Wrexham Guardian

As the defendant had been up before, he was fined 5s and costs, or seven days' imprisonment. Louisa Price, Charles-street, was charged with the same offence on Friday, the 21st inst. P.C. Jones proved the case, and stated in addition that the woman used most abominable language. Defendant admitted 'the fact, saying that she did not remember using any bad language. She also admitted being before their worships on several occasions previously, but said that should be the last time. The last occasion she was fined 40s and costs, but went to gaol in default. She was sent to gaol for seven days. Mary Carrol, of Pentrefelin, was brought up for drunkenness on the 17th inst. She admitted haying some drink, and was a little excited by a Mrs Bailey, a neighbour. P.C. David Williams proved the case, and said he was called to a row in Chapel-square, Pentrefelin. He found the defendant drunk and disorderly and making use of bad language. Defendant was sent to gaol for seven days in default of a 5s fine. Mary Hefferan, of Pentrefelin, was charged with being drunk on Saturday. P.C. Owens proved that this woman was in the street in a state of intense intoxication. She ad- mitted the fact. Fined 5s and costs. OBSTRUCTING THE THOROUGHFARES. Sarah Roberts, a very respectable looking trades- woman, of Rhosllanerchrugog, was summoned for allowing her horse and trap to stand so as to cause an obstruction, on Thursday. Defendant appeared very sorry, and said that she was afraid of leaving the cart on Town-hill, on the incline, and was rather clumsy. P.C. Hugh Jones proved the case, and a fine of 10s 6d was inflicted and paid. THREATENING LANGUAGE. Margaret Bolan, of the Beast Market, was charged with using threatening language to one Sarah Davies, on the 15th inst. The complainant stated that on Saturday week defendant came and challenged her to fight, saying that if die would not, she would have her life when she went out into the road. Defendant, 111 defence, stated that a quarrel was between them, on account of a man sending her little brother into a field with a savage pony, which bit him about the head. Mrs Slawson corroborated the above witness's evidence, and the magistrates fined the defendant 2s 6d and costs, 10s 6d in all. PITCH AND TOSS. James Higgins, a youth, was charged with playing pitch and toss, on Sunday afternoon, near the Barracks. P.C. Owens stated that there had been great complaints made as to the prevalence of this vice. He saw the prisoner and another lad playing, ran after him, and secured him some distance away, in a field. The defendant had been up for the same offence before, so he was sent to gaol for a month as a rogue and a vagabond. John Hughes, of Abbot-street, the other lad, was charged with a similar offence, and as he had not been up before, he was only fined 6s, including costs, which was paid. TUESDAY.—Before the Mayor and Chas. Hughes Esq. VOTARIES OF BACCHUS. Mary Lloyd, alias "The Cuckoo," a very old bird, whose note has been heard at this court at various times during the past twelve years, was charged by P.C. Owens with the two D's and the usual accompaniment of bad hnguage near the pawnshop in College-street shortly after eleven the previous night. The previous convictions book showed thirteen black marks against Mary, who was sent to her old quarters at Ruthin for one month with hard labour. Ann Nicholson and "W inifrid Conolly, charged by the same officer with a like offence at the top ot' Penybryn the same night, were each fined 5s and costs; or in default seven days' imprisonment with hard labour. Mr Hughes said the public had made repeated complaints as to the number of drunken women now met with in the streets of W rexham. Inspector Lindsay eaid the police had sent off a batch of ten women to Ruthin that very morning.

COUNTY MAGISTRATES' COURT. "WEDNESDAY.—Before T. LI. Fitz-Hugb, Esq., in the chair; Lieut.-Co1. White, and J. H. Ffoulkes, and E. Evans, Esqrs. JURY LISTS. The jury lists for the various townships in the division were ouly signed and allowed. LANDLORD AND TENANT IN COLLISION. Robert Jones v. Thos. Edwards and Elizabeth Jones v. Jane Edwards.—These were summonses taken out by husband and wife against husband and wife for assaults committed on the 23rd of August. Mr J. Jones appeared for the defendants. The parties reside at Bwlchgwyn, and the com- plainant, Robert Jones, stated that about half-past three on the afternoon of the 23rd of August he and his wife were walking pJong the highway when they were met by the defendants. Thomas Edwards seized him and Jane Edwards seized his wife, and a struggle commenced. Jane Edwards threw his wife down in a ditch with a child in her arms, and when he went to their assistance the male defendant punched him in the face till he bled half a teacup of blood. Cross-examined: Was a tenantcf Ihos. JkIwHIOS, and occupied a house and land belonging to him at Bwlchgwyn. The rent was < £ S 10s, and he left on the 20th of May after a three months tenancy. Had paid no rent, and had previously taken away a lot of his goods and put them in a house a mile from where he was living. When Thos. Edwards met him, he was taking away a sow and a hen. He took the sow from him, also tha hen; but did not say it was for the rent. Witness did not interfere. Jane Edwards took the hen out of his hand. He made a little opposition, but thought it was no good putting the poor creature in pain. They dropped on them like murderers. Jane Edwards got her black eye by running her head against a wall. He struck no blows, but merely pushed her in the back when he went to pick up his wife. Sarah Price spoke to seeing Jane Edwards "jump at the head of Robert Jones's wife." Then they both went at it, and she left them struggling on the ground. Robert Jones, who was holding the child, struck Edwards with a brush, whereupon the latter turned back from the sow and returned the blow. Mr Jones said the defendant had merely seized complainant's goods under a distress for rent, which he had a perfect right to do. He called no evi- dence, but contended that the probabilities were in favour of the assault having been commenced by the complainant and his wife. The Bench fined Mrs Edwards half-a-crown and the costs, gs 6d and dismissed the case against the husband. ALLEGED INFRINGEMENT OF THE MINES REGULATION ACT, Mr Jonathan Dodd, manager of the Wrexham and Acton Colliery, appeared to a summons granted on the information of Mr H. Hall, Govern- ment Inspector of Mines for the district, charging him with having on the 16th of August, in the aforesaid colliery, an underground plane, exceed- ing 30 yards in length, on which persons travelled, and self acting, which was not provided with the proper means of signalling between the stopping places and the ends of the plane, contrary to the 10th general rule laid down in the 31st section of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1872. Mr H. W. Collins, of Liverpool, attended in support of tbfe summons; and Mr Swetenham was for the defence. Mr Collins, in opening the case, said he appeared on behalf of the complainant, Mr Hall, the Govern- ment Inspector of Mines for this district. The information was laid under the 10th general rule ef the 51st section of the Act, which states that any underground plane on which persons travel, which is self-acting, shall be provided, if it exceeds 30 yards in length, with some proper means of signalling between the stopping places and the ends of the plane, and with sufficient man-holes and places of refuge. They complained that this particular underground plane or jig" was not pro- Tided with some proper moans of signalling