Wrexham Guardian

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. We cannot undertake to return rejected communica tions. We cannot take notice of anonymous communi- cations. Whatever is intended for insertion must be authenticated by the name and address of the writer not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith.

THE DENBIGHSHIRE POLICE. The observations of the County Justices at the Quarter Sessions amply justify the remarks we ventured to make in regard to the action, or rather inaction, of the police in attempting to suppress the Hafod riot. The history of the disgraceful event, though not yet told in full detail, demonstrates conclusively that the disci- pline and supervision of the force are most unsatisfactory. It is not necessary to recapi- tulate here the various incidents of the riot. We must refer our readers to our report of the Quarter Sessions for them. To the most un- enlightened on the respective duties of the various officers it will be apparent that there has been a great dereliction of duty somewhere. And that no one is prepared to take upon him- self any share of the responsibility for the negligence and incompetency displayed is re- markable. The Chief Constable throws the onus on his deputy, and declares that informa- tion of the riot was not conveyed to him before Monday morning, three days after it occurred. He relates, in his report, that he personally instituted inquires into the circumstances of the affair, and found that a messenger was despatched to Wrexham on the Friday evening. "He (the messenger) saw Inspector Wilde, and applied to him for assistance, and told him all the circumstances. Inspector vVilde informed him that he had no men to send, as they were all engaged, and referred him to the Deputy Chief Constable. He saw Mr Bradshaw, and told him that there was a riot taking place at the Rhos. The Deputy Chief Constable replied that he could give no assistance," and there the matter ended. The officers named were not in the least concerned with the intelligence, neither does it appear that they troubled them- selves to ascertain if there was a riot, though the fact was pretty well noised abroad in the town. Mr Bradshaw confesses to the excited state of the messenger, an incident pregnant with significance, and sufficient to cause some uneasiness. But there was none. It was only at eleven o'clock next morning that the riotous behaviour of the colliers was fully disclosed to the Deputy-Chief Constable by the officer sta- tioned in the disturbed district, who also seems to have entirely ignored the duties of his posi- tion. He must have been quite cognisant of the storm that was brewing, and the conse- quences that would follow. Yet he made no attempt to convey his impressions to his chief at Wrexham. In fact, his conduct has been so extraordinary that we shall be much sur- prised if the authorities retain him in the force. It is a thankless duty to censure the police at any time, but it is doubly so at the present time, when two veteran officers are about to retire to private life. We could have wished to see Mr Denman and Mr Bradshaw vacating their respective offices under more pleasant circum- stances, leaving the force in a thoroughly organised condition, and they themselves re- ceiving the enconiums of the Justices for their long and, with a few exceptions, diligent atten- tion to their duties. It has, however, been otherwise. When the Lord Lieutenant of the County deliberately states that the condition of the police force is not what it ought to be," and that from the Chief Constable down- wards there is the want of a common head and of discipline, which is perfectly shame- ful," it is time that a reorganisation and recon- struction should take place. Some persons have doubled on the Justices and accused them of inactivity and supineness. Such a charge we believe to be groundless, as Mr FitzHugh evidenced. There was nothing which the magistrates did not do that they could have done. They mustered in strong force when convened in their Sessions-room and at once caused a strong body of the police force to be despatched to the scene of the riot. Of course their services were not then required, for the wrath of the colliers had been vented and the excitement had sub- sided. Some persons advocated a military intervention, but the magistrates very wisely refused to comply with the request, for, as Mr ritzHugli remarked, until the civil power j s insufficient to maintain order the military sower should never be resorted to. Had the local police awakened themselves to the threatening aspect of affairs on the afternoon of the riot there might have been a necessity for military intervention. But the Justices should not forget that it is by no means im- probable that there may be a recurrence of this riotous and lawless conduct. The Coalowners, in their memorial, told the Court that an organised system of terrorism extensively prevails in the district, with the design of coercing* the masters and intimidating well- disposed workpeople, on the occurrence of trade disputes, into compliance with such terms as violent and lawless persons may dictate." Our own private information, to a consider- able degree, is confirmatory of this statement, and unless provision is made for a vigilant look- out other lawless conduct may be indulged in with complacency. The magistrates should not, and will not, intervene in trade disputes, but it is their bounden duty to prevent, if possible, the excesses and "rattening," which the colliers of Rhos are instructed by their leaders to indulge in, in order that their de- mands may be conplied with.

