Wrexham Guardian

=- TVRi^-M TOWN NCIL. nioi meeting of thQil was hek foesda^en tbere were pr_he Mayor Alderui-011 b and Beale; and=j0rs Smith 4Nt foesda^en there were pr_he Mayor Alderui-011 b and Beale; andùors Smith ]furleSS, Rtd, Shone, J. M- <^>berts, and Sherratt-

REPORT OF T!LMEDIC AL OFFICEIT. The Medical Officer oHealtii (Mr LI. Williams) reported as follows :—'Gentlemen,—Twenty-four births have been regisired since my last report, 16 males and 8 femal. Sixteen deaths have occurred, and the ratepf mortality is 22'4 per thousand. The causes as follow :—Convulsions, 3; diseases of the heart, diseases of the kidneys, 2; pneumonia, 1; unknot, 1; coroner's inquests, 2; and the rest need no be mentioned. In four instances the age was uier six months. During the past year, the lowest ite of mortality occurred in July, and the highest i March, when it rose to the unprecedented figure f 50 4, due principally to an epidemic of scarlet'ever and measles, the latter being the more fatal Very many nuisances have been remedied; but tIre still remain far more than there ought to be, but venture to hope that in time these will no longc exist. The causes of death during the past twelvnonths may be classi- fied as follows :—Cerebral ueaees, including con- vulsions, 33; thoracic dise;es, 55—of these, 15 occurred from bronchitis, 14from pneumonia, 12 from phthisis, and 14 from hsrt disease; diseases of the abdominal viscera, 30 age, 6; coroner's inquests, 12; croup, 3; entec fever, 2; typhus j fever, 2; measles, 15; scarlt fever, 8 and mis- i cellaneous diseases, 22."

SLAUGHTERING ON JNDAYS. A letter from Mr Roberts, imector of slaughter- houses, called attention to the jactice of killing on Sundays. On Sunday, 20th, henet, some butchers driving a beast to be killed for te Christmas show. On remonstrating with them, hey said it was often done and could not be stoped. As he did not visit the slaughter-houses on Sudays, animals un- fit for human food might be slauatered without his beiug aware of it. One or two members believed hat it was a, mis- take to suppose that slaughtdng went on on Sundays; and no action was takn in the matter.

THE NEW MAGISTRALS. The Town Clerk informed theonncil that he had received a communication fro the Secretary of the Lord Chancellor, stating tat his lordship had given the necessary directias for placing' William Overton, John Bury, and E.vard Williams, Esqrs., on the commission of thoeace for the borough. In reply to a question, The Town Clerk said he believed t last named gentleman was Mr Edward Williais, of Elwy House. He had written to his agei requesting him to call at the Crown Office toinquire the addresses and descriptions of these thrtgentlemen, inasmuch as only their names had beerriven. How- ever he had called several times, found the office closed for the Christmas holidays[n a Welsh town, where there were so many penns bearing the same name, a surname without anddress and description might be very indefinite. Mr Roberts thought it a great pity te nomina- tions could not be made by the Council. Mr Muriess: I thought so at one time Mr Roberts You don't think so now Mr Murless: No. Mr Roberts: Circumstances alter cases aughter).

THE FAIR AND MARKET TOLLS. The Town Clerk read a letter from Iv Tench, who stated that he was desired by Mr jrke, of Erddig, to inform him, in reply to his leer, that rather than receive a depuration on the sjject of the fair and market tolls he would prefer swritton proposition. The Mayor said he had seen Mr Tench, ad that gentleman said he had no objection himselfo meet a committee.

DRAINAGE OF THE PROPOSES. NEW BARRACKS. The Town Clerk was in receipt of a letter f1"11 Col. Belfield, the Commander of the Royal h- ginecrs at Manchester, relative to a sewer it s proposed to construct from the new barracks to t outfall. It appeared the military authorities M arranged with all the owners of property along th line of the proposed sewer, excepting two, wI, owned the old railway cutting, and with whom the had not been able to treat. He (the Town Clerk did not apprehend there would be much difficult, in coming to terms with these gentlemen. (A Mem ber They only gave £ 100 for the land). Colonel Belfield suggested that the corporation should con- struct the sewer, compensating the on ners through whose land it would have to pass, the Government repaying them the whole of the outlay. On the motion of Mr Sherratt. seconded by Mr Murless, it was ordered that the suggestion of Col. Belfield be adopted, and that a deed of contract be prepared in accordance therewith.

THE STORAGE OF ({tXJWDEl!. The Town Clerk stated that he had gone through die Acts of Parliament and made extensive inquiries the subject of the storage of gunpowder; and partly in consequence these investigations a nemorial had gone up to the Secretary ol State for Home Department for an inquiry into the mode n which gunpowder was stored and kept. and also 'or an additional enactment next session for the 'urther protection of her Majesty's subjects. He 'ound the Acts of Parliament very inconclusive, [n fact, if they were strictly complied with very considerable injury might result to the community, is they allowed too large a wtorajfa of gunpowder. "> <¥ The old law required revision, but a.t any rate the Secretary of State was empowered to send down a commissioner to institute inquiries into the whole subject.

