dealt with, and fines were inflicted as fol. lows :— El .as Williams, Colwyn, 5s. and 6s. 6d. costs; I William Williams, Pennington Terrace, 5s. and 7s. costs; James Evans: Llawr y Pentre, Colwyn, 10s. and 7s. costs; William Morris, Twnaii loaf, Llanelian, 10s. and 6s. 6d. costs; j Robert Roberts. Agnes Road, Colwyn Bay, 5s. and 8s. 6d. costs Edwin Jones, Old Colwyn (an old offender), 203. and 8s. 6d. costs, or 21 days in default. CHIMNEYS ON FIRE. For allowing their chimneys to take fire Henry Woodiwys, Springfield Road Sarah G. -Green, Woodland Park Road and Anne Haw- ley, Brighton House, were each fined Is. and g/j. 6d, costs.