NOTES OF THE WEEK. The Oswetsry Radicals had a great atrocity demonstration a fortnight ago and talked loudly of their sympathy for the poor Bulgarians. It is now stated that the amount of pecuniary sympathy "sticks" at .£15; we need scarcely state that the condemnation of the Government was severe and the demands for an autumn session unequivical. The subscription list shows how hollow was the demonstration. Ic would appear from a communication which the Birmingham School Board has received from the Education Department, that" My Lords" have at last become aware of the folly of creating new schools where the existing ones are half empty. Their lordships I, feel sure that the board will deem it advisable to exercise very great caution in selecting future sites (in case any be found necessary) until the schools already sanctioned are completed and in full working." The advice might be tendered to boards in our own district, which seem to delight in the free application of bricks and mortar, and an extravagant outlay of money to little or no purpose. Various speculations are indulged in as to who is the coming Mayor of Wrexham. Some have foolishly imagined that Mr Shone covets the honour, but we refuse to believe that he is possessed of so much ambition. There may be a time when he reasonably might aspire to the civic chair, but it certainly has not yet arrived. Mr Shone has to win his spurs, and when he is possessed of a little more ballast, we shall be pre- pared to take his claim to honours into considera- tion. It is not unnatural that there should be a general wish for the return of Mr Peter Walker to the Council Chamber, and we regret that he has again declined to allow himself to be nominated, though we are not surprised that he declined under the circumstances in which he was asked. A deputation comprising those who had, in former years, been his inveterate opponents, was not likely to induce him to consent, and we are somewhat astonished that some of them could have mustered courage to approach him. So far therefore as this move is concerned Mr Walker will not be Mayor. In running down the list of probable candidates we consider that Alderman Beirue is entitled to the Mayoralty. No doubt the objections of previous years will be again urged against him, but they are not insurmountable, and we hope the good sense of the Council will this year be manifested by placing him in the chair. The Wrexham Radical leaders, cognisant of their incompetency to dish up the Bulgarian atrocities in the correct form, invited an itinerant paid lecturer, last week, to perform the duty for them. There was, of course, the usual muster of would-be politicians, who played second-fiddle to the serio-comic orator, and the meeting was invited to agree to the immediate assembling of Parliament to decide upon the course England is to take in the present struggle. The meeting was an innocent amusement, aud we should be sorry if the Liberals were not permitted, in their hour of trial, to enjoy themselves in this fashion. Their resolution is harmless, and will injure no one, and thanks to thecontribuliionsof those in the "reserved seats and on platform," Mr Vincent will add to his coffer the gratuity which his oratory certainly earned tor him. We feel somewhat sorry ihough fur the local Liberals that they cannot themselves "educate" and amuse their followers without recourse to paid lecturers. We advise them all to read up. Mr Morgan Lloyd, M.P., though an advanced politician and generally desirous for the discom- fiture of the Conservatives, has sufficient wisdom to perceive that it would be foolish to expect or desire the Liberals to take the reins of Government. They are in such an unhappy and chaotic state that it is hopeless to expect a cohesion of the conflicting elements for some time yet. As soon as they are collected together, they exhibit their incoherence, .whilst the discordant fractions of the party rage at each other with unsparing vehemence. Mr Morgan Lloyd believes the times are unpro- pitious for the much-desired Liberal restoration to office. Speaking to his constituents, in Anglesey, this week, he said the Liberals are not prepared for power. They must consolidate their forces and make themselves stronger in the country. In fact they must learn to labour and to wait. Surely a little more attention to the coneiliatory process would be considerably a better policy than harass- ing the Government in the crisis which is now culminating in a great European war. Weare not hopeful of a speedy accomplishment of that object, but the attempt would at any rate have the effect of shewing that there is a chance of adopting a creed, which