RHYL. THE CHURCH CHRISTMAS TREES.—As a proof of the success of this undertaking we may mention that the profits on the day sanies amounts to E132 15s 9d. CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS.—The Rhyl station has been elaborately decorated by the station officials, and presents a very seasonable appearance. MIDNIGHT SERVICES.—Special services were held on New Year's Eve, in St. Thomas's Church, Rhyl. The services commenced about eleven o'clock, and we.e con- tinued until after midnight, being of the most. interesting and solemn character. These services are now becoming very popular with the parishioners. Both the English and Welsh We leyans heid watch-night, service,^ in their respective chapels, when suitable discourses were delivered io tolerably large congregations. to tolerably large congregations. THE WKSLKYAN METHODISTS.—On Thursday the English Weslevans had an exhibition of Christmas Trees in their schoolroom such trees being laden with all kinds of valuable articles which were sold in aid of the improvements about to be made to the chapel and the building of a minister's bouse.— The Welsh Weslevans on the same day held a tea party and literary meeting in Brunswick Welsh Wesleyan chapel. CHURCH BAZAAR AND CHRISTMAS TREEThe annual exhibition of Christmas trees took place in the National Schoolroom, Rhyl, on Tuesday after- noon and evening last. This year the proceeds of the sale were to be given in aid of the fund now being raised for the erection of a new spire and peal of bells to St. Thomas's church. The trees were very heavily laden with all kinds of fancy and useful articles of the most elegmt and costly description. Large parcels of goods had been for- warded to the vicar from all Sections of his parishioners. Not only were valuable gifts received from the rich, but presents of the most useful description were sent by the poor; thus testifying that the vicar receives the sympathy and support of Iij classes of his parishioners. The trees were tastefully decorated and presented a very attractive appearance. In addition to the trees, there was a display of goods of all kinds which were offered for sale. A model of the intended spire was on view in the room, and proved an object of interest to all visitors. The ladies upon whom had devolved the labour of preparing the trees and who also under- took the task cf selling the goods were Mrs Morgan, the Vicarage; Miss Wade, Mrs Tudor Owen. Mrs Girdiestone. the Misses Edwards, the Misses Owen, Mrs Bond, Mis sFoster, Miss Harvey Williams, Miss Butterton, the Misses Scholes, and Miss Nott. The room was opened at two o'clock, and remained so until about nine in the evening. Notwithstanding the inclement stile of the weather there was a large attendance of visitors, and salesj were tolerably brisk. At the close, Canon Morgan proposed a vote of thanks to those who had kindly sent in presents, and made special reference to the gifts of the poorer class of the parishioners who he said had given to the utmost of their means and had done very valuable work. The vote of thanks was carried by acclamation, and the proceedings shortly afterwards terminated.

A STRIKE FRUSTRATED AT DENBIGH. DENBIGH. Friday. The men employed in enlarging the Denbigh Water- work? struck ;u coasequence of the coat-actor asking tuein to dimm,. h tne time allowed for dmaer, owing to the shortness of he days. The men left work in a body. The contractci- 11st eve-I ing brought 30 men from Eng- land, and they engaged at the now wo'ks in the place of the others.

TEE LOSS OF THE COSPATRICE LONDON'. Friday. The mail steamer Nyanza arrived at Plymouth last night. The survivors lauded immediately, and proceeded to London by special train at 10-40 p.m. After giving their statements to the owners they will proceed to ,h-- receiver of wrecks. They state that 80 passengers, mostly women, were drowned by filling the two quarter boats.

MORE RAILWAY ACCIDENTS. LONDON, Friday. Early this morning, the nu-il train from Newcastle ra. into a goo is train at Thirsk 3 miction, upsetting seven waggons, and blocking up the line. The limited ma from London then ran into the debris. No loss of 1.1 is reported. The trains were delayed six hours. Near Glasgow, on Thuroday night, a mineral train ra. into a passenger train. Two cars were smashed to piece and though no one was killed on the spot, manv wdl b maimed life. Tho injaied numbered 17.

THE RAILWAY COMMISSION. On Thursday, Sir F. Peel acd Mr Macuainars. two oi the T Commissioners, gave judgment in an pf-li- te company inNorrh Wales, for an nunc- on :he Festiuiog Railway Compiwy, üa the ground of u due preference. The rdleged act oi pre- fercnoe consisted in chafing higher rates for the coa- veyance of goods to the applicants than to other slate- owners who hdd bound to send the pro lice of their qna ') this railway tor the rext 14 years. • iers held that the granting of lower j return for such a cons'deratiop was an undue preference, an < that it created inequulities which con- travened the Traffic Act. At present there was no existing railway competition, and to enter into such agreements with a view of w .rding off threatened competition was prejudicial to the public interest. No trader ought to forfeit his rights because he objected to be bound bv such conditions. A 1 ilwav could not, com- pel the public to purchase equality of "treatment bv im- posing such obnoxious conditions. Judgment, therefore, was in fr.vour of the applicant,?, with costs. No^ce of appeal to a superior court wa, given.

THE CRISIS IN THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE. There can be hardly any question as to the deter- I mination of the men to strike in opposition to the re- duction of 10 per cent., which is to take place 01 the first day of the year. The men at Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale; Caerphilly, Rhymaey Valley, and' other places, brought out their tools yesterday, and this is the ominous proceeding forerunning a strike that is expected to be of some considerable duration, as the men. like the masters, manifest groat determination. About 50,000 men will be out of employmer.t through the strike.

RAILWAY ACCIDENTS. On Saturday the five o'clock train from Euston came into collision with a luggage train at Bedswood Junction, twelve miles from Liverpool. Two passenger cars were smashed. Several Liverpool gentlemen were injured, one of them (Mr Willes) having his legs broken. During a be iTy fog on Friday morning the passenger train from the north to Liverpool, via Wigan, ran into a coal train waiting to be shunted near Wigan, on the Loudon and North Western Railway. One person, named Martin, of Linlithgow, was killod, and his wife was seriously injured. These two were only married on the previous day, and were on their wedding trip at the time of the accident. Field, the signalman, has been arrested on a charge of manslaughter. lie was Nken before the Wigan magistrates on Tuesday, and ,VIiS remanded for a week. Four rail way accidents occurred on Wednesday. One was upon the Cornwall Minerals Railway, and it resulted in several persons being severely injured. Two of them were upon the Great Western Railway, and in both cases the í accident arose from the snapping of an axle. In the t evening a collision took place at Brixton, and a dozen ;1 people or upwards were either considerably injured t severely shaken.

