The North Wales Times

C A E R W Y S -F BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. The annual meeting of the above Society was Ijeld on Monday night lasjb in the Town Hall, ihe Rev. Edwin Jones (B.) presided. The plev-D., Oliver, Holywell, abtended, as a depu- Ration from the Parent Society, and delivered ? *ery able address. The Rev. Mr. Turner v*«) also spoke. A vote of thanks to the Chairman and speakers concluded the meeting. e attendance was very meagre. Y.P.S.C.E. ( The usual weekly meeting of this Society was Md on Friday of last week in the Wesleyan Vbapel, and was very well attended. Mrs, j*tatthews, Pendre, presided. Miss A. J. Thomas (Post Office) opened the meeting, by reading a Portion of Scripture and offered up prayer. After a few remarks by the President, Miss ie Parry, Glasfryn, read a very alole and ^striuetive paper on 'The keeping of the Sab- bath* This wa3 followed with addresses by •>^e Rev- E. Jones, Mr. W. H. Parry, and Mr. Williams. A very hearty vote of thanks *as accorded Miss Parry for her able paper. *he meeting closed with prayer. TEMPERANCE. A fairly attended meeting was held on Thurs- •lay night last at the Baptist schoolroom, under the auspices of the Caerwys Women's Tem- perance Association. Miss Edwards, Bodlon- ^eb, made an excellent president. Mr. W. M. |jvans opened the meeting with prayer. The Rev, O. M. Owen (B.), Holywell, then delivered a most eloquent and powerful address upon the eyils of strong -.rink, and alluded to the very many crimes arising from the eftects of drink. Owen's address was full of pathos, and was 'istended to with rapt attention. The Rev. Edwin Jones also spoke. The meeting was in- terapered with a solo by Miss Jennie Roberts, and a duett by the Misses C. and E. A. Jones. A vote of thanks to the President and speakers terminated the meeting. CONCERT. A grand concert was given in the Town Hall "n Saturday night last, and considering the awful weather of Saturday, the attendance was remarkably good- The proceeds of which will be devoted towards the funds of the Baptist Chapel. All the vocalists gave their services gratis, excepting their railway fares and they certainly deserve great praise for their sacrifice, as some came from a long distance. The lady artistes were all strangers to a Caerwys audience, and we are pleased to note they were accorded a hearty reception, and their songs were well received. Owing to the length of the programme, there were no encores allowed. '*he following were the artistes who took part: —Mis Annie Williams, Rhyl (winner of the sil. ver cup and silver medal); Miss Winnie Owen, ^angor MisB Lizzie WiUiamsand Miss Claudia Uavies, Rhyl; Messrs. J. Main, Afonwen D. ^wen, Ysceifiog; and last but not least, Master ttadyn Evans, Denbigh. Mr. O. R. Williams (Cynno Cybi), Rhyl, made an excellent chair- man. The duties of accompanists, which is al- ways considered to be an important duty, were emciently carried out by Miss M. E Roberts, ~iaelar House, Mold. Mr. J. Spry, Afonwen, 'accompanied Mr. Main with his songs. I-Tht,abom were crowded out last week.]

PRESTATYN. .J'" URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. MONTHLY MEETING. This meeting was held on Wednesday even- ing, Mr. W. H. Coward, J.P., presiding, there being also present :-Messrs. Thomas Williams (Vice chairman), John Jones, Robert Davies, Thomas Hughes, Ellis Roberts, J. E. L. Jones, J. B. Linnell, John Pritchard, Dr. Griffith, Messrs. John Hughes (Clerk), W. C. Bell (Sur- veyor), and Dr. Lloyd Roberts (Medical Officer of Health). DROPPING RECOMMENDATIONS. Mr. Robert Davies, on the minutes of the last meeting being read, called attention to the fact that they contained no reference to a re- commendation of the Finance Committee rela- tive to an application by the Clerk for an advance of salary. He considered that every recommendation of committee should be brought before the General Cocncil to be adopted or rejected. The Chairman quite agreed. Mr. R. Davies, proceeding, said that from what he had heard, there haa been interference by members as to the recomnienda Lion. He submitted that each recommendation should be brought before the Council. It was a serious matter, as he had been told that there had been canvassing of the members to upset what bad been decided upon. He was quite prepared for a majority to upset the Committee's recom- mendation, but he wished it to be done at the Council meetings, and not in hole and corner meetings outside the Council Chamber. The Clerk explained that the matter referred to had never come before the Finance Com- mittee in the shape of a recommendation. He had applied for an increase of salary at a General Committee meeting, but he had with drawn that application. The Chairman said that he was opposed to an annual advance of salary, and he did not care who knew it. Mr. Davies remarked that he was deter mined the recommendations passed by the Committee should not be dropped. The Chairman agreed. He did not know that Councillors had been canvassed. He had not heard of it. Mr. Davies again submitted that resolutions of Committee should be submitted to the Coun- cil. Mr. Linnell said he had referred to the matter at the last meeting, and was told that he was out of order, because the matter was not on the agenda. The Chairman asked who had ruled Mr. Linnell out of order. Mr. Linnell replied that Mr. John Jones