shall be of a more endur- ing popularity and attractiveness than the atrocities mongering business. Conservatives would rejoice to learn that there is a real Opposi- tion, led by responsible and trusted leaders with defined intentions and fixed principles. There is a vast amount of twaddle indulged in by Welsh patriots'' about the decadence of the vernacular of the Principality, and the attempts "restless Saxons" are said to have made to abolish it. Welshmen are professedly proud of their language and their country, as all nations and people are more or less. But it seems to be the peculiar privilege of Welsh patriots"—those who traffic witn the patriotism of the Cymry—to look upon Nonconformists as being inseparably bound to the Welsh-speaking people to distrust those who speak in the Saxon tongue; and to treat as traitors to their country those who encourage Welshmen to acquire the English language. We are wearied of the enconiums pronounced in honour of the Welsh language. They are not neeewary for ite preservation. They are but a lever to advance sectarian and political interests. What can be the utility of everlastingly telling our Saxon friends that the language of Wales is vastly superior to theirs whilst our business is al- most wholly transacted in English, and education also imparted in English ? Even patriots" like Mr Osborne Morgan, Mr Henry Richard, and others who are always great on Welsh nationality, do not the least trouble themselves to become better acquainted with the tongue of their credulous followers. Mr H. Richard must have experienced some misgivings as to his position when he went to Chester the other day to advocate the claims of English Congregational -worship in Wales. He has so sedulously set his face against the at- tempts to suppress the Welsh language and Anglicise the country" that it is quite amusing to hear him assert that the Congregationalists, LL are so much impressed with the progress the English language is making in the larg e town s that they see there is extreme danger-unless adequate and timely provision is made for re- ligious services in the English language—that their young people, many of whom are sent to England to be educated, will be lost to evangelical dissent." The fact is that the Church of England is drawing to her fold hundreds who, through a lack of the English language, have not hitherto been able to comprehend the services of the Estab- lishment which, we regret to say, were too fre- quently confined exclusively to the alien tongue. Mr Richard and his Nonconformist friends are fully aware of the change, and they not un- wisely—considering that their political and sec- tarian interests are at stake-attempt to stem the tide.

Hocal Ntws. GIFT TO THE INFIRMAry.-At a committee held on the 16th inst., it was moved by Mr Thomas Williams, and seconded by Mr E. M. Jones, that the secretary (Mr Y. Strachan) pay over the balance of £ 1 18s 7d, from Dr Williams's Testimonial Fund to the Wrexham Infirmary. MILITIA AND VOLUNTEERS.—Royal Flint: Capt. and Honorary Major Richard Pellam Warren resigns, also is permitted to retain his rank and to continue to wear the uniform of the regiment on his retirement. Supernumerary Sub-Lieutenant James Alastir Campbell to be Lieutenant (supernumer- ary). THE FAIR.-An ordinary fortnightly fair was held here on Thursday, when owing partly to the in- clemency of the weather but mainly to the some- what depressed state of trade not quite so much business as usual was done. There was a large attendance of visitors in the town, but the business done in the fair was below the average, the stock of cattle being also less. WKEXHAM FREE SCHOOLS, HILL-STREET (LATE RAGGED SCiffoOLS).-Average attendance for week ending 14th October:— Average attendance. On books. Boys 93 Girls 72 Total 165 PRESENTATION.—In connection with the lay clerks' concert, at St. Asaph, on Tuesday, an interesting incident occurred. The lay clerks were so much pleased with the kindness of Mr Bennett, organist of St. Mark's, Wrexham, in giving them his services as accompanist that they resolved on presenting him with a beautifully bound copy of the works of Sir Sterndald Bennett, under whom he studied for sometime. DEATH, THE GATE OF LIFE."