The North Wales Times

CORWEN. ,y>J'I_,r- EDEYRNION AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The annual meeting of the Edeyrmon Agricultural Society was held in the Assembly Rooms, on Friday last-the at- I tendance of members being the largest ever seen. The Hon. R. Henley Eden, Tyddyn Llan, Llandrillo was unanimously voted to the chair. Letters of apology for inability to attend this meeting, and wishing the society every success were read from Messrs. R. S. Wayne, Brynllwyn, and E. O. V. Lloyd, Rhagatt. The secretary (Mr. R. H. Morris), read the balance sheet for the year, showing a balance in treasurer's hands of S102 17s. 2d. Proposed by Mr. E. Jarrett, seconded by Mr. W. Foulkes Jones, and carried that a show be held again this year at Corwen— the date to be fixed upon at a future meeting. Proposed by Mr. Henry Davies, Garthiaen seconded by Mr. E. Jarrett, and carried that a vote of thanks be passed to last year's president and vice president. Proposed by Mr. R. E. Jones, Hafod, seconded by the Hon. C. H. Wynn, Rug, and carried that a vote of thanks be passed to the Treasurer, Hon. Veterinary Surgeon, and the Auditors. Proposed by Mr. W. E. Williams, Gwer- clas, seconded by Mr. Henry Davies, Garthiaen, and carried that Col. Bnrton, Eryl Aran, Bala, be asked to accept the office of president of the society for the 4insuing year. Proposed by Mr. Humphrey Rees, second- ed by Mr. W. Foulkes Jones, and carried that Mr. J. Edmunds, Ucheldre, Corwen, be asked to act as vice president. Proposed by Mr. R. E. Jones, Hafod, sec- onded by the Rev. L. E. Davies, Llangar Rectory, and carried that Mr. J. O. Pugh, North and South Wales Bank, be re-elected treasurer. Proposed by Dr. Walker, seconded by the Hon. C. H. Wynn, and carried that Messrs. W. E. Williams, and R. R. Roberts be re- elected auditors. Proposed by Mr. J. Jones, Caenog, sec- onded by Dr. Walker, and carried that Mr. H. O. Richard be re elected Hon. Veterinary Surgeon. proposed by the Hon. C. H. Wynn, secon- ded by Mr. R. E. Jones, and carried that Mr. R. H. Morris, Caxton House, be re elec- ted secretary and that he be paid a bonus of £5 in addition to his salary for the ensuing year. Proposed by Mr. E Jarrett, seconded by Mr, R. E. Jones, and carried that the -neral committee (with the exception of Mr. Phillips Ruabon), be re elected. Proposed by Mr. W. E. Williams, secon- ded by Dr. White, and carried that the name of Mr. Edward Jones, Eryl Aran, Bala, be added to the General Committee. Also to the committee were added the names of Mr. Thomas, Bryn Howel, Llangollen Mr. A. Swainson, Plas Isa, Corwen, and Mr- J. G. Aikin, Tyfos, Llandrillo. The Hon. C. H. Wynn, gave notice that at a future meeting he will move that the names of those of the General Committee who do not attend one meeting in twelve months be struck off, and that six members retire in rotation every year. The following members were elected a special committee with full powers to act on the show day :—the president, the vice pre- sident, the Hon. C. H. Wynn, Hon. R. Hen- ley Eden, Mr. W. E. Williams, and Dr. Walker. It was decided that if an objection be made against any a ward and the same be upheld by the committee, any member who refuses to return his card, will be proceeded against under rule 20. It was decided that the sale of tickets to the leaping field be commenced with half an hour before the trials commence. The Hon. C. H. Wynn raised the question whether the members could be asked to forego their free tickets, and pay one shill ing. The majority believed that course would be detrimental to the interest of the society, and so the matter was allowed to drop. The secretary was instructed to get all the printing done by the Corwen Printing Co., provided they will do it at the same price as last year. An application for a contribution from the funds of the society towards the section of the proposed bridge over the Dee by Cor- wen was discussed at some length, and ultimately it was decided to refuse it on the ground that if any of the funds were so applied, one of the rules would have to be rescinded. A vote of thanks was passed to the chair- man, and the meeting terminated.