or the Chairman had done so. After some further conversation, the matter dropped. THE WIDTH OF ROADS QUESTION. Mr. John Jones having carried a motion to suspend the standing orders, withdrew a motion of which he had given notice, and moved that the resolution accepting the recom- mendation of the Local Government Board as to width of streets, passed at a recent special meeting, be referred back to Committee for re- consideration. Mr. ElJisRoberts seconded, and the motion I was carried, THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF PENISA'RDRE FOR COUNCIL PURPOSES ABANDONED. Mr. Robert Davies moved that the recom- mendation of the Road Committee be adopted as follows That no reply in Writing having been received from Mrs. McLaren re Penisa'r- dre, that the matter be abandoned.' Mr. John Jones seconded. The Chairman said that some correspondence had just been handed in on the subject, but he did not know whether the Council would consider it. Mr. Robert Davies asked if it opened up new matter. The Chairman said that it had only just been handed in. Mr. John Jones said he had read the letter, and he did not think that there was really any. thing fresh in it. The Council were practically told that they should look elsewhere for pre- mises. Mr. Linnell thought the letter:should be read. Mrs. McLaren required to know what it would cost to put Penisa'rdre in proper order to suit the Council. It was calculated that what the Council wanted would cost £ 200, but Mrs. McLaren was not willing to spend more than £100, as the Council would not pay sufficient rental for the footpath asked for during the running of the ten years lease. The letter was then read, and Mr. Davies said he still pressed his resolution, and it was carried. Mr. John Jones then asked if the Council would now require the Road Committee to secure suitable premises for the Council to meet, seeing thab the Penisa'rdre scheme was abandoned. The Chairman thought their present premises were quite sufficient for the requirements of Prestatyn for many years. Mr. Davies observed that the Surveyor had already prepared plans for a building 50 feet in length. It would be well for the Council to consider that matter. On the motion of Mr. Linnell, seconded by the (Vice-chairman, the matter was referred back to the Committee. THE PRIVILEGES OF REPORTERS. Mr. J. B. Linnell asked the Clerk whether he sent notices of committee and special meet- ings to the reporters. He believed that re- porters of certain papers complained that they were not informed of the holding of a parti- cular meeting, at which one reporter attended. The Clerk replied that he only invited the reporters to the monthly meetings, and he sent notices of those meetings to each of the re- porters. i Mr. Linnell staled that one reporter was asked to attend the last special meeting of ihe Council. All the reporters were not asked, and the others complained. He wanted to know how that one reporter found out about the meeting. Mr. Davies said he considered it was a ques- tion of privilege. The Clerk had stated that he sent a notice of the regular monthly meetings. It was optional whether the reporters attended. If a Councillor met a reporter and told him of a special meeting, no one could complain. Mr. Linnell. thought if one reporter was asked all uld be asked. Mr. Johj. Jones observed that what Mr. Davies said v -s quite right. Whether the re- porters were in > ;ted to the meetings or not did not interfere wii i- any member asking a re- porter to be prest jr. at a special meeting if he had a special purpose in asking a reporter to be present. Mr. Linnell: If yau nsked one, why did you not ask all ? Mr. John Jones I have nothing to do with them all. Mr. Linnell: If you telegiaphed for one, why not for all ? Mr. John Jones: I want to go into that matter. I ask Mr. Linnell to prove that, or withdraw it. The Chairman It is out of order. It is not on the agenda, Mr. Jones. Mr. John Jones: You will allow him to make a statement. Let him withdraw it, or you should malte him prove it. The Chairman: I cannot make him prove it. Let him alone. Mr. John Jones said the Chairman ougb; to make Mr. LiiinelLwithdraw or prove what he said. Tne Chairman: I have nothing to do with it. Mr. John Jones Well. This is the funniest Council I know. We shall make ourselvos the laughing stock of the country. The Chairman You make him prove it. Mr. John Jones: He has made an assertion before the Council, and you, as the Chairman, should ask him to prove it. The Chairman I had enough of it the other night. I'll have no more to do with it. It rests between Mr. Linnell and yourself. I am sorry it occurred. Let us go to some business* T-ha aaatter then dropped. REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH. Dr. Lloyd Roberts presented his first annual report to the Council. He stated that, during the year 1898, there had been 28 births and 24 deaths, which calculated upon the estimated population of 1,050 gave an average birth-rate of 26-6, and the death-rate of 21'8 per thousand. The greatest number of deaths occurred in the age period of 65 years and upwards, and amounted to nearly 50 per cent, of all deaths. The infant and child per centage of all deaths was 2'5 and 16'6 respectively. The death-rate of infants per 1,000 amounted to 35-4. which figure was distinctly low as compared with the United Kingdom