—Mr Charles Bayley, who exhibited Sir Noel Paton's splendid painting at his establishment, Caxton Buildings, Hope-street, during the eisteddvod week, has now several fine engravings of the saoae which he offers fer sale. Those who have seen the original picture will, we think, agree with us that the engraver has succeeded in producing a very faithful copy of this noble work of art, and one well fitted to adorn the walls of any gentleman's house. IMPTRTANT TO RAILWAY PASSENGERS. Mr Maurice, dentist, Wrexham, has received a letter from Mr Kelly, Superintendent of tbj Great Western Railway, conveying an intimation that he has given instructions for the 6 30 p.m. train from London to call at Wrexham when required to set down Passengers booked from stations South of Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury and Hereford, Shrewsbury and Welshpool, and Cambrian lines. The October time-bills state that the troin stops at Wrexham for passengers who have booked through from London only. THE COLLIERS AND THEIR EMPLOYERS.—It is not true, as stated in some of our contemporaries, that the Ruabon Coal Company have complied with the requests of the colliers in regard to the question of the number of working hours. The colliers in the district have, we believe, intimated their in- tention to apply for an increase of wages all round, and propose a conference of masters and men, when they will submit a sliding scale, &c. The Ruabon Coal Company have therefore waived the question under discussion for the curtailment of hours until the subject is taken into consideration. THE EISTEDDVOD.-WE are requested to publish the following letter To the Secretary of the Wrexham Eisteddvod. Dear Sir,—Having been informed that the Rev. D. R. Thomas has been accused of impartiality in awarding the prize for the best essay on the British Church," at the Wrexham Eisteddvod, to a clergyman of the Church of Eng- land, we think it is our duty, as Mr Thomas' colleagues in this matter, to state that all three adjudicators arrived, quite independently and before they knew each other's opinion, at precisely the same conclusion-that the essay of Meirion was the beet of those which had been sent into the com- petition. If you consider it advisable to publish this, you are per- fectly at liberty to do so.—We are, dear sir, yours faithfully, D. SILVAN EVANS, T. C. EDWARDS. University College of Wales, Aberystwith, October 12th, 1876. WREXHAM, MOLD, AND CONNAH'S QUAY RAIL- WAY.—The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders of the Wrexham, Mold, and Connah's Quay Railway was held at their offices, in Wrexham, on Saturday, having been adjourned from August 26th. The accounts, which, with the directors' report, were passed, showed that the receipts for the past half- year had been CIO,769 8s Id, as compared with £ 10,038 15s 3d for the corresponding period of 1875. The expenditure for the same time had been X7,276 8s Id, as compared with X6,978 12s 5d in the first half of 1875. The increase is due to additional outlay on the maintenance of the way. The net revenue balance was Y,3,493, out of which the Buckley Railway Company had been paid the dividend on their share capital, and the interest on their debentures, amounting to £ 2.035 19s, leaving a balance of Xl,382 lis 9d available for the pay- ment of interest. HOPE HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES.—These services were held in the Parish Church, Hope, on Wednesday (St. Luke's Day). The church was suitably decorated for the occasion, through the kindness of Mrs Charles Roper, Plas Teg Mrs Dacre Roper, Penywern, and other ladies. The first service was commenced at three o'clock p.m. The prayers were divided between the Rev J. Rowlands, rector, and the Rev R. Boberts, curate, and a sermon, characterised by much earnestness, was preached by the Rev Rowland Ellis, Vicar of Mold. The evening service commenced at seven o'clock, when the prayers were again read by the rector and curate, and an eloquent and practical discourse was delivered by the Rev A. St. Colley, curate of Gresford. In addition to the usual harvest hymns, Barnby's beautiful anthem, "0 Lord, how manifold are Thy works," was sung with much spirit by the choir. The harvest offerings, which amounted to.23 Is lid, were given to church expenses. SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.—On Tuesday after- noon, a meeting of this board was held in the Council Chamber, at the Guildhall, Wrexham, Mr C. Hughes in the chair. The other gentlemen present were Mr Coleman, Mr J. Pryce Jones, Mr James, the clerk; and Mr Lindop, the attendance officer. A number of persons appeared before the board in consequence of the irregularity in the attendance of their children at school, and most of them were duly cautioned, whilst in a few instances an order to summon them before the magistrates was made. The only business was the consideration of the application of the Clerk for an increase in the rate of his salary from £ 20. to £ 50.