The North Wales Times

LLAN SANNAN. PARISH COUNCIL. .In our report oi the election of the above, name of Mr. Thomas Lloyd, Pendref, ji&s been inserted as having been elected, ir wrong. The name should have been Peter Roberts, Plas Bigot. k

CARNARVONSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL AND THE NORTH WALES LUNATIC ASYLUM. At a meeting of the above Council, held on Thursday, a long and animated discussion took place on two questions relating to the Joint Counties' Asylum at Denbigh. It transpired that the Asylum Authorities and the Denbigh Town Council are at variance with regard to the disposal of the asylum sewage. At present, the asylum sewage empties into a field leased for that purpose. The lease is now on the point of expiring. The Denbigh Town Coun- cil, in drafting their own borough sewerage scheme, had not made provision for the future disposal of the asylum sewage. The Asylum Authorities had appealed to the Local Govern- ment Board to declare the Town Council to be in default, and to issue an order compelling them to make the necessary provision but the Local Government Board seemed disinclined to take this step. The Denbighshire County Council had already passed a resolution sup- porting the asylum, and urging the Local Go- vernment Board to compel the Denbigh Town Council to do what was required Mr. J. T. Roberts, a member of the visiting committee, explained, in addition to the fore- goingfacts, that the Asylum Authoritiesalreadv contributed one tenth of the whole of the local rates of the borough of Denbigh, and when the asylum extensions had been completed, would have to contribute one seventh of the total local rates. For this enormous contribution, they had got absolutely nothing from the Denbigh local authorities, and all they now asked for was that the Town Council should extend their main sewer to a point where it could be con nected with the asylum drainage system. It was unanimously resolved to make a strong representation to the Local Government Board on the matter. The Committee of Visitors further asked the approval of the Council for the proposed light- ing of the asylum by electricity at an estimated cost of £ 4,642. Mr. J. T. Roberts explained that the present gasworks which supplied illuminating power for the asylum were 40 years old, out of date, and totally inadequate for the purposes of the present building. In any case, the building, old and new, must be lighted; if by gas, the old plant would have to be done away with, and a new plant of a modern character obtained to replace it. The original estimate for the electric installation was E6,000, but this had now been reduced to the figure named. Mr. Issard Davies wanted to know what the total expenditure on the new buildings was expected to be. When the matter came origi nally before the Council, the estimate was, he thought 940,000, but now he was assured it was already over £100,000. Mr. J. T. Roberts said the original estimate was 976,009, and a portion of the work covered by the estimate had already been contracted tor at 9-50,000. He might say there was some dispute between the committee and the archi- tect on the matter, and the architect would be invited to explain to the committee how certain important items were not included in the con- tract, and there would be a special meeting of the committee on Monday next to consider tho matter. The Vice-chairman said that he thought he was within the mark in saying that the total expenditure originally estimated at £ 76,000 would not fall far shurt of 9130,000. Replying to further questions, Mr. J. T. Roberts said the quota of Carnarvonshire for this electric installation would be £ 1,362. Mr. Robert Thomas, Criccieth, said the extensions at DSfibigh were likely to cost Carnarvonshire in the long run more than if they had built an asylum separately for the county (hear, hear). He could not approve of this or any other request for money until they had before them precise figures of completed estimates of expenditure (hear, hear). He knew of nothing except, perhaps, the Manchester Ship Canal—(laughter)—to compare with the asylum in making endless drains upon financial resoiirces- drains which had never been contemplated when the thing was first mooted. He moved that the whole matter be deferred until they had fuller information as to thfl further expenditure likely to be required. Mr. J. T. Roberts thought a portion at least of the estimated expenditure would be recouped. For instance, the Denbigh Town Council would have to supply the sewage system; and the asylum authorities would probably be called upon to supply the town of Denbigh with water, as the resources of the present Denbigh Waterworks Company were inadequate to meet the existing demand, while the asylum waterworks had an over abund- ance. The Vice chairman, while agreeing with Mr. Robert Thomas, thought they had no alterna- tive but to make the best of a bad bargain- though he admitted it was a very bad bargain indeed. But the Carnarvonshire members of the committee were out-voted on every point by the representatives of the other counties. 'Mr. C. A. Jones, in seconding Mr. R. Thomas' amendment, said the whole thing had been conducted in a most unbusinesslike man- ner. It seemed that in the original estimates the most important matters had been over looked. The waterworks had been forgotten, so had the drainage, and here again was the illumination. All these things were sprung upon them, and for his part he was not pre. pared to allow the county to. be repeatedly mulcted in this way in thousands of pounds, without any notice or any opportunity of pro perly considering the matter. Several other members took part in the dis- cussion, and ultimately the original motion was carried by a narrow majority of three votes. Mr. Robert Thomas then moved that the council ask the asylum authorities to furnish them forthwith with a detailed statement of the proposed and estimated further expendi- ture, and this was unanimously agreed to.