between the stopping places and the ends of the plane. An accident occurred on the 16th of August last, resulting in the death of a boy who was crushed between the ascending and the descending tabs. The jig was 130 yards long, and as he was instructed there had been no proper means of signalling whatever between the top and bottom of Che plane. The only mode of signalling he should explain in a moment. The sketch he sub- mitted showed the jig or underground plane; and the magistrates would observe that he had put a black mark n cross it, and in te position defined by the b1:1ck mark was a door for the purpose of prcvi-utiR^ draught. The boy who was beside or behind door communicated with those at the upper euil by knocking at the door when he had hooked on the trucks or tubs, and it was returned by a signal from the- top. That was the only means of si^miiiing adopted in the v/hola length of 130 yards. As he had said, the boy had been found dead, and he was bound to state that atJthe inquest a verdict of accidental death was returned by the jury. An official report was made to the inspector, and he went down the mine, and reported the cir cumstances to the Home Office, and hence these proceeding's which was taken under the authority of the Home Secretary. It was perfectly clear that such a mode of signalling could not have been con- templated by the Act. He should show that the proper means of signalling was by a wire from one end of the plane to the other, the wire having at one end a lever, and at the other a hammer strik- ing a piece of iron in very much the same way as a ship signal striking a gong or bell when one telegraphed to a man in a distant part of the ship to go at full or half speed or to stop. Hfe did not think he need trouble their worships with any other observation, but would proceed at once to call his witnesses. Richard Jones, charter-master at the Wrexham and Acton Colliery, remembered the accident that took place on the 16th of August, and was working in the mine at the time. The mode of signalling was this :—The lad knocked the door at the bottom of the "jig when he was ready to start, and they signalled to him by whistling. He would then open the door and whistle back to them, and let the tubs go. Witness was at the top of the incline and the boy at the bottom, and his (witness's) duty was to let the tubs down. He could not tell the exact length of the incline, but it was more than 30 yards. Cross-examined by Mr Swetenham The boy was provided with a whistle, and he never had any difficulty in hearing it. Could also hear his knocking quite easily. Had worked in other collieries. The signalling is by knock and whistle or bell—a piece of rail hung up. As they worked out the coal the roof sometimes fell in. The inclined plane is where the waggons come up. The falling of the roof pressing on the wire might cause the bell to ring when it was not wanted. Believed, therefore, that the knock and whistle were the best. Re-examined Never saw the bell wire on a wicket jig or in any other place. The roof was constantly falling in. The waggons make a noise, but not a very big one. Had six and sometimes I seven tubs hooked on. I j By Mr Swetenham Was present at the inquest. f It was the duty of the boy who was killed never to pass the door. His body was found jammed between two trucks in the middle of the jig. It was his (witness's) duty never to let the loaded waggons go until he heard the whistle from the boy. William Smith, collier, was working at the colliery about the time of the accident. The means of signalling was by rapping at the door and whistling. Was never provided with any other means of signalling. Had worked in no other part of that mine; but had worked in mines in Lanca- shire. There they rapped little iron bars or plates at top and bottom. Had seen a wire used on the main jigs. Cross-examined by Mr Swetenham Had never the smallest difficulty in hearing the boy's whistle. The roof in this jig was liable to fall in little quantities. As the place is worked so the roof falls and presses heavily against the sides, and the weight of the coal would cause the wire to ring the bell when not required. Mr Henry Hali, inspector of mines for the dis- trict, said on the 17th of August he received an official notification of this accident. He examined the place, and found the plane about 130 yards in length. He discovered no signalling apparatus; but the whistle which the boy used was shown to him. That is not the proper mode of signalling in a plane of 130 yards, and would only be used in a length of under 30 yards. Had had great experience as a mining inspector. The proper mode of signalling is to connect either end by a wire, so that a message could be sent either from the top to the bottom or from the bottom to the top, and was the mode adopted to meet the rule in question. Cross-examined: Had been an inspector since 1872, previous to which he had had experience as a mining inspector in Durham. The Act was passed in 1872, and he commenced with the Act. Had been frequently down the mine for the purpose of seeing that it complied with the Act, but more particularly with respect to the ventilation. Was pretty well acquainted with other collieries in the neighbourhood. In Meadows Colliery, near Wigan, there is a self-acting jig supplied up to this time with this apparatus. In this neighbourhood had seen scores of self-acting jigs in Wrexham collieries. Had seen this apparatus in the main brow the main brow was never allowed to fall in. Really could not fix upon any self-acting jigs in any of the collieries. Can you point out in the Act of Parliament any provision specifying what are the proper means ?— No, I cannot. Can you point out any special rules which are made under the Act specifying what are the proper means in such a case i s this ?—No, it is left entirely to the manager. In your opinion is the practice of whistling dangerous or defective or both ?—It is both. Now you have often been down in this particular mine ?—Three or four times. Do you remember how long before the accident ? —I should think within six months. Now if in your opinion the practice was both dangerous and detective, why did not you give a written notice as required by the Act ?—The Act of Parliament does not require me to give such notice. Did you or did you not before the accident com- plain either verbally or in writing of this mode of signalling ?—No. Re-examined: Having reference to the falling roof, the proper mode of signalling is that which has boen described. At this stage of the case the Chairman intimated to Mr Swetenham that the bench wished to save him any further trouble, as they were of opinion that the case fell to the ground. Mr Swetenham thanked the bench for that intimation but thought a word or two from him would not be inopportune as it was a matter of great importance to the country generally, as they might perceive; but he was prepared to show, if the case had gone on, that the magistrates were not the proper authorities to decide it. It was purely a question of arbitration and as this was a case of great importance to this neighbourhood, where colliery proprietors only required the safest and best means of signalling, he was prepared to show that until the arbitrator had shown the proper means this court had no power to decide the point. In this neighbourhood colliery managers thought the system of telephoning was very much better than the apparatus referred to. Perhaps it might interest the court to hear what the 46th section states. The 51st section merely calls rule 10 a general rule, and only says that proper means are to be provided but the proper