Wrexham Guardian

DENBIGH. STORM. A tremendous storm passed over the vale during Saturday night, and continued on Sunday, accom- panied by the heaviest and most continuous down-pour of rain we have had even during this exceptionally wet season. The Clwyd and Elwy overflowed considerably and hundreds of acres of land in the vicinity were covered with water. READING ROOM.—The committee of the reading room are enlarging the library, by the addition of a good stock of popular and interesting works. The recreation room is so successful that the committee have been led to discuss the best means of affording greater facilities for the amusement of the large number of working men and youths that attended the rooms. TnB FAIR, on Tuesday, was only sparely stocked with cattle, which were "sold at easier prices than last fair. Horses were moderately plentiful and were sold cheaper. Messrs Davies and Armor held their usual sale of fat and store stock. During the afternoon a country farmer was kicked by a horse and severely hurt about the face and head. He was able to go home. DENBIGHSHIRE lwnRxARY.-Fortnight ending Nov. inth. 1877:- IN-PATIENTS. An Admitted 1 ir SSSsrrz-. » Tvr^teritv! 0 Irregularity 0 7. 2 Made In-patients t 24 AdmittedTsiuceJan. 1,1877,895 Casualties 4 B. MORETOK PRICHABD, M.B., House burgeon. I SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION-The town clerk has re- ceived official notice from the Education Department that it will be necessary for an election of seven members of the school board to take place before the 18th December, which is the day upon which the present members go out of office. In view of an election, and in consequence of the mayor (Mr Gee) being one of the members of tha board, it as been decided that the ex-mayor, alderman Williams, shall act as returning officer. It will be re- membered that three years ago an arrangement wag come to almost at the last minute by which a contest was avoided and the present board constituted, by which nearly all denominations are represented, namely,Church- men Mr Heaton, Mr J. C. Wynne Edwards, and the Fev. E. Smart.-—Calvanist, Mr Thomas Gee.—Wesleyan, Mr J Harrison Jones.—Independent, Mr N. Roberts, and Baptist, Mr Hugh Jones. On the last occasion, however, the Catholic's considered that they ought to be represer- ted, and there seems now. a determination on their part to have a representative. We believe that Mr W. Keeofer will be put forward. We presume that most of the old'members will offer themselves for re-e'.ecaon though the mayor at the last council meetiEg expressed doubt as to whether he should do so, CHURCH ASSOCIATION.—A meeting on the Church As- sociation for the deaneries of Denbigh, St. Asaph, and Dyffryn Clwyd was called for twelve noon, yesterday (Friday), for tbe transaction of various items of business. A COMPLIMENT TO THE TOWN CLERK.—Speaking at the annual meeting of the council, on Friday, the newly elected Mayor (Mr Gee) said at the time of the present town clerk's election he voted against him. He believed their clerk would think none the worse of him for that, but he had now great pleasure in bearing testimony to the zeal and ability he had displayed in the business of the council, and he was sure he would extend to him the same valuable aid he had rendered his predecessor. Thes3 remarks were received with applause. TnE NEW STATION.—There seems to be a prospect of the project of having a loop line of rails round by the Graig and up to the Glas Meadows end of the town being taken up in earnest. The mayor has somewhat roughly sketched out the plan by which it could be managed, and it certainly seems feasible enough, particularly as it is urged that at a reasonable cost the line (narrow guage) could be carried on to Llanrwst, thus passing through a number of villages greatly need- ing the accommodation. Even the loop lino to the top of the town would be a groat convenience, and would, we should say, in the long run, pay the company to do it, as at present the cost of the cartage of goods ialo the town must be very heavy. We cannot but hope that the mayor and other leading men will take up the matter and work it out successfully. FOURTEEN DAYS FOR A NIGHT'S LODGING.—OH Friday, a wretched looking ill-clad specimen of humanity, who seemed hardly as sharp as he should be, was brought up in custody of P. C. Evans, charged with sleeping in an out-house, at Henllan. The man who appeared half starved said his name was Robert Hughes, and he came from the district of Minera that he bad been seeking work c: at potatoe digging," and that he was allowed by the farmer to sleep in his hay loft. Mr W. D. W. Griffith, the magistrate, said that was not at all likely for farmers complained about vagrants going into their buildings.—It seems that the sum of as 3d was found on the fellow and also a post-office order dated twelve months ago, which he now said he had found and thought it was of no use. The money was discovered fastened up in about a dozen different places in defendant's clothing. The magistrate said he should, he thought, be doing defendant a kindness by sending him to gaol for 14 days, and in the meantime inquiries would be made as to the post-office order but his money would be given up to him on his coming out of goil. THE BOROUGH ACCOUNTS AND EXPENDITURE.—We have received a printed copy of the borough accounts prepared by Mr G. T. Smith, borough accountant, and which bear the name as printer "J. H. Gee;" but as there is no printing office proprietor of that name in Denbigh we conclude the documents are turned out else- where. The statement shews that on the borough fund for the year the rates produced £411 7s 3d the tollage £204; the assembly room and arches £70 IGH 3d the total being £85G 14s 9d. The sum of £110 8s 4d was spent in salaries, £450 was swallowed by the school board the municipal contest cost .£19 2s Od; interest of money .£H 18s Od; the total payments being £771 Os 9d leaving a balance of £8; 14s Od.—On the dis- trict rate account the rates from September 16th, IS7G, to August 11th, 1877. produced £1,078 Is 4d the total receipts being £1,082 3s 5d. The payments include £136 2s Od as salaries market hall repairs £24:; drain- age expenses £154 17s lOd lighting lamps &c .£2;2 5s 7d. The highway expenses actually reached £711 Gs lHd. The accounts after all liabilities had been met shew a balance against the council and owing to National Provincial Bank of £435 Is 8d. The statements bear the signatures as auditors of Messrs T. Gee (mayor's auditor); Ellis William: and Hugh Hughes elected auditors. THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.