GOCUELWCH Y DVNWAKEDIAD TWYLLODBUS 0 COCK'S POEOUS PLASTER.—Obiegid y gweithia' J arferol y mae y Plaster: rhagnrlJI Iiyn wedi ei f rhinweddau rhagorol sydd ynddyut at y lwynvs bacjo), y glunwst, (sciatico), p./enau yn yr ochr a'r ceo phoenau a deimlir y^lleoL_ ^rsonau diejwyt wedi bod yn gwneughr ajr r ffugiol, o WL w; > oruchwyliwr dros-B^ym^rV sicrhau fod yr uu < bydd stamp y ) llytbyrenau gw Porous Plastefsr 'P

< 0EiHETKliY QUE: Mr Tui-gaiu attended, d he was m-e-oare^ ^re to plans abates given t^e Coui May last. FonMo. 1, the estimate h at tht3 time waS>r->r ^1,660; and it waited in the coo))o At that time the isement. stated tt; estimates for the cíy buildings wel)tto exceed JBl 500. knitted one plan lIØla 41,15C and for a fe275. He bad --afully ovei the preset, and had reduce timate foi the chape ,613. That plan ited May 1874 bttfst ask the Councgovr him tc add to histe of that date 5tt. for th( increased' materials. HiStt estimate for the loi X330, and adding cent. t( that woug the amount 10s which wBe his estimat«lodge anc <ienK5teryl £ 2,039 10s. Bu ancied ht might stir reduce the cosie lodge i 6 the Coun[ consent to redu,scullery. i. Alderane remarking tne of tlw t rooms in » was fit for a dr.rooni, Mr TUlhe thought tlieft find tha in all eemans of the grouse hung u] in a 1'00' lodge or deposi a safe, s that the s for graves mlglect. a spo for the t!:>£ their deceased,ves. Mr Sh!e was somewhafred at th ^fecrepftippeared at the \eeting be tween estimate of ^st of th gBmeteiJ and the tender; were sen in jutvJj to find that Mr Turner, as he anticipated from the conversation which took place at the last meeting, had found that something might be reduced; be- cause his experience of Mr Turner justified him in speaking so strongly in his favour as he did on that occasion. He was glad to hear that he had since gone into the question deliberately, and had fur- nished them with an estimate below his original stimate, and what they had to do now was to take a practical view of the question. He found that in the town of Oswestry, with a population less than that of Wrexham !\y about a thousand, they had a cemetery that was built some years ago. He found also that its area was smaller than the area they were about to appropriate for the new cemetery at Wrexham. The cost was somewhat about £ 3,500— he believed he was correct in saying that £ 3.500 was borrowed by the Oswestry people for the purpose. He hal visited that cemetery, and thought how much he should like to see it trans- ferred to Wresiiarn, so that he might be buried in such a nice place. Now, Wrexham, as regarded its wealth, was more valuable than Oswestry, and as regarded its population, it was larger.; and he thought it would be rather infra dig for them to go in for a cemetery less in size and cost than that of Oswestry. Now, if they looked hack into the history of this cemetery, wnich had been dragging its dreary length along for a considerable time, they fouad that a piece of laud was bought on the eastern side of the town, containing 9a. 3r. lp., which cost, in- cluding interest. ill .2'2 7s. The Council sold that land to the War Department for £1,033 5s 7d. thereby showing a loss of X169 Is 5d. They next turned their attention to a piece of land to the west of Wrexham containing 5a. Or. 21;p., which Jost them X720, and he saw by a printed state- ment that a smaller piece was also purchased of Mr H. W. Meredith for the sum of A60, making a cost )f £780. Now they obtained ZI,033 5s 7d from the War Department, and paid X780 for the present site, giving a profit of 1.253 5s 7d. Deducting that sum from the X780, they had X526 14s 5d as the jost of the new land and cemetery. The cost of the walls round the cemetery approximated to £500, md he understood the contract with Mr Strachan amounted to £ 290, which made altogether XI,316 14s 5d. The original estimate for the plan adopted in May, 1874, was £ l,<i50; and Mr Turner said his aew estimate for the chapels was £ 1,<J13. Five per i ent on that wouid make Xi.694, and 5 per cent. on -he cost of the lodge ( £ 330) would be £ 346 10s, making a total cost of £ 3,356 14s 5d. This amount ivas, however, less than the sum paid for the ceme- ;ery site at Oswestry with all its appurtenances, which was, in poin' of fact, a very costly undertaking Ere would have them recollect that since the ceme- tery was built labour and materials had increased mmensely in value—an important consideration when looking at the estimate now before them Moreover, he would draw attention to the fact that :hey had borrowed money for the pnrposes of the cemetery, on the 10th of June £ 800, aud on the 30th £ 2,600. making altogether X3,400, at 4t per cent. He might here remark that he understood that noney was borrowed for the purchase of the old site at 5 per cent interest. They were now under a ?ost of £ 153 per annum or £13 per month in respect )1' the loan, and the longer this question was de- ayed the greater would be that cost. He was sorry Alderman Beirne had left the room, as he had :aken an objection to the cost of the lodge. He lid not know whether any members of the Council lad seen the lodge at the" Oswestry cemetery but t was a very nice 'edge, and the man in charge of he cemetery was a very superior person. A portion if the laud at Oswestry cemetery was devoted to gardening; and the whole thing was carried out in i way that was perfectly satisfactory to all who t-ere interested in the management of the ceme- ery. He now proposed that, notwithstanding" the :ost of the lodge, which appeared to be excessive omparahvely, The plans submitted by Mr Turner 'e adopted. In fact, he would propose, if the 'ouncil did not think it premature, that they ac- ept the amended plans tor the erection of the haoels and lodge, and instruct the clerk to adver- se" for tenders for the execution the works. Mr Murless quite agreed with a great deal of l\at Mr Shone had said; but at the same time he iouid like to be better informed as to the con- ute foundations which Mr Turner had darkly tiled about. The Mayor had great pleasure in seconding Mr ione's proposition, which he thought a very rea- dable one. Indeed, he was quite suiprised that t estimate had been reduced so low as £ 2,039 10s. fr J. M. Jones did not like to move an amend- ur, but said the history of the question which 11 just been given them they knew before, and 1\ "i reference to the Oswestry cemetery, he did n see what they had to do with Oswestry. If ao0(jy made a gift to Oswestry of a cemetery, II cWis, and all, the- Town Council of Wrexham wld still have to consider how best to provide a c%tery and chapels for themselves. For his part h&g not thoroughly satisfied with these plans. Hid not think they had discussed them with tldeliberatioli they deserved. They had rushed | jinthe thing too precipitately at first, and had !bo in a difficulty ever since. The plans Mr Tier now laid before them were not exactly the j sa as tb,J plans he