means are not expressed. Then the 46th section provides that if the inspector shall find any mine to which this Act applies, or any part thereof, or any matter in practice or connected with any such mine to be dangerous or defective, so as in his opinion to threaten or tend to the bodily injury of any person, such inspector shall give notice in writing to the owner, agent, or manager, and shall state in such notice the particulars in which he considers such mine to be dangerous or defective, and require the same to be remedied; and unless the same be forthwith remedied, the inspector shall report the same to the Secretary of State. If the owner or manager object to remedy the matter, he may within 21 days send the grounds of his objection to the Secretary of State, and thereupon the matter shall be determined by arbitration in the manner provided by the Act. Then it goes on to say that afterwards if the colliery owner or manager does not comply with the arbitrators finding as to what are the proper means he is liable to be punished; but the court has no jurisdiction to decide until after the finding. The Chairman said the bench regretted that no proper means of signalling were specified in the Act, and that it should be left to the judgment of a manager who might chose means that were totally inadequate. WILFUL DAMAGE. James Crawford, Penybryn, gasfitter, and Joseph Clutton, Penybryn, labourer, were summoned for wilfully damaging a young plantation at Bersham, the property of T. LI. Fitz-Hugh, Esq., Plas Power. Mr T. B. Acton appeared in support of the summons, and called George Howlett, gamekeeper, who proved finding the defendants there on Sept. 19th. The underwood was enclosed by a park wall, over which they had climbed, and trampled down the cover raised at considerable expense for the rearing of young pheasants. Fined each 2s, the damage 6d, and the costs 8s. The money was paid. ASSAULT. Joseph Sumner, Poolmouth, quarryman, was summoned by Thos Amos, collier, Pentre Issa, for having assaulted him on the 13th Sept., by throw- ing a stone at him. Fined 2s 7d and 8s 6d costs. DRUNK AGAIN. George Williams, Summer Hill, collier, was charged by P.C. Henshaw with being drunk and disorderly on the highway on Sept. 1st. Fined 8s and 10s costs. SCHOOL CASES. Georare Edwards, The Green, Brymbo, collier, Francis Hooson, Bwlchgwyn, and Robert Hughes (who did not appear) were summoned at the in- stance of the Brymbo School Board for neglecting I, to send their children to some public elementary school. Mr J. Jones appeared in support of the informa- tion, and called John Parry, the school fcoard officer, to prove the case. The magistrates made an order requiring the at- tendance of the children at school, and informed the parents that they would be fined on l repetition of the offence. TRAVELLING WITHOUT A TICXET. John Griffiths, Marford, groom, was summoned, on the information of Inspector Brooker, for hav- ing travelled in a certain carriage on the Great Western Railway without having previously paid his fare, and with intent to avoid payment of the same, on the 3rd of September. The offence took place at Gresford Station; and defendant, who made no defence, was fined 40s and 90 costs, which he paid. ALLEGED DISORDERLY HOUSE. Henry Dodd, Pickkill, labourer;. John Owens, Pymrhydd, labourer and William Edwards, Sess- wick, wheelright, were summoned by P.C. Pugh for being found drunk on certain licensed premises, to wit," The Kiln" beerhouse, Crosslanes, on the 21st of August, and the landlord was also sum- moned for permitting drunkenness. Mr T. B. Acton represented the defendants. P.C. Pugh deposed that on the morning of the 21st of August, he visited The Kiln beerhouse, accompanied by a woman in search of her husband. He found several men quoiting in a field adjoining the, house. Later on a gentleman in the neigh- bourhood complained of the drunkenness going on at the house, and on a second visit he found Henry Dodd lying drunk in a ditch near the house. Sub- sequently he went again with the woman in search of her husband. He then saw Owens and Wright there both drunk. Mrs Edwards said she accompanied P.C. Pugh to Mr Kelsall's, and found her husband there at night drunk enough." Cross-examined Some of the parties there told her that the landlord refused him drink, although Tie was there, and she knew he had been at Eyton all day. Saw the defendants staggering out of the house drunk. Mrs Wright saw William Edwards and Henry Dodd at near ten at night on the road in front of P.C. Pugh's house, about 200 yards from "The Kiln." They were in a state of drunkenness, and were abusing the policeman. Did not perceive that the officer was drunk. Mr Acton then called Mr Kelsall, who said he kept The Kiln" and farmed some land, and since his occupation there had been no complaints against the house. Remembered Joseph Edwards coming between seven and eight o'clock in the morning, and called for a pint of ale. He served him, and he went away. Next saw him at half-past four or five, when he called for a glass of ale. He could not see that he was in liquor, and therefore drew him a glass, and he left the house and crossed the fields in the direction of Bangor. Saw him again at nine opposite the front door. He was making j for the door. but he would not allow him to enter the house, and he went and sat on a stone. A few minutes before Pugh and Mrs Edwards came in Joseph Edwards entered, but he did not have a "spot" of drink. Pugb walked into the room, which is 10 feet by 12 feet, and saw thirteen men sitting there, including the defendants. The policeman put his hand to his eyes, and looking round on the company, said to Mrs Edwards, He is not here." Edwards was sitting by the window, and his wife said, If you can't see him, I can." The company thereupon burst out laughing, and chaffed Pugh, who then charged one of the men with being drunk, having been seen lying drunk at the side of the road by Mr Peel, of The Gerwyn, who had called his attention to it. Dodd led the laugh, and Henry Wright said to Pugh, If there is anyone drunk in the house it must be you." Not more than two gallons of ale were drawn all that evening. It was a very quiet day.. John Foulkes, a journeyman painter, lodging at The Kiln, Henry Grifiith, and Henry Davies were called and gave rebutting evidence. The defendants were next called in succession, and testified to the sobriety of one another, and in suppoit of the evidence already given by the landlord, one of the defendants, Wm. Edwards, said he would stick to it that the policeman was the "drunkest of the lot," and that he and his companions could wald walk as square as he could then. Mrs Edwards here volunteered the statement that Wm. Edwards told her on coming to the court that he was prepared to swear anything, and defendant admitted the truth of the observation; attributed to him, but said he did not mean any harm. Mr Acton, the case having closed, then addressed the court, contending that the evidence and Mrs Wright was jaundiced in consequence of having an animus against the landlord, and was not worthy of the amount of credibility which attached to the evidence of the defendants. The Bench, after retiring for a few minutes, said that so much doubt surrounded the case that they had come to the determination to give the de- fendants the bendfit of it, They moreover con- sidered the policeman left the court without the slightest imputation upon his his character. VAGRANCY. Two women who gave the names of Minnie Chilton and Jane John were charged by P.C Brook with vagrancy at the Blue, Gresford, on Saturday, and sent to gaol for one month with hard labour.