THE FLINTSHIRE BAPTIST UNION. The bi-monthly meeting was held at Mold on Monday, the 6th inst., the Rev. E. T. Davies, Rhyl, presiding. Prayer was offered, and the minutes of the previous meeting were con- firmed. Delegates were appointed to visit the churches who receive support from the Home Mission Fund. A vote of sympathy was passed with Mr. A. Adams, the vice-president, in his long and serious illness. Arrangements were made for the musical festival, which is to be held at St. Asaph in June. Soloists were selected. The Revs. B. Evans and T. Shankland were entrusted with railway arrangements, and the friends at St. Asaph to complete the local matters. The Revs. E. T. Davies and O. M. Owen were selected to preach at the next meeting, at Hal- kyn, in May. The Rev. T. Shankland read a very valuable and interesting paper on the History of the Baptists of Flintshire.' The writer confined himself to the Mold neighbourhood, and some remarkable facts were read, showing the early relation of some of the notable families of the district to the Baptists, especially Mr. Thomas Edwards, J.P., of Rhaal, Mold, who was born 250 years ago next October, a gentleman of great learning, and.occupying high positions in the country, a faithful Baptist in a time of much hardship. He built the Baptistery in Rhual Park. He published a book which occa- sioned a great stir at the time. The title of the book is I Baxterianism barefaced.' It seems that some noted Baptist ministers have preached at Rhual from time to time. After the conference, the delegates were en tertained at the Maelor Dining Rooms, Wrex- ham Street. In the evening, an instructive lecture was delivered by the Rev. B. Evans, Rhuddlan, on The Baptists and the rise of Nonconformity in Wales.'

PETTY SESSIONS. Monday.—Before Messrs. E. H. Wain, B. E. Phillips, and W. Catherall. LICENSING. Alfred Jones was granted temporary au- thority to sell at the White Horse, Cilcen., HELPLESSLY DRUNK. Joseph Clifford, hawker, was summoned for drunkenness. Sergeant Langdon stated that the defendant was so drunk at Buckley, on the 10th inst., that he had to lock him up. Defen- dant was in charge of a horse and cart. Fined 2s. 6d. and costs. ALLEGED DAMAGE TO A CLOCK. W. Baker, a young man residing in Maesydre, summoned his stepfather, Thomas Larkin, Hen- ffordd, for malicious damages to a clock, valued at £ 2 2s. Mr. G- H. Simon was for the defendant. The complainant stated that the defendant was his stepfather. Some years ago, he (wit. ness) bought a clock which he left in his mother's house. He afterwards gave the de- fendant the use of the clock until he got an. other one. J. Baker, defendant's brother, stated he heard the clock falling one morning, and when he came downstairs it was broken on the kit- chen floor. Larkin and another man had gone out of the house. After the smash, the defen- dant came to witness and. said to him, I Now fetch your brother to take the clock away.' The case was adjourned for further evidence.