produced before. Mr Turner I !lc)roposed to make an alteration in the lodge )SOto cut down the expense. He wished there wiome gentleman more competent than he (Mr JO) was to explain the plans. Shone (interposing) said it was really too H, He presumed Mr Jones was speaking as to ih'ljre. Did he think Mr Turner was not com- je; to judge whether this was not eligible or c01not be built for the sum he had named ? "Vifhey to have a member of the Council dis- Cl and pointing out every detail, and explain- ilpw this or that thing ought to be done ? He ticit it was positively—he did not like to say it Ve should consider it almost insulting to h,"o '.isten to a fellow-townsman, an intelligent wtkeMr Jones, calling in question the reason- afesË If his plans. Jones said Mr Shone appeared to mis- uii^tit'l him. He presumed the Co-uncil were no £ irfto place tjiems^lves in the hands of Mr Tunc i\ny other architect. If they were going to,(Xbtthey had simply to give Mr Turner or anrchl ,rchitect they might employ, an order to buidtfr chapels, telling him they should be pej(tl atisfied with them when they were finMitjtl te presumed they employed Mr Turner in he i**sts of the public, and they were there Ian to -atc'l'r those interests. As to the plans, he niuk sal did not yet understand them. When Mr ;hoi loved his resolution, they were in the inidt oi iscussion with reference to the founda- tioniantfir probable cost. He thought it would he i.ucltter to understand this p^rt of the quesiotiln to find themselves involved in an expense th they had never calculated. When they oaslie resolution adopting these particular plan it í admitted on all hands that they did not ulde-;d them as they ought to have done. He dd n sh to insinuate that Mr Turner was not c(mp2, he only said he wished they were as compiles understand them. Before deciding to ad(pt > plans, it would be better to know what ixtist was to be added to the cost Mr Turner h-amed, and also to consider whether they Eeedbetter foundation. The site was one where a s'nent might be apprehended; and he believed 1 any disturbance took place the ground wtiaturally follow that settlement, and the bnildUould follow the ground. Mr Sho-Vhy presume a settlement Mr J. M s: Because it is perfectly natural. Mr Sho rot at all. It does not follow that because sMIing is built on a slope that you should locf a crack Mr J. Nies If there is any disturbance of the groun'- Mr Shoi rhy presume any disti-iTbau(.e ? Mr J. Mes Because we are going to build brick grai ere. I Mr Shoj id the ground had been tested pre- pa,ratory s being built upon. He was ac- quainted tits geological formation; and he knew it vered with the same substratum which waJi with throughout the whole field, It was requite premature, it was meeting difficulties,>ppose a fracture would take place, Mr Jones gdey were not to place themselves in the lands ^Turner; but he (Mr Shone) con- siler-d the^lcil right in doing so. Mr Turner ihvdig resjnl to the advertisement for certain .ie«'.gis whhhey had accepted. At the last tneetag he^asked to do certain things. He (iad j)ne jiCone them he had modified the :ottkfc; an. ipresumed they would all be glad 1 to finthat Lknodifications could be made, re- } ultinjn wAiey all desired, economy. > Thbiayo; d the question they had to deal idtli tjay Whis, they had accepted plan No 1, I rhichas to t gi.,650, Mr Turner had now rouglhis .fi.ate down to £ 1,613, and he tsked f 5r fivier c<Un labour and materials since May 1st, wh lie, Ie Mayor) thought a very reason- 3ble rG:Ot. He had been an advance in slates 1 .nee t Plxhas accepted. Mr Turner had < t rougi\is estate down to very nenrly the suiii ] p ) ley tlrht 0^2,029 10s, which was only £ 30 i o ad ty intended to spend. The f imda- < t bus, t remember, had nothing what- i fi-r to witlhe phui. Each of the gentlemen 1 e -ho sei^ ply intended the foundations to be i Aly tw3t gi^uclies in depth, and had sent in f e fleir ^ates ccordingly. It was mentioned 1 1 i ^ei>e' i plan they selected and adopted. t 4 ss perfectly prepared tip Tote for i this !2,039; but what he wanted to know was wheter, if they passed these plans, they should be calletupon to incur an additional expense fvr con- crete foundations because he represented the Tiewsof a large number of people outside who were 1:>t prepared to spend much more than £2,000 upon aapels and lodge. They would not object to giving£3 i more if Mr Turner gave them an assur- ance tat it should cover all expenses, If there was a fobability of being called upon for a further expend ure for foundations, he thought they ought now to e informed upon it. Mr Rwland wished to make one remark in refer- ence to hat fell from Counillor Jones. He thought his obseration as to the erection of the chapels on the levehortion of the land deserved more attention than the had given to it. Certainly they had the opinion ( a scientific member; but without wish- ing to bture him as he had lectured them (a laugh), h thought it was possible he might be mistaken. With regard to the level piece of land he perfects coincided with Mr Jones. He thought there was'ess liability of the ground giving way there thatanywhere else. Leaving out of the question eiirely the liability of the ground to give way, he thcght the position of the chapels would be better i the plsce Mr Jones had suggested, that is, on ie right hand side of the field where the trees areituated. Alderman'eale asked whether, in the event of the Council dettmming to alter the site, it would be neccessary to again before the bishop and begin de novo. The Town 'lerk replied that when they made their applicatm to the Bishop and Secretary of State they sulaitted plars. Those plans had been no doubt copit, and were among the registered documents of te office. Then they were sent back, which of cours&pproved of the exact state in which they gave in th plans. Mr Smith aSld, supposing it was found neces- sary to adopt th concrete foundations in lieu of the 2ft. 6in. foundabns, what would be the additional cost ? Mr Turner saitfrom £150 to £180. Mr Shone remrked that even with the addition of £150 for founddons the estimate did not amount to more t.han £3,f:6. The motion washen put, when four voted for it, two remained neulal, and two voted against it. The Town Clerk,dvised the Mayor that the reso- lution was lost, nobeing the act of the majority, as only four had vced in its favour out of nine who were present. Mr Smith said a'the concrete would cost from £150 to £180 he tought it would be a pity to spoil the ship for a of tar; and to avoid any risk of a sbsidence in the ground after the buildings had ten put up, he proposed that the estimates of Mr 'urner, both for chapels and lodge, be adopted, t1:t the foundations be of con- Crete, and that the ca of the whole work should not exceed £2,200. Mr Shone, as the nver of the original motion, had much pleasure in bonding this proposition. This motion was cared by a majority of five to four.