PARISH COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Parish Coun cil was held on Friday last, and Mr. Thomas Griffiths (chairman), presided over a full attendance of members. Mr. Samuel Jones stated that he had interviewed the committee of the District Council, and that they had resolved to recommend the acquisition of an additional 500 feet of hose for the use of the Fire Brigade. The matter of Maesbrith footpath was referred to the Footpaths Committee. The following resolution with reference to the International Peace Crusade was passed —' That this Council heartily rejoices that in response to the Czar's rescript a confer- ence of the great powers will shortly be held, and hails with satisfaction the decision of the Government to take part in such con- ference, and urges Her Majesty's Ministers to give such instructions to its representa- tives as will lead to relieve the burdens pressing upon the nations and promote the peace of the world.' A letter was received from the surveyor of the County Council with reference to the piece of land at Brynffynnon recently enclosed by the Parish Council, and the clerk was directed to see to the matter. Mr. Edwards called attention to the state of Maescafn Footpath, which had been dam- aged by the recent floods, and it was decided that the same be repaired. The Clerk was directed to call the atten- tion of the Corwen Water Co., to the old reservoir as water was running therefrom on to the public footpath, causing much dam- age. The Clerk was directed to communicate with the Postmaater General urging the introduction of the telephone system to Corwen.

Of 1,000 men who marry it is fonnd that 332 marry younger women, 570 marry women of the same age, and 89 older women. Western Australia has an Act in force pro- hibiting the landing of anyone who cannot write out a given passage in English. Why do they have such noisy music at the exhibition ?' To drown all comment, I suppose.' In the Black Sea no animal life of any kind is found at a depth below 1,200 feet, owing to the large amount of hydro sulphuric acid. r, A French professor is sa.id to be the owner of a collection of 920 heads, representing the various known races of people on the globe. A theatrical car is the latest in the way of railway novelties in America. Light shows are to be put on some of the fast trains early in the spring. 'Willie, how many times did that Mr. Hug- gins kiss your sister f 'I don't know, air; I can only count up to one hundred.'

RHYL. A PRECIOUS QUINTETTE. At a special police court on Tuesday, before Mr. S. Perks and Mr. Elwy Williams, W. H. Fitzpatrick, Vale Road Thomas Evans, Rhuddlan Anne Jones, Victoria Road; Eliza- beth Gill, Victoria Road; and Margaret Evans, late of Victoria Road, a well-known character, were brought up in custody, charged with sleeping in a bathing van on the beach the pre vious night. They all pleaded not guilty. P.C. William Roberts said that at midnight on the 6th inst., he heard a noise in one of Mr. Vauahan's bathing machines. He went there, and heard voices. When he asked to be let in, the voices ceased. He forced his way into the van, and found the prisoners there. He took them to the police station, where they were searched, and whisky bottles found on the female prisoners. Mr. Vaughan, proprietor of the vans, said that the machines were all locked up, bucit wai a common thing for people to burst them upon, and go in to do all sorts of damage, breaking looking glasses, &c. Defendants admitted being in the vans, but only went there for shelter. They did not break in, nor do any damage. The Chairman said they had committed an offence, and were liable to punishment; but as this was the first case of this nature to come before the court, prisoners would be discharged. They would have to be careful in future, or they would bd severely dealt with. The police were quite right in the action they had t Lken,

ME LIDEN. Two new stained glass window have just have been placed in the Parish Church, at Meliden. One, a three light window on the south side near the pulpit containing the subject of the parable of the lilies running through the three. In the the centre light our Lord in richly dia. pered robes of ruby and white, stands in the midst of the lilies relating the parable, while in the side lights figures of various ages are grouped together listening with profound attention to the words of Our Lord, the fore- ground being composed of lilies, and the back- ground, foliage and a landscape. The subject is surmounted by canopies of the perpendicular order of white and gold on grisaille back- ground. under the subject are bases of the same character