KETTLE CALLING THE PAN BLACK. SCENE IN COURT. At the Petty Sessions, on Monday last, a number of summonses were down for hearing, brought by the Mold Urban Council against several property owners for infringement of the Public Health Act. Upon the cases being called, Mr. Richard Edwards (Surveyor to the Council) asked for an adjournment, inasmuch as the Clerk to the Council was not present, and he (the Surveyor) was not prepared to go on with the cases. Mr. W. H. Churton stated he would only consent to adjournment on the condition that he was paid five guineas, the amount of fees which his clients had paid him, for appearing there that day. He represented Mr. T. Lewis and Mr. T. Price, and it was unfair that they should be the sufferers for no fault of their own. It was a serious matter for them to be proceeded against in that way, and they had received no intimation whatever that such an application would be made. Mr. J. B. Marston remarked that he appeared for two parties, namely, the West Cheshire Brewery Co. and Mr. J. E. Davies, auctioneer. He had had no notice whatever of this applica- tion, and he must, therefore, ask for costs in case of adjournment. He was prepared to go on with his part of the case. With regard to the case against the Brewery, he understood that it had been withdrawn, but he did not know why. The Chairman (to Mr. Richard Edwards): Is not your Clerk here? Mr. Edwards No, sir, he is not. The Chairman W here is he 1 Mr. Edwards He has gone away somewhere. The Chairman: 'Somewhere' may be any- where. Mr. Edwards I believe he has gone to Hull. The Chairman Did you not know about this before ? Mr. Edwards: I was told about 11 o'clock on Friday evening. The Chairman Well, this is extraordinary. Mr. Phillips: It is absurd in the extreme. The Chairman (to the Surveyor): Well, then, where are the members of the Council? Mr. Edwards: There are four of them here now, if we had another one, we would have a quorum (laughter). Mr. Simon thought that the Surveyor was responsible for this. He had known since Friday-practically 48 hours previous-about this, and had fostered it up, and come to the court without doing anything in the matter. The bench then consulted together, after which the Chairman remarked that they would adjourn all the cases, and allow Mr. Churton and Mr. Marston one guinea for each of the cases in which they were acting. The cases were then adjourned till the 10th of April. The prosecutions were to be watched with great interest, inasmuch as two of the defen- dants in the cases as members of the Council themselves.

FLINTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL. A quarterly meeting of the Flintshire County Council was held at the Town Hall, on Thurs- day last, when there were present, Councillor Thomas Parry (presiding), Alderman W. Elwy Williams, Dr. Easterby, P. P. Pennant, G. A. Pairy, M. A. Ralli, Peter Jones, Joseph Hall, H. Lloyd Jones, J. Herbert Lewis, M.P. Councillors Lord Mostvnj Col. Howard, Edwin Morgan, H. A. Cope, Robert Podmore, J. H. Warburton Lee, William Prince, F. J. Gamlin, H. G. Roberts, Samuel Davies, R. Llew Jones, H. Lester Smith, James Prince, R. J. Jones, Dr. J. H. Williams, G. H. Alletson, Edward Pierce, Charles Davison, T. W. Hughes, W. Lloyd, B. E. Phillips, E. Sydney Taylor, Urias Bromley, J. K. Evans, C. W. Jones, R. Brom- ley, J. Smallwood, Samuel Perks, Horace May- hew, Roland Jones, John Bellis, John Jones, J. P. Jones, W. Williams, H. J. Roberts, R. C. Enyon, J. Roberts (Wellhouse), and Major Lloyd. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. I Lord Kenyon stated the first business was to elect their chairman for the ensuing year. Councillor W. Elwy Williams stated that it had been the rule hitherto to change their chairman annually, and until there was another understanding, he assumed that they would stick to that course that day, and ele- vate the Vice-chairman to the position of the Chairman of the Council. He had therefore very great pleasure in proposing that Mr. Councillor Thomas Parry, Mold, be elected chairman for the ensuing year (hear, hear). Mr. Parry had been in the office of Vice-chair, man for twelve months, and had therefore been serving his time, so to speak, for the office of chairman. Lord Kenyon remarked that it would be better for him as chairman of the Council for the past twelve months, to second th'\t proposi- tion. He would prefer seconding that motion than allow anyone else to do so (hear, hear). He however could not admit the wisdom of the Council changing its chairman every year (hear hear), but at the same time he should be sorry to put himself forward as a person to occupy the chair for a longer period, still he hoped the Council might consider the claims of Mr. Parry to occupy the chaii for a longer period than twelve months (hear, hear). He had had the opportunity of fully seeing Mti. Parry's abilities, an t he had proved himself to be a capable gentleman, and particularly as chair- man of the Finance Committee (hear, hear) He trusted for the sake