generally. Amongst the causes no one cause called for particular re- mark or comment. One death occurred. from typhoid fever, viz., that of a servant girl who was removed from Rhyl to her home at Pres. tatyn, and died in the third week of the dis- ease. This case was effectively isolated though not without causing much anxiety and no little expense to the Council. The rate per thousand of population of infectious cases amounted to 3'7. The zymotic death-rate throughout the country was 2-22, in Prestatyn it was -9, and this was due to the typhoid case referred to. There was no common lodging house in the district, and none was required. The drainage and outfall works were dealt with, and neces- sary extensions of sewers indicated. The scavenging, and emptying of ash pits, &c., had been contracted for by the authority. With regard to the water supply, extensions were required to certain parts, and especially to Towyn. Some people who had the water avail- able did not use it, and others who did not get it, desired it. Complaint was made as to the quality of the water, which was at times dirty and cloudy, though there could be no question as to its purity, as there was no human or animal contamination of it. The Council were advised to press the water company to con- struct filtering beds, and clean water storage tanks as authorised by their private acts. The slaughter houses were reported upon, and the acquisition of a public abbatoir advocated. The report also advised the Council te consider the question of enlarging the district so as to include the whole parish of Meliden, or such Jiortions of it as may seem desirable. The out ying parts just outside the district were being extensively built upon, and possessed no facili- ties for sewering, road making, and other sani- tary arrangements. On the motion of Mr. Davies, seconded by Mr. John Jones, the report was adopted, and a vote of thanks was passed to the doctor.

RUTHIN. J"' ARREST OF A DESERTER. At a special police court, held. on Friday, John Hurley was charged in custody with hay. ing deserted from the Itayal Artillery in the year 1897. From the evidence of the police it appeared that prisoner entered the police sta- tion on Thursday night, and gate Mm Self tip ais a deserter. The police made inquiries, and found that the prisoner answered the descrip- tion of a man who had deserted in the year named, He was remanded to await an escort. M

TOWN COUNCIL. A special meeting of the Town Council was held at the Council Chamber, at 10 o'clock on Monday morning. The Mayor (Dr. J. Medwyn Hughes) presided, and there were present:— Aldernla,n Ezra Roberts, Councillors John Ro berts, T. J. Roberts, T. J. Rouw, and Thomas Williams, with the Town Clerk (Mr. William Lloyd), Me Town Clerk's Deputy (Mr. Baldwin Griffith a)', the Borough Surveyor (Mr. Price Morris), aiid the Inspector of Nuisances (Mr. John Mortis). A letter* M apology was received from Alder- ihun Edwa/d Roberts, in which he stated that a severe cold prevented him from attending the meeting. The only business to be transacted was the adoption or otherwise of the reports of Com- mittees, one of which had not been adopted at the ordinary meeting the previous Monday because it was not signed. At this meeting, all the reports, of which the following are a copy, were adopted without discussion A meeting of the Council in Committee was held on February 1st. Present: Alderman R. P. Davies (in the chair), Alderman Edwrad Roberts, Alderman Ezra Roberts, Councillors T. P. Roberts, John Roberts, William Jones, Theodore J. Rouw, Thomas Williams, Francis Dowell, and E. Tegid Owen, Bills amounting to £ 288 5s. 9d. were recommended for payment. The Inspector of Nuisances submitted his monthly report, and the same was adopted. The Committee decided that notice be given to abate nuisances complained of within 14 days. The Borougb Surveyor also submitted his report, of which the following is a copy:—As instructed, the bill for street lighting is pre- sented to-day for half-year of the lighting season ended December 31st, JI898, showing a decrease of £18 16s. 8d. as compared with the corresponding period of last year. Also, the Committee will note a reduction in the con- sumption of gas at the Town Hall. The con- sumption of gas in Peers' Memorial shows an increase over the corresponding period of last. year. This I attribute to a defect in main pipe by u.eter, which was attended to last month. The water consumption of Town Hall shows an increase for the quarter ended Decem- ber 31st, 1898. The following matters which I received instructions to carry out are being complied with:— N'otices of tootpath and highway obstruc- tions—I would respectfully recommend the Council to move further in this matter with the object of preventing trucks, barrows, &c., being allowed an the footpath, and that printed notices to that effect be posted throughout the borough. The dangerous footsteps in Llan., rhydtd Street have been attended to, and also W"U the gate, &c., in the Recreation Ground. Owing to a pressure of work during the past month I was unable to send the claim for tiles used in the Mwrog Street footpath to the Town Clerk before last week, as I considered it was .to the advantage of the Council to have the footpath measured and charged 2s. per square yard, the total amount beiog £ 41. I find that one side of Lon Goch belongs to the borough, and