—The annual meeting of the Philharmonic Society was held on Tuesday even- ing. at the Town Hall. The committee (Messrs H. Warner, Charles Cottom, E. Mills, M. Gee, H. Read, T. Miller, T. Pierce Hughes, G. J. Morgan, W. Evans, R. Morris, and Robert Roberts) presented their second annual report, which was as follows:—" With a view of promoting the objects of the society, viz:—that of cultivating a taste for high-class music, they gave two oratorio concerts last season, as compared with one in the previous season. The first of these, on November 9th, 1876, was a performance of Handel's Judas Macca- with the following artistes:—Miss Emily Alleley, Mrs H. T. Walters, Mr Harper Kearton, and Mr W. Thrrpe Brisgs. At the second, on April 5th, 1877, Handel's 'Messiah' was performed, Miss Larkcom, Miss Hilda Wilson, Mr Harper Kearton, and Mr Orlando Christian, being the artistes. At each of tbese full orchestral accompaniments wete provided. On February 2nd, 1877, a miscellaneous concert of vocal and instrumental music was given, when the following ladies and gentlemen kindly volunteered their services Mrs Fosbery, Miss Dora Townshend, Miss Smart, Miss Nora Roberts, Miss Procter, Mr Hopkinson, Mr Parting- ton, Mr Roberts, Ap Caledfryn, Major Casson, &c. The concerts, from a musical point of vief, were a thorough sncce<s, but the committee regret to say that the limited support accorded to them by the general public, and the expense incurred in procuring first-class artistes, involved the society in pecuniary loss. The committee are pleased to state that they have paid the balance of the purchase money due 012 the piano mentioned in last report, which is the cause of tho large amount owing to the treasurer, as shown in the accompanying balance sheet. The society has now in rehearsal Mendelssohn's 'Lobgesang (Hymn of Praise), and the committee trust that the concerts to be given during the forthcoming season will be fully appreciated, and that their efforts will be re- warded with liberal pecuniary support. The weekly practices throughout the winter have been well attended, and the committee feel that their best thanks are due to Mr Watkins. the conductor, for his assiduous attention and energetic efforts in promoting the efficiency of the members. The thanks of the committee are due to the president, Townshend Mainwaring, Esq., and the vice- presidehts, A. E. Tumour, Eq., M.D., and T. Gold Edwards, Esq., for their patronage and practical support, which has been of great assistance to the society. The committee acknowledge with gratitude the efficient services rendered by Mr John Jones, the accompanist; Mr B. M. Williams, deputy-conductor; jVlr R. H. Hughep, hon. secretary; and the other officers of the society." Attached to the report there was a statement of accounts, carefully prepared bv Mr Hughes, the sec., and certified as correct by Ellis Williams. The receipts shewed hon. members' contributions as .£22; Ordinary members', .£5 5s; proceeds of concerts, .£72 4s lid. The for principals and band for concerts .£3S balance to purchase piano; printing, advertising, hall- keeper, music, and other expenses, malcfog a total of .£156 9s 9d, which leaves a balance now due to the treasurer, and for which the committee are of course responsible, of .£49 158 9d. It must be borne in mind, however, that the piano is of considerable value to the society, and that if it had not been purchased there would now be a balance in favour of the society. The meeting passed the report, re- arranged the committee, and transacted other business. Progress is being made with The Hymn of Praise," and it is hoped that a concert will be given early in December. It is gratifying to find that the hon. members and officers continue their ¡ interest in the society's welfare.

COUNTY MAGISTRATES' COURT. WEDNESDAY.—Before W. D. W. Griffith, Ecq., P. H. Chambres, Esq., Oliver Burton, Esq., and Capt Wynne Price. A BANKRUPT SUED FOR RATES.—Peter Jones, assistant overseer for Wigfair, sued Thomas Rodick for £10 811 2d poor rates due. Defendant did not appear, and the police-constable that served the summons said he tlod him that he was bankrupt, and that he would send it to his solicitor. It seemed a sale is fixed to take place on defendant's farm in a few days.—Usual warrant of dis- tress ordered. DRUNK: AND DISORDERLY.—Edward Williams, Llan- dyiaog, was charged by P.O. Evans with being drunk and riotous on October 27th, at ten o'clock at night. He was striking about and shewing what he could do. He had been three times previously convicted fordrnnken- ness and once for stealing pheasant eggs.—Fined 103 and costs, or 14 days. HEAVY PENALTY FOR POACHING.—Thomas Roberts, Goppa Cottage, keeper to Mr Harrison, Goppa, charged Wm. Jones and Wm. Hughes, Henllan-street, Denbigh, with trespassing in search of game.—Defendant Jones said he was there, but he went on that land by mistake and was only there five minutes.—Hughes said he was only crossing the corner of the field to the road as he could not cross the river.—Complainant proved that defendants set a quantity of nets on the land, and that HHghes bolted into the road, he having nets and a ferret on him.—Six previous convictions were proved against Jones and four against Hughes.—Defendants were fined £2 and costs each, and the Chairman said it would be useless giving them anything but the heaviest penalty, or of saying anything to them about their conduct.— The money was paid, the total amount being over £5. POACHING AT LLANBANNAN.—Hugh Jones and Joseph Davies, of Tai Newydd, Panybydr, were charged by Richard Evans, gamekeeper to Mr Yorke; Dyffryn Aled, with illegal shooting at Cefn Penaled mountain on land over which Mr Yorke has the shooting. Each defend- ant was caught with a gun and dog in the afternoon of October 2nd, shooting grouse. They then went on to other land, where be followed them, and they hid themselves in the hedge. There was a second charge against them of using guns and dogs on Gilfach Farm. The Excise authorities can now come down upon them for using guns without certificates, one of them although a labourer does take out a license.—On the first charge they were each fined £3 and costs 13s Gd, and in the second Is afid costs 13s, making a total for the two men of JE8. ANOTHER POACHING CASE.—Thomas Jones, Henllan- street, Denbigh, pleaded guilty to some trespass at Wig- fair, on land belonging to the Rev R. H. Heward. Defendant had only come out of gaol on Tuesday, where be had bean for fourteen days after conviction on a similar charge. He was leaving when apprehended for this offence.—Fined £ 2 and 16s costs, or one month's imprisonment.—He went off to his old quarters at Ruthin GaoL