WREXHAM TOWN COUNCIL. A monthly meeting of the Town Council was held at the Guildhall on Tuesday. The Mayor (Alderman Beirne) presided; and there were also present Alderman Jones, and Councillors T. Evton- Jones (ex-Mayor), Shone, R. Williams, Rowland, Roberts, Murless, Baugh, E. Smith, R. Lloyd; Mr J. James (Town Clerk), and Mr J. W. M. Smith (borough surveyor). AN ECONOMICAL PROPOSITION. The minutes having been read, # The Mayor said he had a great aversion to re- scinding anything that had been passed at previous meetings; but with regard to the gas apparatus he did not see the use of going to an expense of .£50 to provide an instrument of that sort when they had every facility afforded them of going to the gasworks and testing the gas there whenever they thought proper. As long as they could do that they might as well save £50, and he begged to propose that the motion for the purchase of a photofneter be rescinded. Alderman Jones, without supporting the Mayor's proposal, mentioned that he had been accosted in the street by an inhabitant, who expressed a hope that the Council would not expend £50 for such a purpose, believing it to be wholly unnecessary. The Town Clerk pointed out tha.t it would cot be competent to rescind a resolution passed at a pre- vious meeting without notice; and the Mayor then said he would put the motion on the business paper for the next Council meeting. Mr Shone asked whether the same remark appliad to a resolution adopted at the last quarterly meeting with respect to the purchase of the two fields from Sir Watkin for the making of the pro- posed new streets, and the Town Clerk replied in the affirmative. MANUAL LABOUR ON ROADS. Mr Baugh gave notice that it is his intention to bring forward a.t the next Council meeting a motion for letting by contract the manual labour on township roads. THE ESTIMATE FOR A NEW B0ROUGH RATE AND THE NEW CEMETERY ACCOUNTS. The Town Clerk was sorry to say that the estimate for the new borough rate was very much against them with regard to the expenditure to be provided for under the head of the local board. On going through the accounts, he found that they had expended last year out of the borough fund 8d. Some of the expenditure would not be repeated; but towards meeting it their receipts, including the borough rate, had only been .£816 6s 5d, which left a deficiency of .£621 7s 7d. Mr Shone asked what the receipts from the cemetery had amounted to;? The Town Clerk said in round numbers they had received .£200 in about twelve months. Mr Shone thought that was a very fair return. The Town Clerk thought he should be obliged to ask the Council to estimate the amount of their requirements at .£900. The amount of the previous estimate was .£600; but they must recoup what they spent. Mr Tumour was in attendance to make a statement. The ex-Mayor put a question with respect to the claim (about of Messrs Addleshaw and Warburton, the solicitors concerned in the bank- ruptcy of the contractor for the cemetery. The Town Clerk said he had written to Messrs Addleshaw and Warburton, denying the responsi- bility of the Council, and referring those gentle- men to the penal clauses in the contract; but expressing at the same time his willingness to see the trustee, Mr Nicholson. That gentleman sub- sequently at his office, and Mr Turner, the architect, and Mr Smith, the borough surveyor, were present at the interview. Mr Nicholson brought one of the principal creditors with him and they had a long discussion and went through the accounts very carefully. Mr Nicholson said he had taken advic-e with regard to the penal clauses in the contract, and the opinion was that they could not be sustained and that to attempt to do so would only involve an expensive litigation. The matter would then be decided either by arbitra- tion or by the courts, and the Corporation might have to pay a great deal of money, in order to have their rights recognised. A discussion followed, and Mr Tnrner explained the position in which the Corporation stood to the late contractor, Mr Clark; but the reporters were desired not to publish the facts and statements made in connection with his disputed claim, for fear it might prejudice the case of the Corporation in the event of litigation being resorted to. Ultimately, Mr Shone moved that the Town Clerk write to Messrs Addleshaw and Warburton, referring them to the forfeiture clauses in the contract, and to various other items in their defence. Mr J. M. Jones seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Town Clerk then said that under these cir- cumstances instead of asking the Council for .£900 he should only ask them for .£600, to provide which a rate of 5d in the pound would be necessary. The amended estimate was then adopted, and a rate of 5d in the pound ordered to be made. THE PROPOSED CONSERVATORY FOR THE CEMETERY. Mr Lloyd brought on his motion for the ereetioH of a conservatory in the cemetery for the bedding out of plants. He understood that a greenhouse had been already ordered of Messrs Phennah and Davies, and would by this time have been erected but for a proposal to rescind what had been decided on. By having such a potting-house, for it was nothing more, they would effect a saving of £6 per annum. The cost of the erection would be .£37. Alderman Jones seconded, and Mr Shone sup- ported the motion. Mr Smith opposed it, as on former occasions, on the ground that it was quite unnecessary that the cemetery should be ornamented with geraniums and other plants that might be grown in this so- called greenhouse. A great deal more variety would be produced by the planting of annuals and perennials; and in the face of an outstanding debt of nearly £2,000 the Council were not justified in going to an expense of £37 to provide a conserva- tory" for the cemetery. Mr J. M. Jones supported the motion, and remarked on the pains now taken in decorating the graves in the new cemetery, because the public were stimulated by beautiful surroundings which were entirely wanting in the other burial grounds. As the superintendent had been promised a good supply of cuttings from gentlemen's gardens there would be very little expense beyond the first outlay of £37. In reply to the ex-Mayor, the surveyor said the greenhouse had been ordered. The motion was then put from the chair, and carried by a majority of five to four. APPLICATIONS. A letter was read from Mr Jones, solicitor, asking for a public lamp near the cross roads in Chester- street, a very dark spot, as several members admitted, and the application was referred to the Lighting Committee. The superintendent of the cemetery also wrote asking for a supply of gravel for the footpaths at the cemetery, and the surveyor was instructed to attend to the matter. No other business came before the meeting.