of continuity, and the advance of business, they would consider very carefully whether they would adopt that method of changing the chairman every year. He (Lord Kenyon) did not wish to put himself for- ward, but he hoped it would be considered on a future occasion. The motion was put to the meeting, and Lord Kenyon declared Mr. Councillor Parry unani- mously elected chairman for the ensuing year. Mr. Parry, in taking the chair, stated that the Council had given him the greatest honour they could confer upon anyone. He assured them he valued highly the appointment, and particularly he dd so because it had been made unanimously. He might therefore venture to hope and believe that he had, to some extent, gained this confidence. He tendered to the Council his sincerest heartfelt thanks, and he wonld do his utmost do fulfil the duties of the appointment in a manner so as to justify the confidence of the Council. Alluding to the proceedings of the County Council work, he said that County Councils had done great work in the past. They are destined to do much greater, and far more important work in the future the machinery becoming more perfect. Each Council, year after year, is gradually, but surely growing better able to deal more expepitiously, and more effectively with the business entrusted to it. This Council had done excellent work in many ways. All would admit that the main roads in the county of Flint had greatly improved in many parts- they were in splendid condition. It was true that their expense" had been growing rather alarmingly of late. It could all be amply ac- counted for. To get anything done well, it must entail cost the old adage I cheap and nasty' was only too true. Still now that they had the roads and other matters so much im- proved, it was high time to keep even a more watchful eye, and even a stronger grip on the expenses of the different committees. He earnestly trusted that each department would be most careful in not under any circumstances exceed the estimates, and certainly not with- out the special permission of the Council. This was the only way to satisfactorily control the finances, and he was sure that if each com- mittee and each department would give the different matters special and close attention, they could effect a decrease in the rates, which would be appreciated by the ratepayers, and be satisfactory to all. With regard to the Queen's Ferry Bridge, or the Victoria Jubilee Bridge, it was very satisfactory that they had it on the authority of all concerned that the new bridge had stood the most severe tests during the re- cent extraordinary heavy gales and storms, without showing the slightest signs of any failure in any part. The increasing traffic over it, proved that the bridge was a great boon, and it would, he believed, be a great benefit to Flintshire. The cost had much exceeded the estimate, owing to several reasons. It was, however, not quite as bad as it might appear. They were now seeking powers to borrow a sum not exceeding £10,000, but the actual amount required to pay all the amounts in con- nection with the building of the bridge, and also to provide for the building of cottages for the workmen, were £2,500 or £ 3,000. £ 4,000 of the amount proposed to be borrowed was to be placed to an account in repayment of a simi- lar sum received in respect of the Sealand roads, and both the capital and interest on that amount would be dealt with hereafter, as the Council would decide, but for the benefit of the main roads, and consequently in reduction of the rates. The conversion of the Barracks into Council Chambers and Offices was rapidly nearing a completion and he hoped, during his term of office, to see the Council comfort- ably housed in its own premises (hear, hear). Mr. Parry, having again thanked the meeting, resumed his seat amidst applause. Alderman J. Herbert Lewis moved that the heartiest thanks of the Council be accorded Lord Kenyon for his admirable conduct in the chair during the year (applause). He was sure that they must all have felt that Lord Kenyon had filled that position with conspicuous dignity and ability (hear, hear). Lord Kenyon had made for himself a repatation as a member of the Welsh Land Commission, and they had all felt proud of him as a Flintshire man ever since (hear, hear). Alderman Pennast seconded, and the Chair- man supported the proposition, which was car- ried with applause. Lord Kenyon suitably returned thanks. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN. Alderman Dr. Easterby named that Alderman William Davies, Caergwrle, be appointed vice- chairman for the ensuing year, and Peter Jones seconded. The motion was unanimously agreed to, and Alderman Davies expressed his thanks. POLITICAL COLOUR IN THE COUNCIL. The meeting afterwards proceeded to appoint the various committees. Alderman Joseph Hall proposed, and Alder- man William Davies seconded the j e election of the Police Committee, witht he exception that the name of Council Edward Pierce, Tre- logan, be inserted instead of the name of Councillor R. J. Jones, Bagillt. Alderman Pennant s-tid he hoped that in the appointment of the committees they would dis- regard politics, and go in for qualities. He had not a word to say about the gentleman whose name had been suggested, but be hoped they would adopt a similar arrangement to that of the Magistrates at the Quarter Sessions. There were surely other good and suitable persons who might be put on the committee, of another colour. He proposed that Mr. Lester Smith be elected to fill the vacancy that had occurred on the Police Committee. Councillor F. J. Gamlin seconded the amend- ment. He protested against twelve persons all of one colour being appointed on that com- mittee. Councillor R. Ll. Jones said with reference to the remarks made by Mr. Pennant as to what had taken place at the Quarter Sessions, that it had been done by a kind of fluke. Mr. Pennant: No, no. Mr. Jones: 1 beg your pardon, you shall have an opportunity to reply to me. I say that Mr. Reney was elected a representative from the Quarter Sessions on the Police Com- mittee. Proceeding Mr. Jones said if he remem- bered rightly, he believed Mr. Pennant proposed that Mr. Charles Davison be elected from the Quarter Sessions from the district of Connah's Quay, Mr. Davison felt unequal to the task, and proposed Mr. Reney Mr. Ll. Eaton, Mold, who was there then as Chairman of the Mold Urban Council, immed- iately seconded, otherwise he did not know exactly whether Mr. Reney would have been elected. Councillor J. J. Jones Before the confirma- tion of this Council is carried, I should like to ask if this Council has any jurisdiction over the proceedings of the Standing Joint Police Committee ? The Chairman Not as a whole, but over the members they appoint from here. Mr. Jones: It appears they have decided to increase the force by four men (cries of order'). The impression in the County is that this Council is responsible for, or may reject the resolutions passed by the Police Committee. All I want is to make it clear that whatever the committee does, and whatever they decide, that we have no voice in it except now, and that the gentlemen now proposed on the com- mittee, will undertake to rescind th-at order (cries of order '). The Chairman You are out of order. Councillor W. Elwy Williams said that the Council was able to refuse to pay. He never knew until now, that Mr. Lester Smith was a Tory. The veil had been lifted and he (Mr. Williams) would know in the future how to deal with Mr. Smith (laughter). Councillor Bromley asked what was the concession that had been made by the Quarter Session, so that they might follow the example ? Mr. Pennant: I Concession' is scarcely the right term. What happened at the Quarter Sessions was this, a vacancy occurred, and the Quarter Sessions, appointed the best man with- out looking for 'colour.' Mr. Bromley A very good idea. Mr. Pennant They put polities outside absolutely, and looked out for quality. A vote was then taken when Mr. Pierce was elected by a majority of 25 to 17. Alderman J. H. Lewis asked what was the estimate of the cost to the County of the pro- posed increase in the police force, and whether comparison had been made of area,:and popula- tion between Flintshire and other counties? Councillor J. P. Jones asked if any repres- entations or petitions had been received against the increase? Major Webber (Chief Constable) In reply to Mr. Lewis stated that the whole cost per annum would be £ 130 to £ 150, speaking roughly. Councillor J. P. Jones To save expense, I would move that the minutes of the Police Committee as we have nothing to do with it, be not? pwnted, and so save the farce of bringing them Iletre. The Chnwman: That matter was brought before the Council years ago. I am sure it will not be passed. Really we want to know what the Council is doing, at all events. The matter dropped. The County Rate Assessment Committee recommended a revised basis of the county rate for adoption, affecting the Unions of Holywell, St. Asaph, Ellesmere, Hawarden, and Whit- church. A penny in the pound on the present assessable value produces £1,533 4s., and on the proposed new basis f,1,644 13s. 3d. Consider- able discussion prevailed in reference to the proposal, and an amendment that the minutes be referred back was lost, the scheme being adopted by a large majority. Mr. Pennant proposed, and Dr. Easterby seconded—'That the Council approve the action of the Committee of Visitors of the North Wales Counties Lunatic Asylum, requesting the Denbigh Town Council to make provision for receiving and disposing of the asylum sewage in accordance with their legal obligations, and as a fair and just return for the sanitary rates they receive from the asylum who are by far the largest contributors in the whole borough.' Mr. Prince (Connah's Quay) thought it would not be fair to put the responsibility on a small town like Denbigh, and that the cost should be borne by the five counties. The resolution was carried. Other routine business was transacted.