the other side being in the parish of Llanynys. Daring the past month this has been entirely covered by several inches of water, causing much in. convenience to the public. My attention has been called on several occasions to the unsatis- factory state of Lon Speiriol Uchaf and Isa, with suggestions that the Council should pro- vide the public witn at least a narrow path. With regard to Lon Speiriol Uchaf I would strongly recommend that the same he closed at each end with fences, with a wicket gate pro- vided for the use of the public footpath, as by leaving the same open as at present, it will very soon be blocked by rubbish. Owing to a leakage in the main water pipe a portion of the road surface gave way by the railway bridge in Well Street. The same was immediately attended to by the railway company. The approach to this bridge requires more metalling at each end, as the crown of the road is very flat, causing much water and muck to accumu- late. More metalling is also required adjoin. ing portions of side channeling and over a por- tion of the main water pipe which is even with the surface of the road on the south. Owing to the machine in Well Street not being used, I would strongty recommend the. Council to have the same removed, and also the pavement on the east side of the said machine. During the past month, Mr. Williams, Unicorn Inn, made a complaint to me that Mr. Hughes gardener, had taken up the drain which runs along his nursery adjoining the Cambrian Works for 30 or 40 yards. I found that Mr. Hughes had taken up a portion of the drain to the extent mentioned above. I drew Mr. Hughes' attention to the seriousness of such an undertaking, and his depriving the adjoining owners of their sewerage rights, when I was informed that the drain he [had taken up had been blocked for several years. Mr. Williams, U nieorn Inn, says his drain has a connection: with the drain which has been taken up, and I have every reason to believe the same to be true. 1 have written to Mr. Hughes informing him that unless he had the drain replaced by February 1st I would report it to the Council on that date. I have been informed to-day by Mr. Hughes, junior, that the Council must be able to show their authority before they wil; replace it. I beg to submit my estimates for the main. tenance of the main'roads for the ensuing three years, which makes a total of £ 262 5s., provid- .ing limestone and limestone chippings are used for the roads and paths. If granite stones are used for the main roads and granite chippings for the footpaths, it will make an increase of £76 5s., making a grand total of jE338 10s. The use of tiles and steam roller upon the roads are excluded from the above account, but should the County Council sanction or approve of the hiring of a steam roller within the borough, I feel that now is the time for knowing the opin- ion of the Council. I think the county authori- ties should be informed that we endeavour to maintain the roads in the most practical man- ner, and during the three years of the piesent contract, nothing whatever has been made on my part with the sole object of makings profit out of the contract, but carrying everything out as it was before.' Lon Speiriol.—It was resolved that the Sur veyor be instructed to consult with Colonel West's agent and sub-agent and ascertain if Colonel West will allow gates and wickets to be placed at each end of this lane, and also the short footpath in Lon Speiriol Isa. Railway Bridge.—It was resolved that the Surveyor write to the Railway Company re- questing them to make good the defects in the roadway over the bridge as now reported by him. Pavement in front of Exchange.—Resolved that the Surveyor be instructed to earry out the necessary repairs to the pavement in front of the Exchange in Well Street. Weighing Machine in Well Street. -Resolved that it be a recommendation to the Council that the owner of the weighing machine in Well Street be written to, intimating that the machine is dangerous, and that the Council are prepared to remove it at their own expense, providing they are allowed to retain the old iron. Drain near Cambrian Works.—Resolved that the Surveyor be requested to make a thorough inspection of and investigation with reference to the drain near the Cambrian Works now reported by him, and that he report further on the matter. Maintenance of Main Roads, -Resolved that it be a recommendation to the Couhcil that no contract be entered into with the County Coun- cil for the forthcoming year for the mainten- ance, repairs, and improvement of the main roads within the borough, but that the actual amount expended on such roads be claimed. Church CloOk.—Resolved that Mr. Joyce, jewellet, be asked to present a report of what is nedegsdty in order to repair the clock. At an adjourned meeting of the Council in Com'miite6\ feeld on February 6th. Present AldeftrtailEaward Roberts (in the chair), Al- derraah' EA'a Roberts, Councillors T. Tegid 1Owjeti, T. M. Roberts, Joseph Davies, E. J. Roberts, JO'hn Roberts, E. Williams, Theodore J. Rouw, Francis Dowell, and E. Hughes, the report of the meeting of the Council in Com- I mittee, held on February 1st, was read. It was proposed by Alderman Ezra Roberts, seconded by Councillor Rouw, and resolved that the report be confirmed and signed. Coun- cillor John Roberts voted against the resolu- tion, he alleging that the minutes were incom- plete through the omission of a resolution re- lating to election expenses. Drain near Cambrian Works.