WREXHAM PUBLIC HALL AND CORN EXCHANGE COMPANY (LIMITED). The annual general meeting of the above com- pany was held in the small assembly room of the Public Hall, cn Wednesday, Sept. 26th., at twelve o'clock at noon. Mr S. T. Baugh, chairman of the board of directors, presided; and there were also present the following directors and shareholders :— Mr Alderman Jones, Mr Sisson, Mr J. Lewis, Mr T. Williams, Mr Overton, Mr Reed, Mr Joseph Ciark, and Mr Allington Hughes, and the secretary (Mr I W. H. Tilston). The report of the directors, which was taken as read, is as follows :— The directors beg to submit the financial statement forthe year ending June 301h. 1b7ï. Although they cannot yet recommend the declaration of a divid(>lid, it is gratifying to be able to report that during the yeara net profit ot £ 7a 10d. or nearly li per cent on the capital, has bet-n wilde, a deficit of £248 ]6s 6d at the commencement of the year having been reduced to £ 175 68 Sd. nvtwithstanding an expenditure during the year of Ss (id for repairs It is a matter of considerable regret to the directors that this expenditure has been necessary, 1mt they have exercised the greatest economy possible. During the current year it will be necessary to ventilate the ftoor of the large hall. Comparing the financial statement with that of last year, it will be seen that there is a.n increased income aader each head. Rents have produced £ 27 8s 60. more than last Yt,ar; the hire of tile hall and small rooms has produced £ 165 12s 8d, against £ 95 2s Gd last year- an increase of £ 70 10s 2d, while the hire of chairs, &c., shows an increase of £1513s lOd. The curernt expenses are charged with depreciation of furniture £ 50 7s Kid, your directors con' sideriQg it essential that ten percent should be charged each year, so as to show the actual position of the company. This has not been done in the past, and hence the apparently small deficit of £:!3 0s 6d shown in last year's statement. The directors are very anxious to exhibit the rell] position of the company, considering it far better that the shareholders should face an actual deficit than n fictitious surplus, to show which would not be prudent or right. There is an increase of £ i>7 8 6d in the expenditure on repairs £ 4 17s 6d on insur- ance, caused by a re-arrangement whereby nearly a year and a quarter's premium has become ciwrgeable to this year's accounts, and by the amount insureù having been i!Jceease6 j from £3,i50 to £ 4,0^0; and there is an increased charge of £1,) for hallkeepers salary, it having been raised annum, with living ro. ins on the premises. TIJere is a reduction in the expenditure under the following heads.— Incidental expenses, £ 21 Cs lid; printing and stationery, £4 14s 6d rates and taxes, £1 4s 3d gas and water, £1 ï 1!Js 5d. It is confidently believed that, notwithstanding the depression of trade, the affairs of this company have taken a turn in the right direction. There seems to be a prospect of still further increase in the income from the letting of the hall for public meetings, &c., and the completion of the projected iUlprovemeBts ef our neighbours, the Wrexham Market Hall Company, will doubtless increase the of this company's property. The directors who retire by rotation are Messrs W. Overton, Thomas Jones, and J. F. Edisbury. They are eligible for re-election. Mj Glxsoodine, the auditor, also retires, but is eligible for re-elecm>n. The Chairman, in moving tne adoption of the report, said he was sorry the directors were not in a position on that occasion to recommend a dividend to the shareholders. They were under the impression that during the year it was possible that their finances would be of such a nature that they should be prepared to pay a dividend. However it turned out that these hopes had not been realised, however sanguine they might have been in the matter. He might state that last year the hall was not occupied so often as they were led to suppose it would be in consequence of the great depression of trade and also of the Art Treasures Exhibition, to which people flocked instead of hold- ing meetings in that hall. The takings for the year, as they would see from the hiring of the hall were in excess of what they had been, namely, .£154 9s 8d. The rents of premises were now 8s 6d; the hiring of small rooms. < £ 11 3s the Corn Exchange subscriptions, .£32 lis; and the hiring of chairs, .£19 10s 4d. The hiring of the hall in 1876 for three months, ending September, only realised 0110; while this year for the three months, ending September 3rd, the hiring of the hall would yield, .£34 10s 8i, more than three times the 1 amount received last year. The engagements which the hall was already under for the same three months would bring them in .£49 10s 2d, that was admitting that there were no other engagements, so that their receipts from all sources would be con- siderably in excess of what they had hitherto been. Their outgoings, too, had been rather large during the past year. The balance they had last year in band was .£23 Os 5d. and there were some liabilities which should have gone with last year's ac- count that had been brought into this, .£49 19s lOd. The expenses, depreciation of furniture, bad debts, insurance, &c., amounted to £753 9s 2d, so that they were to the bad this year .£1756. 8d as against £248168 Gd last year, thus reducing the balance against them by something like .£73. He said last year, and he repeated it now, their expectations werj good. They hoped that this year they should be much more successful in letting the hall and in increased rentals, and also the increased sum for hiring the hall. He begged to move that the report of the directors, with the accounts attached to it, be approved and adopted. Mr T. Williams asked what was meant by increased rentals. The Chairman said there were some places unoccupied last year, and their rentals had been increased by the occupation of them. Mr Williams Then have you any unlet still ? The Secretary said Messrs Williams and Kyrke's rooms would be on their hands in the course of a short time, and another room would be vacated, for which, however, he had secured a tenant, so there would only be Messrs Williams and Kyrke's room, which brought in .