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CORPORATION. The annual meeting of the- Town Council took place on Friday last, when, as stated in last week's Guardian, the Council elected Mr T. Gee mayor, and gave hearty thanks to Mr Williams for his two year's services, and as a recognition of his profuse liberality and the excellent way in which he discharged his duties elected him alder- man in place of his brother-in-law, Mr J. Divies, who is leaving the town. After this the following business was transacted:— THE MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT.—This was as follows :—"During the fivo weeks, ending November 3, 13 births and 19 deaths have been registered as having occurred within the borough. Of the deaths 14 are certified to and 2 are not, 2 occurred at tho asylum, and 1 at the Infirmary. The births are at the annual rate of 23.44 per thousand of the population (1871) as compared with 33.4S during the previous month, and 22.32 during the corresponding month of 1876. The (1G) deaths are at the annual rate of 28.85 per thousand, as compared with 22.32 during the previous month, and 22.32 during the corresponding month of last year. Calculated upon the estimated population of 6,059 the birth-rate is 22.52, and the death-rate 27.72 per thousand of the population living. The causes of death are important, in that 8 were due to diphtheria, 2 to inflammation of the lungs, and 1 to peritonitis. On account of the prevalence of diphtheria in the town, and the occurrence of three deaths within a few days of each other, it was deemed advisable to summon a meeting of the Sanitary Commissioners to consider what action should be taken to cope with this epidemic. Through the registrar-general, information of these cases-five deaths in ten days—of diphtheria was given to the Local Gorernment Board, and as a con- sequence the medical inspector who held an enquiry into a similar visitation in a neighbouring sanitary district, has continued this enquiry through this district. In due course his report to the Local Government Board may be expected. I am in no position to add anything to my previous report further than to state that it appears that many persons have suffered from this, and others from "sore throat," during the autumn, and that the first case of diphtheria will date back to the latter end of September, and followed closely upon the cases of scarlatina which were mentioned in my report of September." THE LVTERFEBANCE OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT.— Mr E. W. Gee called attention to the fact that Dr Thorn, Local Government Board medical officer, had been down inspecting the town, and he wished to know who had given the information to the board, as it was settled by the yanitary committee that the prevalence of disease should not be reported to the Local Government Board. —The Medical Officer said no information had been furnished by him.—Mr E. W. Gee said he was then at a loss to understand how they could have got tho informa- tion.—The Town Clerk read a letter from the Local Government Board, who stated that they had received information from the registrar-general as to the pre- valence of diphtheria in the Denbigh Urban Sanitary district, that as several deaths had occurred, they had instructed their medical officer to inspect the general sanitary condition of the town, and hoped he (tho Town Clerk) would instruct the officers to give all the assistance possible in the prosecution of the inquiry.—Mr E. W. Gee could not understand how the registrar-general could have given the information as his returns from this district were not sent up, except at quarterly periods. —Mr Mills, the assistant registrar, said he had supplied the information to the registrar-general. It was his duty as set forth in the 6fficial instructions to report immediately to the registrar-general any outbreak of contagious disease, and as there had been six deaths from diphtheria recorded within a few days he sent up the information, as he waj instructed to do by the head department.—The Town Clark said he had communicated with members of the committee on the subject.—The Mayor (Mr Gee) said that Dr Thorn said that the town was in a very unsatisfactory condition indeed as regards sanitary matters. SALARIES INCREASED.—On application, and by recom- mendation of Mr J. Lloyd, the surveyor, and others, the salary of the fire engine engineer was increased from £2 to £2 yearly.—Mrs Dew was allowed 30s a year for cleaning and finding fires in the Council Chamber; she having up to this point done the cleaning gratis.—The officers' salaries are henceforth to be paid quarterly instead of half-yearly. THE COST OF THE LATE ELECTION was stated to be £13 19s 4d. This will hardly be realised by the rate- payers. There were some IG3 votes recorded, so that each vote recorded cost the borough Is 8d. THE BOROUGH TREASURER'S REPORT.—This shows a balance on the borough rate account of £87 Os Id, but on the general district rate account, though £04 lis lid of rates had been paid by the collector, there remained on that account an overdraw at the bank of .t:2(j3 4s 2d. Some alterations as to the mode of keeping the accounts separate were made on the application of Mr Smith, so as to facilitate business in that department. Mr Smith also reported that £148 had been sent up to the Lord Mayor for the Indian Famine Fund, and in a few days more he hoped to send or £6 more, and thus close the accounts.— Alderman T. J. Williams, the Mayor, and others, complimented the borough accountant for the way he had carried out the latter project and kept the accounts. MARKET HALL REPAIRS. — The committee were ordered to meet and decide what should be done towards preventing the raiu coming into the market hall, and rectify other defects. Alderman Parry Jones and Councillor Roberts remarked upon the necessity for having a fresh entrance to the assembly room, and it was understood that the subject would be taken up at the next meeting.—Attention was called to the dirty condition of the market on market days, one member mentioning that a customer had been so astonished at the condition of the market that she could not induce herselfto buy meat therein.