-As directed at the last meeting of this Committee the Borough Surveyor reported further upon the drain near the Cambrian Works. It was pro. posed by Councillor T. J. Roberts, seconded by Alderman Ezra Roberts, and resolved that the Surveyor and tha Inspector of Nuisances in. spect the premises, and report further at the next meeting of this Committee. It was resolved that the reports of the Medical Officer (as given in our last issue) be adopted, and that copies of the annual report be forwarded to the Local Government Board and the County Council. School Board Precept.—Resolved that it be a recommendation to the Council that the sum of £ 67 10s. balances of School Board precept be added to the list of bills for payment this day. It was proposed by Councillor John Roberts, seconded by Alderman Ezra Roberts, that it be a recommendation to the Council that in future the amount levied for School Board purposes and for technical instruction purposes, be speci- fied on the demand notes, and that the amount so collected beitransferred to the School Board and to the Technical Instruction Committee quarterly, and that separate and distinct bank- ing accounts be kept for that purpose. Resolved that it be a recommendation to the Council that the treasurer be requested to ad- vance a sum of money for the purpose of pay. ing all bills ordered by the Council for pay- ment up to the 31st of March, upon the terms stated to this Committee, such advances to be considered bv the Council at their meeting for the preparation of the estimate for the rate for 1899-1900. At a meeting of the Council in Committee, held on February 13th, present:-The Mayor (in the chair), Alderman Ezra Roberts, Coun. cillors John Roberts, Theodore J. Rouw, and Thomas Williams, it was proposed by Coun- cillor John Roberts, seconded by Councillor T. J. Rouw, and resolved that the payment of the expenses in connection with the munioipal elec. tions held last November be deferred, and that the Town Clerk advise this Committee at its next meeting, whether those expenses can now be legally paid.

DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the above Council was held on Monday at the Workhouse. In the absence of the chairman (Mr. Owen Wil- liams). who is confined to the house as the re- sult of an accident, Mr. Thomas Jones (Plas Coch) presided, the other members being Messrs. Henry Williams, R. Rogers Jones, T. H. Roberts, E. R. Evans, John Garner, Isaac Daniel, Evan Davies, John Evans, Hugh Jones, R. Davies Jones, E. Williams Jones, and W. G. Richards, with the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. T. O. Jones), the Inspector for the Llan- rbaiadr district (Mr. E. Evans), and the Inspec- tor for the Ruthin district (Mr. William Jones). Mr. T. Gwilym Jones acted for the Clerk. ILLNESS OF THE CLERK. A letter was read from the Clerk (Mr. R. Humphreys Roberts) stating that he bad been confined to bed for the last eleven days, and that his medical adviser prohibited his coming out. The Chairman said they all, no doubt, sym. pathised with the Clerk, and wished him an early recovery. THE HEALTH OF THE DISTRICT. The Medical Officer of Health submitted the following report =- During the month ending 11th February, 14 deaths and 8 births are registered as having occurred in the district, giving a death rate of 19-3 per 1,000 per annum, and a birth rate of 11*05. Five of the deaths occurred in persons over 65 years of age, giving a death rate of 6 9 per 1,000 per annum. No death occurred from zymotic disease. I visited Ty Isa, Aber- wheeler, with Inspector Evans, where three cases of mild scarlet fever have occurred. The infection in these cases has evidently been con- veyed from cases which occurred at the village of Bodfari.' The report was adopted. THE FENCING OF RHEWL QUARRY. A letter dated February lOth was read from Mr. ThomaB Browne, Chester, stating that he had the Rhewl Quarry railed in as pointed out by the Council's Surveyor, when he first visited the place, and thought that would have settled the matter. On the receipt of the Council's leiter, dated the 18th January, enclosing the Surveyor^ report, a man was sent over to Rhewl, a.nd he ascertained from the man in charge of the quarry that he wanted the fence carried on about 100 yards along the wood, where he (Mr. Browne) had never touched, and which had been standing as it was now for years before he went near the place. However, he was willing to do this to save any bother, and had at once ordered rails tnd posts for same. His men were now patting up the fence. Replying to the Chairman, the Surveyor (Mr. Evans) said he was at the quarry on the previous Tuesday, and found that nothing had been done. The subject was adjourned for a month. THE NANTYNE WATER SCHEME. As instructed at the last meeting, the Sur- veyor (Mr. E. Evans) submitted a schedule of owners and occupiers excercising rights of common on Llangynliafal and Llanbedr Com- mon Lands. The Deputy Clerk (Mr. T. G. Jones) explain- ed that a committee had already been appointed to deal with this question, and that the proper course would be to submit the schedule to this committee. Mr. Henry Williams pioposed, and Mr. John Garner seconded, that the Clerk be instructed to give formal notice to all