£18 a-year. Mr Lewie Then all the basement story is let ? The Secretary said there was a large warehouse extending across the building which was only let occasionally, where they stored tables, tressels, and scenery; and the other part let to people who wished to store furnitwre there. That was not wholly let. Mr Lewis remarked that it was a matter for anxious consideration when they found a capital of very nearly £5,000 totaiiy unproductive to the shareholders for two years in succession and that notwithstanding the much vaunted prosperity of the tOTa of Wrexham. The :ill;it buipg iu the account, as it stood was aire.irs of calis, What was te explanation in rti'ereace to then) ? The Secretary s dd tiv.y were shaves held by J-i- John Vaughan, late of the Guardian Office, who had only paid a deposit on them. Mr Lewis said the shares ought to be forfeited, There was a sum of £ 20 to the bad at once that ought to be corrected. The Chairman was also of opinion that the shares should be forfeited. Mr Lewis then asked for information as to the nature of the liabilities omitted from last year's account. The Secretary said the case with regard to them was this. There were not only liabilities but some book debts omitted through a change of secretaries happening just at the close of the year. He was not aware of certain liabilities, and there turned out to be book debts of which he had no knowledge. The result was a discrepancy in the accounts of .£49 odd. which had been brought into this account. Mr Lewis What are the book debts, are they arrears of rent ? The Secretary: They are for rents due about the 24th of June and Corn Exchange subscriptions. Mr Lewis asked if anything had come of the County Court question. The Chairman replied that the judge still occupied that court, and was making application to the Treasury to give him fittings and things which j they (the directors) did not feel called upon to supply. Mr Lewis Then he simply pays for each court day. Mr Williams: The commissioners have sent down an inspector, and he made a survey of the Town Hall, but what came of it I am unable to say. Mr Eeed » That was some time ago. Mr Williams No last week. Mr Reed I dont think he knew anything about it. If he does not come on a court day he may as well stay in London. Mr Lewis said it might seem a curious remark for him to make as a shareholder but with great deference to the Judge and the Registrar he could not see why the old Town Hall would not do for; the purpose. Mr Reed We are holding two courts at once. Mr Lewis Why held two courts at once ? Mr Reed The law compels it. We need not be sitting at the same time. ) Mr Lewis The long and short of it is the busi- ness is wanted to be pushed through in one day, whereas it ought to occupy two days. If you sur- charge a mill, you will choke it but really I have sat in the Town Hall since '45, and practised at the bar during the first ten years of this county court, and I have always found it good enough, and in- finitely better than either of the vice-chancellors courts, especially the vice-chancellor of England's court in Lincoln's Inn. 0 Mr Reid You don't have those vast crowds there. Mr Lewis then seconded the adoption of the re- port and statement of accounts, and the motion was carried unanimously. Mr Lewis then asked whether the question had been before the directors during the past year as to any mode of utilising the large hall so as to pro- duce a greater revenue. It occurred to him that it would be worth while, even if they had to obtain money by a slight increase of capital, to spend A300 or 024-00 upon an organ to be fitted up in the gallery, so that they might give Saturday night or y I Monday night concerts, with shilling and sixpenny admissions, the same as at the Birmingham Town Hall, where they had working men's concerts with simply the organ. The Chairman said the matter had been discussed by the directors on several occasions but nothing decisive had come out of it. Singing classes and amateur concerts had also been spoken of. Mr Lewis said that might be all very well but they ought to have an organ to make the hall com- plete. The afternoon organ performances at the Art Treasurers' Exhibition last year seemed to take very well and as so much had been said in these days about popular amusements and cheap enter- tainments without drink, it might be a question whether the suggestion was not worth an experi- ment. Mr Overton remarked that they might experiment with an American organ or harmonium. Mr Lewis said an organ more powerful than the I old organ at St. Mark's was put up in St. Paul s Church, Brighton, at, the cost of £ 200. The erection of such an organ as he proposed might turn out a good speculation and he, in common with all the shareholders, felt anything but comfortable at the thought that £ 5,000 of capital had failed to yield them a shilling of dividend for two years in sue- cession. The subject then dropped and the retiring directors and auditors having been re-elected On the motion of the chairman, it was resolved, after some discussion, that in addition to the present accounts a cash statement be inserted in future balance-sheets, showing the exact trans- actions of the company. It was also resolved, on the motion of Mr T. Williams, that the accounts be audited twice a-year insted of once as at present. The meeting then terminated with the usual vote of thanks to the chairman.

THE WELSH CHALLENGE CUP. We are glad to announce that four more clubs have joined the association, and that the committee have allowed them to compete for the cup, although their entries were made after the time allowed for sending in entries bad expired. This. however, was not agreed to without giving rise to a very animated discussion, and it was finally decided that the ties already drawn should not be disturbed. Next week we shall be able to give the ties of the clubs alluded to. It was also definitely decided that no further entries should be accepted. We are informed that the greatest interest is being mani- tasted in Newtown with regard to the forthcoming match (cup tie) between the Druids and the New" town Club, handbills being already posted in nearly all the shop windows inviting players to jrin the Newtown Club. Without venturing to predict the result of the contest, which is sure to be a close one, we may safely say that the Druids are not likely to resign it without a severe struggle. We under- stand that the committee intend, in addition to the cup, to present each member of the eleven winning the final tie with a gold medAl, and to the club an illuminated certificate of victory"; to the second clsb in the competitien, a certificate of commenda- tion will be presented.

FIXTURES. WREXHAM. A Oct. G, r. Gwersyllt., at Wrexham. Oct. 20, r. Civil Service, at Wrexham. Oct. 2", r. Carnarvon, at Bangor.