—The clerk ex- plained that when he was appointed, some six years ago, very little was known of the working of school boards and the matter of salary was one of great uncertainty. He then accepted < £ 20 per annum on the understanding that it would be increased as his duties became more extensive.—The Chairman moved that the salary of the clerk be increased to A35 per annum, the rise to take place from the 29th September last.—Mr Coleman moved, as an amendment, that as the work which the clerk now performed was quite double that which he was called upon to do when he was appointed, his salary be increased to 440 per annum, the ris to take effect from the 29th September.—Mr Pryce Jones seconded the motion, and it was carried.—The clerk having thanked the board for coirplying with his application,, the meeting terminated. MUNICIPAL.—No notice having been given by Chief Baron Kelly for the town to be divided into wards, the election on November 1st will be con- ducted as usual. The retiring candidates are Messrs R. Lloyd, I. Shone (who re-offer themselves), T. Roberts and E. Lewis (who will not again be candidates). Dr Burton is spoken of as a candidate, and two or three other gentlemen had arranged to come out if the election had b-jen in wards. do- mination papers must be in the hands of the Town Clerk by Monday at four o'clock, and withdrawals will be received on Tifesday. ESCLUSHAM CHURCH.—Mrs Yorke, of Erddig, will on Tuesday next, lay the memorial stone of this church. The Tramway Company have made special arrangements to convey passengers to and from the site of the proposed church. On the occasion a handsome silver trowel, beautifully chased and en- graved with a crest and inscription, and ivory handle, will be presented to Mrs Yorke. The trowel is now on view in the window of Mr Heywood, jeweller and silversmith, High-street, Wrexham. We have been informed that the Misses Hayes, of Gatewen, have generously given a fourth donation of X20 towards the Church Fund. About .£700 are yet required. CONFKRENCE OF Mi-ERs.-On Monday the colliers of the Wrexham district held a conference at the Talbot Inn, when all the colliers within a radius of nine miles, with the exception of the Brynmally and Westminster, were represented. It was thought that the present state of the coal market justified an advance in wages, and the men determined to see the masters to try to come to some amicable understanding on the point. On the question of the sliding scale for the advancement or reduction of wages, the opinion of the meeting was divided, but the majority were in favour of the scale. The subject of weekly payments was deferred for future consideration. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—On Thursday morning an ordinary meeting of this board was held at the Union Workhouse, were present Messrs Lester, J. Burten, Gomer Roberts, Samuels, Beale, Sutton, Evan Jones, R. Jones, Rev R. O. Burton, Messrs E. Rowland, Parsonage, B. S. Roberts, Thomas, and Griffiths, The usual statistics were as follow:— Number of persons remaining in the house, 223; ditto corresponding week last year 220; vagrants relieved; idiots in the house, 35.-The Master called attention to the very large number of tramps who had visited the house during the past week. A letter was received from the Local Government Board complying with the request of the board of guardians for the erection of the new school build- ings at the Union Workhouse, and approving of the plans adduced returned to them,—It was agreed to advertise for tenders for the erection of the same. ART TREASURES EXIIIBITIO.Had this splen- did place of amusement and instruction closed when its promoters originally intended it to, to-day would have seen it terminate, and Monday would have witnessed a wonderful change in the scene which at present is depicted there. But, fortu- nately, visitors will be privileged for another month to view and admire the treasures of art which are to be seen there, and with one or two exceptions the whole of the stands in the industrial annexes will remain until the end of October. The celebrated firm of Messrs Elkington and Co., of Liverpool, the eminent electro-platers who have exhibited specimens of their finest manufactures, have decided to adhere to their original arrange- ments, consequently their stands will be removed next week, so that all who wish to purchase any of the innumerable, handsome, and costly articles which this firm exhibits, had better do so to- day. Since the opening of the exhibition, through the indefatigable zeal of the manager of this firm -Mr George Turner-some very choice articles have! been purchased bv the general public, and al- together Messrs Elkington and Co. will not have to regret that they exhibited their productions at