on quarry backgrounds, and they contain scrolls bearing the text consider the lilies how they grow, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.' At the bottom of the window is the dedication sentence as follows—' To the glory of God and in memory of Thomas and Dianna Wynne of Plas Prestatyn, and John Lewis Evans, of Plas Ifan, Prestatyn, this window and those in the west end are dedicated by Jane Charlotte Evans, daughter of the former, and widow of the latter A. D. 1899. The other window is composed of two single lights and one piece of tracery, and is situated in the west end of the church, the left hand light contains the figure of the Virgin Mary habited in blue and white, and holding in her hand a cage with two doves, the offering at the ceremony of purification. In the right hand light, the figure of Simeon clothed in green and purple, and bearing in his arms the infant Saviour, the group forming the presentation in the temple. The figures are surmounted by perpendicular canopies in white and gold upon ruby backgrounds, and contain angels bearing scrolls charged with the texts My soul doth magnify the Lord,' and 'Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.' Under the figures are bases of the same character, and contain scrolls with the name of the figures and the dedication sentence as follows. These windows and the pulpit window on the south side are dedicated by Jane Charlotte Evans to the memory of her father and husband A. D. 1899. In the piece of tracery on a ruby background, Our Lord in white and gold and seated in majesty on His great white throne, and holding the orb in one hand while the other is raised in the act of benediction. The work was designed and executed by Mr. T. F. Curtis (Ward and Hughes), 67 Frith street, Soho Square, London and is a fine example of careful and expressive drawing and composition. The work is full of elaborate and appropriate detail, while the decorative function of the window has been duly kept in view. The painting is delicate and refined, and the colour is of an exceedingly harmonious and pleasing character.

In Germany a clock has been made that is warranted to go for 9,000 years. An inch of rain falling upon an area of one square mile is equivalent to nearly 17,500,0001b., or 64,844 tons.

iST^^APIL^ GOOD FRIDAY. An amalgamated choir will again be formed to practice Bach's Passion music, and which will be sung at the Cathedral on Good Friday, under the conductorship of Dr. A. W. Wilso a, organise at the Cathedral, and we are sure that every justice will be done to the piece by choir and trainer. DEBATING SOCIETY. On Wednesday evening last, the members of the above society which is held at the C.M. Schoolroom, under the presidency of the Rev. Jonathan Jones, enjoyed a rare treat, together with others who had as- sembled, when Mr. P. Roberts, J.P., Gwylfa, delivered a most interesting and able ad- dress on Are the planets inhabited.' The address was listened to with rapt attention, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Suffice it is to say that the name of the above gentleman is sufficient to ensure an address worthy of any assemblage.

PETTY SESSIONS. Monday.—Before Major Birch (Chairman), Dr. Davies, Messrs. R. C. Enyon and T. Howes Roberts. SCHOOL CASE. Thomas Jones, Gemig Street, a bricklayer, was charged by William Evans, School At- tendance Officer, for neglecting to send his child to school. The officer stated that the child in question had only made one attendance out of a possible 98. There was no appearance on behalf of the defendant, who was fined 5s. including costs. POACHING. Henry Davies (alias Harry Fain'), Vale Road, Rhyl, was charged in custody with tres- passing in pursuit ot conies on the Kinmel estate, on the 15th of December, on the in. formation of William Owen, gamekeeper in the employ of Mr. Hughes, Kinmel. Defendant pleaded guilty. Mr. E. A. Crabbe, who appeared for the prosecution, stated that this man had been summoned to appear at the last court, but had neglected to do so, and had to be arrested on warrant to be brought into court. He asked that the defendant should be dealt with in an exemplary manner. The facts of the case were very simple. The gamekeeper Owen saw de- fendant with a gun in his possession walking over land in the occupation of Mr. Jones, on the Rhnddlan Marsh. Owen hid himself in an occupation road, and defendant got quite up to him, and the gun (produced) was found in his pocket. It was not suggested that defendant had killed any rabbits, but there was no doubt he would have done so had any come within his reach. The Chairman in inflicting a fine of 5a. and JE1 5s. costs said thao the bench had taken into consideration the fact that the defendant had not been before the court since 1886. It" as a pity that he had broken his record, but he would be treated as a first offender. In default of paying the fine and costs, de- fendant was removed to prison for 14 days. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. Arthur Brown, Elwy Square, St. Asaph, was brought up on warrant, charged by Sergeant Pearson with being drunk and disorderly on Christmas Eve, at Lower Street, St. Asaph. Prisoner admitted the offence, and expressed hIS sorrow that it had occurred. Prosecutor said that he had had a great deal of trouble with prisoner, who was very dis- orderly, and had to be locked up. The Chairman remarked that it did not seem to be of any good to prisoner to punish him. He put everyone at defiance, and refused to appear in answer to the summons. There were 31 convictions recorded against him, and he had often been to gaol. They had decided to send him to prison for one month, and perhaps he would get tired of the way he carried on. ThomasDurcan, Denbigh Street, als -,brought up on warrant, was fined 5s. and costs for being drunk and disorderly on the 26th of December. RATS OR RABBITS. Philip Hughes, Penycob, and Thomas Brown, Elwy Sqnare, St. Asaph, were charged by Thomas King, keeper to Mr. Gossage, with trespassing in pursuit of conies on the Gwern- eigron land (occupied by Mr. Griffiths), on the 12th of January. Mr. Joseph Lloyd prosecuted, and Mr. John A. Lloyd defended. Thomas King stated that he saw the defend- ants in a field with two dogs hunting a fence and the Gwerneigron woods. They were to have been working with a thrashing machine at Gwerneigron on the day in question, but as it was wet they did not start until after dinner. He saw them about three hundred yards from the stack yard, and they started a rabbit. But when they saw him, defendants ran away, he called after them by name, but they took no notice. For the defence, it was submitted that these men were catching rats in the stack yard, and followed the vermin along the fence when the rabbit rose. They were not hunting, nor did they try to catch it. A letter was addressed to the Clerk by Mr. Griffiths, of Gwerneigron, but Mr. Joseph Lloyd objected to its production, unless Mr. Griffiths was put in the box. Philip Hughes, one of the defendants, was called, and said that he was engaged by Mr. R. E. Griffiths. Gwerneigron, to thrash, on Janu- ary 12th. It was too wet to work in the morn ing, and he asked Mr. Griffiths if he might bring his dog to kill rats. Mr. Griffiths gave him permission to kill rats in the stack yard, and they did so in his presence. Some of the vermin escaped, and they followed them up the fence. A rabbit was started, and a dog weot after it. He told Mr. Griffiths that he had been summoned, and he gave him a written authority to kill rats Cross-examined The authority was dated on the 4th of February. He was 70 yards away from the stack yard, and the letter said he was to kill rats in the stack yard. He ran away because he thought he appeared guilty to the keeper when the rabbit rose. He did not tell the keeper that they were killing rats. Mr. Griffiths did not pay him for working during that morning. This being the case, The Chairman observed that it was a pity Mr. Griffiuhs was not present in court to prove he defendants' case. The bench considered the case proved, but that it was a very trivial one, as there was a certain amount of temptation to these men on an idle day and with dogs in attendance. Mr. J. A. Lloyd said he could call Mr. Griffiths if the case were adjourned, but he left the case in their worships' hands. Defendants were fined 5s. each and 17s. 9d. costs, a previous conviction for a similar offence at the last court being recorded against them. YOUTHFUL TRESPASSERS. Owen Roberts, The Roe (16), John Blake (16), Felin Wynt, James Tomkinson (15), Denbigh Road, John Barlow (17), Elwy Place, Robert David Simon (17), The Roe, and Thomas Price (16), High Street, all of St. Asaph, were charged with having trespassed in pursuit of conies on land in the occupation of Mr. Jones, the Abbey Farm, Rhuddlan, on Sunday, Janu- ary 22nd. Mr. Joseph Lloyd was for the prosecution, and Mr. J. A. Lloyd for the defence. Mr. Joseph Lloyd, in stating the case, said that it would be remembered that on the day in question the fields adjoining the river were flooded, and that on those occasions rabbits were very easily caught by reason of the en- croachment of the water to their burrows and driving them out. The defendants were lads, and the prosecution desired that they should be warned