The hull of the Forest has been raised and towed inside Portland Breakwater. The first stage in the great detective scandal has at length been reached. On Saturday a number of wit- ne^ses were called on behalf of the prisoner Clarke, to disprove certain portions of Kurr's evidence, after which council addressed the court on behalf of Druscovich, con- teuding that the evidence of Kurr had not been corro- i bcrated, Inspectors Palmer and Clarke both affirmel their innocence of the charges brought against them, as did Mr Frot'Sratt, but the magistrates decided to commit all for trial, Clarke and Froggatt being admitted to bail. Mr Bright, M.P., in distributing prizes to the success- ful tudents attending the classes of the Equitable 1 Pioneers' Society in Rochdale, made a speech on the value and the importance of education, particularly with reference to those branches of knowledge which relate to art and science. The right hon. gentleman went back to his school boy days, some fifty years ago, when art and science were things he had hardly ever heard of, and he sketched the various achievements which science has been the [Leans of accomplishing since j then-such as the manufacture of gas, and the dis-coverv of steam power, telegraphy, photography, and the machine. The last-named invention was classed as one of tlie greatest inventions of our time. The second trial of M. Gambetta, on charges arising out of his now celebrated speech at Lille, took place on Saturday, before the CorrcctwrUl Tribunal of Paris. At the first hearing he was sentenced to three months' in.- prisonment, and ordered to pay a fine of 2,000 frauc. aud against this decision, arrived at in his absence, he lodtrec an appeal, which came on for hearmg on Safurdt,. Before Iie proceedings commenced M. Gambetta w,t- asked if he had anything to say. when he replied that he took ihe whole responsibility of the speech, and that he thought; the proceedings against him, being of a political nature, should have been deferred until the elections hid taken place. M. Gambetta s counsel then argued at jsoiae length the mcompetency of the tribunal to deal with an cff-sce of this n&Mtre, and said ft should have been tried ,"kre a j :ir'. The pubhc prosecutor demanded tha •'rdr&ttntfon of The s,itpnca 3.00 ibis the coatt c^cmpligl wiih after two hours' delibsratkK.

(BY TELEGRAPH). CORN MARKETS. LIVERPOOL, Friday, Our market has been quiet for wheat, at a de- cline of Id per cental on white aDd 2j on red. Californian 12s 7d to 12s 9d. Flour 6 per sack and barrel dearer. Indian corn (mixed American) 27s 6d to 27s 9d per 480lbs. Beans (Eigyptian) 30s 6d to 328 6d. Peas (Canadian) 41s 6 J. LONDON, Friday. Corn arrivals English—Wheat, 939 qrs; barley. 692: oats, 48; malt, 159. Irish-Oats, 2,614 wheat, 34,400; barley, 4,670; flour, 470 sacks and 490 barrels. *,arket slow. Fine wheat tolerably firm, other sorts drooping. Barley firm. Oatg, maize, beans, peas, and flour tending cheaper. WAKEFIELD, Friday. There is no change to report to-day in either dry English or foreign wheat, which maintain last week's prices. Barley Is to 2s per quarter lower for general runs. Beans, oats, and maise cheaper.

THE WAR. It is announced from Vienna that the bad weather has compelled Mehemet Ali to abandon his plan of attack upon the Russian positions, ani to fall back upon the Kara Lom. Transport by heavy vehicles is quite impracticable. A Russian despatch acknowledges that the convoy escorted by Hafsi Pasha forced its way through the allied cavalry, and entered the lines of Osman Pasha. It is said the Russian official accounts acknowledge a loss, since crossing the Danube, of 47,000 men.

NEWltARKET RACES. FRIDAY (YESTERDAY). October Handicap-Rylstone, 1; Cerberus, 2 Start, 3. Eleven ran. The Newmarket Handicap GloucelSter, 1; Rossini, 2; Field Fare, 3. Three ran. The Selling Sweepe takes—La Gatana, 1; Lord Lovell, 2; Cuckoo, 3. Eight ran. The Handicap Sweepstakes—Carthusian, 1; Mir- oblante, 2; Rascal, 3. Five ran. The First October Two-year-old Stakes—Pilgrim- age, 1; Dalgarno, 2; Thorough, 3. Seven ran.

irtSt glarnagfs, anft grains, BIRTHS. CliXXAH-On the 20th inst., at Moss, Broughton, the wife of Mr Edwin Cunnah, of a son. HIXDLEy-on the 19th inst., at Summer Hill, the wife of Thomas Hiiidlev, of a daughter. JONES-On the 23rd inst., the wife of the Rev. Griffith Jones, Bala College, of a son. JONES-On the 15th inst., the wife of Mr Frederick Jones, Abbot-street, Wrexham, of a daughter. OWENS—On the 27th inst., at the White Horse, Rhos, the wife of Mr John Owens, of a daughter. rH(ENIX-On the 8th inst., at Summer Hill, Gwersyllt, the wife of Mr Robert Phoanix, of a daughter. ROBBINS-On the 4th ult., at Erddig Road, Wrexham, the wife of Mr Frederick Kebbins, of a son. ROBERTSOX-On the ISth ult., fit Rhosnessney, Acton, the wife of John Bobertson, of a son. MARRIAGES. EVAN S-WILLIAXS-OU the 26th inst., at the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Penmachno, by the Rev. W. Griffith, assisted by the Rev. John Jones, W. Evans, manager of Penmachno Slate Quarry, to Sarah Williams, of Cwm, Penmachno, second daughter of the late John Williams Denbigh. JONES-ROBERTS-On the 22nd inst., at St. Mary's Church, Denbigh, by the Rev. T. W. Yauslian, Thomas Jones, earner, Abraham's Lane, to Margaret Roberts, both of Denbigh. JONES-SALISiiURY-On the 22nd inst., at Saltney Chapei, Chester, by the Rev. E. Jones, father oi the bridegroom, Jveppe. Jones, Esq., of Loziaoai, to C;iro.ine Amelia Swiuiwick, third daughter of E. R. G. s-aliabuiy, ESQ. of Glaa Aber, Chester. MORGA-N-W ILLI-AMS-ON the 13th inst., at Wilmington Kent, by the Rev. Warner Parry, R.X., Charles Peter Morgan, Esq., late 59th Regiment, third son of Colonel Morgan, Golden Grove, Flintshire, to Sarah Henrietta, eldest daughter of Richard Williams, Esq.. G.yn Arthur Denbighshire. DEATHS. DAVIES-On the 23rd inst., at College-street, Wrexham, Mr Thomas Davies, aged 44. GRIFFITHS—On the 2^rdinst., at Rowland's Yard, Brougk- ton, Sarah Griffiths, aged IS years. JONES—On the 21st inst., aged 45 years, Edward Jones. G. Park-street, Bootle, youngest son of the late Robert Jones. Regent House, Llanrwst. EA VE-On the 21st inst., at Llysdulas, Sir Arundell Neave, Bart., of Dagnam Park, Essex, and Llysd^Ias Anglesey, aged 48 years. ItDBIXSON-OII the mh inst., at Bron Eryri, Lianfair- feehan, Ellinor, youngest daughter of the late Johm Robinson, Esq., of Rotherham. ROGERS-On the Ulth inst., at Summer Hill, Gwersyllt, Robert Rogers, aged 62 yeirs. SANDLAND-On the 110th inst., at the Commercial lmI. Yara, Wrexham, John Sandland, aged 27 years.