—The persons now obstruct- ing the approach to the market were to be ordered inside the market hall. MORE SALARY WANTED.—Sergt Lewis presented his report of the lodging houses, and there was no report to make. He also made a report of the outbreak ot pleuro amongst cattle, which has been previously stated in the Guardian.—He asked that they would take into con- sideration the question of his salary as inspector under the Contagious Diseases Animals Act.The Mayor What is your salary now, Mr Lewis?—S'ergt. Lewis: Nothing, sir (great laughter).—The ex-Mayor: Well, we certainly cannot reduce it-—It was agreed that the question come on for consideration at the next meeting. ALTERATION OF COMMITTEES NEW STANDING ORDERS. The Mayor brought forward a Bew set of standing orders for the conduct of the business of the Council, and also proposed that instead of the members being split up into a lot of little committees as at present, they should divide into two large committees each having distinct work and each controlling its own finance. It would be specially necessary for the next year, as they had so many improvements under hand. After some conversation the alterations were agreed to, and the com- mittees formed as follows—No. 1 committee to deal with the sewage, drainage, Smithfield, streets, and general improvements: The Mayor, the ex-Mayor, Alderman Parry-Jones, Councillors Evan Thomas, John Davies, J. Lloyd, Wm. Hughes, and the new member to be elected. No. 2 committee to superintend sanitary, markets, build- ing, lighting, and all other matters not included in the above committee's work: Dr Evan Pierce, Councillors E. W. Gee, John Armor, H. Parry, J. S. Jones, R. H. Roberts, W. Morris, and R. Davies. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.—It was agreed to remit the fine of jE5 that could be imposed on Mr Angel for resigning the office of assessor.—Half the fee was re- mitted of the Assembly Room for the Baptist Chapel concert. — The bailiffs, sorgeant-at-mace, and other officers were re-elected and an addition of £1 Is was made to the salaiy of the sergeant-at-mace (Mr Joseph Roberts), making £5 5s.—Mr Morris was about to go into some old account for election expenses some twelve months old, which haeen settled, but the Council cut him short by saying they could not waste time in going into an old account settled twelve months ago.—The medical officer was requested henceforth to present his reports in a book, instead of on loose sheets, so that they may be duly signed and preserved.—A letter from Sir H. S. Ibbetson as to the fixing of salaries for clerks to the borough magistrates instead of by fee? as at present was ordered to be discussed at the next meeting.—It was agreed to purchase if possible the crown rents on property in town and give the owners a chance of clear- ing it. It seems the amount was £ 6 lis 4d, levied in small sums of Is and 6d. The change was agreed upon on the recommendations of Aldermen Parry Jones and T. J. Williams.—Letters and copies of notices were received from the Local Government Board with reference to the further inquiry to be held as to the proposed loan in the council chamber on November 21st.—A letter was read from Mr Clarke, of Kinmel, agreeing on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant of Flintshire to take the sewage of the town on a lease for 21 years from the completion thereof, and pay a rent of £40 the first year, £80 the second, and £100 the remaining years; no surface damage would be charged, but as little as possible must be done. There seemed some little difference between the writer and the council as to some trifling detail, but his attention was to be called to it.—The gas company having neglected to make good the roads after relaying, their mains, the surveyor had had the work done and charged it to the company.—The quarterly and monthly meetings were fixed as usual after a long discussion as to whether it would not be best to change the time of meeting.

RUTHIN. LECTURE—During the week, meetings of a special character have taken place at Pendref Chapel (Inde- pendent), and a lecture on Cyndellew," has been de- livered by the Rev. H. C. Williams, of Corwen, to a good audience. THE BIBLE SOCIETY.—The annual meeting of the Rutbin branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society was arranged to be held last evening (Friday) in the Assembly Room, when Mr Brooke Cunliffe promised to preside, and the Rev. E. Smart, rector of Denbigh, to act as deputation from the Parent Society. SHAKESPEARIAN READINGS.—We learn that Mr Wm. Green is making arrangements for the visit to Ruthin of the celebrated Shakespearian reciter (Mr Brandram) at the end of the month. Dlle notice will be given in our advertising columns, and we should advise our local readers not to miss tho great intellectual treat in store for them., FLOODS.—The heavy rain that fell during Sunday and Monday has caused much of the land to be over- flown whilst several of the roads were impassable on account of the water. No serious damage has been done. SHOCKING DEATH OF A TRADESMAN,—A shocking and fatal accident occurred to Mr Edward Jones, grocer and provision dealer, CIwyd-street, Ruthin, on Thursday, the 8th inst. It appears that about half-past seven o'clock on that morning he fell through a kind of trap door down a flight of steps. Ho was picked up as soon as possible in a totally insensible condition, those finding him imagining at the time that his neck was broken. Medical aid was promptly obtained, but the poor man never spoke, and died on Friday night. An inquest was held on Saturday, by Dr. Pierce, at the Waterloo Inn. Mr Joseph Profitt was foreman of the jury, and evidence to the effect above stated having been given, a verdict of Accidental death was returned. SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.—On Friday, a meeting of the school board was held, there being present—The Rev. the Warden, Messrs. Edward Evans, and D. E. Davies. It was agreed to allow the Ruthin Choral Union th9 use of the schoolroom free of expense, except as regards cleaning, &c., for their weekly practices. Precepts were issued for the following amounts:—On the borough, £100; on Llanfwrog, £3G; on Llanrhydd, £18; which amounts are equal to a rate of 3d in the pound. The board discussed the necessity for various articles in the school, &c., which were ordered. Miss Hughes, the schoolmistress (who has entered the married state and become Mrs Evans), sent in her resignation, and it was agreed that a successor be obtained. The signing of cheques closed the business.