THE STATE OF CHESTER-STREET. A numerously and influentially signed nmorial was read from the inhabitants of Chestertreet. The memorial set forth that Chester-street i con- fessedly the handsomest approach to the twn of Wrexham; that it extends nearly a mile fro the centre of the town; that it is ill-lighted, living but one lamp; ill-drained, being often fioodedvith water; and ill-kept especially as to its footj.ths, which are in some places almost dangerous. The memorialists therefore prayed the Council toake such measures to improve the road as would reiove the several matters now complained of. Amon^the signatures were those of Mr John Jones, solicor Mr John T. T. Pilkington, of Chevet Hey (OE of the victims of the late terrible railway accidit); the Rev J. H. Gibbon, Mr Wm. Overton, Irs White, Mr T. B. Acton, Mr Wm. Low, and otlrs. On the motion of Mr J. M. Jones, seconded bjMr Shone, the Surveyor was instructed to report uon the condition of this road. and what he proposelto do to it, at the next meeting.

CARTING GRAINS. Mr Smith said he had been requested by Dr. Williams to call attentio' 1. t practice of carting grains that had been lyii; by me time from some )f the breweries down 2d. tin street. He said it was very injurious to health, and miglrf be the means of generating disease.

THE MILITIA DEPOT FOR A GUILDHALL. Mr J. M. Jones moved that the Town Clerk be instructed to write to the proper authorities asking if they were disposed to sell to the Corporation, for a guildhall, the barracks at present occupied as a Militia Depot, on the removal of the military to the new barracks, and at what price. He said the Council were not committed to anything by this motion, but merely placed in a position to discuss the question at a future meeting of the Council. The meeting then broke up.

PETTY SESSIONS. TUESDAY.—Present:—T. G. Dixon, Esq., in the chair; Captain Rowley Couwy, the Rev Dr. Butterton, and W. Pries Jones, Esrl THE DRUNKARDS' LIST.—Joseph Matthews, of Bhyl, was fined 5s and costs for drunkenness com- mitted on the 5th of December.—Edward Williams, lhyl, who had been a Good Templar for five years, but who h id suddenly broken his pledge and got on the spree on the 27th November, was fined 5s and costs, the fine being moderate because it was stated that he had again joined the Good Templars.— John Lewis, Rhyl, for being drunk and disorderly in Russel-road, Rhyl, on the 28 h November, was fined 7s Gd and costs.—John Middle ton, Rhyl, for the same off once, committed on the 21st of last month, was fined 10s and costs It was stated that he was continually getting drunk and turning his wife and children in:o the s'reets at midnight, and that he hnd done so since the summons was served upon him. CHIMNEY ON FIRE.-J. F. Condon, 15, Elwy- street, was fined 6d and costs for allowing his chimney to be on fire. He pleaded that it was accidental, and that he and his wife were from home at the time. CONTEMPT OF COUP.T.-Richard Hughes, hackney carriage proprietor, Dyserth, and Thomas Jones, Rhyl, failed to appear to summonses, although it was stated that they were in town on the morning of the sessions. The Bench considered such con- duct amounted to contempt of court, and ordered warrants to be issued for their apprehension. The execution of them was not to take effect till the rising of the Court. A PAINFUL CASE—A RUNAWAY WITNESS.—An affiliation case set down for hearing at the last sessions had to be abandoned, because of a witness of the name of Thomas Roberts, Berllan, Bodfari, who it was said was in town at the time, would not come forward and give evidence on behalf of the complainant. It now came on again for hearing, and Mr John Davies, Holywell, appeared for the complainant, and Mr Roberts for the defendant.— The complainant, a good-looking, childlika girl 16 years old, named Ann Jones, gave evidence in sup- port of the charge. She had been employed as servant with the defendant's parents, Mr and Mrs .Jones, Glanclwyd, Bodfari, for about 18 months.— The witness, Thomas Roberts, Berllan, Bodfari, was called, but again it was found that he did not appear.—Police-constable Parry proved that he went iu search of the witness tq serve him with a summons, and he found that the defendant and de- fendant's father had been with the witness, and that in consequence of that he had absconded to Muld. He followed the man, personally served him, and gave him 5s for his expenses, and the man told hini that if he did come he should injure the de- fendant's case much, but he did not know that he should come.—The case was adjourned for a month. and a warrnt was issued for the apprehension of Thomas Roberts.