now they were young that they had no right to do what they were doing, other. wise they might be led to go further. James White, keeper in the employ of Mr. Gossage, was called to prove the case. He de. posed to seeing the defendants on the highway between.Rhuddlan and St. Asaph, drawing two rabbits. They had two dogs with them, and after leaving the road they walked down the hedgerows searching for rabbits. He caught up with them on the railway, and asked Simon for the two rabbits he had in his possession. After getting the rabbits he asked the lads for their names, but they refused to comply with the request, and became very impertinent, Tomlinson being particularly bad. He'followed them for about a mile along the line, but did not get their names. Cross-examined: He did not say to the de- fendants that if they handed over the rabbits they would not be prosecuted. They claimed a right to the rabbits, because they had been taken on the highway, and said he could only prosecute them for trespass. He was sure he saw the defendants with the dogs hunting the hedges for rabbits. Mr. John Lloyd, for the defence, whilst ad- mitting that the lads had taken two rabbits from the hedgerow on the roadside, and for which they could not be legally punished, denied that the defendants were trespassing on the land on which they had been seen in pursuit of conies. The lads he defenaed were six of the brightest lads in St. Asaph. The Chairman Innocent babes (laughter). Mr. Lloyd (proceeding) said that the lads had only got on to the land in order to gab on the railway to see the extent of the flood. John Barlow, one of the defendants was called, and stated that he went to see the flood on the day in question at the Junction. On leaving St. Asaph he was without either dog or stick. On the way he met the other defendants who had a dog, By the Pengwern Lodge the dog went to the hedge of Mr. Lloyd's field. Mr. Jones' land was three fields off. When they got the rabbits some of the dc fendants suggested that they ought not to take them. but Simon said they had a perfect right to take them since they had got them on the highway. He denied what the keeper said about them being on the land in search of conies. They had seen the keeper before they went on to the field at all, and they only went on the field because the road was flooded up to the railway. In cross-examination, witness said they had declined to give their names because the keeper had told them he would not prosecute. The case was considered proved, and they were fined 6d. and 8s. 3d. costs each. The Chair- man expressed a hope that their appearance in court would be a warning to them.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Friday.—Present: Messrs. T. Howes Roberts (Vice-chairman), presiding, T. Pierce Hughes, Hugh Williams, Joseph Roberts, Denbigh; John Lloyd, John Roberts (Foxhall), Henllan; John Vaughan, John Williams. William Owen, John Kerfoot, Thomas Evans. John Pierce, Abergele; Joseph Jones, Llanddulas George Williams, Meliden Robert Davies, Prestatyn; W. Conwy Bell, Robert Morris, Mrs. Rawlins, Rhuddlan R. J Parry, Bettws; Rev. John Adams, Waen: Thomas Morgan, Cwm Llew- elyn Jones, Mrs. Mary Jones, Mrs. Percy, Rhyl; Miss Bennett, Joseph Lloyd, St. Asaph; and Mr. Charles Grimsley (Clerk). GIFTS FOR THE INMATES. The Master reported having received two large baskets of oranges, and a parcel of illustrated papers, for the inmates from Mr. Powers, Bryn Dina3 Hotel, St. Asaph, and the gifts were ordered to be acknowledged with thanks. ° THE HEALTH OF THE CHAIRMAN. A letter was read from Mrs. Morgan, Cae Gwyn, thanking the Board for its expression of sympathy with Mr. Edwin Morgan, the Chair- man, in his illness. v) r Morgan had had a very severe illness, wisi !i left him very weak. and not able to do anything yet He was get- ting much better, and hoped to be able to re- sume his duties shortly. A letter was also read from Mr. John Ro- berts' (Geinas) son, regretting the absence of his father from the meeting, and stating that he had been bed ridden for four weeks. A resolution of sympathy with Mr. Roberts was passed. CENTRAL POOR LAW BOARD. A circular letter was read intimating that the meetings of the Central Poor Law Bon,rd would be held in London on the 16th and 17th of February, and inviting this Board to send up delegates. In the event of their doing so, it was asked that a subscription of 10s. be sent up On the motion of Mr. Joseph Lloyd, it was decided not to send up delegates, or to subscribe. but on the motion of Mr. Joseph Jones it was resolved to procure copies of the transactions of the meetings. EXTENDED POWERS OVER PAUPER CHILDREN. A