Wrexham. Messrs Ogden and Co, of Manchester, whose furniture has been so much admired, and whose products have formed a no small part of the exhibits, also contemplate retiring from the scene at the same time as the first-named firm. Whilst it is to be regretted that these stands are to be removed prior to the closing of the building it ought not to be forgotten that such large concerns as these make their arrangements long before, they are fulfilled, consequently as the time specified for closing the exhibition expires to-day, in order to be regular and punctual to their other engagements the alterations named have to be made. Nearly, if not quite all, of the parties who have kindly lent pictures and other works of art have consented to allow their articles to remain as long as they can be utilised pro bono publico, and for the advance- ment of educational art. The exhibition is now more attractive than ever; the inducements it holds out to the public at large are as extensive as they are good, and we do hope that the concessions made by the Executive Committee in respect to the prices of admission on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings will be appreciated even more so than they have been The band plays lively and choice selections twice daily, and the organ recitals by Mr Harriss also can be enjoyed a similar number of times The attendance during the week was considerably augmented by several excursions from Bangor, Llangollen, and Liverpool; and the distribution of prizes by the member for the Denbighshire boroughs in the building to the successful candi- dates in the recent Oxford Local Examination, assisted in filling the coffers of the committee, whilst the patronage of the art section of the Social Science Congress, recently held at Liverpool, did much to augment the receipts. As will be seen from our advertising columns it has been decided to hold a demonstration in honour of Major Corn- wallis West, by a conversazione on the 27th of November, and a dress and fancy ball (calico) on the 6th of December, and nothing will be found wanting on the part of the committee, by whom the arrangements are carried out, to make the occasions alluded to worthy of the object for which they are inaugurated. The following are the weekly statistics:— Friday, Oct. 13 510 Satarday, 14 2,469 Monday, 16 1,676 Tuesday, „ 17 589 Wednesday, IS 808 Thursday, 19 1,J14 Total 7,166 Since opening 55,995

THE CHESTER DISTRICT UNION OF ELEMENTARY TEACHERS. At the half-yearly meeting of the Chester District Union of Elementary Teachers, which was held on Saturday last at the British Schools, Wrexham, the following associations were represented Denbigh- shire, Crewe, Cheshire, Flintshire, Holywell, Rhyl, Northwich, and the Vale of Clwyd. In the un- avoidable absence of the President, Mr Haughton, of the Wrexham National Schools, Mr Cross, of the Wesleyan Schools, Chester, presided. Amongst those present were Mr A. Fyfe, Mr J. Fyfe, and Mr C. Dodd (Wrexham British School), Mrs Pearson, Mr James Clarke, Mr George Gill, Miss Caroline Cordery, Mrs Elizabeth Morton, Mr Geo. Morton, Mr Henry Barlow, Mr James Wood, Mr F. F. Wheeler, Mr David Jones, Mr W. Crockett, Mr J. Davies, Mrs Scott, Miss Margaret Davies, Mr E. B. Astley, Miss Jones (British School, Wrexham), Miss Harvey, Mr M. Clapham, Mr W. Baker, Mr Charles Jones (Oswestry), Miss W. Sparks, Mr John Williams, Mrs Pierce, Mr D. Pierce, Mr R. Wilkin- son, Mr Thomas Jones, Mr T. E. Thomas, Mr Henry Jones (Leeswood), Mr S. P. May, Mr W. Johnson, Mr L. Woodcock, Mr E.W oodcock,: Mr F. Chawner, Mr Joseph Draper, Mr M. Blezard, Mr Downey, Mr R. Lloyd, Mr D. Jones (Llanychan, Ruthin), Mr J. Nightingale, Miss M. Roberts (Burton School), &c.; Mr M. H. Nichols, secretary. In consequence of a number of invitations having been sent out to various parties, including her Majesty's Inspector of Schools in the district, and no replies having been received to the same, it was unanimously resolved that in future no one but members of the union be invited to be present. Letters of apology for non-attendance were read from Mr Osborne Morgan, M.P., Mr W. Williams, M.P., Mr Rhys, H.M. Inspector of Schools, and Mr Jones (Mr Rhys' assistant). The minutes of the last meeting were read by the Secretary. Mr A. Fyfe, in moving that they be confirmed, said at present the minds of the people of the country had become so absorbed in the Eastern question and the affairs of Turkey that all questions of domestic importance had been laid aside. The question of education, however, was a great national one not only in England and Wales, but throughout the whole of Europe, and it was the subject upon which they