CONFERENCE ON THE RATING ACT. On Tuesday representatives of the various Assessment Committees in North Wales met at the Royal Hotel, Rhyl, to discuss the provisions of the new Rating Act, and devise the best means of applying them to this district. The following gentlemen were present:—Captain Boscawen T. Griffith, Wrexham (who presided), Mr Brownlow W. Wynne, Captain Pennant, Mr Wmtehall Dod, Mr E. Powell Jones, and Mr Francis Wynne, St. Asaph Union; Mr J. Scott- Bankes, and Mr Davies, Holywell Union; the Rev the Warden of Ruthin, Mr John Jenkins, Mr J. W. Lloyd, Mr Roberts, and Mr H. Roberts, Ruthin Union; Messrs Bicknel, Bangor T. Lester, Wrexham; D. Rasbotham, Dr Thom, Hawarden; Rigby, Mousdale Elias Owen, Anglesea; T. White, and J. Parry, Corwen; Roberts, Bettwyscoed; D. Daniel, Machynlleth; T. Rider, and Thomas, Ellesmere; Rev Venablos Williams, Conway; Mr J. Oswell Bury, Wrexham, &c., &c. The Chairman remarked that a conference similar to that had been held in Cheshire, and he thought that it was necessary that they in North Wales should also discuss the question. He pointed out what would be the effect of the action of the Assessment Committee in reference to this matter, and said that the object of the conference was to determine, if possible, upon one uniform principle of rating throughout their districts. For his own part he was against laying down a hard and fast rule, and saying that the rate should be at so much per acre in any particular cases. He thought they should bear in mind that their action would in inany cases be followed by the magistrates in [naking their assessment for the county rates. He 1 hen informed the conference that the Wrexham Assessment Committee had discussed the Act roroughly. and their clerk, Mr J. Oswell Bury, had ith him a copy of the resolutions they had drawn o to be submitted to that meeting. It was agreed that the discussion should take a cnversational form, and Mr Bury read the first qestion agreed upon by the Wrexham committee, nmely :—What principle should be adopted in the aessment of land used for the purposes of planta- i tins or woods ?—The answer of the Wrexham com- m'tee was that no uniform rate per acre could be a plied to woodlands; each wood or plantation Sllllld bè assessed upon the various circumstances boring upon the same. 1r Scott-Bankes thought' it possible to apply a unform rate to each county. It was intended by theVet to assess such land'in its natural and uncul- tivaed state, a i that land would be pretty uniform | in a their cou ties. He did not "or"- | rain would be affected by its l M Lester diff <entir^J that point. Mr Brownlow Wynne said such land variei greatly. There was some ou the hill sides at Llan sannaa and Nantglyn worth very little indeed. Mr Lester thought many instances of the kin< could be produced. Dr Thorn said that in Hawarden Union they ha( assessed woods for many years, and though the mi ht not have had the power to do so, yet th: landowners, who were principally the Duke o Wes minster, and the late Lord-Lieutenant o: Flintshire, had not objected to it (laughter). Thej had done it, and as an average they had made it 20s per acre. Tlie Warden of Ruthin did not think Mr Bankes't principle would come within the meaning of the Act, The land varied in quality to such a deree even in itsnatural and uncultivated state, that such a rule could not be applied. Captain Griffith was certain that if they were tc apply such a mle in the Wrexham Union they would not be doing justice. Mr Rider said a hard and fast line would never work well in the Ellesmere Union. Mr Brownlow Wynne proposed, and the Warden of Ruthin, seconded that the recommendation of the Wrexham Union be adopted. That was carried by a large majority. It was also agreed without discussion that the second recommendation of the Wrexham committee be adopted, namely—that no uniform principle could bo adopted in reference to the rating of land used for the sole purpose of producing saleable underwood. The third question arose out of the first two, and the recommendation was, that in all cases, where the recommendation was, that in all cases, where practicable, the composite woods shouL. ;;e taken as the basis of valuation. Captain Pennant differed from the recommenda- tiea, and thought they should be assessed upon whatever basis would produce the highest assess- ment. Mr Lester said that the Wrexham committee did not think that that was a subject with which they would have to grapple much. Captain Pennant gave instances where the ques- tion would have to be dealt with, and he proposed that the assessment be made upon the basis giving the highest valuation. This was seconded by Mr Brownlow Wynne. Mr Lester was not aware till the information was given by Captain Pennant that the question would arise, aud he was therefore in favour of Captain Pennant's motion. The Warden of Ruthin thought that they could not pass a resolution on the point, or they would be interfering with the Act of Parliament. It would be best to leave it to the discretion of the various Assessment Committees. After some discussion as to whether the confer- ence ought to divide on such a subject, it was agreed to submit it to the meeting, when ÍL was carried. The rights cf sporting were next discussed. Mr Bury said the Wrexham Committee set down the following question for consideration on that head:—'• Can any uniform assessment be determined upon for the raring of sporting rights when severed from the occupation of the land; or not let sepa- rately by the owner ?" The committee had come to the following del ermination The Wrexham Committee are of opinion that the rights of sporting and fishing cannot be valued upon any uniform basis, inasmuch as the circumstances of every lo- cality must necessarily be taken into consideration in arriving at the valuation of such sporting rights." Mr Brownlow Wynne was of opinion that some uniform scale should be adopted for recommenda- tion to the various Assessment Committees, both with regard to open and to enclosed woodlands. Mr Scott-Bankes thought that at any rate they might define a certain acreage of land below which no valuation should be made. They were net to rate the sporting now at wtiat a third party would give for it, but at what it was really wcrth to the pL'rson possessing the land. A great proportion of the farms in their districts were small farms, and tne value of the sporting on them would be next to nothing. He thought they should merely put the rate upon the increased value that the man v held the land would derive from it if he had UI-J shooting. Dr. Thom thought they should lay down a rule, say of 6d per acre for open lands, and Is 6<1 per acre for woodlands, which would be about a fair average. He mentioned that the tenants of the ex-Premier took their farms without the right of shooting, but it had been granted to them by pay- ing 6d per acre more for open lands. Mr B. Wynno and the Chairman thought that the conclusion of Mr Scott-Bankes' rule would be to exempt a landowner from rates, even if he owned 5,000 acres, if his land happened to be cut up into small farms. The Warden of Ruthin thought that it was utterly impossible to lay down a uniform rate for different parts of the county, as the land itself and the enjoyment of the rights of sporting were so different in different parts of the county. Its po- sition, contiguity to railways, &c., made so much difference in the value of the land. Mr Bankes did uot think that the value would be affected thereby. The Warden of Ruthin remarked that many a small holding was near to woods where game abounded, and was. of course, of more value to the holder than land otherwise situated (hear, hear). Dr. Thom, Hawarden. proposed "that where the right of sporting is severed from the occupation of the land and is not let, the said right shall not be separately valued or rated, but the gross of the rat cable value of the land shall be estimated as if the right were not severed, and in such case, if the rateable value is increased by reason of its being so estimated, and an average rate of 6d per acre shall be fixed for open land, and is lid per acre on the woodlands." Mr Scott-Bankes proposed that the recommenda- tion of the Wrexham Committee be adopted. This was seconded by Captain Pennant, and on the motions being submitted to the meeting, the Wrexham recommendation was adopted by 16 votes to 5. Mr Bury then explained that the Wrexham Union was not affected much by the rights of fish- ing. and that the committee had therefore not dis- cussed it. The Chairman said the Aet was so explicit upon that part of the subject that it was useless to discuss it. The Conference agreed with the chairman. In reply to a gentleman present Mr Bury said that the assistaut overseer would go by the new ordnance survey in preparing their valuation lists. Several gentlemen said that the last maps were not accurate with regard to farms, but that the old ones were accurate. The Conference decided that it was unnecessary to discuss the rating of mines, and as that was all the business to be transacted, Mr Brownlow Wynne proposed a vote of thanks to Captain Griffiths for calling them togethei and for presiding, and the meeting terminated; not having lasted more than an hour.