those included in the list, to the effect that the Council intended to proceed with the scheme. The motion was agreed to. Mr. John Garner complained that a great deal of time was wasted in connection with this matter, and that something should be done without delay. The Chairman It has been before us for the last 15 years Mr. Daniel said that every important scheme took a great deal of time to consider and to be carried out. Mr. T. H. Roberts remarked that the ex- pense of this scheme would fall very heavy on the residents of the district concerned, and the question was therefore worthy of very serious consideration. He would propose that the Clerk be instructed to prepare a schedule, showing what amount will each house using the water have to pay. He (Mr. Roberts) had gone into the matter, and found that for the first and second year, the principal and interest would amount to about 5s. 3d. or 5s. 6d. in the £ on the rateable value. The Chairman said that according to a calcu- lation which be himself had made, the cost of the water would only be about 2d. per week on cottages. Mr. T. H. Roberts said if the expense proved to be very heavy, he would prefer that Llan- dyrnog be left out of the scheme. He should also like to know from the Clerk at a future [ meeting what proportion of the cost would each consumer of the water have to pay. He be- lieved that if the cost would be very great, Llandyrnog would rather go in for a scheme 91 its own, if compelled to do so. Mr. Henry Williams thought tb"t Local Go. vernment Board would not sanction a small scheme to include Llanychan and Llangynhafal, knowing at the time that Llandyrnog was also in want of water. Mr. Garner proposed that the Clerk should prepare a schedule showing the cost of the scheme to the consumers in Llandyrnog alone. Mr. T. H. Roberts, in seconding, said that when the schedule was prepared by the Clerk he would call the Parish Council of Llandyrnog to consider the matter, and suggested that Mr. Thomas Jones should do the same in Llanynys. The Chairman said that Llanychan and Llan gynhafal had approved of the scheme, and that it was unnecessary to do amy thing further in the matter. The motion was then agree to. MELINYWIG WATER SUPPLY. A letter was. read from the Clerk of the Edeyrnion District Council, stating that it was the intention of his Council to spend the sum of £ 7 on the construction of a water tank at Melinywig, and wished to know whether the Ruthin Council would pay a proportion—say one-third of the expense, which would be a fair arrangement for each side. After a brief discussion, it was decided to leave the letter on the table. LLANFERRES WATER SUPPLY. It was reported that Mr. Algernon Potts in- tended to carry out, at his own expense, a scheme to supply the above places with water, and that he wished to know whether the Coun- cil would approve of it. The Surveyor (Mr. William Jones) having re- ported favourably on the scheme, the Council gave it their approval. THE ENCLOSURE OF COMMON LANDS. A letter was read from Mr. John Roberts, Bathafarn, with reference to the enclosure of common lands in the parish of Llanarmon, and asking the Council to take some action in the matter. Mr. Roberts, who was at the time present in the room, was asked to give further explana. tion, and stated that the parish records now in the custody of the Clerk of the Peace, showed that two pieces of land in the parish of Llanar- mon, which belonged to the parish of Llanfair, D, C., had been enclosed many years ago, and now formed a part of the Rhagatt estate, the owner of which was Mr. E. 0. V. Lloyd. The land in question was about 14 acres in extent, and rented at 10s per acre per annum. The land was in an excellent state of cultivation. He (Mr. Roberts) found that Lord Mostyn acted very generously in this matter, and was trans- ferring to the proper owners all lands enclos ed on his estate (hear, hear). He had no doubt that Mr. Lloyd, of Rhagatt, who was a most generous and kind-hearted gentleman, would take similar steps in the present case, if the Council made a representation to him on the subject. Mr. T. H. Roberts pointed out that when a matter of a similar character was brought be- fore the Council some months ago, the Clerk then stated that the Parish Council was the proper authority to move in the matter. Mr. John Roberts: Bnr, the Parish Council of Llanfair do not move, although they are well aware that the enclosed lands are commons be longing to their own parish, and they cost about £ 7 per annum through this inactivity. Mr, John Garner said the Parish Council of Llanfair was not aware of all the circumstances of the case, and that was the reason why they took no action. They were in the darkness. Mr. John Roberts: They ought not to be in the darkness, as all information with regard to the land is given in the blue books and the parish awards. Mr. John Garner, who is a member of the Parish Council, promised to bring the matter forward at their next meeting, and Mr. John Roberts expressed himself as satisfied. SYMPATHY WITH THE CHAIRMAN AND CLERK. On the motion of Mr. E. R. Evans, a vote of sympathy was passed with the Chairman and Clerk in their illness. We understand that this was the first meet- ing for the last 16 years at which the Clerk was unable to attend. THE 'TIED HOUSE' QUESTION. THE SALE OF INFERIOR DRINK. Mr. John Garner proposed that a