COUNTY .MAGISTRATES' COURT. MONDAY.—Before R. G. Johnson, Esq., the Rev. the Warden of Ruthin,, and J. T. Jesse, Esq., SALE OF EXPLOSIVES.—Mr Roberts, Solicitor, appeared to support the application of Messrs Edwards and Williams, for a licence for the storage of gunpowder &c. After some conversation it was decided that the applica- tion stand over until the special sessions to be held this day fortnight.. UNLICENSED DOGS AND HYDROPHOBIA.—Roderick Roberts, Mary Jones, John Jone, and William Jones, all residing in the Gyffylliog district, were charged by Mr Walter J. Hunt, with keeping dogs for which they had not licenses. The Bench inflicted the penalty of 25s, and could not see their way to recommend its migration, as hydrophobia was prevalent in tho country. SPECRAL LICENCE REFUSED.-—Mr Roberts, solicitor, I Town clerk's office), applied on behalf of Mr Hugh Hughes, Park place Inn, Ruthin, for a special licence to sell intoxicating liquors at P!as Coch, Lhnychan, be- tween ten and six on the IGth, on the occasion of a ploughing match. Mr Roberts, urged that as there would be a largo number cf persons present they would require some refreshments of that kind, but the Chairman said that the fact of a largo number of persons congre- gating together was the reason why they should be kept sober.—Eventually the application was refused. APPLYING FOR A SUMMONS AGAINST A POLICEMAN.— Ann Gallamore, of the district of Derwen, and formerly of Denbigh, applied for a summons against a policeman. She told a "cock and bull story, aboat a policeman going to her house and intefering with three men there, flourishing his stick and doing various acts of a peculiar kind. She really were afeird ther' 'ud be mùrther," but Mrs. Ann Gallamore had to return without the requisite documeat, as she failed to make out the necessity for it. A DRIVER" Top HEAVY."—P.C. • Roberts, (33), Llauarmon, summoned John Williams, car proprietor, for being drunk whilst in charge of a horse and car, and de- fendant was fined 10s. and costs.—Jabez Preece was fined 40s. and costs for drunken and disorderly conduct, having been four times previously convicted.

LLANGOLLEN. SPECIAL YESTKY MEETING.—A special vestry was convened in the Town Hall on Saturday even- ing, for the purpose of Re-considering the remuneration to be given to the assistant overseer for preparing the substitutional valuation list for the parish of Llangollen," The chair was taken by the Rev. E. R. James, vicar, who called upon those present to discuss the question before them. At the request of Mr S. LI. Jones, the Chairman read the minutes of previous meetings bearing upon this subject. The history of the question may fee thus summarized: At a vestry meeting held on Monday, June 4, 1877, Mr Jagger in the chair, the substitutional valuation list, as prepared by Mr Moreton, was approved of and received; and Mr Moreton's claim of £40 for the work in connection therewith referred to the. consideration of a com- mittee, consisting of Mr S. G. Fell, Mr S. T. Jagger, and Mr John Morris. At an adjourned vestry, held on the 15th of the same month, Mr Jagger in the chair, the report of the committee was read and adopted. The committee, having carefully con- sidered the matter, considered that the claim was an unreasonable one in itself, as they were opinion that Mr Moreton was not the proper person to make the claim and also having regard to the work that had been done, they considered £10 an ample payment for the same. It was further moved that the report be entered on the minutes, and the sum of £10 be charged to the rates.— The Chairman having intimated that all the minutes bearing upon this question were then before them, Mr S. G. Fell, expressed a desire to know why that vestry had been called.—Mr Moreton said that he had laid his claim before the Assessment Committee at Corwen Oil the previous day. They had considered £40 a fair and just claim for the work done, and recommended that it be paid by the parish of Llangollen. This recommendation, signed by Mr Charles S. Mainwaring, chairman of the Board of Guardians, he produced, and it was read by the Chairman. He had only done the same as the overseers of the other parishes had done—they had presented their claims, and had been paid. In reply to the Chairman, Mr Moreton replied that the Assessment Committee authorised him to do the work.—Mr Fell observed that the Assessment Committee authorised Mr White, the clerk to the Union, to do the work, and from what he (Mr Fell) had seen of the book, which Mr Moreton had shown him, he should say that most of the handwriting was that of Mr White.—Mr Moreton said that Mr White had assisted him, the same as he had the overseers of the other parishes. In those cases the overseers had been paid, and not Mr White.— Mr Fell remarked that if the vestries of those parishes had acted wrongly, it was no reason why they in Llangollen should do so. He was clearly of opinion that Mr White being the person employed to do the work, he was also the person who ought to have made the claim.—Mr John Thou as, one of the guardians, said he knew it for a fact that it was the intention of Mr White to make a claim upon this parish for the portion of the work done by him, which was very little indeed. He (Mr Thomas) was present at the board when the sub- ject was brought forward, and Mr White had been J ordered to draw out his bills for all the parishes.— The Chairman: Then we have something to pay Mr White, and we are also asked to pay £40 to Mr Moreton.—Mr Fell thought that that vestry ought to be very jealous of the way in which they voted the payment of this claim, inasmuch White might come down again upon them with a claim for the same thing.-—Mr Lloyd Jones said it was his opinion that the parish ought to pay Mr White.—Mr John Thomas repeated that Mr White could claim but very little for the work he had done. He knew Mr Moreton had gone through a great deal of labour and expense in preparing this list, as he had to go to Corwen a great many times. He (Mr Thomas) was convinced that had it not been for Mr Moreton's exertions, the valuation of the parish of Llangollen would not have been com- pleted yet.