BURNING OF ANOTHER VESSEL AT SEA. The Grek ship Tennyson, which arrived at Greenock OLT Wednesday night, had on board several of the crew of the London ship Calcutta, which was burned at sea. The Calcutta left New- castle ou the 1st of July, with a cargo of coals for Aden, and a crew of 28 men, all told. in charge of Captain Patchett. The vessel had fair winds, and everything went well until about ],100 miles from the Cape of Good Hope, when, on Sunday, the 6th of September, they discovered a thin wreath of smoke issuing from the main hatch. The hatches were taken off and part of the was thrown overboard, but the smoke increased iu intensity as they went deeper into the hold. The hatches were then battened down to try to smother the fire, and a hole was cut near the mainmast and all the pumps were brought into use, and about eight feet of water was pumped into the vessel. The pumps then became useless, being destroyed by the tire, which continued to smoulder, and at six o'clock on Thursday, the 10th of September, the ship was abandoned. The crew got into three boats and remained by the ship till next morning, when the decks blew up, and the ship, which in a few minutes after was a mass of flames from deck to top-rigging, continued to burn till daylight, and then disappeared. One of the boats with seven men was picked up by the German barque Lagos, and landed at St. Helena, and another boAt with eight men was picked up by the Plautageuet, and also landed at St. Helena, where they shipped on board the Tennyson. The captain and first mate, the captain s son, and ten men were in the long boat, and thev have not since been heard of.

At a mectiug of cotton spinners and manufacturers ou Saturday it was determined that the mills iu t he Swinton district shall begin wort six o'clock iu the morning. For CHRIS^IASJSIOTFBVTI^s go to CHARLES BAYLEY and Co., Hope-street, Wrexham. Fat Pigs'wanted, any weights from four to ten scores, by .). Walli.V ^da ^Butcher, 28, Market Hall, and Rhosddu, Wre^IAIA 7739 V,NA.N"UF^OTCKK OF Gocok.—'• Wa* will new give an a '"Jit of the process adopted..by James Epps w v

f (BY TELKGKAPII). DARING ROBBERY. 3 DENBIGH, Fiiday. At the Police Court to-day, Paul Tinsley WHS brought up, charged with robbery. It appears that the tiov is < in the service of Mr Taylor, Plas Captain Farm. On Thursday niglit the police very cleverly discovered thieves t on the premises and apprehended the boy and his father. Superintendent Tudge found in a flue undernea ti a fire- grate in the priaoneis' house in Castle-street, a b >g con- taining XIy, and number a of artic'esi were also found, and three tive pound notes were hid in the farm yard. The prisoners were remanded until Monday. Is is said about £ 40 was stolen.

CORN MARKET. LONDON, Friday. Very little has been done in wheat, "lt prico were well maintained. Barley quiet, and an dear. Oats in demand. Maize and beans hardening. Peal quiet. Flour realised .ate rates.

PRINCE ALPHONSO PilOCLAIMSI KING OF SPAIN SANTAXDKK, December 31. Prince Alphonso has been proclaimed King of Spain by the troops. The navy is also in favour of PÙnoe Alphonso. Prince Alphouso is recognised by all the armies of the orth and Centre.

RETIREMENT OF MR. MELLY, M.P., FROM PARLIAMENT. Mr Gaorge Molly, ill.P., has i'e.signeJ his seat for Stokc-upou-Trent, owing to the illness and retirement of both his partners 111 the firm of Melly, f orget, and Co., and the consequent neces- sity of his whole attention being devoted to business. At the election in February, the poll was as follows :—Mr Meily (L), 6,700; Mr Heath (C), Mr Roden (L), 5,369; Mr Mitford (C), 3,372.