had that morning met together to enlighten each other, and they would consider it as to their present position and future prospects. In looking over the Educational Blue Book and the new code, there was not very much to encourage them. They were by the new code provided with plenty of work, but the amount of the payment for its performance was very problematical. Mr Fyfe then dealt in detail with the various requirements of the new. code which would demand additional means, and a larger and more effective staff of teachers than in many instances were now employed. It mattered not how well qualified a schoolmaster might be without an effective staff of teachers learning could not make that progress which it ought to. It was unjust and absurd of boys just fresh from their mother's apronstrings, and who could neither decline a Latin aero nor conjugate a Greek verb being appointed school inspectors through nothing else than rank patronage (hear, hear, and applauseb Mr Fyfe concluded by moving the confirmation of the minutes. After a few remarks from the chairman, Mr Wilkinson, of the College Schools, Chester, read a humorous and interesting paper on c, The Educa- tional Blue Book, 1875—76," which was greatly appreciated, and dealt with the subject in a very able manner. The Chairman then referred to a school inspector who spelt the word pony with an e," and all right alright," with one 1," and in one word. Mr Nightingale, Parochial Schools, Newmarket, read a well-written paper on The New Education Act," treating concisely its gradual develop- ment, its standards of attainment, its just and generous divisions, the extent and elasticity of its enactments, and its generally encouraging cha- racter adding that, taking the Act on the whole, all parents, school teachers, and managers, and employers effected thereby, had reason to join in one united song of thankfulness for a measure which, if properly carried out, would produce most beneficial and lasting results upon the nation generally (applause). Mr Astley proposed a vote of thanks to the readers of the papers, which was seconded by Mr Johnson, After this, a vote of thanks, on the motion of Mr Wilkinson, seconded by Mr Pierce, was unani- mously accorded to Mr Fyfe and his managers for the use of the schoolroom on that occasion. Votes of thanks were also passed to the chairman and secretary, and the next meeting having been announced to take place at Chester, the proceedings terminated. The members afterwards visited the Art Treasurea Exhibition.

BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. MONDAY.—Before T. C. Jones, Esq. (in the chair). R. Lloyd, Esq. (ex-Mayor), E. Williams, and T. Painter, Esq. APPLICATION RESPECTING AN ASSAULT. Mr J. M. Jones appeared before the court seek- ing the advice of the magistrates under the follow- ing circumstances:—On Saturday evening last, at about eight o'clock, he was going along Mount- street, and when opposite the Working Men's In- stitute, saw a woman crouching under the wall and a man standing over her, and, from what he heard, the woman had been abused by the man. Mr Jones followed the pair a little distance when the man again struck the woman a series of violent blows, and kicked her about the abdomen. The woman bled profusely. Mr Jones interfered and subjected himself to the violence of the man. who tried to strike him. A police-officer was sent for, and Mr Jones requested the man to be taken into custody. The officer refused to comply with that request because he had not seen the assault com- mitted, nor was the woman's life in danger. Ser- geant Lindsay was consulted, and he endorsed the opinion of the police-officer, and Deputy Chief- constable Bradshaw also agreed that the officer could not take the man into custody. Under the circumstances Mr Jones wanted to know what was his position as a private citnen ? He could not stand by and see a woman abused in the manner described without taking some steps to prevent in- jury to the person (hear, hear). The Clerk told Mr Jones that he could take out a summons against the man. Mr J. M. Jones said that the man was a stranger to him, and before a summons could be taken out the man might be gone away from the town. Mr T. C. Jones said the man might have killed the woman. Mr J. M. Jones remarked that the woman wac very drunk; so also was the man. Mr T. C. Jones was of opinion that the officer would have been justified in taking the man into custody on the application of Mr J. M. Jones, who was well-known in the town. Sergeant Lindsay stated that unless the police either saw the assault committed, or the life of the person assaulted was in danger, they had no power to apprehend