—Mr Fell thought that as Mr Moreton had undertaken the work just at the time he was appointed to the post of assistant overseer, he might have undergone a great deal of unnecessary labour, through being ignorant of the business, his journeys to Corwen and other places would then only be a modus operandi of learning his business.— Mr John Thomas having been asked whether he knew what had been done in other parishes, said he had seen a bill for £20 brought for the approval of the Assessment Committee from the parish of Llsindrillo. Mr Thomas added that that he did not like a remark made by Mr White with respect to Mr Moreton's claim. He said if it was not paid he (Mr White) had the power to charge it to the parish of Llangollen. He (Mr Thomas) could not think that that could be done.—Mr Charles Richards, solicitor, said that he had paid a good deal of attention to this question, and having taken great pains to master the subject thoroughly, he was able to speak with some authority. Some' three years ago the Act of Parliament was passed, but until now no valuation of the sporting lands, &c., of this parish had been made, so that they had been compelled to pay the rates which ought to fall upon the owners of such property. Mr Moreton had made the assessment, and by their own showing, in the minutes just read, that assessment had been accepted by the vestry, so they could not cavil about that now. Under the old assessment the rateable value of this parish was £18,360 now, by the additions in the assessment made by Mr Moreton it amounted to about .£22,000. In addition to this the sum of £40 a year was received: from the Highway Board, and this made a gross annual increase of £240. This work, which required great care and labour, had been done by Mr Moreton, and he should be paid for it. Whether .£40 was a proper sum to charge, he would leave them to judge. They must, however, remember that in a parish of 15,000 acres, like Llangollen, the work of assessment was very large. He (Mr Richards) understood that the charge of valuing the railway property alone had been £50, and he would appeal to Mr John Thomas whether that was" not the caao.—Mr John Thomas No such thing; a special committee has been appointed to take that under consideration, but as yet nothing has been done.—Mr Moreton: But a valuer has been asked his charge for doing the work, and he has given .t;50 as the sum he would do it for.—Mr Fell: That has nothing to do with this matter.— Mr Richards The guardians have examined the claim, and recommended that it should be paid.— Mr Lloyt Jones expressed his surprise to hear that the increase in the rateable value had taken place entirely in consequence of the new assessment on sporting lands, and woods and forests. He could well remember that when he was a guardian, some six years ago, at least half of that increase took place during that period.—Mr Fell said that the actual gross increase made by the assessment under the new Act amounted to about £700. He would ask Mr Moreton whether that was so?—Mr Moreton replied in the affirmative.—The Chairman remarked that he considered that a person who was considered competent to make a valuation of this kind was envied to be well paid for his services, for he had very onerous duties to perform. The probability was that if they did not pay a good servant well he would cease to take an interest henceforth in the affairs of the parish, and thus the parish at last would be a loser.—Mr Fell thought that Mr Moreton was not at all badly paid, for he had only been about twelve months in office when he applied for an increase of salary, and £10 was granted him.—Mr Moreton replied that that increase had nothing whatever to do with this matter. It had been given in consideration of the extra work which he had to do in entering upon the rate-book the names of every occupier in the parish, which had never before been done.—Mr Davies, postmaster: Yes. In consideration of extra duties, and with the £10 granted him for making this valuation, he had actually received £ 20.—The Chairman remarked that the qaestion had been fully discussed, and suggested that some one should move a resolution.—Mr Fell moved the previous question.—Mr Richards said there was no question before them.—Mr Lloyd Jones questioned whether it was legal in that manner to reconsider and alter what had been passed at a previous vestry. —Mr Fell having reduced his resolution to writing, proposed" That this question of Mr Moreton's application for a sum over and above the £10 al- ready granted by this Vestry be not considered."— This was seconded by Mr Tiios. Hughes, Brynder- wen.—It was then moved as an amendment by Mr Charles Richards, and seconded by Mr George Edwards, Trevor, that the claim of £10 made by Mr Moreton be paid.—Mr W. H. Davies repeated the question of Mr Lloyd Jones, as to the legality of the proceedings altogether.—The Chairman: We cannot take that into account now. Here we are, and we must do sometliiag. If Mr Davies will speak upon either the resolution or the amendment we shall be glad to listen to him.—Mr George Edwards said lie considered that as Mr Moreton was a man of good position and standing, they ought to treat him well. Certainly the labourer was worthy of his hire.—Mr Fell: It is the question of the hire we are discussing now.—Mr Lloyd Jones proposed a second amendment, to the effect that the £10 already granted to Mr Moreton be increased —This Mr Pugh, Eagles, seconded.—Mr Fell said that he did not wish to appear there as obstructive. There seemed to be a prevailing opinion in the meeting that £10 was an inadequate sum for the work performed, and he would therefore, with the consent of his seconder, withdraw his motion.—The amendment uf Mr Lloyd Jones having been put, thirteen voted for it. The motion made by Mr Richards was then put to the meeting, and eight voted for it.—The chairman declared that the amendment of Mr Lloyd Jones was Garried.—A vote of thanks to the chairman,. proposed by Mr Fell, and seconded by Mr Thomas Hughes, terminated the proceedings.