NANTGLYN. PLOUGHING MATCH. On Friday, a ploughing match was held in a field at Pen-y-bwlch farm. The event as usual caused considerable interest among farmers, and farm labourers. The adjudica- tors were Mr. Henry Vaughan, Bryncocyn, Llannefydd. Mr. Evan Roberts, Tryfan, Llannefydd, and Mr. John Davies, Groes. There was only one class, and the awards were made as follows:—1st, John Lloyd Evans, Glasmor, Nantglyn, who used a plough made by Mr. William Hughes, smith, Llannefydd. 2nd, Evan Evans, Plas Pantwn, Bylchau, plough made at Cadeg smithy, Llansannan. 3rd, David William Davies, Cefndu, Llannefydd, plough made at Llannefydd smithy. 4th, John Jones Penparcllwyd, Henllan. 5th, John Jones, Bryn Robin, Groes, plough made at Denbigh l Foundry. 6th, William Williams, Nant Ucha, Groes, plough made at Llannefydd smithy.

CLWYD AND ELWY CONSERVANCY BOARD. ALLEGED POLLUTION OF THE ELWY. On Mor day, a special meeting of the Clwyd and Elwy Conservancy Board was held at St. Asaph, to consider the case of the alleged pollution of the river Elwy at Llanfair Talhaiarn. Dr. Easterby presided, and there were present, Messrs. Rigby, Watts, Preston, Ellis Williams, Robert Jones, Robert Jolley, and Fred Wallis, clerk. River watcher Deed produced a sample of water taken from the river, and it pre- sented a milk-like appearance. The Chairman said that he also had taken a sample of the water and had it analysed at Denbigh The analyist said he could not find any lead in the water, but the matter in solution would get into the gills of the fish, stop respiration, and they would eventually die. He suggested that they should pass a resolution and send it to the owners of the mines, condemning theiraction in allowing the effluent from the mines to pollute the water of the river, and reques- ting them to abate the nuisance. The Clerk at the request of the board, re- ferred to the Act of Parliament on the question, and The Chairman suggested that steps be taken at once in the matter. Mr. Robert Jones drew attention to the fact that the County Council were dealing with the pollution of rivers in Flintshire, and no doubt the chairman -of the General Pur- poses Committee would give them every information. Mr. Rigby said they had to consider whether any fish were being destroyed in the river. I Mr.Watts referred to an article in thepield, in which it was stated that fish taken from polluted streams were so impregnated with sewage, that they crumbled to pieces like biscuits. Mr. Deed, the river watcher, said that he bad not seen any dead fish yet. But he could not say what there might be in the deep pools, owing to the floods. The river presented the colour of milk, but the lower it got it became more diluted, because of the fresh water from tributaries. Mr. Jolley suggested that a sample of the water be sent to Professor Hardman for analysis. Mr. Deed said that farmers complained of the condition of the river, and would net allow their cattle to drink out of it. The river had only been in this condition recently. After some further conversation, it was decided that the clerk and river watcher Deed, should take a sample of the water to send to Professor Hardman, and to give notice to the owners of the mines of their intention, when they arrived on the spot.

RHYL. "r.r-r-j-- ST. PATRICK'S DINNER. On Thursday evening, a large party as- sembled at Costigan's Railway Refreshment Rooms, to celebrate the anniversary of the patron saint of Ireland. Mr. J. A. Mulligan presided, and the vice-chair was occupied by Capt. Gribbin, and supporting them were a large number of Irishmen, together with Welsh and English friends. Misa Matthews prepared a most recherche repast, consisting of oxtail soup, cod and oyster sauce, lamb cutlets and tomatoes, roast beef, boiled leg of mutton, roast mutton, fillet of veal and ham, roast chicken, sweets, desert, &c. After the cloth was cleared, a toast list was disposed of, the principal toast, of course, being that of Immortal memory of Saint Patrick.' During the evening, sougs were given by several friends, and a very pleasant time was spent. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION. In the East Ward five candidates were nominated for two seats, but three, Dr. Thomas, Mr. J. D. Jones, and Mr. Thomas Smith, Ty'n Rhyl, withdrew, leaving Mr. A. L. Clews, and Mr. P. Mostyn Williams the retiring members to be re-elected with- out opposition. In the West Ward seven candidates were proposed for two seats, viz., Messrs. E, P. Jones (retiring member), John Frimston, D. R. Jones, Adolph Henkel, F. J. Gamlin, C. W. Berrie, and T. W. Jones. The three last named withdrew, and the four other gentlemen will enter the lists.. For the South Ward there 'were original seven candidates proposed, but Messrs. W Williams, Summerfield (one of the retiring members), Thomas Smith, and Charles Hubbard, withdrew, leaving Messrs. Robert Jones (retiring member), J. W. Jones, Wil. liam Pickersgill, and William Davies, to go to the poll for the two vacant seats. The polrtakes place on Monday, the 27th inst.