circular letter was considered from the Keighley Union asking the Board to join in a petition in favour of extending the power of Guardians in the control of pauper children. On the motion of Mr. Llewelyn Jones, it was decided to support the petition. COUNTY ASSESSMENT. The next business was the consideration of the proposed basis for the assessment of the county rates in the county of Flint. The Clerk explained that the County Coun- cil had accepted all their assessments except- ing those of the parish of Dyserth Mr. R. Llewelyn Jones, as the Chairman of the Sub committee of the County Finance Com- mittee which had dealt with the question of assessment, said there must be some mistake. His Committee had accepted all the figures in the county with the exception of those of the Union of Hawarden. He suggested that the Clerk should communicate with the Clerk for the County Council on the matter. This was agreed to. SERVING INTOXICANTS TO YOUNG CHILDREN. A circular letter and copy resolution was read from the Bodmin Union asking the Govern- ment to promote legislation that would render it illegal to sell or serve intoxicating liquors to children under the age of 13 years off the pre- mises. Miss Bennett proposed, Mrs. Jones seconded, and it was unanimously agreed to adopt a similar resolution. TESTIMONIALS TO OFFICIALS. It was resolved to grant the application oi Miss Williams, Matron's Assistant, and Miss Williams, the Industrial Trainer (who are can- didates for offices in other institutions), for testimonials. THE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE COMMITTEE. The officials of this Committee were re- appointed for a further period of twelve months.

ST. ASAPH (FLINT) RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Friday, under the presidency of Mr. J. Howes Roberts (chairman). There were also present the Rev. John Adams (vice chairman), Messrs. Thomas Morgan. W. Conwy Bell, George Williams, Joseph Lloyd, Mrs. Rawlins, Miss Bennett, Messrs Charles Grimsley (clerk): George Bell (sanitary surveyor), John Lloyd, (road surveyor). and Dr. J. Lloyd Roberts (medical officer of health). ST. ASAPH WATER SUPPLY. The first business on the agenda was the con- sideration of the committee's report respecting the water supply extensions at St. Asaph. Mr. Joseph Lloyd, a member of the com- mittee stated that they examined the source of the several private water supplies in St. Asaph, •end found the water to be generally clean and bright. In a few cases there were privies and manure heaps at a little distance from the wells, but the owners in some cases were prepared to cement the well If if there was any fear of per- colation. In one district, river water had been used for years, but the owners of property in that street, were prepared to provide a stand- pipe. On the whole, the committee found very

COUNTY COURT. At the Rhyl County Court on Friday, before his Honour, Sir Horatio Lloyd, Mr. R. O. Old- field, coal merchant, applied for a review of taxation of costs in the action brought by him against Messrs. Gamlin and Williams, solicitors, Rhvl, and which resulted in a verdict for the defendants. He complained that Mr. Gamlin had been allowed at the rate of 15s. per day for three days, and his clerk at the rate of 7s. 6d., whilst he (Mr. Oldfield) had only been allowed 10s. 6d. for the day on which the case was adjourned through Mr. Gamlin's non. attendance. He submitted that the allowance to Mr. Gamlin's clerk ought to be disallowed, and he had failed to prove the facts he deposed to. The Judge said the costs had already been taxed and reduced from £5 10s. to £3 9a., and the allowances were all according to scale. He, therefore, declined to interfere with the taxa- tion. Mr. Oldfield next applied for a new trial of the case, on the ground that he had received fresh evidence since the hearing. The Judge That is no ground. Mr. Gamlin said that although Mr. Oldfield had no grounds for applying for a new trial be was prepared to agree to it. The Judge I am not. There are 22,000 cases that pass through my courts in the course of the year, and if I am to have three hearings of a wretched little case involving a few shillings I shall never come to an end. I think there must he something in the air of Rhyl; people are never satisfied here. If you had discovered something since the last court, which you, after due diligence, failed to discover pre- viously, it would be a ground for making ap- plication. Mr. Oldfield: What I mean is that I have learnt something since the last court, and I am satisfied that if I had the assistance of a legal gentleman I could induce your Honour to alter your