petition be sent by the Council to all county magistrates agaiast granting licenses to all tied houses in the district, such petition to be drawn up by the Clerk,' and signed by the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, and the Clerk on behalf of the Council. In support of his resolution, Mr. Gar- ner said that the Council represented a district whose population numbered 13.000, and it was their duty, as sanitary authority, to look after all matters that appertained to the health, com- fort, and prosperity of the district (hear, hear). The drink traffic not only impoverised the people, but caused a great deal of other dis- comforts, which had a. tendency to spread disease in the country. There was another reason why licenses should not be granted to tied houses, viz., that the tenants were com- pelled to sell drink of an inferior quality. The beerandliors disposed of at some public- houses, which he could name, was undoubtedly a source of danger to the public health and this, in his opinion, was a strong reason why the District Council, as sanitary authority, should make a representation to the magistrates on the subject (hear, hear). The tenants of tied houses were nothing less than slaves to the brewers. Mr. R. Rogers Jones said that the resolution did not, in his opinion, go to the root of the evil. If tied houses were done away with, it would simply mean that the trade would go ito other houses. It Mr. Garner would propose a resolution in favour of petitioning Parliament to dp away with the drink traffic altogether, he would second it. Mr. Henry Williams said he sympathised with Mr. Garner, and would like to see some- thing done to reduce the evil. But he was afraid that the only action which the magis- trates would take in the matter would be to Eomt out that the police, under the Food and •rugs Adulteration Act, already had power to visit public houses, and to secure samples of the drink supplied for analysis. Should the articles so supplied be of an inferior quality, prosecu- tion would follow. The probability is, that the county magistrates will ignore their petition if sent in the form suggested by the proposer. The Chairman of the Council was already a county magistrates, and he would suggest that he be requested to take charge of the matter, and to mention it to his colleagues. Mr. Evan Davies said he could not go to the extreme of petitioning for the removal of all public houses, as suggested by Mr. R. Rogers Jones. A public house was a rE 801 necessity, but if the stuff supplied in these houses was of an inferior quality, and unfit to drink, to whom were the people of the country to look except to their representatives on public bodies (hear, hear). In his opinion, it was a matter which the Council should take in hand. Mr. Henry Williams pointed out that the report of the Royal Commission on Licens- ing would be issued before long, and it was the general belief that the Commissioners would recommend the granting of some measure of local option to the ratepayers or the country, and perhaps it would be well to leave the sub- ject in abeyance until the publication of this report. Mr. Evan Davies said that when the large brewery firms first took possession of public houses, the beer and liquors supplied were generally of very good quality; but in the course of time, the inevitable change took place, and if there happened to be no other house within reasonable distance, the drink re- tailed at these tied houses was, in most cases, totally unfit for consumption (hear, hear). Mr. Garner said he had no objection to the acquisition of public houses by brewers, if they acted fairly towards their tenants. At present, tenants were compelled to sell beer of such an inferior quality that the public would have none of it, and then, the poor tenant, if he dared to take in the stuff of any ocher firm, would be unceremoniously bundled out to the street. Mr, W. G> Richards said ther§ j gefiiM,! complaint in the country as to the inferior quality of the drinks retailed at tied houses, and he thought if the Council would petition the magistrates to draw the chief constable's attention to the question, it would answer the pttrpdsg better than to ask the magistrates not to grant licenses to tied houses. v Mr. Garner said that a resolution to this effect would meet his view, provided that the magistrates should, before granting licensed, ask for the production of the agreements be- tween the brewers and the tenants. It was ultimately decided that the magis- trates be asked to call the attention of the police to the matter, with a requisition that they take steps to enforce the Act of Parlia- ment already in existence.