the man. The Clerk, in reply to the bench, stated that the police had acted according to law; but a warrant could have been obtained for the apprehension of the man. It was then decided that a warrant be at once issued for the apprehension of the man, and Mr J. M. Jones intimated his intention of being sworn in as a borough constable in order that he might have power in future to take into custody any person under similar circumstances. CAUTION TO SHOPKEEPERS. F. W. Mawer, hairdresser, residing in Overton Arcade, High-street, was charged with having per- mitted a nuisance to exist in High-street on the previous Thursday. Mr David Higgins, inspector of nuisances, stated that the present proceedings were taken under the 13th section of the bye-laws of the borough of Wrexham, sub-section 4, which enacts that if any person shall, within the borough, after eight o'clock in the morning, sweep the dust or other litter from any house, shop, or other building, into any street, heshall forfeit and pay a fine or sum not exceed- ing 40s." Onthe day in question a heap of rubbish was deposited in the street by the defendant and caused a nuisance. Fined 10s and 7s costs. HAMPERING THE STREETS. James Chaloner, market gardener, of Shocklach, was fined 10s and 7s costs, for having on Thursday week caused soma hampers of apples to be placed in the street top several hours, thereby causing an obstruction. CAUTION TO CHILDREN. Kenrick Francis (14), who resides with his parents in the Beast Market, was fined 6d and the costs for having, on Sunday week, committed an obstruction in the street by playing with a bung, which he with other lads was knocking about with a stick. CHARGE OF ASSAULT. Edwin Jones, tin plate worker, was charged witk havingassaulted William Pape, hirdresaeI, carryin on business at Henblas-street. It was stated by the complainant that on Friday morning the defendant struck him several times; injuring his mouth. In consequence of the ill- treatment the complainant received he had to go to bed. Fined 208 and the costs. USING ABUSIVE LANGUAGE. William Davies, was then charged with having abused the complainant in the last case, on Tues- day. Complainant stated that on the day in question he had a letter posted up in his window when the defendant told complainant he was like Fish, of Blackburn." Before he could shut up that night witness had to get the protection of the police. The defendant used very abusive language to him. The defendant was bound over in a surety of to keep the peace for six months, and ordered to pay the costs.

COUNTY MAGISTRATES' COURT. MONDAY. Before J. H. Ffoulkes. Esq., in the chair; E. Evans. Esq., and Col. White. DRUNK AND ABUSIVE. Maria Evans, Cacca Dutton, summoned George Jones, Erlas, for being drunk and using abusive language towards her on the 25th. Complainant wac going home in a donkey cart, when she overtook defendant and a man named Davies, who through, an injury, was obliged to be drawn about in a pony chair. Defendant was the worse for liquor, and was quarrelling with Davies, and threatened to over- turn his chair. Witness expostulated, and Davies drove off and she followed him but defendant turned upon her and abused her defendant was fined 10s and 8s 6d costs. DRUNK AND FIGHTING. P.C. Littlehales summoned Charles BartJet John Roberts, and Thomas Jones for being drunk and .fighting- on a piece of waste land-on the Green, Brymbo, on Tuesday, 3rd inst.—Bartlet and Jones were fined 8s and 10s costs; and Roberts 5s and 10s costs. PERMITTING DRUNKENNESS. Edward Ellis, keeper of the Green Man beer- house, the Green, Brymbo, was summoned by P.C. Littlehales for permitting the aboue parties on hie premises whilst in a state of drunkenness. Defen- dant did not appear, and his wife who came to represent him said he was too ill to attend. The officer said he warned the daughter of the landlady but without effect. D.C C. Bradshaw said the house had been reported before as a disorderly house. Fined .£2 and 8s costs, and informed that the license would be endorsed next time. TRESPASSING IN PURSUIT OF GAME. James Dodd was summoned for being on land in the occupation of Mr Whieldon, Gwersyllt Id all, ia search of rabbits on the 23rd ult. Richard Tomlin- son, butler to Mr Whieldon. proved finding Dodd and Mr Bithel, a tenant, in a field called the Water- fall Meadow. Defendant had a dog with him and he took from him seven nets and four rabbits. Did not know why Mr Bithel was not summoned.—De- fendant said he was under the impression that Mr Bithel was the tenant. Fined 10s 6d and 9s 6d costs. BARN OR GRANARY. Charles Williams, a farm labourer, working Plas Power, .summoned Janes Davies, a ftOkrvr