opinion. The Judge I don't think so. Mr. Gamlin: People who play with fire expect to be burnt. WANTED: AN ANGLESEY JURY. Mr. Gamlin stated that he had been in- structed by wire from Mr. Fanning, of Amlwch, to apply to his Honour for an order to have a case to be heard at Llangefni on Tuesday in which the Ecclesiastical Commissioners were the plaintifts and tke Parish Council of Amlwch the defendants, tried by a jury. His Honour The application is too late, and I shall not grant it. As far as I can see by the papers it is a pure question of law. I can quite understand why they want an Anglesey jury (laughter). Mr. Gamlin I only apply on a telegram, your honour. THE OWNERSHIP OF FIXTURES. A case of considerable interest to owners of property was heard, in which Mr. Pierce Lewis represented Mr. Samuel Perks, of Dol- golwg, Rhyl, the trustee and executor of the late Mr. William Wynne, of Rhyl; and Mr. F. J. Gamlin appeared for Mr. Arthur L. Clews, the purchaser of a residence, Tanllan, Bath Street, Rhyl, which, as part of the estate of the late Mr. Wynne, was sold to Mr. Clews, by auction, by Messrs. Dew and Son, on the 25th of October last, at the Westminster Hotel. The contract was signed on that date, and after that Mr. Perks approached Mr. Clews as to the gasaliers, which the latter claimed as having passed to him on the sale. Mr. Pierce Lewis stated that the whole question was as to the law with reference to the ownership of gas- fittings, and as to whether these chattels were attached to the freehold, and should pass to the purchaser with the freehold. The advocate proceeded to argue that the gasaliers were re- movable chattels, and quoted several cases in support of this view. Mr. Gamlin, for the defence, conceded that the gasaliers might be removed without detri- ment to the place. He proceeded to mention several decisions which ne claimed to be in favour of his argument that gasaliers were chattels or fixtures which passed to his client upon the signing of the contract, as they were not specifically excluded. If his friend had in tended the purchaser to pay for these fixtures they ought to have been expressly excluded from the contract. Mr. Pierce Lewis said his Honour would un- derstand that the plaintiff claimed that the gas- fittings were not fixtures; they were simply chattels Mr. Gamlin said there was a case directly bearing upon the point as to whether chande- liers and gasaliers were fixtures, decided in 1868. It was the nisi prius action of Sewell v. Angeratein, and Mr. Justice Wills then held that gasaliers were part of the gas pipes, and were as much a part of the gas pipes as the millstones were part of the mill. The gasaliers were necessaay to the enjoyment of the gas pipes, which were of no practical use when separated from them. His Lordship said he thought the gasaliers ought to have been the subject of a separate agreement. His Honour said he would carefully consider, the arguments, and would give his judgment in writing. A WIFE'S MISFORTUNES. Johnson Simpson Greenhalgh, of Rhyl, trad- ing as Greenhalgh and Roberts, builders, in that town, sued Ellen Bendall, wife of James Edward Bendall, late of 24, Queen Street, Rhyl, confectioner, for the recovery of JE36 12s 8d., for work done and materials supplied. The action originated in the High Court of Justice, and was remitted to the County Court for trial. Mr. Pierce Lewis represented the plaintiff, and Mr. Gamlin defended. The plaintiff carried out certain work at 24, Queen Street, for the pur- pose of fitting up the shop for a high class con- fectioner's business. The work was done at various times between May, 1897, and July, 1898. The defendant paid 92 18s. 3d. into court, and denied her liability as to any fur- ther part of the claim, which, she contended, was a debt against her husband, who traded as Bendall and Son. Mr. Pierce Lewis, in opening the case, stated that the work was ordered by the husband, but Mrs. Bendall said I have the mcney I will see you paid.' On November 28th last the bill was sent to Mrs. Bendall, with the following covering letter :—' Dear Madam,—We beg to enclose you our account for work done at Queen Street for you. I shall be glad to re- ceive cheque for same as early as possible.' Bendall had left his wife and the shop, and the then claimed the furniture and sold it by auction, and subsequently she had surrendered the lease to the lessor, Mr. Geary, who bought some of the fixtures and utensils. H. T. Roberts, manager for Mr. Greenhalgh, then gave evidence to the effect that Mrs. Ben- dall clearly assumed the responsibility for the payment. In cross-examination, the witness said Ben- dall approached