ST. ASAPH. THE NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO CHILDREN. The annual meeting of the above was held on Thursday, but our report is un- avoidably held over till next week. DEATH OF MR. JOHN BRISCOE. On Wednesday, Mr. John Briscoe, a well- known Liverpool cotton broker, died at his Welsh residence, Wigfair Isaf, after a long illness. Deceased, who was fifty-seven years of age, was a magistrate for the county, end his death has occasioned much regret at St. Asaph, where he was extremely popular. Mr. Briscoe took great interest in agricultural pursuits, but of late he spent the greater part of his time in Liverpool. Mr. Briscoe was senior partner of the firm of Messrs. Briscoe, Fox, and Co., cotton brokers. He served his apprenticeship with the late Mr. Samuel Marshall Bulley (now Messrs. S. M. Bulley and Son), and in the sixties entered the house of Messrs. Smith, Edwards, and Co., of which firm he became a partner. He retired towards the end of the seventies but a few years ago re-entered the market, and along with Mr. Fox founded the present firm, mainly with the view to establishing one of his sons in the cotton business. Mr. Briscoe made a mark in the market as an exceptionally able man of business, espe- cially in connection with the arrival depart- ment, which before his time was not so im- portant a branch of the market as it became during his regime. Mr. Briscoe had been in failing health for several months past, and his death is deeply regretted by his fellow brokers, by whom he was greatly respected. As a token of respect for his memory, the flag of the Liverpool Cotton Association is half-masted.

This is a hard world,' said the balloonist, as he dropped out of the basket and alighted in s stone-quarry. What is the use of having two papers in a town like this ?' So that one can refute everything the other says.'

thA^r' ^n P^mer suggested that, in future, members own fund, the sick fund, and the fund, should be kept separately the annual statement of accounts, showing what had been pair! out of each fund. .1 James Hughes proposed that this matter oould be left to the General Committee of jj^agement for discussion. Mr. Palmer agreed to this, and the motion was carried. was carried. It Mr. Edward Jones, Henllan, asked whether here had been an increase or a decrease in the 4uniber of members last year. The Secretary There is an increase of six, "otwithatanding the members who died during be year,and others who removed from the dis- t £ ? ^ear> hear). Mr. Edward Jones then urged the members J the society to endeavour to increase their nnm ber. The Chairman said they were, no doubt, all allxiotis to make known the state of-the society, krid the only way they had of doing that was to rely on the courtesy and kindness of the Press to report those proceedings, and so adver- se the result of the meeting. He could also Personally tell their friends what a good thing Was, and what benefits they derived from members of the society. Mr. T. J. Williams suggested that an adver- Jsenaent be put in the papers, and allowed to there for a few weeks. Chairman said this was an excellent James Hughes questioned whether the tis a^owe<^ ^ie spanding of money on adver- The Chairman said he thought it could be in a case of this kind, as the General ^ttittee could authorise the spending of mTall8um3 of money. Ultimately, it was decided to refer the matter 0 Committee of Management. Mr. James Hughes then moved the adoption statement of accounts. Mr. Thornton seconded, and the motion was a8*eed to. Mr. T. J. Williams then moved the following isolation:— 'That this meeting desires to record the loss the society has sustained through the death of Mr. Gee, who, in the year 1859, when it was established, advocated its claims, and continued to be one of its faithful supporters, and who, also, acted as trustee for several years, and to ex- press their sympathy with Mrs. Gee and the family in their bereavement. This meeting also instructs the Secretary to record the foregoing resolution on the minutes and to send a copy of the same to Mrs. Gee.' i. Mr. "Williams saidIn proposing this resolu- J?D» I feel it very difficult to add anything to *hat has already been said in many quarters, 'to the different phases of Mr. Gee's long and ,sefnijjfe We all know what he was, as a J?v*ng husband and father, a prominent towns- j a leading politician, a public man, and a ,eader of religious thought and work in Wales; his long connection with this society re- ?l5dsusof him as a good