RUABOH. Miss WILLIAMS SCHOOL, WYNNSTAY.— The usual distribution of prizes in tha above school took place last Tuesday, when there was a large attendance of the pai-ents of the children. From the report of the Diocesau Inspector we are glad to learn that this school still maintains its celebrated state of efficiency. In order to encourage the children in their studies. Lady Williams Wynn, with her characteristic kindness and liberality, awarded the following prizes To each child in the first class, recommended by the inspector, £ i to each of those in the second class, 10s to those in the third class, 53; and those in the fourth class, 2s 6d. In addition to these prizes, each child in the school, all of whom are members of Miss Williani3 Wynn's clothing club, whose conduct and attendance had been satisfactory, received a bonus of halr-a-crown. Tho number on the register is at present 78.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. A meeting of this board was held on Tuesday afternoon last, in the Court House, at Ruabon, when there were present Messrs. Thomson (chair- man), J. C. Edwards, E. T.Fitch, — Doxey, Gooier Roberts, and the Rev J. Jones, the Rhos. After the minutes of previous meeting had been read by the clerk, and confirmed, THE FINANCES OF THE BOARD. The Chairman said he felt it his duty as chair- man to refer to a statement of the financial position of the board which the vice-chairman, Mr Roberts, had thought proper to publish in a Wrexham paper of October 27, which, by an ingenious manipulation of figures, made it appear that the present board ought only to have asked the ratepayers for £58fi instead of for .£1,100. Now, they found that in addition to the iil,100 already received from the ratepayers there was owing at the present time £OO. Therefore the statement of Mr Roberts was, to say the least of it, very extraordinary. He (the chairman) had gone very carefully into this matter of the board's financial. posit,ion. The accounts, it was true, were somewhat complicated, but he had no hesitation in saving that the way in which Mr Roberts had dealt with the figures, and the results he had arrived at, were fallacious, and were cal- culated to mislead the ratepayers. He would not take up time by following the details of the figures. Suffice it to say there was no reason for Mr Roberts' deduction of Is 5d from the expenditure. In deal- ing with the excess of building expenditure over money borrowed he had failed to notice, or wan unaware that a portion had occurred in the current year; and the sum of £173. which he supposed could be obtained from the Bersham boards, was quite a fallacy. The .£173 was not taken out of the ratepayers' pockets, but was borrowed money, and all that that board could claim from Bersham was the sum of £8 odd per annum; that they had to pay for the interest and recoupment of the prin- cipal. He (the speaker) had said on a previous occasion that the operations and policy of former boards had bequeathed a burden to the parish and to that board. He would briefly explain his mean- ing. The interest and repayment of borrowed money at present entailed an annual payment of £573. If they succeeded in obtaining permission to borrow a further £886, that would entail a further annual charge of .£83, thus making the annual charge on this head of £611. The expense of the ordinary machinery of the board, including salaries of attendance officers, clerk, etc., was at least £10, making a permanent yearly charge of .£821. There were four large schools to maintain, and three out of the four being larger than neces- sary, cost more to maintain than they otherwise would do. There were 12 masters and mistresses and 96 pupil teachers to be paid quarterly, whose salaries, together with the cleaning, lighting, and warming of the schools, rates and taxes, and tear and wear, could not be estimated at less than £1,500 a year. Against this they had the childrens' pence, which was a very uncertain source of revenue, and the Government grants, which depended in a measure on the numbers and efficiency of the children. The grants, be it remembered, were paid only once a year—at the end of the school year. He did not think it would be safe this year to reckon on more from those sources than £1,000. leaving for maintenance of schools about £500, so that there was in round numbers an annual charge of .£1,300, which no ingenuity in the manipulation of figures could alter, and in regard to two-thirds of which this or any other board was powerless to mitigate. This was what he called the burden bequeathed" to this parish and this board. Having made this explanation he hoped no more time would be .wasted by further discussion in this matter. Whilst the chairman was reading the latter part of this statement," Mr Gomer Roberts, the vice-chairman, came into the room, and remarked that he gave notice once that he should not be able to attend early. He thought it was very discourteous and very unbusinesslike of the chairman to bring the case forward in his absence. He ha<ftold them he should came, and while the matter had been brought forward before he came in, he did not know what had been read, and could not therefore answer. He thought it was not fair, because when he brought his statement he was obliged to give notice. He (the chairman) had made remarks upon his statement, and had given no notice. The Chairman, and one or two other meers of the board Well, it's no motionJ Mr Roberts: Mine was no motion. I was replying to Mr Fitch's statements. You compelled me to make a motion, and I think the chairman should have brought a motion. This time I think the thing should be dealt with in the same mauner. If not I shall withdraw from the board, because I consider there is the intention of suppressing those who are in a minority, and not giving those in the minority the same chance or freedom of speech Eva. those of the majority. Mr J. C. Edwards and oth-— r, Mr Roberts: Now, as it regards a fallacious statement, I am ready to stand by my statement, and back it for £ 100. It is a very easy thing, to say it is not correct, but I leave it to the verdict of the ratepayers whether it is correct or not. As regarded their beingpublished, I never gave them to be published. Mr Edwards: It says they were requested to publish the following "correetst-,ttement." Mr Roberts But it is not so. The Chairmen Oh! I