COURSrXG. I FIXTURES. Aldloi'd and Kcclestou January Ilalston (Salop) January 7 Southport J utermediate January 12 "Waterloo jCup January 7 LIVERPOOL, 1875.—The handsome sum of 1,000 v,. will be added to the Grand National, the piece de resist- ance of the meeting. KINGSBURY STELPLECHASES.-The severity of the frost has necessitated a further postponement of this meeting, which now stands adjourned till Thursday and Friday, the 7th and 8th of January. THE ALBRIGHTON HUNT.—A meeting of the Albrighton Hunt was held at Wolverhampton, on Wednesday, to make arrangements for Captain lioughey to hunt th" country in future, as his term of office expires at the end of the present season. He offered to hunt for another three years at in- creased pay. The meeting was adjourued, to con- sult absent subscribers. CHKSITIR RACKS.—At the Chester Meeting, 1875, 300 sovereigns will be airied to the Mostyn Stakes, for tv,,) year olds, and 200 sovereigns to the Badmington Stakes, run on the third day 50fJ sovereigns will be aoÙeJ to that popular institution, the Tradesmen's Plate, to which there arc already 00 subscribers, and a similar amount to the Grent Cheshire Stakes, run on the last day of the meeting, when 200 sovereigns are added to the Stewards Cup, a weight-for-age race, Grosvenor course; 200 sovereigns will be added to the Dee Stakes, for three year olds, run in 1876.

w Magistrates fck T COUNTY OF Dknbigh. -e Rev Richard liev Howarl, Charlee D-rds, Esq., Captain -rthur Mesham, and Bl-d Evans, Esq.. Bronlfa. 9TAL DRLAY.—The uI.s vhich should have r(ed Wrexham yesterd(Friday^ at 2.30 a.m., Jiot. arrive until 8.45, ;d consequently there Z delay in the deliver* lexers m the district. E WREXHAM POLICJW-A meeting of tlpnnty magistrates wiielc in the Town Hall, fliiursdiy afternoon, colder the pay and slth of the town poli; H" nia^ietrates pre- W H Meredi Bsc, T. P Jones-Parry, S pTaiTGriffith, a. Galley. Esq M.P.. QHone Ehu Captain rkei and Capt. Conran. ?;?Xidedq\o reconind he Centra Pol.ce Cinittee, which meetsRutm to-day, that the fo be strengthened, d tit the pay be m- '"mos.—Messrs. B u, Jo>P andCo held an atfEou Thursday, at s Lio Hotel Wrexham, foje sale of a freehold to ca d Halghton, a fe w S^ffer^l < Vron Colliery, £ 5 STwere md? for Water Bpymbo Wa\ and the Public ill, d they also were witrawr Nv Factory AcT.-isteiy the Act passed in t late session carmto ration to improve the'alth of women, M Pons, and children eimj ed in the manufnrieind the education of a? children. The jod employment is to f*n six to six or fr< sevto seven o clock the *ployment not to jon'ously longer than four ours and a half houalf an hour for a Kea5eic. pt on Saturd;, « the employment is nc to bf beyond h.pame o clock. Two < konjeach day, save on cur to be allowed for meal and one hour bre >e o clock. There are 'ovisions in the nCÅcto education and scho, attendance. Emyicduring meal time < is stftly prohibited. A 'ORTXJNATE ESCAPE-M Storr, secietary To th Wrexham WateDrkmpany, was in a colli^n on Wednesday Sd, > which, however, he fytunately escaped ih imng and a few j Juts itd bruises. The7ai which he was traveling to London, rthtough about hve « o'clock on the satnt ag; and. when 1 with* a few yards of tbtadashed into some trucb that were being ¡lUll to the Windsor 1 brauctt line. The sigD'1 wagainst the up. 1 trait). but the night beb And the air thick 1 with fog or snow, they we iserved. Happily ] the express was going at Ed speed, or the t consequences might havjetch more serious, i As it was, several t-rucU%,eia-,bed to pieces i und the engine was so diiajat it was unabls ] to proceed. The passengs iery much shaken, i r, but no one was seriour d. Accidents at ( this station are not unfile the company are in the habit of sending atteavy traffic down ] Slough, to' be thortfointo long goods i trains for the north or >?nsequently there s is always a considerable shunting going c on at this station afte, dk t late hour in the ( night.. and the wonder iltlth the constant 1 passing and repassing trains on this portion °f the line. accid<ts>t more frequent, j The weather continus tyely cold in rhis district, the frost being hi strong, and the e. aco-I The weather continus tyely cold in rhis district, the frost being hi strong, and the roadways slippery and dagt The authorities in Wreiham have very tdy caused gravel and earth to be strewn oyr cts in the t01\"U. which has no doubt prtencidents to man and beast. There hav, er, heen many awkward falls among oteAldernian Jones, in the early part of the ee, his footing on awkward falls among oteAldernian Jones, in the early part of the ee, his footing on the ice, fell, was considerbljn, and confined to his house a day or mating has been largely indulged in in thilo Frotti allpajts of the country we hear tht cakes, and rivers art; frozen over; falls f lave obstructed the highways in some pla'-s: door labour, un- fortunately, has been welfoifely suspended; while the loss of life, dirotWirectly trace- able to the excessive oldsuming serious proportions- WednesdayitKday nights were the coldest, we have expriior many years, and there is at present io )t of a change. On Wednesday evening a?oi5ngines belong* ing to the Wrexham FireBrboded a portion of the pool at Acton Park an ice is now in good order for skating. Sople are in the habit of strewing salt on tie nts before their honses- It will be usefnlto Ie warning jpst issued by Dr Carpenter, o C: as to the adop- tion of salt as a means of intnow or ice on public footpaths. The ex>edin a sense effec- tive enough, but brings mIre the pedestrian than the ice itself. Dr Ca-ptys that he has for many years steadily se higainst the use of salt on the pavements, eC has met with many instances in which sri'ess and death have resjited from the cuvhere delicatt people have inadvertentlywa. the briny patI: instead Of through the slilpei. If the boots be exacdtiei half an hour iSt- have paddlec through tbi briny slush Vrhi resulted troir the app-icajon of salt to sho,% will be founc soft and wet whilst the feet te been in then will be icy old.