him as to this work in the first instance. He did not know that Bendall deserted his wife on the 12th of November last, although the bill was not sent in until the 28th. He was not aware till that day that at the Bin- gor Bankruptcy Court the other day a receiv- ing order was made against the husband. Re examined Bendall frequently, when the work was being ordered, referred to his wife for confirmation. She seemed to have a sort of casting vote in the matter. The day-book in which the details of the work were entered was submitted to his Hon- our, when it appeared that the account had been originally entered in the name of Mr. Bendall, and subsequent'y altered. Mr. Francis Geary, auctioneer, stated that he was the owner of the shop in Queen Street, which he leased in 1897 to Mrs. Bendall, when he agreed to make certain alterations which were carried out by Mr. Greenhalgh. When Bendall left, the witness agreed to accept a surrender of the lease, and purchased some of the fixtures. In cross-examination, Mr. Geary stated that Mrs. Bendall told him, when the lease was sur- rendered, that she had nothing to do with the business, but claimed the furniture as her separate estate. Mr. Gamlin, opening for the defence, said Mrs. Bendall came to Rhyl as a lady wiih means, and she lived on the parade for some time. It was then suggested to her by her husband that he should commence business as a confectioner, to which occupation he had bjen broight up. He had been in difficulty in Birmingham, and had had to make a com- position with his creditors. The business was started, and Mrs. Bendall had the lease made out in her own name, at the wish of the owner, but she had nothing whatever to do with the business proper, not having been brought up as a confectioner. All the orders, &c., were given by the husband, whom she assisted in the shop solely with the view to saving him expense. He took all profits and borrowed money from time to time from her, with the result that the whole of her banking account, 1:585, was altimately transferred from her name into that of Bendall and Son. On No- vember 12th he deserted her, and since had not contributed a penny for the maintenance of herself and six children. She had sold the fur- niture, which was her own separate property, and was living upon the proceeds. Mr. Gamlin pointed out that it was admitted by the plain- tiff that the day book was only altered when the notice of defence was given. Mrs. Bendall was called, and stated that when the negotiations for the lease were on, Mr. Geary seemed to question the ability of her husband to pay, and she told him that she had a little money. He then said he would like the lease in her name, and she agreed. She denied that she had ever to Mr. Roberts admitted any liability. Mr. Pierce Lewis said the husband and wife appeared to be playing into each other's hands, and the creditors all round had been the suffer- ers. His Honour said that on the maiu question he was disposed to take the defendant's view. There was conflict of evidence as to the ad- mission of liability by her, and he was, there- fore,-driven to decide by the surrounding cir- cumstances. If Mr. Roberts was so very parti- cular to get the acknowledgment from her before the work was done, it was remarkable that he should have allowed all the items of the account to be entered upon four separate pages of the day-book under the heading of 'Mr.' Bendall. It was not until after the action was brought that the prefix was altered to 'Mrs.' Mr. Roberts had said that the credit was given to Mrs. Bendall, but the truth seemed to be that it was only when he began to have a doubt as to Mr. Bendall's solvency that he took that view of the matter. He held that the credit was given to Bendall, and, therefore, the action failed. Some discussion ensued as to a baker's trough sold by Mrs. Bendall to Mr. Geary with the fixtures, and which was made by the plaintiff. His Honour was inclined to think that this article, which Mr. Gamlin said was disposed of in error, being a utensil belonging to the hus- band's estate, ought to be paid for by the wife, as she had disposed of it. but Mr. Gamlin sug- gested that it would probably be claimed by the Official Receiver. Mr. Geary remarked that the trough was in the nature of a fixture. There was half a year's rent due to him when the lease was sur- rendered, and, with the E12 he had paid, he considered the fixtures he obtained eost him in hard cash close upon 960. His Honour said he would simply give judg- ment for the defendant, without costs. The trough was so mixed up with the other things in the surrender that it was impossible to separate them.