RHOSYMEDRE. FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR EDWARD JONES. As was annoUDCed in our columns last week, Air Edward Jones royalty surveyor to Sir Watkin Williams VVynn, Bart.' M.P., died somewhat suddenly on Wednesday, the 19th instant. He bad been unwell at tiuies for some consider- able period past, but about twelve hours before his death he was seized with a fit of apoplexy, and succumbed to it. Deceased was sixty-one years of h-ge, and bar- been in the employ of the proprietor of Wynnstay Park some fortr-tiv-e years. He was a trustworthy servant who could ever be relied upon for adhering to the law in the strictest sense of the word. He was a staunch friend and supporter of the Established Church, a fL m and con- sistent Conservative, and an honourable man in all his dealings. Itwas decided that on Saiurday afternoon, at two o'elock, his funeral should take place. and friends frem Wrexham, and many other towns and villages around, flockea to pay a last, tribute of respect to one so widely and well-known. As the hour drew nigh for the cortege to starr, the mourners began to fljck together, and by two o'clock there was a !argl; Ilssmblage. As the remains were being remuved irom tf¡ deceased's residence, the Vicar (ihe Rev. J. D. EJwards) read impressively the sentences from the Burial Service. The coffin having been placed in a hearse, the mournful pro- cession proceeded to Ruabon Church where the service was read by the Vicar of Rhosyniedre, and his Curate (the Rev. W. Jones). The church was nearly filled. After the portion ci the service for the church had been gone through, the ceffin was carried to -);- cenn/terr ad the remains of a g"Od friend anu father were pi.-toed in their last, restinj place. Each mourner took m lust look into be -rr-arc in." crowd slowly dispersed. Mr T. E. Griffiths, of Raabo", was the undertaker, Mid personally superintend; d the whole prowts on. Tn" c- ffiu was of polished o;:k with so id brass ifttings. The plate bore the :Edward Jones, born November 2 1815, died September 19, 1877." Ruabon presented a moanrfuJ spectacle all ihe dsv. The deotrh and past life of Mr Jones formed the general topic. Among tiiose who were present in the processi-n were the following The Revs. 1. D. Ed waras, vicnr of Rhrs, medre Rv. W. Jones, curiiej Rev. A. L. Taylor, and the Rev. Mr Jones, the Baptist minister, also of Rnosyine ire Messrs Owen Hughes, Wynnsav; R. Lloyd, Ruabon M. Davies. Wrexham; Pugh, Llangollen J. Jonel, Pentre-fdsa; W. U. Jones, Charles Chatham, J. Price, Don'hwaite, Hughes, of the Great Wes ern' Railway;' Powell, of New British Iron Company Henry Jones i Samuel Roberts, Plas Ucha; P.C. Morns. E. Haizhef, Roberts, the GreEn; John Tompkins, John Jones, ThofL Jones. Enoch Jones, Joseph Darlington, Gvorge Beck, J. Marsh, New Britith Iron Company; Godfrev, Evans, Morris Evaae, New British I o-i Company D-xey, Bugles, J. Roberts, Glasgow House; Rowlands, Lewis, Brook-street: Roberr Rohirts, B > k. r, T. Platt, Watkins, Delt Wo ks; Jonathan Joaes, Cross Keys C. W. \\right, assistant overseer; D:vid Evins, Water Works; Dr Grey, E. Pickering, W. R Hughes, all of Rhosymedre; Rooerts. T. Yardley, D. Jones, Crow Foxes James Mathew, J. S. Liycock, Dr J >oes, Yardly, Ituuboa Samuel Lewis. Park Eyton Wilham Thomas. Aberderfyn James Phillips, Erddig; Wilh-.m-, Hollar, near Chirk David Jones, priuter, Liaiii; >11 o • w. Edwards, Llangollen,- Haywa d, Wrexr.m Sudlow, draper, Wrexham; William Jones, Cjin Bychac: John Edwards, Chirk; Owens, Newbridge; Edward Davis, builder, Cefn Bychan; E. Edwards* Wvncstay office; Evan Jones, Plascoch S. Ric^^rd'* Cefn Byrhan: Samnel Richards, Abraham Pi:-r,. E. Divis, W. Rowlands, William Edwarrls, Llano.lien WijHam Wahams, Maeslkn; Martin, Ruabon Griffith. Ctfo BjChan; Pember on, Wyur^'av Vai Ed wurds, Llangollen and many other- Owen Si.mey Wynne, Ex; as representative of Sir Waik n W. Wyou, jo ne l the procession befoie it readied the ciiur, as did the poor from the Alms Houses in RlJ.lib. t ^eceised one of the executors of the Aim:- Hoirw Tr^t.

Ç!t¡i¡.:J.J Lcckhart, iafe of the F ires', has g'iven tbtf l', Por.lc.tj i 410 10s, aud the twe; boat* baiong- t-i lh<- washed on shjre the morning fJN?r tile coiliMvu have bten also presented to tbit-brave ilLows far pillar:; d ed in rescllng the lives thejttfvnrQft ps.