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the above Board was held on Monday. Mr. Henry Williams presided, and in addition to the District Coun- cillors, the members present were: Mrs. Ed- ward Roberts, Mr. John Roberts; and Mr»— John Foulkes. PAY STATION AT LLANFAIR. Mr. John Garner called attention to the fact that a great deal of inconvenience was caused to the paupers at Graig Fechan owing to their relief being paid at the Llanfair pay station. There were in the parish 15 paupers, and out of this number, 11 resided at Graig Feehan and only 4 in Llanfair itself. He would propose that the relief be left for those people at Graig Fechan, and not at Llanfair. Mr. Richards said that Mr. Garner had made a very good case in favour of his resolution. After some discussion, however, the Board agreed to adjourn the matter until the next meeting. THE HOUSE. The Master reported that the number of paupers in the House was 80, as against 81 the same period last year. The number of vagrants relieved during the fortnight was 51, an in- crease of S. RELIGIOUS SERVICES IN THE HOUSE. SEVERE STRICTURES UPON CLERGY AND MINISTERS. Mr. T. H. Roberts, who held one of the minute books of the House in his hand, said he was very sorry to find that practically no reli- gious services were at present held in the Workhouse, and he could not help thinking that this showed almost an unpardonable care- lessness on the part of the clergy and ministers of Ruthin. There was in the book which he held in his hand an entry dated, the 1st of January, stating that the Rev. E. James held services in the House on that date. No service had been held since then until the 22nd of Januarv, and the Rev. D. Jones officiated. The only other minister who had visited the House since Christmas was the Rev. Evan Stephens, who paid a visit to the sick. These were all the visits paid to the House by minis- ters of religion since Christmas last. He was aware that an arrangement had been entered into with the clergy and ministers resident in Ruthin, whereby the latter were to officiate al. ternately at the House, but it seemed that the arrangement was not carried into effect. He was astonished to find that the clergymen of the Church of England, who lived on the fat of the land (laughter)—the tithe—had not once visited the Workhouse during the period men- tioned. This was a very serious matter, and indeed, it was disgraceful that old people should be locked up in the Workhouse and nobody ministering to their moral and religious wel- fare. Not only were the services neglected, but the sick and infirm were practically not visited at all. In his opinion, such conduct on the part of ministers of religion was a dis- grace. Replying to a question, the Master said that anlarrangement had been entered into with the clergy and ministers of different denomina- tions to hold services at 9 15 every Sunday morning in their turns, and also a similar ar. rangement had been made with the deacons of the various chapels to visit the sick during week days. This arrangement worked very well for a time, but had since fallen through. He always took the precaution on Saturday nights to remind the minister supposed to at- tend on the following Sunday morning of the service, but he was sorry to say that this did not on all occasions succeed in getting the minister to attend. Mr. T. H. Roberts: I give notice that we shall consider this matter at our next meeting, and to look very carefully into the list of at- tendances of ministers, &c., for last year, and unless an improvement took place I will pro- pose that a chaplain be appointed. Mr. Garner I think that suggestion in favour of appointing a chaplain a very good one. Mr. T. H. Roberts I say it is a disgrace to the Warden of Ruthin and his curates, who are receiving their hundreds of pounds per annum. If it happened to be a paid post, these people would have fought for it (laughter). Mr. John Foulkes said he was very glad that Mr. Roberts had called the attention of the Board to this matter, as paupers in the House should not be left without religious services. Evidently the arrangement entered into with the ministers had fallen through. Mr. W. E. Richards said he also considered this a very serious indictment against the clergy and ministers of Ruthin, and proposed that the attention of those people should be drawn to the cause of complaint with a view to an improvement. Unless such an improvement

tl>» erwards, and blew ib out, and pulled at Jo could not get it out. Morris 9i-<fe8 the wick and threw it on the i un<i- They then lifted the lamp out of the e °d to the stage. Afterwards on the same dv?' ?^ness and the detective went to Gwern- TC and saw the defendant Morris Jones, statement made by defendant Evan Owen ca y explained to him, and after being _jlQi«°ned he said I did not touch the lamp at Jjl did pull the signal wire.' Ahomas Plumb stated he was a detective in employ of the Great Western Railway J^pany, and lived at Chester. On the 23rd ecember, he came to Bala, and accompanied |i Roberts to defendant Owen. He ■ 'r°borated the Inspector's evidence. It. was ■ ^Hgerous proceeding to tamper with the i ^gnals. F nl^0^ defendants in answer to the charge Pjeaded not guilty, and elected to be dealt with Qlomarily. .»?^e justices retired to consider the case, and a somewhat lengthy deliberation returned t, the chairman addressing defendant said on may think we have been long considering jour case, it is not so, we wern unanimous in .^hng both of you guilty. We have been con- quering for some time what punishment to Sive you, we think that a punishment of a thrashing would do you the most good, "fortunately owing to your age the bench are °t empowered to make this order, therefore 'WO have to punish you in some other form. ^«e decision of the court is that you are lined each including costs. We should like to f^ve made the fine much heavier were it not «ati we know you are of poor circumstances. *you do not find the money, you will have to to gaol for one month. We give you a "tooth within which to pay.' — .—' 0 .——-