neighbour, and one » ays ready to help on every good movement k'cularted to benefit his fellow-townspeople, specially as one who took deep interest in J?e social and moral welfare of the humbler anxious at all times to help in the miti- of suffering and sickness amongst them, Jja to assist toem by habits of thrift to better position in life. It was this desire for to improve their condition and provide totll. rainy day, that led him, forty years ago, j>. the claims of this society, and to ^ain a faithful supporter of it all those pars, and the fact that a far seeing man of business abilities, was so ardent a sup POrter of this society, should be a proof to all Ho knew and respected him, of the value of the society and the soundness of the principles Upon which it is worked. As members and Supporters of the society, I am sure we are deeply grateful for the support Mr. Gee gave it, and his name will ever live in our memory Ari one who did all he could to better the con- dition of his humbler and sick brethren, and We can assure Mrs Gee and the family how highly we esteemed his long connection with, Sfld work for, the society, and trust that, in their great loss, they will be comforted and Sustained by the Divine Master he served, and by the thoughts of the great good he accom- plished in so many ways. Alr. Robert Bassett seconded, and the motion then carried. Dr. R. James Hughes proposed, That this meeting deplores the loss the soc- iety has sustained through the death of Mr.E.T. Jones, a faithful supporter of this society since its establishment in the year 1859. and one of its managers for many years, and, begs to express its deepest sympathy and condolence with Mrs. E T. Jones and the family in their bereavement. This meeting, also, instructs the secretary to record the foregoing resolution on the minutes, and to send a copy of the same to Mrs. E. T. Jones. Mr. Anwyl seconded, and the resolution was unanimously agreed to. Mr. James Hughes proposed a hearty vote of "•Banks to the honorary memberB for their sub- reptions, the honorary auditors, Mr. Ellis illiams, and Mr. W. James, for their services pd Canon Lewis, and the Rev. H. Humphreys °r the interest shown by them in the branches at Henllan and Trefnant. Mr. Hughes sup- Ported the resolution in a short speech, refer in complimentary terms to the services of egentlemen above named. Mr. Thornton seconded, and the motion was 4greed to. On the motion of Mr. T. J. Williams, ponded by Dr. James Hughes, Mr. R. E. ^IgheB, J.P., was appointed a trustee in the Pja-Ce of Mr. Gee, and Mr. J. P. Lewis was Placed on the trusteeship of the savings bank Account with Mr. T, Gold Edwards. .Mr. John Davies, solicitor, and Mr. W. Meliard were, on the motion of the Mayor, bonded by Mr. Palmer, elected managers in 811ccession to the late Mr. E. T. Jones, and Mr. P. Hughes. « v,Mr. William Roberts, Castle, proposed, and ik Mr. Humphrey Williams, Ysguborwen, jf bonded, the re-election of the honorary Editors, and it was carried. .The meeting then dealt with the proposal of committee of management, to increase the fund, and the secretary read the resolu- tion passed by the committee to the effect that special rate for the year 1899 be made as *°Uow8 Those receiving 10s weekly to pay s. 9d. at the end of the year from their own tnoney, those receiving 8s. weekly Is. 3d., those 6s. a Is., and those receiving 4s. 6d. proceeding the secretary gave the following Interesting figures. During the year 1896 the total amount paid into the sick fund was f9 10b. 5d., 1897, £ 9 10s. 5d 1898, jE14 8s. 9d., taking a total of ;E39 9s. 7. The members had received out of the fund as follows, 1896, *U 2s. 0d., 1897, £ 24 18s. 2d., 1898, £ 25 3s. 2d. ^he above amounts, together with extras to the Medical Officer came to £ 64 3s. 4d., which ^a8 JE31 Os. Od. more than the members had sUbscribed towards the fund. Proceeding, the secretary said that during the last three years, the sum of £ 58 15s. 9d: interest had been paid t° the members, and added to the members OWn fund. Had this £ 58 odd been in hand to carry on the affairs of the society, it would not bave been necessary to impose a special rate. Mr. John Palmer proposed, and Mr. Robert •oassetfc seconded, that the recommendation of the committee be adopted, and it was car- ried. On the motion of Dr. James Hughes, secon- ded by Mr. T. J. Williams, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Mayor for presiding, Which his worship gratefully acknowledged. L This brought the meeting to a conclusion.