mean the 22ad October. Mr Roberts And I mean to challenge you to prove that. Bring the piper with you. The figures in the newspaper were correct on the 13th October. The Chairman then produced a slip from the newspaper, and commenced to read "We have been requested, ete. and in answer to Mr Roberts he replied, I read from the paper of the 27th." Some further remarks were made of a quibbling nature by the vice-chairman, who further denied that he recommended a 3td rate, It was subsequently moved and seconded that this board do proceed to business." This was carried. Mr Roberts Then I beg to give notice, gentle- men, that I shall bring the subject up at the next meetincr. Mr Edwards: Then I beg to give notice that I shall not attend, if time is to be wasted in this way. APPOINTMENT OF TEACHERS TO THE RHOS SCHOOL. In answer to an advertisement, put in the local and educational papers, for a master and mistress for the Rhos schools, there were 35 experienced" applications, 29 from students just leaving college, one nppIication as mistress, and 4 joint pplications. The names and qualifications were all read through. The Rev J. Jones proposed, and Mr Gomer Roberts seconded the election of Mr and Mrs Powell, who had both laboured in this district, and this was carried nem con. THE PONKEY SCHOOLS. Mr Roberts then drew attention to the fact that I' a quarry near this school was in a dangerous state, unfonced, and it was the general feeling this ought to be attended to. ACEEFAIB AND CEFN SCHOOLS. The report of a special committee stated that it was necessary to appoint a monitor for the boy's school at Acrefair, and also desirable to supply additional help in tiie girl's school. The Rev J. Jones remarked that the same thing existed at Ccfn. ° The Chairman said the inspector in his report recommended additional assistance, and the master himself said he really could not go on without more help. Mr Junes asked what was the average attend- ance at. the two schQols. The Chairman said during October 210 at Acrefair, and 320 at Cefn. In the former instance there was a large increase in the number of +- infants. Mr J ones asked whether they meant the addi- tional monitors to go on as pupil teachers or not, because that made a great difference. The Chairman thought that might be left for future decision. The committee s suggestions were then adopted. VISITING Ol<'FlC:;I!S REPORT. Mr Edward Roberts, visiting officer, Penveac, presented a report, in which he showed that the attendance at the schools in Rhos and Ponkey had increased as follows :— alios Schools: ,T May. October. Number on renter 45.' 53.5 Average atteniiaiice 359 415 Ponkey Schools Number on registers 281 319 Average attendance 2ut 215 The attendances (the officer reported) would have been better had the works in the neighbourhood been doing more. This is the excuse given by nearly all the parents of the absentees. There exists much sickness amonst amongst the children ii\ the district, as certificates confirmed. 26 parents were to be served with notices, for not seeing to the attendance of their children at school. ° SCHOOL ATTENDANCE IN THE CEFN DISTRICT. S Mr Benjamin Pritchard reported that he had made a census of his district with the following re- sults in regard to the children There were 156 children under the ages of 3 and 5, and 592 between the ages of 5 and 13. Six children are reported to be in private schools, and G15 in publfc schools. In the board schools there were 529, and in the National 86. There 38 children not attending school between the ages 5 and 13. It seems that since 1876 the "child" population has decreased 33 in number. There has been an increase of 129 children at school in the year. The total number of children is 74S. The reasons given for non-at- tendance are .-Poverty, 28; invalids, 3; illness, 2 working, 4. It appears that seven children are illegally at work. The average attendance is re- ported to be not so satisfactory on account of sick- ness, potatoe raising, and wet weather. 11 MISCELLANEOUS. Mr G. Roberts' motion with reference to the payment of teachers was defered to an adjourned meeting, to be held that day fortnight. 1 11 It was unanimously resolved that a precept be issued for the payment of X900 in January next.

CHESTER. THE MAYOR AT THE CATHEDRAL.—In accordance with ancient usage, the newly-jlected Mayor (W. Farish, E>q.), and the Corporation of Chester attended Divine service on Sunday last. The procession was met at the west, door of the Cathedral by the Bishop and Cathedral staff, and coeduoted mto the choir. The sermon on the occasion was preached by tha Bishop of Chester from I Chronicles, xxix, 18. At the conclusion his Lordship appealed to those present for contributions in aid of the, Blue Coat Hospital, which he said was under a cloud at present in pecuniary matters, though in nought else. The collection amounted to £17 17s.

FLINT. Tows COUNCIL.—At> the annual meeting of the Flint Town Council, held at iicon on Friday, in the absence of Mr Alderman Muspratt (Mayor), the chair was taken by Councillor A. Dyson (Deputy-Mayor), and there were also present Alderman J. K. Huntley, and Councillors John Davies, Joseph Hall, John Edwards, Hobert Jones, Michael Jones, Peter Bibby, J. W. M. Evans, and Rd. Jones, and Mr H. Taylor, town clerk. On the proposition of Mr Evans, seconded by Mr J. R. Jcnes, Alderman MHSpratt was unanimously re-elected Mayor, and on the proposition of Mr M. Jones, seconded by Mr Davies, a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Muspratt for the dis- charge of his duties during the past year. The proposer said general regret was felt in the town at the Mayor's ill-health, and he hoped he would soon be restored, and that he would long occupy the proud position of Mayor of the ancient borough of Flint. Aldermen Muspratt and Huntley were re-elected aldermen. The Corporation officers were re-appointed, the meetings fixed, and the registration account, amounting to X190, pissed. It was resolved to make a recommendation to the Secretary of State that £ 100 per annum be paid to Mr Taylor, as clerk to the justifies, in lieu of fees, the average "of fines for the past three years being Xt20. At-the conclusion of the proceedings the loving cup, filled by the Town Clerk, was passed round, aad all drank to the Mayor's better health.

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